"You're supposed to- I don't, know, you're supposed to wait for the right mood or moment-"

"Really? I haven't seen you all year, only get a text or two when you feel like, and now you're telling me to wait for a better moment?"

Taiga had an apologetic look on her face. It was a side of her he wasn't used to seeing.

"I, uh, made you something. Uh- oh, where did I put it? I only just had it! Uh-"

Taiga patted herself down and looked through the cupboard to no success.

"I see you're still a klutz."

"Shut up. Of course I am. But I had something and- well I wanted to get you- you know, to show you-"

"You know, you're pretty cute when you're embarrassed"

Taiga went a peachy colour, and though it looked like she was about to hit him again, she instead smiled and said, "I did miss you, you know."

Sound of running footsteps began to echo in the room, and suddenly the faces of Ami and Kitamura appeared.

"Kitamura!' said Taiga as she went and gave him a hug.

Kitamura then turned to Ami.

"And you knew this whole time?"

"Someone had to help make it a surprise. She's terrible at planning these things on her own."

"As if. I just knew the Dumb Chihuahua would be able to keep a secret."

More faces started arriving, with Noto and Maya, then Haruta followed by Kashii, and then people Taiga didn't know that well. Quite the scene had started as slowly everyone heard that the Palm Top Tiger had returned. Of course, there was one person who was still missing.

"Taiga!"

Minori barged through everyone and leapt through the air landing right beside Taiga. The two of them embraced so tightly and spun around a few times before falling onto the floor. As they recovered and became the center of attention, Ryuuji walked over to Ami.

"So, you knew about this?"

"You act surprised. You should know by now that I know everything."

"Well, even so, thanks."

"For what? Not spoiling the moment?"

"For helping make… this… possible."

"You showed me how my mask got in the way of my life. I guess after that I got conscious of the facades everyone else were putting up. It annoyed me that everything you wanted was right in front of you, yet you were dumb enough not to see it. Plus, you guys are way too stubborn to have done anything yourselves. Honestly, if I hadn't been here, you'd still be living in your make-believe world of broken hearts."

She was right. Ryuuji wasn't sure if she still had any feelings for him, but he knew that she cared for him and had been one of those responsible for helping him and Taiga confront their feelings for each other – even if it had been Minori that had done the final push.

"Why didn't you see us before you vanished? Why have you been gone so long?" asked Minori, rocking side to side with Taiga in her arms.

"I'm sorry Minori. My mother and I had some disagreements for a while. She wouldn't let me come back, tried to force me to fit into her way of life. But we're on better terms now. She had a boy and I was helping look after him for some time. They're here today as well!"

Ami put her hand on Ryuuji's shoulder.

"I don't expect we'll cross paths again after today. I've got things I need to start focusing on. Things I need to confront. But I'm glad it worked out for you..."

She looked down to the flowers she was holding.

"… even if it's not the way I hoped it would have gone."

Ami walked off without glancing back towards the group. Ryuuji yelled that he'll always be there for her if she ever needed a friend, but she made no reply. Minori and Taiga joined Ryuuji in staring while she disappeared around the corner of the hallway.

After some hours had passed, with most of the crowd having left the school, Taiga and Ryuuji, holding hands, walked to the gate together while catching up on each other's lives. He told her about Ami continuing her modelling and doing more travel; about Minori getting a scholarship to a sports college; how Kitamura was off to study abroad in America. Taiga shared her news as well. She and her mother had moved into an apartment not far from where Yasuko and Ryuuji were living. Even though she had been gone a year, it's going to feel weird not having her as his neighbour, thought Ryuuji.

"TAIGA!"

Yasuko came over and smothered Taiga, who disappeared amoungst her bosom. Ryuuji went to rescue her but felt himself getting pulled in as well.

"This is the bestest day ever!"

All the noise must have caught the attention of Yuri, their teacher.

"Takasu, just wanted to say goodbye one last time before- ah, Taiga! It's nice to see you back again. I know everyone here has missed you. What's the occasion?"

"She came here for Ryuuji" said Taiga's mother, coming in from behind the gate. She had her hair tied back and was carrying a little boy.

"Ah! Young love I see! Ha! Such a beautiful part of school!"

"Are you alright Miss Yuri? You also mentioned during the graduation that you were thinking about taking time away from teaching?"

"Oh yeah I'm fine. Fine. Just need to make sure I'm still working towards my goals!"

"Ok, well-"

"Your life's in your hands now Takasu! I'm not gonna be here holding you back! Chase after what you love you two!"

And as she said this, she ran off out the school gate.

"Taiga, you left this in the car."

Taiga's eyes lit up as her mother handed her a bag of bento. However, moments later Minori appeared and noticed it.

"Yes Taiga! This calls for celebration!"

"Oh, uh-"

"I'd say we should have a picnic."

Minori's placed her hands on Ryuuji and Taiga's shoulders. Her hands were slightly shaking, and her grip became very tight to try and mask it. Ryuuji looked to Taiga to see if she noticed it too.

"That's an excellent idea Kushieda" said Kitamura, appearing with the group as well, "you should come as well Ami."

"As if I'm going to get a choice."

Minori slammed her right fist into her palm.

"Right, it's settled then. I'll go home and get changed and we'll all meet in an hour"

Everyone started going their separate ways, but Taiga and Ryuuji stayed together and walked back with their families. So many things were happening in such a short amount of time that he'd almost forgotten about just graduating. As Yuri had once said, what he decides to with his life is up to him.

He glanced over to Taiga with her baby brother. She spun him round and round until giggles echoed from his chest.

She'd make a great mother one day.

But though walking home, side by side with Taiga, filled Ryuuji with all kinds of emotions; having Taiga's family beside them, and wondering what the future would hold, still occupied his mind.