PART TWO.


Sliding the door open, she caught sight of Tobio outside, tossing the ball in the air. She knew she'd find him out here, in spite of the chilly weather, tossing around – to clear his head. Her lips quickly pull into a smile. "Tobi!"

The boy jumped in surprise, catching the ball in his hands before turning to her. "Nee-san! What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you, too, Tobi." She ruffled his hair playfully, her breath coming out in puffs. "I'm visiting, of course." Putting her hands in her pockets, her eyes trailed around the familiar backyard filled with good memories of her childhood. "Want to toss around a bit? It's been a while."

The younger teen's blue eyes sparkled with life and he was quick to take on her offer. Arisa positioned herself on the other side, Tobio tossed the ball to his cousin, who caught it with ease.

"By the way, congratulations on winning against Shiratorizawa." She returned the ball with her forearms, watching it bounce back to her cousin. "I heard it was a heated game."

"You didn't watch it?"

Seeing the younger teen's crestfallen expression, she offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I had an entrance exam to take in Tokyo on the same day. I just learned about your win from Jigou-jii-san."

Understanding dawned on him, but it didn't exactly ease his expression. "I see…it's okay, nee-san."

It really wasn't, but it was so cute to see him so upset about her not being there.

"I'm really sorry." She received the ball with her hands overhead this time, Tobio quick to receive it. "They say you played a full set, that's impressive." She says in an attempt to lighten the mood, which did. "And Takeda-sensei told me you got selected at the Japan Youth Training Camp, so double congratulations, you."

Tobio all but let her words get to him, pride swelling, her praises meant a lot to him. It really did. But something was bothering him, bugged him ever since. Tossing the ball, he watched as his cousin easily caught it and tossed it back. Even though she quit volleyball for some time, she still hasn't lost her touch. It really was a shame she had to retire early, she had so much potential.

"Nee-san, back in middle school, did you break up with Oikawa-san because of me?"

She froze, letting the ball fly past her, his question catching her off-guard. "Why would you think that?"

He shrugged, watching her carefully. "I guessed as much."

To be honest, Tobio had honestly thought the reason Arisa quit volleyball was because of him. It was a hard pill to swallow.

After all, she got him to play. She was his inspiration to play.

She probably quit to make room for him. Or something happened with Oikawa-san because of him. His cousin was always one to put his needs before hers.

Knowing she couldn't hide it from him, she nodded. "Is that so…"

He swallowed thickly, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, having finally heard her answer.

"Actually," she says, he looked up. "that's not all to it," she tucked her hands into her pockets. "he was…becoming too much to handle." Tobio frowned, she smiled at his innocence as she continued. "he was shutting people out, from being so insecure." Arisa sighed, twirling on her heel to pick the ball from the ground. "Before you came, he was always so insecure about himself, always wanted to prove that he was the best. And then, you came along. You made everything seem to effortlessly done."

Blinking, her words seemed a bit too much for him. Arisa let him be, letting the thoughts sink into his brain. When finally, it dawned unto him, he couldn't help but cup the back of his neck.

"Don't worry," she laughed, staring at the ball for a few seconds before picking it up. "you're not the one he hated most. That top spot's for Ushijima Wakatoshi."

"Nee-san, you know Oikawa-san that much, huh?"

Chuckling nervously, she slowly stood, hugging the ball. "Well, duh, I dated him. Twice."

She tossed the ball back to Tobio, who, for once, hadn't seen the ball coming. His expression was enough to make her smile, had she not noticed his tone earlier. It reminded her very much of the scene of him and Oikawa after Karasuno won against Aoba Johsai.

"D-Did…" she swallowed, though her throat was dry. "Did he hurt you after…?"

Frowning, Tobio was quick to understand her question and shook his head. "No, he just seemed more childish than usual."

She took a ragged breath and nodded. "I see."

Ducking his head, his attention turned to the ball in his hand, twirling it around. But in the years she knew him, she knew that he was probably doing some thinking.

"A-Also…" shuffling on the spot, his shoes digging into the cold earth, he peeked through his fringe. "nee-san, are you back with Oikawa-san?"

"No," she shook her head, he was probably thinking to that one time he saw them, running a hand through her hair. "We did get back together last year, but we broke up shortly."

Tobio chewed on his lip, letting the ball sit in his palm while scratching his hair, unsure what to do with his hands. "When were you going to tell me?"

"I was planning to, believe me." She took a step closer, his blue eyes watching her. Those blue eyes that just aged so much, no longer filled with childish rage. "I was scared of letting him manipulate me into hating you. I was scared of hurting you because you looked up to him. I just…I just keep holding myself back. It's all I've ever done then."

Bringing his palms to the ball, producing a light smack, Tobio continued to regard her. "You just have a hard time trusting the people who hurt you. You're also scared of showing your weak side. Nee-san is stubborn, is all."

Arisa's brows knitted together but found herself chuckling, it was true. Only a select knew her really and her trademark Taurus trait of being stubborn.

Overhead, the snow started to fall – both cousins pulled her head back to watch white flakes pour down from the darkened skies, sticking to their dark hairs.

Shaking the snow off her hair, she smiled down at her cousin and announced. "I think it's time we get back inside-"

"Nee-san," Tobio called out, almost forcefully. "I also have something else to say."

Taken by the volume of his voice, she turned back to him. "Okay…"

"Um," he fidgeted in place, glaring at the ground, she could almost see the gears in his head working. "I-It's okay if...um, nee-san, you can. Um." At first, he was stuttering. And then, he was mumbling things under her breath. Arisa was worried, about to ask him if he was okay when he said in one breath: "Nee-san, what I'm trying to say is: you don't have to look after me anymore."

Those words felt like a stab to her heart, her mouth parting. "You don't mean that."

"I do," Tobio gulped, worry in his eyes, but there was also something there, akin to maturity. "You've done so much for me nee-san, and I appreciate that, but you've given so little for yourself in turn. I can never think of a time where nee-san was always the first to help me off my feet, especially when I thought the world had given up on me. You mean a lot to me, you really do. But the truth is," he gulped, harshly, his blue eyes sad, like all those years ago. "I'm nothing more but to fill the longing for your brother. I'm nothing but Takeru's substitute, right?"

"TOBIO!"

Tobio flinched, eyes wide in surprise. She never raised her voice at him, not once.

For a moment, she was quiet, simply acting out of instinct. His words were ringing in her head, like a painful reminder of everything Oikawa told her before. It was hard, physically and emotionally hard, when the truth was twisted up, and to have to answer it in a way that would already hurt her.

Sweet Tobio, oh how long he must've thought of it.

Tears began welling up in her eyes, much to his alarm. "That's true, you're not Takeru. I know that. But I love you, Tobio. You're like a brother to me, the brother I had and lost." She shook, unclenching her fists, she could feel it to her fingertips. "Yes, I'll admit that I did take advantage of being the oldest. But at the time, I knew that I had to protect you both. And I was so happy doing my time of being the older sister looking after her younger brothers. You were an only child," the memory of Tobio watching her and Takeru burned in her mind, the loneliness in his blue eyes. "so I didn't want you to feel lonely. That's why you had me and Takeru. We were family. It was hard losing Takeru because he was my blood brother, who had his whole life ahead of him only to be taken away by his sickness. I just wanted to take care of you as I would Takeru. I'm sorry you think that."

Tobio rushes to her, the ball falling off and rolling into the ground, quickly enveloping his cousin into a hug. "No, I'm sorry nee-san." She returns his hug, tears streaming down her face. "But I still stand by what I said."

She smiles, holding him tighter. "Of course. When did you grow up so fast?"

The cousins held each other for a while, sharing in each other's warmth and assuring the other that they were loved, that they were never forgotten, and that they always had a special place in the other's heart.

"Tobi?"

"Yes, nee-san?"

"Go win some at nationals, okay?"

"Of course."


Graduation was a solemn occasion, bittersweet as well.

Everywhere around her, everyone was feeling it – tears in their eyes as they throw each other in friend's arms, cracking what may be the last joke they'll share, but smiles are on their faces.

Quote, what feels like the end, is often a new beginning, unquote, said the class valedictorian.

Funny how a few years ago, she was dreading the moment she was enrolled to this school and now she was leaving it equally dreaded but only because she was technically an adult – at least according to Japanese Ministry of Education. That, and the diploma in her hand.

The cherry blossoms fell like rain, painting the school pink. She reached out a hand, watching a petal fall on her hand – tragic that something so beautiful had to greet her on this day. Ironic, really.

"Nee-san!" At the sound of a familiar voice, Arisa turns her head, fixing on a smile – only to be greeted by a flash.

"Congratulations, Arisa." Greeted a chubby, dark-skinned man.

Her smile grew, exposing her teeth. "Jigou-jii-san!" behind him was a familiar teen, with hair as dark as hers. "Tobi!" he held a bouquet to her.

"Congratulations on graduating, nee-san!"

She takes the bouquet gratefully, engulfing the boy into a one-arm hug. "Thank you! And thank you for coming."

"O-Of course, I'd come!" he says, cheeks puffing and red. "Nee-san went to mine."

She laughed, ruffling her cousin's head. "Where're my parents and my grandfather?"

"Aunt and Uncle said they wanted to say hi to some friends, while your grandfather went to the toilet. He brought Nagasaki with him." Arisa laughed again, especially at the mention of the family dog. Nagasaki was a happy dog, but for some reason, he was scared of Tobio.

Turning to her godfather, she playfully punched his shoulder. "And you! You told me you couldn't come!"

Rubbing his arm, he chuckled heartily. "And miss the graduation of my godchild? Ha! Fat chance!" he says, smiling down at her. She returned the smile, which has been there since this morning.

"Alrighty, let me take a picture of you two, okay?" her godfather says.

The two posed together, smiles on their faces as the cherry blossoms fell behind them. Her parents and grandfather appeared not soon later, joining in the pictures.

Seeing (and hearing) a group of people, she excused herself from her family (handing Tobio's bouquet to her father) and walked towards them.

"Ah, Segumi!" Arisa waved at the brunette, her wavy hair flying in the wind, having decided to leave it long. The brunette was grinning ear to ear at the sight of her. "I've been looking for you, where have you been?"

"A-Ah, toilet." She replied, playing with her hair. Arisa noticed that she kept three of her fingers in, using only two of her fingers to fix her hair.

"What's that in your hand?" A maddening blush dusts the brunette's cheeks when Arisa asked, making her curiosity spike even more. Segumi seemed to hesitate at first, much to Arisa's confusion.

Taking a step forward, cutting the distance between the two and creating some sort of privacy, she slowly opened her palm, revealing a single button.

Arisa's brain took some time to process, because that was strange their school doesn't have gakuran uniforms. But she knew she saw this in some cheesy film before-

And then, it clicked.

"Wait…" If possible, Segumi's face darkened even more. "Segumi, d-did…?" the brunette nodded furiously, closing her palm and bringing her fist to her chest. She peered her eyes at her best friend, realization slowly sinking in. "You didn't give your ribbon in return, did you?"

Without waiting for her reply, Arisa quickly directed her attention to a familiar spiky-haired former vice-captain and ace player – Iwaizumi Hajime, then back to her best friend, noticing for the first time that she was missing her ribbon. Looking back at the ace, a familiar ribbon had been wrapped around his wrist.

At the realization, she squealed and enveloped her friend in a tight hug. People were staring at them, wondering what they were so happy about.

"I'm so happy for you!" she says after pulling away, mirroring her best friend's grin.

Happiness brimmed on her friend's doe eyes, Segumi looking like she was about to cry, but struggled to keep them in. Behind her, Hanamaki, Matsukawa, and Oikawa were poking fun at the ace, who was red in the face.

"Thank you," Segumi replied, wiping rebellious tears away, laughing through the tears. "I'm so happy, too."

Although the girls' team couldn't secure a spot for nationals, Arisa had never been prouder of her best friend – her sweet best friend who deserved everything coming her way. While the best friends were having their moment, and gushing over Segumi's new love life, they were soon joined in by some of the graduating members of the girls' team, together with her cousin and her newborn son.

Her godfather popped out of nowhere, together with Tobio, and began taking photos. Arisa took dozens of photos with her class, both volleyball teams.

As she was talking with her peers, hugging her cousin from behind, someone cleared their throat behind her. She felt a shiver run down her spine, slowly letting go of her cousin as they turned to the person behind them in unison – Oikawa.

Noticing the change, her peers silently excused themselves from the scene.

Her protective instincts kicked in before she held herself, it had been a habit. Beside her, her cousin simply gave her a look. The cousins looked at the tall brunet in question.

"Tobio," he addressed her cousin directly. "congratulations."

The young teen blinked at that but stood straighter. "T-Thank you, Oikawa-san! And you too, as well!"

Something small suddenly ran up to Arisa, wrapping their small arms around her waist. Surprised, Arisa looked down and was met with a teary-eyed Takeru, now sporting a thick mane of curly locks like that of his mother's.

Coming to, she greeted the boy with a light smile "H-Hey," with one hand, she wiped his tears away, with the other, she ruffled through his hair. "Hey you..."

"He missed you," Oikawa murmured lowly behind them, Takeru tightened his hold around her, the tips of his ears red. She feels awful after hearing that, having been close with the boy. When they were dating, she'd always spend time with the little boy, teaching him a few tricks that Oikawa refused to teach. Maybe it was because he had the same name as her younger brother, but she was always fond of little Takeru. And he's been fond of her as well. And after they broke up, they haven't been seeing each other.

Arisa didn't care that her uniform was getting stained as she hugged the boy back, having missed him too. A flash caught her off-guard (once again), she looked up, surprised at who she found. She stiffened at the sight of Oikawa's older sister - Aiko, unsure how to approach her. Since their breakup, Arisa cut her ties with the Oikawa family.

"Takeru, get over here," his mom called, and he obeyed, furiously wiping his tears, and ran up to his dad, who was standing beside his mom.

"Hey, you two," Aiko called, appearing behind them, a camera in hand. "take a picture together."

Tobio, feeling out of place, removed himself from the scene. Oikawa and Arisa stared at each other, quite awkwardly, before Oikawa cleared his throat and gestured for the photo. Arisa complied, quite stiffly. The two stood next to each other, Oikawa putting an arm behind the small of Arisa's back, his touch surprised them both, but they were quick to put on a smile as Aiko pressed the button.


"I always forget how much energy your team has," Arisa laughed, carefully walking along the rocks with, hands outstretched to her sides, her sandals held on either hand. Luckily, Sugawara was walking beside (below) her, making sure she didn't fall. "almost at par with Johzenji."

The gray-haired teen pulled his head back, barking a laugh. "Yeah, we kind of are. But only because we have four idiots that keep the team alive."

She quickly turned around, offended for her little cousin, looking down at him with her arms crossed over her borrowed jacket. "Hey, that's mean!"

"So, you admit that your cousin is an idiot?" he asked with a raised brow.

Arisa struggled to keep a straight face but lost, eventually breaking into chuckles. She knelt, hiding her face in her hands.

"You suck!" she tells him, voice muffling.

He laughed with her. "Hey, you're still not denying anything!" He shrugged easily, walking up to help her down the rocks.

She took his hand and gently hopped down, quickly putting on her sandals afterward.

Arisa had been invited to Karasuno's victory party – having won nationals. It was a small get together on a mountain spring for two days and one night. Considering the hectic week, she and the rest of the third years has been through, the party was a sort of relief – especially the hot springs.

On the first day, immediately she was asked to play with them for old time's sake – joining the graduating team (Coach Ukai was even in their team) in a play against the lower year levels. They must've played for hours with a team having monster stamina (and players, according to Tsukishima). And then, they headed to the springs to relax.

Later that night, it was a full-blown party. Well, it felt like it – with rumbustious team members, a cheerful (almost drunk) teacher, cheery banter, and horrible singing. Still, it felt wholesome.

Arisa had sat next to her cousin, who had never been to an outing that wasn't training camp – he didn't have many friends. When she leaned against him, she could almost feel the excited and nervous energy inside him that wanted to join in the fun. Seeing Nishinoya pick a song, she pushed her cousin to his feet.

It had been a night of laughs and tears – a bittersweet occasion with the team moving forward and the seniors passing the torches to them, but nonetheless, it was a night to remember.

And just as the night was getting started, Sugawara (discreetly) approached her and asked if they could take a walk.

(Thankfully this time, no one noticed them leave.)

It was a cold spring evening – not too hot, not too cold.

The two walked in silence as they walked around the gardens, the sounds of their wooden sandals trotting against the cobblestone filling in.

As they were in the mountains, there weren't many houses or they were too far, filling in the spaces were trees, plains, grass, or rivers. The air was cooler, thinner, and sweeter. It's not that often that Arisa gets to visit the countryside, but it sure was peaceful. A soft laugh sounded next to her, making her realize that she had spoken aloud.

"You sound like an old man." Sugawara laughed, tucking his hands into his sleeves, making him look like a monk.

"What? It's true!" she was quick to defend herself. "Better than city life, where everything's a mess."

"That's true," Sugawara nodded, wistfully.

Arisa eyed him from the corner of her eye, confused at his sudden air of wisdom. He was usually the chatty type, but right now he was just quiet.

As if sensing her gaze, he looked down and met her eyes, giving nothing away as he smiled. Arisa didn't look away either, still trying to figure him out.

Sugawara's gazed flicked past her, to the view in front of them. Arisa followed his gaze and sighed. They stopped at by a small pond, the moonlight reflecting in the water and the slight movement from the koi fishes that lingered.

"I wish I brought my camera with me," Arisa sighed again.

"You don't need it," the teen says next to her, his voice soft. "You just need to take the view in. The best moments aren't captured by film, but by our hearts."

She snorted, turning to him. "That was actually kind of cheesy-"

Suddenly, there was a pair of lips pressed against hers – chaste and firm, warm and soft.

Caught completely by surprise, Arisa's body went rigid but didn't push him away.

When Sugawara pulled away, although dazed, Arisa could feel herself burning up, her breath coming up short. In front of her, Sugawara was equally red but kept a firm expression with his eyes kept on her. "How did it feel?"

Arisa could feel her heart pounding, from her chest to her throat, if that made sense. Her lips tingled at the touch. And yet, all she felt was guilt.

Her silence was enough, the gray-haired teen sighed defeatedly.

"I knew it." His shoulders sagged in defeat. Taking a deep breath, he tipped his head back and angrily exhaled. "Ah, that was so uncool!"

"I'm sorry, Koushi-kun." She said with a slight hitch in her voice.

"Oh, don't be." He holds her eyes in his, his Adam's apple bobs in his throat. "I always knew I didn't have a chance."

"But you did."

"I did," he repeated, the flush slowly fading from his face, a defeated sigh escaping his lips. "but not just enough, right?"

"I feel really shitty," says Arisa, burying her face in her hands. "I'm the shittiest girl on the face of the earth."

"No, you're not. You're just too honest with yourself." He tells her, she looks up. "I knew that something was up the moment Oikawa showed up that day during our practice match. And after you told me about your history, I thought that maybe," running a hand through his hair, he let it drop to his side. "just maybe, I could be the better man for you. But that's wishful thinking and idealistic of me, isn't it? I always knew I didn't stand a chance, but still, I went for it because I like you." What he was speaking was the truth – heartfelt and true, something she envied him so much.

His confession was too much to handle, hating how he was being considerate, kind, yet calm at the same time. "Has anyone told you that you can be devilishly perceptive?"

He snorted. "Perceptive, yes. Devilishly? No. That's a first, actually. To my face." A pleasant half-smile appears on his face, warm eyes regarding her cool ones. "But has anyone ever told you that you're protecting yourself from another heartbreak?"

"Touché." She said weakly, he reminded her of Oikawa sometimes, for being so perceptive.

But what she didn't tell him was that he, Sugawara Koushi, could just be the person she needed right now. That the idea of them was actually possible. She could fall for him easily. He was warm. He was snarky. He was honest. He always made her feel so secure. He was so reliable. He was perfect, not totally, but he was. It's just that…Oikawa Tooru was first, and he couldn't leave no matter how hard she tries.

"You don't have to say anymore, Arisa," Sugawara said with a shake of his head as if he knew her thoughts. It just made her heart hurt even more.

Turning his back to her, he stared blankly at the water in front of him, the koi swimming without a care in the world.

"Hey," she tugged at his kimono. "Koushi-kun."

He looked over his shoulder, meeting her eyes.

It took just one look before he leaned in to kiss her again. And this time, she kissed him back.

She closed her eyes, losing herself in the kiss that made her float dizzily into the moment, feeling his hands cupping her cheek and her waist.

Overhead, a cloud slithered through, covering the moon and filling in the moment with a cloud of darkness. They were still kissing even after the moon showed itself again.

Parting, all Arisa could feel – aside from her heart ready to skyrocket out of her mouth, the heat from her skin, and the shaking of her body – was nothing.

And Sugawara saw through that, smiling nonetheless that kind smile of his. Her heart hurt again, she didn't deserve that smile. Regardless, he pulled her close, tucking her head under his chin.

"Well, thank you for the rejection and for stealing my first kiss."

She couldn't help but laugh,smacking his shoulder. "You're such a dork."


When Arisa arrived home, she immediately went to her room and replaced the contents of her bag with beachwear, as the next day, she was invited to Aoba Johsai Volleyball Club's farewell party.

Honestly, it was tiring to travel. Also, considering that the two invites were exact opposites of each other. But she couldn't say no to both invites, even though she really wanted to rest. (Thankfully, the Press Club had their year-end/farewell party a week before she received both invites.)

Arisa was invited by the Karasuno team plainly because they like her and for her cousin's sake, as for the Aoba Johsai team, it's because she's played a part in both team's success that year and because Segumi and the rest of the girls' team wanted her to be there.

Although tiring, Arisa will admit she was looking forward to it. She liked traveling, and she liked picturesque places.

Azukihama was a picture perfect little place – the skies were at its bluest, the ocean that spread as far as the eye can see, white sandy beaches, and a rocky island surrounded the place like a barrier. She was so glad she decided she brought her camera, she was never without it.

(She just hoped she still had some memory or she at least brought her extra memory card.)

Just like the Karasuno trip, it was a two-day, one-night trip.

And since it was spring, there was barely any people at the beach save for the rowdy volleyball teams and a few tourists.

Everyone from the volleyball team (even the energetic Hinagiku) were running towards the beach the moment they arrived, while the coaches and second years chased after them.

They had left early, giving Arisa time to sleep on the ride, and arrived in time for lunch. Afterwards, everyone headed for the beach. And considering that they were a volleyball team, a game of beach volleyball was bound to happen.

Arisa enjoyed watching from the side, along with the coaches (especially her cousin and her newborn child), doing her usual routine of taking a lot of photos. Not soon after, she was asked to play often playing doubles along with Segumi or her cousin.

I spend too much time with volleydorks, she thought as she made her serve. The lower-years cheered for her as she played. She couldn't help her infamous smile making its way to her face as she played.

At one point, she and Segumi went up against Iwaizumi and Oikawa. It was awkward at first, but entertaining as the game progressed. Of course, in the end, the former vice-captain and captain won.

Quite noticeably, during the rest of the trip, she barely spoke to Oikawa at all. Oikawa, in turn, seemed oblivious to her presence. (It kind of hurt, to be honest)

Later that evening, a small program was held. Coach Yoshizawa had a video played of the (now) graduates' tryouts and early days in the team. Laughter roared, tears shed, all at the nostalgia. They've sure come a long way. A few speeches were made by the former captains and vice-captains, making it quite emotional.

Soon after came the announcement of the new captains and vice-captain for the two teams: Yahaba was the new captain for the boys' team, with Ueno as the vice-captain; Yoshino was the new captain for the girls' team, with Nishijo (Suzuna) as the vice-captain.

Shortly after the turnover of responsibilities, the night began. Out came the karaoke machine and the booze and drinks, not everyone drank but that was okay. Not everyone could party, and that was okay as well.

Some graduates, however, would try and goad the lower years to take a sip. The poor souls.

Arisa enjoyed watching the night unfold, letting herself loose as everyone seemed to be enjoying herself.

Taking a sip of her beer, she smiled, watching the two new, adorably awkward couple – Hajime and Segumi. She can't help but be happy for them, finally after three years! And they both got accepted to Tokyo University!

The two were being fawned upon by everyone, especially since some of the third years had been betting on them and waiting for forever for them to get together.

A soft gust of wind swept through her face, blowing a strand of hair to her cheek. Turning her head, her eyes stared off at the blackened ocean – as if it was calling out to her.

Stepping away from the crowd, she discreetly made her way to the beach. The noise getting softer as she walked further away, finding herself standing by the wooden beach walk, staring off at the sea.

Breathing in through her nose, the salty smell of the ocean cooled her insides. Exhaling, she walked up the railings, hoisted herself up and sitting down, her feet dangling off.

A loud cheer sounded off behind her, she turned to look. It sure was a party now.

Beach and booze, that must be quite the combination. She thought, wrapping one arm against the iron pole beside her.

"You'll fall," a voice calls behind her.

She rolled her eyes, even though she knew he wouldn't see it. "Stop being such a mom, Hajime."

"What're you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be joining the fun?" he asked, propping his elbows against the railing.

"Pass. I'm not really the party type, it takes too much energy, even just being there." She replied, staring out at the darkened ocean.

"I get you," laughs Iwaizumi, rubbing the back of his neck.

Leaning her head against the pole, she eyed spiky-haired for a while, eventually saying. "Congrats by the way,"

Laughing through his next sip, Iwaizumi bit down as he flushed. "Y-Yeah."

"Took you long enough, asshole!" she laughingly threw a punch to his shoulder.

Iwaizumi rubbed at his shoulder (Arisa packed quite a punch), smiling gratefully. "It wasn't easy."

"It never was." There was something in her voice when she said that, Iwaizumi noted. Arisa didn't seem to notice as she nods at her words, staring at her drink. Turning to the spiky-haired teen, she lifts her drink up. "But I'm happy for you two, really."

Ever so slightly, the corners of his lips lift, raising his drink in the air with her. The two drink to it, silence filling in – save for the waves crashing, crickets singing, and the distant racket behind them.

"You're his first love, you know that?" he says suddenly, almost sounding like he was scolding her. She smiled; Hajime really was such a mom sometimes. He was also a good friend.

Arisa said nothing, swirling the contents of her drink instead.

She knew that. Of course, she did, even before he told her. She knew because he was hers.

He chugged his drink and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, watching her from the corner of his eye. "Does he know you're leaving?" Iwaizumi asks, nearly stopping her cold.

A brief silence filled in.

She took a swig of her beer – a beverage she hated, but relished in the burn down the throat. Swallowing down hard, her lips formed a tight line, shoulders dropping.

"Of course not." He sighs. Really, the two were such idiots.

Segumi probably told him, she was the only person (next to Tobio, her godfather, and her family) who knew.

With the help of her godfather's contacts, she was enrolled in an art school in New York.

Leaving was hard, but she needed this.

Sniffling, she shrugged, head against the cold pole. "I trust you won't tell him?"

He sighs again, hating how he was the bearer of bad news.

"Sure."


"Do you ever think that we're not alone in the universe?"

"Okay, I'll put you to a stop there."

"Why?"

"Because either of the two scientific theories would be scary - that we're not alone, or that we are."

"Either way, it's something to think about, don't you think?"

"Please stop."

They laughed quietly, voices muffled by the comforts of their sheets.

"Then again," she says with a yawn. "If we were the only ones in the universe or we're not alone, it's nice that there's just you and me. The rest of them can fucking suck it."

He smiled at her words, even though she was probably half-asleep, watching her eyes flutter close. "Are you falling asleep?"

She hummed.

"Sleep then, I'll be here."

"You sleep too,"

"But I like watching you sleep,"

She laughed sleepily, tiredly shoving his face away. He caught her hand in his, intertwining their fingers together.

"You're a shitty person for quoting a shitty character."

"What, not a fan of a beautiful, sparkling vampire?"

"No, you're blinding enough." A sort of sleepy smirk makes its way into her face, he laughs.

He chuckles, bringing her hands to his lips, pressing the gentlest of kiss on her wrist. She sighed sleepily, weakly putting on a smile.

Lying down next to her, he wraps his arms around her frame, drawing her close.

"Sleep." He says.

"G'night," she slurs, the warmth of his arms and the press of his lips to her forehead the last thing she remembered. "M'not going anywhere."

"Me too."


A/N: And so I decided to break the chapter into two, because I didn't want to keep killing you guys with feels and because I didn't like the shift /pace of the story. Whew, this was a LOADED chapter, a lot of loose ends to tie up (though I worry if I got them all). And wow, my first post of the year, YAY!

Thank you guys so much for following through with this story. Some of these chapters were based on real-life events (except for the breakup). The scene with Takeru was heavily based on my big sister's high school graduation, where my baby brother cried when he saw my sister's ex-boyfriend, as the two were close. Arisa traveling one place to another happened to me two years ago, because my friend really wanted me to tag along the club getaway that I wasn't a part of.

Also, if this chapter seems sort of rushed, I'm sorry, I tend to lose focus on the little parts as I pour my writing on parts I like. So…yeah. And yeah, I decided to break the chapter into two parts. It's kind of exciting that way. I will edit this soon, but I'm just excited to hear your thoughts on the second half of the chapter.

Epilogue to follow!