I really enjoyed writing this chapter, I hope you like it. Forgive all the errors found. Merry Christmas!


Saito smiled softly as he entered into his apartment. He felt good to return to his house after a week. It was not that hadn't enjoyed staying in his old house, but this was his space, his, and he liked it a lot. He was supposed to stay one more day in Tokyo, but the situation changed.

So that the children did not spend too much time away from their school activities, the school organized a camp. Haru was very excited, he was going to spend a week with his friends, playing and practicing many activities before going back to boarding school. He was happy for him; he knew how much fun had with his friends.

If Haru wasn't going to be in the house, he hadn't reason to stay there any longer, he had business to attend to in Kyoto. He had spent a good time with his family, and it felt good to do it, it was time to go back.

The young man promised to visit his brother more often, maybe some weekends. His friends could accompany him, or even Haru could come sometime. He still didn't know how would do it, but he would find a way.

Saito entered, leaving his belongings in the room and immediately went to the kitchen to prepare some black tea. While the water in the kettle was heated, he took a bath and got ready to sleep, in the morning, would unpack everything, it was very late, and he was pretty tired.

He hadn't notified anyone of his arrival. First, because his flight was at night, and he would arrive quite late, everyone was going to be resting and the other reason, because a part of him wanted to surprise them. Nobody expected him, so he thought it would work.

He wondered what their reaction would be. Chizuru would be glad to see him as much as he was to see her.

When the kettle rang, he lowered it from the stove, poured a cup, and added an envelope of tea into it. After drinking it, he washed the cup and went to sleep, fatigue was claiming him, and was more than willing to surrender to it.

The next morning he got up early, unpacked all his things and organized them, he was very neat, after eating something he got ready for school.

The first thing he did when left the apartment was go say hello to Tsubasa. The man had cared a lot for him and wanted to thank him personally. He probably wouldn't see him all day; he would be very busy, only had that moment. It was early, but knew that Tsubasa used to get up early.

The man really seemed like his father, only much more consenting, he was glad to have him.

After greeting him, he made his way to school. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but was anxious to see his friends, especially Chizuru.

He really did not expect to receive so many greetings when he arrived. He may have expected it from the directors, his Kendo partners, or his subordinates, but many others also came to greet him.

He accepted their greetings, regardless of whether it was sincere or not.

Saito was surprised to hear from his teammates that Souji had injured a hand. No one had told him anything in none of his calls. He also learned that they were in first place in the competition, but not by many points, anytime, the things could change.

Taking his place at the entrance, the indigo young man watched the students enter while they chatted with each other, as always, many were delayed a bit in the courtyard before entering their classroom. His entry partner seemed very animated today as he spoke with two friends, just for a few minutes, then he focused on his work. They couldn't be distracted for long time.

Saito suppressed a small smile, he was glad to get back to his routine. Breathing in gently looked at his watch, it was almost seven thirty and his friends had not yet appeared. It would only be missing that had to punish them for being late; it would be too much irony.

It wasn't long time when he saw them. They came talking animatedly. They had not seen him yet, seconds later Heisuke looked in his direction, and could see the surprise engraved on his face, then he pointed toward the entrance, and all looked at in the same direction.

His heart leapt as Chizuru smiled and ran in his direction, he wanted to run to meet her, but it wasn't right to leave his place.

When she reached him, hugged him with such joy that his heart almost stopped. He hugged her back, pulling her closer to him; he could inhale her sweet scent. He missed her so much that needed to have her close for as long as he could. No one had ever greeted him with such enthusiasm except for Haru, his heart swelled with joy as well.

"Saito-San, you are here," She whispered into his neck.

"Ah, I'm here," He smiled slightly.

Chizuru separated from him a bit, giving him a beautiful smile. God, really he was in love with this girl.

"Welcome back." She said softly.

"I'm glad to be back, how have you been?" He asked, still not letting go of her, he didn't want to do it.

"Very good, better now that you are here."

Saito nodded, pleased by her words. He let her go when Heisuke and Souji approached. The youngest wrapped him in a hug that received with pleasure. He liked Heisuke a lot, he considered him as his younger brother.

"Nice to see you, Hajime-Kun," Heisuke expressed joyfully.

"I'm also glad to see you."

"Wow! Look who we have here, did you escape from Tokyo before, or did they kick you out? "The young chestnut spoke with a mischievous smile.

"It could be both," Saito outlined a small smile; a second later they shake their hands and a hug of friends.

"What are you doing here, Hajime-kun?" Souji asked, crossing his arms, the playful tone dancing in his voice.

"Aren't you glad to see me?"

"Maybe," Souji smiled.

"We just weren't expecting you today, Saito-San," Chizuru spoke softly.

"I guess not, Haru went camping, and I was able to come earlier."

"Why you didn't tell us, we would have gone to the airport for you." Heisuke asked.

"I arrived very late. I did not want to disturb you."

"We are friends, Hajime-kun, you would never bother us. You would also do the same for us, right?" Souji explained.

Saito nodded, it was really nice to have good friends. "I will remember it next time."

"And how was your trip?" Heisuke asked happy to see his friend.

"Fine, I can't complain."

"Good that you had fun, Hajime-kun, because now we have work to do." Souji expressed.

Saito nodded again. "Why did no one tell me that you hurt your hand?" he asked, looking at his bandaged right hand.

"I told them not to tell you, there was no point. I grabbed my hand closing one of the garage doors, it was silly."

"Sometimes, He's a little clumsy" Heisuke smiled amused.

"Do you see what I have to go through?" Souji narrowed his eyes toward Heisuke who only grinned, not at all intimidated. Saito rolled his eyes, he missed the fights between his friends.

"Anyway, that hasn't stopped me to take part in the competition." Souji had refused to stop partaking, so they still held the top spot.

"But, he must rest," Chizuru pointed out.

"I've had a lot of rest, I'm better. But I'm not going to sit around, and let you guys have all the fun, even with a sore hand, I'm going to crush all of them, now that you're back, it will be more fun," he smirked.

"We'll see what happens," Saito replied calmly. Nobody could make Souji change his mind; maybe if he was in the same position, he would act the same. Now that he was back, Souji wouldn't have to try so hard, he would take care of it.

"Well, I'll go see Kondou-San before classes start and Hijikata-San gets too heavy." Souji smiled, walking towards the entrance. "See you inside, Hajime-Kun."

"Ah" He replied as the young chestnut walked away.

"Souji is much more annoying when he's hurt," Heisuke rolled his eyes. "Thank you for not leaving me alone with this, Hajime-kun." He said with a small smile.

Saito nodded, returning the gesture. He could imagine everything that the guy had to go through with Souji in a bad mood due to his injury. The guy already was quite annoying when he proposed it.

"We should go in now; we'll see you later, Hajime-Kun."

"Sure, I'll see you later."

"Don't delay," Chizuru smiled sweetly at him.

Saito could only nod. Sighed softly, watching her walk away with Heisuke. He quickly returned his attention to his work, smiling imperceptibly, was glad to be back. He would have time to hang out with them and catch up.


Chizuru was more than happy to have Saito back. Although they still hadn't had time to be alone, at breakfast they were with the guys in the Kendo's group, obviously the competition was his priority. She understood, but even so, she would have liked to have a moment with him just for her.

For him to tell her about his trip, his family and everything he did. She wanted to tell him everything that happened in his absence, too, and how much she missed him. Maybe it wasn't anything interesting, but having a little of his attention was all she wanted. But that would have to wait, she couldn't be that selfish.

"Saito -San came back more handsome than he already is, right, Chizuru-Chan?"

Akari teased her when she saw him with one of his partners of discipline committee as they headed to the courtyard. Chizuru smiled shyly, but said nothing, for her, he was the most attractive guy of all.

"Why don't you go talk to him?" Osen suggested mischievously.

"He's busy, I'll do it later."

"Some people don't seem to care," Osen nodded toward Ayame and one of her friends as they approached to the guys.

Chizuru just watched silently with a shrug. The girl had clearly told her that she liked Saito, and that would do whatever was necessary to get close to him. It was a Saito decision whether he accepted her or not. They were just friends; she had no right to interfere. She was jealous, but she couldn't do anything.

She raised a hand to greet him when he looked at her and in return received a small smile on his part, almost imperceptible, but it was enough for her. She was hoping that Saito would choose her; it would hurt too much to see him with another girl.

Saito frowned slightly, trying to focus on what the guy next to him was saying. All morning, he hadn't been able to find a single moment to speak to Chizuru alone, and he felt a bit frustrated.

He had a lot of things pending, but it was no excuse, simply the guys did not give him a single second, someone always needed to tell him something, either something about the competition or any other nonsense, but he would find the time to talk to her without interruptions, even if had to send them all to find something to do, besides screw him.

As if he didn't have enough, saw Yamada and another of her classmates approach, he had no time or humor to deal with these girls now. Really, he didn't know why they were approaching; the young women looked very shy around him. It was always like this.

He nodded at their welcoming greeting, but he wasn't interested in anything else they had to say.

"It's good that you're back, Saito-San. Now if, I'm sure that school will win the competition, not everyone has been able to contribute to the team. Obviously, they are novices compared to you. You're the best." Ayame said haughtily.

"All members of a team are necessary, it's not good to underestimate anyone," He said coldly. It was obvious that she was trying to flatter him, but it would not work.

"Yeah, that's not what I was trying to say, I just think it'll be easier now that you're here." She said embarrassed.

Kairo, his partner, muffled a small smile without taking his eyes off his notebook. Saito took a heavy breath, he didn't want to be rude with the girls, but he felt awkward in the conversation. What did she expect him to say? She wasn't going to get anything by flattering him.

He looked away; trying to avoid the insistent gaze of the girl, when saw Chizuru walking through the corridors with her friends. Their eyes met, and she raised her hand while smiled sweetly, immediately he returned the smile. It was little, but it was only for her, he couldn't help it, and didn't want to.

What happened next infuriated him more than he thought possible, at the same time the worry grew in his heart.

As the girls descended the steps in the corridor that led to the courtyard, three guys came out of nowhere running while throwing a football at each other. As if it were happening in slow motion one of them turned to catch the ball without noticing the presence of the young women. Chizuru was the closest to him, so she received the biggest shock; his heart skipped a beat when he saw her fall to the floor.

He wasn't thinking of anything else, that she was okay, as he ran towards her, completely forgetting the young girls behind him. The guys had crowded around her, so he made his way to get to her.

He could hear the guy apologizing and the other girls complaining, but he paid no attention to them, his concentration was only on her.

"Are you okay, Chizuru?" He walked over at the same time that two guys help her to her feet.

The girl nodded while pressing the corner of her forehead, right where her hairline began, when she removed her fingers, a small thread of blood began to spread across her forehead. The scene enraged him even more; he turned around facing one of the culprits of the situation, and held him by the shirt furiously.

"You're in serious trouble," He whispered angrily, could see the terror on their faces, but didn't care, he was trying to keep control of himself, he was in charge of maintaining discipline, he couldn't let his emotions will control him.

"Saito-San," He felt Chizuru's touch on his arm that it was enough to calm him, "My head hurts a little."

The young man turned back to her, these guys didn't matter now. He pulled out a handkerchief out of his jacket and handed it to her to press on the wound.

"Everything will be fine, let's go to the infirmary," He put one of his arms around her waist to lean on him. "Take these three to the principal's office," Saito seriously ordered Kairo who had run to his side.

"Yes, Saito-San." The guy affirmed.

Saito didn't say anything else, he trusted the guy to do his job, would take care of those three later, now he only cared about Chizuru

"Are you injured?" He asked Osen and Akari who were looking at Chizuru with concern.

"We're fine," Osen replied.

Saito nodded and led Chizuru to the infirmary. He stood silently in a corner with his arms crossed while Masumoto Sensei checked Chizuru.

He looked calm, but was very restless. He had to focus on her, because was quite angry, and did not want to do something stupid with the guys for their indiscipline.

He hadn't wanted to leave her either, the girl looked very calm, and that relieved him a bit. He wanted to protect her, take care of her, and he would make sure to do. He felt that it was also his fault what happened, he should have done his job better.

"Everything is fine, it is not a deep wound, so you will not need stitches," The doctor explained kindly.

"That's good, but earlier she complained that her head hurt," Saito approached, showing his concern.

"It is normal due to the hit impact, but she will be fine, I will give her some painkillers, and have her under observation for a while, then she can go back to class. Now rest a bit Chizuru, in a while, I'll came to see how you're doing. I'll be in the office if you need me."

Thank you, Masumoto-Sensei," Chizuru smiled.

You're welcome." The doctor smiled gently, and left the infirmary.

When Masumoto left, Chizuru looked at Saito. He looked very serious, but she knew that he was worried about her, it warmed her heart. She extended her hand since the stretcher where she was sitting, without hesitation. He got closer and took it, holding it gently.

They were almost at the same height, so she could see his face better. He was really handsome.

"It hurts you?" He asked, raising his free hand to gently caress where Masumoto had placed the band that covered the small wound.

"Just a little, nothing I can't put up with," She said softly.

Saito didn't answer; he frowned as thoughts were spinning in his head. Chizuru could imagine what he was thinking.

"Saito-San, can I ask you for something?" She asked him in a soft voice.

Saito nodded, dropping his hand from her forehead.

"Don't be so hard with the guys, they didn't want to hurt me, it was just an accident."

"You're not talking serious, are you?" He looked at her seriously, "You know they could have seriously hurt you, or your friends or someone else ... right?" He didn't raise his voice, but Chizuru could make out the anger in his voice.

"But I'm fine, nothing happened to me."

"That's not the point; they know the damn rules and deserve an appropriate punishment."

Chizuru was a bit surprised, it was the first time she heard Saito say expletives. Now, she realized the degree of his anger.

"Please, Saito-San." she insisted. "Besides, I also had some guilt."

Saito denied softly. He couldn't believe that Chizuru was blaming herself for the situation just for defending the idiots, he loved that she was kind, but this was already bothering him.

"Why you say so?" He asked seriously.

"It's just..." she started shyly. "I was a little distracted while I was looking at a... guy." She hesitates in her words, blushing slightly.

Saito was in silence for a few seconds. That statement excited him a little, but at the same time it left him worried and a little jealous, what if the guy who she was looking wasn't him? Sure, she had obviously smiled at him, but then looked away; she could have been looking at another guy after him. He had to get out of doubt.

"To Whom?" He asked her in his own bored tone.

"To You," She smiled sweetly, and his heart leapt with excitement, "I just ... I missed seeing you doing your job, and disciplining everyone out there," She joked.

"I think you were the only one," He said quietly, his tone a little softer.

"No, the guys admire and respect you, I'm sure they're happy you're back."

Saito didn't say anything, he didn't really care if others like him or not, that she loves him, was enough.

"Not all them," He finally spoke. "Regardless of whether you were distracted or not, they didn't have to be playing soccer in the hall, it's a serious foul. They have to learn respect the rules."

"I know, and I'm not asking you not to punish them, I'm just asking you, not to treat them so harshly, they are my friends, and they are good guys." She gently squeezed their intertwined hands. Saito shuddered, he couldn't let so easily convinced by this girl. He wouldn't.

"They won't get rid of a punishment, that's for sure."

Chizuru gently inspired, that was clear to her. "It's not like I'm going to get a scar or something," She tried to joke.

"It's not fun, girl." He said seriously. Imagine a scar on her pretty face, it hurt him.

Chizuru stared at him, Saito took things very seriously.

"At least, this served to see you without so many people around." She said shyly.

"I also wanted to see you, but not this way."

Chizuru remained silent for a few seconds, feeling his hand gently squeeze hers; he was very close to her. She wanted to hug him, kiss him and remove that frown from his attractive face.

"Don't be angry anymore, Saito-San, Mm?" She smiled at him. "What happened, we can't change it. Better tell me, about your trip, how is your brother? Had you fun?"

Looking at her beautiful smile, his anger diminished a bit, he couldn't be angry with her just for being good, hearing her say that she wanted to see him alone, encouraged him a lot.

"It was better than I expected. Haru is happy, my family is fine, that leaves me calm. "Now his tone of voice was softer.

"I'm happy for you." She expressed cheerfully.

"Speaking of Haru, he sent you a gift." Saito studied her beautiful face, he didn't want to waste time being angry, not when he had her with him alone, and they could spend some time together. He lifted the corner of his mouth at her surprise.

"For me? Why ?" She asked surprised.

"I spoke to him about you, and he already likes you, when he meets you in person, he will love you much more, I'm sure. I couldn't bring the present to school, but later I will take it to your house."

Chizuru nodded, she didn't think she deserved so much attention. She was curious what Saito would have told the boy about her, however, she didn't ask.

"I also brought you something," he breathed in, gently pulling a case out of his jacket. He felt how the blush began to rise up his cheeks.

"I would have liked to give it to you in other circumstances, but I don't want to wait any longer."

Saito held out the case towards her, watching her reaction. Chizuru looked at the black case, it was very pretty, and she imagined that its contents were too. She looked at Saito placing her hand on the object that he was holding, lowering it gently.

"Saito-San, you didn't have to bring me anything, I just wanted you to come back." She said shyly, her pretty face filled with embarrassment.

"I know." He put both of his hands on hers, "but we are friends and I bought this for you, with a lot of love, you are going to accept it, right?"

Chizuru could see the hope in his eyes, she would never reject anything from him, material things weren't important to her. She just wanted his love. Yet, she was pleased to know that he remembered her.

Smilingly, she took the case and opened it. She was very surprised to see the beautiful silver necklace; her initials were engraved in the smallest stars. It was impressive; she could not describe how perfect it was.

But it looked too expensive, and was worried that Saito had spent too much on her.

"It's very beautiful." She said quietly.

Saito smirked pleased.

"But… it seems…

"What?"

"It seems very expensive, doesn't it?" She looked at him worried.

"That's not important."

"I don't want you to spend….

Saito silenced her with a finger to her lips, Chizuru blushed furiously.

"It wasn't a big deal, so stop worrying. Besides, it wouldn't be fair for you to accept the chocolates that Haru sent you and not my gift." He tried to joke.

"Chocolates?" She smiled.

"Ah, a big box of chocolates, I think you will like his gift much more than mine." He smiled.

"Then, we can say it's a tie." She joked with him.

"Well," he agreed.

"Thank you very much, I love it." The girl took the necklace; she really was already in love with it. "Can you help me?"

The young man nodded gently. Chizuru held her hair, while Saito put the necklace on her neck, it looked beautiful on her just as he had imagined.

"How it looks? She smiled

"Perfect."

Chizuru nodded, stroking her necklace lovingly.

"Listen Chizuru," Saito took her hands getting filled with courage. "There is something important that I need to tell you, but I don't want to do it here, can we talk tonight, when the competition over?"

"Sure, I promised to bring some books for the hospital children, but it will be fast, we can meet wherever you want. I… also want to tell you something. "

"Then I'll catch up with you at the hospital, it'll be better."

Chizuru nodded again. She was very curious and excited about what he wanted to say to her.

Saito couldn't help brushing the strands of her hair, taking care not to hurt her. He wanted so much to kiss her, but held back, it wasn't the right time, and he didn't want to scare her either. If everything went out well tonight as he expected, would have the right to kiss her whenever he wants and be reciprocated.

When he heard footsteps approaching; he dropped his hand and parted a little from her. He knew it wouldn't be long for the guys to show up, they cared a lot about her.

"Chizuru-Chan, are you okay? Where does it hurt you?" Heisuke rushed in, ending up the tranquility in the room.

"I'm fine, don't worry, Heisuke-Kun." She reassured him with a little smile.

"Who should we be killed for this, Hajime-kun?" Souji asked from the door, he didn't look happy at all. The concern of her friends for her warmed her heart.

"You don't have to kill anyone, it was just an accident." Chizuru spoke.

"It may be, Chizuru-Chan, but I still can't let it pass, and knowing Hajime-Kun, he won't let it pass either." Souji approached.

Chizuru looked at Saito seeking his backing. The guy could be even stricter than Okita, but she felt that he was less angry than at first.

"They will receive their just punishment," Saito said firmly, "Heisuke, can you stay with Chizuru while we go to the director office?"

"Sure, I'll take care of her."

Chizuru stayed calm after her friends left, they were both good guys, they were just being overprotective.

Heisuke's good energy made her feel much better, she hoped that time would pass quickly to return to her classroom.

Saito thanked that Hijikata had taken care of the situation when he arrived. His subordinates had told him what happened. He wasn't sure that could have been gentle with them, intentionally, or not, they hurt Chizuru, and it was something he could hardly forgive. Hijikata gave them the appropriate punishment, and was happy with it, next time they will think better of it before breaking the rules.


The level of competition had risen quite a bit. It was the third day and several schools had already been eliminated due to their low scores.

Haku's guys had seen some of their teammates fall in front of good opponents, yet they still held first place, due to the good team they were.

The Nitai team was a bit behind, they were in fourth position. The guys weren't bad, but compared to others teams, it lacked practice, the captain and only some others seemed to bring the level of the competition a bit, even so, it was not enough.

Saito took a lot of shifts that afternoon, regaining some points his teammates had missed, allowing them to distance a bit more from the other teams.

He took each of his contests seriously, but when his opponent was the guy named Dai, he really got excited, not because he thought the guy was a great opponent for him, but because still felt upset with the guy for had bothered Chizuru that day in the cafeteria.

As he promised, wasn't soft with the guy, if he had been like Souji would have teased him a bit, but was not interested in wasting his energy on that.

So he finished it fast, a few moves, and the guy was out. If they continued down that way, he had no doubt that Nitai's school would soon be eliminated.

The last match of the night was taken by Souji, although clearly others volunteered, but he refused. The captain had been inactive for most of the night due to his injury and was eager to enter the sand.

The opponent did not look at all comfortable in front of the young chestnut, although everyone knew about his injury, also they knew his abilities. If the guy had more experience, he would have use that disadvantage against Souji.

Souji was not up for games that night. Saito could see the pain on his face from the effort with every attack or defense, even so he managed to get the victory, Souji was a proud guy, and he would not let a simple injury stop him.

His team had done very well that day, but as the days progressed things would get more demanding and difficult, they couldn't be trusted.

After the competition ended, the students came over to say hello. Chizuru only stayed a moment, and then she left. Saito knew that she had an engagement, in a while, they would meet, and he was very anxious.

While the girl left the establishment, he saw her stop to greet Oshiro. She looked very comfortable as smiled softly. He didn't want to start feeling insecure, but he had to know exactly what was happening between them, with all the events of the day he didn't even remember to ask her.

In a while, he was going to expose his feelings, and he needed to know, which her feelings for the guy were.


After meeting with the team, Saito went to his house to freshen up and then went out on his date. While he was waiting in the park bridge in front the hospital, looked up at the dark sky, breathing softly, he had told her that would wait for her in the place, he was not anxious to see many people at that moment.

He hoped everything went out fine today. In all his life he had never felt so nervous, had never wanted to have the affection of a person as he wanted Chizuru's, he had her affection of friend, but he wanted to be the owner of her heart, of her love, he would give everything he had to get it.

Reaching into his hands in his jacket, he leaned back against the bridge, cold air blowing through his jacket, announcing that winter was coming soon. He could see many people walking around, even couples, was excited to think that he and Chizuru could become one of them.

He dreamed that they could walk hand in hand together, kiss and hug her whenever he wanted, and showing her all the love he felt for her.

When he saw her approach, he felt much more nervous, the moment had come, and there was no turning back.

She looked beautiful; he would always find her beautiful. She was wearing a nice purple dress with white flowers decorating the edges and a white sweater, he felt excited to see the necklace that he had given her hanging around her neck, right where it belonged.

"Hi," She smiled when reached him. She looked happy. It was because she was meeting with him, or had something else happened? He didn't ask, the important thing was that she was here with him.

"Hi," He answered in a low voice without looking away.

"I see the guys let you go."

"What do you mean?" He asked a bit confused.

"I just thought it would give you a bit of trouble for you to get out, I understand that the competition is the most important thing now."

"It's not like if they can stop me," He denied softly. "There are things equal to or much more important than a competition, and I will not leave them aside."

"I understand," She approached a little closer. "You really did very well today; the guys looked very animated to have you back."

"They are all very skilled, but if my presence helps them to have more confidence, I am happy to help."

Chizuru nodded. Saito was a good leader. He provided security, that's why everyone trusted him.

"How is your wound?" He asked her suddenly, his tone a little concerned.

"I'm fine, it doesn't hurt anymore, there's nothing to worry about." She looked at him as he nodded seriously. "Are you still angry? She smiled a little amused, placing her hand on his arm for a few seconds and withdrawing it almost instantly.

"I'll be mad for a while." He meant it, but her amused smile made him soften, this girl had him wrapped around her finger and she still didn't know it.

"I'm glad you're okay." He said softly.

He had to let it go, the guys were punished, Chizuru was fine, that was the important thing.

In addition, he did not want to ruin their meeting with a heavy atmosphere, remembering unpleasant situations, he had cited her to confess his feelings for her, and how much he needed her.

Saito looked at her, he couldn't stop doing it. She looked so pretty in the moonlight. He had to speak now before his courage left him.

"I asked you to come to tell you something, will you listen to me?"

Chizuru nodded. She was a little anxious, but also a little scared, what if she didn't like what he was going to tell her?

"I thought about inviting you to a nice place for us to talk, but something always gets in the way."

"This place is very nice." She said softly.

Saito looked around, actually the place was nice. The moonlight illuminated the lake, the stars lit up the sky and the Sakura trees were leafy, the petals were falling, creating an amazing scenery. He was so nervous that he hadn't noticed.

If he thought about it, the place was special. This was where he realized that he was madly in love with her.

"You're right, it's a nice place."

The girl smiled.

"First, there is something I need to know." He whirled completely to be in front of her.

"What do you want to know?"

"Your friend Oshiro...What do you feel about him?" He asked her bluntly, he was quite nervous about her answer, but it was inevitable.

Chizuru was a bit surprised by his question. She had decided to clarify that Oshiro didn't interest her more than as a friend, but she never found a suitable moment to introduce the subject, then with his unexpected return she had forgotten. He had asked, so she was going to be honest.

"He is my friend; I feel very affection for him."

"Just affection?"

"Just affection," She said. "Why do you ask?" She wanted to know why he cared so much about her feelings for Oshiro.

"I heard your friends comment something about it, they said you liked him."

"That's not true," her words sounded almost desperate, "It just was a confusion." She said in a much softer tone.

"I see," he said in his usual tone. He was relieved to know that what had heard was not true, he might have a chance, although he had clearly heard that she liked a guy. It could be him or someone else, he was not going to think about that now, he was just going to do his confess, and that will happen, what had to happen.

He was silent for a few seconds, thinking about how to start talking, he was really nervous, but he wasn't going to stop now.

"Listen, Chizuru," He got a little closer, he wanted to reach out to touch her, but held back. "Regardless of what I say to you tonight, promise me that you will be honest with me, no matter what you think I have done for you, or if I have been kind, no matter whether I will like or not what I am going to hear, even if it hurts me, just be honest."

Chizuru nodded. She was worried. What was so important that had him so anguished? She would never hurt him, at least not in intent, she loved him, and just wanted to make him happy.

"You know, when I first arrived in Kyoto, I really didn't know what to expect," he began quietly. "I did not expect many people to like me, my personality are not one of the best, then, I met you in the cafeteria, and then Heisuke and Souji, and you made me feel welcome. It was nice to see you at school again. "

"I also liked seeing you again" She smiled.

"You and I got closer a lot after that," he smirked a little. "You have no idea how good make me to be by your side, Chizuru." "We became good friends, but ..." He paused, trying to find the right words. "The closer I got to you, my feelings began to change." Now, he took her hands, he needs to feel her.

He saw her pretty face flushed, but continued, he couldn't stop now.

"I don't know when it happened, girl, but I can't get you out of my thoughts, I don't want to do either, you are so beautiful and so sweet than I can't longer take my eyes off you. I like you very much, Chizuru."

Her eyes widened, and her mouth opened in surprise, but he didn't stop, he had to express everything he felt for her.

"I know you probably have better suitors than me, surely you prefer to have someone more cheerful or funny guy by your side, but I…." he stopped, breathing in gently. "Maybe I'm not the best guy for you, but if you give me a chance, you will make me the happiest man in the world, and I promise to make you just as happy."

It was done, all his feelings and his heart exposed. She had the power to destroy him or accept all the love that he offered her.

Chizuru was surprised. Saito had just told her that he loved her; she had never heard him express so many things at the same time. She could see endless emotions playing on his attractive face, love, hope, fear, shame, it was the first time she could read him easily.

Maybe he didn't want to hide it from her, or maybe he was so concerned about her response that couldn't contain them.

All this time she was so worried that he would not return her feelings, and here he was, opening his heart to her. He already made her happy; he just didn't know it yet.

When she felt his hands gently squeeze hers, came out of her slumber, she knew that was taking time to respond, was a fool, maybe he thought she would reject him.

"Saito-San," She began. "You still don't know what kind of guy you are, do you?" She saw him shrug, as if he didn't know what to answer at that moment. "You are one of the best guys I have ever met." She took two steps towards him, now they were very close. "I like you just the way you are," she saw the surprise in his eyes. "Kind, sweet, and a bit serious too." She smiled making him smile, "and very handsome."

Saito felt his heart pound at his words, at the same time his blush appeared on his cheeks.

"Really, I like you, Saito-San; it makes me very happy to be with you."

"Really?" He asked her, still a little unsure.

"Yes. It was what I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how doing it." She said shyly.

"Why? You have never had a problem expressing what you think." He lifted one of her hands, stroking her hair.

"This was different, what if you didn't like me in this way?"

"I'd be a fool if I didn't." He smiled a little, feeling her relax at his touch, "I should have worried about that, you have a lot of suitors, you could have choose whom you wished. "

"You too."

He snorted at her words. Those girls were only interested in his, because he was popular and good-looking, he didn't think that they really wanted to know him, and didn't care. Chizuru was the only girl who caught his eyes.

"The girls like you; I don't know why you have a hard time believing it."

"I just can't look at them; you are the only one for me."

"And you are the only one for me, I don't want anyone else."

"Does that mean that you want to go out with me?"

"Yes, I do," She smiled widely, mesmerizing him even more by her beauty.

Saito smirked back as he placed his arm across her lower back to bring her closer to him, his fingers lovingly brushing her loose strand and tucking it behind her ear.

He was happy, Chizuru had accepted him. She felt the same as him. He wanted to kiss her, had wanted it for so long. It would be correct?

He leaned towards her slowly. Chizuru didn't move away from his touch, so he took a risk, gently pressed his lips to hers. Her lips were soft and tasted sweet as had imagined. He had barely proved them, and was already addicted to them.

Chizuru clung to the front of his jacket as she reciprocated to the kiss. He was delighted to know that she was just as anxious as he was. It was a short kiss, but sweet, and full of many promises. Chizuru would not regret choosing him.

When they pulled away, he smiled, seeing her beautiful, flushed face and shy smile. More than happy, he hugged her tightly as she hugged him back.

He would have liked to kiss her for a longer, deeper, but didn't want to seem very daring, they would have more moments like that, for now, he was content to hold her in his arms, with the joy of knowing that Chizuru had accepted his love and he had her in return.