When Amelina woke up, she was still snuggled up to Eduan's chest, both of their garments still damp from the rain and bloods. Those two arms somehow managed to warm her up, though it proved to be insignificant when she's still adorning her literally wet uniform. The girl tiredly glanced around and realized that they were in her old room, on her old bed. The comforting lavender-scented room full of memories that only reminded of Amelina of her pains.

Looking back towards her father-his face specifically due to the close proximity of their figures, Amelina scanned the messy state of Eduan, noticing a faint red spot made up of bloods smearing his cheek- probably from her attempt to break free. She tried not to think hard about how he was patient enough with her who was literally punching and slapping and kicking everywhere just to get off him.

To make him let go of her.

Him? Let go of her?

But he never faltered even once, even pulling the small figure of hers into his arms without regarding how bloodied and dirty she was.

Suddenly it felt too much for her that she felt like tearing up again, but this time with a completely different feeling.

Frustration? Confusion? Sorrow? Or maybe… happiness?

Slowly, Amelina pulled away from the undeniably warm embrace and this time, those hands didn't hold on her tight to prevent her from getting away. Eduan remained as peaceful when Amelina stood by the bed, a sudden rush of unexplainable relief washed over her as she collected her thoughts. Her views of Eduan had beginning to change in just a day, something that she'd never do if it was the younger version, the more naïve part of her.

She was no fool. But she still strongly denied it all these years even when some doubts sprouted from the moment Eduan stayed and firmly held her hand before she embarked Maschenny's ship.

He was the only one who stayed. But she couldn't.

Swiftly grabbing her bag, Amelina carefully opened the window, letting the cold breeze hitting her face. With a leg already hanging on the windowsill, Amelina took a last glance behind her with a sad look.

"That was the first time- I heard you called me your father."

"I'm sorry… father."

With a jump, her figure disappeared into the night, unaware of the glint in her bag's pocket.

Slowly sitting up, Eduan's eyes was casted downwards where Amelina laid in his arms just a minute ago, his eyes sharing the same sorrow as his daughter. "There's nothing for you to apologize for, Ame," then, his eyes moved towards the window where the teal curtain flapped as the wind softly hit the fabric. "I hope what you find there… will be enough to make you happy…"

In the coldness of the night, Amelina treaded the path carefully since exhaustion was catching up to her and she wouldn't want anyone to catch sight of her. She didn't know why she was doing this even though she knew there was no use to it. Maybe it was to make herself relieved of a burden, or maybe she wanted to forget about him, once-and-for-all.

It's just, there was this voice in her head telling her to do this before she regrets anything.

Finally, she came to a stop in front of a mansion; smaller than the main estate she'd resided in but there were intricate design and look that made it looks fancy. It made sense somehow as the Agnis branch was once a powerhouse amongst the other branches.

Yes, she was in fact, right in front of Aguero's former abode, the only clue and hint Miru ever left her of Aguero. If she wants to say her final goodbye, this would be the best place, isn't it?

"Even if it's too late…" Amelina muttered, huffing a cold breath. "I want to see where Aguero grew up… to feel his last presence… and to say farewell… before I run away from this damned place…" The lone girl wiped away a few stray tears, heaving a breath as she moved forward. After what she'd done, there was no doubt she lost her place in the family. Not knowing what might happen to her, Amelina figured she should make full use of her remaining time. Or maybe she was just afraid of facing the consequences of her actions.

The mansion was dark and quiet, which was what Amelina expected in a way. If the Agnis branch was no longer in power, it was expected no one will be here because there was no way anyone would want to affiliate themselves with a ruined branch, even the leftover of their abode. Amelina knew that much, but it still hurts.

It hurts to know he was truly gone. He, who used to be the light of her life.

Entering the mansion, Amelina laid her eyes on the lonely and dusty space. Nothing and no one. She walked forward and went upstairs to the second floor, remembering Miru's notes about his usual route of communication with Aguero.

'West of the mansion. Tallest tree. Room at the top.'

"The tallest tree… the it's probably on the third floor, the highest floor here. If it's the west of the mansion…" Amelina muttered, "-then turn left."

A white door. Aguero's room.

Amelina hesitated at first, but with a few words of encouragement to herself, the girl turned the knob and slowly opened the door. She was mentally prepared for anything. Messed up room, dusts and all, but what she didn't expect was the figure she'd longed to see standing just across the room in front of the window- the boy too, looking very much surprised.

"?!"

"…"

"…"

"…Ame…? What- Why are you here…?"

Shock. Fear. Frustration. Jealousy. Anger. Hate. Guilt. Sorrow. Loneliness…

Amelina felt every emotion she had been feeling all these years piling up, threatening to burst anytime soon as her breath quickened. Yet her voice came out weaker than she'd intended- a little hoarse too, and somehow her eyes were becoming glossy and watery.

"A…gue…ro…!"

Dropping her bag, Amelina ran towards the boy, engulfing him into the tightest hug she could muster with all her fatigue- every of those ugly feelings almost immediately thrown out the window. Surprisingly for Amelina or maybe the boy himself, Khun Aguero Agnes returned the hug, his hands clenching the back of her unform. Perhaps it was due to being overly emotional at the moment, but Amelina unfortunately missed the trembling sigh of relief from the boy.

'If this was dream, I wouldn't want to wake up from it.'

Author's notes:

Feel the need to post this chap before a period of continuous exams for 4 months. Yep, my favourite part so far in the story.

The twist? Nah I don't think it's a twist at all.

Thank you so much for those who kept supporting my story!

Tell me what you think in the comments!

Arigatou! Love chu!!