"I can't." The words fell from Meari's lips pathetically, and you almost wanted to laugh. But you would not. You would never because to laugh would have been cruel and despite your feelings, you were first and foremost the princess of Japan. Even if very few people in this school knew.

"What was that?" Yumeko's shining eyes bore into Meari until she finally gave in. With tears in her eyes she bowed down deeply before Yumeko.

"I don't have it right now." She began begging with her face against the table. "Could you possibly wait a few days, please?"

You looked around the room. Meari's name came from Ryota's lips as he looked on in disbelief. Yumeko wore a smug look on her face. And those around you seemed to be confused. What had just happened? Who was this girl?

Meari looked like she was in physical and emotional distress as Yumeko continued talking.

"I had a wonderful time, so fine by me. Now, then, everyone, good afternoon!" She smiled cutely, "Starting tomorrow, I hope you'll welcome me as a member of your class."

The class was stunned, but seen enough everyone dispersed. As you walked down the hall, your phone rang.

"My love bug, would you like to accompany me to the minister of justice's ball tonight? I know it's short notice, but I didn't get much time with you today." Kaede was speaking to you in a very familiar tone, even bothering to whine just a bit to you. It was quite an unusual state for him to be in, but you were used to it. You and Kaede had been friends for ages, after all.

"I know you're desperate when you call me that, Kae. Was it really that we spent less time together, or did you simply forget to ask me in a timely matter?" You giggled, chiding him just slightly. You had of course, already been invited to the ball. In fact, you even assumed you would be going with Kaede and told your family such already. It was just a courtesy of him to ask you.

"You'll say yes, won't you, bug?" He chatted flirtatiously. "I've gotten you a beautiful new kimono."

"Oh, how flattering. And where might I find this precious new gift?" You grinned knowingly as you stepped into your limousine.

"I'm afraid you'll have to come to my home. We have a very special person to help you prepare, found only here." You could practically feel the smile Kaede had on his face.

"Oh, alright then, Kae. I'll be over within the hour." You smiled and directed your driver to take you to the minister of finance's home. Perhaps at school, you had your fun with whomever you chose, but in public it would have been frowned upon. The princess of Japan couldn't be promiscuous. And so it became natural that your childhood friend, although secretly much more than that, had also become your public partner. It wasn't scandalous to be taken to a ball, or to spend time with someone that was a childhood friend.

So that's what you were doing. Simply going to your friend's house.