Hi, so sorry for not updating for such a long time. Anyway, here to present to you guys, my chapter 8. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "This year, I am very pleased to announce that the top student for the Head Nurse exams is a male candidate........." As the Head of the Nursing Centre said that, everyone looked in disbelief. Was it really going to be Miki? "Oh, it's me! It's me..... Kotoko, I top the class! I am going to marry your daugher....." "May we please welcome the Top student of this year, Mr. Miyake?" Wait a minute, thought Miki, that did not sound like my name. He looked up and saw instead an old man walking up the stage. He was not the top student? "Mr. Miyake has studied his whole lifetime preparing for this exams, now he has finally done himself proud. Congratulations, Mr. Miyake......" The Head of the Nursing Centre continued on, but no one was paying any attention. They were all looking at Miki. Poor Miki, they thought in unison. Naoki gave a chuckle. How was it possible for someone like him to top the exams with only a week's time for preparation? Even if it was Naoki himself, he did not have much confidence. "Don't say I never gave you a chance....." Miki was so upset. In the end, he had not top the exams, even after putting in so much effort. "Kotoko.... my okasan.... I have failed you......" Sobbed Miki profusely. He was really taking it the hard way, thought everyone, since he should have known that this was an impossible thing. "Miki.... don't be so sad......." Kotoko tries to comfort Miki and shows a sympathetic look, but deep down, actually she was very relieved. Irie-kun is still right, as always, she thought to herself. The next day back at the hospital, Miki seemed to be alright again. Everything was back to normal. When he saw Kotoko, he greeted her cheerfully. "Good morning, Kotoko!" Seeing that Miki was in such a good mood, Kotoko was confused. After all, it was only yesterday when Miki looked so sad. "Er... Morning, Miki. What's the occasion today?" "No, nothing, no special occasion." Miki shakes his head vehemently, which makes Kotoko even more suspicious. Has Miki gone mad? She thought to herself. She looks at Miki worriedly. "Miki, are you okay? Even though you did not pass the test Irie-kun has set for you, I am sure you will be able to find a good wife in the future." "Kotoko, how can you doubt my feelings for your daughter? Of course I will marry no one but her!" Hearing this, Kotoko did not know she should cry or should she smile. Luckily, Naoki passes by at the moment and Kotoko immediately rushes after him leaving behind Miki. "Irie-kun, wait for me....." Kotoko runs after him. "Baka! How many times have I told you not to run now that you are pregnant?" He looks at her fiercely. She really makes him worried all the time. Seeing that Naoki is angry again, Kotoko looks back at him sheepishly. "Miki looks weird today....." She comments to Naoki. However, Naoki shows no expression. He is frowning as he looks at the crowd that is gathering in front of the make-shift notice board. "What are they looking at? Irie-kun, let's go and take a look." Kotoko drags Naoki to the notice board, and they got the shock of their life when they saw it.......... ------------ Forever Youwen forever_youwen@yahoo.com.sg