Ninth Decision

The sun has already set. There's nothing left from the warm shades that were painting the sky in the evening. As the moon and the stars watched over them on their way, the only light that shined the path were those of the street lamps. Silently they walked home side by side with various thoughts in their minds. Whether the atmosphere was dark and gloomy or just awkward, she didn't know. She didn't need to know. But what she wanted to know was what he thought about at that moment. She knew he felt guilty even though he didn't have to. She understood that he was angry that she was send away even though her stay in the hospital was just a couple of weeks ago. But as she felt better when she was needed by the family she would do anything since they've also done so much for her. Before she realized they already were in front of her house and he was about to see her off. This couldn't go on like this she thought. She grabbed his wrist before he could go without further words.

"You see... Hayato." She started without knowing what to say yet. But before she could continue he let out a big sigh and properly took the hand she grabbed him with.

"I can't believe they make you do a mission again after you got hurt." She realized by his tone and the look in his eyes. He was really concerned about her. Though she didn't worry much about it herself it seemed that he couldn't let it go.

"It's okay. We'll be just escorting a granny to japan. So don't worry." She said holding both his hands tightly and smiled at him hoping she could ease his mind. "Tsuna wouldn't send me to a dangerous mission."

"Who knows what'll happen!" He argued while his voice was getting louder. Haru just couldn't understand him. He knew it was partly his fault because he didn't know how to express himself well because the only way he knew to interact was to raise his voice. But how can he make her change her mind. "If she is targeted by an enemy you'll be put in danger again."

"But I know you'll protect me."

"I will I absolutely will…" Of course he would. Just like how Tsuna once saved his life she also did. Just like how loyal he is to Tsuna he will to her. "I will protect you with my life." But... "But who knows if I can do that." There might be times where he can't be with her when she needs him. There might be times when he can't protect her when she when she faces danger.

"Of course you can. To me you're the strongest after all." She wouldn't change her mind. She was too naive and stubborn. Even after she was in pain after protecting him she is still not afraid of anything.

"But why did you even agree to that?! You could've as well just refused!" Where are the arguments when he needed them? He felt helpless. It was already to late to argue about that but he still couldn't let it go.

"I can't just refuse a mission from the boss. I'm also a member after all." She was still smiling at him as if nothing was wrong but as for him. He couldn't smile.

"Then quit." Why can't he talk well? He wondered. What kind of words would make her change her mind? Why is it that even though he was so smart everything he said in situations like this sound like the complaint of a small child. His grip on her hand got tighter to the point that it almost hurt her.

"Huh?!" Haru shrieked as she was surprised.

"Quit being a mafia member and just live your life normally." He raised his voice a little and it seemed almost as if her shouted.

"I can't!" Why would he suddenly ask her to quit. It doesn't make sense to her. She kept wondering what was wrong with him. But even if she asked he'd say the same things over again.

"Why?" Why does she still insist? Why is that so important to risk her life over it? Is it still because of him? His voice cracked into a small mix of whining and whispering. "Why?"

"Because… Because we are all friends… and family…" Because that was the only way she'd keep seeing them. The only way she keeps seeing him. The family and friends that she had grown so much fond of over those years. After all they've experienced together. How could she ever leave all that behind?

"Say…" Is she still... "Do you still love Tsuna?" He was whispering. If he didn't held back his voice he felt like he would break into tears as soon as he said that. Thinking that she'd still love Tsuna even though he chose Kyoko over her. It pierced so deeply into his heart and made it hard for him to breath. Was it for her? No. His heart hurt for himself thinking that it wasn't him she was staying for.

"I… I don't…" She stuttered as she was shocked about the sudden question not knowing what to do.

"You sure?" He took her other hand.

"Absolutely!" She said eagerly and nodded hoping he wouldn't continue that misunderstanding. Suddenly he pulled her into his arms with her chin landing on his shoulder. He whispered.

"Then… love me."

Hey everyone (?)

I suddenly got a nice review which I didn't expect because this series hasn't been updated for so long and as the KHR anime as well as the manga (I didn't read it) ended long ago I thought that no one would be interested anymore.

I'm really super sorry that I haven't updated for such a long long time and that this one is only short. Actually I've written up a lot of parts already of the following developments in 2015 but I couldnt bring myself to continue. The motivation as well as good ideas where missing with me…

Also to give an excuse, I started studying pharmacy in April 2015, and man it's such a hard thing to do really!, there were a lot of months each year that I stayed in the university from 8am to 6-7pm, but this shall be my last semester, I have big exams in spring and hopefully I'll get them done nicely

And as I'm not the type to leave work unfinished (I hate that) I'm likely (hopefully) to continue this series and end it in 2019. (again hopefully) But my writing style won't be the same (probably) as it's been so so long that I've written something :(

So once again I'm very sorry, AND

I'd like to know if there are still people reading this? Or waiting for this? I'm sorry I don't know any other means but to ask for a review to see the number of people who are still following this. I hope you can give me a sign that you're alive and kicking as well and hope to see you again

Love ya all! And thank you everyone who still followed and favorited and reviewed all the years that I didn't update !