Hello everyone, it is a pleasure to continue with this story, I hope you enjoy the chapters and let me know what you think.


Saito was amazed and at the same time pleased at how well his trip had gone so far.

He had had a good time, although he was also involved in situations that were a bit uncomfortable for him, visits and meetings with supposed friends with whom he had barely maintained a relationship.

The young man always behaved with politeness, he didn't want to be rude. After all, they showed interest in greeting him. He really didn't care if they were interested in him or not, he was only in the town to spend time with his brother, nothing more.

He took his brother to all the places that his liked to go. To the fair, an amusement park, a video game club. Mostly, he avoided places with many people around, but for his brother, he would do anything. Even days after his arrival, he accompanied his family to the club of which they were members, place that he rarely attended when still lived in Tokyo.

The association organized a party to inaugurate a new sports area and Haru was excited to go as some of his friends would be there too. The kids had a soccer team and often played friendly matches with each other and others clubs.

The club was not his favorite place; however, it allowed him to share a little more with his family. He was glad to see them all well, even Yosuke, even if they had their differences.

He tried to go unnoticed in the place, even so, people did not stop approaching him with greetings and compliments that in his opinion lacked sincerity. In those moments he missed his friends even more, with them, he felt really comfortable, no matter where he was.

Any discomfort or disgust that he could happen, it was worth it for his brother, he wanted to see him happy the days he was with him.

Now, Saito felt really comfortable while resting next to Haru in a small restaurant in a prestigious square. To see him enjoy his ice cream so enthusiasm, made he smiles a little.

The kid loved sweet things. He was the opposite, preferred to avoid them, although on occasions made an effort to please the people he loved, like Chizuru, he would eat all the candies that she wanted just to see her smile.

"Nii-San," Haru spoke, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Can we ask for a piece of Castella too? They're delicious." asked him with a smile.

"Sure, but you will have to eat it after dinner, otherwise you will leave everything on the plate."

"I will, thank you, Nii-San."

Saito smiled a little, taking a small sip of his black tea. He liked the place. It was one of the few places where he could find a bit of tranquility. The square was much crowed, and that day wasn't different.

"Oi, Nii-San. When will you take me with you to Kyoto?" The boy looked at him excited.

"Soon, we just must put to agree with dad."

"Dad will surely give me permission." The kid smiled.

"Sure he does," He would take care of getting that permission. "Come on; finish your ice cream, we almost have to go." Saito spoke in a soft voice. Haru nodded and went back to concentrating on his dessert.

The outing with his brother did him very well. He wanted to take advantage of all the time he could with him before returning to Kyoto. Let him know that he would always be with him, no matter where he was.

They had a good day, visited many places, and even, he bought him everything Haru wanted. Maybe was consenting to him a lot, but Haru deserved it. He was a good boy and a good student.

His brother didn't choose many things as he had imagined. He was not a child who was very interested in material things; of course like every child he liked to have toys and other things, but everything he had, he shared with his friends.

He was pleased to know that the superficial people around him had not influenced his way of being and thinking. Fortunately, none of his parents were superficial people, they were always taught them to treat others with respect regardless of their social status.

Saito looked at his watch, it was seven o'clock, and they had to go back to the house, but first, he had to pass the jewelry store that was in the same square to pick up the order that he ordered very early.

It was a beautiful silver necklace with three stars, a large one in the center with a small diamond and two smaller ones on the sides.

He had seen it in the jewelry sideboard two days ago while he was accompanying Ibuki to do some diligences.

The indigo young man was not an expert in choosing jewelry. He had never bought that kind of thing from anyone, but since he saw it, immediately knew that, it would be perfect for Chizuru. He didn't expect anything with that; he just wanted to give something to her to remember him.

Even if the girl did not accept his feelings, and they were not together in a future that yearned with all his strength, at least she would have something of him. He would never regret doing everything he could for her.

After leaving the restaurant, they walked to the jewelry store. Saito had agreed with the seller to engrave to initial the girl in a nice handwriting that had chosen, and later, he would pick it up.

The moment they entered the place, all eyes fell on them, most were women, apart from them and three other men, including the salesman, they were at a disadvantage. The situation made him uncomfortable, but for Chizuru it was worth it.

He saw the work done by the old man and found it perfect. Immediately he paid, they left the establishment. Haru was very excited as he looked at the small bag in his hands. He was a very curious boy, so Saito wasn't surprised when he spoke.

"Nii-San, Is that gift for a girl? " asked him innocently and curiously.

"Ah, it's for my friend Chizuru," he told him with a small smile.

"Is it her birthday? Can I giving her a present too? "

"It's a few months until her birthday, but you can buy her something if you want."

"So why did you buy her a gift?" Haru expressed a bit confused. Saito stopped and knelt next to his brother, ruffling his hair gently.

"Because Chizuru is a very pretty girl and I like her very much." The term of being in love maybe Haru wouldn't understand it, so he explained it in the best way he could.

"Oh! So, if you like her, I like her too." He grinned.

Saito smiled back, he had no doubt that the two of them would get along very well.

Haru insisted on sending her a gift. After thinking for a while that would like her, he decided on a large box of chocolates, the boy was satisfied with his choice.

Saito smiled at the thought of how much would like that gift to Chizuru. He was sure that the girl was not going to be able to eat all those sweets by herself, knowing her, she would surely share them.

An hour later, they returned home. Their family received them with a small meeting, only some of their father's associates and their families, he did not like it very much, but knew that environment, these types of meetings were frequent.

As always, the girls did not stop shamelessly flirting with him, he kept them away all the time. Yosuke seemed to be the only one interested in the conversation of the young women sitting at the garden table. Really, nothing strange.

He had found out from Ibuki that many of those men considered him a good match for their daughters. He didn't care what they thought, no one would tell him what to do, much less who to be with.

His father could be demanding in many things, but he knew that he would never impose anything like that on him. He wasn't that kind of person, he wouldn't allow it, either.

When the guests finally left, he was relieved. The instant Haru went up to his room, he approached the living room where his father, Ibuki and his cousin Yosuke, were drinking and chatting quietly. Ibuki handed him a glass of wine, which he pleasures accepted.

"I was not aware that you had guests today." He spoke while lay in the corner of the room.

"We agreed to it a few days ago at the office, just a meeting to hang out," Hideki replied softly. "I forgot to tell you before I went to the office."

"It was good; the company of nice people is always good." Yosuke smiled.

"Sometimes not so pleasant." Ibuki joked, just as he; the man didn't always feel comfortable around those people. "At least they were able to greet Hajime before returns to Kyoto."

Saito did not comment. He settled more in his place, drinking from the glass and enjoying the taste of the wine.

"Really, Hajime-Kun, if you were going to move to Kyoto, you should have told me, I would have recommended excellent places," Yosuke spoke in a very presumptuous manner.

"I guess so," he said coldly, "I found a great place, thank you very much."

"Surely, we will see each other there soon; we will start working in a few months." Ibuki looked very animated. He was a hardworking man, an excellent engineer.

"I know. I will be pleased to see you there."

"Your help would be good for us, Hajime; you always have good ideas, if you have time." Hideki looked at him as he poured himself another glass of wine.

Saito was silent for a few seconds. His father wouldn't give up on him, yet now, it sounded more like a request than an order. He had never refused to help him, he just did not like his impositions or that he decided for him.

"Sure, I'd like to help." He said in his usual tone.

"It will be good to work together again." Ibuki smiled.

Saito nodded. He was willing to work, as long as it was from Kyoto, he liked to do it. Besides, he worked for his patrimony and that of his brother.

When the older men retired to the study, Saito went up to his room. Yosuke insisted him that accompanies him to a party with some friends, but he refused, he could tolerate his cousin at times, but having to put up with all his pedantic friends was too much for him.

Lying back on the bed, he thought about the events. The competition would start in two days, and he expected his team to be calm and focused. He knew there would be very good teams, but they were good too, and they always bet to win.

He also thought of Chizuru, thought about her all the time, every day he missed her more. She seemed very happy every time they communicated. Many times, he wanted to tell her what had heard from her friends, but he did not dare. Maybe the girls were wrong, or was just afraid to know, he would soon get an answer anyway.

Every day, he tried not to think that anything would happen between her and Oshiro while he was in Tokyo, if that happened, he would never reveal his feelings, it would be no use. If she was happy, then, he would accept it, even if it broke his heart.

He was in his thoughts for a while when Haru entered his room excited that join with him to play at one of his video games, he wasn't very good at it, but still agreed.

After a while, Saito sent him to bed, it was late, and he did not want Haru to stay up late, tomorrow would surely be a day as intense as it was today.


As the hours passed, the competition's opening party got louder and louder, the students were restless and excited as they enjoyed the music and snacks.

Chizuru was relieved that everything was going well. There were very conflicting guys in the place, but she was only aware of two in particular, Heisuke and Okita. She had to make sure they didn't get into trouble, had promised it to Saito. She didn't want to see them in trouble either, would avoid it as much as she could.

Fortunately, they counted on the presence of authorities from the different schools, including some judges of the competition. It was stipulated that the guys who cause problems during the party would be eliminated from the competition. That perhaps kept them at bay from cause riots.

Chizuru sighed softly as she looked around. There were a lot of people in the place, Haku, the Nitai's group and others schools, also many others people, like Misuki, Izuki Kaori, Kenji's sister (luckily the guy and his friends had stayed away) and many more. The competitions always attracted a large audience.

Really, were all there; except the guy she wanted the most. She imagined Saito next to her, inviting her to dance while he held her very close to him, and she lost herself in his beautiful blue eyes. It was a dream, one that she wanted to come true. She missed him so much it almost hurt, but soon they would be together again, and was excited about what could happen.

"Wow! The party is so much fun, " Akari pulled her out of her thoughts as she sat down and handed her a fruit drink, Osen followed her, they both looked exhausted and very happy. "You would have accompanied us to dance with the third grade guys, Chizuru-Chan, they are very nice, and also very handsome." The black-haired woman expressed with emotion.

Chizuru smiled. She had received many invitations to dance, but had only joined when Heisuke and Hotaro insisted, and it had been fun, but now she just wanted to stay in her place and just enjoy the party.

"Maybe later." She smiled as she brought the cold drink to her mouth.

"Hi, Chizuru."

The girl looked up, and smiled softly at his friend.

"Good night, Oshiro-San."

She calmly got up from the table to be more comfortable while they were talking. She hadn't seen the guy all night, assumed he hadn't arrived, and she was glad to see him. She saw Souji's eyebrows narrow as he looked over his shoulder from the table next to them.

The girl chestnut didn't say anything, she just ignored him, the guy didn't like Oshiro, and adding what had happened before, he was in a very bad mood. It was better to give him a little space.

Two days ago, Okita had injured his right hand, and he was more than irritated. It was nothing serious, but Dr. Masumoto recommended him to rest, but of course the guy let it clear that he would not be left out of the competition even if his hand gets hurt more.

She took care of him all the time, he was much better, his hand still hurt him, but surely, he could compete. However, Okita didn't stop being annoyed.

"You look very pretty tonight," Oshiro expressed kindly.

"Thank you," Chizuru smiled at the compliment. She hadn't chosen anything showy, a simple pink half-sleeved dress, fitted and buttoned in the front, with a free fall to the knees; her hairstyle was the same, tied with a beautiful pink ribbon.

Osen whimpered softly when Akari hit her on the side, not too gently for her liking, she looked at her friend with a frown and then the scene next to them. She understood Akari's enthusiasm, but she wasn't in a position to make any comment. The young girl had a slight suspicion that perhaps they were wrong with regard to Chizuru and Oshiro.

"I hadn't seen you, did you just arrive?" Chizuru asked softly.

"Ah, I was a little late; I had to help my grandfather with some things."

"It's good that you are here."

"Me too, I was wondering if you want to dance with me?" He asked shyly.

Chizuru noticed a little blush on his face, and knew he was embarrassed. She wanted to say no, had no desire to dance. She had rejected many guys in the course of the night, including Kazama, that guy was insistent all week. Over and over again, she had made it clear to him that wasn't interested in him.

However, she felt a little bad about rejecting her friend. She had danced with Heisuke and his friends before, and Oshiro looked at her very hopeful.

She nodded softly as taking the hand that he offered her. They walked to the dance floor. She could feel the gazes of many of them, and also ignored it, when the music that was playing changed, she inhaled heavily. Why did it just have to be a slow song? When Oshiro wrapped his arm around her waist, she felt a bit uncomfortable, but she had already accepted, what could she do?

She was dancing with Oshiro, but her thoughts were in another place. She would like that was Saito, who was dancing with her; he was the only guy with whom she really would have liked to dance.

Surely, she would have had to convince him to accept dancing, she knew he didn't like to be the center of attention, but at the end, would make it, Saito always was very accommodating to her.

She was so relieved when the music ended, only wanted to go back to her table. Although Oshiro insisted on continuing dancing, she refused; just wanted to enjoy what was left of the party, talking with her friends. Oshiro seemed to understand, and let her go without resistance, when she returned to her table; her friends looked at her with a smile that made her a little curious.

"What?" She frowned gently, feeling the weight of their gaze a little annoyed.

"Tell us, what happened?" Akari was the first to speak.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oshiro-kun, how did you feel with him?" The black-haired girl looked excited.

"How should I feel?" She was confused.

"What Akari-Chan wants to know is how you felt dancing with Oshiro-kun." Osen intervened, wanting to clarify things to get rid of doubts once and for all.

"Since you said you like a guy, Akari-Chan thinks that maybe … it's about him." She said in a low voice.

"Why?" Chizuru widened her eyes in surprise.

"Well, just when he came back, you told us about your ... mystery guy." Akari whispered, so the others couldn't hear. The tables were at a safe distance from each other, but there could always be a gossipmonger around.

"And of all the guys I know, you choose him, why?" She asked her quietly.

"He is attractive, nice, kind….

"You do realize you can be describing any of my friends, right?" The chestnut girl inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not assuring anything, I just assumed it, he is the newest around here."

"It's not about him." Chizuru affirmed with a sigh. "I have a lot of affection for him, but we are just friends and nothing more, the guy I like is very different. He is more mature, more attractive, more attentive," with each word her blush became more prominent.

"He seems to be the guy we all want." The black-haired girl joked. "So who is he?"

"Akari-Chan, is none of our business, when Chizuru-Chan wants to tell us she will tell us." Osen said seriously.

"It's okay, you're my friends and I don't want to hide it anyway. I don't want misunderstandings, either." Chizuru spoke softly.

Just as the girl opened her mouth to speak, her phone rang. Her smile widened when she saw Saito's name on the screen, she couldn't help but feel nervous as her heart raced. Although the guy was not in front of her, her reaction was the same, just hearing his voice deep and grave excited her.

She got up apologizing to her friends and walked to a place where the noise of music was not heard so much.

Osen was curious about Chizuru's attitude. Her friend looked very nervous as she answered the phone, for a moment, she wondered who was on the other end of the line.

The call did not last as long as Chizuru would have liked, since Saito insisted that she return to the party and that he would call her later. If it had been for her, she would stay talking with him all night, but she had to return, for now, she was content with having heard him.

She returned to her table ready to enjoy the rest of the night, from the look her friends gave her, she knew they would fill her with questions.

"It was Saito-San." She said, blush adorning her delicate cheeks.

"How is he?" Osen asked with a small smile.

"He is having a good time, although I would very much like him to be here."

"It would definitely be nice to see his handsome face around here," Akari teased.

Chizuru smiled shyly, tucking her loose hair behind her ear.

Osen had never seen Chizuru act like that when she talked to a guy. Saito was her friend, they were quite close, and she had no reason to be nervous, unless her feelings for the handsome young man had changed.

"He's the guy you like, isn't he, Chizuru-Chan?" Osen dared to ask, surprising to her friend. She didn't want to assume wrong things again, but couldn't help it, Chizuru's eyes shone every time she mentioned the guy.

"Really?" Akari almost screamed, causing some onlookers to turn in their direction. "I'm sorry," She whispered in embarrassment when the others diverted their attention from them. "So, Saito-San is the guy who...?" She let her silence finish her question.

Chizuru nodded shyly, she didn't want to deny it.

"It's great. He's one of the most attractive guys in school. He's also very smart." Akari happily expressed. "But you both are also very different, right? He is very serious."

"Maybe we are a little different, but I don't care, Saito-San is very sweet and treats me very well. I always liked him, although I did not realize when I started to fall in love with him." The gir said in a soft voice.

"I think he is perfect for you," Osen smiled.

"Do you think he likes me?" Chizuru asked her friend.

"Chizuru-Chan, that guy doesn't see another girl that don't be you, sure he does."

The chestnut girl smiled, she hoped it was true.

"You would be the couple most ... " Osen stopped her prayer, was silent for a moment as thoughts of her swirled in her mind. "Oh! It can't be." she said in a low voice while frowning.

Chizuru and Akari looked at her with concern as the girl shook her head, making a small face.

"Is something wrong, Osen-Chan? Are you okay?" Chizuru asked worried.

"Yeah, it's just…. Maybe we messed up things a bit," She confessed.

Chizuru blinked in confusion.

"We messed up, what are you talking about?" Akari was also confused.

"Do you remember when we went to see Takeshi-Kun a few days ago? We had to put agree where we would meet to study."

Akari nodded.

"You also remember our little conversation while we waited for him, right?"

The black-haired girl nodded again, still not understanding what her friend was referring to.

"Then you also remember who arrived later, right?" She hissed, a bit annoyed, as rubbed the bridge of her nose, knowing that her friend still hadn't realized their mistake.

Akari thought about it for a bit and then seemed to connect the ideas when her eyes widened.

"Ah, now I understand what you mean by ruining it," She said embarrassed.

Chizuru looked between one and the other without understanding what was happening.

"Can you explain to me what you are talking about? I don't understand anything." She finally spoke.

"Yes, it is a bit complicated," Osen began. "It's just that while we were waiting for Takeshi-Kun outside the Kendo hall, we commented that Oshiro-San was… you know, the guy you liked." She said in quotes, doing the gesture with the fingers.

Chizuru was seeing her intently, waiting for her to continue.

"The problem is that… .. There is a slight chance that Saito-San overheard some of our conversation, we didn't even realize when he approached." Osen looked just as embarrassed as Akari even though she hadn't been the one that had started with the idea.

"What?" Chizuru asked in surprise.

"I'm sorry, Chizuru-Chan, it's my fault, I started all this. I just was excited by what you told us," The black-haired girl looked totally ashamed. "If you want, I can talk to Saito-San and clear up the misunderstanding."

Chizuru took a heavy breath, she couldn't believe it. How could confusion like that be created? And, just had to hear it, Saito -San.

She knew that her friends hadn't intention of causing problems. They were just being curious. She could not get angry with them. It was also her fault for not being clear from the beginning.

"It's not necessary, Akari-Chan, I know it wasn't your intention, don't worry, I'll fix it."

Her tone was soft, but now, she felt very worried. Saito hadn't commented to her anything; his attitude towards her was the same as always. Had he really believed that she liked Oshiro, or did he just not care?

Maybe she should just call him and tell him how she felt, or just let him know, that she wanted Oshiro only as a friend and nothing more. Saito was the only guy she wanted to be with, no one else could take his place in her heart. She would make sure he knew.


Railgun, I love that you can always give me your opinions and ideas; I always welcome them with pleasure. Thank you for continuing to read this story. I loved the idea of a snowy night for Saito's confession, but it is not winter season yet, so I couldn't include the snow, equal I hope you like the scene in the next chapter.

Guest, I really love your words. I am excited to know that you like the story and to let me know what you think about the characters. Tsubasa is an essential character in the story and I love writing about him, he will be very helpful to Saito as the story progresses.

I don't think his relationship with Chizuru will change the affection that people close to him have for him, although it will affect some.

As for humor, I think I'm terrible at that, je, je, but I'll try it, it would be fun.

It is true that I have not mentioned much technology in the chapters; it just did not seem very relevant to me. Maybe I will include it later if the situation requires it.

Hajimesfan, thank you for your words, there are many good stories that I have read about Hakuouki, and I am very excited to know that this is the one you like the most. I hope you continue commenting and let me know what you think. Enjoy the chapters.

I wish you happy holidays and a happy new year. See you soon, bye.