Rising from your seat, a quick brush the your skirt, you descended down the hill with careful footwork. "Masaki," you started slowly, robbing his attention from the soccer ball. Skillfully trapping it underneath his foot, Kariya fixated his gaze onto you, a dreadfully confused look caught in his almond orbs. "The one I like...really is you."

His breath hitched in his throat, and you stole away all words bubbling in him. He found his heart picking up it's pace, faster than when he was playing, and time seemed to freeze on your confession. "R-Really—?" he stammered out, truly at a loss of words. "Don't you like...Kirino-senpai though?"

"I really thought I did. And, even if what you did was horrible...I can understand why you did it," you stated. Although simply because he had a reason, doesn't justify his actions at all; it was just better to get a mutual understand of that, for the better of things. "I'll put all my trust in you. You don't have to be alone anymore. But you better not try something like that again!"

"Are you serious..?" Kariya, still utterly speechless, lightly gripped your hand for comfort. He can tell you're probably going to cry, he is too, and he can't help but want to hold your hand a little tighter. When you nod your head in affirmation, eyes slit in sternness,that's when he knew you really meant it. You actually liked him, not Kirino, not anyone else; and you were willing to give him a chance. A heartfelt chance at an earnest relationship. "I'm..sorry for what I did. I promise to treat you right, and I'll apologize to Kirino-senpai as well."

Your lips curled upwards, simply elated to hear him apologize, and vow to you like that. You let go of his hand, and immediately encircled your arms around his neck, embracing him completely. Fumbling a bit with the ball under his foot, he found it in himself to hug you back, squeezing tightly; just like he did that night, only with more lighter, and heartfelt feelings lingering in the air.

"I don't want to let go of you," Kariya whispered, a hint of desperation lurking in it. If he had it his way, he'd really keep you in his arms forever. He's also thankful you forgave him, a fragment of despair had been planted in him that you'd live on with this hatred for him, knowing now you had forgiven him lifted it from his chest. "Are you really sure about choosing me?"

He was just tormenting himself by saying that, inquiring over and over again, almost like he needs to have it imprinted in his mind, etched in his eardrums, and carved in his heart. He's just so paranoid right now, he almost lost you once, he doesn't want a repeat. When he heard you mumble, "yes, I mean it!", he brought his lips to yours, and unabashedly pressed them together.

Meshing them together to display his utmost passion for you, every move of his lips holding sincerity as he kept your lips locked together. It was lengthy, and absolutely breathtaking; much different than the one he suddenly forced on you earlier, and this one was definitely much more enjoyable. Parting for a second, Kariya wanted to refill his lungs with one swift flash of air, he was used to going long lapses without proper breaks for breathing, so he could go back to kissing you; but as you shyly turned your head away, the heat from your cheeks, and mingling breaths made his breath come to a halt again. 'Cute..!'

"G-Geez," was all you could muster out, lips poised in a smile, but your eyes reflected your inner embarrassment. "Ah—that reminds me, I should really go apolo—"

"There's no need."

Both you and Kariya untangled yourselves from each other, confusion written eyes then peering over at Kirino who finally made himself visible, having watched for a small inkling of time without muttering a word. "Ranmaru, what do you mean?"

"You're feeling guilty, aren't you? I'll admit I really felt lead on, but, if this is what you want, then I'm happy for you," Kirino exclaimed, voice almost cracking half-way. Of course he liked you, he thought you liked him back to, so finding out in the end you had chosen someone other than him made him consumed with envy. Having said that, though, Kirino was a good guy, who truly only wanted what's best for you(Kariya better give it to you), and for you to be happy.

Even if it means you aren't with him, and he had to fumble around in emotional pain for a bit.

"I really wish you two the best—and, Kariya! If you ever mess up, I'll claim [First Name] in a heartbeat!"

"Hah? Senpai, you don't need to worry about that~! I won't."

A single tear rolled down your cheek whilst the warmest smile curved on your lips.

Kirino was the true knight, you even knew that. Kariya wasn't, he was nothing close to what even defines a 'real' knight; but that never meant he didn't have a heart that could love. Through all of his actions, small or big, he displayed his earnest feelings.

Tugging on your hand, Kariya smirked, and whispered hotly in your ear, "I love you~", before kissing your cheek, and bidding farewell to his once rival.

The End.

a/n; I'm crying: It's over. I've finally finished, and I'm really sad now that I'm done! But also proud, of course! Sorry if the ending feels a little, rushed, maybe? Thank you to everyone who has given me support throughout this story, and reviewed, etc etc. It means so muuuuuch! :)

inazuma eleven go © level-5