Untouched -- Matt Ishida

Matt Ishida sure is one heck of a guy. He’s cool, smart, caring, always looks out for the ones he love, a vocalist, and a guitarist too. You can say he’s perfect alright, that’s for sure. Many people love him. There’s this girl named June, she’s Davis’s sister... She has a huge crush on him and she doesn’t fail to proclaim that. But most importantly, I’ve been in love with him for almost seven years at most. I’ll be honest in saying this, I still love him until now... But we can’t all have what we want right at an instant, we have to wait... even if it takes years. Just like what Lysander said, “The course of true love was never smooth.”

I haven’t talked to one of the Digidestined for the longest time. I tried to do so, but I can’t. It’s just so hard. I don’t know where we are. The last time I spoke to him was before I was going on a plane to leave for London. I could remember everything that happened clearly that night before. Remembering it just brought me back the pain I felt...

It was already 5 pm and I’ve just gotten home from school. I’ve been able to tell the teachers that I’ll be dropping out since I’m going to London but I also made them promise not to tell anyone. Well, not until I go that is. I quickly dressed into something comfortable and sat on the sofa beside the side table which the telephone was sitting on.

I gazed at it for a long time, wondering if I should actually phone him and ask him if it’s alright if we could talk. But I’m having second thoughts as to what to do. Part of me wanted him to know what I felt before I left, so that at least, if I don’t get the chance to in the future, he would know. But another part, a stronger one to be precise, didn’t want me to... in fear that he would just reject me. I’ve always thought the he liked Sora, and Tai thinks so too.

Tai is one of the closest friends I’ve got. He knows about what I feel about Matt and I know that he like Sora. I guess that’s why we’re best friend. Among the group, he’s the only one who knows I’m going tomorrow to London, so earlier today, he kept on bugging me to tell Matt.

I sighed. I didn’t know what to do. I took in a deep breath and picked up the phone then dialed Matt’s phone number. I just wished that he was home and not in band practice.

“Hello, Matt?” I asked when someone picked up the phone. “Yeah, it’s me, Michi...” I replied. “I was just wondering if we could talk... Yeah...” I answered. “I’ll tell you later, okay? Just meet me at the park by the swings, at around 8, is that fine?” I suggested. “Okay, I’ll see you then. Bye,” I said as I shakily placed down the phone back.

I can’t believe what I just did... I... I... I’m scared. I’m nervous. I wanted to back out. But I told myself, ‘NO! You have to do this, if not... you might not have another chance... Whatever happens, he’ll still be your friend....’

Later after dinner, I quickly dressed up into something casual and comfortable. I slipped in my thick jacket since it was winter and wrapped a scarf around my neck before going to the park.

The park wasn’t that far. It’s just a five minute walk from the apartment I live in. A cold breeze blew against me and it sent chills to my spine. I shivered and laughed. I quickened my pace and reached the park.

He wasn’t there yet, I could see. I walked towards the swings and sat on one. There were two, the other one’s for him to sit on. I checked my watch and it was already 8:05. It’s not like Matt to be late for something. He’s usually on time. Scratch that, he’s always on time.

I heard footsteps not long after and looked at the oncoming figure. I immediately recognized the person. I didn’t need to stand since he was already going to the direction I’m in. When he got to me, he casually said hey. Of course I’d reply the same. He then took a seat on the swing beside me.

“So, you wanted to tell me something?” he immediately said as he swung back and forth, making me a bit dizzy at first.

“Yeah,”

“Well...?”

I sighed. This is going to be hard. I mustered up all the courage in me before I started to speak. My hands were folded in front of me on top of my lap. The fingers were curling open then close again. I was nervous, but you knew that. My heart was pounding non-stop in my chest and I could almost hear them in my ears. I gulped and looked at him.

Okay, when I looked at him, I was... captivated. I instantly composed myself. “Uh... I’ve got to tell you something really important so, if you can... please listen and hear me out,” I paused and waited for him to say something. He just nodded his head with a reassuring smile on his face that lighted up his features. “We’ve been friends, great friend, for three years now... And I don’t know if I should really tell this to you,” I started, averting my eyes a couple of times... “But I think I have to since I might not get the chance to do so...”

I sucked in a mouthful of air and in one blow I said it all, “I’ve liked you Matt Ishida even three years ago up to now... I love you.”

He was in shock, I concluded. We both kept quiet and I hung my head low. I waited for his reaction. I was very anxious at this point. Part of me just wanted to run and leave but that would be rude.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said. I squinted my eyes due to the pain I could feel inside me. “I’m so sorry but...” he continued on. I tried my best not to let the tears fall but I failed.

Before he could say anything, I spoke. “No, it’s alright... If... if that’s what you feel then I respect that,” I carefully said in between sniffs. I looked at him even if my face was tear-stained and tried to put up a smile, which I succeeded to do, thankfully. I breathed deeply before continuing. “I’ve got a simple favor to ask...” I whispered softly.

“Hm?”

“Please tell everyone, except Tai, that I’ll miss them... That’s all,” I told him.

“Why? Are you...” he trailed off. He finally got it. He knew I was from London. And asking him to say this to everyone only means one thing, I’m going back. He got it all figured out. “But... why?”

“I just have to,” I dejectedly told him. In truth, I never wanted to go... But I was forced to... “I don’t want to go, but I have to...” I said as I stood up. He did the same.

It was kind of awkward now, now that he knows... But I have to set that aside... I have to tell him a proper goodbye.

I gulped once again. “I’m sorry Matt, for making you, probably, confused. I’m really sorry... And, thank you... for everything,” I smiled. I was still crying at this point. “I’m going now... Goodbye, Matt...” I bid my farewell and walked away.

When I got to the front of our apartment, I saw Tai about to knock. “Hey!” I called out.

“Oh! There you are,” he said as he rushed to me. “He-hey... Why are you...?” he trailed off. He knew what happened. “That...”

“Save it Tai... Come on,” I said as I grabbed his hand and dragged him all the way to the rooftop of the building.

“Would you tell me what happened?” he asked.

I sighed and told him what happened. Every bit of it in detail. And just saying it again just made me cry even more. I found myself in Tai’s arms being comforted yet again... He was always the one who did this but I sometimes with it was Matt, especially in times like this.

“I know I’m not Matt but I hope this helps,” he whispered. I cried even more.

I don’t know how long we stayed like that. I don’t know how long I cried... I was lost.

“Come on, you’ve got a flight tomorrow morning...” he hushed as he walked me back to the front of my apartment.

“Thanks Tai, you’re the best. Good luck with Sora,” I managed to smile at him. “Goodbye,”

“Hey! Keep in touch, ok?” he said before he bid his goodbye.

Yes, that was exactly what happened that night. After talking to Tai and seeking for comfort, I locked myself up in my room and cried until I fell asleep. The following day was a surprise to me. And I left Japan with a lighter feeling but the pain of leaving was still there.

The next day, I was already at the airport as early as 7 am. My flight was at 10 but I had to be there 3 hours earlier, which kinda sucks ‘cause what do you do in the airport for three long hours?!

I’ve waited... and waited... and waited. I almost fell asleep until I heard my name being called. I looked up and saw that the gang was all there. I checked my watch and it was only quarter to nine. I stood up and left my things and walked to them. We were separated by a string-like border and I managed to ask the guard to let me pass. Thankfully, he allowed me.

“What are you guys doing here?” I asked weakly. I was tired of course.

“We heard from Matt,” I tried my best not to wince, “that you were leaving today... So we came here,” Sora explained.

I sighed. I looked at all of them. They were all there, even the new digidestined, except Mimi of course... Tai, Matt, Sora, T.K., Kari, Davis, Cole, Yolei, Ken, Izzy, and Joe... All of them were there to bid me goodbye. I was kind of shocked to see Matt after what happened last night.

“You guys didn’t have to,” I told them.

“But we’re your friends so we have to! And we’ll miss you!” Davis, the loud one like Tai said.

“I know that but I mean... Ugh!” I was having a hard time explaining.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Yolei asked quite loudly. Tears were already streaming down her face.

“I just... wanted to go like how a bubble pops and suddenly disappears,” I explained using a simile.

After a few chit-chats, Matt stepped forward and asked if we could talk privately. There wasn’t much of a private place here in the airport so... he just asked the others to go for a while.

“About last night,” he started. I didn’t want to listen about it but I have to... “I’m sorry, really. I didn’t know what to say. I’m confused, perplexed... I don’t know what’s going on in my mind... It’s just that, once you’ve said that you love me... I can’t stop but feel happy... I don’t know why I said I was sorry honestly... And I’ve been thinking, last night when I was in bed, if I do feel the same about you...” he explained. I stared at him wide-eyed.

What does he mean? Does this mean that he likes me back? “Continue, please... You left me hanging,” I whispered.

“I wasn’t able to get much sleep last night due to thinking, but I guess it’s worth it... I’ve realized that I do feel very much the same way like you do...” he finished.

“But how? I thought you liked Sora...” I muttered.

He smirked at that. “So you were jealous huh?” He laughed lightly after. “I realized that when I remembered what happened in the digiworld before... When you suddenly disappeared into thin air... You were nowhere to be found. Inside me, I was panicking. I didn’t know what to do... I had to find you, that was what I was sure of. And when we found you, I was so relieved like there was this burden taken off me,” he explained.

“Yes, I remember that... But you seemed so passive that time that I thought that you weren’t worried or happy at all,” I told him. Then I noticed that he was holding something behind him that I wasn’t able to notice at all a while ago.

“I was happy, very, very happy to be exact,” he smirked at that.

“Matt... what happens now?” I solicited. “I honestly don’t know what would happen after this,” I laughed sheepishly while scratching the back of my head. He smiled at that and I quickly blushed and looked down.

“I’ll wait, I promise,” he told me seriously and I looked up. He slowly leaned and my breathing stiffened. Air got stuck in my throat and wouldn’t go down to my system. He stopped when his forehead was touching mine. His gaze was locked on mine.

“Forgive me if I’m taking this fast,” he whispered before he leaned down and kissed me.

Shockingly, I knew what I was doing. I wasn’t confused. It was like reflex. I wrapped my arms loosely around his neck and pulled myself closer to him. His hands were around my waist, the paper bag he was holding fell to the floor. He pulled away shortly after that. It may be short but it send my heart pounding so much that I think my heart would just get ripped out of my chest at an instant. We were both some what panting due to lack of oxygen.

I looked at him and his cheeks were tainted red and so were mine, I think because I could feel heat in my cheeks. Involuntarily, my fingers touch my lips. I didn’t know what to say and I think even if I wanted to say anything, I wouldn’t be able to do so due to the aftershock of what happened.

“He-hey, are you okay?” he worriedly asked when I didn’t respond after touching my lips. He placed his hand on my shoulder and shook me a bit.

“Uh... Huh? Ye-yeah... I’m okay,” I muttered as my cheeks went from pinkish red to crimson red.

He sighed in relief. I still didn’t know what to say to him so I kept quiet with my head hung low. Matt picked up the bag that fell and gave it to me.

“Here, I bought it before I came here,” he shyly said. I never knew he had a side like that. I slowly took it and looked inside.

I took out what was inside and found a stuffed lion which was very cute. “Aw Matt... You shouldn’t have... I... I don’t know what to say,” I started to hiccup after that and tears streamed down my cheeks.

Last night, I cried because I thought I was rejected... But now, I’m crying because I know that he loves me just as much which makes it harder for me to leave.

“Thank you would be enough,” he smiled genuinely as he pulled me into a hug.

“Thank you... So much,” I said in between sobs as I wrapped my arms around his waist tightly. “You’re making it so much harder not to go,” I mumbled.

“Then don’t,”

“But... I have to...” I sulkily replied. “I’ll come back, I swear...” I told him firmly as I pulled away.

“I’ll look forward to that,” he grinned.

“Okay! Promise?”

“Promise,” he sealed.

I smiled and thanked him. I looked behind him and saw the others watching with Tai and Davis in front. Then when I saw Davis, I cringed at the thought of Jun being here. She’d kill me...

“Hey, they’re watching,” I told Matt and he turned towards them.

“I guess they are,” he laughed and I joined after.

Then I signaled Tai and the others to come. They ran towards us and Tai and Davis kept asking questions which made Matt and I to sweat drop.

“All passengers heading for London please board the plane now,” the communicator said.

“I guess I have to go,” I sadly told all of them. “But I’ll be back, I promise!” I told them with a huge smile on my face.

They all came closer and gave me a huge hug with me in the middle.

“We’ll miss you,” they kept on saying repeatedly. Then someone said, “Keep in touch okay?” also, “Don’t forget us,” and, “You’ll come back, right?”. I just smiled because I could feel that I was very much loved by these people and I love them too.

“Last call for all passengers, please board the plane,” it said again.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye,” I sadly said. I turned to Matt and reached out to the back of my neck and unlocked my necklace. “Here,” I smiled as I wrapped the necklace around his neck and locked it. “Keep it for me. And when I get back, I’m going to look for it,”

“I’ll take care of it,” he swore and kissed me for the last time.. We parted and I hugged him for a very long time.

“Goodbye,” I whispered as I ran away to get my things and board the plane. Before I gave my ticket and passport, I looked back and saw them waving. I waved in return and gave my ticket and passport. I boarded the plane and sat on my seat by the window and hugged the stuffed lion closely to my chest and cried silently.

That was four years ago... And right now, I’m in a plane headed for Japan. I’m nervous actually for two reasons. First, I’m going back and I’m going to see them but I wasn’t able to actually tell them. Secondly, I’m going to be performing since I’m in a band and we’re having a concert in Japan. This would be my last concert since after this, I’m quitting and would be staying in Japan.

“Please fasten your seatbelts. We would be landing in Japan in a few moments,” said the captain from the cockpit.

My seatbelt has been fastened ever since the start of the flight except of course when I had to go or when I had to get off the plane because of the stopover. Soon, the plane started going down. The next thing I knew, we have already landed.

I quickly unfastened my seatbelts and stood up, grabbed my things from the storage area above the seats. After, I walked to the exit and entered the airport. Once I got passed the customs, I sighed. Finally... Japan, I’m back. Matt Ishida, I’m here.

“Hey Michi! Wait up!” my band mates called from behind.

I turned around and gave them a sheepish grin. “Sorry, got carried away...”

“Aha! You’re excited to see him again!” Kim, the guitarist and second vocals of the band, said making me blush scarlet.

“Shut up,” I told her playfully while smacking her head. “Come on, we better go,” I said as I twirled around and started walking ahead of them.

Once I stepped in the arrival area, something immediately caught my eyes. It was so familiar... Too familiar. The blonde hair and tantalizing blue eyes... ‘Matt,’ my mind screamed. I stood my ground and looked at him. My band mates reached me and started to get curious as to what I’m looking at.

“You know him?” Chris, the drummer, asked.

“I think,” I whispered. I continued to look at him and I think he felt the weight of my stare and turned his head at my direction. I saw that his eyes widened and his might slightly hanged opened. “Matt,” I muttered. I saw his lips move the way they would when he says my name.

I walked to him, at first slowly then gaining pace. When I reached him, I almost dropped my things on the floor but I pulled myself back together.

“Matt,” I whispered.

“Michi,” he smiled that smile of his that would always make my heart melt.

“Okaeri,” I grinned.

“Tadaima, Michi,” he happily welcomed as he hugged my so tight. What do you call that hug again? Oh, he placed me in an airtight hug.

“Matt... can’t... breathe,” I struggled to say.

He loosened up but didn’t break the hug. I missed how his body felt against mine. I missed the scent that he emitted. Most of all, I missed how he makes me feel. But now, I’m happy. I’m glad that I’m here, finally. He leaned and our lips met. My arms wrapped around his neck loosely as his right hand was on my waist while the left cupped my cheek. The one on my cheek made its way to the back of my neck and pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.

Someone cleared his or her throat just near us and we instantly pulled away. We both looked at the one who did it and saw that it was Jay, the bassist in the band.

“I know you two haven’t seen each other for the longest time but the airport isn’t a place where you could actually make out,” Kim strictly said but I knew that she was just playing around.

“Shut up Kim, it’s not like you didn’t do that when we were at the airport one,” I retorted while holding Matt’s hand.

“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Jay edgily said. Okay, Jay has jealousy problems. Yeah sure he told me that he likes me but I turned him down. I guess he can’t accept the fact that I like someone else.. Scratch that. That I love someone else.

“Oh right,” I grinned. I turned to Matt. “Matt, these are my band mates,” I said while turning towards them. “That’s Kim, the one who ‘scolded’ us. She’s the guitarist and second vocals. The bitter one is Jas,” I said with a smirk. “He’s the bassist. And lastly, that’s Chris, he’s the drummer,” I grinned as I turned once again to Matt. “And, guys, this is Matt, my...” I looked over to him to fill it out.

“Her boyfriend,” he said with a hint of pink on his cheeks.

“Hey, can you guys just go to the hotel, I’ll catch up with you. I’ll be there by rehearsal time,” I smiled at them.

“Whatever,” Jas said bitterly as he walked away first. I rolled my eyes.

“Don’t be late,” Chris reminded as he took off.

“Don’t do anything funny, okay? See ya!” Kim winked as she hopped away. I had to chuckle at that.

“Band mates huh?” Matt asked.

I nodded and muttered, “Mm-hmm”.

We kept quiet for a while and saw that a new group of people have arrived. I looked at Matt and he seemed to be waiting for someone. Probably Mr. Ishida... I guessed. But to no avail, he wasn’t there. Matt sighed.

“Who are you waiting for?” I asked quietly.

“My dad, he went on a business trip. He should be here in a while,” he smiled.

“Ah,” I nodded. “Oh Matt! Do you know about the band Tintinnabulation?” I asked.

“Heard about it, why?”

“I heard they’re going to be playing in Japan tonight,” I played innocently, pretending that I’m not the vocalist of the band.

“Yeah, the others are watching. They said they were curious... They wanted to know why they’re such a hit,” he grinned.

‘Such a hit huh?’ I mused in my mind. “Aren’t you going?” I followed up.

“I’m thinking about it,”

“You go! I’ll go with you! I wanna see them,” I grinned.

“What about your band mates?”

“They’ll be fine. Kim is with them, she’s half Japanese and she used to live here in Odaiba,” I smiled.

“Okay, what time will I pick you up?”

“You go ahead there and I’ll meet you,” I smiled.

“You sure?”

“Yes!” I grinned widely with a hint of mischievousness. Matt eyes that suspiciously but he shrugged it off.

..::Concert::..

I was in the backstage, trying to calm myself down. This would be my last concert so I have to make it the best I ever had, and I knew it would be the best. I peeked from behind the curtain and saw that the hall was full. It wasn’t that big so there weren’t much people but there were more than the previous concerts we had. I spotted the gang and Tai was keeping Matt from running off. Well, Tai knows that I’m in this band actually. I told him.

The band gathered around and we all put our heads together.

“This is it,” Jay said.

“Let’s do it,” Chris followed.

“This is gonna be fun!” Kim beamed.

“Let’s make this the best concert we ever had with me,” I smiled.

We said a short prayer thanking the opportunity we have. Before the others went on-stage, I gave them a group hug.

“I’ll miss you guys!” I cried.

“We will too!” Kim answered.

“It was great working with you,” Chris smiled. I smiled at him in return.

“Sorry for being a jerk, I had a great two years,” Jay said with a smirk. I returned it with one of my smirks.

“Thank you everyone. Now let’s go and rock out!” I beamed as they went on-stage.

They started tuning and when I heard “... presenting Tintinnabulation!”, I went up the stage and everyone started cheering loudly.

“Hey Japan! What’s up?” I screamed into the microphone. The audience screamed wildly. That made me happy. “First off, I want to thank you, for supporting us. You’re the best! You give us inspiration to continue, so now... Here’s our first song,” I said as I walked back the stage in between Jay and Kim.

I looked around the audience and saw the others with shocked faces except Tai. Matt’s expression was unbelievable. I had to smile at that.

When I heard my cue, I started to sing. Our first song was Pressure. The concert went on and it was really great. I felt so free during that time.

We were now down to our last song. “Thank you again! Before this concert ends, I’ll be singing a song for someone in the audience,” I grinned as I looked at Matt. All the men screamed except for those in the gang. That made me chuckle. “Matt Ishida, this is for you,”

'The intro started and I waited for my cue.

I go ooh ooh, you go ah ah
lalalalalalalala

lalalalalalalala
I wanna wanna wanna get get get what I want
Don't stop
Give me give me give me what you got got
Cause I can't wait wait wait any more more more more
Don't even talk about the consequence
Cause right now you're the only thing that's making any sense to me
And I don't give a damn what they say, what they think think
Cause you're the only one who's on my mind
I'll never ever let you leave me
I'll try to stop time for ever, never wanna hear you say goodbye (bye bye bye)

I feel so untouched
And I want you so much
That I just can't resist you
It's not enough to say that I miss you
I feel so untouched right now
Need you so much somehow
I can't forget you
I've gone crazy from the moment I met you

Untouched
And I need you so much

See you, breathe you, I want to be you
Alalalala alalalala
You can take take take take take time time
To live live the way you gotta gotta live your life
Give me give me give me all of you you
Don't be scared
I'll see you through the loneliness of one more more more
Don't even think about what's right or wrong, wrong or right
'Cause in the end it's only you and me and no one else is gonna be around
To answer all the questions left behind
And you and I are meant to be so even if the world falls down today
You've still got me to hold you up up
And I will never let you down (down)

I feel so untouched
And I want you so much
That I just can't resist you
It's not enough to say that I miss you
I feel so untouched right now
Need you so much somehow
I can't forget you
I've gone crazy from the moment I met you

Untouched, untouched, untouched, untouched, untouched
Alalalala alalalala
Untouched
Alalalala alalalala

I feel so untouched
And I want you so much
That I just can't resist you
It's not enough to say that I miss you
I feel so untouched right now
Need you so much somehow
I can't forget you
I've gone crazy from the moment I met you

I feel so untouched
And I want you so much
That I just can't resist you
It's not enough to say that I miss you
I feel so untouched right now
Need you so much somehow
I can't forget you
I've gone crazy from the moment I met you

Untouched, untouched, untouched'

I bowed after singing the song. “Thank you Japan!” I said. “Before we go... I want to say a few things,” I told the audience while panting a little. “Woah, this is the most tiring and most exciting concert I’ve had. And I want to thank you for that!” I yelled while pumping a fist in the air. “You guys rock!” The fans screamed wildly again. That just made my grin grow wider. “Now, I want to thank everyone again but this time, because you made me feel great during this duration of time I have with Tintinnabulation. But, sadly, I have to go and leave them. But rest assured, that they would find someone who is as great or would even surpass me... And please support them like the way you supported us,” I smiled sadly.

The audience gave off aww’s and why’s. I too am sad as to this but I know I have to. I can’t leave him here anymore. I kept quiet for a while and before I knew it, tears started going down my cheeks.

“Oh dear,” I said onto the microphone as I wiped my tears away. I laughed. I turned to the others and said, “You guys want to say anything?”

They looked at each other and nodded.

“We’ll miss you!” the three of them said in unison.

“I love you guys,” I said to my band mates and then I turned back to the audience. “I love you too! You guys are the best! Thank you and good bye!” I said with a wave and the lights dimmed. After shaking a few hands of those in the front line, I went to the back stage.

We talked about how much I would miss them and how much they would miss me. I encouraged them to go forward and that they would find someone. We all bid our goodbye’s and went our separate ways.

Before I went out, I went back on-stage and saw Matt and the gang.

“I knew you would be coming back here,” he said as he stood on the middle of the stage with a smile on his face.

“Matt,” I smiled and ran to him. I slammed onto him but we didn’t fall down, he’s got a good sense of balance. He hugged me and I gladly returned it. “Did you like my surprise?” I asked without parting.

“Yeah, but you got me worried at first... I thought you wouldn’t show up,” he whispered.

“Sorry about that... I didn’t have any other idea,” I sweat dropped. I put my head up and looked behind him. I grinned as I saw the others waving. Matt seemed to notice what I was doing and let me off.

The others went to us and started to hug me.

“I’ve missed you!” they all said individually but they said it at the same time. That made me smile.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming back?” Yolei asked.

That made me think. Why didn’t I tell them? I don’t know. I answered them with a truthful answer. “I don’t know... Maybe because I wanted to surprise all of you,” I grinned sheepishly while scratching the back of my head.

“We’ve missed you!” they now said in unison.

We chatted for a while. After, I suggested we all go to dinner together. They all agreed and we went to the restaurant in the hotel I was staying in. When we entered the hall, Tai’s and Davis’s jaws dropped. Everyone snickered while I sweat dropped. ‘Seems they haven’t changed,’ I mused.

“Come on,” I told everyone while walking up to Tai and Davis. “Let’s get going before you two drool on the carpet,” I laughed as I gave them a smack on their back. They both whined but just shortly.

We all ate plenty ‘cause it was a buffet. Tai and Davis stuffed themselves so much that they could hardly move after. Yolei totally loved the dessert that she ended up returning to the dessert trays. We stayed in our seats and caught up with each other.

I found out that Ken and Yolei are together, so are TK and Kari and Tai and Sora. For Tai and Sora, it’s just about time. I always knew TK and Kari would end up together, ever since when they were kids... They looked so good together.

After catching up, we went outside and walked for a while. Everyone except Matt said that they were going to go home.

“Aren’t you going to go home yet? Mr. Ishida’s probably looking for you,” I asked him.

“He knows that I’m with you, so don’t worry about it,” he smiled as he took my hand and laced our fingers together. “Let’s go for a walk,” he suggested.

I nodded in agreement. We walked together to the park where I confessed to him silently. He led me to one of the benches and sat down. Matt pulled me to him, making me sit down on his lap. His arms were around my waist and his chin was rested on the curve of my neck. I could feel his breathing on my neck and it sent chills to my spine.

“Hey Matt,”

“Mm?” he silently responded.

“I’ve missed you so much,”

“I’ve missed you more...” he said as his right hand was now grazing up and down my arm.

That made me smile. I turned around so now I was facing him. His left hand was still on my waist but his right was now rested on the space next to him. “Hey... I’m sorry for not being able to contact you that much...” I quietly told him while my head hung low.

“That’s alright. I understand... I wasn’t even able to email you, so we’re even,” he grinned. I sighed.

We kept quiet for a while but it wasn’t at all awkward, it was comforting actually. It felt like we don’t really have to say anything to let the other know what we want them to. It was like knowing what each of us wanted to say without speaking.

Matt decided to break the silence. “What was the title of the song you sang?”

I knew what he was asking about but I decided to play. I put up a feigned confused look. “Huh? What song?” I asked, hiding a laugh.

“The one you dedicated,” he continued.

“Hm,” I pretended to think about it. “I don’t remember dedicating anything,” I smirked.

He figured out that I was playing around so he decided to join in. “Oh don’t you remember?” he asked with a smirk and he raised a brow.

“Hm...”

“Something about... being untouched?” the smirk on his face grew wider. Then his right index finger started to graze from my cheek down to my chin.

“Uh...” I stammered as my cheeks turned crimson red. I looked at Matt and he still had that mischievous smirk. I was getting nervous. “Fine fine,” I sighed in defeat.

“I wasn’t even starting yet,” he pretended to be disappointed.

I quirked a brow at him, silently asking what he meant. His smirk just grew, if it could even. “Oh never mind. The title of the song was ‘Untouched’,” I grinned.

“Hm...” he nodded. “Michi, where would you be staying after you check out of the hotel?” he inquired.

“Hm... I haven’t thought about it yet, but... I’ll most likely stay in an apartment,” I said while thinking about it and laughed after because most people in Odaiba stayed in apartments.

“Have you found one?”

“I’m still looking,” I replied with a soft smile.

He kept quiet and seemed in thought. A few minutes later, he asked, “Do you... uh... want to stay with me and my dad? We’ve got a spare room in the apartment?”

I was quite shocked with what he said. It took me a minute to reply. “Are you sure? I mean... Wouldn’t your dad mind?”

“He won’t,” he smiled. He seemed confident about that. “Well, dad knows you and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind... Dad and your parents are great friend, so...”

“Ask him first,” I suggested.

He thought about it and nodded, even though he was kind of disappointed with my answer. Then something hit me. I remembered the necklace I gave him.

"Hey, what happened to the necklace I gave you?" I inquired.

He smiled and gently pulled it out of his shirt. "It's right here," he smiled gently.

I smiled back and gave him a quick kiss. Then,

“It’s getting chilly, let’s go back,” I told him while standing up. He nodded and stood up as well.

We walked back to the hotel in silence. I asked him if he wanted to go with me in my room and talk about random things. He agreed with a really cute smile on his face which lighted up his features.

We were now in my room and I have just gotten out of the washroom in my pajamas. I saw Matt on the edge of the bed, his back facing me. He seemed not to notice so I planned a surprise attack.

I stealthily sneaked up on him and jumped on his back. We fell on the floor and he groaned. The position we were in was kind of awkward. I was on top of him, being propped by my arms and knees while he was under me. We stayed like that, staring at each others’ eyes. I felt a blush creep to my cheeks. His cheeks were now containing a hint of pink.

“I... Uh... Uhm... S-sorry,” I stuttered as I stood up. I sat on the middle of the bed and he followed after.

We talked about random things for an hour or two. When I looked at the watch, it was already quarter to midnight. I then yawned.

“You better go to sleep, I’ll go now,” he said as he planted a kiss on my forehead, then at my cheek, and lastly to my lips. He stood up and was about to go when I grabbed his wrist and tugged on it.

I told him to stay just for tonight. He told me that he’d just call his dad and ask if it was alright. I nodded and he left the room. I lied down on my bed and looked at the ceiling. Then involuntarily, I started to sing the chorus of Untouched.

Hearing the door open, I stopped singing and sat down. Matt came in and said that his dad said it was alright but he had to grab a few things from their apartment. I quickly nodded and said go ahead. He left with a reply of I’ll be quick since his apartment was just two blocks away.

It took him about 30 minutes to get back at the most. During that time, I was watching TV, jadedly flipping through the channels. I jerked my head up when I heard shuffling of footsteps. Matt was back and he had a small sling bag on his shoulder and he pointed to the washroom. I nodded. It took him about 20 minutes to finish.

“Hey,” he smiled as he sat beside me.

“Hey you,” I replied while resting my head on his shoulder. I inhaled his sweet, intoxicating scent. “You tired?” I asked.

“Yeah,”

“Okay,” I nodded before switching the TV off. I was the first to lie down the bed. I was resting on my side so I could look at him. He did the same.

Matt had that soft smile on his face as he brushed the stray hair away from my face.

"I'm tired... Let's go to sleep," I suggested with a small smile lighting my features.

He nodded in agreement as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I snuggled closer to him and whispered, "Good night... Aishiteru." before consciousness slipped from my grip.

End