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At the Inu house

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The middle aged mother ushered her guest into the house and to the living area. She couldn't be happier to see him, especially that they hadn't met for such a long time.

"Miroku, make yourself at home, I'll go get tea." Izayoi forced sat the young man, who was actually wanting only to make a quick stop.

"It's okay, Izayoi-san," Miroku scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "Actually, I just want to drop by to pass this present to Rin. I have to go soon."

"Hey, we haven't chatted for so long, you're NOT going to just leave like this." Izayoi was insistent and the young man had no choice but to give in to that not-so subtle request.

After a short moment, the middle aged mom returned with a tray and began pouring some tea into Miroku's cup. They sipped and Izayoi smiled brilliantly as she offered him some matcha cookies. "Miroku, I'm so glad you could come. Even though this is our new home, I still hope you don't mind visiting us because… I have always treated you as Rin's elder brother."

The young man smiled at that statement. "Yes, I adored Rin and I think the way you two are now, is just perfect. I'm sure sensei in heaven would agree with me."

At the mention of her daughter's name, Izayoi was suddenly reminded of her strange behaviors of late. Rin had been acting so weird ever since they moved into the Inu-house and being a mom, she couldn't help but be concerned.

"You know, Miroku, I've something to ask you since you're closer to Rin." She started and faltered a little along the way. She had always prided herself to know her own daughter well but recently, it was no longer like before. Rin had felt different, more distant about certain things she couldn't put a finger to. "I feel that Rin is behaving strangely recently. Do you know the reason why? Did she mention anything to you? Anything that's troubling her?"

Miroku's heart jumped at the query. He had promised Rin not to reveal anything and he intended to keep his word. So, to the worried mom, he soothed gently. "Izayoi-san, I believe that when a person grows and matures, no matter how open and cheery they are, they are bound to keep more and more secrets to themselves. That's something that's inevitable." He offered a comforting smile. "But I have full confidence that whatever secrets Rin is holding to herself… must have something that's to do with love …and gentleness…Because Rin's kindness and gentleness are inherited from sensei and Izayoi-san."

Those considerately spoken words brought a lifted curve on the mother's lips. She nodded, agreeing to what he said. "Yes, Rin has always been our pride and joy. I fully believe in her." Though the young man's word did have its weightage, something still intuited Izayoi that she probably needed to keep a closer eye on her daughter from now onward.

Just then, the door swung open as Sesshoumaru and Rin returned from their shopping trip. "Mom, we're home!" The girl's eyes brightened the moment she spotted her senior. "Miroku-ni-chan, you came to celebrate my birthday with me?"

The young man nodded as he stood greeting the two, a little awkward still to face the one beside the girl since their conversation did not end well previously. However, to his utmost surprise, Sesshoumaru was actually…. smiling at him….

"Welcome, to our humble place… thank you for coming to celebrate Rin's birthday with us." The boy intoned most politely it shocked even the girl herself. Yes, Rin only took a second to understand why. Everything was back to normal now, all their misunderstanding resolved. I guess there's no reason why Sessh should still be mad with Miroku-ni-chan… she thought to herself.

As the cake was brought out and the candles were lit, the three sang in unison the birthday song for the girl. As the tune ended, Izayoi gently tapped on her daughter's shoulder. "Sweetie, make your wish…"

Smiling ever so sweetly and broadly, Rin laced her fingers into a praying manner as her hazels flew shut. "My first wish … is for my most beloved mommy. I wish that she would have the most blissful marriage with uncle and she'll be nothing but happy for the rest of her life."

Izayoi bit her lips, fighting back a greatly comforted tear, hearing that her daughter had put her first place even in her birthday wishes. On the opposite side of the table, Sesshoumaru grinned only to himself. He just knew his girl too well. She would always put her mom before herself. Instantly, he felt an unknown swell of pride growing within him.

"My second wish…." Rin continued and everyone listened in intently. "…is for my friends. I wish that all my friends, who have always been supporting me and by my side… I wish that they'll always be safe and in good health."

"And I'm reserving the last wish to myself." Rin opened her hazels only for a moment before she continued, taking a secret peak at the one she loved. She took a deepened breath, reciting it only in her mind with utmost tenderness. My last and deepest wish… Wo yao he Sesshoumaru yong yuan yi qi… I want to be together with Sesshoumaru… forever…

From the other end of the table, Sesshoumaru watched his girl with amusement, seeing that too-knowing smile adorning her face as she silently made her last wish. Something intuited him that this wish' had zillions to do with him… with them. Instinctively, he let his own ambers close as he prayed with all his heart.

God, I plead with you… grant Rin's last wish… It is also mine.

As the young lovers' eyes opened their eyes, they met each other's loving gaze and their faces instantly rainbowed a grin of the most peaceful nature. At that very moment, they felt connected as one, knowing what was in the hearts of the other.

Izayoi's attention was suddenly brought to a shiny object her daughter's finger. Her brows furrowed slightly as her suspicions increased. This was the first time she saw the piece of jewelry, she was sure. Then… it was a present, perhaps for the girl's birthday. But by who? Does Rin have a boyfriend?

Still, she had preferred to keep silent of the issue, feeling that it wasn't the right time to implore her.

"Here's your present, birthday girl." Miroku stretched his arms and placed the gift into Rin's hands. "I hope you like it."

"Arigato." Carefully and gracefully, the girl untied the ribbons, pealing open the colored wrappers and instantly…. Her hazels shone… "Miroku-ni-chan, you still remembered….It's… It's… Dad's record… the one with his favorite song in it!" Excitedly, she showed it to her mother, who became equally surprised and agitated. The corner of her eyes started glistering with hints of tears.

"When Rin's father died, he was carrying this record with him." Izayoi spoke only in a whisper. "I thought… I'll never get to hear this song again."

As the soothing melody of that old familiar song played, Miroku picked the girl's hand up in an inviting manner for a dance in the living room. As the two twirled round the open area, Izayoi's tears silently fell as many memories of her deceased husband flooded into her mind… memories of how they met and their life together… Through a simple song, something that was so long ago felt like it all happened just yesterday.

Seated at the reading chair and even as his girl was engaged in a dance with another, Sesshoumaru…for once.. was not at all disturbed by the scene. He had preferred to deal in his own musings. This song… Miroku's words to him the previous time… They held a great importance. The one whom he loved…. was also her dad's beloved daughter… Miroku's adored younger sister… and her happiness was entirely in his hands. At that instant… for the first time… he felt the full weight of that responsibility in his heart. Yes, he would uphold his promise… he would take care of her… protect her with his own life… and love her forever…

As the young man led the girl into a little waltz, memories of their first dance was renewed in both their minds.

But… Miroku-ni-chan… I don't know how to dance….It's alright… Just follow me…It's easy….

At that thought, Miroku's smile flashed once again. "Rin, you're a really good dancer now. You've improved so much."

Grinning slightly at the compliment, Rin herself remembered how she had used to flood Miroku with so many childish inane questions.

Do they have lots of dances in college… I can guarantee… that if Rin-chan works hard and get to college… you'll be the prettiest date at the dances…

A query struck her. "Miroku-ni-chan, how did you manage to find the record?" Rin's curiosity was aroused as through the years, her mother had made numerous attempts in search of it but had failed.

That brought a sense of renewed guilt and remorse into the heart of the young coach. "Someone found it for me… someone who understands me very well." Yes, he agreed with his own statement internally. Sango knew him so well, she had always been there for him…but he had never truly appreciated all these…And now, she could be lost to him forever.

"Is it your girlfriend?" Rin asked teasingly, giggling as she threw him a wink.

Miroku only hesitated for a moment. This time, and for the very first time, he was true to his heart. "Yes, she's my girlfriend."

Rin's giggles turned into a warm chuckle. "Then, you must thank her on my behalf."

The young man nodded, then gesturing her to take a peak with him at Sesshoumaru. He flashed her a wink. "I have confidence… that he can give you the happiness you deserve… And now, I have to go in search for my own happiness."

The girl's cheeks flushed into an obvious red as Miroku led her toward the boy. Holding up Rin's slight palm, he placed it gently into Sesshoumaru's own. The boy's brows lifted in surprise but when he was greeted with Miroku's knowing grin, he understood immediately. As almost an elder brother to the girl all these years, Miroku, he was giving his approval, handing Rin to him officially... blessing their relationship.

As Sesshoumaru's grip on her hand tightened, Rin could feel the soft warmth emanating from his palm to hers. She met his tender ambers, letting him lead her for the second dance. As the young lovers started their own little waltz, it took their utmost restrains not to just crash into a hug or get into a more intimate position as the sensation roused by the music intoxicated them. Pulling her so that they were out of Izayoi's line of vision, Sesshoumaru moved to the girl's ears, his voice in a low whisper. "We'll continue this dance later…. What we didn't do that night, I'll make it up to you tonight…doubly…"

"Sessh?" Worriedly peeking to see if her mother had overheard them, Rin tried in vain to push the boy away. He was just too strong. "Tonight…This birthday, next birthday and the rest of your birthdays….You'll be mine… all mine…" He breathed huskily into her ear, stealing a sensuous lick as the girl hid a shy grin.

Even as he spoke, Sesshoumaru noticed that the front door had opened and closed. Letting Rin go, he swiftly went after the one who had just left their house.

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Outside the Inu-house

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Sesshoumaru's pace brought him just in time to see Miroku about to get into his car. With haste, he hurried toward his direction.

"Hey, Miroku, are you going to leave without saying goodbye?" He intoned coolly, keeping his usual smug composure.

Upon hearing his comment, the young man's hand instinctively left the door handle of his maroon sedan. He chuckled as he turned with a smirk. "Wow! It must be my lucky day today. I think this is the FIRST time I actually hear you calling my name."

The boy drew him an elegant grin in return. "I think Rin would be happy if you could stay for dinner."

Miroku's chuckled turned into a light-hearted laugh, shaking his head. "I'm sorry. I need to hurry. My girlfriend's waiting for me."

"Right!" Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed disbelievingly. "If you have a girlfriend, then…."

"Hey, hey…" The young coach stopped him rather indignantly. "What do you mean by that? Are you implying that I have no market value for the gals out there?"

"On the contrary…" The boy shook his head heaving a smirk. "I think you stand too good a chance…It made me uncomfortable for a long time." He admitted in full honesty, fishing out a tiny pink object from his pocket. "This…is something I think you're in the best position to safe-keep… since…inside are the memories shared by the two of you."

Miroku took over the little book, instantly realizing that it was the present he had given to the girl so many years ago. It was… Rin's diary! He shook his head, laughing even louder than before. "I'm in the best position to safe-keep?" He flashed the boy a suspicious glance. "Or is it because…you don't wish that she keeps this bit of memory between us?"

This time, Sesshoumaru chuckled too and proudly. "So what if it IS so? She now has me. That is sufficient."

The young coach shook his head. A very possessive character, this seemingly arrogant boy… At that, he turned more solemn as something of a more serious nature struck him. "Sesshoumaru, before sensei died, he had left Rin to my care and all these years, I'm proud to say that I've done a good job." He met the boy's eyes, noting that Sesshoumaru himself had also taken a more attentive stance. "And now, I'm handing her to someone she had chosen for herself… someone she loves… Please, don't disappoint me. If not, I would really beat you up."

Though his ambers were intense with many emotions at those words, Sesshoumaru kept his dispassionate outer self. He merely laughed. "You really like to preach, don't you?" In his heart, the boy had long swore this responsibility to himself but he definitely wasn't about to reveal it. "If you still linger here, your girlfriend's going to be picked up some other guy sooner than you think."

Nodding his head in silence and flashing the diary in his palm, Miroku got into his car and drove off.

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Back in the Inu-house

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After a quick scan of the surrounding, Sesshoumaru noticed that Izayoi was nowhere near the living area or the kitchen. She had probably gone upstairs. Instantly, a wry grin made its way on the boy's cheek. He gestured the girl to his side, guiding her to sit down on the carpet right in front of the birthday cake. They had not cut it, wanting to wait for Inu-Taisho to knock off from work.

"What are you doing, Sessh?" Rin's brows furrowed seeing that the boy was lighting up the candles all over again.

"What am I doing?" He hid his grin effectively. "I'm having a private celebration for you." He put the light aside once he finished. "And you get to make three new wishes. Now, hurry up and close your eyes."

Suspiciously, Rin gave him a scrutinizing and not able to see through that nonchalant face, she did as she was told. In only three seconds, she opened her eyes to check on him, instantly noticing that he had scooped up a finger of fresh cream, inching nearer and nearer to her. "Hey, what're you doing?" She cried out and the boy licked it up right away.

"Nothing really." He kept his expressionless face as he replied her though Rin was giggling.

Sesshoumaru, he's up to no good. I can smell it, she mused with slight urgency.

"Really gal, close your eyes and make those wishes sincerely." The boy chided and Rin only dared close one eye at a time…achingly slowly.

Knowing that she should be on alert for pranks, the girl peeled open her eyes the second she completely closed them, this time, finding the boy's lips coming too near to her own…so close that she could feel his breath on her. "Sessh? Mom's upstairs. She's coming down any moment!" She whispered though still lovingly.

The boy nodded, raising both his hands up in the surrender. "Right, then, can you just make the damn wish."

And before he could say another word, Rin scooped up a finger full of cream and icing, spreading it right on his nose! Ecstatically, she rolled on the carpet and stood up stamping her feet. "YES! YES! YES! On the day I turn twenty, I played a yucky prank on the yucky demon… YES! YES! YES!" She stopped, staring straight into his heinous ambers and she gulped finding it extremely unnerving.

Silently and seemingly calm, Sesshoumaru cleaned himself up briefly and the girl watched as he took in a deepened breath, closing his eyes. "Gal…" He started rather slowly, he stood up. "You're dead meat!"

"AHHHHH!" Rin gave a loud squeal, running for her dear life as the boy sprang up and was hot on her heels. They circled the dining table into the yard and back into the living area, Rin screaming on the top of her voice all the way.

Seeing that Izayoi had come down from her room, Rin dashed like bullet to her mom for refuge but the boy was relentlessly chasing her. "Mom, help!" Ignoring the middle age lady, the two young lovers began to run in circles round her.

"STOP IT! YOU TWO!" At last, not able to stand it any longer, Izayoi yelled in protest as the two stopped, panting and catching their breaths. The mother then flashed a large photo album, beckoning them to join her as she flipped the old family pictures.

"Hearing that old song again, really brought back a lot of memories." She started again in a much calmer tone as she showed Sesshoumaru Rin's childhood photos. Intrigued, the boy sat down beside her, looking intently and with interest.

"Is this Rin's dad?" He pointed at a particular scene where a man was carrying a little girl, his Rin.

Izayoi nodded, heaving a sigh. "How time has passed! Rin was so young when her dad died and now she's already a college student."

"Aunty, ne-san looks really cute as a child." The boy spoke reflectively as he took over the entire album, indulging himself in all that part of his girl he didn't get to know.

Beside him, Rin blushed as she kept her silence.

Rin's narration

It feels so strange… when the one I love and my mother…looks at pictures of my past…

Just then, the door swung open once more and the sight greeting her took Rin's breath away. It was definitely that uncle had come home but nobody could actually see his face…because…. It was covered something really really huge, fluffy and sprouting paws.

Rin blinked twice as her hazels lit up. It was a gigantic sized teddy bear!

She waited as Inu-Taisho skipped to her side, presenting his present for her. He pressed hug the bear to the girl and Izayoi laughed merrily. "Sho! What a big bear!"

The Taisho's own ambers twinkled as he laughed warmly. "All these years, I've always dreamt that if I have a daughter, I'd buy her a huge huge teddy bear for her birthday." He pushed the bear's nozzle to Rin's lips, pretending it as a kiss. "Happy Birthday, Rin!"

"Thank you so much, uncle!" The girl embraced her newest stuffed fluff as Sesshoumaru himself moved to run his fingers through its silken fur coat.

As the evening went on, in the light-hearted chatting, laughter, music… the girl brought her furry friend for a little twirl as she mused with glee and contentment.

Rin's narration

Because we all yearned for love and happiness so much… the four of us have found one another… Just under this one roof… sharing, enjoying, relishing in every little bit of joy and blissfulness

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Rin's room

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Her hazels traveled toward the direction of her room door as she heard the knob turned. As the sight of his handsome face, the girl's smile widened. "Sessh… are you here for revenge?" She said teasingly, remembering how she had played the prank on him…but Sesshoumaru did not answer.

He merely walked toward her, holding up his hand as an invitation for a dance. "This is for the private moment we missed earlier on…"

Rin sprang up from her bed, gently putting the teddy bear she was currently hugging at her pillows. She joined her hands with the one she loved, the two then slow danced in the small area of her bedroom.

Though in the absence of music, the young lovers kept their dance tempo intimately. As the imaginary romantic melody in their heads played on, Sesshoumaru lightly pulled Rin flush against his chest… which she obliged most gladly.

"I wish we can dance like this forever…" She spoke dreamily into his strong muscle chest, drinking in his scent, her eyes half closed.

Yes, the boy agreed internally as he let his hands glide freely at the silk of her back under her pajamas, just enjoying that smooth touch of her. "I almost forgot…" With a soft finger, he lifted her chin to match her dazed hazels. "I have not wished you…. Happy Birthday, my koi (my love)."

He bent down, tenderly brushed his lips with hers until Rin moved up to seal him with a kiss. As the late night turned to early morning, neither was in the mood for slumber. Both were just contented…to have spent this night in the arms of the other.

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At the basketball club

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Without the knowledge of the young lovers, a group had secretly gathered at the strike of midnight… all for a special purpose. After the brief meeting with Sango and Miroku's account of the problem between them, Kagome, Kagura, Naraku, Hojo and the captain himself had made a pact to aid their sensei in recovering the love of his life.

"Sensei, quick! Think of something!" Kagome tugged on the young coach's sleeves with an acute sense of urgency. "Sango-san has already given you the last ultimatum. You're going to lose her for good if you don't think of something fast."

Miroku heaved an audible sigh as he shook his blankly. "I've looked everywhere, her coffee house, her home, even her best friend's place. She's not there. I guess, she's purposefully avoiding me."

The heinous girl stood out from the crowd. "Yes, but didn't she say that she wants to see your sincerity? That you'll have to show it to her if you wish her to stay. SIN-CE-RI-TY, sensei? Does that ring any bell?"

Scratching his head for a while, the young coach's eyes widened as something struck him. HE jumped up from his seat. "YES! Why didn't I think of that?" From his pocket, he retrieved a bunch of metallic item. "These keys that Sango returned me, I've looked through them. They're not all mine." He singled out a particular silver piece. "This one…. I've never seen it before."

In his excitement, Inuyasha dashed out grabbing the bunch of keys. "WOW! A secret code! She has given you a sort of a riddle. Sensei, think hard! Does this key open to anything you know that's special?"

"Special?" Miroku paused, his mind emptied out all at once even though he thought hard.

"I'll go search the internet to see what sort of lock this model of key opens to. Perhaps, it'll give us a clue." Hojo immediately bolted to the computer, turning it on.

"I guess that's a possibility. But Sensei. I believe that it must open to something that connects you and Sango-san. That must be it!" Kagura exclaimed.

"Something that connects Sango and me?" The young man only needed a minute before he got it. He punched his fist onto his lap. "That's it! It must be that!"

Everyone crowded round ecstatically, chiming out in unison. "What sensei?"

"Sango and I met when we were studying in the States. She came back to Japan one year before me and at that time, she didn't have a permanent residence. So, the only way we could keep in contact was through a designated postal box." He took the keys from the captain, eyeing it closely. "This key must open to that box!"

With that, he shot like a bullet out of the club, the entire gang cheered aloud for him.

Within an hour, he was back and in his hand held a pink scented letter. Kagome rushed up to greet him enthusiastically. "Sensei, is that it? Were you right?"

Miroku nodded as he opened the letter in full view of everyone there.

Sango's letter

Miroku,

If you managed to retrieve this letter from the postal box, I guess it indicates that we're still connected in some ways. That's a good start.

The rule for this 24 hours is that I'll be opening the postal box every one and a half hours and in that time, I hope you could put in something that represents your sincerity… if you wish to make me stay… if you think we still have a future together.

But the only thing I beg of you… is that you won't force me to meet with you. That's my only request.

Sango

"Put in your sincerity? What does Sango-san mean by that?" Kagura shook head at a lost.

"Presents, I guess.. Girls like present, don't they?" Hojo offered his one-cent worth of idea.

"Sincerity, Hojo… Girls are NOT all airheads like you." Kagome swiped his head hard, then turning to Miroku. "Sensei, I think Sango-san wishes for sincerity. Why don't you write her a letter telling her how you feel about her. You've never ACTUALLY done that right?"

After a long pause, the young coach nodded in agreement. "I guess that would be my first priority."

"And we'll all chip in to help." Inuyasha flung his hand wildly at his own intelligence. "We'll all write a letter each to Sango-san to help Sensei."

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With jittery fingers, the beautiful young lady turned the lock of her postal box, fully expecting to see her own letter left untouched in it. What would be the possibility that Miroku had guessed correctly the clue she left?

As the cover was opened, Sango gave a loud gasp, seeing that the small space was filled with colored envelopes. He had solved that first riddle!

Comfortably rolling on her bed in the hotel room, Sango opened the letters one at a time, starting with all the rest before that belonging to the one she loved.

Kagome's letter:

Sango-san,

Trust me that I know how guys are at this love' thing. They're total idiots! Their skulls are so thick you need to hit them at least a hundred times before they respond.

But guys are cute too… And Miroku-sensei is great!

Give him a chance, pleaseeeeeeee…..

Kagome

Hojo's letter:

As Sango pulled out the post card, there was no words in it, just three photographs stuck together in sequence. She blinked, covering her mouth in awe. Hojo had posed himself nude on top... three words were clearly painted on his chest as he flexed his muscles portraying fully his male vanity. She brought the card in for a closer look and then laughed genuinely and light-heartedly. It said…. Sango, forgive Miroku.

Inuyasha's letter:

As the captain of the basketball team, I, Inuyasha, would like to make a solemn declaration that boys who loves basketball…. will love and cherish their girlfriends too.

After everyone else's efforts, Sango finally reached the one she hoped most to read. Carefully, she peeled it open.

Sango,


How have you been? Can this letter truly bring you back to me? I'm at a lost.

I have to admit…. These few days without you had been the worst of my life. I've never felt so empty…so drained of all emotions.

I know that I've never cherished you in that past. Though you've been faithfully by my side, I've never taken a serious look at you… and I'm sorry. I know now that I was a fool…that I was so blind to have missed out such an angel in my life.

And now that you're gone, I could not bring myself to blame you. And I know that I can't blame you too if you decide to leave me in the end. But everyday spent without you in the future… I'll always be missing you… and loving you.

I love you, Sango… Please, give me a chance to make it up to you.

Miroku

As she read on, silent unrestrained tears had fallen from her warm eyes. Miroku, he had finally decided to love her. She couldn't believe it. Can it really be true? Would he change his mind in a few months' time?

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At the basketball club

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His head dipped in the most crestfallen manner, the young coach returned from his second trip to the postal box. He had received something from Sango, though he didn't get to see her personally. He deduced that he had failed. He held onto the cell phone he got from her, switching it on and instantly, the mobile alerted him of a message.

Together with the rest of his young helpers, Miroku read the message left to him by Sango.

Message from Sango:

Miroku, I've received your letter… But… it's not what I wish to see from you.

Short and direct, the young coach knew he had to try harder.

"Maybe she wants a present to cheer her up." Inuyasha scratched his chin as he suggested. Then, he gave Kagome a light shove. "Kags, what do girls like to receive?"

Her brows furrowing, his girlfriend was obviously running through all kinds of stuff in her head. Suddenly, Kagura gave a loud scream and everyone jumped up in fright.

"I know! I know!" She swung her finger in the air. "A ring! She wants a proposal ring!"

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Two hours later, the coach returned again, disappointed.

As the night passed, they tried everything… chocolates, all assortments of gifts that appeals to the females. In the end, Miroku even recorded a love song for her. But every time he came back with a sullen face, the team would heave an audible sigh.

As the wee light of dawn began to shine through the curtained windows, Inuyasha gave a lengthened and loud yawn. He stretched drowsily and he got up and moved over to where his sensei was settling.

"Sensei, is there something you've forgotten to do?" He asked rather languidly, not actually thinking right. He just merely speaking out blankly.

"Why don't you just wait at the postal box for Sango-san, sensei?" Naraku chipped in. "You can then beg her to stay personally."

The young man shook his head. "If I can't even think of what she wants, what she meant by sincerity, I don't deserve to ask her to stay. Moreover, she might hate me even more if I break the rules."

Inuyasha's earlier comment rang a bell for Kagome. She followed him up instantly. "I think Yash is right. Sensei, it must be something that you've promised Sango you would do but you didn't….or maybe it's something she always wished but you've never done it." She shook him violently. "Think hard!"

Miroku's brows creased. Something that she's always wanted me to do but I've never done? He let out a silent sigh as he pondered deeply.

Suddenly, he hopped out of his seat so elatedly that everyone's eyes widened with shock.

"I got it! I got it!" He snapped his fingers, then flashed a victorious grin. "I know what to put into the postal box." With that… he bolted out of the room straight to his desired destination.

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At the postal box

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As she stood in front of her letter box, the young lady silently said a little prayer. She had wished so much for Miroku to put something into the box that would touch her… touch her enough to make her believe that they have a future together.

With shaky hands and a deepen breath, Sango turned the lock…

As the item in it came to clear sight, she gasped, covering her mouth with her slight palm.

It was Miroku's wallet! And he had changed the photo in it…from his and Rin's to one that they took together in the college they studied in.

If you truly meant what you said, then… change this photo to mine…. I think this photo represents waiting… and longing….

She recalled her speech to him at the coffee house that fateful afternoon. Miroku… he had remembered that… And he had really done it. He had changed the photograph to one of hers. Joyful tears flowed continually down her rose bud cheeks… Finally, this… was what she wanted…

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At the basketball club

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Seconds turned to minutes in the club room and minutes seemed like forever as the team waited most anxiously with their coach. Miroku stood at the corner of the room, his mind flooded with too many thoughts of his past with the girl. What if this doesn't work? Then, he would be at wits end again.

Suddenly, the mobile on his hand rang and his eyes lit up together with all the rest. Trying immensely to calm himself down, Miroku answered the call. As they spoke briefly, the boys and girls pushed and tugged to listen in but they couldn't.

Finally, Miroku smiled as he turned to his helpers. "Sango says you're all so cute but…." He threw Hojo a wink. "Hojo, Sango wishes to speak to you personally."

Instantly, Inuyasha and Naraku blew out cheeky whistles as the boy scurried shyly to pick up the phone. He spoke softly, timidly into it. "Yes, yes… Sexy?" He chuckled. "You think I'm sexy? Arigato…. Erm.. what? You're going to introduce your younger sister to me? YES!" He skipped most buoyantly and then, clicked off the phone.

At that, Miroku gave a loud yell. "HEY! What are you doing? Why did you end the call?" He hadn't had time to talk to Sango enough. Even though she had obviously forgiven him, he still didn't know how to locate her.

But Hojo gave a soft encouraging tap on his shoulder. "Sensei, Sango-san said that you'll know where to look for her if you really understand her well enough."

Not taking too long to solve that last puzzle, Miroku simply stood up, adjusting his shirt slightly. "Everyone, would you please excuse me… I'll be going to fetch my girlfriend."

Under hilarious cheering, the young coach set off for where he knew she would be. At that moment, he couldn't be surer of his guess.

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At Sango's coffee house

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Just as she finished brewing Miroku's favorite blend, she smiled warmly as she noticed that he had arrived at the door. As they sat down, she poured him a cup as he silently and contentedly regarded her.

"No cream… just sugar.. That's how you always like it." She intoned softly as her eyes moved up to meet his. "Miroku, how did you know to find me here?"

Miroku merely chuckled. "You said before… Coffee is something that had to be savored at the right temperature, the right timing…." He lifted her hand and lightly placed a kiss in it. "And so are people…."

After such a lengthen break, the young lovers finally got to spend that precious time together… something they never truly know its worth… till this day…

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Hey everyone,

You'll see that I've uploaded lots of chapters and it's very close to where I've actually stopped at my original site. Many many thanks to all who took time to review…mysterious advisor, riceball909, Wolf-Inu-Yasha38 (I'm sorry the link didn't show. I dunno how else I can do it though), Shinoryu, tammy (Well, I wrote in my profile that this is a partially adapted fic. Though many parts of story had been changed, still, I don't want to claim it my own. Just happy that you liked it like I did when I read the original version), happyangel123, kagome2004…

See you soon….