Disclaimer: I don't own Furuba.

"I'm sorry."

Those were the words he tried working out of his throat, his mind and heart. But Kyo was unable to state them.

Perhaps those words would lift the tension between them. Kyo hoped that the phrase would solve everything. He didn't mean to let things get this far.

He was Uo's boyfriend for two wonderful months. They smiled and laughed and did everything couples in love did together.

But he was filled with doubt. What if things were going too well? Kyo couldn't help thinking that sooner or later, tragedy would strike. Especially since she almost found out again that he was cursed.

He lashed out at Uo. He said many things he wished he hadn't said. He even lied and said he was in love with Tohru and that Uo was just her replacement.

Uo wouldn't speak to him. She met him with cold glares and sullen silences. Her anger gave way to hurt. Uo skipped school more often than usual. Hana told him that no matter how hard she tried to veil it, Uo was crushed.

Hatsuharu knew about being lovelorn. He comforted the wounded girl and Uo opened up to him like a flower extends itself to the sun. She rained smiles on him and it made Kyo sick with jealousy.

So he decided to make things right between them. He didn't know if she would take him back, but he at least had to apologize.

But with Uo sitting on a park bench, sunlight splashed on her hair and shoulders, she made a stunning sight. He felt choked up and out of breath. Kyo now realized more than ever how much he loved and missed her.

"How are things?" he wheezed.

If Uo was missing him, she didn't show it. Anger coated the look she gave him. "Why the fuck are you talking to me?"

"I...I just...Uo, you look beautiful."

"That's nice," she responded icily. "You should get back to Tohru. If she knew you were admiring the looks of other girls, she'd be upset."

"I don't...The two of us aren't even together. I couldn't bring myself--"

"--To tell her? Well, let me give you a boost of confidence. Tell Tohru you love her. Tell her Uo means nothing to you, not back then and certainly not now."

"That isn't true! I told you all those things, but I...lied. I was scared. And you with Haru...It kills me! I hate it!"

"No one's asking you to like it or even accept it. I found someone else. Now, go back to school. You can't skip any more days. You'll get suspended again and Tohru wouldn't like that much."

"Tohru, Tohru, Tohru!" he exploded. "You're using her like a weapon against me! I'm trying to tell you that I lied. I'm not in love with Tohru. I'm crazy about you."

Uo glared at the orange-haired male. "Why?"

"Why? Why what? Why do I love you? Dammit, Uo! You're infuriating as hell, but so--"

Uo held up a hand. "I'm asking you why you lied."

Kyo sighed. "I was scared."

The young woman laughed so bitingly that Kyo flinched. "Scared of what? Please enlighten me, I must know."

"There are so many secrets about me that if I told them to you, you'd leave me. That's what I thought. Uo," his head hung low, "I didn't trust you. I acted like a fucking coward. That disgusts me! That I wasn't thinking about what you'd do. I was saving my own ass. I was concerned about myself!

"I have to apologize. Uo, I am so sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't trust you."

He saw the conflicting emotions on her face. Uo looked like she would berate him one second, then forgive him the next. Finally, she held his hand to her cheek with closed eyes.

"You don't know everything about me," he said.

"I know enough."

He widened his eyes.

"I know enough for now. I know that I love you. I know that you're sweet even if you deny it. My life has been hell without you. You don't have to tell me everything now. I forgive you." She smiled up at him. "Now come hug me."

Kyo hesitated.

She pretended to be insulted. "Do I stink? Okay, kiss me then."

"Gladly." He fastened his mouth onto hers passionately.

I missed her, he thought as he raked her golden hair with his fingers. I'm so happy. I love her.

"What about Haru?" he asked at the same time she asked him about Tohru. They laughed simultaneously.

"Haru's a darling," she said into his ear. "But he's been my support system. That's all. There's another person he loves. A girl with brown hair. She feels the same way. Tohru told me."

"Let's free those two from our imprisonment then," Kyo smiled.

Uo replicated his facial expression. "Agreed."

Love means admitting to your mistakes. So, yes, love DOES mean having to say you're sorry.