I don't own the characters! The setting of this fic is six years after the anime (where they had a reunion seven years after Koro-sensei's death). I'm sorry I couldn't make a summary. It's pretty twisted.

March 11, 9:56 pm

RYUUNOSUKE

"Okaerinasai, Chiba-kun!" I smiled at Ritsu as she greeted me in my phone as I stepped out of the airport.

"Tadaima, Ritsu," I replied as I went to get a cab and drive home.

And as I stare outside the window, I slightly smiled when I realized things have changed in Japan. It's been six years since I left Japan for London. I won myself an opportunity to work to one of the best schools in architecture when I got known for my profession six years ago. But it was 9,448 kilometers away from home. I thought about it thoroughly with my parents and Rinka, and decided to give it a shot. Sadly, I lost my touch to my parents, Class 3-E, and my other friends from high school and college a year after being there because the job was no joke and things happened that I wasn't mentally ready for.

And here I am going home without anyone knowing excluding Ritsu.

When I reached my house, hesitation flew all over my body. Luckily, it's still where it used to be since the name plate says our family name. Should I press the doorbell? Where will I go if I won't? Taking a deep breath, I pressed the doorbell.

"Chiba residence, how may I help you?" I got teared up when I heard the voice of my mother making me not able to reply upon her call. "Hello, miss or mister? Are you still there?"

"Okaa-san?" I stuttered. "Is that you, Okaa-san?"

"Ryu-ryuunosuke?" I heard thuds and got worried but was surprised when the door opened and a woman ran up to the gate where I am.

She stood in front of me and opened the gate.

I was about to speak when she tackled me making us fell to the ground.

"My son, you're back. Ryuunosuke," She nuzzled her head to my chest as she cried her heart out. "I got so worried when you stopped contacting us. I miss you so much. My god, my son is back."

I felt the familiar warmth I missed so much. I kissed her head and responded to her hug.

"I won't leave anymore."

After our scene outside, we went inside the house and I was a little bit surprise because it hadn't change. I was about to ask her about Otou-san but she beat me to it saying he passed away four years back. I feel so guilty but she assured me it wasn't my fault. I knew that, but if only I haven't cut off my contacts five years ago, maybe I was there to support her. She must've been so lonely.

We dropped the subject after saying we'll visit him on Saturday. She knew it can't be tomorrow since I already planned on showing myself to my former classmates at Class 3-E. Okaa-san cooked me special dinner which was unnecessary, but when I take a looked at it, I suddenly became hungry. After I ate, she insisted to do the dishes and advice me to take a shower then sleep. I kissed her good night and made my way to my room. I then noticed that nothing changed about it. Okaa-san must've been cleaning it which made me feel guilty today for the nth time.

Before I went to the bathroom, I checked my messages and found four.

Sir Paulo Drew

Chiba, I know you're already done here but please do visit if you have time. You are still welcome. Have a safe trip, son!

Ritsu

The call time for tomorrow is at 10:00 am.

Lauren Wendell

Be with you next week. I'll miss you!

Lauren Wendell

Have you arrived? Reply as soon as you read this. I love you.

I sighed as I typed my replies. Sir Drew was the one who scouted me years ago and he took good care of me in London. Lauren is an interior designer whom I was stuck to work with. Both of us are going to accept a job here that was arranged by Sir Drew so she requested me to find her a unit to stay. Also, she's my girlfriend. We've been dating for two months now. She confessed and I couldn't say no. I still suck on communication. But honestly speaking, I love her but only as a friend. I still have my eyes on an orange-brown haired with emerald orbs beauty.

Yes, I, Chiba Ryuunosuke, is hopelessly in love with my former sniping partner, Hayami Rinka for years now.

After assuring my replies were sent, I went to the bathroom for a shower. And I stripped off my clothes, a memory came to mind. And when I started the water, I just couldn't set it aside.

"Hey, Chiba, wanna try the shooting gallery?" Hayami asked. "Let's bet on who gets to shoot more targets."

"What are we betting for?" I asked her.

"Loser has to treat the winner beef stroganoff!" "You're on!"

I slightly chuckled when I remember the results, she won against me. That was the last day of our summer vacation when we where still in Class 3-E, when we got banned at a shooting gallery. And when we counted our prizes, it was 12 to 13. The thought of beef stroganoff really motivates her.

I sighed, except for my parents, the one who I really yearn for is her. I miss her so bad that there wasn't a night I never thought of her. But I guess it was not possible to see her today or tomorrow.

When I was done, I turned the water off and got out of the tub. Once my hair is dried, I stepped out of the room and went to my luggage to get a pair of sleeping clothes. I didn't bother to unpack, instead I went straight to my bed. After realizing I really need a rest, I turned to my nightstand and stared at the two photos there. One was a class picture with Koro-sensei. The other one was a picture of me and Rinka at the summer festival taken by Koro-sensei, which I actually stole from his photo collection when we were editing for our yearbook.

I sighed and closed my eyes. And as I drifted to sleep, one name crossed my mind for the nth time today.

"Rinka..."