"Aaah...looks like it will be raining heavily again..."

A young policewoman groaned as she peered over the window; to confirm this, the other one beside her nodded.

"Well, it's a good thing it's almost time to go home. I hope I could reach my apartment before it rains..."

"Now now, before you two do that, why don't you two go back to your work, Kugimiya-san, Koshimizu-san? Certainly I am not the only one doing my overtime here, am I?"

A pink-haired woman spoke from behind her desk causing the two to jump, almost letting out a collective shriek in the process, before spinning themselves to face her.

"Aah, Ayasaki-senpai, you're soo strict...like always. Lighten up a bit will you? It's almost your time to go home as well, right? So cheer up." One of them replied casually, with a flippant grin.

"Shh. Senpai is in bad mood today, so don't disturb her!" The other one quickly interjected with a whisper.

"Ooooh...I wonder why...? Men?! It must be problem with men, right?"

"Senpai is married, you know…"

"That still makes it a valid reason! Perhaps her husband is -"

Having enough of that, Hinagiku cleared her throat and glared with such intensity at the them when she gained their attention, promising something really unpleasant if they didn't cease gossiping about her; that caused the two to laugh nervously and scurried away, back to their posts.

Geez, those two...'

Hinagiku looked around cautiously, watching for prying eyes and busybodies, before looking at her desktop calendar. The very date of that day has a big red circle around it.

'Mou, does Hayate-kun really doesn't remember at all? I know how thickheaded he is, but I know he never forget things.'

Yes, Hayate was dense, but he never forgot important dates. And the fact that he did not brought up that day's event kind of peeved her.

'At least make a call, idiot.' She thought. Instead, Hayate said he will be very busy with his mistress today.

And thus, Hinagiku found herself longing dearly for that man.

"Alright, just calm down, calm down. You're a grown, full-fledged woman; this will not disturb you at all."

Her patented mental tuning only succeded for about ten minutes.

Finally after realizing she was lost in thought, Hinagiku absently looked around. Her colleagues were already gone. She then looked at the wall clock; almost eight. No wonder it's quiet, she noticed. Only a handful of officer still remains at that particular room. But as everyone knows, the Shinjuku Station never sleeps. Officers come and go. She will be one of the latter soon.

"You know, you don't have to overwork yourself, officer Ayasaki."

The airy voice of her direct superior, the chief of the Community Police Affairs Section Seiji Honganji was heard; he was carrying a stack of papers on his hand – and a sleeping cap was on his head. Which means he's working overtime.

"It won't be funny if you died because of stress. I can't find someone as good as you at this dingy place. So don't die...yet."

"Yes, sir. I won't." She replied curtly and firmly just like a good officer would, despite the fact she wasn't really in the mood for chatting, and especially to respond to his usual morbid jokes. The chief raised an eyebrow, and realized it, but then he laughed and went on his merry way muttering something about people today being too serious and he was the only one left with a sense of humor. Hinagiku looked at the window. It was dark, and it was certain that rain will soon fall.

"Gosh, better go home fast..." She decided, and rushed to the ground floor, and past the front door. As she stepped outside, the heavy downpour began.

Hinagiku looked for her umbrella which she had prepared before and much to her dismay it was nowhere to be found. She sighed.

"Great, so I left it at my office.' She groaned at the prospect of going there again. But she had no choice, so she turned back.

But then as she was about to head back inside she felt someone pulling her gently by her right hand before she could do so; a handsome man whose blue hair is tied into a ponytail, and wearing a butler suit. He smiled at her.

"No need for that." He said softly. "I am here."

"Hayate..." Hinagiku replied. She was happy to see him, yet she's also feeling rather angry; so she restrains the urge to run up to him, though Hayate himself didn't appear to be bothered by her apparent sourness. Instead, he kept his dopey smile, which irked Hinagiku even more.

"Why are you here?" She asked Hayate coldly; she also noticed Hayate fidgets a bit before replying.

"Umm, I want to take a walk together." He said. "Just the two of us."

Hinagiku frowned. It was clear to her that Hayate is hiding something from her. "Where did you want to go? I want to head home, if you don't mind."

Hayate rolled his eyes rather guiltily." Well...um...I need to do an errand for ojou-sama, actually. Then I thought I could use some company."

"Oh." Hinagiku said coldly. Inwardly, her anger boiled slightly higher, jealousy-fueled. 'I knew she's very important to you, but how could you ignore this special day!' She practically screamed inside.

Hayate surely had noticed Hinagiku's displeasure, for he attempted to appease her. Even thought he is still unsure as to why she acted like that.

"Look, actually...I wanted..." Hayate, nervously and carefully began, but his words went unspoken. Hinagiku tapped her feet impatiently, feeling uncomfortable as some people are watching.

"I...Hina, please." That is all he finally managed to say. Hinagiku looked at his pleading puppy eyes, and noticed the sincerity behind it.

"Fine, but don't take too long." She replied; although not overly sweet, it's considerably less harsh, as she had mellowed out a bit. But still, she didn't smile. Hayate noticed, but he didn't say anything.

"Well, let's go then; can't let our time go to waste by talking here." She said, walking towards him and took a position beside him.

Hayate didn't react too much, but he did smile a little, a meaningful one, as if everything went according to plan. Now under one umbrella the pair started walking.

"Where are we going?" Hinagiku asked after a period of silence amidst the sound of rain.

Hayate looked at her and replied, "Chuo. Ginza." He sounded relieved, as he felt that Hinagiku's cold shoulder treatment is gradually dissipating.

"Ginza..." Hinagiku muttered. She had a lot of memories there. "Well, that's weird. I thought Nagi's business would be...like in Akiba or Shinjuku...?" She asked. Hayate was again seemed to be taken aback.

"Well, uh...well, the thing she wanted me to do is in Ginza, you know. Anyway..."

"Nevermind. I don't want to think about it now..." Hinagiku shook her head, and none of them spoke as they went to the train station.

It is still raining when they have gotten out of the train. There are numerous couples like them, sharing umbrellas under the summer night rain. The lights coming from the stores still managed to brighten the air despite the weather.

Still, the uneasy atmosphere between the two lingers.

'No matter what, I won't tell or ask him.'

'No matter what, I won't tell her until it is time.'

Now thinking it was his turn to break the rather awkwardly quiet atmosphere, Hayate decided to speak.

"Been a while, eh, Hina? We used to come here often."

"Yeah." Hinagiku replied, and she looked around. All high class, pricey shops. Only those who are rich or willing to spend extra amount of money will be shopping here. As for herself, she usually only admire things, such as the dresses on display. But she always think that she would rather save money for her children's sake, than buying luxury good; Hayate won't be complaining even though she's only wearing simple dresses.

"Once I asked if you would like one. You refused and said you didn't like it, while in fact you've been staring at it for minutes. You can't hide it really well." Hayate remarked, and laughed.

"Haha." Hinagiku laughed as well, although it's rather dry and humourless.

Thus, Hayate's smile faltered a bit.

"And then you bought it anyway. Even though it is expensive."

"Well, I guess it was well-spent, Hina. You looked fabulous in it." Said Hayate dreamily. Hinagiku blushed, but she quickly reminded herself that she was still angry at him.

"And why won't you get closer to me? You will get soaked of we're too far apart." Hayate reminded. As a response Hinagiku scoffed and looked away.

"Sorry." Hinagiku said after a moment. She did move closer to him, although not intimately closer. The umbrella's large enough, anyway.

"And remember that department store?" Hayate pointed to a building with a large clock on top of it, at the heart of Ginza. "Wako. We used to buy chocolates from that place."

Hinagiku can't help but to smile.

"Once every year, for Christmas. You like them, even though you never said it, I knew. You ate them a lot."

"Well...I guess that fact can't be hidden. But why should I keep it as secret?" Hayate replied with amusement. Then he noticed Hinagiku didn't seem to be very amused, but he thought that is still her usual self.

"Oh, your job, Hayate. Don't get Nagi waiting too long." Hinagiku reminded. It didn't take long for him to reply.

"Oh yeah! Well, it happens to be on this very department store. Want to go with me?"

"Umm, I'll be waiting at the ground floor at the lobby, if it's okay. I'm not in the mood for sightseeing."

Hayate looked disappointed, but then he smiled brightly. "Uh...well, I promise it won't take long. Please wait for me, okay."

After they entered the store and Hayate had gone, Hinagiku wandered aimlessly.

'Has it been really ten years?' She mused.

Looking at a couple giggling, she noticed a man presenting a ring to his woman. It's just like a proposal, she thought.

"Was it made of glass, I wonder…?" She said, looking at her own wedding ring. It looked like a diamond ring, but in reality it wasn't. Hinagiku recalled what a much younger Hayate said to her, on that day, while presenting her the ring.

"It's just glass. I didn't quite understand what the shopkeeper said, but I think it was glass."

"And I wonder how old they are." She added, still watching the couple, the woman now crying while embracing the man. She then recalled the memory of her own wedding: the still vivid image of her young self, walking down the aisle in pure white dress, preparing for a new life waiting for her, while the groom, Hayate, awaits.

"So young and restless."

Remembering Nagi's remark at that time, Hinagiku smiled. Actually, it was her who got the bouquet she threw. It was amusing, she noted. That was ten years ago. Her sister didn't take being beaten to the punch by her own younger sister all too lightly, and jokingly accused her of cheating.

"Ahahaha, what am I thinking?" Hinagiku laughed at herself. "I'm like an old woman, remembering the old days."

But despite that, she admits inwardly that it made her feel somewhat better.

"Excuse us, ma'am. Could you please take our photo? It's our first visit to Tokyo, and we're about return to Hokkaido for..umm…our marriage soon." The woman from before approached her and smiled. She was holding a camera, while her boyfriend was waiting not far apart. Hinagiku smiled back.

"Certainly." She replied, while noticing that the woman was no older than her at that time. "You two are such beautiful couple." She commented, while the man and woman moved closer, red-faced as Hinagiku took their photos.

"Hayate doesn't like being photographed. He always insisted that he was feeling like he was threatened every time that happens. Ha." Hinagiku thought while returning the camera to the grateful couple. "The few photos we had together were mostly taken by surprise." She thought again, remembering the date peepers, who, after being chased away by her, wisen up and learned their lesson.

"Are you okay, Hina? You look upset."

Looking at Hayate's worried face that suddenly appeared, Hinagiku quickly composed herself.

"Umm...I'm just really, really tired." Hinagiku replied, holding her tears with great difficulty.

Hayate frowned briefly, before pulling Hinagiku to his embrace. He then pats her back.

"Don't overdo yourself, dear." He said, filling her with comfort.

"And what about your errands? Are you done with them...?" She asked, remembering about what he's supposed to do.

Hayate scratched the back of his head. "Errand...oh, that...regarding that, I still got one more thing to be done...and afterwards we're finished." He then took Hinagiku's hand. "And...I will have to take you with me." He said firmly; firm and with some sort of eagerness behind it.

Moments later, Hinagiku found herself once again walking with Hayate under the umbrella, throughout another street not unfamiliar to her.

"Hayate, what are we doing? And where are we going?" She finally asked as they reached one end of an old bridge.

"Look around." Hayate said. Hinagiku realized where they are, as soon as she saw the lion stattuetes adorning the bridge, drenched in heavy rain.

"This is...Nihonbashi..." She replied shakily. Hayate nodded, and gently pulled her to come with him to the center of the bridge.

"Hayate...wait..."

"See this?" Hayate pointed down at a symbol etched on the surface of the bridge. "Do you remember?"

"Why...what?" Hinagiku asked; that's all she could manage. "Th-this is the place where you proposed."

"Yes, the Kilometre Zero. I felt that I have to tell you why I choose this place." Hayate explained. Hinagiku nodded weakly, and her head remained low.

"People in the past will travel throughout Japan from Edo, starting from this point...and for me..." Hayate paused and took a breath. "It marks the start of a new journey for me. For us."

Hayate then turned towards Hinagiku, who remained speechless, and then glanced briefly at the ring on her finger.

"Do you understand what I'm talking about, Hina?" He asked. Hinagiku nodded again. Hayate responded by smiling tenderly.

"Then, I have something for you. Please hold this for a while." Hayate gave her the umbrella and reached for his pocket and took out a small box. A ring box. Hinagiku had her eyes widen in surprise, while Hayate gazed at it and pondered briefly.

"I would never think—no, I won't dare to think about it—that I would give something like this to anyone ever again. Not since...my parents sold that ring...and what happened between me and A-tan." He finally remarked. "Remember when I told you our wedding rings were made of glass? And not diamonds?"

"I remember." Hinagiku muttered, her heart racing fast.

"And remember when I promised that I will certainly get us the real diamond rings one day?"

"And that one as well."

Hayate then opened the box and took the ring out – a diamond ring, for sure, even though the gem was small, but it was real nonetheless.

"I've saved money for a long time...since I am a man of my words." He said, leaning closer as he did.

"And Hina...Happy anniversary."

The whispered words left Hinagiku trembling, with some odd tingling running through her body. What it was or what it means she wasn't entirely sure.

"Thank you for everything this past ten years." Hayate continued. "Here...I would never expect it would turn out to be you who received my ring...but I have no regret about it." Hayate moved even closer and took hold of Hinagiku's free hand.

'This is too much…'

Now Hinagiku started to remember what the odd feeling is – utter joy; like the first time they affirm their love for one another many years ago. How can she forget something like that? She felt her tears began to spill without her able to contain it anymore - she even didn't realize that she and Hayate were starting to get drenched by the rain as she accidentally dropped the umbrella when she has to hold the overflowing emotion; but Hayate himself didn't seem to mind.

"Well...that's certainly better. Two lovers in the rain don't need an umbrella anyway." He laughed in amusement before embracing Her tightly again.

It was certainly quite a spectacle for passersby.

"Hayate." She finally spoke after a moment, though her voice was shaky and shivering. "Hayate."

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry." She said, without looking up and with her face still on his chest. "I've doubted you."

"Oh...you meant...you doubt that I would forget our anniversary? It was ojou-sama's idea to pretend that I forgot...she said it would be more dramatic. But I guess I overdid it...hahaha." Hayate laughed. Hinagiku shook her head and clenched on him even tighter.

"...Stupid Hayate." Hinagiku muttered. Hayate chuckled. "That's not what I'm saying..."

"Now, now...you want me to reassure you again? Remember that day when you asked how important you are to me?" He asked.

"I've never saved your life the way Nagi and Athena does." Hinagiku replied.

"Maybe...maybe it isn't true...what is certain is...you did complete my life. And that's also important." Hayate said. "Sounds very cheesy...you said..."

"But very sincere." Hinagiku added, and she too laughed weakly.

"I already told you before, haven't I?"

"Y-yes?"

"Being loved by you is like a dream come true."

"Okay, stop it...flirt." Hinagiku laughed, this time heartily. "Ugh, you made my heart beat faster again!"

"Are you cold?" Hayate asked, remembering how wet they are now.

"No...Not at all." Hinagiku replied.

"Me neither." Hayate said. Then both of them laughed together.

"Now, give me your finger so I could take that old ring and put this new one on." Hayate finally said. "I had mine as well, of course."

Hinagiku shook her head.

"It's beautiful, and your hard work makes it even prettier..." Hinagiku stroked the ring on her finger. "But I can't throw so many memories away just like that."

Hayate smiled with understanding. "It...It's okay. What matters most is that I'm finally able to fulfill my promise...and that I could tell you this."

He leaned in and kissed her in the cheek. Moments later, she kissed him back.

"Well, I guess we should head back." Hinagiku said, as the rain keeps going and they're still wet.

"Well, the kids are at ojou-sama's place, and ojou-sama said everyone already threw a party in our honor without us." Hayate replied. "Better head back quickly, since I'm worried that Arashi and Kasumi are pestering ojou-sama right now. And besides, they have to go to sleep really soon. And we are also very wet."

"Okay, okay."

"..Say, what errand did she told you to do?" Hinagiku asked as they head back, under the umbrella again this time, even though they're already wet.

"Errand? Get Hinagiku an anniversary gift with your savings. That's what she told me to do when I told her my story, hahahaha."

"That Nagi...that reminds me, too...what she told me at the wedding..."

"Oh...yeah...you've told me before. That's very sweet of her; I never thought she would think of me that way..." Hayate dreamily recalled. "Of course she must be expecting you not to tell anyone else."

"Please keep Hayate happy; he's like a family to me, like my own brother. And I want to see him happy. But don't tell him I said that!" Hinagiku recounted. "But I sort of slipped." She looked at Hayate and smiled playfully.

"So...are you happy?" Hinagiku asked. Hayate pulled her closer to him, and held her tight as they walked.

"That's a rhetorical question, wasn't it?" Hayate winked, and both of them laughed as they walked past other people, leaving the old Nihonbashi Bridge at that summer night for another journey.