Chapter 72: Blooming Season

The following day as the storm still continues. Alone in his room, feeling gloomy as he checks his temperature.

Michael: "Great, to think I would be fine only to wound up sick. Come on man, I fought gangs of people in the rain and didn't get sick, but walking a girl home and shielding her from a puddle is enough to put me out of commission? The hell man?" He lays his head on his pillow as he sweats.

(Great and I was supposed to work out after school was over so I wouldn't get out of shape. Not only that, but now Yuri's going to feel like shit if she finds out. I don't want her to blame herself or feel guilty, but there's no way around it. I already told Sayori what's going on and to go to school without me. Wonder how the others are doing? It's still raining, so there won't be any outdoor activities today either.) *Sigh* (Hopefully I feel better before tomorrow. I don't want Yuri to have to work by herself. God she's going to hate me for this.)

Sayori: "Hey MC are you awake!?"

Michael: "Ga!"

Sayori: "Ah you look like crud."

Michael: "Sayori, what the hell are you doing here?"

Sayori: "I got worried when you told me you were sick so I came to check up on you."

Michael: "You need to be at school."

Sayori: "I know, but I can't concentrate on my classes knowing you're like this. So I told my parents and they told the school that I won't be showing up today. Besides it's Friday so who cares."

Michael: "I care." He whispers.

Sayori: "Don't worry MC. Nurse Sayori is here to help."

Michael: "Please don't cook."

Sayori: "Stay here and I'll cook you some soup."

Michael: "No" He squeals in agony before knocking out. Unable to hear anything or see anything. The darkness surrounds him as he slowly starts to hear police sirens and the cheers of a crowd.

(What's going on?) He slowly starts to hear more and more as it grew louder. Soon enough he was able to see his surroundings as he sees a broken car parked in a parking lot with the only source of light being a bright red.

?: "Please don't!" The deep voice echoing in the abandoned parking lot.

Michael: (That voice?)

?: "Don't shoot! Please I beg of you!"

? 2: "You killed my best friend and now you beg for mercy? Weren't those the same words he said before you killed him!"

Michael: (Wait … this moment I'm seeing? I remember this scene.)

?: "Please don't shoot! It wasn't me who killed him! It was her!" A gun shot is heard forcing Michael to wake up again.

Michael: *Gasp* He breathes heavily. "Huh? Where am I?" He tries to look around his surroundings but his vison is blurry.

?: "Ah good you're awake." Said a soft voice.

Michael: "Huh? Sayori?" His vison comes back to him as he sees jewel like purple eyes.

Yuri: "Oh thank goodness you're okay. I was worried when Sayori messaged us in the group chat."

Michael: "Yuri? Wait what time is it?"

Yuri: "It's 1:13 pm."

Michael: "Why aren't you at school and where's Sayori?"

Yuri: "Sayori went to get supplies for you after we got the soup ready. Don't worry I was the one who prepared it."

Michael: "I see, but why are you here and not in school?"

Yuri: "It pains me to say this, but I called out just so I could see how you were doing?"

Michael: "You lied and ditched school … for me?"

Yuri: "Indeed I have. I never thought I would do this my whole life, but I suppose life is just full of surprises."

Michael: "… I'm sorry."

Yuri: "For what?"

Michael: "I'm sorry for ruining your perfect attendance record and lying about how I can handle this."

Yuri: "I'm the one at fault. I should have forced you to come in to my house to dry off. Instead I let you walk all the way back in the dark."

Michael: "But?"

Yuri: "I'm not upset about my attendance. I'm just glad to see you're doing well." She checks his temperature. "Good, you seem to be getting better."

Michael: "You didn't have to be here. You shouldn't be here."

Yuri: "Why is that?"

Michael: "I don't want you to get sick. I want to …"

Yuri: "Shh. Here eat up so you can heal properly." She spoon fed him some soup. "Is it good? Is it too hot?"

Michael: "No it's nice and warm."

Yuri: "Good" She feeds him more.

Michael: (She did this all for me? I don't know what to say to her, but this feels weird yet comfy. She's acting like my mom or maybe … a wife?) She keeps feeding him. Soon after the bowl was empty as he drinks some water.

Yuri: "Was it good?"

Michael: "Yeah, it was great. Thank you." She puts the bowl and empty bottle on the tray.

Yuri: "Were you having a bad dream?"

Michael: "Huh?"

Yuri: "When you were sleeping. You said something about a friend and how he begged for mercy. Were you dreaming about your friend Evan?"

Michael: "Yeah. I was just dreaming about the past." Yuri places her hand over his which surprised him a bit.

Yuri: "It was just a dream. That man is gone and your friend is resting. Let him rest and for you to do the same."

Michael: "Right" He cracks a smile before laying comfortably.

While the two of them were lost in their own little world, they failed to realize that Sayori made it back with a bag in hand.

Sayori: (Aw how cute. They look so close together.) She thinks to herself as she spies on them from the hallways peeking through the slightly opened door. (Wonder if they got together? Well I guess I'll wait downstairs. Let them have their alone time.) She does as she said as the remaining day went by.

With a new day coming by, the storm finally subsided as the sun shines brightly on a Saturday.

*Bzzt!*

Michael: (A message? From who?) He looks at his new message.

"Are you feeling well?" – Yuri.

He smiles to himself as he responds to her. The two would continue to text each other as Yuri wanted to see if he was better. Luckily thanks to her and Sayori's efforts. He made a full recovery and only had to be bedridden for one day. After they finished their conversation, Michael would then put on his headphones to listen to music as he still had time before Yuri would come by again.

The two had a talk yesterday about today's plan as they agreed to meet up at his place to work on their stories should he feel better. Since Michael made a full recover their plan would now take place. However just when he set aside his phone down he felt a vibration coming from his phone again. A new message appeared in his screen as he opens it up.

"Michael, I'm sorry about this sudden change, but do you think we could work on our stories at my house? If that's okay with you?" – Yuri.

"Huh, her place? Well that's fine with me, but I'm going to know her address again." He texts her back and soon enough he received her address with a …

"Thank you. I'll make sure to give a warm welcome." – Yuri.

"Heh, well guess I'll be the one get my stuff ready?" He gets off his bed and begins to pack for his trip. In the meantime, while he gets ready at Yuri's house.

Yuri: "…" (What have I done? Why did I just tell him that at the last minute. Oh dear, oh dear. I haven't even told my parents if it would be okay for me to have a friend over and now I'm going to have to tell them at the last minute as they get ready to go out?) Later after giving her parents the run down. She is now seen in a fetal position on her bed as she contemplates her life choices.

(Now I feel ill. Maybe I should just cancel or perhaps hide in my closet and pretend I'm not home. No I shouldn't do that to him. We both agreed to be partners and that we would work together when he's well. I can't just ditch him now just because I'm nervous that he'll see my …) She gets off her bed and kneels in front of it to pray.

"Please let things go well. Please let us make great progress, please. And give me strength to help him in his time of need, please."

Yuri's Mother: "Sweety, is everything okay in there?" She knocks before entering her daughter's room.

Yuri: "Oh Mother. I'm doing fine." The two purple heads face each other.

Yuri's Mother: "Really now? Cause it seems to me your super nervous about having a boy around when your parents are gone." She smirks.

Yuri: "Ky!" (Yuri you idiot! How could you forget he's a boy!?) Her faces deep red.

Yuri's Mother: "Well I trust you two won't be up to any funny business while we're gone."

Yuri: "Mother I!"

Yuri's Mother: "Don't be so nervous. Just have confidence in yourself and you should be fine."

Yuri: "Eh?"

Yuri's Mother: "If there's anyone who could help your friend with literature it's you. Have confidence in who you are and give him all the help he needs."

Yuri: "It's easy for you to say mother."

Her mother looks to her offspring concerned. "We may share the same blood and we may look similar, but I'm not like you. I'm not confident in myself. I'm not talkative like you. I'm always hiding behind my novels. I'm always so distant from other that I …"

Yuri's Mother: "I'm sure that friend of yours thinks differently of you."

Yuri: "Huh?"

Yuri's Mother: "The way you speak of him. The way you fought to show him that he's wrong. You're way smarter than me, way cuter than me. It's true that you aren't like me. You may look like me, but you gained your fathers personality, but you shouldn't be a shame of what you are."

Yuri: "Mother?"

Yuri's Mother: "You said his poem surpassed yours, but he wasn't talented like you. You motivated him to work harder to get where he's at. You may be shy and hate violence, but when he was being mistreated by his ex. You stood up for him. You may have lost, but you showed him how determine you are. You may not be a social butterfly like me, but you have your father's heart."

Yuri: "…"

Yuri's Mother: "Well I best get going. Your father must have finished getting ready by now."

Yuri: "He's not prepared yet?"

Yuri's Mother: "You know how he is. He wants to make sure he's at his best for the party since just like you he doesn't have confidence in himself when we're together."

Yuri: "I see."

Yuri's Mother: "Just remember to clean up after yourselves when you're done, no fooling around, and if you plan to go out. Give me or your father a call."

Yuri: "Yes mother."

Yuri's Mother: "Good, here. Something to get you and that boy something to eat." She hands her daughter money for dinner.

Yuri: "Thank you." The two smile as her dad finally exits out of his room.

Yuri's Mother: "Ah all set?"

Yuri's Father: "Yes, sorry for taking long." He says as he puts on his watch.

Yuri's Mother: "It's ok. I was just setting some ground rules for our beautiful daughter."

Yuri's Father: "Ah I see. Then there will be no point in me repeating then?"

Yuri's Mother: "Pretty much. Come on have confidence in our sweety." She says as she adjust her husband's tie.

Yuri's Father: "Forgive me. I'm just worried since she'll be all alone with a boy."

Yuri's Mother: "Yuri is smart. I doubt she'll do anything stupid."

Yuri's Father: "Indeed"

Yuri: "I hope things go well for you two." She finally speaks.

Yuri's Father: "I hope you two would keep the house together and make tremendous progress on you club project."

Yuri: "We will."

Yuri's Father: "Good. Ready Violet?"

Yuri's Mother: "Sure am. Let's get going." She wraps her arms around his.

Yuri: "Bye mother and father. Have fun."

Yuri's Mother: "You too, but don't have too much fun.

Yuri: "Mother!" Her mother giggles as they leave the house.

Yuri's Mother: "Something wrong Alvis?"

Yuri's Father: "Just worried."

Yuri's Mother: "Don't worry. She'll be fine. Plus that boy will be with her."

Yuri's Father: "Why do think I'm worried?"

Yuri's Mother: "I may not have met the boy, but the way Yuri talks about him and how he walked her home in the rain. He seems like the gentleman type just like you."

Yuri's Father: "What?" He starts blushing.

Yuri's Mother: "Teehee, just like father and daughter." The two drive away to their destination while Yuri gets ready for Michael to stop by.

Yuri: "Okay I can do this. We both know our assignments. We know what must be done. All we have to do is work together." She looks at her phone as it reads 3:30 pm. (Michael should be here soon. We would have worked sooner if I hadn't changed our meeting, but I'm sure we can still make great progress.) She heads to the bathroom to freshen up. As she dries her face she looks at her reflection.

(Seems like everything is the same. Ever since I confessed to him. I didn't give him the chance to respond, but I already know the answer for myself. He only sees me as a friend. He was probably creeped out when I told him so suddenly? Even so he still talks to me and even reads with me. Perhaps he has forgotten? Well it's for the best. I said what needed to be said. I'm sure he has feelings for Monika.

Why wouldn't he have feelings for her? She is in love him to, so there's no doubt that they're dating. She's the Queen even when she stepped down as Council member. Even if they aren't dating, I'm sure the others would suit him best. Sayori is a ball of sunshine. They've known each other since childhood and practically know each other extremely well. Natsuki would also be a good choice. She may seem rude, but she has a good heart. She's honest and a hard worker.

If he was to confess I'm sure they would reciprocate in a heartbeat. He's a good person.) She heads to her room and looks at her knife collection. (Why would anyone like me? Look at what I have. Look at me.) She pulls up her sleeve a bit to stare at her wrist.

"She's a freak. I hear she likes cutting herself. What a beauty, but a waste. She thinks she's all that? Look at her and that rack."

"Will I …" The doorbell suddenly rings. (That must be him? Everything is prepared so we should be good on material.) She leaves to answer the door and when she does.

Michael: "Ah, hey Yuri." He waves.

Yuri: "Hello. Sorry for making you come all the way here when we should have just worked at your home." She bows.

Michael: "It's alright. Maybe a change in scenery might help?"

Yuri: "Perhaps you are right. Please make yourself at home. I have everything prepared at the living room." She leads him.

Michael: "Wow this place is big."

Yuri: "P-please don't mind it."

Michael: "You say that, but I can't get over how huge this place is. Makes my place look like an apartment."

Yuri: "P-please don't let it get to you. I personally think your home is lovely and very welcoming."

Michael: "You think so?" She nods shyly. (Just take the compliment.) "Wow you weren't kidding. You got everything we're going to need." He looks at the laptop, dictionary, pens, pencils, and papers.

Yuri: "I thought we should be prepared just in case."

Michael: "Fair enough, so ready to get started?"

Yuri: "Indeed"

Michael: "Oh before that, do you think I could ask a favor?"

Yuri: "Favor? Well sure. What do you have in mind?"

Michael: "Would it be ok if I play some music?"

Yuri: "Music?"

Michael: "Yeah I was hoping the lyrics they say would help give us an idea you know?"

Yuri: "I see. Well of course you can."

Michael: "You sure? I don't want to ruin your concentration."

Yuri: "No it's okay with me. After all you allowed me to use my Jasmin Oil when we worked at you home."

Michael: "Oh yeah. Man that was a long time ago."

Yuri: "Indeed" The two stand in awkward silence again. "I-is there anything you would l-like to eat or drink before we start?"

Michael: "No I'm good for now." He sets up his phone.

Yuri: "Okay, but please don't hesitate to ask."

Michael: "Sure" The two sat next to each other as he takes his stuff out from his backpack.

Yuri: "Forgive me, but I have forgotten. What kind of story are you planning on writing?"

Michael: "I'm planning on writing a romance story."

Yuri: "Romance?"

Michael: "I know it sounds weird for me to write one and I feel embarrassed saying it, but after our last conversation at the park it got me in the mood to write one, so here we are."

Yuri: "I see."

Michael: "Do you think it's weird for me to write a romance story?"

Yuri: "No, not at all. It sounds wonderful."

Michael: "Ah I see. Well unfortunately I'm having trouble writing it you see."

Yuri: "How so?"

Michael: "I'm having trouble on how to characterize the main characters, the setting, the beginning, middle and climax, the drama, and so on. I wrote down a few ideas on what could happen, but I'm having trouble putting it into words."

Yuri: "I see."

Michael: "How about you? How are things going on your side?"

Yuri: "For me, I'm doing well. However I do feel I could better."

Michael: "What kind of story are you planning to do. Sorry that I forgot."

Yuri: "It's fine. I'm just writing a mystery story."

Michael: "Mystery?" She nods. "I thought you go for more of a fantasy type like the novels you read?"

Yuri: "I was planning to do that before, but then I thought about what Monika said, about us getting out of our comfort zones, so I decided to do that and write a mystery story instead."

Michael: "I see."

Yuri: "Although I am having some trouble with it."

Michael: "Really now?" She nods to him again. "Well I guess we're lucky to have each other as partners since I've been reading plenty of mystery novels."

Yuri: "That is true."

Michael: "Alright ready to work?"

Yuri: "I am."

Michael: "Then allow me to push play, so we can get started." Yuri nods in agreement as the two gets ready to work.

[Kiss me, Kill me by Mest]

With the two establishing their ideas on what to do the two of them began working side by side. As they work the two would often ask for assistance on what changes they could make or give each other more ideas on what to add. In Michael's case; he had trouble building the world around the two Main Characters along with those characters. With Yuri's help he was able to get a better idea on how the two Main Characters should be: personality, likes, dislikes, backstory, and so on along with how the world around them should be.

Thanks to her help he had a better grasp on the characters and the world around them. Using the skills he learned when he did poetry and the power of background music. He had an easier time writing then when he first started. Meanwhile, when it came to Yuri's story. She had some difficulties herself as Michael would point out how she already spoiled the plot twist in the beginning and to pull back on the foreshadowing if not help her improve on the suspense.

He also suggested starting the story with the Main Character already solving a case as a way to establish the character's personality, and the world around him, the same way Yuri helped his. He would also suggest when to throw a curve ball at the readers to throw them off making the plot twist the all more sweeter. They would continue to work until it was almost time for dinner with Michael yawning and stretching.

Yuri: "We've made a lot of progress."

Michael: "Yeah, we make a great team."

Yuri: "Indeed. How are the characters you made?"

Michael: "Great. Thanks to your help I have better understanding of them such as the guy being a delinquent and the girl being a bookworm. I could just see it now. The two getting off on the wrong foot and as much as they want to avoid each other they share the same classes, but soon got to know each other as they help one another overcome their personal demons."

Yuri: "That sounds wonderful. I can't wait to read it."

Michael: "Well I wouldn't get my hopes up or anything. It's not that great." He scratches the back of his head.

Yuri: "I don't believe that at all."

Michael: "Huh?"

Yuri: "The Main Characters you made. They seem like real people. To be honest with you I could almost see myself as one of them."

Michael: "You do?"

Yuri: "Indeed. They seem so relatable and I love the influence they have on each other. It almost tugs on my heart strings."

Michael: "I see? And how about you? How are things on your end?"

Yuri: "Thanks to your experiences I might be able to throw everyone at the club for a loop."

Michael: "I'm glad to be of help."

Yuri: "Are you hungry by any chance? My parents left me money for us to get some pizza. U-unless you want something else?"

Michael: "Pizza sounds appetizing."

Yuri: "Okay, I'll make the order. Please rest however you like." She gets up and leaves for the kitchen.

[Song Ends]

Michael: (It's just us right now. Wonder where her parents went? Wonder how the others are doing? Wonder if they made some progress?) He looks at his phone for time and soon notices some pictures on the wall. Pictures of Yuri from when she was a baby to how she looks now along with pictures of her parents.

(So that's what they look like. I was so busy working that I didn't even notice all these pictures in front of my face.) He looks at a family photo and saw what her parents look like. (Black hair, five o'clock shadow and dark blue eyes. This must be Yuri's dad and the woman next to him must be her mom. She looks just like her. Wonder what kinda people they are?)

After looking at the picture he soon notices a mirror in the living room. He went to investigate it and saw that it had some floral design as he then sees his reflection. Placing his hand on his cheek he gets a good look at his reflection. (Gold eyes, dark brown hair. Just like my dad and yet I have my mom's heart and my friend's hair style. If I was to say anything. Would she say yes? Do I deserve her?)

Yuri: "Okay it'll be here soon. Eh, Michael?"

Michael: "Oh sorry for snooping. I was just admiring the decorations and pictures you have."

Yuri: "Ah that makes sense. Though it is embarrassing for you to see me when I was small."

Michael: "But you were so cute back then."

Yuri: "C-c-c-c-cute? Ah?" She gets embarrassed as usual, but he chuckles.

Michael: "Don't over think it too much. I'll stop if it will make you feel better." He takes his seat on the couch and Yuri does the same. Th two sit in silence as they wait for their pizza to arrive. "Say Yuri? I've been wondering for a while now, but why do you like Fantasy stories?"

Yuri: "What makes you bring that up?"

Michael: "Curiosity. I understand why you like Horror, but Fantasy?"

Yuri: "Ah I see. I never did tell you or the others my reasoning for liking Fantasy stories."

Michael: "Is it personal?"

[Leave Out all the Rest by Linkin Park]

Yuri: "No, not at all. Since you asked I can tell you my reasoning. The reason I enjoy them was due to my father's influence."

Michael: "You're father?"

Yuri: "Indeed. When I was young, my father would read to me on his lap. Whenever he read I could imagine the wonderful new world. A world full of mystery with plenty to learn and discover. Since I never had friends, reading was my only companion. That is until I met Natsuki. Despite us being close, that all changed after the passing of her mother. Wanting to be left alone I gave what she asked for and kept my distant until recently.

During that time I would keep to myself with a novel in hand as the world around me mocks me. Every year the people around me would say something new. A weirdo who likes reading, a creepy girl, a nerd, a loser, the girl with a … poor posture and so on. It may hurt me, but I always found comfort in my novels. Especially the world made by Annabelle Dupont. Her imagination and world building took me to a new location that I could escape from. No matter what it was, no matter how many novels she made in the series. I always look forward to her craft.

But if I learned anything, it's that not everything lasts forever. Soon after her series came to an end. I was quite sad when she retired, but also glad she left behind a great series. Her along with many others filled me with joy. When I open a book I never felt alone. Even when I ate lunch alone I never felt it. I felt I was a part of something. Like I have become a friend with the Main Characters."

Michael: "…"

Yuri: "Though I suppose you could say reading was a way for me to escape reality. Even when I'm with the club I still keep these walls around me. A shy, weird, stuttering mess of girl who's ignorant with the world she lives in. That is who I am. I am not confident like Sayori, I am not assertive as Natsuki, and I am not a people person like Monika. I am not strong like you. I'm just a girl who wants to escape reality. I'm just Yuri."

[Song Ends]

Michael: "…" (So that's how she feels deep down. A girl who knows nothing but loneliness. Her only friend being the abyss where the devil resides. Perhaps we are not so different after all? I know that feeling before. I too looked at the abyss as my only friend even when I had Sayori.)

Yuri: "Oh I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ramble on to a simple question. I don't know what came over me."

Michael: "Don't be. To be fair I've done the same with you. It's only fair I do the same for you and listen. I'm grateful to know more about you."

Yuri: "I see. I'm glad I wasn't such a bore."

Michael: "Do you think you can get me something to drink? I'm parched."

Yuri: "Of course. What would like? We have juice, tea, coffee, water, and soda."

Michael: "Water will do."

Yuri: "Okay, I'll be right back." She leaves for a moment and returns. Just in time as the pizza had arrived. With a plate in hand, she gave Michael his slice as she gets comfy. With a plate in hand, he takes his slice and places it in front of his mouth, but before taking a bite. He immediately puts it back down. "Is something wrong? Did I get the wrong toppings?"

Michael: "No it's fine."

Yuri: "Michael?"

Michael: "It's just …"

Yuri: "Are you still ill?" She checks up on him, but as soon as she places her hand on his forehead, he gets up. "Michael?"

Michael: "I'm not sick. It's …"

Yuri: "Please tell me what's wrong?" She gets up as well with the two standing face to face, but Michael avoiding eye contact. "Is something bothering you?"

Michael: "Yeah there is."

Yuri: "Please tell. I'm sure I can be of assistance to you."

Michael: "You probably won't like it."

Yuri: "It doesn't matter. I'm here for you no matter what."

Michael: "You mean that?"

Yuri: "I do."

Michael: "You're a kind girl. You know that right?"

Yuri: "W-well I wouldn't say that." He smiles as she gets nervous.

Michael: "I haven't been very honest with you, but now I can't contain it any longer. I need to be honest with you." He looks to her worried expression.

Yuri: "About what?"

Michael: "I love you."

Yuri: "W-what?"

Michael: "I love you. I always have been."

Yuri: "…" The realization finally getting to her as they both lock eyes with each other.

Michael: "I know it's so sudden, but I can't hide how I'm feeling anymore. Yuri I love you and I want to be with you. Please go out with me." He bows.

[21 Guns – Green Day]

Yuri: "…"

Michael: (Did I say it too soon or am I too late?)

Yuri: "Is this true? Do you love me?"

Michael: "It is. I love you not as a friend or a sister, but as a woman." He faces her again.

Yuri: "This can't be true can it? You weren't supposed to be with me. You were supposed to be with Monika, not me. This isn't right. I'm not the one you're supposed to confess to! You have to be with Monika if not then the others! I'm sure if you tell them they will accept your feelings, so why are you confessing to me!? You need to … you need to be with them! Not me!"

Michael: "Monika already confessed to me before." She gasps at his sudden confession. "She told me her feelings and for me to tell her mine."

Yuri: "Then?"

Michael: "I told her that I can't love her, because there was someone else. And her name is Yuri."

Yuri: "But?"

Michael: "You can't sway my heart. This is my choice and I want to be with you. Only you."

Yuri: "I …"

Michael: "Please be my girlfriend. I want to spend more time with you than ever before." He takes her hands with his own. "You're the only one to make me feel alive. I can't get you out of my head. Whenever I'm with you, all my sorrow and despair disappears. When we read I feel at ease. When I sit next to you I feel strong. When we talk I feel human. You make me human. Not like the monster other says. You remind me that I have a heart. A heart that beats. I want you. I need you."

Yuri: "…" She looks away as tears start to overflow. "Is this real or is it just a dream?"

Michael: "It's real." He takes one of her hands and places it on his heart. "I'm just as nervous as you, but it's the truth. This is real. I'm real and my feeling for you are real. Yuri, will you go out with me? Will you accept my confession?"

Yuri: "… I …" More tears fall. "I love you too."

Michael: "Then?" She nods.

Yuri: "I always loved you too, but I was too scared to let it show. You always shined bright and I fear that I would always hold you back. I thought I was making the right choice in letting you go, but in the end it just drove me to want you even more. I confessed in the hopes that it would set me free, to set you free, but I never thought my feelings would be reciprocated." He hugs her as she continues to cry.

Michael: "I was going through something at the time, but now those fears are gone. It's clear to me. I want to be with you."

Yuri: "I want to be with you too, but am I worthy of you?"

Michael: "I feel the same about you. Am I worthy?"

Yuri: "I feel the same when we spend time together. When I'm in your arms I feel safe."

Michael: "And I feel stronger. I promise you. No matter what happens. I'll be just like those Main Characters in you novels. A life without you is nothing." He holds her tighter.

Yuri: "Thank you. Thank you for always being there for me." She smiles softly as they continue to embrace. "I promise to make you happy. I'll do my best to give you all the love you deserve."

Michael: "And I'll always be there for you when you feel lonely."

The two continue to hold each other as the rest of the day goes by. Filled with overjoy. A new love has bloomed, but it is only just the beginning as the true obstacle is just around the corner.

[Song Ends]

End of Chapter 72.