Chapter 15: A New Leaf

Without saying a word to anyone, Amu transfers to a different school to start fresh. She cuts herself off from the Guardians, including Rima. It was a bit disappointing that Kukai did not send a single message but that was also to be expected.

Amu had just finished taking care of the documents to formally attend her new school. Her parents even helped her find an apartment she could temporarily stay in before she graduates. She was looking forward to this new chapter of her life.

Sometimes she still has nightmares of what she left behind. There were times when she would dream of Kukai shouting at her. Sometimes it would be Ikuto or Utau. And most of the time, it would be the three of them.

But those nightmares lessened when she transferred to a different town. This is why she is trying to be positive in attending this new school. Maybe things will get better. No. Things will surely get better.

She headed straight to her room since it took the entire day to wrap things up. But her fatigue went away when she saw Ikuto sitting on top of her bed.

"I heard it didn't work for you and Kukai. Can you consider being with me again?"

"I don't know how you found me, Ikuto, but I'm begging you. Please just let me be alone."

"I can't, Amu. I really can't. Even if by chance you and Kukai stayed together, I would have still chosen to continue loving and protecting you."

"How can you still love me knowing that I chose to date Kukai even if we were still together?"

"I just do, Amu."

"Kukai told me that he still loved me but can't bear to be with someone who cheated. I am sure that I would have done the same thing as Kukai if it were the reverse. And I no longer love you, Ikuto. I did love you, but not anymore."

"Amu, you don't realize how much you mean to me. Since I have known you, your smiles meant everything. I can do anything to protect you and I can give you up if it would lead to your happiness. But you have stopped smiling, you have stopped being happy. Do you remember the first time we have met? You were lost and about to cry, but weren't you all smiley in the end?"

Amu nodded but just stared back at him, unsure of where the conversation was going. "You didn't love me back then and you were head-over-heels with Tadase. But somehow, didn't you slowly like me back?"

"I won't deny that. But as I have said -"

"Amu, I'm not asking you to love me back. Of course, I will not deny that I hope you would love me again. But right now, I just want to be with you so I can make you smile."

"And am I right in assuming that you would just continue to pester me until I agree to this?"

"Well, yeah."

And for the first time in a while, Amu laughed. "Oh my god Ikuto, that is so you."

Ikuto laughed with her. "See? I haven't done anything special yet and you're already smiling."

"Then I guess I'm stuck with you."

"Yeah, you're stuck with me like glue."

Amu hugged Ikuto. "I wanted you to find someone who won't do what I've done to you. You deserve so much more, Ikuto."

"You're the only one I want, Amu. It would either be you or no one."

"It might not be right at this moment, but I'm sure you will soon have me heads-over-heels for you soon again, anyway."

"I love you, too, Amu."

"I didn't say I love you yet dummy."

"You just did. But kidding aside, did you know that I even punched Kukai when I found out that he chose not to be with you?"

"Really? I didn't know that."

"Yeah, I confronted him, and we exchanged multiple punches. Kukai was also in a terrible state when I saw him. It was clear that he was heartbroken about you two breaking up, but in the end, he really cannot be back together with you. And that is the difference between me and him. I'm not saying that it's okay for me to have you cheating on me all the time, but your happiness means much more."

"Don't worry, Ikuto. I have learned my lesson. I am sorry for what I have done to you, and I am glad you have found it in your heart to forgive me. I know it sounds selfish, but I am happy you chose to be with me. I'm looking forward to being with you again, even though it is a little awkward."

"It kind of is, right? Maybe a peck on the lips would remove this tension." And without waiting for Amu's response, he kissed her.

oooOoooOooo

A/N: That's the end, folks. Originally, I meant for Amu to be alone in the end, but my mind suddenly went blank. I tried a different approach and my hands moved on their own. I hope you are satisfied with the ending, and if not, I'm sorry if you think you've disappointed your time reading all 15 chapters.

= THE END =