(A/N: Again, I'm apologizing for not updating in such a long time. I finally got around to finish this chapter. There are many things I need to say, but I'll leave that for the end! Luckily, this chapter is long, so I hope you enjoy it!)


Chapter 29

A month had passed and we were exactly another month away from graduating. Our last year had gone by in a flash. This was the most important and concerning month for us. Questions on our future were thrown at us, expecting us to answer quickly. Honestly, I still had no idea on what I wanted to do, and I was running out on time.

I stared at Yusei, who was leaning against my front gates. He gazed at me, not saying a word. "Good morning," he smiled; white teeth shining in the morning sun.

"Good morning," I smiled back. I walked towards him and his hand slipped into my own like natural. His hands were always warm which always made me comfortable.

We walked in silence along the way. I didn't have a single thing to say to him, since my head was currently in the clouds.

"What's on your mind?" he asked after a long while.

"I'm just thinking," I began. I chewed my bottom lip, collecting my words. "I still have no idea on what I want to do after graduation.

"Well, are you going to college?"

"Of course!" I skipped forward, pulling Yusei with me. "But I'm not sure on what career I want to pursue." I looked to him and our eyes met. To this day, I still get butterflies in my stomach. He still makes my knees weak.

"I'm going to say something really cliché, but follow your dreams." He gave me a warm smiled and squeezed my hand. "You do have a dream, right?"

"What if you're my dream?" I whispered. He chuckled and ruffled my hair. Now he got me thinking. What is my dream?

We finally arrived to school and we both groaned. Even though the thought of going into the real world was scary, we couldn't wait to get out of this place. Students were barely getting inside and I could tell that they didn't want to be here like us. I gripped Yusei's hand and let him lead me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the familiar red maple tree. Many memories flashed before my eyes. Directly under the tree, was our friends. "Oh, Yusei," I said. He stopped and looked down at me. "Our friends are over there." I pointed to them.

"Let's go then."

They turned their heads and gave us a welcoming smile. Aki, Jack, Crow, Johan and Amaya had bright faces. My attention turned towards Juro, who was standing next to Amaya. My eyes grew wide when I spotted their intertwined hands.

"You look happy today, Yusei," mentioned Aki. She looked to me and said, "and you look worried."

"We have a month left! Why wouldn't I be worried?" I answered. I pouted and crossed my arms.

"Jaden, it's too early for that," Johan remarked. I stared at my best friend with a surprised expression. We burst out laughing, hugging our sides.

"What a great way to start our morning!" Aki beamed. Everyone laughed.

I wiped a tear away from laughing and glanced at each one of my friends. Just being with them gave me great happiness.

The bell rang and that was our cue to leave. I pulled on Yusei's sleeve and whispered into his ear, "Go on ahead of me. I need to talk to Amaya." He nodded, but before he left, he gave me a quick peck on the cheek. My cheeks grew red and I had to fight them off. "Amaya," I called out. She looked over shoulder; her hand still attached to Juro's. "Can I talk to you?" I forced a smile. To be honest, I didn't know how to feel about her and Juro. I watched as she shooed Juro away and skipped over to me.

"I have a feeling I know what you want to talk about.." Her voice grew soft. Her violet eyes moved down to look at her shoes.

I bit my lips and thought of what to say. "So, I'm guessing, you and Juro are now dating."

"Yeah."

"What about Crow?"

She was silent. I was scared of hearing what happened between them. "I talked to him about it. I was surprised. He said that there was no hard feelings."

I froze and stared at her in shock. "What?" I questioned.

"I guess I should explain," she laughed. "After that day when you invited us to the café, Juro and I started to talk a lot more. At first I was nervous of being around him, but I realized that he needed someone to talk to. He took notice that I realized. Slowly, but surely, he started to open up to me. He was tired of the people he was hanging out with, and he only smoked because of them." A small smile formed on her light pink lips. "Because of me, he doesn't hang with them anymore and has quit his smoking habit." Her pale fingers tucked her silky hair behind her ear, grinning from ear to ear. "I've become his new addiction, and I don't mind it at all."

"So, when did you realize your feelings for him," I asked.

"Two weeks ago?" She pondered and nodded her head. "We've been together for two weeks, and it's nice." She began to twirl her fingers, chewing her bottom lip. "Crow and I had mutual feelings, but my feelings for him never grew stronger. With Juro, it was a whole different story. I think we can make this work, and I'm ready to face obstacles with him. Like how you and Yusei faced your problems."

My lips rose in a warm smile. "I'm glad you're happy." I let out a sigh of relief and said, "I seriously thought Crow was going to be hurt, but I'm glad he's not."

"He said he wants to focus on his studies instead of being in a relationship. He did, however, tell me that he will remember our happy moments."

"Crow is a great guy." We nodded in agreement.

After our long conversation, we ran inside in a hurry to class. We couldn't help but laugh along the way.

Time was ticking, but everything was slowly falling back to place.


I clasped my hands together and grinned on my way to lunch. It was the only part of the day that I looked forward to.

"Everytime I see you this way I know that you're extremely hungry," Yusei chuckled.

I skipped beside him and hummed a tune. "Of course!" The spring air never felt better against my skin. The birds chirped and the smell of flowers drifted all around us.

We found our usual spots; the others were already there and we sat down with them. I hurried to open up my lunchbox and dove in for the fried shrimp. I smiled, licking my lips in savory.

"I still find him strange to this day. How do you do it, Yusei?" Johan remarked, while pointing his chopsticks at me. I glared at him and puffed my cheeks out. He stuck his tongue out, but quickly handed over one of his delectable pieces of his lunch.

Yusei merely shrugged his shoulders and ruffled my hair.

Amaya then initiated a conversation; one I didn't want to be a part of.

"So, what are your plans after graduation?"

Everyone took a minute to think, while I sat back and ignored the question. Each answer was a surprise.

Aki began saying, "I'm going to become a teacher for elementary kids. I find kids so cute, and I think I'll be able to handle it."

"I agree!" Amaya yelled. Just then, Juro appeared, placing himself right beside her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She smiled and played with his fallen bangs. "Well, I already know that I want to study to become a nurse," she admitted.

"And I want to be college professor," said Juro.

My mouth hung wide open. "I didn't expect that from you two," I breathed out. They laughed at my expression.

"What about you, Jack?" Amaya asked.

He stared at us expressionless and replied sternly, "I'm not going to college."

"What?" we all questioned in unison, appalled by his answer.

"I want to travel first and—maybe—along the way I'll find out what I truly want to do," he explained. We continued to stare, surprised by his answer. He shrugged and smirked, "Besides, I can become a chef, too."

"He's right!" Yusei spoke up. "Jack is an amazing cook!"

"So are you," Jack countered. He stared at Yusei with a raised eyebrow. Yusei waved him off and continued to eat.

"I can see that," I muttered. I turned to Johan, who was sitting beside me. "What are your plans?"

He was silent, while trying to finish a bite of his lunch. "Hopefully become a doctor," he answered. Everyone was silent and I blinked at him trying to process his answer. "Stop acting like it's impossible! I can do it, if I study well enough!" he yelled. He bit his lips trying to hold in his laughter.

"You know," Aki started. "Johan would make a great doctor." Amaya and Yusei agreed with her.

"Okay, but remember how he acted this year. Not to mention the past years," Crow added.

"Hey! Let's not bring that up!" Johan yelled. I covered my hand as I laughed loudly. "Why don't you tell us what you want to do then, Crow."

Crow straightened himself and proudly revealed, "I'm thinking of joining the police force."

Our eyes widen and in unison we yelled out, "Huh?"

He continued to nod his head with a smile. "I think I have potential. I also want to protect those who are in danger," he explained. His eyes flickered up at me and a sad smile grew upon his fair face. "I guess I feel a bit guilty for not protecting Jaden when he needed help the most. I wasn't a good friend." I frowned remembering the times I suffered. "I don't plan on making the same mistake, so this is my main reason to wanting to join."

"Crow, I'm glad you're choosing to do that," I told him truthfully. In return, he gave me the brightest smile he ever adorned.

"What about your plans, Yusei?" asked Johan, as he took sips of his drink. I had completely forgotten that he hadn't gone yet.

Gently, Yusei placed his chopsticks on top of his lunchbox. "I don't know," he replied with a smile. Johan's mouth hung open and I swiftly closed it, so I wouldn't see the food he was munching on. So gross. Aki and Amaya stared at him with a confused expression, while Crow, Juro and Jack simply rolled their eyes. "I'll figure it out soon," he assured us.

"Okay…" Aki turned to me and asked, "What about you, Jaden?"

I gulped down my food harshly and tried my best to make eye contact. Everyone else already had their future planned and I was the only one who was panicking. Even though Yusei hadn't made up his mind on what he wanted to do, he wasn't anxious about it at all. "Honestly, I have no idea," I muttered. I reverted my attention to my half empty lunchbox, not wanting to see Aki's look.

"That's okay," she spoke. I glanced up to see her smiling. "Not everyone knows right away what they will choose as their prefered career."

"You have plenty of time," Amaya chimed in.

"Pick something you have interest in, even if it's a little," suggested Johan. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and ruffled my hair. "You'll find out in no time!"

I broke out into a wide smile. "Thanks, guys!"

I felt Yusei snake his hand into mine and give it a squeeze of reassurance. I watched as his cheeks began to redden. It made me want to laugh. Yusei was undeniably cute and caring.

With the months I used up sulking, I missed those days to think of my plans after graduation. I definitely had a lot of catching up to do.


The weather felt cool against my skin. Even though it was close to summer, the temperature stayed relatively nice. I scanned around my surroundings and noticed the flushed grass and bright, colorful flowers continuing to bloom. The familiar maple tree stood right up, dancing amongst the wind.

I was deeply focused on the nature that I never noticed Yusei who was now by my side. He stared at me with his azure eyes, not saying a single word. "What?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

A smile crept up on his lips, "You look delicate when you're distracted by something so simple," he answered.

"Nature isn't simple," I beamed. I linked our hands together and pulled Yusei towards the front gates of the school. "The weather today feels amazing!" I stretched one arm out to feel the gentle breeze.

"You're awfully happy today, considering you were thinking about college this morning," Yusei stated.

"Yeah, but after the advice Aki, Amaya and Johan gave me, most of my worries went away." I brought my head up to look at Yusei. Even his side profile was handsome. The breeze swept through his hair giving it a nice airy look. Under the sun rays, his tan skin looked remarkably radiating. "You look awfully handsome today," I admitted. A smile danced on my lips.

Yusei glanced down at me and chuckled. He ran a hand through his hair and said, "Thanks! I always look handsome for you." I rolled my eyes at his cheesiness. "Say, Jaden." I let out a small hum and waited for him to continue. "Are you busy tonight?" he asked.

"No," I answered. "I don't have any homework either."

"Then come over for dinner," he said a little too hesitantly.

"Why?" I stared at him, incredulously.

He let out a big sigh and grumbled, "My parents want to meet you."

"What?" I screamed. Luckily, we were near our neighborhood that seemed vacant. "How do they know about me?" I questioned. I felt my face go pale at the realization that Yusei's parents wanted to literally meet me. Do they know about our relationship?

"Coincidently, my mother knows your father." Yusei ruffled my hair and continued to explain. "I mentioned them about you three months after you moved here. My father wanted to meet you immediately, but I told him no. Now, months later, he still remembered and asked to invite you over. He said it was time since we're graduating soon."

"Wow," I breathed out. It was all news to me. I started to feel a little lonely knowing Yusei's parents were going to be there for dinner, when my parents were rarely home. "Do they know?" I asked in a whisper.

Yusei shook his head. "I didn't have the confidence to tell them," he muttered. He let out a deep breath and smiled slightly. "Let's tell them together." My eyes widen and my legs grew numb. "You should come over by six."

I looked up to see that we arrived at my house. "Oh, okay." I kept my gaze to the ground, feeling anxiety crawl up on me. Suddenly, I felt a warm hand upon my head. I glanced up to see Yusei giving me an assuring smile. "Yusei..."

"Don't worry. I'll be there." I smiled back and nodded eagerly. "I'll see you in a few hours," he called on his way out.

I waved until I no longer could see him. I took a deep breath and rushed inside my house. It was empty as always. I decided to not let my mood drop and forced myself to get ready for later.

Within the few hours, I took a quick shower and dressed in the best clothes I had. I examined myself through the mirror, making sure I looked fitting enough. I smoothed out the wrinkles on the white dress shirt I chose to wear. After checking the time, I decided it was okay leave. On my way out the front door, I slipped on a pair of black loafers. It matched well with the dark jeans I was wearing.

The sun continued to shine and I smiled feeling the warmness from it. I took my time walking to Yusei's house, mostly because I was trying to calm my nerves. I slowed my steps when I spotted his house. The lights were on and from the outside it looked like a loving home.

I mustered up my courage and tread my way to the front door. I gave it subtle knocks and waited patiently. The seconds went by and I was ready to dash home, however the door opened to reveal Yusei. He was wearing a simple black shirt over dark jeans. "You're here," he grinned. He reached for my hand and dragged me inside.

After slipping my shoes off, I came face to face with his father. The resemblance was uncanny. I was looking at a much older version of Yusei. "Hello, Jaden. I'm Yusei's father," he spoke in a low, velvety voice. He held his hand out and waited for my response.

I felt a nudge on my side from Yusei and quickly shook his father's hand. "I-It's nice to meet you. M-My name is Jaden Yuki," I stuttered. I mentally cursed myself for my sudden nerves.

"Glad you could join us for dinner." He smiled, small wrinkles formed right on the corners of his eyes and lips. "Let's get seated." He beckoned us to follow him into the kitchen.

I kept my eyes glued to the dining table, not daring to look up. While Yusei sat across from his father, I sat across from an empty seat. Plates were served right in front of us, and finally, I glanced up to see his mother.

She was breathtaking. Long, black hair flowed down her back, her eyes were the brightest blue like Yusei's, and her smile was warmingly sweet. After taking her seat across from me, she brought her eyes up to meet mine. "I've been wanting to meet you for a long time, Jaden. I'm Yusei's mother and I happen to work with your father," she spoke with a soft voice.

I smiled back at her and began to take bites of the dinner. "This is delicious!" I beamed.

Yusei's mother gave a small laugh and took small bites of hers. "How has your last year of high school been like, Jaden?" Yusei's father suddenly asked.

My hands froze once hearing the dreadful question. Even Yusei beside me tensed up. It was possibly my worst, but also best year. I went through a turmoil of bullying, but I met Yusei, who I fell in love with. I gulped down my food and smiled softly at him. "I'd be lying if I said it was great," I started. His father's eyes seemed to widen and his mother was intently listening. "I went through some hard times, but everyone does. During those hard times, I felt hopeless. Although it wasn't a good year, there was good moments. During those moments, it was whenever I was with Yusei and our close friends." I let out a small laugh and said, "On those helpless times, I realized how precious my friends are. Just knowing that makes up for the rough year I had." I glanced at Yusei adorning a guilty expression. I couldn't say that he helped me out because he didn't.

We were both fooled.

"But you managed to get out of those rough times and that's all that matters. You matured into who you are now," Yusei's mother spoke. "You're just like how your father described you."

"My father talks about me?" I questioned with wide eyes.

She nodded her, her smile never faltering. "He said you have a lot of determination in you, so whenever you go through any hardships, you always manage to get out of it in whatever way." I couldn't believe my father talked about me at work. "I'm guessing he's always busy, so you rarely see him." I nodded my head sadly.

"You mentioned your friends being precious to you, so it's safe to say Yusei is also precious to you, right?" I felt my cheeks heat up at what Yusei's father said.

"Of course," I admitted.

Throughout the dinner, we continued to talk about school and our year. I tried my best to answer with a smile. It was in the past now, so I needed to get over it.

"The meal was delicious, Mrs. Fudo!" I exclaimed. I decided to help her out with the dishes. I liked Yusei's mother. She was caring and sweet.

"Thank you, Jaden! I knew you would like it."

"How so?"

"I asked your father!" It still shocked me how much my father thought of me. I wondered if it was the same with my mother. "We're done here. Let's head to the living room," she announced.

We stepped out of the living room and saw Yusei and his father casually speaking to each other. Yusei turned to me with his piercing eyes. I immediately knew that he wanted to tell them the news right away. "Thank you for inviting me for dinner," I spoke up. I made my towards Yusei, still smiling to his parents.

"Come back anytime you want to!" Yusei's father smiled.

Just as I was about to turn around, I felt Yusei's hand tug on mine. "Jaden," he said in a low tone. I slowly turned back, keeping my gaze away from his parents. "We have something to say to you two." I glanced up to see his parents expressions. They were confused and eyed the both of us. "Jaden and I are dating," Yusei confessed.

I felt my heart drop and I was ready to run out of the front door. I froze upon hearing Yusei's mother laugh. "I was wondering when you were going to tell us!"

"It seemed really obvious," his father added in. Yusei and I were stunned by their response. "We're not against it at all. As long as you're happy, Yusei, that is all that matters to us," he assured.

I wanted to cry tears of happiness at that moment. "Thank you, mom, dad," I heard Yusei whisper.

"Go walk Jaden home," his father ordered.

I thanked the both of them one last time and was tugged by Yusei to the front door. The sun was finally setting, creating a beautiful scene before us. The sky was a shade of blue and purple blended together.

"I'm so happy," I giggled, pressing myself against Yusei's side.

"Me too," he breathed out.

"I'm glad your parents accepted our relationship. Also, it felt nice hearing my father talked about me."

"Your parents do care about you. I'm sure you mother does, too," he assured me. I smiled and continued to stare at the evening sky. "I'm sorry," Yusei whispered.

"For what?"

"Not being there for you during your hard times."

"You partially were," I replied. I sent him a small smile and gripped his hand, as if he was about to disappear. "It's all over. There's not reason to dwell on it. We're much better than before and that's all that matters."

"You're right," he smiled back.

Once we arrived at my house, I sent him a mischievous look and pulled him inside. I laughed as he asked why I was taking him to my room. We barged in and shut the door immediately. I let loose of Yusei's hand and threw myself upon the unmade bed.

I turned in time to see Yusei lying right by my side. "Don't leave." I whispered.

"I won't ever again," he whispered back.

I leaned in and kissed him gently. He smiled into the kiss and pushed back my fallen bangs with his free hand. I pulled away and let a lazy smile dance across my lips. "I've missed this," I admitted.

"There are many things I have missed, too." I raised a brow at him and watched as he slowly moved towards me. "Like this." He hovered over me and leaned in for a deep kiss. I felt my body melt into his and my mind went blank.

Yusei was on my mind and only him.

I gasped at soon as he pulled away to nip on my neck. Memories of the night of the resort flooded through my mind. I missed this, too.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" he asked, through the sudden heat building up around us.

A cute and flirty smile formed on my face and I replied back in a low voice, "Definitely."

I let Yusei take my body and the rest of the night was filled with bliss and lust. In the midst of it, we exchanged countless of 'I love you's to each other.

I was blessed to had endured the ordeal I went through because I was no longer my old, weak self.

I am stronger and happier now.


(A/N: I hate to say it, but next chapter is officially that last one. I have come a long way with this fic, considering it is my first one. Even though I'm no longer in the Yugioh fandom, it still holds some of my happy moments with it. This fic will always be precious to me. Okay, I'll be honest, I don't know when I will update again, but it will be soon. I've always been having thoughts on what to do afterwards like: should I rewrite this whole fic? In my opinion, it's not a good fic lol. I have a lot of mistakes from grammar to character personalities and such. Give me your thoughts if you would be willing to reread this in a much newer and better way. If I do decide to do it, it will have different scenes and I'll most likely change certain characters as well. Anyways, thank you to those who have stuck around to read this fic, and let's be patient for the ending of this fic. Leave reviews on what you thought about this chapter, or the fic as a whole. I'll see you all soon with another update! Thank you!~ )