Disclaimer: I don't own GA.

Epilogue: The Following Spring

Akira Tonoichi mouth gaped wide open in a big yawn—the yawn stretched his face, reaching all the way up to his eyes. Sleepily, a hand covered his mouth and he felt tired tears wetting his eyes.

It was just your average Monday morning in Spring. It was just past 9am, and Tono's train was getting into the station. As he stepped off the train and made his way towards the exit, following the gliding crowd of men and women in business suits, Tono absent-mindedly remembered the agenda for today.

Ugh, I hate Mondays… especially after the long weekend, he thought for the hundredth time that morning. Last week, the bank holidays had fallen on Thursday and Friday, so they had had a four-day weekend. Whilst it was amazing whilst it lasted, it made the transition back to work so much harder. And to make his Monday morning worse, the first thing he saw when he exited the train station was a smiling Natsume Hyuuga.

Hyuuga stood three metres ahead of him, with Mikan Sakura by his side. They weren't holding hands, but their arms were practically glued together. Together, they were walking in the direction of their company. Annoyed at the sight of such bright cheerfulness so early in the morning, Tono sighed and kept his distance as he also walked in the same direction as the happy couple.

He had heard from the office grapevine that this sickeningly happy couple before him had moved in together two months ago. The rumour had said that Mikan Sakura had packed all her things up and moved into Hyuuga's flat in downtown Tokyo, and to Tono's great dismay, Mikan Sakura herself had confirmed these rumours about three weeks ago. But even without her categorical confirmation, it was blindingly obvious: for the past three months, the happy couple always arrived and left work together without fail. It was nauseating!

With a slight scowl marring his usually handsome and carefree face, Tono enviously watched Mikan Sakura talk animatedly to Natsume Hyuuga. He couldn't hear what she was saying, but she kept tugging at Hyuuga's arm and pointing at the cafes they passed. Perhaps they were discussing where to go to eat lunch today. Ugh—get a room!

And to think! To think a year ago, Tono thought he had a shot with Mikan Sakura! Tono could admit, albeit bitterly, that in retrospect it was quite comical to think that he had once thought he had a chance with Mikan Sakura. It had taken him weeks and weeks to feel like she was opening up to him… but all that effort was effectively annihilated as soon as Natsume Hyuuga entered the race. As soon as Natsume Hyuuga presented himself as a suitor, all was lost.

It wasn't like Tono no longer liked Mikan Sakura as a human being. For certain, he no longer harboured a crush on her, and he did genuinely think that she was a very kind and caring person. Not to mention, he still very much thought she was pleasing to the eyes. But since the two had started dating last year, so much of her now seem intertwined with Natsume Hyuuga. These days, it was hard to separate or disassociate her from Hyuuga.

But begrudgingly, even Tono could see how well-suited they were for each other. On account of his love-drunkenness, Hyuuga had become a considerably nicer person since her arrival last year, and as they all walked in the direction of their company, the great love Mikan felt for Hyuuga was palpable just by her very gaze. She would longingly and lovingly look up to him as they spoke, side by side.

At the crossing, the pedestrian crossing lights turned red, and Tono saw Hyuuga gently raise out his hand, barring Mikan from taking a step forward onto the road.

Ugh. Tono could admit that they suited each other, but that didn't mean he had to be happy about it. Ughhhhhhhh…

Perhaps Mikan felt Tono's heavy glare from behind, for quite suddenly, she turned her head around, and their eyes met. She smiled brightly and called to him, "Good morning, Tono-san!"

Tono's eyes softened, and he smiled at her. How could he not? Her expression and mannerisms were always so smile-inducing. He walked over towards the happy couple, "Good morning Mikan-chan…" he then cleared his throat and glanced at the other, "… Hyuuga."

"Tono," Hyuuga acknowledged him in the same tone, with that exact same weary expression. He was vindictively glad to see that Hyuuga did not seem so pleased by his sudden appearance.

"It's such a beautiful morning, isn't it?" Mikan Sakura gushed happily.

"It sure is," Tono amiably agreed, "Did you do anything nice over the long weekend?"

As soon as the question left his lips, Tono regretted asking it, especially when he saw Hyuuga's newly smug expression. Unaware that her boyfriend was being a little shit, Mikan excitedly answered, "Yes! We went to Kyoto," on cue, she raised a paper bag that had the mark of a famous Kyoto sweetshop embossed on it, "to visit my grandpa! It was so lovely, wasn't it, Natsume? We bought a lot of souvenirs, so please come to my desk when you have time today, and I'll give you some sweets. They are very tasty, I promise."

Ughhhhh, save me Lord! Tono lamented internally but did his best to keep the expression on his face as neutral as can be. Ugh, they went on holiday together? Worse, to visit her darling Jii-chan, the Jii-chan she always brags about? And from Hyuuga's shit-eating grin, it's obvious darling Jii-chan approved of him… At this rate, they will be announcing their fucking engagement by Christmas.

"That's nice," Tono commented, making a conscious effort to keep his voice steady, "Kyoto must be nice this time of the year."

"Oh, it is! It's the best! Right, Natsume?"

"Right," Hyuuga smiled gently down at her.

Their little glances and smiles, ones that the reserved only for each other, said enough. Mikan Sakura was totally in love with this wretched man, and this wretch loved her just as much. He had lost the war.

Tono had never, ever stood a chance.

"Oh, and Tono-san! This is totally off-topic," at that moment, the pedestrian crossing turned green. Hyuuga nudged her arm to alert her of this, and together, and three of them now moved to cross the road in the direction of their company. Mikan continued to talk as she walked, "My friends were looking at the photos of the company's New Year Eve's party last year, and one of my friends thinks you're really cute! She's having a house party at her flat next weekend. Would you like to come? Natsume and I will be going, of course, so you'll have us! I'm planning to invite Tobita-san too."

Tono, who had not expected this at all, was startled by her invitation. Then, pure delight cracked his face: Mikan Sakura's friend thought he was really cute! Hah!

"Of course I'll come! I never say no to a party!"

Tono caught Hyuuga's displeased grimace and grinned even harder. Boisterously, he looped an arm around Hyuuga, and squeezed him with raucous intent, "Besides, I would never miss the opportunity to see Hyuuga at a dance party! I can't think of anything more hilarious."

"Seriously, piss off…" Hyuuga muttered, his voice relatively quiet. Tono was sure if Mikan Sakura were not by his side, Hyuuga would have used the f-word and would have probably spoken more loudly too. Hyuuga was hopeless: he always was on his best behaviour in front of his girlfriend.

"Great! I'll let my friend know. She'll be excited."

"Cool! Thanks, Mikan-chan,"

Maybe this Spring was his lucky Spring. If miserable grump Natsume Hyuuga could have one, surely Akira Tonoichi could experience one too! Feeling more cheerful and optimistic, Tono walked to work with a new spring in his step.

Things were not over for him, no siree. Things were just beginning.

A/N: and that's a wrap! Thanks to everyone who stuck by this silly little cliché of a story :) Hope you are all well and healthy!