Author's note: Hey guys, remember me? I told you I'd finish this story, and I meant it! Sorry it's been like...3 years since I last updated...

Short chapter is short, but I'm considering this a "warm up" so I can get the rest of this mess written and done with.

I don't blame you if you have to reread my story to refresh your memory of what the heck is going on. ;)

Kahoko approached school on Monday morning with her stomach in knots. She focused on taking slow deep breaths, on keeping her head held high, on putting one foot in front of the other. As she approached her locker, Kahoko noticed too late a familiar form leaning against it. She hesitated, wondering if she really needed the books for her first class after all.

Ryotaro looked up and met her gaze. Abruptly, he pushed off the wall and started toward her. "Kaho—"

Kahoko swore under her breath. She debated turning around, but remembered that Ryotaro was the stubborn type. He would chase her down if she ran. She steadied herself and continued toward her locker, brushing away Ryotaro's hand when he placed it on her shoulder.

"Kaho, I need to talk with you," Ryotaro pleaded.

She focused on opening the lock. It took her three tries because her hands were shaking too badly. "This really isn't the best time," she mumbled. "Maybe after school."

Ryotaro jammed his hands deep into his pockets. His words came out in a rush. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry for getting carried away, and I accept if you think me a loathsome human being, but I think you at least should at least grant me the opportunity to apologize. I've spent the weekend trying to call you, Kaho. I've left you message after message, and I'm going crazy here."

Kahoko finished exchanging her schoolbooks and calmly closed the door to her locker. "Sorry, I've had my phone turned off all weekend. I must have forgotten to turn it back on."

Ryotaro slammed his fist into the wall beside her locker. "Forgotten, my ass. You're avoiding me."

Kahoko jumped, but quickly regained her composure, she lowered her voice to a whisper in an attempt to quiet him. "Listen, Ryotaro, can we talk about this later?" The halls were beginning to fill with students, and Kahoko didn't want to cause a scene. "After school, please."

"At least tell me what I did wrong. I'm begging you. I just want to understand. I'm not asking for your forgiveness, I just want to know what I did so I can never do it again. Please—just look at me." Ryotaro took her chin in his hand and tilted her face upward, forcing Kahoko to make eye contact.

Kahoko looked at Ryotaro, then closed her eyes and shrugged away when she felt her eyes welling up with tears. When she turned away, she saw Azuma standing at the other end other the hallway, staring at her. His expression was dark. Kahoko felt a cold chill of fear shoot down her spine. She stepped away from Ryotaro. "I need to go to class."

"Kaho—"

Kahoko didn't look back, didn't respond. She kept her head down and kept walking.