Ryou went back to school the following year, which was only a month away. Yugi was allowed to go back too, as long as he didn't overexert himself.

The whole gang sat down on the grass to eat their lunch.

"This weekend is my birthday. Everyone's coming, right?" karima asked, hopefully

"Yeah. Wouldn't miss it for the world." Yugi replied, kissing her on the cheek.

Everyone else nodded or said 'yes' except for Ryou.

"Um. . .ryou, you are coming, right?"

"Me?" Ryou questioned in surprise

"Well, yeah. All of my friends are invited. I want all of you there."

"I'll. . .I'll be there then."

Suddenly, Bakura took over.

"And I'll be there too. Just to add some. . .fun."

everyone rolled their eyes. Suddenly, Nathan approached the group. Bakura glanced up at him.

"Whoa, it's you, man. Look, I don't wanna fight. . .I. . .I was just. . ."

Bakura shot a warning glance and Nathan slowly backed away. He still had scars from is fight with Bakura.

Everyone turned to face Bakura as Nathan fled.

"What?! He's annoying! Even for a human!"

suddenly, the millennium Ring began to tug. There was an Item nearby. He returned control to his Hikari. Ryou felt someone's arms wrap around his shoulders from behind.

"Hey there, cutie. I'm looking for this sweet british boy. He ran away from Domino City a few months ago and I helped him out. The trouble, you see, is that I did a really stupid thing. Because I listened to my Yami, I may have lost the only guy I've ever loved, and I really miss him. Do you know where I might be able to find him?"

"Kiko. . ." Ryou smiled warmly and stood to return Kiko's hug.

"I'm so sorry Ryou. I don't care what Namira says. I really do love you."

"I. . I love you too, Kiko."

The group stared in both confusion and happiness.

"Uh. . ." Yugi began.

"oh, this is Kiko. She's the girl I've been telling you so much about."

"so Ryou, I never got to ask you before you left. . .why did you decide to come back? Were you mad at me for the job incident? Or when I. . .um. . .listened to Namira?"

"No." Ryou simply answered. "My friends needed me."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Peggi-Aww. . .now wasn't that the sweetest thing?

Bakura-No. it was stupid and annoying.

Peggi-Shush! Well, there's only one more Chappie to go! Review please!