A/N: I never forgot some of my unfinished works. I still have some leftover chapters that I (occasionally) go back to review and revise- maybe add in or trim some words. I love this work, and the manga is one of my favorite works to read. At the same time, it is a painful read for me. The characters were fleshed out nicely, and the mangaka has done a good job in making them grow on me. So while Suzume and Satsuki got different endings, I still feel conflicted even now, and wondered what would happen if they did ended up together.

I wanted to finish this as soon as possible- at the same time, I also don't want things to end so soon. I have difficulties on letting go of characters that I became attached to. But I need to let them go eventually.

So for those who are still following this work, my sincere apologies for not updating as frequently. And a deep thank you for still sticking with this work. I hope to see you in the remaining future chapters.

Surrender to the Will

It was nerve-wracking, waiting at the foot of the stairs, clutching the bouquet of crushed tulips on one hand and the bag of fruits in another like some first-time suitor. Yukichi Kumamoto went up to the second level of his home and knocked on her bedroom door.

I could hear some muffled noises and the creaking of the door itself. I waited nervously, half-expecting her to reject my visit when Yukichi peered down between the timber railings.

"Come on up."

I let out an exhale, heart pounding crazily again. I waited until Yukichi came down. And just as I placed a foot on the first step, and he landed on the first floor, I heard him muttered a warning.

"No funny moves, Satsuki, or I might be forced to use my Aikido on you."

I laughed shakily. "No funny moves." I echoed. Not that I'm afraid of getting my ass kick or anything. It's just that Yukichi doesn't know Aikido. But he could be using other illegal moves should I be dumb enough to take advantage of a sick person.

I counted the steps I took. Suzume's room was the one at the end of the hallway. Colorful stuffed letters spelling out her nickname hanging on the door greeted me.

Chunchun, the letters spelled.

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open and found the bed empty.

I raised my eyebrows in puzzlement. Did I miss something here? And then I looked about the creamy white walls, soft pink bed covers and gold framed posters adorning the room and found her sitting by the window, on a makeshift bench, pillows propped on her back. The late afternoon sun brought some brightness in her pale face.

She was looking outside through the window, hair tied up in a messy ponytail. Her nose and mouth were covered with a sick mask. But I could tell underneath that her cheeks were flushed red with her high temperature.

"H-hi." I greeted her softly.

Suzume met my gaze and I gave her a weak smile. I extended both of my hands at her and offered my get well gifts. She took the bag of fruits without a word and placed it on the floor. The flowers took her attention for a little, studying it before placing it on the free space beside her. I watched for a moment as the late afternoon sunlight showered the flowers with its soft golden rays as well.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, a little awkwardly.

She gave an uncaring shrug. "Not so bad."

Call it magic
Cut me into two
And with all your magic
I disappear from view

Looking about for somewhere to sit, I couldn't find a free chair. The only chair in the room was on her study table; but the dress she wore during last night's dance was still tossed carelessly on the seat; the purple folds of silk and chiffon made a beautiful sparkling waterfall.

I decided to sit on the floor and began to fold my long limbs, sinking down and propping my knees up to my chest. All this time, she gazed back outside and ignored my presence.

I studied her profile. She looked tired. There were some light purple shadows underneath her eyes. I should be sorry if I was the caused of a sleepless night, but truthfully, I am not. It means she was really affected by what I did to her last night. I bit my lower lip and decided to stop being an ass. And I should start by apologizing.

"I am sorry." I said sincerely. "I'm really, really sorry. I've never been so sorry in my whole life."

She continued to listen, and yet she refused to look at me. I wanted to reach out and touch her cheek and feel its softness. Instead, I restrained myself.

"Just by being with me, I feel like I ruined a lot of things around you. I even had to lie just to distance myself from you. But even so... The moment I let go of your hand, for the first time, I realized the magnitude of what I have lost. Somehow, speaking of this now, I'm being a selfish and worthless adult. I'm sorry."

And I can't get over
Can't get over you
Still I call it magic
You're such a precious jewel

I felt a lump at the back of my throat. I never really apologized to her properly for hurting her feelings. My eyes felt moist, and I can almost taste the saltiness of my own tears.

"I wanted so badly to be with you, Chun-chun." I saw her stiffen when I uttered her pet name, yet I plowed on lest I lose my courage again. "And yet, I have no right. And it wouldn't be right. There are so many people who will think and judge it's wrong for us to be together. The timing is not right."

She suddenly stood up, cutting my sentences. Closing the gap between us so fast, I barely blinked, she leaned a little, cupped my smooth chin and peered down with those big blue eyes of hers. She removed the mask covering her face. I felt drawn to her full lips. They looked pale.

"Who says we can't we together?" she asked softly.

"Y-your Uncle for starters." I stuttered, mesmerized by the blueness of her eyes.

Wanna fall
I fall so far
I wanna fall
I fall so hard
And I call it magic
And I call it true
I call it magic

I saw a tug at the corners of her mouth.

"Why does society need to dictate what one must feel and do? Why do restrictions exist?" she asked, the questions seemed like directed more to herself than me. She never looked so beautiful asking the questions that mystify the universe.

"I don't want to ruin your future by my own selfish desires and needs." I clarified softly, my voice hollow with longing, slowly reaching up and covering the hand cupping my face with my own. She did not flinched, nor pulled it away. I can feel her pulse racing. And my heart echoes her own thudding heart.

"Is that really your intention in the first place?" she asked in a serious tone. "To ruin my life with your selfish desires?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"No," I whispered. "I only wanted to be part of your life. To feel what you feel, to see what you see, to love as you love, to cry, to celebrate, share your despair, your passions and your triumphs. To combine my dreams with yours. But I'm afraid I might overwhelm and frighten you with the depth of my need."

Still unable to help myself, I removed my hand from hers and cupped the side of her jaw, inavertedly pulling her face closer to mine.

I can smell faint roses on her, the minty shampoo, the scent of the laundry detergent used to wash her clothes, clinging on the collar of her pajama top. The soft, warm cotton grazed my skin, prickling the tiny hairs at the back of my hand.

And then her lips touched mine.

And if you were to ask me
After all that we've been through
Still believe in magic
Oh yes I do
Oh yes I do
Yes I do
Oh yes I do
Of course I do