To each her own opinion! XD

And no, November doesn't think they're still going out. It was implied that Misaki told him the truth about their relationship after ch 52, the only reason why she would go with him in the first place.

Thanks for pointing out that mistake. Changed it now ^^

Anyways, this chapter is longer since we're reaching the conclusion of my really, really long story... Lol. Though still not as long as Dear4Life's :) Like usual, let me know if you catch any mistakes.


Chapter 54

"So what do you want to do now?"

"I'm actually kind of tired. Do you mind if I rest in my room?" Misaki asked.

"Of course not! Nothing serious, I hope…"

"No, no. I'm okay."

"Do you need me to get anything?" inquired November.

"I'll be fine. I just wanted to rest before supper."

"Alright. I'll come find you later. I'll take a walk and come back for you."

Misaki smiled and nodded her head. November leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek before escorting her to the elevator. They waited in silence for it to arrive and when it did, he gave her hand a slight squeeze before watching her enter. The door closed and it whisked her away.

When she reached her floor, Misaki quickly made her way to her room. Kicking off her shoes and stumbling her way towards the bed, she flopped over onto it and sighed loudly. She hadn't lied to him because she did feel tired. Things had been surprisingly good and bad between them.

She had left the planning up to November, not knowing exactly what he would plan. It was so like him; to decide on Osaka, a city famous for its good eats. There was so much to try and so much to see.

They had eaten everything from okonomiyaki, takoyaki and udon to curry rice and sushi. There were dessert cafes, fast food places, fancy restaurants and izakaiyas. Everything had been delicious and he let her have her fill every time.

When they weren't eating, there was shopping or sightseeing. There was Ame-mura, Dotonbari, Umeda and Shinsaibashi. Surprisingly, she didn't hate shopping as much as she thought. She was starting to think she only hated it when she went with Kanami because her best friend pressured her to try and buy practically everything.

Besides that first shopping experience with November, it hadn't been as terrible as she imagined it to be. In Shinsaibashi, there were so many accessory stores; she actually had fun trying to find presents for Yin. They also had arcade places with gachapon, something she thought July might like.

For sightseeing, they had gone to places like Tennoji Park and Tennoji Zoo or Osaka Castle Park. So far, her favourite place had been Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. It had been a relaxing trip. It wasn't super busy since they had gone on a weekday.

The aquarium had been amazing with a number of multi-floored tanks housing sharks and fish; tanks with sea turtles or puffer fish or giant crabs. They had even stopped several time just to sit and watch as the creatures swam around – so carefree in comparison to the hectic schedules of humans.

At the end, November had even convinced her to give it a try as there had been a petting tank with different sting rays and manta rays. She had expected them to feel slimy, but their skin had been unexpectedly soft and smooth. She had enjoyed the experience.

Before they went in search of supper, they had taken a ride on the Tenpozan Ferris Wheel which had been just next to the aquarium. As they enjoyed the night view, November had held her closely to his side; they had even shared a short kiss. The whole day had been heavenly.

Everything was going so perfectly. November was attentive and considerate; everything that Li had demanded he be. So why was there always this sense of darkness inside her heart? It lingered like an irritation until she finally couldn't ignore it.

She knew exactly what it was. Though November's personality hadn't been the most impressive at the beginning, he had never tried to hide any of it. In fact, she could even say that he was the most honest and transparent person she knew. Yet what about her?

November never questioned how or why they met. He didn't seem to care. Unfortunately, she wasn't that dismissive. It just didn't sit well with her that she was happy now when she had approached him using false pretences. Not really, but regardless, it didn't sit well with her.

She felt like she had to tell him; that he deserved to know. The part that concerned her the most was his response. If it ruined their current relationship, she didn't want that. But not to tell him felt like she wasn't being honest with him and she didn't like that idea either.


"Misaki? I'm back," November stated as he poked his head through their adjoining door.

The room was dark and he didn't hear anything beyond the air conditioning. A touch of worry crossed his features as he made his way to turn on the lights. When he turned them on and found the room empty, his sense of worry began to grow. He knew he shouldn't have left her alone, but he needed to respect her wishes.

Flipping off the lights, he exited from her room and headed towards the elevator. Pulling out his phone, he dialled her number while he waited, but there was no answer, eventually going to voicemail. He had suspected that much.

Exiting on the main floor, he made his way to the reception desk. Surely they would have seen her if she had exited the building. It wasn't like her. He sensed something was wrong, but he didn't know what.

"Can I help you?" the man asked.

"I'm looking for Misaki Kirihara. She's staying in room 324. She was supposed to wait for me there."

"Do you know where she is?" November asked impatiently when he didn't answer immediately.

"You needn't worry. Ms. Kirihara is just over there," the man replied with a smile.

November turned around to look where he pointed and breathed a sigh of relief when he spotted her. She was sitting alone in the main lobby, staring out the window. Thanking the man, November quickly rushed to where she was. She had given him such a fright!

"Misaki," he said gently as he knelt in front of her. "Misaki, are you okay?"

She was slow to reply, startled when she spotted him in front of her. Glancing around at the lobby, she finally glanced back at him and gave him a small smile. Lightly, November took her hands in his and stared up at her.

"I know something's wrong," he said before pressing a light kiss to the back of her hand. "Can't you tell me what's bothering you?"

"I knew I wasn't that good at hiding it," she replied with a sigh. "Upstairs?"

"Of course."

He stood and gently pulled her up from the armchair she had been sitting on. Pulling her close, he gave her a hug before pressing a kiss to her hair. Whatever it was that was bothering her, he wanted her to know that he would always be willing to listen and help.

When he released her, she smiled softly and slipped her hand into his. It was a small sign, but it warmed his heart that she didn't fight him when it came to small gestures of affection. In fact, she seemed to embrace it. He knew it was a good idea to pull her away from the regular distractions of her life.

They didn't speak as they made their way back to her room. She paused at the door, turning to stare up at him. He wasn't sure what she was looking for, but smiled anyways. A ghost of a smile touched her lips before she turned back to the door and opened it.

November followed her inside, gently closing the door behind himself. Even though they were alone, Misaki still didn't speak. Instead, she stood by the dresser with her back towards him. Making slow steps towards her, he wanted to give her time to gather her thoughts.

"What's wrong?" he asked gently as he slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

She still didn't reply. Instead, she gently rested a hand on top of his and leaned back against him. Smiling to himself, November rested his head against hers. Though she was having difficulty giving voice to her concerns, her actions indicated that she trusted him; she didn't push him away like she used to.

"You can tell me anything you want," he whispered, closing his eyes.

"I know…"

"Then what's the problem?"

"I'm trying to decide where to start," she answered. "I know I have to tell you; I was trying to decide what the best way was when you found me."

"Anywhere."

Sighing softly, Misaki knew that, but he wasn't really helping. Slowly, she turned within his embrace so they were face to face. He loosened his hold slightly, allowing her to lean back and look up at him. Lightly, she reached her hand to press it against his cheek, to which he smiled.

"I told you how I wasn't actually going out with Li," commented Misaki.

"Yes, a fact that pleases me immensely."

"Didn't you ever wonder why we lied about that?"

"Hm… That is an interesting question; one that I never bothered to give thought to," November replied. "I have to admit that I was more excited about planning the trip. Why did you?"

"Do you remember where we first met?"

"Some club or another… I can't remember which one. Does it matter?"

"Not the place, no," stated Misaki. "You have to agree that you weren't exactly Mr. Perfect in the past…"

"Yes, well I'm all straightened out thanks to a certain beautiful someone."

"Haven't you ever thought of all those girls you toyed around with? How they might have felt?"

"No… I don't suppose I have… They don't mean anything to me. Only you," November said.

"See, that was the problem…"

"Hm…? Oh… One of your friends…?" he asked, realizing she was leading up to something.

"Yes. She was quite pitiful, crying her heart out for days."

"I'm sorry; I truly am. But I can't change what I've done in the past… I would never do that to you."

"I know. That's not the point," Misaki stated.

"Then what's the matter? I don't understand."

"That a man would do something so heartless as to play with her affections… It was unforgiveable! I swore I would get my revenge for her sake. The three of us hatched up the perfect plan. I would lure you in and then ignore you, like what you did to her… I just never imagined any of this would happen…"

Much to her surprise, November started laughing. A look of confusion crossed her features as she rested her hands against his chest. She thought he would be angry with her, yet he was laughing like it was the most amusing thing he had ever heard. She didn't get it.

"Are you serious?" November finally asked as his laughter subsided.

"Yes, of course. Why would I lie about that? Li was supposed to be the buffer against your advances. That's why we pretended to be in a relationship."

"Well it didn't work."

"Obviously not since you were more persistent than I imagined," Misaki grumbled. "Why aren't you upset?"

"Why would I be?"

"Because I lied to you this whole time…"

"Oh darling, only you would see it like that," November replied. "I deserved it; I'm surprised it hasn't happened earlier. Besides, you're the best thing to happen to me, ever. Why would I want to ruin that?"

"You mean I was worrying for nothing?" Misaki exclaimed.

"If that was what was bothering you, then yes."

"Great… Now I feel really silly."

"Don't. It's one of your charms – your honesty. I just wish you said something earlier."

"I tried to ignore it, but it wouldn't go away… How was I to know it wouldn't bother you?" Misaki asked.

"Next time, say it instead of holding it in," instructed November. "Besides, if anyone was to be worried, it should be me."

"Why?"

"Because you're the most beautiful, generous and charming woman I know. You could pick any man you wanted and you still picked me despite everything I put both you and your friend through."

"Well, you can be charming too… And you're quite attractive…" she answered with a slight hint of a blush.

November grinned as he stared into her eyes. She stared back at him. He didn't say anything, but she slowly slid her hands up and wrapped her arms around his neck. He chuckled before he closed the distance between them. One arm tightened around her waist while his free hand came up to frame her face.

Her arm tightened around his neck as she leaned into him. She sighed softly when he broke contact briefly before he kissed her again. It was some time before he finally loosened his hold on her as he could only go so far before he lost control.

"November?" she whispered.

"Supper… We have to think of where we are."

"Hm?"

"If we go any further, supper is going to be the furthest thing from my mind," he answered with a side glance behind her.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, a blush reddening her cheeks as she realized what he was talking about. "S – Shall we go then?"

"In a bit."

"In a bit?" she echoed.

"Misaki," he said seriously as he unwrapped her arms from around his neck. "I truly am sorry that I hurt your friend, but I promise I will never do that to you."

Surprised by the sudden return to their earlier conversation, Misaki didn't know what to say. It was like he had switched off his desire with a flip of a switch; something she wasn't capable of doing. She was still basking in the pleasant sensations created by his kisses.

"I just have to say this. Despite what happened in the past, that is no longer who I am. I know everything is still new between us, but I'm serious about making this work. Maybe it's too soon to say this, but I want you to know. I love you. You mean everything to me. Maybe you need more time to come to that point too; that you will return my affection, but I'm willing to wait. There's no one else I rather be with."

"I…"

"Ah!"

Misaki was startled when he shouted unexpectedly. She had no idea what to say in response to his speech. Now she was drawing a blank at November's unexpected behaviour. She could only watch as he dropped her hands and scratched at his head.

Eventually, he shouted a second time and turned his back towards her. Astonished, she slowly reached out to touch his back. His gaze dropped to the floor, making her wonder what was wrong. Just as she was about to take a step closer, he turned his head to look at her.

"Can you just forget what I said?"

"Eh?"

"I wasn't supposed to say it yet! And I can't believe how stupid I sounded… How is that supposed to be convincing?"

Misaki squinted her eyes as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. It was shocking enough the first time, but to be told to forget it… Not to mention seeing his embarrassed reaction. She finally moved towards him, going to stand in front of him.

"Don't look!" he exclaimed, turning his head away from her.

Even though he said that, Misaki had already seen it; to see him with the same telltale blush that she tended to get. November of all people, blushing like a schoolgirl after his outburst of a love confession… Misaki giggled.

"I told you not to look," November grumbled. "Do people actually do that? I can't believe I just did that! I meant every word, but it just sounds absolutely ridiculous…"

"Shall we go for supper then, Mr. Poet?" Misaki teased before giggling again.

Unexpectedly, he pulled her close for a lingering kiss, only releasing her when she began to melt against him. She stared up at him with a soft dreamy expression in her eyes and November grinned. This was more his style; forget those sappy words he just uttered.

"There, now we can go. That was punishment for teasing me," he said lightly as he interlaced his fingers between hers.

"Well you are the one who said them and decided to complain about it after the fact…"

"It still doesn't give you the right to tease me."

"Hm… Well maybe I happen to enjoy your form of punishment," she replied saucily before she pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "Now off we go…"

She giggled again as he started grumbling good-naturedly about her sneak attack. And though he himself complained about sappy confessions, she had enjoyed it; shocked, yes, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of wonder that someone could love her that much.


A/N: For those who aren't super familiar with Japanese terms.

okonomiyaki - those Japanese pancake things

takoyaki - octopus wrapped inside batter in the shape of little balls (yum~)

izakaiyas - singular izakaiya; kind of equivalent to a North American pub. a place you can eat and drink