XIX
The train has left Hogwarts. Oliver sits in one of the compartment with Angelina, Alicia, Fred, George, and Lee. He sits near the window, next to Angelina. He's been looking outside since the train left Hogwarts, and it was hours ago. So this is it, he thought. This train journey will be the last journey he'll ever take to Hogwarts. He won't be back after summer vacation, like it has been for the past 7 years. This year was his last year at Hogwarts. Like people say, the time has come.
But this year was not an ordinary year for him. Lots of things happened during the year. This year has taught him the meaning of life, friendships, and love. Naire, she's the one true thing he found. She's the one who thought him how to love, how to give, and how to take. If she never came to his life, he would probably still the old insensitive, quidditch freak Oliver. Because of her, he became a better person. Just thinking of her makes him smiles.
Oliver touches the small box in his pocket that Hermione gave to him earlier this day. He smiles again, thinking about what's going to happen in his future.
"Oh man. another minute looking at the window, he'll be a nutcase!" Fred said. "Hey Oliver, share your thoughts will ya?" George said. "Uhm. sorry, what did you say?" he asked. "I just said that you're a nutcase" Fred said to him follows by the other's laughter. "Come on Oliver, say something! You haven't say a word, not a single word since the train left Hogwarts" Alicia said. "I bet you're up to something. I can tell just by looking at your face!" George said. "Is it something to do with Naire?" suddenly Angelina asked. "Well, sort of. yes" he said. "Good, it's time for you to take an action. You won't go back to Hogwarts again, never. This would be probably the last chance you'll ever see her again. Do something before it's too late. As your friend, I'm asking you to take all the chances you have. You don't want to look back and regretting what you should have done in the past" Angelina said. "Ange, I." he said. "I love you Oliver, and I want you to be happy! Please promise me that you'll do your best to save this love you have for her!" Angelina said again. "I will Ange, thank you" he said smiling.
She doesn't say a word, she just gave him the biggest smile she ever gave to him. Alicia who sits next to her, hugs her tightly. All of them just smile at him, giving him an encouraging smile.
After another long hours journey, finally the train has reaches Platform 9 ¾, at Kings Cross station, London. Naire walks out from one of the compartment with Jessica and Sandy. She puts all her things on the trolley. So this is it, she thought. This would be the last time she'll ever set foot on platform 9 ¾. She won't spend her summer counting days to be back at Hogwarts again. She's off to the real world now, without someone to look after her. She looks around sadly, realizing that she won't find his father standing there against the wall, waiting for her with a big smile. She would've run to him, to his big warm arms and hugs him. The same thing she always does every year, but not this year. It was only a memory now, a memory she'll always keep for the rest of her life.
"Naire, is everything okay?" Jessica's concerned voice brings her back to reality. "I'm fine, Jess" she smiles to her. "Well, my parent is waiting over there. I'm sure they can't wait to see you again!" Jessica said trying to cheer her up. "I cant wait too see them also" she smiles again.
After a very long conversation with Dumbledore, and the Blameys, the decided that she should stay with them. They've known her forever, because they've been friends since childhood. They always love her like their own daughter. She accepted their offers, but refuse to stay there more than two months. She said to them that she'd stay with them only until her 18th birthday. After that she wants to live on her own. At first they refused her idea, but after seeing her determent eyes, they couldn't back her down.
"Oh Naire, I'll miss you so much!" Sandy said hugging her tight. "I'll miss you too Sandy" she hugs her back. "Promise me you'll be careful okay? If you need my help, just send me an owl. I'll be there, first in line to help you!" Sandy said again starting to cry. "Hey, that goes for me too" Jessica said hugging them. "Well, I guess that is something I couldn't get away with!" She laughs. "Just remember, best friends never leave their troubled friend alone. And we're best friends, so you can always count on us, Naire!" Jessica said still hugging them. "I love you guys. I mean girls" she said holding back tears.
She knows that she can always depends on her friends, her best friends. Nothing is more precious than a friend, and she has two.
"Funny!" Sandy said releasing herself from the hugs. "Okay, enough crying. I can see your parents waiting over there Sandy" Jessica said to her. "Where? Oh there, okay. I better get going" Sandy said to them. "Bye Sandy" Naire hugs her. "Be good Sandy" Jessica said. "I'm always good!" Sandy said. "Yeah right!" Jessica said rolls her eyes. "Whatever! I love you girls!" Sandy said again kiss them on the cheeks, twice. "Hey! You're gross, you know that?" Jessica said. "But you love me anyway!" Sandy laughs. "Bye Sandy" Naire said. "Oh yeah. bye!!" she said hugging them again. "I hope everything works! I wish I could be here to witness everything" she whispered to Jessica. "I'll give all the details later" Jessica whispered back. "Hey, why are you whispering?" Naire asked. "Nothing!" they both say in unison.
They both wave at her when she disappeared through the platform walls.
"Lets go to my parents" Jessica grabs her hand. "Okay" Naire said.
Meanwhile at the other part of the platform, Oliver pushes his trolley slowly.
"Come on Oliver, you're blocking everyone's way!" shouted Fred and George. "Oh yeah. sorry" he starts to walk faster. "Relax Oliver, everything will go out perfect!" Angelina said to him. "Do you think so?" he asked. "Sure! Now go and find her, before it's too late!" she said again. "Thank you Ange, you've been the best friend a guy could have!" he said to her. "Hey, that's what friends are for!" she smiled. "I just want you to know, that I always love you, you're my best friend, you're my sister, and not to forget. you're my favourite chaser!" he smiled. "I am very flattered Mr. Wood" she said again. "And I want to apologize for every mistakes that I've ever done to you, and every words I've said that hurts you" he said. "Apologies accepted! Now go, find her! I'm sure she's been waiting for you to say those words" She pushes him. "Thank you Ange" he kissed her on the cheek and starts to run. "Yay Oliver! Go get her!" shouted Fred and George. "Don't worry about your things. we'll take care of it" Shouted Alicia.
Back to where Naire is, she's already with Mr and Mrs. Blamey.
"Ready to go Naire?" asked Mr. Blamey. "Yes, of course" she smiled at him. "Wait father, I think someone wants to talk to her first" Jessica said. "Okay then, we'll wait in the car" Mrs. Balmey said to them.
Naire turns her head with big expectation, and finds.. Ethan standing there.
"Oh, hi Ethan" she said trying to smile. "Hi Nair. are you expecting someone else?" he asked her. "No, I'm just surprised to see you. I mean after all that has happened between us" She said. "I'm here just to tell you something, I just want you to listen, okay?" he said. "Okay" she said. "Okay, here it goes" he takes his breath. "Naire, I want you to know that I love you. I never, not even once, hated you. You'd probably think that I hate you after what has happened, but no. I never hate you" He explained. "Oh Ethan." she said. "Let me finished it.. I know that you never love me, not even a bit. You always have you heart set for Oliver. I know it, but I tried to ignore it. But I realize, it will only torture you, and the last thing I would ever do to you was to hurt you. I love you more than myself, so I decided to let you go. You don't have to feel guilty for everything that has happened" he said. "I don't know what to say Ethan, I.." She hugs him tightly. "Just promise me that you'll be my friend. That's my only request" he said hugging her back. "Of course I'll be your friend," she said releasing him. "Good, and now I believe that someone you've been expecting is eager to talk with you also," he said looking through her shoulder.
She turns her head to find Oliver standing there. They look at each other eyes, while slowly walk. They stop when they're face to face. He smiles, and she smiles back.
"So" they both open their mouth at the same time. "You first" Again, at the same time.
They laugh at it.
"This is awkward" he said slowly.
They go silent again.
"Okay, I'll go first" he said nervously. "Okay then.." Naire said smiling. "Naire. I . I don't know how to say this.." "Maybe I should go first" "No! let me do it. just give me a time. phew. okay, I'm ready!" "Okay" she laughs. "Naire" he takes her hands. "Aishiteru" he finally let the words out.
He waits for her to respond, but she just takes a deep look at his eyes, and smiles.
"Did I say it right?" he said still waiting for her to respond. "You got that part right" she smiled. "So, what's your answer?" he asked nervously. "I love you too, Oliver" she whispered. "What? Oh God, are you sure? I mean. are you sure?" he asked uncertainly letting her hands go. "Yes I'm sure, Oliver. I have always loved you. I love you since the first day we met, I love you through every seasons, I love you so much it even makes me hate you!" she smiled. "Oh Naire, you don't know how much I love you. All this time I thought you hated me!" he said kissing her hand. "And all this time I thought you hated me.." She said. "So, I guess we're not that clever to guess what we're feeling for each other" he said smiling. "But, how did you know how to say I love you in Japanese?" she asked. "Do you remember that night on the cave. while you're crying on my shoulder. You said a very strange word that I don't understand. Then you said it again at your father's funeral" he said. "If you've heard it, then you knew that I love you!" she said in disbelieved. "Yes I've heard it, but I didn't know the meaning till a week ago" he said again. "So, how did you know the meaning?" she asked again. "I've searched it through every dictionary that I could find, which is stupid because it took me forever to realized that it was Japanese. After that I went to search for it in the Japanese dictionary. then the rest is history" he explained. "What was you reaction after you found out?" she asked. "Well, I didn't want to get too excited on what I'm not certain of, you probably said the word to your mother" he said. "What makes you so sure to declare your love to me, then?" she asked again for the last time. "Because I realize that I have to take all the chances, no matter what the result will be. if I didn't do so, I would probably regret it for the rest of my life, not knowing the truth. I'm sure glad to have overcome my fear, because now I'm standing here with the woman I love in my arms, which now I know that she loves me back" he smiled. "You fool" she said couldn't hide her happiness.
They stood silent again, enjoying the moments. They look deep at each other eyes, knowing that they have found each other, for good.
"Naire, I have something for you. I've waited for this day forever" he said breaking the silence. "What is it?" she asked curiously. "Wait" he said digging through his robe's pocket. "Ah, here it is!" he holds a small blue velvet box in his hand. "Oliver" she gasped. "I want you to have this" he said opening the box, revealing a very beautiful ring made out of jade. "Oh, Oliver. you shouldn't have!" she said. "I asked Hermione to bought it on her last trip to Hogsmeade.. I know it's not perfect" he said. "It's more than perfect. I love it! Let me put it on " she said. "Wait, I have more to say." he continued. "Yes?" she asked. "I want to read you a poem. A muggle wrote it" he said
I knew I love you when I look into those mesmerizing pair of eyes I knew I love you when I tremble every time you touch me I knew I love you when you are all I see everywhere And from that moment I knew I love you more than life itself
But I'm afraid to fall in love with you
Dare not let myself be too close to you
Afraid I've got nothing to offer you
To love you may require a lot of courage too
Just afraid to fall in love with you
But I know I wouldn't be able to control myself
From falling in love with you
Thinking of you just make my world brighter Cause I just can't help falling in love with you
If you want roses, I'll give you a bed full of it
If you long for the stars and moon, I'll fly to the sky and bring it down for you If you want a kingdom, I'll conquer the world just to see you smile For you I'll do anything. For you I'll go anywhere. For you I'll swim a hundred seas and climb a thousand walls I'm not tired saying it again and again Cause saying I love you a thousand times would never be enough To show how much I love you
I love you
"Oh my God! It's beautiful. Who wrote it?" "A muggle born writer. She's a very good writer and poet. Her name is Kania. Do you like it?" "I love it" she smiles. "And I love you Oliver!" she continued and hugs him. "I love you even more" he said. "I know your birthday is in two months. You'll be 18" he continued. "Yes, and yours is in two days! but what's the point?" she asked him. "Naire, I love you and I will always do. I could never imagine my life without you, not even a single day. I want to spend my lifetime loving you, forever. And as for that, I.." He stops to catch a breath.
Oliver gets down on his knees and takes her hands on his.
"I'll be at your front door on that day. to give you a real ring, and I will ask you one simple question. will you marry me?" he blushed furiously.
This time she just stood there and looked very surprised. Tears start falling from her green eyes.
"Is that a no?" he asked. "No" she answered under her tears. "Is it no, you don't want to marry me, or is it no on my question?" he asked confused. "Yes, Oliver" she starts to laugh. "Wait, I'm confused here. is it yes as a no, or yes as a yes?" he gets more confused. "Oh Oliver, my answer will be. yes, yes I will marry you!" she said smiling. "Really?"
She nodded and smiled. He smiled back and suddenly he lifted her in his hands, and holds her tight. He kisses her everywhere, at her cheek, forehead, chin, nose, and finally his lips meets hers. They share a deep and long kiss. They hung on to each other tightly; as if they parted they will never feel each other again. She cries her heart out.
"I love you, Oliver" she said in tears. "I love you more. and this will be the last tears you'll shed" he said wiping tears from her cheek with his thumb. "Oh no. I'll cry even more, because I always cry when I'm very happy!" she said. "I promise I will take care of you forever, I will be your mother, I will be your father. you will always have all my love" he said. "You can't be my mother or father. You are you, only you. So from this day on, I will have your love and my parents' love. They will take care of me from heaven" she said smiling looking at the sky. "I promise you Mr. Mutsuki and Mrs. Mutsuki. I will take a good care of your daughter!" he said looking at the sky also. "But Oliver, what about your parents? Will they agree on us?" she asked worried. "They will, I'll make them love you as much as I love you" He said. "Be careful there, I will marry their son, not them" she laughes. "I'll just have to make them understand then" he smiles. "But Oliver. don't you think that we're too young to get married? 18 is a very tender age" she asked. "Well, we don't have to rush it. We can stay engaged until we're both 20, or maybe after we finished university. It doesn't matter what time, as long as we ended up together" he said softly. "Hmm. university. I can picture us going to the same university. It will be great!" she said.
They smile again at each other, when suddenly a roar and whistling sound breaks the silent. They turn out to see everybody standing not far from them. They can see Harry, Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Alicia, Lee, Jessica clapping their hands, and Ethan and Angelina standing side to side giving them a big wink.
"How long have you been watching us?" Oliver asked with a very red face. "Well, actually we saw the whole thing, sorry to disappointed you, Oliver" Harry said to them. "Oh, God! I'm so embarrassed!" Naire said covering her face. "Don't be, we're very happy for you two" Jessica said hugging her. "Congratulation Naire, or I should say, Mrs. Wood?" Hermione said to her. "Herm!" Naire squealed. "And you two, did you have anything to do with this?" Oliver asked Angelina and Ethan who's now standing next to them. "Well you see Oliver, actually we've been planning this since Hogwarts. Our plan was to make sure you declare your love to Naire, and vice versa. Me, Sandy, and Jessica knew that you love each other when you both went missing together. So we made a plan" said Angelina. "Then we talked to Ethan. We told him everything. First he was shocked, isn't that right Mr. Anderton?" Jessica said. "Verrry shocked! I was crushed by the news, but then I realized, you don't belong to me, Naire" he said. "Then when everything is set. we divided our job" Jessica said. "My job was to encourage you to declare your love, and Ethan job was to make sure Naire is there to hear it. But it turns out that you have it planned on your mind also. So after our talk on the train, I went out to find Ethan, and told him about your plan. It makes our work easier, because all we have to do then was to make sure she'll be at the right place at the right time!" Angelina explained. "So you've been having this plan all along? My my. you've been working hard weren't you?" Naire asked Jessica. "Yes" she smiled. "Another big thanks for you Ange, I love you, you know that?" Oliver said to her with a big smile. "No big deal" she said. "Was that the reason why you wanted to talk to me earlier?" Naire asked Ethan. "Not really, I did want to talk to you. And all I've said to you was true, every single bit of it" Ethan said to her. "Thank you Ethan, you are so nice to me" She said hugging him. "Hey, I'm always nice" Ethan said.
Everyone congratulate them, and give them a big hug.
"Now, sorry to spoil the party, but my parents is waiting Naire. We really need to go" Jessica interrupted. "Of course, I'm ready now" Naire said to her. "Bye Naire!" Hermione and Ron said. "Don't forget to send an invitation of your wedding, okay?" Alicia and Angelina said. "Ookay, I won't forget" Naire said. "Oliver, this is my house phone number. You can call Naire whenever you want to" Jessica said giving him a piece of paper with numbers in it. "Hey, who needs a tellyphony when you have floo powder!" he said. "It's telephone Oliver, telephone" Jessica said trying not to laugh. "I don't think he can use a telephone, Jess" Naire said. "I'll learn, anything for you my love" he said. "Now, we have to go also. Come on Ron, mom is waiting. Bye Captain, we'll meet again at your wedding day" Fred and George start to sing the wedding anthem. "It reminds me, my parents is waiting also!" Oliver said. "Hey Oliver, if you ever hurt Naire, I'll be the first person to hunt you down! Take good care of her, she's very precious" Ethan said to Oliver. "I promise I'll take good care of her" Oliver said. "Wait Jess, one last thing to do!" Naire said.
She turns her head to face Oliver again.
"Promise me that everything you've said was true" She said to him. "I promise my love!" He whispered. "Good, cause if you don't. I'll." she said but stopped when he kiss her suddenly. "You'll what?" he asked with a playful tone after they parted. "Hmm. nothing!" she tiptoed and kisses him again. "Just wait for me okay?" He asked. "Okay" she said. "But one more thing. you'll be at Jessica's front door, so you better take a good look at the person who opens the door before you decided to kiss them. It could be her father!" she warned him.
He just laughs.
"Bye Oliver" she whispered. "Bye Naire" he said.
She walks to follow Jessica after they parted. She looks at the big clear night sky and smiles. She turns her head for the last time to see that Oliver is still standing there, smiling and waving at her. This time she knew that she would never be alone again, ever again. Not with him besides her. She continues her steps with a big confidence to face her future, which turns out to be not so bad after all.
T H E E N D
The train has left Hogwarts. Oliver sits in one of the compartment with Angelina, Alicia, Fred, George, and Lee. He sits near the window, next to Angelina. He's been looking outside since the train left Hogwarts, and it was hours ago. So this is it, he thought. This train journey will be the last journey he'll ever take to Hogwarts. He won't be back after summer vacation, like it has been for the past 7 years. This year was his last year at Hogwarts. Like people say, the time has come.
But this year was not an ordinary year for him. Lots of things happened during the year. This year has taught him the meaning of life, friendships, and love. Naire, she's the one true thing he found. She's the one who thought him how to love, how to give, and how to take. If she never came to his life, he would probably still the old insensitive, quidditch freak Oliver. Because of her, he became a better person. Just thinking of her makes him smiles.
Oliver touches the small box in his pocket that Hermione gave to him earlier this day. He smiles again, thinking about what's going to happen in his future.
"Oh man. another minute looking at the window, he'll be a nutcase!" Fred said. "Hey Oliver, share your thoughts will ya?" George said. "Uhm. sorry, what did you say?" he asked. "I just said that you're a nutcase" Fred said to him follows by the other's laughter. "Come on Oliver, say something! You haven't say a word, not a single word since the train left Hogwarts" Alicia said. "I bet you're up to something. I can tell just by looking at your face!" George said. "Is it something to do with Naire?" suddenly Angelina asked. "Well, sort of. yes" he said. "Good, it's time for you to take an action. You won't go back to Hogwarts again, never. This would be probably the last chance you'll ever see her again. Do something before it's too late. As your friend, I'm asking you to take all the chances you have. You don't want to look back and regretting what you should have done in the past" Angelina said. "Ange, I." he said. "I love you Oliver, and I want you to be happy! Please promise me that you'll do your best to save this love you have for her!" Angelina said again. "I will Ange, thank you" he said smiling.
She doesn't say a word, she just gave him the biggest smile she ever gave to him. Alicia who sits next to her, hugs her tightly. All of them just smile at him, giving him an encouraging smile.
After another long hours journey, finally the train has reaches Platform 9 ¾, at Kings Cross station, London. Naire walks out from one of the compartment with Jessica and Sandy. She puts all her things on the trolley. So this is it, she thought. This would be the last time she'll ever set foot on platform 9 ¾. She won't spend her summer counting days to be back at Hogwarts again. She's off to the real world now, without someone to look after her. She looks around sadly, realizing that she won't find his father standing there against the wall, waiting for her with a big smile. She would've run to him, to his big warm arms and hugs him. The same thing she always does every year, but not this year. It was only a memory now, a memory she'll always keep for the rest of her life.
"Naire, is everything okay?" Jessica's concerned voice brings her back to reality. "I'm fine, Jess" she smiles to her. "Well, my parent is waiting over there. I'm sure they can't wait to see you again!" Jessica said trying to cheer her up. "I cant wait too see them also" she smiles again.
After a very long conversation with Dumbledore, and the Blameys, the decided that she should stay with them. They've known her forever, because they've been friends since childhood. They always love her like their own daughter. She accepted their offers, but refuse to stay there more than two months. She said to them that she'd stay with them only until her 18th birthday. After that she wants to live on her own. At first they refused her idea, but after seeing her determent eyes, they couldn't back her down.
"Oh Naire, I'll miss you so much!" Sandy said hugging her tight. "I'll miss you too Sandy" she hugs her back. "Promise me you'll be careful okay? If you need my help, just send me an owl. I'll be there, first in line to help you!" Sandy said again starting to cry. "Hey, that goes for me too" Jessica said hugging them. "Well, I guess that is something I couldn't get away with!" She laughs. "Just remember, best friends never leave their troubled friend alone. And we're best friends, so you can always count on us, Naire!" Jessica said still hugging them. "I love you guys. I mean girls" she said holding back tears.
She knows that she can always depends on her friends, her best friends. Nothing is more precious than a friend, and she has two.
"Funny!" Sandy said releasing herself from the hugs. "Okay, enough crying. I can see your parents waiting over there Sandy" Jessica said to her. "Where? Oh there, okay. I better get going" Sandy said to them. "Bye Sandy" Naire hugs her. "Be good Sandy" Jessica said. "I'm always good!" Sandy said. "Yeah right!" Jessica said rolls her eyes. "Whatever! I love you girls!" Sandy said again kiss them on the cheeks, twice. "Hey! You're gross, you know that?" Jessica said. "But you love me anyway!" Sandy laughs. "Bye Sandy" Naire said. "Oh yeah. bye!!" she said hugging them again. "I hope everything works! I wish I could be here to witness everything" she whispered to Jessica. "I'll give all the details later" Jessica whispered back. "Hey, why are you whispering?" Naire asked. "Nothing!" they both say in unison.
They both wave at her when she disappeared through the platform walls.
"Lets go to my parents" Jessica grabs her hand. "Okay" Naire said.
Meanwhile at the other part of the platform, Oliver pushes his trolley slowly.
"Come on Oliver, you're blocking everyone's way!" shouted Fred and George. "Oh yeah. sorry" he starts to walk faster. "Relax Oliver, everything will go out perfect!" Angelina said to him. "Do you think so?" he asked. "Sure! Now go and find her, before it's too late!" she said again. "Thank you Ange, you've been the best friend a guy could have!" he said to her. "Hey, that's what friends are for!" she smiled. "I just want you to know, that I always love you, you're my best friend, you're my sister, and not to forget. you're my favourite chaser!" he smiled. "I am very flattered Mr. Wood" she said again. "And I want to apologize for every mistakes that I've ever done to you, and every words I've said that hurts you" he said. "Apologies accepted! Now go, find her! I'm sure she's been waiting for you to say those words" She pushes him. "Thank you Ange" he kissed her on the cheek and starts to run. "Yay Oliver! Go get her!" shouted Fred and George. "Don't worry about your things. we'll take care of it" Shouted Alicia.
Back to where Naire is, she's already with Mr and Mrs. Blamey.
"Ready to go Naire?" asked Mr. Blamey. "Yes, of course" she smiled at him. "Wait father, I think someone wants to talk to her first" Jessica said. "Okay then, we'll wait in the car" Mrs. Balmey said to them.
Naire turns her head with big expectation, and finds.. Ethan standing there.
"Oh, hi Ethan" she said trying to smile. "Hi Nair. are you expecting someone else?" he asked her. "No, I'm just surprised to see you. I mean after all that has happened between us" She said. "I'm here just to tell you something, I just want you to listen, okay?" he said. "Okay" she said. "Okay, here it goes" he takes his breath. "Naire, I want you to know that I love you. I never, not even once, hated you. You'd probably think that I hate you after what has happened, but no. I never hate you" He explained. "Oh Ethan." she said. "Let me finished it.. I know that you never love me, not even a bit. You always have you heart set for Oliver. I know it, but I tried to ignore it. But I realize, it will only torture you, and the last thing I would ever do to you was to hurt you. I love you more than myself, so I decided to let you go. You don't have to feel guilty for everything that has happened" he said. "I don't know what to say Ethan, I.." She hugs him tightly. "Just promise me that you'll be my friend. That's my only request" he said hugging her back. "Of course I'll be your friend," she said releasing him. "Good, and now I believe that someone you've been expecting is eager to talk with you also," he said looking through her shoulder.
She turns her head to find Oliver standing there. They look at each other eyes, while slowly walk. They stop when they're face to face. He smiles, and she smiles back.
"So" they both open their mouth at the same time. "You first" Again, at the same time.
They laugh at it.
"This is awkward" he said slowly.
They go silent again.
"Okay, I'll go first" he said nervously. "Okay then.." Naire said smiling. "Naire. I . I don't know how to say this.." "Maybe I should go first" "No! let me do it. just give me a time. phew. okay, I'm ready!" "Okay" she laughs. "Naire" he takes her hands. "Aishiteru" he finally let the words out.
He waits for her to respond, but she just takes a deep look at his eyes, and smiles.
"Did I say it right?" he said still waiting for her to respond. "You got that part right" she smiled. "So, what's your answer?" he asked nervously. "I love you too, Oliver" she whispered. "What? Oh God, are you sure? I mean. are you sure?" he asked uncertainly letting her hands go. "Yes I'm sure, Oliver. I have always loved you. I love you since the first day we met, I love you through every seasons, I love you so much it even makes me hate you!" she smiled. "Oh Naire, you don't know how much I love you. All this time I thought you hated me!" he said kissing her hand. "And all this time I thought you hated me.." She said. "So, I guess we're not that clever to guess what we're feeling for each other" he said smiling. "But, how did you know how to say I love you in Japanese?" she asked. "Do you remember that night on the cave. while you're crying on my shoulder. You said a very strange word that I don't understand. Then you said it again at your father's funeral" he said. "If you've heard it, then you knew that I love you!" she said in disbelieved. "Yes I've heard it, but I didn't know the meaning till a week ago" he said again. "So, how did you know the meaning?" she asked again. "I've searched it through every dictionary that I could find, which is stupid because it took me forever to realized that it was Japanese. After that I went to search for it in the Japanese dictionary. then the rest is history" he explained. "What was you reaction after you found out?" she asked. "Well, I didn't want to get too excited on what I'm not certain of, you probably said the word to your mother" he said. "What makes you so sure to declare your love to me, then?" she asked again for the last time. "Because I realize that I have to take all the chances, no matter what the result will be. if I didn't do so, I would probably regret it for the rest of my life, not knowing the truth. I'm sure glad to have overcome my fear, because now I'm standing here with the woman I love in my arms, which now I know that she loves me back" he smiled. "You fool" she said couldn't hide her happiness.
They stood silent again, enjoying the moments. They look deep at each other eyes, knowing that they have found each other, for good.
"Naire, I have something for you. I've waited for this day forever" he said breaking the silence. "What is it?" she asked curiously. "Wait" he said digging through his robe's pocket. "Ah, here it is!" he holds a small blue velvet box in his hand. "Oliver" she gasped. "I want you to have this" he said opening the box, revealing a very beautiful ring made out of jade. "Oh, Oliver. you shouldn't have!" she said. "I asked Hermione to bought it on her last trip to Hogsmeade.. I know it's not perfect" he said. "It's more than perfect. I love it! Let me put it on " she said. "Wait, I have more to say." he continued. "Yes?" she asked. "I want to read you a poem. A muggle wrote it" he said
I knew I love you when I look into those mesmerizing pair of eyes I knew I love you when I tremble every time you touch me I knew I love you when you are all I see everywhere And from that moment I knew I love you more than life itself
But I'm afraid to fall in love with you
Dare not let myself be too close to you
Afraid I've got nothing to offer you
To love you may require a lot of courage too
Just afraid to fall in love with you
But I know I wouldn't be able to control myself
From falling in love with you
Thinking of you just make my world brighter Cause I just can't help falling in love with you
If you want roses, I'll give you a bed full of it
If you long for the stars and moon, I'll fly to the sky and bring it down for you If you want a kingdom, I'll conquer the world just to see you smile For you I'll do anything. For you I'll go anywhere. For you I'll swim a hundred seas and climb a thousand walls I'm not tired saying it again and again Cause saying I love you a thousand times would never be enough To show how much I love you
I love you
"Oh my God! It's beautiful. Who wrote it?" "A muggle born writer. She's a very good writer and poet. Her name is Kania. Do you like it?" "I love it" she smiles. "And I love you Oliver!" she continued and hugs him. "I love you even more" he said. "I know your birthday is in two months. You'll be 18" he continued. "Yes, and yours is in two days! but what's the point?" she asked him. "Naire, I love you and I will always do. I could never imagine my life without you, not even a single day. I want to spend my lifetime loving you, forever. And as for that, I.." He stops to catch a breath.
Oliver gets down on his knees and takes her hands on his.
"I'll be at your front door on that day. to give you a real ring, and I will ask you one simple question. will you marry me?" he blushed furiously.
This time she just stood there and looked very surprised. Tears start falling from her green eyes.
"Is that a no?" he asked. "No" she answered under her tears. "Is it no, you don't want to marry me, or is it no on my question?" he asked confused. "Yes, Oliver" she starts to laugh. "Wait, I'm confused here. is it yes as a no, or yes as a yes?" he gets more confused. "Oh Oliver, my answer will be. yes, yes I will marry you!" she said smiling. "Really?"
She nodded and smiled. He smiled back and suddenly he lifted her in his hands, and holds her tight. He kisses her everywhere, at her cheek, forehead, chin, nose, and finally his lips meets hers. They share a deep and long kiss. They hung on to each other tightly; as if they parted they will never feel each other again. She cries her heart out.
"I love you, Oliver" she said in tears. "I love you more. and this will be the last tears you'll shed" he said wiping tears from her cheek with his thumb. "Oh no. I'll cry even more, because I always cry when I'm very happy!" she said. "I promise I will take care of you forever, I will be your mother, I will be your father. you will always have all my love" he said. "You can't be my mother or father. You are you, only you. So from this day on, I will have your love and my parents' love. They will take care of me from heaven" she said smiling looking at the sky. "I promise you Mr. Mutsuki and Mrs. Mutsuki. I will take a good care of your daughter!" he said looking at the sky also. "But Oliver, what about your parents? Will they agree on us?" she asked worried. "They will, I'll make them love you as much as I love you" He said. "Be careful there, I will marry their son, not them" she laughes. "I'll just have to make them understand then" he smiles. "But Oliver. don't you think that we're too young to get married? 18 is a very tender age" she asked. "Well, we don't have to rush it. We can stay engaged until we're both 20, or maybe after we finished university. It doesn't matter what time, as long as we ended up together" he said softly. "Hmm. university. I can picture us going to the same university. It will be great!" she said.
They smile again at each other, when suddenly a roar and whistling sound breaks the silent. They turn out to see everybody standing not far from them. They can see Harry, Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Alicia, Lee, Jessica clapping their hands, and Ethan and Angelina standing side to side giving them a big wink.
"How long have you been watching us?" Oliver asked with a very red face. "Well, actually we saw the whole thing, sorry to disappointed you, Oliver" Harry said to them. "Oh, God! I'm so embarrassed!" Naire said covering her face. "Don't be, we're very happy for you two" Jessica said hugging her. "Congratulation Naire, or I should say, Mrs. Wood?" Hermione said to her. "Herm!" Naire squealed. "And you two, did you have anything to do with this?" Oliver asked Angelina and Ethan who's now standing next to them. "Well you see Oliver, actually we've been planning this since Hogwarts. Our plan was to make sure you declare your love to Naire, and vice versa. Me, Sandy, and Jessica knew that you love each other when you both went missing together. So we made a plan" said Angelina. "Then we talked to Ethan. We told him everything. First he was shocked, isn't that right Mr. Anderton?" Jessica said. "Verrry shocked! I was crushed by the news, but then I realized, you don't belong to me, Naire" he said. "Then when everything is set. we divided our job" Jessica said. "My job was to encourage you to declare your love, and Ethan job was to make sure Naire is there to hear it. But it turns out that you have it planned on your mind also. So after our talk on the train, I went out to find Ethan, and told him about your plan. It makes our work easier, because all we have to do then was to make sure she'll be at the right place at the right time!" Angelina explained. "So you've been having this plan all along? My my. you've been working hard weren't you?" Naire asked Jessica. "Yes" she smiled. "Another big thanks for you Ange, I love you, you know that?" Oliver said to her with a big smile. "No big deal" she said. "Was that the reason why you wanted to talk to me earlier?" Naire asked Ethan. "Not really, I did want to talk to you. And all I've said to you was true, every single bit of it" Ethan said to her. "Thank you Ethan, you are so nice to me" She said hugging him. "Hey, I'm always nice" Ethan said.
Everyone congratulate them, and give them a big hug.
"Now, sorry to spoil the party, but my parents is waiting Naire. We really need to go" Jessica interrupted. "Of course, I'm ready now" Naire said to her. "Bye Naire!" Hermione and Ron said. "Don't forget to send an invitation of your wedding, okay?" Alicia and Angelina said. "Ookay, I won't forget" Naire said. "Oliver, this is my house phone number. You can call Naire whenever you want to" Jessica said giving him a piece of paper with numbers in it. "Hey, who needs a tellyphony when you have floo powder!" he said. "It's telephone Oliver, telephone" Jessica said trying not to laugh. "I don't think he can use a telephone, Jess" Naire said. "I'll learn, anything for you my love" he said. "Now, we have to go also. Come on Ron, mom is waiting. Bye Captain, we'll meet again at your wedding day" Fred and George start to sing the wedding anthem. "It reminds me, my parents is waiting also!" Oliver said. "Hey Oliver, if you ever hurt Naire, I'll be the first person to hunt you down! Take good care of her, she's very precious" Ethan said to Oliver. "I promise I'll take good care of her" Oliver said. "Wait Jess, one last thing to do!" Naire said.
She turns her head to face Oliver again.
"Promise me that everything you've said was true" She said to him. "I promise my love!" He whispered. "Good, cause if you don't. I'll." she said but stopped when he kiss her suddenly. "You'll what?" he asked with a playful tone after they parted. "Hmm. nothing!" she tiptoed and kisses him again. "Just wait for me okay?" He asked. "Okay" she said. "But one more thing. you'll be at Jessica's front door, so you better take a good look at the person who opens the door before you decided to kiss them. It could be her father!" she warned him.
He just laughs.
"Bye Oliver" she whispered. "Bye Naire" he said.
She walks to follow Jessica after they parted. She looks at the big clear night sky and smiles. She turns her head for the last time to see that Oliver is still standing there, smiling and waving at her. This time she knew that she would never be alone again, ever again. Not with him besides her. She continues her steps with a big confidence to face her future, which turns out to be not so bad after all.
T H E E N D