Was It Really Hatred? Pt. 4

Pairing: Roxas X OC 

Summary: These two have been at each other's throats for years. Never have they ever gotten along and they never plan to. But when the Halloween Dance comes around and they mysteriously meet, it reveals a surprising secret between the two. It leaves one of them wondering, "How did this war between us even start?"

“... huh...” Roxas said as he locked the door to his apartment. He stared at the apartment next door to him, one that’s been vacant for years as he saw it wide open. The familiar wallpaper gave him a nostalgic feeling as he walked in. He touched the familiar dining table as he grabbed his head, pain hitting him again. Star’s usual smile on her face, eyes shut as she laughed. They were much younger as they munched on cookies on that very table.

“... Star... could you have... lived here?” he thought about it as he heard, “Roxas? What are you doing in here?” The landlord walked out of the bathroom there as he replied, “Sorry, I saw the door open. It was surprising to see...”

“Yes, it’s been awhile since this room had a tenant.” he stated. “Luckily there’s some people thinking about taking it.” An uneasy feeling filled him as he asked, “Do you... remember the last tenants that lived here? Why did they leave?”

“Of course. Ms. Tanaka and her daughter. Poor child lost her mother and had to move back with her alcoholic father.” he explained. “Haven’t heard from her since... Hope she’s doing alright?”

“Do you remember her name?”

“It’s was some time ago.” he thought about it. “I figured you would. After all, you spent all your time with her.” He headed out as Roxas was left in thought. He sighed, and left the complex to meet with Hayner and the others at the usual spot.

“Dweeb.” he heard just before he entered the usual spot. Kaylie stood not too far as she had a serious look on her face, “We need to talk.” She began to walk to the alley nearby as he followed.

“I... want to propose a ceasefire.” she said, making him light up a bit. “This on-going war between us is getting old. So this is what I propose. We share a friend and that may be troublesome, but when Hayner is with me, you steer clear and vice versa. We don’t have to be nice to each other, we don’t even have to acknowledge each other. We stay out of each other’s lives and the last year and a half we have of high school will go smoothly.”

“... sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?” he wondered.

“No catch. I’ve been getting sick of you and I know you’re sick of me.” she said.

“... There’s one more thing I want.” he said as she replied, “Star’s email?” He nodded as she told him, “She won’t respond. She’s gone, dweeb. Get over her.”

“... You don’t understand. I just need to ask her something-”

“It doesn’t matter. She doesn’t even remember you anymore. All she knows is some guy found her necklace. She’s doesn’t care-”

“I think we grew up together.” he interrupted her as she froze. “Look, a jerk like you might not understand, but I need to talk to her... because we might have met when we were kids. We might have been friends at one point.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” she growled. “Star never lived in this area until she attended Twilight U! She used to go to Destiny High.”

“It might be a long shot, but I’ve seen memories.”

“... You might want to check in the hospital...”

“I’m not crazy alright?!” he glared as she replied, “Star deleted her email.” He froze. “She’s completely cut off her life here, now that she’s returned to Destiny Island. She’s gone back to her old life. She doesn’t need any of us here. She’s got her dream school there, her friends from high school, even her boyfriend moved over there recently. I haven’t talked to her in a long time.”

“...” She handed him the email as she said, “It’s just a worthless piece of paper now. But it’s what you wanted...” She headed off, “Don’t forget. Our ceasefire.”

~

“... Hey...” Roxas heard as he sat on the clock tower with Hayner, Pence, and Olette. Hayner nudged him, “What’s up with you? You’ve been outta it since we all met up.”

“... it’s nothing.” he said softly. Olette pouted, “You can’t say that when you make it so obvious! Now what’s wrong?!”

“.... Please tell me this isn’t about Star?” Hayner gave him a look as Pence asked, “Star? What does she have to do with this?” As Hayner explained, a thought returned to Roxas. “Hey... how did we start this tradition again?”

“What tradition?” Pence wondered as he said, “Enjoying a sea salt ice cream... here up on the clock tower while watching the sunset? Where’d you get the idea Olette?”

“What are you talking about?” she laughed. “This was your idea! Don’t you remember?”

“No. We’ve been doing this for as long as I remember.” he responded as she thought about it, “It has been a while hasn’t it? I think it was when we first all met. At High school orientation.”

“Oh yeah...” Hayner thought about it. “You said something about it being a daily thing you did. And you invited us to join in on it.” He gave a questioning look, “Really?”

“Yeah. I remember watching that first sunset with you guys.” Pence smiled. “The first of many we would watch as friends.” Silence appeared as they all stared at the sunset, one thought still on Roxas’s mind. Who gave him the idea of that tradition...

~

“... so, what’s going on between you and Kaylie?” Roxas heard Hayner ask as the two sat together in class. Kaylie was talking happily with Yuffie as Roxas replied, “What makes you think something’s going on?”

“You two were arguing so ferociously last week and now, and for the entire week, it’s like neither of you exist.” he stated. “Did something happen?”

“We just reach an agreement. Not to bother each other and we won’t have a problem. That’s it.” he stated as Hayner soon heard, “Hey, Hayner. Come here for a sec!” Yuffie called him over as he asked, “So... you guys are cool with each other?”

“No, we just... we’re just not interacting with each other at all.” he replied, seeing her look away. “They’re calling you.” He nodded, “Give me a sec...” As he laughed and joked around with the two girls, a pain hit him in his chest as he groaned grasping his head, “... shit...” The usual images popped up in his head as he soon heard, “Rox? You alright?” Hayner called from where he was with Yuffie and Kaylie. He nodded, “Y-Yeah... I’m fine...”

“Alright...” he said a bit worried, but turned back to Kaylie and Yuffie. “Anyways... I was...” He trailed off as Yuffie laughed at his joke with Kaylie, but she took subtle glances at Roxas, looking paler and paler.

“Hayner...” he heard Kaylie call. “He... doesn’t look so good...” He looked back as Roxas got up, only to faint on the ground. “Roxas!”

~

“...” Kaylie walked quietly to herself as she headed home. At least until she heard, “Where the hell have you been Kayl?!” Seifer rushed out of the house enraged, “Do you know what time it is?!”

“I don’t have a curfew so I don’t see why you’re getting so upset.” she shrugged him off, moving past him and into the house. He responded, “Don’t give me that shit! You’ve been ditching the committee! I haven’t seen you messing with the dweebs lately and you’re always AWOL when we’re making some money of geeks! What the hell is going on with you?!”

“Do you not hear yourself?” she scoffed. “You’re a jerk. No one likes you and if you continue to act like that, I swear you’ll never survive college!”

“Kayl-”

“Look, I’ve had a long ass day and I really don’t wanna deal with a dick like you, alright?” she retorted as she headed into her room, slamming the door behind her. As Seifer shouted and loudly banged on her door. She threw on her headphones while opening her laptop and working on a few mixes. She reached for her chest, soon remembering... she was no longer wearing her necklace.

“...” her head hung, looking at her empty neck as she shook it off, returning to her playlist.

“You lil brat!” she squealed as Seifer pulled the headphones off her head. “Don’t fucking ignore me!”

“Then stop being an ass--”

“Look, I know you’ve been hanging out with that loser Hayner!” he said. “I’m not as stupid as you may think.”

“I beg to differ.” she retorted as he ignore it. “I thought, you were just leading him on to rip that puny little heart of his to shreds, but its obvious you aren’t. Ditch him before you become as lame as he is!”

“He’s cooler than you’ll ever be, asshole!” she shouted. “So stop talking to him like he’s a piece of shit!”

“Why not? It’s the truth.” he responded as she groaned, “Get the hell outta my room already! I’m not gonna stop being friends with him!”

“Why? Wanna get hurt again? Just like that little bastard did to you last time?!” he shouted as she flinched. She glared, “We swore to never speak of that!”

“You know it’s the truth! Hayner will hurt you just as bad-”

“You don’t know him!” she screamed as he fought back, “You knew that little bastard practically all your life and he tore your heart out and fed it to dogs! If you think Hayner is any different, you’re too naive!”

“... I’m going to Yuffie’s.” she said, stuffing her laptop and headphones in her bag.

“You think I’m gonna let-”

“You can’t control me, douche!” she screamed. “I’ve had it with you. I need some time to myself alright?!” He was about to argue as she said, “I’ll be back later...”

“This conversation isn’t over, Kayl!” he shouted as she walked off.

~

“How are you feeling?” Roxas heard as he smiled. “I’m fine. This is all going overboard...” He sat in a hospital room where Hayner and Pence were sitting around, visiting. Hayner told him, “Seriously? You looked so pale you could’ve been dead. What the hell happened yesterday?”

“Nothing. I just had a headache...” he said as Pence stated, “So bad it made you faint?”

“... I guess so.” he replied as Hayner shouted, “Come on, Rox. That can’t be it! A simple headache can’t do that much damage to you.”

“Because it’s not just a simple headache.” they heard as Olette came in looking a little worried. “I just spoke with the doctor.” The two guys looked at her worried as she looked at Roxas, “Roxas... they said there’s a lot of pressure happening in your brain.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, to put it simply, some of your thoughts, memories, etc have been clashing and transferring around your brain, making it ache. Which you feel as simple headache’s but its causing a lot of pressure on your brain which is also affecting your whole body.” she explained. “Thus leading you to faint yesterday...”

“...Memories...” he thought about it.

“You need to rest.” she told him, seriously. “And let your brain work itself out.”

“... I will, but I don’t want to stay tied down in a hospital room.”

“But Roxas...” Pence began as he said, “I’ll be careful. And I know you guys will be watching out for me. But I don’t know how long it will take for my brain to sort itself out. My life could fly right by me.”

“And besides...” he smiled. “I missed our tradition at sunset yesterday. That’s something I don’t ever want to miss out on again.”

~

“...” Kaylie dazed out as she stopped working on her playlist. Yuffie looked at her, a bit worried as she shook her, “Kay... you alright?”

“Y-yeah. I’m just trying to figure this out...” she said, mixing more tunes as Yuffie, softly pulled the headphones off her head. “I know when there’s something you need to get off your chest. Come on. Spill.”

“...” she remained quiet as Yuffie asked, “Something’s been up since this weekend, you know? You’ve been... almost distant. Keeping to yourself.”

“No I have-”

“I’ve been your best friend for almost three years, Kay. I know the difference between your smiles and fake ones.” she stated. “And this week, you’ve given way too many fake ones. What’s the problem?” She notice her reach for her chest, but not grasping anything. She knew she what she was imagining she was holding.

“Kay.” Kaylie turned to look at her as surprise filled her face. Yuffie held up her necklace, “This is what you’re looking for?”

“I-I...”

“I know it’s important to you. So I couldn’t get rid of it.” she told her as Kaylie stood up angrily, “No it’s not! Not anymore! I told you to get rid of it! I don’t ever want to see it again!”

“Kay--”

“I just needed some time to think!” she shouted. “Why won’t you all just leave me alone!” She stormed out with Yuffie calling after her.

~

“I really don’t think you should overexert yourself-”

“Olette, I’m fine. Promise.” he smiled as they walked through town. Hayner beamed, “I’ll treat today. Pence give me a hand.” They headed to the ice cream parlor as Olette said, “Let me get my first aid kit just in case. Do not go onto the clock tower alone, understand?”

“Yes, mom.” he rolled his eyes as she said, “Come on. I’m just worried about you!”

“It’ll be ok.” he reassured her as she headed off. He headed to the train station as he sighed a bit looking up at the clock tower, “... I started the tradition huh? Ah...” He looked surprised as he saw someone sitting up at the top. “Who...” He headed up and as he peeked out from the side, he saw Kaylie standing with a sad look on her face. He flinched as she stood up on the edge, beginning to lean over.

“HEY!” he shouted as he quickly grabbed her hand as she barely fell off the edge. Her once shut tight eyes shot open as he screamed, “What the hell are you doing?!”

“Let go of me, dweeb!” she shouted, trying to get his grip off her.

“No fucking way! You are not gonna jump right in front of me!” he shouted, trying to pull her up. He grimaced as Star’s face flashed in his mind again, this time tears streaking her young face as he held her hand, preventing her from falling just like Kaylie.

“Why the hell do you care?!” she glared. “This goes against the ceasefire! You’re suppose to stay away from me!”

“And let you kill yourself off the one place I treasure?! Hell no!” he gritted as she released a small gasp, He finally managed to pull her up as he fell to the ground. He took in a few breathes, grasping his head as she sat on the side, clutching her knees to her chest.

“What the hell was that?” he panted as she remained quiet. “Oh, now you have nothing to say?”

“... I didn’t need your help.” she said as he replied, “Why the hell were you gonna commit suicide?”

“Stop acting like you care...” she stood up. “And stay away from me. We had an agreement.” She headed towards the exit when someone suddenly appeared, panting heavily, “Kayl!” Hayner hugged her, in happiness, “Thank god you’re alright!”

“Hayner-”

“What the hell was that?!” he shouted worried. “Why were you hanging off the clock tower?!”

“I’m fine...” she said softly. “I have to go-”

“Let me take you home.” he said.

“I don’t--”

“Kayl. I’m worried.” he said. “Come on.” He turned to Roxas. “I’ll catch up afterwards.” He nodded softly watching the two head down, a bit of pain in his chest once again. As he looked off the clock tower where Hayner was talking to Kaylie while walking her back towards her place, a small tear rolled off his face. Surprise filled his face, wiping the tear off as he gave a questioning look, “What the hell....”

~

“She did what?!” Yuffie screamed in shock as Hayner nodded. Kaylie had returned to Yuffie’s room, back to her music as Hayner whispered, “Do you have any idea what could have made her act like that?”

“Not at all.” she said worried. “Although, she has been a little more distant lately. I’m not too sure why yet.”

“Well we might need to figure that out.” he said. “That could be the biggest clue as to why she suddenly wants to commit suicide. We need to keep an eye on her.”

“I’ll stick by her side.” she said reassuringly. Hayner nodded, “Give me a call if anything comes up.” She nodded in response as she closed the door behind him and went back to her room.

“Kayl? You doing ok?”

“I’m fine.” she said again, a bit irritated.

“Hey, are you cool with sleeping over?” she smiled. “It’d be fun, like last time when we were gossiping about your date with Hayner?”

“I dunno.”

“I’ll call Siefer up and let him know. Come on.” she beamed as Kaylie sighed, “Whatever...”

“Great.” she said, pulling out her phone. “I’ll be right back.” She went right outside the door, closing it just barely for her to still see Kaylie inside as she dialed their house number.

“Kayl! Where the hell are-”

“It’s her best friend, idiot.” she said quietly. “Look, Kay is staying at my place tonight, got it?!”

“Hell no! That girl still has a lot of explaining to-”

“I don’t give a crap.” she gritted in an angry whisper. “That girl is going through something really stressful right now and you are the last thing she needs to deal with. I’ll take care of her right now so just back off, douche!” She hung up before he could say anything else. When she realized...

“Explain what?” she wondered. She thought, “Does... Seifer know something about this?”

~

“... I honestly don’t know.” Roxas said as he and Hayner dug through the Usual Spot the next day. “I came just to see her jump and when I tried to pull her up, she tried to get me to let go of her.”

“And she didn’t say anything?”

“Not a thing..” he replied as Pence soon came in, “Whoa... what the hell is going on?” Olette came out from the very back, pulling a box out. “We’re gonna make this a productive Sunday for once and cleaning up the place. So start cleaning!”

“It’s just not like her...” Hayner said softly, so the other two wouldn’t hear. “She’s not the type to pull something like that.” The image of Star hanging from that clock tower scared him as he shook it off, “You hang out with her more than me. Was there anything weird about her lately?”

“Yuffie mentioned she’s been a bit distant lately. But she didn’t go into enough detail.” Hayner sighed. “I dunno what to do... I’m worried she might try it again. What do you think I should do?”

“Be there for her.” he thought. “Make sure she knows she’s not alone. That she has people who love her and who treasures her.”

“...”

“Most suicide cases occurs because they feel unloved, lost, no reason to live anymore.” Roxas continued to explain. “Maybe she just needs to be reminded of that.” Hayner sighed as his phone vibrated. He picked it up, “Yeah... what? Alright. I will... I’ll see you in  a bit.”

“I gotta go.” he said to not only Roxas but Pence and Olette. She pouted, “Oh no you don’t! You can’t just ditch us with all this work!”

“I’ll make up for it as soon as get back. Swear!” he said rushing out.

~

“I don’t need to be babysat.” Kaylie pouted to Hayner as Yuffie left. He replied, “Come on, we aren’t babysitting. We’re just looking out for you.” She didn’t respond as he pleaded, “Come on, Kayl. Talk to me. You know I’m always here for you.”

“I know, but when I want to talk then I’ll talk to you.”  she stated. The two sat quietly together at the park as he asked, “So, you’re just gonna ignore that it happened?” She didn’t respond as he asked again, “Just gonna continue on with your life?” She still didn’t say anything as she winced when he pinched her cheeks roughly.

“OW! What the hell?!” she screamed slapping his hands off her. She rubbed her cheeks as he scolded, “That’s what you get for ignoring me.”

“I wasn’t ignoring you. I just wasn’t answering...” she corrected. “Look, it happened, and I’m ok. So forget about it and move on.”

“I can’t just forget that happened.” he said seriously. “... You know how I feel about you Kayl. Do you know how scared I was? I... I thought I was gonna lose you.”

“I’m sorry that I worried you... but I’m fine now.” she said.

“The least you can do is at least tell me what’s been going on.” he pleaded. “What’s been making you so distant lately.”

“I swear it’s nothing.” she told him as he shook his head, “You can’t hide it Kayl. Something is obviously getting to you.” She sighed, “It’s... just really personal... I’m sorry, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

“It will seriously get a lot off your shoulders.” he reassured her. She thought about it, but didn’t say anything. He told her, “... How about this... I’ll tell you a secret I’ve been keeping since we became friends. If I tell you it, will you tell me what’s troubling?”

“I don’t see why I should.” she responded as he chuckled, “Ouch. I thought you trusted me, Kayl.”

“Trust has nothing to do with this.” she replied. “Although, now hearing about this secret makes me a lil suspicious of you.” He laughed, “Haha, well you’re only gonna hear it if you tell me what’s wrong.”

“Well what if I don’t care about your little secret?” she played along as he grinned, “I’m sure you’ll care. After all, you did go through a lot of trouble to hide it.” She gave him a questioning look, “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Nothing.” he replied, teasingly as she pouted, “Come on, spill.”

“You know what I want in return...” he stated as she sighed, “Fine. Forget I asked.” He muttered something under his breath as she froze. She stared at him, “Wha... What did you say?” He just smiled as she glared, “Hayner! What the hell did you say?!”

“I need to know Kayl. For your sake.” he said. “And then I’ll tell you... what I know about Star.”

~

“...this is taking forever...” Pence sighed, falling on the couch in their place in exhaustion. It’s been hours since they started, getting close to evening time. “Can we take a long break please?”

“Come on. The more we work, the sooner we finish.” Olette told him, moving more boxes around. “We’re more than halfway done now. At least we’re getting somewhere.”

“Yeah, but why the hell do we have all this stuff anyways?” Roxas grabbed a box, soon moving it to the side. He lit up, one box catching his eyes as she replied, “Beats me. We use this place as our second home, meaning keeping all the stuff that doesn’t fit at home, here.”

“Hey... check this out.” Roxas called them over as he moved some boxes. He carried over a large box labeled, ‘TIME CAPSULE’. “When did we put this together?”

“Oh! When we first met!” she beamed. “Remember? I wanted to do it with you guys because my older sister did the same thing when she was our age with her friends!”

“Let’s check it out!” Pence said opening the box as she stopped him. “No! We can’t! We’re suppose to open it when we graduate!”

“Doing things we’re not suppose to do are things we do best.” they heard as Hayner came in with a large smile. Olette pouted, “About time you came back. We’re practically done!”

“Sweet. Less for me to do.” he grinned looking at the box. “Oh, yeah! I remember what I put in mine! Let’s open it!” Despite her cries in disagreement, Hayner and Pence opened the box. Soon pulling out smaller boxes for each of them. Olette eventually gave in and opened hers as well.

“Ha! I was such a kid, three years ago!” Hayner laughed at the action figures in his box. He read of a note, “Things I hope to accomplish: Be popular, get a girlfriend, make high school the best years of my life. Huh? Well at least one of those things is a work in progress.”

“I think it’s too late to make high school the best years of your life if you only have one year left.” Olette teased as she played with a small doll she had found in her box. Hayner gave her a look, “Haha, very funny. You know I meant the girlfriend one.” Pence grinned as he looked through his box of old recipes and photos from his jr high days, Olette beamed as she read the letter she had written to herself almost three years ago, as Hayner turned to Roxas, looking confused at his box.

“What’s the problem?” he asked as he saw him grasping his head. “You can’t be getting headaches from looking at pictures can you?”

“I dunno... I don’t think I remember any of this stuff.” he said motioning to his box. The three looked in it to see old drawings, childish handwriting, and even pictures.

“Wow! Roxas!” Pence grabbed one of the pictures. “Star’s in this with you!”

“What?” he said surprised taking it from him. They all looked to see him sitting with her at the park as they played in the sandbox. Her large smile plastered on her face as she closed her eyes in happiness. Her blond hair was short, in a sort of bob with little ribbons in it.

“How cute.” Olette beamed, grabbing another photo that they all looked at. “Here she is again.” Ice cream was all over both of their faces as they ate some while walking around town. Pence rifled through the rest of the stuff, “Looks like you two were childhood friends. All these drawings are of you and her... I’m assuming. I’ve never been good at interpreting child’s art.”

“But I don’t even remember knowing Star...” he said confused as he soon saw Hayner grasping a photo, an unreadable look on his face. “What’s that?” Before he could grab it, Hayner pulled it away, giving him a serious look. “I need a minute.” He walked out as Roxas wondered, “What the hell is up with him?”

“Dunno. But how could you not know that you were friends with Star?” Olette gave him a look as he shrugged. “I dunno. I guess it was a long time ago, but I doubt I’d forget someone... that I hung out with all the time.” He scanned the photos again as he said, “It’s just hard to believe I could forget being friends with her...”

~
“Hey.” Hayner heard as he stared at what was in his hand, thinking to himself on the clock tower. It’s been four days since he found it in Roxas’s time capsule and he just couldn’t believe it. He turned to see Roxas, looking at him seriously, “Where have you been the last few days?”

“Out and about.” he replied calmly. “Why?”

“Without telling us?” he responded as Hayner scoffed, “Heh, sorry mom.”

“Seriously. What’s going on with you? I thought we were done with all the drama.” Roxas asked as he shrugged, “Guess I still had a lil in me.”

“Why? What are you so angry about now?” he questioned.

“I just need some time to think alright.” he said seriously. “Now could you please leave me alone?”

“... Is that what you took from my box?” he said, finally noticing what was in his hand. Hayner didn’t respond as he asked, “Is that what this is about?” Still nothing. “Let me see it.”

“... One more day.” he sighed. “Give me one more day to think. Then I’ll give you this...” He held up the paper in his hand as he continued, “And... an explanation. All I’m asking for is one more day.”

“... Fine.” he gave in. Silence came between them as Roxas sighed, “I just hope whatever you’re thinking about is worth it. You’re making a lot of us worry. And I don’t mean just Olette, Pence, and me.”

“Heh, there’s no way Kaylie would’ve talked to you.” he scoffed as he shook his head, “No. But Yuffie did threaten me saying if I did anything to you, she’d murder me in my sleep.”

“That’s Yuffie alright.” he sighed. “I’ll be sure to let her know I’m fine. I’ll be back at school tomorrow.”

“Then, I’ll see you then?”

“... yeah, but I still need my space. Not just from you. From everyone.” he stated. “Hope you don’t mind.”

“... just tomorrow?” Roxas asked as he nodded. “And you’ll explain everything afterwards?”

“Yeah, yeah. Now go before it turns into two days.” he teased as Roxas sighed with a smile, “I’m here if you need me.” He nodded as Roxas headed off.

~

“There you are.” Kaylie heard as Yuffie approached her Friday in the computer room. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“For the last time. I don’t need to be babysat by you and Hayner. I can take care of myself.”

“How do you expect us to act after what you tried to do?” she said worried. “I will not allow myself to let my best friend do that. Ever.”

“Fi, I’m alive. So stop being a worrywart. I’m just working on some assignments.” she said as they soon heard, “Kayl, there you are.”

“And where have you been?” Yuffie gave him a look. “You’ve been AWOL all week, Hayner.”

“Been busy.” he stated. “Can we talk for a second, Kayl?”

“Sure, as long as it’s quick.” she said getting up. She followed him to the side of the school where they were alone. “What’s--”

“First... I hate to say it, but I can’t keep doing this.” he said.

“What?”

“I know I said that you’re the only girl I’d flirt with. And I’ve kept that.” he explained. “But I realize now, that someone’s been getting hurt about me courting you.”

“Who?” she wondered as he ignored it. “Kaylie. I really like you. And if you happened to change your mind about me, please. Let me know. If you like me too, then there’s nothing I can do but be with you. If it’s what we both want...” She was silent, thinking it over as he said, “Let me know your answer by the end of the day. And when I hear it, I’ll explain everything I know. About Star... and even... about you.”

“Hayner-” she called, but he already headed off.

~

“...” Kaylie thought quietly to herself during the last period. She had less than half an hour to give Hayner her answer and it was killing her. Her mixed feelings for him would decide what happens to their friendship and she truly treasures it.

“Hey, what’s up with you?” Yuffie noticed her trying to grasp an invisible necklace around her neck. “You realize there’s nothing there right?”

“I’m sorry. I’m just thinking...” she said holding her hands down.

“What’s up? You’ve been out of it since Hayner pulled you away.” she said. “What? Did he kiss you or something?” She shook her head, “No. I would’ve been upset if he did that suddenly.”

“Why? Don’t you like him?” she teased. “I bet you would’ve enjoyed it.”

“Shut up, Fi. What do you know?”

“About my best friend? Plenty, but I guess not as much as I thought I did.” she retorted. “Seriously, when are you gonna spill all this drama to me. I can't get anything outta you and surprisingly I couldn't get anything outta that douche of a brother of yours....”

“In due time.” she said. “Maybe when we go off to college. Hopefully all the drama will be done with then.”

“Kayl, I wanna help. You know that right?” she told her comfortingly. She nodded in response, “I know, Fi... It’s just not an easy thing to talk about. Just give me some more time.”

“Alright...” she sighed. “Anyways, wanna go to the mall after school? The dance is in two weeks and we still don’t have a dress.”

“I have something to do... but how about we meet at my place at 5. Then we could head over?” She nodded, soon returning to her work as Kaylie thought about what she would do.

~

“Hayner-” Roxas spotted him waiting by the school gate after school. He was interrupted as he said, “Get outta here Roxas. I’ll meet you at the clock tower at sunset.”

“But-”

“I’m almost ready, ok?” he said. “There’s just one last thing I need to do. And I need you outta here for me to do it.” He sighed, turning away, “Alright... I’ll see you later....”

~

“Kayl.” she heard on her way out. She hesitated but turned to see Hayner. She went over to him as they waited quietly as students left quickly past them.

“So... what’s your answer?”

“... Hayner, you don’t know how much you mean to me.” she stated. “These last few weeks have been the best. It feels great having another friend as amazing as you. I really regret not befriending you earlier.” He listened quietly as she said, “But I can’t return your feelings. I like you, just... not in the same way you like me.”

“... I figured you’d say that.” he sighed. "It's obvious you never got over him...."

"What?" She gave him a look.

“I figured it out.” he said as she flinched. “About what’s been going on with you.” Silence came between them as one word emerged from his mouth, causing emotion to fill Kaylie as Hayner pulled out familiar items. Her devil horns and brown contact lenses.

~

"..." Roxas listened in quietly from around the corner in surprise as Kaylie and Hayner talked. Surprise filled him as he saw her take the items Hayner had in his hands and they continued to talk. He quickly and quietly ran off as he heard them wrapping it up.

"No way... Kaylie couldn't be... There's no way...." He said trying to think, but that just made his headache worse. "Shit..."

"Roxas! There you are!" He heard Olette call as she waved him over. "We're heading to the Usual Spot. Coming?"

"Yeah. And actually there was something I wanted to talk to you guys about." As they began heading off, he asked, "Almost three years ago... There was an accident...."

~