Disclaimer: I do not own BLEACH. I wish I do though. I just own the storyline, the dialogues, the scenes and all of the happenings in this story. And of course, the characters that weren't in BLEACH! ^^
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SweetLove.K – Thank you for reviewing! Thank you so much. I'm really happy that you fell in love with my story. I'm flattered. ^o^ Continue to read and review okay? I'll appreciate it. ^o^
Harajukubarbie – Thank you! And they will meet again soon. Just you wait. It'll be interesting. Thank you for reviewing! ^o^
Rukes – I'm so happy you love the last chapter. You'll know when they'll meet in this chapter. You'll be surprised. ^o^
Ashezo – haha ^o^ I wish Momo would do that too to Senna but unfortunately, that won't happen. *laughs* but don't worry. There's going to happen that would take you out of the "Senna" ^o^ And yeah, the song, I love it too. Actually, all of the songs I used in here are my first loved songs. But I still loved them until now. They're so wonderful ne? XD Anyway, thanks and look forward!
Aizawa Ayumu Oz Vessalius – Yeah, I love that scene too. So much. It's sooo funny imagining Ichigo pouting. XD and don't worry they'll meet again soon. Thank you for reviewing! ^o^
Now that's done… onto the story!
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Stay By My Side – XIII
The Song That You Like
~Kimi no Suki na Uta~
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:: January 19, 2016; 7AM; Kuchiki Mansion ::
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Yes, my dear readers, the mansion Rukia and Byakuya used to live in many years ago. They owned that too… :'(
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"Good morning Dad." Kuchiki Senna greeted her father with a kiss on his cheeks and made her way towards the chair on his right.
"Good morning, my dear. How was your sleep?" Her father asked.
She smiled. "It's great. But, Dad…"
"Let me guess. Kurosaki Ichigo again?"
"Well, how did you know about that?" her face showed her surprise.
"It's obvious. Every single day, there's no other problem you have except that boy."
Senna giggled. "Well yes dad. He is… well…" her eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. "I am trying hard for him to notice me but it's no use."
"What did you like about him anyway?"
"Dad! He's handsome, gentle and has a very beautiful voice. I think we're meant for each other." She said as she sighed dreamily but, as soon as it appeared, it was changed with a dark look. "If it wasn't for that Rukia, I'm sure he—"
"Rukia? You mean, Kuchiki Rukia? Why?"
"She's Ichigo's first love. He couldn't get over her and he's ignoring me because of her."
She remembered something. She hesitated but asked nonetheless. "Dad, what do you think? Is she still alive?"
"I'm not sure." Kuchiki Ryoushi shook his head. "She escaped from Tokyo a long time ago. But don't worry. I'm still looking for her and if I found her, I'll make sure she doesn't interfere between you and that boy." He smirked. "And that way, you'll become the only heiress of the Kuchiki Family."
Senna smiled excitedly. "I'll look forward to that." She suddenly looked at her watch. "Oh look at the time. I need to go now. The boss called. He needs us in his office today. Something about 'big announcement'." She stood up and kissed her father goodbye. "See you later dad."
"Yeah, see you later. Take care."
Senna rushed out of the front door.
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:: January 19, 2016; 9AM; Itsuka Ryuujin Agency: Ryuujin Samuru's Main Office ::
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"Hikaru, why did Samuru-san called us for a meeting?" Ichigo asked his manager and friend while they were sitting on one of his large couches in the room. "Did something happen?"
Hikaru shrugged. "I don't know about it too."
Then, the door opened and revealed a man, a year older than Ichigo, with brown tealed hair and gray eyes. He smiled as soon as he saw Ichigo and Hikaru.
"Oh, Ichigo-kun! Hikaru-kun! You two were called huh~" he said in a singsong voice.
"Yeah, Chiisaku-san." Ichigo replied. "Do you have any idea why we're being called?"
He put his fingertip on his chin as if in deep thought. "No, my manager didn't really tell me why."
"Oh."
And then, the door opened again to reveal two ladies. They smiled as they walked up to them.
"Hello you guys!" a girl with braided long black hair greeted cheerfully.
"Yo! Ayumi-chan, Senna-chan." Chiisaku greeted.
"Ichigo you're here too!" Senna said from behind her friend.
Ichigo just ignored her and whispered to Hikaru, "Why is she here?"
Hikaru shot him an annoyed look. "How should I know?"
"Welcome, my dear talents!" a voice boomed in the room causing the occupants to turned at the new voice.
He was Ryuujin Samuru, the owner of one of the biggest and famous Talent Agencies in the world.
The occupants bowed down in respect with an altogether greeting of, "Good Morning, sir."
Samuru smiled warmly at his talents. "Don't be so formal. I called you in here for a big announcement."
"Sir, is it good news? Or bad news? Ayumi asked.
"It is both, Ayumi-chan."
"Eh?"
"Actually, we will be having a first ever concert here in Tokyo. And, it will be in Tokyo Dome."
All of them gaped at him, but eventually, Hikaru got out of his shocked state.
"Wow! That's a very big opportunity for them!" he said.
"That's true." Samuru said. "All of you will participate in the concert, but our main singer for the night is Ichigo-kun."
Ichigo's eyes widened. "Me?"
"Yes. There are so many fans who are requesting for a concert of you. It was approved yesterday so we will be having this concert surely." Samuru smirked. "Oh, and another thing, you will need to compose a song for you to sing at the concert. It will be considered as your next album. We will use the concert to promote it. So, is it okay with you?"
Ichigo smiled and nodded in determination. "Yes sir. I will do my best."
"That would be great."
"Sir?"
"Yes, Chiisaku-kun?"
"When will be having this concert?"
"Next week."
As everyone looked at him in shock, Hikaru took the chance to ask, "Isn't that a bit early sir? I don't think it'll be an enough time for them to practice…"
"That's the reason I told you that it's also a bad news. But, I trust you all guys so I don't make me disappointed." He turned to Ichigo. "Especially you, Ichigo-kun, I am expecting a lot from you. You're my greatest talent after all."
Ichigo nodded in appreciation. "Thank you for the trust sir. I will not let you down. I'll do my best."
"I know. Well then, see you in a few days. Just keep practicing. Hikaru, I believe you know what to do."
"Yes sir."
"You're all dismissed for today."
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Outside the office,
"Samuru-san really do expect a lot from you huh, Kurosaki-san." Ayumi commented with a smile. There's no doubt about it. Kurosaki Ichigo is really a hell lot of a singer. He's really wonderful.
Ichigo shrugged.
"That's because he's so great!" Senna said cheerfully.
Ichigo ignored her as he said his goodbyes to Ayumi and Chiisaku before walking away from them.
"Ichigo wait!" Hikaru called out as he caught up to him.
"He ignored you again, Senna-chan."
"Shut up!"
"Don't make her mad. Come on now Chiisaku." Ayumi dragged Chiisaku's arm.
When the two were out of sight, Senna clenched her fists tightly.
Damn it!
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"Ichigo, have you thought a new concept for your album song?" Hikaru asked as they went their way to the parking lot where their cars were waiting.
"Well…" he thought of it for a moment and he realized something. He smiled softly. Seeing his friend's smile, Hikaru wondered if Ichigo was thinking about her again. He always does after all.
"I know."
"Hm?" Hikaru asked him.
"I'll use that song."
"What song?" Ichigo turned to Hikaru. He has been talking to himself. He forgot that his friend was still next to him.
"Oh, sorry about that." Ichigo scratched the back of his neck. "I'll go home now Hikaru. I'll check up the song." He ran up to his car. "See you later!" he said before slipping inside and drove the car away from the building.
Hikaru was lost in thought.
Song? What song could he be talking about?
Finally giving up, he give Yazumi a call to have a lunch with her.
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Even though we've been together all this time,
Without being able to say I love you, I said goodbye to you
I want to see you, so I repeat the song you like
humming it as I walk my way home…
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:: January 19, 2016; 9:30AM; Mikazuki Music Shop ::
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"Boring…" Shanelle said to herself as she sipped her orange juice placed on the top of the counter. It's been a hot day and she was relaxing in the shop. But, it bored her to hell.
"Shanelle!" Ainosuke's voice rang from the glass door of the shop.
"What is it now Ain?"
"Um… what's with the nickname?" Ainosuke stared at her as if she grew a second head. "You never call me that."
"No reason." She shrugged. "You're name is so long it's hard to say."
"Okay fine. So, I have wonderful news."
"What news?"
"There's this concert this coming next week by Itsuka Ryuujin Agency."
"Really?" she stared at him. "And who will be the…"
"Kurosaki Ichigo." He said simply.
Shanelle shut her eyes to control her raising emotions. She opened her eyes to see Ainosuke staring at her in worry.
"Sorry about that. Just couldn't help myself."
Ainosuke nodded. "Well… they said that in this concert, he will promote yet another album."
"Oh. That's good for him."
"Shanelle?"
"Hmm?"
"You okay?"
Shanelle smiled. "Of course."
"Sure?"
"Sure."
"Okay then."
"Where will it be held?" she asked suddenly.
"Tokyo Dome."
"I see."
You're so lucky Ichigo, you even have the chance to have a concert in my dream place… I'm starting to envy you… she chuckled at her own thought.
A sound of ringing bells cut her out of her thoughts and turned to the glass door to greet the customer who had just come in.
"Irrasha—" she stopped, realizing who had just come in.
Ainosuke was staring at her as soon as she pulled the door to come in. He couldn't believe his eyes.
She's really here. She came back.
"Y-Yumina?"
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The tone of your voice when you talk; where you look at; even the words that you exchange with someone else
your slightest gesture confuses me.
I hope that your feelings are the same and that the answers lie here
certainly, this miracle I waited for will occur here
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"Hi you guys!" Akasugi Yumina greeted as she flung herself towards a now running Shanelle.
"Yuu-chan! I missed you so much!" Shanelle said as she hugged her friend tightly.
"Me too Sha-chan~ It's been a while." She replied as a smile graced her face.
Soon, they pulled away from each other. Yumina turned to her childhood friend, who was still trying to grasp if his best friend was still the one in front of him.
"Hi Ai-kun! Are you not going to greet me?"
Ainosuke, hearing her voice for the first time in a long time, shook his head and glared at her.
"Why would I?" he asked coldly.
"Because it's been 5 years since we have seen each other and you missed me?" she teased.
"Tsch. As if I'll miss someone as bitch as you…"
Yumina smiled at him.
He's still the same… I'm glad…
"I'm sorry."
Ainosuke stared at her.
"I'm sorry for leaving without saying goodbye."
Shanelle softened as she heard her friend apologized. Yumina and Ainosuke have been close friends for as long as she remembered. When she was taken by Ainosuke in Karakura, Yumina have been there for her. The two of them helped her as much as they can. And from what she has seen, the two have a deep connection. More like her and Ichigo.
I can see myself and Ichigo through that two when we were still in high school…
She smiled at the memories.
She turned her head back at them when she heard Ainosuke cleared his throat.
"There's nothing for you to apologize for."
Yumina smiled. "That's your way of telling me that you miss me?"
Ainosuke's face became beet red.
Yumina smirked. "I thought so."
"Shut up."
"I miss you too, Ai-kun."
"Hmpf."
Shanelle giggled from behind them.
"Anyway guys, I need to ask a favor…"
The two stared at her.
"Did you just come back for that?" Ainosuke asked.
"Of course not. Is that what you think of me now?"
"What is it, Yuu-chan?"
"Well…"
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Even though we've been together all this time,
Without being able to say I love you, I said goodbye to you
I want to see you, so I repeat the song you like
humming it as I walk my way home
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:: Same time and date; Kurosaki Ichigo's condominium ::
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Ichigo stared at the book bind music sheet. He scanned it and smiled to himself.
This is perfect. I'm glad I've finished this years ago. I hope she still remember this…
He stared at the solo picture of her on his desk.
"Rukia…"
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The hand that I coincidently touched; even your warmth is dear
It felt like it would accept me for who I am.
The things I noticed after meeting you changed me more than ever…
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"Eh? You want our music shop to sponsor your company?" Ainosuke asked.
"Yup."
"Why ours?"
"Because your music shop is the only shop I know here. And besides, you're my friends."
"It's fine with me…" Shanelle glanced at Ainosuke.
He sighed. "Fine."
"Thanks." Yumina smiled.
"I have another request though."
"Hm?"
"Father asked me to search for a talent, one who can fight or even surpass Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Eh?" Shanelle was surprised.
"Ne, Yumina, don't tell me you…"
"Yeah, I referred Sha-chan."
"Y-Yumina, I don't think I can…"
"Shanelle, no, I am asking you as Kuchiki Rukia. Rukia-chan, if you accept this, it will be your first step to get back what is yours, second, if you'll become as popular as him, Ryoushi will be having a hard time killing you, or threatened your life."
"She has a point." Ainosuke agreed. "That way, we can take a good look out of Kuchiki Ryoushi. He wouldn't be able to hurt you, Shanelle."
"Ain…"
"Don't worry! I'll help you! We will protect you! Right Ai-kun?"
"Of course."
"Ainosuke, Yuu-chan…" she took a deep breath as she thought about it.
That way, you will finally see him again… but…
She opened her eyes that she didn't realize she closed. "I accept the offer."
"Really?" Yumina asked, her eyes lit up.
"Yeah."
"Yay! Sha-chan you're the best!"
Shanelle giggled. "What would happen then?"
"Um… here's the deal. You're still going to use your name, Kazaki Shanelle. And you must compose a song for your debut. I'll fetch you up the day after tomorrow to bring you to my father. Can you do it in one day?"
Shanelle smiled at her. "Sure."
"I know you can Sha-chan. Well then, I need to go somewhere today. I'll come back later. Nice to see you guys again. Let's have some dinner tonight okay?"
"That would be fun."
"Bye bye!" she ran out of the door but not before embracing the two.
"She always tends to do that." Shanelle turned to see Ainosuke's flushed face.
"Ain, you're blushing red."
"Shut up!"
Shanelle giggled.
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I felt melancholy from my last lost love,
Thinking that I would never love anyone again.
But now I feel that I want to live for someone again,
I will go to express to you these feelings.
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"Anyways, are you really sure about your decision? You can still back out you know."
"No, I'm sure."
I need to do this for them… for Nii-sama… for Renji and the others… for Ichigo…
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No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I never stop thinking about you.
You taught me the pain of love, not being able to be understood, and the joy of love.
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:: January 19, 2016; 8PM; Kuchiki Rukia/Kazaki Shanelle's Apartment ::
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She and Ainosuke shared the same building but Ainosuke lived in the second floor while she, on the third floor.
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Rukia was thinking what would be her concept for her coming debut.
"Hm… I wonder what concept will be this time…" she mumbled.
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Even your smile and your voice over the phone-your small body that was not fit for large crowds of people
Even your bad habits shine
all of it is one and only…
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:: Same time and date; Kurosaki Ichigo's condominium ::
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He was speaking over the phone. "Yeah, yeah." There's a pause on the other line.
"Then go over here."
"Such a waste." He smirked.
"It's not my fault if that's the day when he will take your hand for marriage…"
"Yeah, so funny Karin." He rolled his eyes.
"Fine. Just tell Mom and Yuzu then."
"I don't care about him at all!"
"Good luck. Bye." He hung up and sighed. He put down the phone and it suddenly rang again. He was sitting on the couch still.
"What?" he greeted.
"Momo?"
"Yeah, yeah, that's true."
"It's a secret." He smirked triumphantly.
"Just watch next week."
"I'm tired so just please hung the phone this instant." He hung up when he heard her whine.
He sighed tiredly. "They're so persistent."
He walked in his room and sat on a chair before his desk. He held the picture frame and stared at it. "Rukia…"
She wore a baby blue knee-length dress pair up with blue sandals and white summer hat. She wore a very big grin and a peace sign.
Ichigo smiled softly.
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By thinking about you, it becomes my energy to live tomorrow
If we are able to face each other, let's walk the road where we can believe in each other…
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"Wait, why did it become so cold all of a sudden?" she asked to herself. She turned to her open window and felt her eyes widened. She walked towards the window.
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Ichigo looked at his window as he opened it, staring at the single drops falling outside.
"It's…"
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Rukia tried to catch its drops. "…snowing…" she smiled and closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the cold drop of the snow penetrated her palm.
"Ichigo…"
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Ichigo smiled as Rukia's memories flooded through him. I remember… Rukia loves snow. I wonder if she still loves it…
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An idea popped in Rukia's mind. She returned to her desk, leaving the window open and continued to write. After a few minutes, she finished writing and tried to put a melody in it.
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Just thinking about you,
Puts me in such a pain, my heart gets filled with affection.
I want to see you, so I repeat the song you like
humming it as I walk my way home.
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:: January 24, 2016; 7PM; Tokyo Dome ::
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The concert started. Yumina went in there and she dragged Shanelle and Ainosuke along with her. Of course, Shanelle was in disguise. They were in a VIP seat but they were hidden. They couldn't be seen that easily.
The owner of Itsuka Ryuujin Agency, Ryuujin Samuru and the owner of the Akasugi Recording Agency, Akasugi Mazaru are best friends so they were invited. Mazaru is Yumina's father after all.
Many talents presented themselves. They were proved to be best since they were part of Itsuka Ryuujin Agency. Soon, it was Ichigo's time to promote his new album. He stood on the center of the stage, viewing the fans and audience in the Tokyo Dome. Before he started the song though…
"Everyone, this song, my album song, is a very special song to me. I wrote it for my best friend when we were 15. But now, I finally finished it. I hope you all love the song as much as I do."
This is for you… Rukia…
The people applauded as he started playing the instrumental with his guitar.
Ainosuke looked over at Shanelle. "You okay?"
Shanelle tried to smile. "Hm. I am." Ainosuke didn't seem convince but let it go for now. Shanelle was very thankful for that. She stared at Ichigo once more.
Ichigo… did you really…?
Ichigo took a deep breath and sang…
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"I want to know when my heart started to gasp for air
It all started when we met for the very first time…"
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Rukia remembered the melody. The melody that Ichigo used to hum when she was feeling afraid after frightful nightmare to calm her down.
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"…A new world starts to turn and I'm reborn Stay by my side
I won't ever let this heart's pounding stop
I won't be swept away by the waves
Dream (on), Sky (High), Dream of the seasons
These feelings start now
I'll keep on walking while embracing them
Stay by my side, I can do it because you're watching me
I'm not alone anymore
I'll do it for you, Take me to your dream
I'll walk with you…"
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Rukia listened carefully for the lyrics as she closed her eyes. Memories of her and Ichigo flooded through her head and pierced her heart again.
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"…Can you stay like this? You and I are reflected in each other's sparkling eyes Stay by my side
Emotions pierce my heart
I'm hesitating a little but I won't be left behind
I won't ever let the warmth in these hands disappear
I won't let time just pass me by
Dream (on), Sky (High), Make my wish come true
Now what would you think of me
Back when I used to cry so easily?
Stay by my side, you can protect me
I won't cry anymore, I'll do it for you
Take me to your dream
for you I'll try my best
Stay by my side
These feelings start now
I'll keep on walking while embracing them
Stay by my side, I can
Because you're watching me
Stay… stay…"
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Ichigo, you're… expressing your feelings to me… if can feel it… I can feel it Ichigo… I do…
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"…Stay by my side
Until the day you can stay forever
As long as we hold onto our dreams they won't fade away
Stay by my side
I want to scorch my body with yours
In the heat of this year's blue summer
Take me to your dream…
hmm… stay…"
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Ichigo through the crowd as he thought. Rukia… I miss you so much…
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Rukia lowered her head. "Thank you." She murmured, trying to fight the tears.
I love you too… Ichigo…
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-END OF CHAPTER THIRTEEN-
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A/N: Interview of the Author [Me!] with Muzume Ainosuke... Part 1!
Me: Hi! Ainosuke-kun!
Ain: Hi…
Me: Straight questions deserve straight answers ne?
Ain: Um… I think so…
Me: I'll be straight then okay?
Ain: sure.
Me: Are you in love with Rukia?
Ain: Eh? Tsch. Even if I am, you'd never let me right?
Me: Of course! She's Ichigo's!
Ain: I know! I know!
Me: But, don't be sad. I'd give you a better partner okay?
Ain: You're talking like it's just easy to make one…
Me: (pouts) Of course, I'm the creator here you know…
Ain: Fine. So, who is this partner you're talking about?
Me: Secret! (giggles)
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Author: Waah! I finished another one! Wew! I'm happy on my achievement. It's thanks to you guys that I've regained my inspiration in writing this~ thank you so much to my new and old reviewers. I love you sooo much! ^o^
Read and review! XD
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SONG: Kimi no Suki na Uta by UVERworld
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Next Chapter: White Snow
"Is she…"
"But how is that…?"
"She's doing fine…"
"That girl…"
"I am not her and I will never be her."
"She's hiding…"
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That's enough preview… I've given so much~ ^o^
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/Mari_o9/