Kaoru's POV

"I'm sorry…but I don't share that feeling with you."

I felt so weak at that moment that I slumped back in surprise. Of course! What was I thinking? He's older than me, and I bet he loves someone else. Someone who's more beautiful and more mature than I am. What was I expecting? That he would say the same and we'd be living happily ever after? Duh, Kaoru, it doesn't work that way.

"Oh…yeah…I understand." I finally said, blushing heavily, but was close to tears all the same. I could feel his eyes on me…his eyes that were so sorry for me. I looked away and forced a laugh.

"Yeah, what was I expecting? Hehe…don't feel sorry for me. I understand, really! I just feel so foolish right now…"

He was about to say something but I cut him off. "Anyway, we need to get out of here soon. Trouble might be brewing outside for all we know!" I stood up and brushed the dust off my uniform.

Kenshin's POV

That was the worst lie that ever slipped out off my lips. I love her. But what did I do instead? Hurt her. All because I was afraid that I won't be able to take care of her as much as I should. I have a dark past and my enemies are lurking near. They could attack her and use her as bait against me. I fear for her. I fear that I may hurt her should we be together. I might as well cut her off right now and hurt her, than let her have that ray of hope that we could be together still.

I want to, but my past can't let me take that risk.

A painful blow by reality. I took her lead and stood up. She lost that glow she had a while ago, when she was confessing her feelings to me. Now she looks…a bit sulking.

"Kaoru…" I tried to touch her and apologize once more.

"NO!" She suddenly exclaimed, and I drew my hand back. I was surprised at the sudden rise of her voice, but I was expecting she would be mad at me.

She leaned against the wall, as if all her energy were drained.

"Don't feel sorry for me! Please don't…" Her voice was almost pleading.

Kaoru's POV

Tears were threatening to fall. I surprised even myself because, honestly, I would be crying for the shallowest of reasons! So the love of my life didn't return the same feelings I had for him! Do my tears have the right to fall because of that?

Yes.

And they did. Before I was aware of it…of anything else. It was good while it lasted.

Damn it, why does he still have that pained expression on his face?

"You okay, Kenshin?" It was my turn to ask. Maybe I'll get over him, but why does he look in pain?

"Maybe we do need air…" I suggested, my hand was almost at the doorknob, but he stretched out his arm to the door quickly, stopping me from opening it.

"No…not yet." His voice was different. It was slightly alarming.

Kenshin's POV

Screw it. Screw my past, screw my fears. For years I've been listening to logic, to my mind. Now, it's time for me to listen to my heart.

"Kaoru…" I started. I knew she was a bit afraid, but I better tell her now.

"Are you aware of my past?" I asked, still not looking at her.

"No…"

"You say you love me…but I think you should know the truth. Have you heard of the legend of Battousai?"

"The young assassin? Yeah."

"Well…he was I."

I expected the gasp that came from her. What I didn't expect, but half-hoped, was she didn't try to run away. Instead, she seemed intent to listen.

"I left that part of me, of course. I was only fourteen then, anyway. (A/N: In this fic, Kenshin is 18. Kaoru is 16. I'm sorry if I changed even the ages. It's hard to put Kenshin in a school in his 28-year-old state. Isn't that how old he is in the original anime? Hehe…sorry. Anyway, on with the fic…) Since then, I hid that identity of mine. It's not me anymore. He's just a shadow silently haunting me." I explained, not sure what would happen next. "So…I'd understand if you'll turn away from me from now on. I won't blame you for anything. But for what it matters…" I raised my head and looked at her. "I love you too."

Kaoru's POV

That explains it. He was trying to prevent me from loving him blindly. He was afraid for me. He was trying to protect me. But his revelation doesn't change anything on my part.

"If Battousai molded you to who you are now, sweet, kind, caring and loving…then I still love you."

He looked at me with shock etched on his face. I decided to elaborate on my statement. "I love you, not for what you seem to be. You say that Battousai the assassin is just a piece of your past, and you're not going back there, right?"

He nodded with pure sincerity.

"Then it does matter that you love me." I lost all shyness and let my heart ruled. I stepped forward and embraced him. "Because I do too." I murmured, lost in bliss.

I was surprised and delighted when he reciprocated the hug. Then I felt him slightly pushing me away. I looked up in wonder…but I learned why without speaking a word. He was gazing into my eyes lovingly and I couldn't help but do the same. My breath became shallow and my heart thumped deafeningly. He lowered his head and craned mine up.

I felt his soft lips on mine, and I felt passion like no other. Like all that were kept in secret was revealed, and all heaven breaks loose. All feelings were poured in that kiss. After an eternal moment, he broke the kiss and we silently breathed in air.

I felt his head lowering down again, and I caught his lips with another kiss.

Kenshin's POV

I was caught in all the feelings that we were exchanging, and I was surprised when I felt her hands intertwine with my hair. I fell deeper into the kiss that my mind went blank. For those moments I lost all thoughts of restrictions and holding back.

Kenshin and Kaoru's POV

I hope this moment never ends. I hope time would stand still for us.

Omniscient POV (neutral)

But it did. Suddenly the door opened and they pulled away from the kiss in surprise. It was like they weren't used to the light and their eyes turned to slits.

"Whoa, what are you students doing here?" The janitor exclaimed in utter disbelief. He recognized the two scholars of the school.

"Kamiya-san? Himura-san? What are you doing in here? School is out!" Then a thought dawned upon him. "Geez… are you two… making out!"

"NO!" They both shouted, but blushing all the while.

"Then what are you doing here?" The janitor asked quite impatiently.

"Well, it's a long story and we don't have time, apparently. But please don't tell anyone about this!" Kaoru pleaded.

"Feh, only because you both are of the honor society! But I don't want to catch you two in any more deserted closets, okay?"

"Definitely!" For the second time, they chorused in reply.

"Now go, before someone else catches us three. That'd get me in trouble!"

The two breathed their thanks and run off, and didn't stop until they reached the gates of the school. The sun has completely set, and the moon replaced it. Post lights broke the darkness blanketing everywhere.

"Um…it's late…mind if you walk me home? I'm kind of afraid to walk by myself at night." Kaoru asked, and looked at Kenshin.

He smiled. "Sure. I'd be happy to."

In their minds they agreed that what happened was awkward and embarrassing. But they both got through it, and ended up with each other.

It was alluringly awkward…and they wouldn't want it any other way.