Author's note: Thanks for waiting! And speaking of the latest chapter, the next chapter will be an interlude focusing on a few of the other couples. That said, enjoy!

Thirteen Years Later...

Chapter 3: Tuesday Night

As Yuko put on a clean blue blouse and a long white skirt, she gazed in the mirror in her home and checked her appearance. After thirteen years, she managed to blossom quite beautifully, no more acne and other blemishes when she was younger, and aside from a pretty pair of eyes, she had soft, kissable lips, and she also managed to let her hair grow a bit.

Crossing her fingers, she managed to say to herself, "Please help me make it through this date, God." as she put on a pair of brown shoes, adjusted the headband in her hair, got her purse, and soon went out after kissing her parents goodbye.

She had been trying to help her parents, Souichirou and Kaori, try to reconcile and not divorce one another, and after a few tries since high school, it seemed to have worked.

With a bright smile, Yuko told them, "I'll be home soon. Don't worry." then went out the door to rendevous with Shuya for their secret date.

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Shuya managed to kiss his daughter goodnight and then told Noriko, "I'm gonna go get something from the store. I'll see you soon."

Noriko smiled and nodded. "Just be careful. There might be some hoodlums walking around at night, especially the Kiriyama family." she said, squeezing his hand lightly.

Shuya smiled back and soon went out. He managed to make sure she wouldn't know about his secret date with Yuko, whom he had encountered for the first time since years ago, yet he was afraid Noriko would be worried sick about where he was going.

Whatever the case, Shuya soon found Yuko near the park and asked, "You ready?"

Yuko had arrived at the park first and was sitting at a nearby bench and noticed him as well. She smiled as she stood up and replied, "Yes. I'm ready. How about you, Shuya?"

"I'm ready to go. So, what movie were you wanting to see?" Shuya told her as they began their trek towards the movie theater.

"Well...I was expecting something sweet and romantic." Yuko replied, causing Shuya to reply with, "I'm expecting something action-packed...wait! There's one!" then pointed towards a poster.

Yuko noticed and read the black bold kanji at the left of the poster: 'Zaa Enjento', or The Agent. And on top of that, the main star was Keiji Miyazaki himself!

"Shuya, I know him!" Yuko exclaimed as she looked back at Shuya.

"Really? You do?" he asked, curious as he scratched the back of his head.

"Yes...we went to the same high school together, in the same class. I had a crush on him, but I was afraid he wouldn't return the sentiment. However, we did become good friends." Yuko replied.

Shuya nodded. "I actually encountered him at the park the other day." he told her.

"You did?" Yuko asked, her eyes widening slightly in bewilderment.

"Yup. We got to know one another, and here's the fun fact about him: He's the son of the new president running our country!" Shuya said.

"Wow...I'm truly honored to meet someone who has such prestige!" Yuko said, a bright smile forming on her lips.

"So, whaddaya say? Not only does the movie have action, but there's a romantic interest for the protagonist as well." Shuya asked.

Yuko pondered about this briefly before she nodded. "Okay then. I'm with you." she said as she took his hand and the two went inside to get tickets for the movie.

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After the movie ended, Yuko was beaming as she was taking hold of one of Shuya's arms as she said, "Thank you so much for the movie. Although it was kind of scary, I was happy to know that the protagonist and the heroine had a happy ending."

Shuya smiled back and replied, "No problem." as the two headed towards the park.

Once at their destination, Yuko gazed at the stars while Shuya relaxed as he lounged on the bench. He managed to ask her, "Say, Yuko...out of me and Keiji...who do you like more?"

This caught Yuko's attention and she looked over at him and blushed lightly before she thought about it. She then replied with a small smile. "Well...Keiji is really handsome and all...but I actually like you more...because..." she said before she trailed off and a bright blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Because what?" Shuya asked curiously.

"Well...I never actually had feelings for you back at junior high, because most of the other girls had crushes on you from the start: Yukie, Yukiko, Yumiko, Noriko, it boggles my mind, so to speak. But when I moved on to high school, and then to college, and as of now, when I saw you on the cover of the latest issue of Music Rocks, I just...fell in love. I never knew how handsome you'd actually be when you grew up to be an adult now." Yuko explained.

"Wow..." Shuya said before pondering about whether to admit his secret feelings or not: if he didn't return those feelings, Yuko would be somewhat dissapointed but would understand because he was already married, but if he did so, she would be happy.

"To be honest...you look good as of now. You have such pretty eyes, a cute smile, and have that sweet demeanor that Noriko also has. So, yeah, I think I feel the same way." Shuya replied.

"You...You do?" Yuko asked, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. She couldn't help but blush even more as she smiled and said, "Thank you..." before she swallowed and then leaned over to kiss him.

It was a light one, but Shuya thought he would be able to give her a real kiss, so he leaned over towards her and slowly locked lips with hers. Yuko was surprised at first, realizing that this was her first kiss...and with someone married.

A moment later, they broke the kiss and Yuko said, "Thank you so much for the date. I'm really grateful we can talk about everything that had happened to us in the past and here in the present."

"No problem, Yuko. I'll see you later!" Shuya replied, smiling as the two parted ways to return home.

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Back at home, Noriko sighed as she was in bed alone, wondering what was taking Shuya so long. She suddenly heard a knock on the door and managed to answer the door.

"Shuya...where were you? I was so worried!" Noriko asked as she hugged him. "Well...I was actually rather busy so to speak. I didn't get anything from the store." Shuya replied.

'Thank God she didn't know about me and Yuko at the movies!' he thought to himself.

"Say, Noriko, maybe I can talk to you about this girl that I made friends with? She seems to be familiar to you as much as me." Shuya asked.

"Sure. Tomorrow after dinner, perhaps?" Noriko replied.

"You got it!" Shuya said, winking.

The two would eventually retreat to their room and get a good night's sleep until tomorrow.

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Wll Shuya try to keep his marriage with Noriko intact by admitting the truth from that fated night? Find out after the interlude! And as always, reviews are welcome.

With love for my fans,

Chrissy