I saw Sam walk up to Chrissy after school. He was rubbing the back of his head, and I could see his sweaty palms. He was totally nervous. I hid in the bushes while they talked.

"Hey," Sam said. "You know, I wanted to tell you something."

"Yes?" Chrissy said.

"Well, and I'm really sorry, but I listened to you tell Taurtis about, you-know-what."

"Wha-?"

"I know, I know. You said specifically to Taurtis not to bring me, but I went there myself and listened. I had too."

Chrissy nodded.

"And you know what?" She looked up at Sam's face as he spoke, "I like you too." I have never seen anyone as happy as she was. Her face lit up and a huge smile spread from ear to ear. Then she turned pink.

"You will stay out of trouble, right?" she asked.

"I will. Does this mean I have a girlfriend who actually likes me back?" Chrissy nodded.

"And don't worry," she said. "My father most likely won't see us together. He's too busy with work and he's trusting me as his eyes and ears. Plus I'll keep you informed on what he's planning."

They held hands and starting walked away from yet school. Then Sam asked, "Uh, where should I drop you off?"

"I'm going on the train too."

"Oh. Okay."

"Sam?"

"Yes?"

"You know, Taurtis is watching us." Sam turned around and spotted me.

"You're not a very good hider Taurtis," he said.

"Aw, come on," I said, getting up and walking to Sam's side. "But you two do make a cute couple." They both blushed. "See what I mean?" We all laughed.

~

When we got on the train, Chrissy took Sam's hand and pulled him to the back, where they sat down. I sat a few seats away, so I could listen to their conversation.

"So, why is the Yakuza trying to kill me?" Sam whispered.

"You're the only one who they know set up the drug bust," Chrissy answered.

"But Taurtis-?"

"Father thinks Taurtis is 'different.' He says he wants to get in close so he can 'Use him for something.' And yes, I'm scared for you too, Taurtis." Sam turned around and looked at me, listening in.

"You really aren't a very good hider," he said. I looked down. They went back to their conversation.

"Also, my father is trying to, um, get you to date Yuki." Chrissy said the last part fast and quiet.

"What?" Sam asked.

"Get you to date Yuki. He says its for research purposes." Sam looked confused.

"To see how you do with having a crazed, ready-to-kill girlfriend," Chrissy explained. Sam nodded.

"Doesn't Yuki hate me?"

"No, not really. She was just upset about what you said. My father got her into it. She knows my father, but she doesn't know him." Sam nodded again in understanding.

"Hey," he said after a while. "I'm excited for tomorrow. What song are you gonna sing?"

"Hmm, are sure you want me to tell you?" Chrissy asked. "It might ruin the surprise."

"Then I'll wait."

~

Chrissy left us when the train stopped. We started walking back towards our apartment. Once we were inside, I turned to Sam instead of getting in bed like I do every day because I'm lazy.

"Sam?" I asked.

"Yes Taurtis?" Sam was in the closet, looking through our stuff.

"Do you really like Chrissy?" Sam looked up. "I mean, you said you thought you liked her, then you go all out saying, 'I like you too.' How can you make a decision that fast?"

"Taurtis," Sam said. He seemed slightly annoyed. "I knew I liked her. From the beginning. I just didn't want to admit it because I thought it was awkward. Okay? It's not your place to question my relationship."

"Whatever, Sam."

"Come on, Taurtis. Let's do our homework before bed. You know how you always forget."

"But I'm tired," I complained.

"Okay. You can get an F yourself."

"Fine." We did the homework, which was a few simple math problems, but I mostly copied Sam's answers down. After we were done, we started to get to bed.

"Are you excited for Halloween, Taurtis?" Sam asked. I had totally forgotten.

"Yes, dude," I said. "What're you going to be?"

"I'm not telling you. It's a surprise."

"Then I'm not telling you mine." Sam laughed a bit.

"Goodnight Taurtis," he said, then turned off the light.