February 14th

The day had arrived. All of my hard work and effort has finally come to this. I know in my gut that I'm doing the right thing, the right deed to heal a strong, yet lost girl's heart and save her from the hatred of the holiday of love and confession. I refuse to live out this day and never claim what was mine. If I did, I'll never consider myself as the 'Great Hanabusa' again, but just a simple-noble-vampire-loser at Cross Academy. From the past two days, witnessing her loneliness and despair truly opened my eyes, just when I thought there was nothing else new to learn about her. And if I couldn't save her, who in this world could? It's obvious that her mortal friends, even Yuuki, is too blind to see her pain since they'll all be too busy awaiting for us by the gates for chocolate exchanges. Normally, I would be happy to oblige for this event. But not anymore.

I finally understood what Yori said to me back in her room. I was so foolish. For my entire life, I've always relied on people to come to my feet, admiring over me, obsessing over me. I never glanced once at those who were below me, degradedly below my class of nobility. I've truly been an aristocratic, uptight, beautiful, and especially dangerous brat, like the rest of us creatures of the night. In other words, I've been a real pompous ass-hole in her eyes this whole time. Well, all of that changes here and now. Everything is finally making sense to me. I understand my new, deeper emotions for her. This isn't a game anymore. It's not a matter on who wins or loses, but to fight what was right. Yes, I have fallen in love with Yori Watabi. And I'm now proud and stronger to say it!

Time was of the essence. I needed to get myself together, recalculating everything that I wanted to do for tonight. As I was settling everything in my dorm room that morning, I starting thinking about the note I've given her two days ago. I didn't visit her ever since. In the note, it said : In two days, something wonderful will happen to you. Please arrive by the water fountain at your dorm territory at 8:00PM. And wait to see what that wonderful thing could be…… I truly hope she'll listen. I really want her to know just how I feel about her, and what she's been missing this whole time. The only thing I can do is have faith in her and myself. One way or another, I was not going to stop on what I was doing now.

Suddenly, Akatsuki opened the door, having on his gray sweat pants, opened button shirt, and a white towel around his neck. Based on the scent of soap, he obviously just came from a shower. Akatsuki then stared in astonishment as I continued scattering around our room. "Hanabusa, it's time for everyone to get to bed now. Don't tell me you've been working on this ever since after classes, and that was twelve hours ago." I ignored him, for I needed to keep focus on what I needed to do. I've been doing a lot of concentration on getting all of my equipment together and going over how to decorate them by the waterfall. Akatsuki just stood there by the door, analyzing every move and serious determination. He then walked over to me and put one hand behind his head. "You really are head over heels about her, aren't ya? And in a serious way too. Out of all the girls in your life, this one totally changed you as a different person. We've all notice".

After picking up a box, I finally turned to him and said calmly, "Yeah. I guess you're right". I placed the box by the door since I was almost ready to go. Before I passed him, he placed a hand on my shoulder to stop me.

"Well, if she really means that much to ya…then all I can say is you're doing a real good job of trying to fight for her. And there's nothing wrong with that". I grinned at him.

"Thanks, cous".

"Just please don't screw things up and do the begging thing, whatever you do. I'll never let ya live it down", Akatsuki replied sarcastically. I smirked and playfully punched his arm.

"Trust me. There will be no more begging. As I said before, just watch a pro". I grabbed my jacket, picked up the box, and headed out the door. But I couldn't help saying to myself that the only thing I could beg for--was her arrival and offering me her love.

Only thirty minutes left. Even though I stood by the tree collected and patient, it didn't hide the fact that I was just as anxious and excited at the same time. In order to calm my nerves, I looked around the area, viewing my work that I've completed this morning. It was a good thing that I knew the right timing to do this, as well as setting up the meeting for her to come alone. It was convenient to do the decorating in the morning, for the Day Class students would be at school and no longer in their dorms. Besides, it didn't took this long for me to finish anyway with my swift hands and movements. I was able to spare enough time to return to my room and get some sleep before classes. Having her meet me at eight was good also. All of my classes were over, which was why I'm still wearing my white uniform, and no mortal students shouldn't be roaming around on school grounds at this time of night. It will just be her and me, the way I planned it to be. I will finally have her all to myself…if she truly comes, that is. Overall, I say that I did a pretty damn good job with these decorations. I needed to pat myself on the back.

I check on my watch again. Only fifteen minutes left now. I continued keeping my composure, tapping my foot a little nervously. The time was almost near, and I didn't noticed that my heart started beating faster than it should. I had to pull myself together. I couldn't let my nerves get the best of me just yet, not when I came this far to turn back now. I started looking back on the moments that I've been through for this past two months, since I first set my eyes on her. I looked back on the time when I first tried to charm my way with her, when she told me 'no' for the first time, when we sat together by the tree outside on campus, when we sat together in her room and communicating a several days ago, when I tucked her in her bed and making her feel she's safe with me from the world….

When I finally held her in my arms at the dance.

I sighed. Despite everything that I've been through, I can never say that these were the most ugliest memories. Because it was beautiful in its own way. Every moment I've lived through during this journey was worth every step of getting where I am now. Even if she does not come, even if she will never return her love….at least I fought and died a new, honorable man. And these memories will be mind to keep forever. I hope she feels the same way too with the moments we spent together. I hope she cherished the same memories about me. Just what am I to her now that I changed? Will she show up?

Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching. I froze, and sniffed the air to detect whose scent it would be. And the scent was a familiar one that I knew too well. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be……? She did, she did come! It's her! One of my wishes have come true! My mind was so occupied with everything, time flew by on me already. Now it's all up to me to pick up things from here. I stayed in my position to make sure the footsteps were approaching my direction exactly. Knowing that she was getting closer, I hid behind the tree, knowing she wouldn't easily find a vampire's presence. It's show time.

There was no need to peek to see if she finally arrived at the fountain. I can already imagine the surprised and confused look on her face once she sees the scattered petal roses floating in the water. I bet she's wondering if this was the 'wonderful thing' that was suppose to happen to her. I almost chuckled a little. "Hello? Is anybody here?" Yori asked, probably looking around to find some living person. I waited behind the tree a few more minutes, waiting for my cue. Then, I heard Yori sighing and started to walk off. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all", she murmured. "I should have known".

Now!!

I pressed on the light switch, making the decorative red lights flicker on the numerous trees surrounding the water fountain, making the blanches and leaves twinkle like tiny ruby shards. I actually peeked at Yori's new reaction, which made her stop on her tracks and looked at the lights around her, her expression in total shock and bewilderment. I finally stepped out behind the tree, standing there with my arms folded and smirking. She still didn't know I was standing there since her back was facing me. "So…you like it?" I said to catch her attention. She then turned around, still in awe and confusion. She was wearing blue jeans and a long-sleeve light pink sweater, revealing her bare shoulders. Her short hair was neatly brushed, and her flesh had the same warming glow again. She final recovered from her fever.

"You…..did this….for me?" Yori asked. Her voice trailed off in unbelief. Smiling wider, I walked toward her past the fountain until we were inches apart from each other.

"Of course I did", I answered softly. My eyes stared into hers genuinely. Yori stared back but not in the same manner. She remained confused.

"But why?". My smile disappeared and I came closer to her, closing the space between us. I took her hand and kept my gaze on her.

"Because. I wanted to show you that there is something wonderful happening for you tonight. I wanted to show you that….that you truly do matter in someone's life. I wanted to let you know you're not alone after all, that you do have something to look forward to. This is a way of opening your eyes, letting you see that you mean so much more than what you think about yourself. This is a way of telling you that that someone can't stop thinking about you and that you make that someone insane with fascination. And that someone--would be me, Yori", I finished slowly. Yori remained silent, but her eyes grew wide once I said that last sentence. I bit my lower lip. I needed to know what she would say.

"This is also a way of telling you that I do understand!" I cried, my voice filled with strong tension. "I finally understand how you feel. What you told me in your room two days ago opened my eyes of learning you more and myself. And you were right. All my life, I've never taken other peoples' feelings seriously, but just expected them to worship and cater over me. I thought that no living girl could ever change my demeanor as the beautiful aristocrat brat that I am here at Cross Academy. Until there was you! From the time I set my eyes at you, from the moments I've been fighting to get your attention this past month, each motive changed me in more ways than one. And as much as I hated to admit it, it scared me in the beginning. I didn't realized the 'Idol-senpai' within me was slowly disappearing, and changing me into a new man. That's exactly how I feel right now. You helped me transformed myself into someone that I never thought I could be, but now enjoy experiencing because of my feelings for you. And now I understand everything I feel about you, every emotion is true and sincere. So please Yori, please believe these three basic words that I'm about to say to you, and let them seek into you! Give me a sign and tell me how you feel! What I'm trying to say is….I love you, Yori".

With that, I turned my gaze away from her and looked away, not wanting to meet her face. I only closed my eyes, waiting for some kind of answer. It was now up to her to fulfill my destiny-or fate with one final move.

Please Yori. Just tell me how you feel….

"I suppose there's only one way to answer your question", she finally spoke out. Next thing I knew, I felt her warm soft hands grabbing my cheeks to face her, and watch her leaning closer to my face and press her rosy, smooth lips brushing against mine. My eyes felt as if they would pop out. Is this a…kiss? Is she kissing me right now? We're finally kissing? The growing excitement started to flow into my brain, my heart beating rapidly for explosion. This is what I think it is alright. I have finally…received….her kiss!

Victory…is now mine again!!

I pulled her into my arms and embraced her tighter, our lips still locking as we closed our eyes. I wanted to savor every bit of her taste, to touch her soft, delicious tongue dancing with mine. I smiled between her lips as I felt her arms wrapped around my back so more. I continued holding her and never letting go. Time seemed to have stopped completely, having the glowing red lights shine down on us like crimson stars. I wanted this to last for eternity, even for me as vampire. My prayers have been answered again, my lucky stars guiding me and granting me the strength to make this wish come true. I. Am. Undefeatable. But all in the name of love.

We finally released from each other and stared. I gave her a loving, content smile. "Is this a…yes that you care about me?" I asked slowly. Yori suddenly smiled slowly, showing more glow on that angelic face under the moonlight.

"Yeah. Guess so."

"So…you really want to be with me?" Yori shrugged but kept that same smile.

"Well, why not. I've been getting pretty use of you hanging around anyway. Guess what I'm trying to say is…Happy Valentine's Day. And thank you". I closed my eyes and smiled wider, feeling my heart dancing with joy. I officially accomplished winning her. All of my own. Without no one's help, or relying on the 'famous Idol-senpai magic' to let us be where we are now. It all came from the heart, truthfully. I took both of her hands and guided her toward the water fountain behind us. Then, I wrapped my right hand around her tiny waist while holding up her right one with my other hand. Her left hand wrapped around my neck. We began making slow, circular motions next the fountain, reminiscing the closeness we felt at the ball dance.

"I never knew you were interesting in decorating", Yori stated, viewing the trees and red lights again. She then looked at the floating rose petals in the water. "Not bad by the way". I smiled and squeezed her hand tenderly.

"All in the name of love, my dear", I whispered. We soon danced in silence after that. And this is my happy ending. No longer am I the Great Hanabusa Aidou, but a resurrected man that has fought to win his true love. The old Hanabusa Aidou is forever gone.

Well……not entirely gone, I should say. Now that I've finally tasted her lips, let's see if I can lean a little closer to lick her neck and--

My face was covered by her entire hand, stopping our intimate moment. "Like I told you once before, there're ain't going to be hickeys and kiss bruises with me", Yori said plainly. "I just got better from a flu, I don't want to have any more germs. One step at a time, shall we?" I laughed innocently, scratching the back of my head, and hugged her again to continue our dancing. Damn this girl. Damn this girl indeed.

But the only thing is--she's my damn girl now. And I'm fine with that.

THE END

END NOTE: Well, that's it, that's the end of the story! Our beloved Aidou has once again claimed victory! The two have finally found each other. Again, I want to thank everyone for supporting my stories and working with me with your patience and understanding. I love you all. Until next time, that's all folks! :P