I don't own the rights to The World Ends With You


'What was Shiki to him?'

Neku caught himself thinking about this question often lately. The Reapers' Game had ended and he and the others had all returned back to the Real Ground or RG for short. Now they were transiting back to their daily lives. Neku was among the common busy crowd of Shibuya. Murmurs of the outside voices came in and out, but after experiencing their thoughts. This was strangely more calming to him.

Yet, nothing seemed to work in dissolving this conflict within his mind. He knew that they promised to be friends and that promise was kept at Hachiko statue. However, calling Shiki a "friend" felt…odd. Of course it's not like Neku had many friends to begin with. Though the term "friend" didn't feel strange whenever he applied it to Beat, Joshua, Rhyme or even .

'So why is it only with her?!' Neku, frustrated with his thoughts, removed himself from the ongoing crowd of people. He then looked up to spot a sign that was labeled "Cat Street'' just up ahead. He stood there for some time before walking in Cat Street direction.

"Wildkat Cafe" looked the same as it always has been. Except, no longer worked here. The devastating news hit him hard when he learned it. Just when he wanted advice now. He just went off and vanished again.

Perhaps that's why he went here hoping that would give him some useful guidance much like the other times.

"What can I get you to drink?"

Neku glanced over to see a waitress standing infront of him.

"Oh…Just a cup of Coffee please," Neku requested as the waitress nodded.

"Be out in a jiffy," she replied.

A few seconds later and the hot morning brew was in front of him. "I'll be right back to take your order. Menu is in front of you" she added pointing towards the down-face menu.
Neku took a slip of the coffee as his mind tried to imagine next to him.

"Of course you wouldn't consider her just plainly as a "friend" Phones. She's more than that, she's your partner"

"She's more than that…" Neku replied back to no one. He then noticed that his cheeks were flushed and lightly smacked them. It didn't help them lose their rosy color, but At Least he didn't have to feel embarrassed about admitting to smacking himself.

However, maybe his imaginary conversation with did provide him with some clarity. Shiki was his partner and she was also once his entry fee. Someone that was very important to him that he couldn't afford to lose.

Neku taking another sip from his coffee gave him new found courage. He took out his phone before finding Shiki's number in his contact. He then started typing, "Do you wanna hang out today?" he then hit send.

It felt like an hour passed as he stared at his message seeing that it was received and read. Suddenly a notification went off as he received her message.

"Hey Neku, didn't expect to get this type of sudden message from you,"

Neku felt like slapping himself again.

"But sure! I would love to! Meet up at the usual spot?" he read from her.

He then smiled.

Neku saw Shiki up ahead in front of the small bronze dog statue. She then looked ahead to see Neku as a huge smile appeared on her face. "Neku!" She shouted out waving over to him. Neku soon joined her by the Hachiko statue. "Do you bring him everywhere you go?" He teased pointing to the object in her arms.

"Hey! You know is going to take over Shibuya someday and then you'll regret it," she replied back.

"Sure! Maybe when he and his army of pigs can fly," Neku teased back slightly enjoying this.

"HE IS A CAT! C.A.T," She exclaimed, shoving the stuffed animal towards Neku.

"Anyways, what did you want to do? Your message was pretty vague," Shiki then told him.

"Uhh…you know just…" Neku stopped as he realized he didn't have anything beyond this.

"Well if it's not too much trouble. Could we maybe shop for a while? I need some stuff for an upcoming project that me and Eri are going to be working on," Shiki said breaking the awkward silence. "Though It's not like I need it immediately! I could always go shopping for it later!" She quickly added.

"No! No, it's fine actually," Neku said. "I...just wanted to spend some time with you," he finally admitted to her.

Shiki blushed as she held closer to her. "That's sweet Neku," she said before taking his hand with her own.

"Huh? Shiki!" Neku asked her, completely caught off guard by her action.

"Let's have fun today!" she said grinning before Neku smiled in return and accepted her hand in his grasp.

'Shiki was more to him than a partner'