I know I am taking a really long time to update, but I've been so busy ever since I started this new program in college. And now it's time for my finals. I don't even know how I found enough time to write this chapter, but here it is! I hope you enjoy this one, it's very special.

Chapter 21: A Series of Unexpected Events

It's already spring break. We all got back our grades and, even though we didn't all get the best marks, we still managed to pass everything. All of the girls are going back to their home planets to spend spring break there. I'm probably just going to stay here anyway, since there's nothing for me back in Dersus.

I get out of my bed and head out to downtown Magix. I need to go out for a bit and enjoy myself. I need to get my mind off of things.

I head to one of the more quiet cafes that no one really goes to. I don't feel like being around too many people. I go into the cafe, instantly welcomed by the strong and soothing coffee smell. It's a pretty shabby cafe for being located in downtown Magix where everything is over the top and extravagant. Somehow, though, I feel more comfortable here than in a more fancy cafe. There aren't many people here. Everyone just minds their own business, not paying attention to anyone else.

I make my way to a table in a corner after ordering a black coffee. I take out a book that I picked up from the restricted section of the Alfea library. The one that Palladium gave me access to… It's no good. My mind just keeps wandering back to him! I hold back the tears that threaten to come out. I shake my head and close my eyes. I sip my black coffee and frown since I burnt my lip a little. I sigh.

"You seem like there's something on your mind, miss."

The deep voice that came from behind me made me jump a little. I turn my head towards the source of the voice and find a very attractive man with tanned skin, blonde hair and striking grey eyes. He had a stubble that gave him a more mature aura. He's wearing a casual white dress shirt with a brown vest matching his brown pants. By habit, I don't look directly at him.

"N-No. I'm fine…"

It was already surprising to have someone talk to me out of the blue like that, especially here. What surprises me more, however, is that the man goes and takes a seat right across from me. What does he want?

"You're always alone, aren't you?"

Huh? How does he know that? I frown, speculating the worst. He then puts his hands in the air, looking like he's pleading innocence.

"Hey you don't have to frown like that, it's just that I'm a regular here and I always see you come here alone."

"Isn't that most people here, though?"

He chuckles.

"That is true. You got me there."

I don't know why, but something about this guy rubs me the wrong way. I put my book in my bag and start getting up to leave. As soon as I do, he gets up as well.

"Hey, where are you going? You didn't even finish your coffee."

"It's alright. I don't want it anymore. Now if you'll excuse me."

I leave the coffee shop and make sure that he isn't following me. I take a deep breath in relief when I realize that he stayed in the cafe. What was that all about? I guess I'll just stay away from this place from now on. I don't want to have to deal with him again.

What should I do now? I went there to spend a quite day, but it doesn't look like it's working out for me. I should just make my way back to Alfea.

When I get to Alfea I start heading straight to my room. On my way there however, my misfortunes don't see to end… I turn a corner and bump hard into someone and we both fall.

"Sorry… I didn't mean to…"

I look up and see Palladium on the floor. I feel my heart squeeze. The tears that I've been holding start rolling down my cheeks. I look down to try and hide them.

"Onyx! Are you alright?"

He gets up and extend a hand to me. In my anger and humiliation, I slap his hand away. I then quickly get up and run away. I run as far as I can. I just want to put as much distance between him and me.

"Onyx! Stop!"

What? He's running after me? Why? Leave me alone! I take a turn and keep running. I then see a wall. It's the end of the hallway. I was so frantic about getting away that I didn't notice! I glance behind me and find Palladium.

"Onyx, please… Don't do this to yourself."

I try to run past him but he gets a hold of my wrist and firmly keeps his grip on me.

"Let me go!"

Then, against all my expectations, he pulls me closer without a word and hugs me tightly. My tears keep falling and I start sobbing.

"It's not fair! I keep trying to forget you! Why are you making this harder?!"

My voice is half muffled in his chest.

"I don't know… I don't know what I'm doing anymore… I just can't stay away from you. Onyx, please forgive my selfishness."

What…? What is he saying? Has he gone mad? He tightens his grip on me. My chest is being crushed against his. It's almost hard to breathe.

"I don't think I can keep going without you. It's too painful. It hurts to see you in pain everyday, and it hurts to know that I'm the reason why you're hurt."

How am I supposed to react? I didn't expect this at all. I feel my body relax, and I stop resisting. His grip loosens and we both gaze into each other's eyes.

"Palladium… I… This is so hard-"

Before I could finish what I was saying, a feel a pair of warm quivering lips against my own. My eyes widen in surprise. What…? Is he… kissing me? I feel my stomach squeeze and my heartbeat getting faster. He then pulls away and looks into my eyes. His gaze is intense. I've never seen him look like that before. It makes my face get even warmer.

"I'm sorry, Onyx. I just can't resist you anymore."

He then pushes me gently against the wall brings his forehead to mine. We look into each others' eyes for a bit and then he smiles softly at me. I can't help but smile back. Then a wave of relief and happiness washes over me as I realize what was happening. Palladium… likes me back? He wants to be with me? How can someone that made me feel so much pain make me feel so much joy?

He kisses me again. This time, I close my eyes and wrap my arms around his neck. This is… the happiest moment of my life.

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