u Chapter Twelve /u

I keep in touch with her throughout the summer. We grow closer- I feel myself opening up. I lose myself in our conversations- the delirium is overwhelming. I enjoyed it.

Soon it's the end of September. I web chat with her and her friend. As she is locked out of her own room, we make plans for her birthday.

I know she doesn't really hate me for it.

-----

Soon enough, her birthday is in two days. I promise her this year will be different from her past experiences.

She calls me Wakashi.

I find it easier to sleep that night.

u Chapter Fourteen /u

I called her on her birthday and she didn't answer. I smiled when she called me back.

I thought the party went well. I didn't know who to invite, so I just invited all of last years regulars.

It was just the three of us for most of the party until one of the ex-Seigaku regulars handed out something to drink.

I don't remember anything after that except for hearing Atobe whisper "I love you" to her.

And she whispers it back.

u Chapter Eighteen /u

I hadn't talked to her for what seemed like years. She decides to call me out of the blue one day and invites me to a tournament. I want to see her and I want to fight.

I want to fight her.

But I'll never tell her how much I missed her. I can understand her busy schedule.

So I meet her on Saturday. Our exchange of words is less than friendly.

We fight and I find it odd that I easily win the first round.

She wins the second one, which doesn't surprise me.

"Tell me what's really wrong."

Do I want to tell her? Do I want to even admit it to myself?

As she claims the final point from me, I decide I need to tell her.

"I'm jealous of you and Atobe."

-----

Kantrei . . . I really do love her. I need to tell her, but I can't . . . I just can't.

At the end of our walk I work up the courage to, but before I can, I feel a pain like no other and everything goes dark.

u Epilogue /u

I died after being in a coma for a month and a half. I saw my body being lowered into the ground and watched KJ cry her eyes out.

I know I'm dead- is it possible to still miss her?

Eh. This is what I get for letting someone in.

I still love her. Atobe-Buchou is lucky. I hope she eventually gets over me. I will know if she does or not.

She has the will of a fighter- knock her down nine times and she'll get up ten.

I want her to keep that fighting spirit.