"Hey. I love you."

Those were the words Ryuuji said upon reuniting with Taiga, who proceeded to headbutt him while in a locker. Taiga and Ryuuji had not seen or spoken to each other in over a year. They hadn't even texted each other, as Taiga had gotten a new phone in the meantime. This was the first time either one of them sat sight since the night at Ryuuji's grandparents house, and that miserable dog just had to screw the pooch.

"Ow! What the hell, Taiga?!"

"Idiot. I go away for a year to fix my family life, and the first thing you say when I return is that you love me? You really are the worst."

"Well, what am I supposed to say? 'Gee, Taiga. It's a shame you came back. Life was so much better without you?' I haven't stopped thinking about you ever since you left without telling me. I feel incomplete without you."

A slight blush came across Taiga's face as she was now fully out of the locker. She didn't expect Ryuuji to be so forward with his feelings. Then again, everybody is more forward with their feelings compared to her. It might as well be encased in stone. Regardless, the thought of Ryuuji thinking about her all this time was quite moving for the palm-top tiger.

It also made her feel that much more guilty.

"You really thought about me ever since I left without telling?"

"Yeah, of course. You are my girlfriend, after all. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. Anyway, let's go. I'm sure our friends are dying to see you."

"Wait, Ryuuji. Before we go, I want to say something. I apologize for not telling you beforehand about me leaving. I was afraid if I told you I was going away for a while, you might try to talk me out of it. I understand if you think I'm a horrible girlfriend."

"Taiga, I could never think you are a horrible girlfriend. You were doing what you thought was the right thing to do. And besides, you're on good terms with your family now, yes? Then that means it was all worth it. You're a good girl, Taiga. Far better than you give yourself credit for. I feel privileged to being your boyfriend."

"Ryuuji? Where are you? Did something happen?"

"It's Kitamura. We should probably go down outside. I'm sure he'd be happy to see you once again."

"Say, Ryuuji: when we get home, can we practice our nuptials again? I'd like to reenact that night where we… you know…"

"Yes, Taiga," said Ryuuji chuckling. "I'd like that very much."

This was the first time Taiga and Ryuuji met each other since Taiga went to fix her family life. And now that she had, she planned on doing no more running. From now on, she was gonna try to be more direct with her feelings. Because that is what her future husband truly deserved.

A family away from home, and a family right here at home.