Hey guys! i'm back! so sorry for the delay of the update. my computer got a virus and then we had to reformatt it and what i didn't realize was that i wasn't able to save the story in a diskette(talk about stupid!) so i had to repeat the chapter all over again. really sorry! anyway, here's the last chapter of "popularity"! hope you guys enjoy reading it. i'll be writing another story so watch our for it. okay? enjoy reading!

Chapter 12 – Happy Ending… at last!

The next day at Ayu's house…

"You're up early. Why? Do you have plans with Paul today?" Ayu's mom said as she saw Ayu all dressed up.

"Yeah. Paul asked me to have a morning jog with him today and then we'll go straight to a restaurant for lunch. Is that okay mom?" Ayu asked

"Of course! You guys have fun. See you later, dear." Ayu's mom said

And so Ayu met up with Paul and did their jogging. Ayu went back home just to take a shower and then Paul fetched her at home. They went straight to the restaurant and ordered.

"So Ayu. Do you think your friend will like me?" Paul suddenly asked

"Aha! I knew it! You like her!" Ayu said

"No, I don't. What I meant is do you think your friend will like me… for you?" Paul asked

"Oh… okay. Well… Nina is my best friend and I just know that she just wants the best for me. And besides, she doesn't hate you or anything. I'm sure when she gets to know you a lot better, she'll like you. I mean, you're cute, tall, smart, athletic and very very thoughtful. I don't think a guy like that could be hated. Right?" Ayu said

"Right. So you like me for those qualities?" Paul asked

"Ofcourse! I've known you for a long time and I definitely trust you." Ayu said

Ayu couldn't believe that Paul asked that question. She always thought that he liked her as a friend. As a very close friend. That question made her think. Should she give Paul a chance to be her boyfriend?

They both finished eating and she decided to go to the ladies room to fix herself up. And so she brushed her hair, checked her teeth and retouched her very light make-up. As she went out of the ladies room she accidentally hit someone with the door.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Ayu said

"Ayu!" The guy said

"Kaji?" Ayu said in surprise as she saw that the guy she had hit was Kaji.

"What are you doing here?" Kaji asked as he picked up a hankerchief that Ayu had dropped.

"Nothing. I just had lunch with a friend." Ayu said not looking into his eyes.

Actually, neither of them was looking into each other's eyes. It was a very awkward moment. It was like fate had brought two hearts that have gone blind back together.

"Ayu… what happened between us… I just wanna say… sorry." Kaji said

"It's okay. Past is past. We have to move on sometime right?" Ayu said

"Yeah, but I don't think that I've moved on already." Kaji said

"Well… that's too bad I guess. Because I totally have moved on. It's a good feeling actually." Ayu said coldly.

"Come on, Ayu. Can't we just start again? Maybe give me another chance?" Kaji said

"It's over between us. And it'll never change. You should have asked me that question even though I didn't want to see you. You should have tried your best but what did you do? You left me alone. I didn't know what to think at that time but the conclusion that you had given up on me finally popped into my head. Was I wrong?" Ayu said

"I just gave you some space. Some time to think. I didn't think that you would actually think that I had given up on you. I wanted to explain to you so badly but I just didn't know where to start. You hated me so much that I didn't know if you would still want to talk to me. You are right; I should have tried a lot harder. But can't you just give me a chance?" Kaji said

Ayu thought about it. She totally lied when she said that she has moved on because deep inside her heart, Kaji is still there. She was just trying to avoid the truth. She was about to say something when a girl bumped into her and she was shocked to see who it was.

"Hey, sorry if I took so long. So ready to go?" a girl said to Kaji

"Akiho?" Ayu said in shock

"Ayu… surprised to see me? You shouldn't be." Akiho said

"That's just it Kaji Tetsushi! I really don't know what else to think about you. I was just about to change my mind…" Ayu said unable to finish her sentence because Paul came to the scene to check up on her.

"Hey, Ayu. Everything alright?" Paul said while looking at Kaji

"Yeah. Everything's fine." Ayu said

"Ayu, please. It's not what you think." Kaji said

"Oh really? How can I believe you now? I didn't imagine that a guy like you who has the goody-good boy image is actually this bad. What a cover up! You blew it! Now… it REALLY IS OVER!" Ayu said as she walked away with Paul

"Ayu! Just listen." Kaji said as he grabbed hold of her hand

"Let go!" Ayu said

So Kaji let her go… once again. Maybe he didn't realize that this could be the last time that he could hold her. It was a very wrong thing to do.

In front of Ayu's house…

"Are you sure that you're okay?" Paul asked with a concern on his face.

"Yeah. Thanks to you." Ayu said smiling

"I'm just curious, what was that all about? If you don't want to tell me it's okay." Paul said

"I know that I should tell you what happened back there at the resto but I just don't feel like it. Maybe some other time. I just don't want to remember bad memories." Ayu said

"Okay. It's fine. You can tell me when you feel that you already got over what ever you should be getting over." Paul said as he smiled.

"You know, you always make me feel a lot better." Ayu said

"Really, I do? That's good then." Paul said as he hugged her

"Yes. You do. Anyway, I should get inside now. Goodnight. Thanks." Ayu said as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Ok. Take care." Paul said

The next day at the park…

"I'm so glad you finally had the time for me!" Nina said smiling

"Why? I've always had the time for you. You're my bestfriend!" Ayu said

"Not since Paul came." Nina said pouting

"Oh come on. You still don't like him? Why not?" Ayu said

"It's not that I don't like him. He seems like a nice guy and all… but I don't think that it's a good idea for you to go out with him. It's not right." Nina said

"What do you mean not right?" Ayu asked

"Well… I just think that you're just forcing yourself to love him" Nina said

"I am NOT forcing myself. I really do like him." Ayu said seriously

"I know that you like him. After all, you were very close when you were still kids, right? But do you like him as much as you like Kaji?" Nina said

"Even more. I mean, I feel really comfortable being with him. I'm happy to be with Paul." Ayu stated

"Ok. But have you definitely totally got over Kaji?" Nina said

"Ofcourse! Would I go out with Paul if I haven't?" Ayu said

"Really? You got over him that fast? I didn't imagine that it would be possible for you to get over him that fast since you have liked him since we were in… oh! I can't remember. But my point is, don't you have any feelings left for him? Anything?" Nina said

"Really. I'm totally over him. When a person has done something bad to you, you tend to forget all the good things you had with that person. Especially when there is another person who is making you happy. But of course I have feelings for him. Feelings of hatred, pity and disgust." Ayu said

"Okay. But I just feel that you still like him. I don't believe that you totally got over him. You can hate me when I say things like these but I'm just telling you what I can see from you. Can't you just give him another chance?" Nina asked

"Chance? No way! He has hurt me and that's enough! You just don't know the pain that I went through since your relationship with Tsujiai is going really well." Ayu said

"Of course I know how you felt! I was there when you were suffering and you just don't know that I was also sad for you. But please, you don't know how much Kaji loves you. I saw him every single day because he was asking me for help. He really loves you Ayu. You don't understand the whole thing." Nina stated

"Whatever. I just don't care now. It was his fault anyway." Ayu said

"And he knows that. But won't you just think about it? Please?" Nina said

"Okay, okay! I'll think about it. But don't keep your hopes up." Ayu said

"Yey! Thanks!" Nina said

"Remember… I'll just think about it. I'm not saying that I'll get back with him or give him another chance. Okay?" Ayu said

"Yeah, I know. But it's worth a shot." Nina said smiling

"You know, I think having Tsujiai as your boyfriend has done good things for you." Ayu said

"Really? Why do you say so?" Nina asked curiously

"Well… you have a lot of sense to talk to now. I can't believe that you just said those things to me. It made a lot of sense. That's just so not you." Ayu said laughing

"Now, that's just mean! But… I think I agree." Nina said smiling.

"Anyway, I have to go now. I still have to do some homework. See you tomorrow!" Ayu said

"Okay. Sure. Uh, Ayu! Matte! I forgot to tell you something." Nina said

"What is it?" Ayu asked

"Well… I forgot to tell you that Kaji will be going to Canada. And he'll be staying there for good." Nina said

"Oh… ok. When will he be leaving?" Ayu asked

"Tomorrow. They'll be leaving tomorrow. His flight to Canada will be around 4:00 in the afternoon. So it really is necessary for you to make up your mind as soon as possible. Because whatever decision you'll make, there's no turning back. Anyway, that's all. See you." Nina said as she waved goodbye.

As Ayu went back to her house, different thoughts keep coming to her mind. She thought about what Nina said. And it's making her confused. She is already happy with Paul and she didn't think about giving Kaji a chance for about a month. After all, in that whole month that passed he had no communication with Kaji or whatsoever. Not until yesterday when she saw him with Akiho at the restaurant.

The next day…

Ayu woke up late because she's been up all night thinking about Kaji. And she hasn't decided yet. She quickly took a bath, ate breakfast and got dressed. She just sat in her room, still thinking. She can't decide because she's afraid that she might make the wrong decision.

"Mom! I'm going out. I'll have my usual morning jog." Ayu said as she came down the stairs.

She thought that jogging might help her think more clearly. As she went through her route, images of Kaji's face kept flashing in her mind. Their memories together kept coming to her. She run a lot faster and then she stopped to rest for a while. What she didn't realize is that her feet have dragged her to a place that she thought she would never come to again.

"What am I doing here? What was I thinking?" Ayu said as she realized that she was standing in front of Kaji's front door.

As she was about to leave when a girl came out of the house.

"Ayu! What are you doing here?" Akiho said

"Nothing. I'm just having my morning jog." Ayu said

"Oh really? And stopping in front of Kaji's house is one of your pit stops?" Akiho said

"I don't know how I got here. Anyway, I'm gonna go now." Ayu said

"Wait! We have something important to talk about." Akiho said

"What do you mean? There's nothing to talk about." Ayu said

"Oh, come on. Don't play dumb with me. I know that you know what I'm talking about. We have to talk about Kaji." Akiho said

"Now, there's really nothing to talk about. He's all yours." Ayu said

"Will you just sit down here and let me explain something." Akiho said

"Okay, fine. But I'm already telling you that there's nothing to talk about." Ayu said as she sat with Akiho.

"Now… where should I start? Okay, do you remember that night when you saw me and Kaji kissing?" Akiho said

"Of course I do. Why? What does that have to do with anything?"" Ayu asked

"Well… I knew that you were there. I saw you. That's why I asked Kaji if he loves me." Akiho said

"And I heard his answer loud and clear." Ayu said

"I know that but you weren't able to hear what he said." Akiho said

"I did!" Ayu said irritably

"No you didn't. All you heard was that he loves me but you what didn't hear is that he said he loves me only as a friend." Akiho said

"Whatever. I don't care now." Ayu said

"Oh, really? But what I'm about to say is so not me but I just need to say it. I really feel bad about you even though I really can't understand why. But anyway, here goes… I'm sorry. I really am." Akiho said

"About what?" Ayu asked as if she doesn't know what Akiho is talking about.

"Oh come on! Don't act dumb. You are so much more smarter than this. Atleast that's what I've heard. Anyway, I'm gonna tell you all the schemes that I've done." Akiho said

"Why? I didn't know that you have a little kindness in you." Ayu said

"Yeah. Me too. Anyway, when you found out that I was Kaji's fiancée and you just walked out, Kaji wanted to run after you so bad. I knew that after a few days he would ask for another chance. Maybe the word begged would have been appropriate so I thought of a plan. I forged a letter saying that you don't want to see him no more and that you totally hate him. And also that it would make you a lot happier if he would leave you alone and that he would just settle with me." Akiho said

"Really? Now, that only proves that Kaji is such an idiot to have believed that I wrote that letter." Ayu said coldly

"Well… if you can't believe it that's up to you. But here." Akiho said as she took out a paper and gave it to Ayu.

"Is this the letter you forged?" Ayu asked

"Yes. And tell me if you won't be able to believe that it's your handwriting." Akiho said

"Wow… impressive. How did you do it?" Ayu said

"Well… remember the notebook Kaji left at your house and gave it back to him. I browsed the pages and saw your handwriting there. I tore off that page and gave it someone who really does a good job at forging. Of course, I paid him a lot of money!" Akiho said

"If I knew that you are that desperate to have Kaji, I would have given him to you. You should have just asked me than go through all that trouble." Ayu said

"Now, now. I'm being nice here and to tell you the truth it's hard for me. Anyway, I have to go or I'll miss my flight to London. Sorry again." Akiho said

"I accept your apology. Matte! To London? Why there? Aren't you suppose to go to Canada with Kaji?" Ayu asked curiously

"Yep, London. Well… I decided not to. I convinced my parents that I can't live with a guy who doesn't love me. And well, I'm pretty good at it so they believed me. But I do believe that Kaji's flight is still on. He's still going there with his parents and he'll be staying there… permanently." Akiho said

"Yeah, I heard." Ayu said

"So if I were you, I'd go back to him. Or better yet, just give him another chance. He really loves you. More than you can imagine. You're both lucky to have each other." Akiho said

"Whatever. I really don't care." Ayu said

"You know, you're nice. Sorry again. Bye. I really have to go. Oh yeah, did I mention that you're nice…. But stupid as well." Akiho said as she walked away.

Ayu couldn't believe what Akiho had said. She kept thinking whether she should believe her or not. After all that she has done it's hard to trust her. She went back to her house, took a bath, ate and just lied on her bed. Thinking… waiting for the right decision to come to her mind. She eventually fell asleep.

"Oh my gosh! I fell asleep. That dream… it was quite unusual… was that a sign?" Ayu said as she rubbed her eyes.

"Ayu! Nina called. She was asking whether you have decided yet." Ayu's mom said as she opened the door.

"Mom, what time is it?" Ayu asked

"It's already 3:45 in the afternoon. Aren't you planning to eat a snack?" Ayu's mom said

"What? Mom, I have to go. I… I just have to go right now. I'll see you later. Bye." Ayu said as she rushed out of her room and out of the house.

She run as fast as she could as she went to Nina's house…

"Nina! Come on! Let's go to the airport! I don't want to make the biggest mistake in my life." Ayu said

"Ok. We still have a few minutes." Nina said as they went out and took a taxi to go to the airport.

At the Airport…

"Oh Nina, I hope we can find him. I was so stupid! I consumed so much time to think! I just have to find him…" Ayu said as they run through the departure area.

"Don't worry. We'll find him. Come on! We don't have much time." Nina said

So they tried hard to find Kaji but they just couldn't find him. Nina thought that they were too late and that Kaji had gone. She didn't want to say it to Ayu because she knows that Ayu will just feel bad and blame herself for what happened. After a few more minutes, Ayu decided to give it all up.

"Come on… let's go home." Ayu said

"Wait, we can check at the information counter if Kaji has gone. They have records of people who went on the plane, right?" Nina suggested

"What's the use? I'm sure he already left." Ayu said

"Let's just ask. There's nothing to lose if we're gonna ask. Just to make sure." Nina said

So they went at the information counter and asked the woman.

"Excuse me; we just wanna ask if Kaji Tetsushi had gone board on a plane to Canada?" Nina asked

"Okay. Just a moment please." The woman said as she checked the record at the computer

"Kaji Tetsushi is it? Mmm… yes, he went on board with two more people. I think he was with his parents." The woman said

"Okay… thank you so much." Nina said

"I told you. Anyway, let's go home. I wanna rest." Ayu said

"Okay. I'll accompany you there." Nina said

On the way there, Ayu didn't say anything. Not even a word. Nina was feeling bad. She kept thinking that it would take more than a few weeks for Ayu to be happy again. It was much worse than before. Ayu kept thinking that she had made the biggest mistake in her life. Letting the love of her life go… it was hurting her so much. When they arrived at Ayu's house, they saw a figure of a man standing just right outside her house. Ayu couldn't quite make out the face of the man because it was quite dark. She didn't care who it was so she just continued walking towards the house gate. As she was making her way to her house, the man spoke.

"I've missed you. A lot." The man said

"Who… Is that…" Ayu said as she thought that the voice seemed familiar.

"It's me" the man said as he went closer to Ayu where there was a post lamp.

"Kaji? But how did you? Weren't you suppose to?" Ayu said but couldn't finish her sentences

"Hey…surprised to see me? I know that you hate me but no matter how hard you avoid me I'm gonna stay with you and prove to you how much I really love you. You're all I need in this world. I don't care what my parents want for me. I can disobey them… for you. I don't care how long it's gonna take for you to forgive me. I love you." Kaji said as he hugged Ayu tight

"I…I… I thought I lost you. The truth is, I love you too. I haven't got over you. It's not that easy. I know I was stubborn and stupid. Forgive me." Ayu said as tears started falling from her eyes.

"Sshhh… don't cry. It's not your fault. All that matters to me right now is you. That you're here with me. And I'm never letting go… ever again." Kaji said as he wiped the tears from Ayu's cheek with the same hankerchief that he used when Ayu cried at the hospital.

"I love you so much. Never leave me again." Ayu said

"I love you too. More than you know. And don't worry, I won't leave you. Ever again." Kaji said as he kissed her.

Nina couldn't be happier for Ayu. She felt relieved that everything worked out just fine. There couldn't have been a much happier ending.

The next day…

The four of them were just hanging around at the park.

"Yahoo! They're back together! Yeah! Oh Yeah!" Nina said as she was dancing round and round.

"You better stop that. You're beginning to look like an idiot." Tsujiai teased

"Now that's just mean! Well… I can't help it. I'm just so happy.!" Nina said

"You even look happier than I do." Ayu said smiling.

"But not as happy as I am." Kaji said while wrapping his arms around Ayu.

"Anyway, before we get really mushy around here, I've got a surprise for all of you." Tsujiai said

"Really? What is it?" Nina asked

"Just close your eyes. Come on!" Tsujiai said

After making sure that none of them was peeking, he then shouted "Surprise!"

"How are you guys? Missed yah!" A guy said

Nina, Ayu and Kaji opened their eyes. To their surprise, they saw two people who they never thought that they'd see… together. Nina just totally jumped in surprised and hugged them.

"Yuta! Maya!" Nina said cheerfully

"Hey… how have you been?" Kaji asked

"It's been a long time. We missed you too." Ayu said

"Now, isn't this a surprise?" Tsujiai said smiling

"Sure is!" Nina, Ayu and Kaji chorused.

"Anyway, I just wanna ask. Are you two together?" Ayu said with a very silly smile on her face

"Well… umm…" Maya said

"Yep! We both met in the States when we were both down and needed some company. I never thought that I'd like her because she seemed like a very annoying girl but she's actually really fun to be with. I enjoyed every time I had with her then that's when I realized that I've fallen for her." Yuta said

"Aww… isn't that nice?" Nina said

"Come on Maya. Say something!" Kaji said

"Umm… I just wanna ask you guys something. Aren't you mad at me?" Maya asked nervously

"Nope. We've forgiven you." Ayu said

"Everything's cool now." Tsujiai and Kaji chorused

"Past is past. Anyway, tell us what happened. And don't leave any details!" Nina said

"Okay. Thanks! Anyway, I was staying at my aunt's house and she had a coffee shop there. I was just hanging around and drinking coffee when someone just came up to me and asked if he could sit with me. I asked why since there were lots of free tables. He told me that he wanted to sit with me because I was the most beautiful girl there and that he and I go together because he was handsome and I was beautiful. At that time I wanted to slap him so hard." Maya said

"And she did! It was really painful." Yuta said laughing.

"Anyway, I also slapped him because I just felt like it. I didn't immediately recognize that it was Yuta. It took me a few minutes actually." Maya stated

"She was so mesmerized by my good looks." Yuta said smiling

"As if! Back to the story, he kept on talking to me and I was surprised because I thought that he would hate me because of the things that I've done. He said that it was past and that he knows that I'm a good person deep inside. I was really touched. I never thought that a guy like him would actually be that sensitive." Maya said

"And that's when she started falling for me." Yuta said

"Okay fine. This time I won't argue with that statement of yours because that's true." Maya said while giving Yuta a kiss on the cheek

"Wow… it's like you guys were meant to be. Nice story." Nina said

"You guys look great as a couple. I'm happy for the both of you." Ayu said

"Anyway, tell us what happened here while we were gone." Yuta said

"Yeah! I've missed this place and of course you guys. I wanna know everything!" Maya said

And so, the six of them just talked all day long. It was like fate has done a way to bring them all together. A love that burns within their hearts that will never fade nor be gone. And a friendship that will never be broken no matter how hard the times will be.

WHEW! Finally! I've finished the story! And that's the ending… I hope you guys like it! I'll be writing another ultra maniac story so watch for it guys! Please send me your reviews so I'll know what else I have to improve! Arigatou minna-san for reading! Ja ne!