Akatsuki-hime: Yippee! Here's another update! It's already the 20th chapter. I can't believe it. I was able to write so many. I'm glad! (Excuse me for my rudeness... I'm just happy that class is over for now.)

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed Destiny.

Destiny High School

Phase 20: View of One's Self

Not another word from her, Cagalli was pulled into a hug by Athrun. He wrapped his arms securely around, nestling the warmth inside of him. Though he felt nervous, he still managed to whisper sweet words into Cagalli's ear. His words were profound, engaging and true. He was being true to himself after so many years. Finally, he was able to gather the courage to confess his love for the girl he truly loves.

"I love you, Cagalli..."

"What?!" were the words she could only utter at that moment. She was too surprised and too stiff to even move a muscle. She was rather motionless. Never has she seen Athrun acting this way. In addition to that, she was hugging her so lovingly. It was her first time to be held like that.

She felt something deep stirring in her heart. Was it love? She wasn't sure. She let her thoughts drift with the wind as she stared up in the sky. A sudden image crossed her mind that brought her back to reality. Gently, she pulled herself away from her childhood friend and faced his emerald green eyes.

"Cagalli, I..." Athrun wanted to tell her again, but Cagalli stopped him by placing her finger on his lips. From that action, Athrun could sense something sore emitting from his heart. Was it fear? He admitted to himself that he was afraid. But he had told himself to be strong enough to bear any consequences.

Cagalli let out a small sigh. It wasn't a depressed sigh- more like a confused one. She was confused because of her emotions. The image she thought of earlier was of Shinn, her best friend. Until now, her feelings for him were still there and it remained unchangeable. She was so sure that she convinced herself to let go of Shinn. She couldn't... She still loves him... more than a friend... And it hurt her.

"Athrun," she started, feeling uneasy. Her emotions were dwelling rapidly inside of her. She felt the pain of her heart slowly grasping her. She was afraid to tell Athrun the truth, her real feelings. She didn't want to hurt her friend but she had to do it. It was for Athrun's sake as well. "Athrun, I'm..."

"I'm really sorry for being so sudden," Athrun cut her off. "But I just want to let you know my feelings for you, Cagalli." He lowered his voice as he looked down.

She clasped her hands together and looked down as well. She was hesitating to tell him. And why was that?

Is it because his my best friend? I thought I was over him!

Her mind was having a fierce battle with her heart. As the mind continued to tell her to stop thinking about Shinn, the heart was struggling to maintain the love she held for him.

She scratched her head in frustration. The confusion she was experiencing was messing up her up. She wanted this to end!

"Cagalli..." His voice broke into her thoughts. "Are you all right? I'm sorry for surprising you like that..."

"Athrun, I need some time to think about this... Please understand me..." Her voice was cracking. It sounded like she wanted to cry. Athrun felt worried for her. He wanted to sooth her but before he could do anything, she quickly ran off.

"Cagalli!" uttered Athrun. He watched her run until she disappeared from sight. He sighed and murmured, "I should've thought about this more thoroughly... She must be really confused."

He grimaced as he placed his hand on his temple.

If he knew it would trouble Cagalli he wouldn't have bothered to tell her in the first place. Yet, he was acting upon his emotions when he expressed his feelings. He was just following his heart.

And there was nothing wrong with that.

All he could do for the time being was to wait for her reply, whether it was good or bad.

Next day (Destiny High School)

Lacus wondered what Fllay thought she could do with the matchmaking game. So far she had been doing a pretty good job setting up dates. She was extremely grateful to Fllay for all she had done for her.

But there were times she felt like a burden to Fllay. Lacus never thought of repaying her for her kindness. She had to do something to return the favor but what? She couldn't come up with any nice ideas.

Though asking her sister, Mia, wouldn't be a very bright one. Mia was always jealous of Fllay's talents and popularity.

It would be nice for them to get along. A nice thought, however it will never work out. Bringing those two together will mean trouble for her. Mia would definitely reprimand her and Fllay would probably, as she feared, get mad at her.

However, before Fllay came into Mia's life, the only rival she faced was Cagalli Yula Hibiki.

Lacus had to admit Cagalli was an extreme person. She had always adored her since the day she saw her. She could never be someone like that. She was too kind and gentle.

Well, she only became popular, she thought, because of her voice. Her beauty and kindness? Perhaps. She was a pop star idol, a singing sensation, and the girl with the voice of an angel.

While Cagalli became popular because of her athletic ability, her cunningness, and smarts. Not only was she attractive, she was also confident with her actions. She was a girl who was not afraid to speak her mind.

Mia had seen all the unique qualities in Cagalli. She was furious ever since she challenged the blonde to a tennis match. Mia lost bitterly because she wasn't capable of keeping up with Cagalli's speed and agility. Clearly, the blonde was more superior to her in the said sport.

But Mia didn't want to admit defeat.

Mia even grew more determined when she fell in love with Cagalli's childhood friend, Athrun Zala. The dashing young Zala was the prince charming of every girl's dreams. But Athrun wasn't interested in girls, especially Mia.

She strolled across the corridor and climbed up the stairs until she reached the 3rd floor. She headed towards her classroom without any fuss and sat down on her assigned place. Resting her arms on her desk, she turned to the window and allowed her mind to think again.

Honestly, Lacus never thought of Mia as an annoyance. Even though Mia was quite mean to other people, she was awfully nice to her and only her. If only Mia was like that to Cagalli and Fllay.

What was she thinking? Mia was too prideful!

Reminded of Mia's pride, Lacus found an interesting thought. She had never seen Mia give up. She was always beaming with confidence and assurance- things that differentiate her from her twin.

Mia was always determined in getting what she wants. Sometimes her determination gets her into trouble. But I salute her... Unlike her, I'm helpless. I even depend on Fllay's assistance to grab Kira's attention. I can never be someone like my sister.

Lacus was underestimating herself way too seriously. Thinking about Mia, Cagalli, and Fllay made her feel more inferior. Who could blame her for feeling that way?

I can never be as spunky and strong as Cagalli... I can never be as outgoing and aggressive like Fllay... And I can never be as determined as Mia... I'm useless.

Negative thoughts and feelings winded in her like a storm. She knew nothing good can ever come if she would remain the same.

Rooftop

The usual hangout for guys who want to skip class would be the rooftop.

With the wind blowing through his hair, Shinn stared up at the clouds in the big blue sky. Reflected in his furious red eyes was bewilderment. Nothing could explain how he felt at his moment. Sometimes he wished he was the wind, free to roam around the world without a care.

But he wasn't a wind.

He was just a mere human who had feelings.

The words of Lunamaria Hawke plagued him. He couldn't get them out of his system. The part where she threatened his girlfriend angered him and scared him a bit. Why? Because he was worried for Stellar's welfare. He knew Lunamaria was serious when she said it wasn't over between her and Stellar.

But Hawke just flirts with me when I talk to her...

Cagalli had told him to take matters carefully by having a conversation. Since he was dealing with a girl he had to talk to her sincerely. Sometimes he wished Luna was a boy so he could beat her to a pulp.

Shinn grimaced at the thought. Thinking like that was just wrong. Luna was a girl and he needed to respect her as one.

He still couldn't forget how she treated Stellar. She obviously wanted to get rid of Stellar.

Stellar didn't want to go against Lunamaria. She was a nice and friendly girl- not the type to quarrel with another girl. Due to uncertainties, she was forced to worry about Shinn's situation.

Maybe it's my fault as well... He was blaming himself for all the trouble.

He never did give any respects to Lunamaria before. He was just a bully who liked picking on teacher's pets- even if it gave him bad impressions. He didn't care about the feelings of the ones he bullied.

He also wondered why Lunamaria liked him if he was always picking on her.

After thinking deeply, he found an answer. Luna was kinda like Stellar. Both of them saw through his outer covering and saw his nicer and true self.

Narrowing his gaze, he raised his hand and reached for the clouds in the sky. As he imagined Stellar as one of the clouds, he simply knitted a smile on his face.

"I know how I can resolve this!"

Class 3-A

Pulse racing, Cagalli entered the classroom with silence. She didn't dare to glance around to meet her classmates' eyes. She wasn't in the mood for early morning greetings either. All she wanted to do was to reach her desk, sit down, and do nothing.

The bags in her eyes indicated that she didn't get much sleep last night. That's because she was too busy thinking about what Athrun had said to her.

Confession of love wasn't an easy task. But who would've thought Athrun had feelings for her since the beginning? Why didn't she realize his true feelings in the first place? Was she too naïve or too blind to know that?

"I love you, Cagalli..." Those words echoed in her head like a loud bell ringing aimlessly. Although they were sweet words, Cagalli had found it to be excruciating.

How, she thought, how would she explain to Athrun? Of course she knew Athrun needed an answer.

"I can't possibly face him properly after yesterday," she muttered in a low voice.

She was getting nervous and afraid of what might happen to their friendship. Everything wouldn't be the same between the two of them anymore. Athrun loves her more than a friend and treats her specially than others.

And it was very hard for her to accept his love... Or was she just denying it?

For a moment all uncertainty receded. For a moment she remembered how she felt when Athrun saved her from danger. She knew something rose from her heart. It was deep and pure.

"Hey... Cagalli... Hey..." The voice obviously belonging to her twin, Kira, disturbed her.

In return for what he did, Cagalli glared at him and said, "What do you want?!" She could've said it in a softer tone but she wasn't in the mood to do so.

"Cagalli, you don't have to shout," Kira told the blonde.

"I'm sorry for the sudden outburst." Acting like a stubborn child, Cagalli crossed her arms in front of her chest.

Ignoring her actions, Kira asked her why she was spacing out a while ago. It was a bit unusual for him to see his vigorous sister looking so bothered.

Judging from the look of his eyes, Cagalli could see how worried he was. A kind and caring brother as usual, Kira had always been precious to Cagalli. She felt lucky to have someone like him. And the part of making your brother worry was troublesome.

Placing a smile, she assured Kira that she was okay, though it was a lie.

She wasn't the type to keep secrets from her brother. She was just not ready to tell him yet about Athrun. She had to rethink about the matter first.

Near the Entrance of the Cafeteria

Kira was on his way to get buy food for Cagalli when he saw a familiar pink-haired princess lounging around the entrance.

As he approached her, he greeted her with a warm smile.

And of course, Lacus returned the greeting with a smile as well. "Hibiki-kun, why don't we have lunch together?" She then suggested.

It was an offer he couldn't refuse. Well... almost... He still had to bring something for his sister. He looked up at her and unwillingly refused her offer.

Lacus felt a little sad but she still showed a smile.

"We could eat lunch together some other time. Right now isn't the best time." Kira knew she understood his reasons. Disappointed or not, he had to hurry or Cagalli would scold him for being late.

Before leaving the pink-haired princess, he patted her on the shoulder and walked off. He was about to enter the cafeteria when all of the sudden...

"Hibiki-kun!" uttered Lacus, as she caught up to hug him.

Not a word, not a sound, Kira's eyes widened in surprise.

With a trembling voice, Lacus said, "Let's stay like this for awhile..." She tightened her grip around him, pulling his back closer to her chest. At this moment, she felt peace with herself. Not only that, she also felt happiness.

For Lacus it was an achievement to have done something like that. At first, she was uncertain whether to do it or not but eventually she gathered enough courage. For once, she tried to be Mia.

And as for Kira... He couldn't be more happier! His heart was jumping for joy! He didn't care if his cheeks were red or his hands turned cold. He was too thrilled to even feel his heated emotions.

To be continued...

Akatsuki-hime: I'm done with chapter 20. Athrun's confession of love left Cagalli confused. On the other hand, Lacus is underestimating herself and Shinn had decided to talk things over with Luna.