~x~

It's my last day here.

In one hour, the car will arrive to take me back to St. Marie.

I've already finished packing, so I make my way into the kitchen. I want to say goodbye to Noburu, Haru, and Sho.

But they never come.

~x~

I frown, checking my watch. 10:30 AM. They usually meet here at 10.

Where are they?

I decide to ask Aoi. She's in our room, reading a book.

"Aoi-chan... Have you seen the others?" I inquire.

She shakes her head. "Come to think of it... I haven't seen them all morning. Why?"

I bite my lip. "I'm leaving today, so I thought it would be nice to say goodbye. But I can't find them anywhere."

"Oh." She pauses. "I'm sorry, Ichigo."

I shake my head. "Don't worry about it... it's not your fault."

She smiles, nodding her thanks. Suddenly, her eyes widen. "Your car's here!"

I glance out the window, and I can see that she's right. "I'll miss you, Aoi." I tell her, knowing that these may be my last words to her.

She smiles sadly. "Yeah. Me, too."

I return her smile. Then I leave the room, sprinting to make it to the car.

And as the car slowly drives away, I realize that somehow, in my short time here, the school has managed to make its way into my heart.

Goodbye, everyone. Thank you for everything.

~x~

As I enter St. Marie, I've never felt happier in my life. The familiar surroundings engulf me with a strange sense of happiness. It's bitter but yet so sweet, like the lasting sensation of dark chocolate.

I walk down the hallways, without a care in the world. I'm almost at the baking room when I hear it.

"We don't need her. We've never needed her. Amano's skills are worthless compared to Emi's."

I freeze. I know that voice. I would have recognized it anywhere.

But it couldn't be.

...Kashino?

~x~

This chapter was really fun to write. xD Should I continue this...?

Thank you all so much for the lovely reviews!

1. meredyr

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3. Cally

4. S.K

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I cannot thank you enough. Most people have already stopped reading this story by now... I'm really grateful to those who haven't! ❤

Oh, and one more note:
To all of you who are complaining about the chapter length... please read my profile under "Author's Note". Thanks!