A/N: I want to thank you all who faved and/or commented. 3 You don't know how much that means to me. Because it's a Sniper x Kuon fanfic, I didn't think this story would receive the attention it's been getting. I appreciate every single one of you who clicked on this story and gave it a chance. Enjoy Chapter 3!

Chapter 3: I've Always Loved You

A few months have passed since their sweet reunion. Shortly after he saw Kuon again, Yuka's nightmares have become less frequent until they fizzled out altogether. His sleep improved, his mood improved, and everything in his life got better all because of...

"Man, I sound sappy. So uncool."

Yuka would throw his head back and lean against his chair. He looked over at the small clock hanging on the cubical wall on his right. Yuka was two hours into his workday, and he was ready to go home. Luckily for him, the ex-sniper's boss decided that the office was taking a half-day.

"Three more hours," he whispered as he stretched his arms out above his head.

Before getting back to work, Yuka quickly looked over the text Kuon had sent him late last night. She asked if he could come over after work. According to her, Kuon had something to ask of him. Of course, Yuka attempted to pry the question out of her, but she insisted on meeting and asking him in person. Same old Kuon. She was always so formal.

Subconsciously, Yuka would click out of his message inbox and into his photo gallery to browse through some of the pictures he had taken. There wasn't much to look at considering Yuka barely snapped any pictures. His photo gallery mainly consisted of beautiful landscapes he took throughout Tokyo with an occasional photo of him and Kuon. He didn't have a lot of pictures of Kuon or of him and Kuon, but a few pictures were all he needed. He had to admit that he had a favorite. Yuka found himself longingly staring at a picture of Kuon he took when they went to a festival a couple of months ago. His gaze would break when he received a notification. It was a message from Kuon.

To: Yuka Makoto

From: Kuon Shinzaki

Subject: For When You Come By!

Message: Good morning, Yuka! I know it has been a few months, but writing your name still feels foreign to me. I just wanted to let you know that I will be attending a few meetings today. By the time you get here, I should be done. The door will be open for you, so just go ahead and let yourself in. Hibiki will be there in my absence to keep you company. I will see you soon! Have a great day at work!

Ah, Hibiki.

Hibiki was Kuon's personal assistant her father had appointed for her. He was a handsome young man who was about Kuon's age, maybe a year or two older than her. Despite him being young, Hibiki was really competent at his job. He went far and beyond to help Kuon with what she needed, and he did his best to ease Kuon into her future position as CEO. When Yuka first met Hibiki, he had to admit that he wasn't fond of the young man. The uncool thing about it was that he had no idea why he detested Kuon's assistant to begin with. Bystanders would have suspected that the taller man was jealous. However, once the ex-sniper got to know the young man, any ill-feelings he had toward him, overt or covert, eventually dissipated.

Yuka quickly gave Kuon his reply before pocketing his phone, immediately getting back to work.

...

Yuka slowly approached the steps of Kuon's home. Before heading inside, the tall man took the time to admire the large property. No matter how many times he saw the place, the view never ceased to amaze him. The landscaping always captivated him even during the autumn season. The brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows replaced the vibrant green that once grew around the manor. He honestly thought it was an upgrade.

"Didn't Ms. Shinzaki tell you that the door was open, Mr. Makoto?"

The quiet man slightly jumped after hearing the voice despite it being soft and gentle. He would whip his head around to acknowledge the person speaking to him. Standing in the doorway was a young man about a few inches shorter than Yuka.

"Hibiki," Yuka would greet him with a nod. "I was just taking a moment to appreciate the view."

The young man let out a soft chuckle, causing his strawberry blonde hair to sway gently as he did so. Blue eyes would peer into brown as a friendly smile formed on his lips.

"I should have guessed considering this is what you do every time you come over. Not that I blame you anyway."

"Is Kuon done with her meeting?"

"Just about," Hibiki answered as he gestured the ex-sniper to follow him inside. "You can wait for her in the living room. She will be with you shortly. Is there anything I can get for you? Iced tea, perhaps?"

"Yeah, that sounds great," he nodded as he followed the shorter male. "Thanks."

As Hibiki left to fetch for some snacks and refreshments, Yuka took the time to look around the living room. There were many frames displayed throughout the room. Hanging on the cream walls were photos of Kuon and presumably her father. No matter where Yuka looked, there was no picture of Kuon without her dad. Judging by the photos, they seemed close as they practically did everything together. More photos stood on top of the hearth above the fireplace. Wanting to get a closer look, Yuka walked up to the chronological display. He would smile when his eyes landed on a baby Kuon. Even back then she looked really cute. Of course, the way she dressed never changed. The only difference was that Kuon's hair was much shorter and the blonde at the ends was barely visible. As his eyes moved from frame to frame, he could see Kuon's beauty evolve into what she was now. He took one of the frames into his hand to admire the portrait before him, but Yuka was quick to put down the frame when he heard someone walk in.

"You're here!" It was Kuon.

Yuka turned on his heel, trying not to look the least bit suspicious.

"Were you waiting long?"

The ex-sniper gave his friend a reassuring smile, shaking his head. Kuon would let out a small sigh of relief, offering the tall man a smile of her own. She then opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted when Hibiki entered the room with a large tray of drinks and snacks.

"Let's take a seat," Kuon said.

Yuka gave her a nod as he made his way over to one of the plush chairs. Kuon followed suit with Hibiki not far behind her. When the girl took her place in the chair next to Yuka's, Hibiki would carefully set the sterling silver platter on top of the end table that stood in between Kuon and Yuka.

"Thank you very much, Hibiki," Kuon would thank her assistant with a smile. "That will be all."

The young man gave her a nod before taking his leave into the kitchen.

The two would idly talk as they enjoyed their conversation over iced tea and the assortment of treats Hibiki brought in for them. Kuon would update Yuka on her classes. According to Kuon, she was acing every course save for one. No matter how many hours she would put into studying, nothing seemed to click. It discouraged her to the point she began to question her own abilities in managing a business, namely her family's business.

"Don't beat yourself over it," the ex-sniper would tell her after taking a sip of his tea. "It would be in your best interest not to question your own capabilities. It sounds like you're doing extremely well in everything else. What I'm trying to say is, don't let one class define you and your abilities, Kuon. If you let it, you would only be holding yourself back."

As always, he goes ahead and says the right thing. He always does. How can I argue with that?

"I don't know how you do it, Yuka," Kuon whispered after taking a quiet sip of her drink. "How is it you always know what to say? I'm... I'm rather jealous that you know how to make me feel better when I can't even do that myself."

Yuka shook his head as he knew what she was trying to say.

"Don't think about it like that," he was quick to say, wanting to change her way of thinking. "I am only telling you something anyone would say. If I were in your position, I know you would tell me the same thing."

Again, he is right.

"Thanks, Yuka," Kuon smiled at him, her smile sad yet happy at the same time. "I honestly don't know what I would do without you."

What she said came out as a whisper, but her kind words did not fall on deaf ears.

"Anyway, what was it you wanted to discuss? It's been bothering me all day."

Kuon looked over at her friend, trying to register his question. After giving herself a moment to think, her green eyes would widen, and a faint blush would appear on her face. She almost forgot why she invited the man in the first place.

"Oh, that," she muttered sheepishly. "It's no big deal, really. Before I ask, however, just know that you shouldn't feel obligated to do what I am about to ask of you."

Yuka thought over her cryptic words carefully before giving the girl next to him a silent nod.

"My father is hosting a company party tomorrow evening. He said I could invite anyone of my choosing, so I thought I'd ask you." She fell silent for a moment before asking the big question. "Would you like to... be my date?"

At this point, Kuon was no longer looking at the ex-sniper. She felt her cheeks get warm all over, and the last thing she wanted was for him to see the blushing mess. Yuka, on the other hand, found himself looking around the room as he suddenly got shy. He was feeling all sorts of emotions, emotions he hadn't felt in so long, not since he escaped the high-rise world.

Say something!

He wanted to, but his words refused to come out. Just like certain feelings he carried around for the past two years. It was annoying.

"I..." He finally managed to say as he returned his gaze to the girl. "I would like that. But just so you know, I'm not going to dance."

Yuka could have sworn he heard Kuon gasp. He tried his best not to laugh as he found it amusing.

"O-Okay! That's fine!" She exclaimed. "It's a date then!"

Without a second thought, the shorter girl jumped forward to hug Yuka, and reflexively, the taller man caught her in his arms. Kuon would nuzzle into him without thinking as he pulled her closer to him, and the two stood in each other's arms for what felt like an eternity.

Today was such a nerve-wracking day. Yuka couldn't go to sleep the night before and he couldn't concentrate at work. What annoyed the man most was that he couldn't figure out why he was so nervous. He was just attending a party with Kuon. As friends, of course. So, what was the big deal?

Yuka would await nervously in the elevator as it made its way to the very top of the building. Even though the elevator climbed every floor in good time, the ex-sniper felt as though it was taking forever to reach his destination. He wasn't sure if the elevator was moving slow or if it was because he was feeling nervous. Every now and then, the young man would reach for the black tie hanging around his neck to tighten and loosen it. No matter how many times he fiddled with it, Yuka felt like the accessory was strangling him.

"You look great," Rika's voice would echo. "Believe it or not, you look cool. I know you do and she will think so, too, so don't be nervous."

"Easier said than done," he muttered to himself.

He would reach for his tie again to loosen it, but he was interrupted from the elevator's abrupt stop. Beyond the elevator doors, Yuka heard music playing and the soft chatter of the party guests. Yuka suddenly felt nervous again, but it was accompanied by nausea when the elevator doors slowly opened.

The room the party was held in was beautifully decorated. Each wall was bordered with thick foliage studded with yellow lights. In the front stood tall windows that revealed a large balcony overlooking the twinkling city lights down below. On his right, Yuka caught sight of the dining area. Dining tables were filled with guests, and the food they got from the buffet tables not too far off. On his left were musicians playing their instruments. The guests were dressed in clothes fancier than Yuka's. Granted, Yuka was wearing a suit, but it was one he was able to get for cheap, so in the end, he felt out of place.

Before the doors could close on him, Yuka forced himself to leave the elevator, but doing so caused him to bump into an elderly couple. He held out a hand as a way to apologize, but he was still rewarded with ice cold stares.

No matter where he looked, Yuka could not find Kuon. Brown eyes hopelessly looked around the room, and there was still no sight of the girl's signature green hair. He was growing desperate. He wouldn't mind running into Hibiki at this rate.

"I'm so glad you made it."

Yuka suddenly felt his body relax. The sweet sound of her voice, it caught him off-guard, but he was glad to finally hear it. The tall man would turn on his heel to be greeted by a smiling Kuon. When his eyes landed on the shorter girl, they would widen in awe. He couldn't help but think that she looked beautiful. Her green hair was pulled up into a romantic tuck; her ears and neck adorned diamonds that glimmered under the room's dim lighting; and her dress... her dress was made with expensive red material. Yuka wanted to compliment her, but he couldn't find the words to.

"Lovely, isn't she?"

Yuka's gaze broke from Kuon. They would then trail to the person standing behind her. Tall, lean, and strawberry blonde. Hibiki. The ex-sniper didn't know he was there until the shorter male said something. Although, Yuka did appreciate Hibiki for saying anything at all. It was his moral support that gave the taller man the courage he needed to praise Kuon's beauty.

"She's... You do look very beautiful, Kuon," Yuka said. "You always do."

"I have to say that you look handsome yourself," she said as she gave her friend a shy smile. "I know I've seen you wear suits before, but somehow, today feels different. I have to say I love the red and black. It makes you look rather..." She stopped herself before she could say anything that would embarrass the both of them, but that didn't stop the light blush from appearing on her delicate features.

Yuka responded to Kuon's compliment with a blush of his own, suddenly feeling shy.

"A-Anyway," Kuon finally said. "I'm really glad you're here. Let's go sit down and eat. When we're done, I can introduce you to some of my co-workers."

Yuka was impressed with what was offered at the buffet. Because there was so much food, the ex-sniper didn't know what to start with. Kuon started off with some meat and fruit, and Hibiki somehow got a little bit of everything. After Yuka finally decided on what he wanted, he would walk over to a small table Kuon saved for the trio and took a seat next to her.

The night went on smoothly. As promised, Yuka met some of Kuon's co-workers. He had to admit that he liked talking with them. Only three of them were about his age while the rest were old enough to be his parents. When they parted ways from the group, Kuon would slither her arm around Yuka's and gently lead him across the room. He willingly followed her, but not without giving her a puzzled look.

"There is someone I would like you to meet."

The duo would meet with Hibiki and two other men he was conversing with. The first person Yuka noticed was someone he assumed to be Kuon's father. The older man looked nothing like his daughter. His hair was a faded blonde, and his demeanor appeared stern compared to the cheerful girl beside him. The only characteristic they shared were the green eyes. The other person standing next to Mr. Shinzaki was a younger man. He was handsome. Dangerously handsome. To compare, the young man was the complete opposite of Yuka. His brown hair was slicked back with the most expensive hair gel he could possibly own while the ex-sniper had his hair unkempt, and the suit he was wearing was definitely not found in the clearance section as it was clean and free of loose threads. Hell froze when the two made eye contact. Yuka could have sworn that the guy was sizing him up, but he didn't let that intimidate him.

"Father," Kuon would say, tearing Yuka's gaze from the young man. "There is someone I've been wanting you to meet."

Gently, the shorter girl pulled Yuka in front of her. As if on cue, the taller man gave Kuon's father a respectful bow.

"Sir," he greeted, his confidence slowly wavering. "My name is Yuka Makoto. It is very nice to meet you."

"Yuka Makoto, is it? Kuon has told me..."

Unbeknownst to Yuka, Kuon shot her father a look, using her eyes to beg him not to say anything further. He caught on to her plea, but the grin he gave her showed that he wasn't giving in.

"My daughter has mentioned you quite a lot."

"She has?"

Yuka so badly wanted to tease Kuon, but the mortified expression on her face gave him a good reason not to.

Wanting to change the subject, Kuon asked her father about the young man next to him. According to Mr. Shinzaki, the young man with them, Tora Suzuki, was a CEO from a rivaling company. It was then learned that the company party was meant to seal some sort of deal Mr. Shinzaki offered Tora.

"So will our companies be merging?" Kuon inquired.

"That would be correct, Ms. Shinzaki," Tora would smile at her, a smile that bothered Yuka a little too much. "Your father gave me an offer I couldn't refuse."

"He did? What is it?"

Kuon's attention would turn towards her father, waiting for his answer.

"I think that is something you two should go discuss in private," Mr. Shinzaki said as he urged the 'couple' to go elsewhere with a small, encouraging nudge.

Tora would eagerly wrap an arm around the green-haired beauty, pulling her close to him. It wasn't obvious, but Yuka's began to boil. As the young CEO guided her away, Kuon would look over her shoulder. She saw Yuka and her father grow smaller as Tora pulled her away from them. Before disappearing, Kuon would give the former sniper an apologetic look.

...

It has been about a half hour since Kuon left with Tora. To distract himself, Yuka would loiter by the buffet tables. However, he wasn't eating. He couldn't help but wonder what the pompous bastard and Kuon were up to. What were they doing? What were they talking about? Mr. Shinzaki made it sound like it was very important. Maybe he was having his daughter close the deal he mentioned earlier?

"Something on your mind, Mr. Makoto?"

Thank God. Hibiki, you couldn't have come at a better time.

"It's nothing," Yuka lied. He didn't want to show Hibiki that Kuon being with Tora bothered him. That would have been anything but cool. "I'm just... Have you seen Kuon? She's been gone for some time. I just want to make sure that she's alright."

A sly smile crept onto the shorter man's face. Yuka tried, but Hibiki could see right through the man. Even though the two men rarely talked, the blonde knew everything. He knew how Yuka felt about Kuon, even if the taller man failed to realize it himself.

"She's still with Mr. Suzuki. Don't worry, they should be back any moment. I went to check on her earlier, and it looks like they are close to wrapping up their conversation."

Yuka wasn't one to get into anyone else's business, but he really needed to ask. Well, it was more of a want than a need.

"Hey, Hibiki. Do you know what it is they are talking about?"

Hibiki was expecting the ex-sniper to ask him that, and he was thankful for being prepared. He knew it wasn't in his place to say anything, but Hibiki liked Yuka a lot and respected his feelings. He knew that the man loved Kuon and that Kuon loved him back. He believed that Yuka deserved to know, especially with the feelings he had for his boss.

"It's a marriage proposal. Mr. Shinzaki was hoping that by tonight, the two would become engaged. The deal was that if Ms. Shinzaki accepted Mr. Suzuki's proposal, he would agree to merge his company with this one."

Yuka fell silent as he processed Hibiki's words. Kuon? Marrying someone else? His fist would clench at the thought of that possibility. Just the thought of her being with another man irked him, unless that man was...

Me.

"I'll be right back, Hibiki. There is something I need to do."

Yuka would pat the blonde on the shoulder before walking off to find Kuon. As he watched the tall man leave, Hibiki would smile to himself.

It didn't take long for the ex-sniper to find Kuon. She and Tora happened to be in one of the conference rooms so that they could privately talk. Yuka caught a glimpse of the green-haired girl through the glass window. He could tell she was tense as the conversation she was having with the CEO was making her feel uncomfortable. Yuka could only assume that Tora finally popped the question. The former sniper didn't act until Tora began closing in on Kuon. He didn't do anything too serious, but Yuka didn't like seeing Kuon so stressed.

"Kuon?" He would call out to her as he swung open the door.

Kuon and Tora's attention shifted from each other to the man now standing by the door. Relief washed over Kuon as a bright smile appeared on her face. She would gently push past Tora and run over to Yuka, jumping into his arms.

"Are you okay?" He asked as he looked down at the young woman.

"I am now," she assured him. "I just want to go."

Before leaving with Yuka, Kuon politely bowed at Tora. She didn't know Yuka knew about the engagement, so she made it look like she declined an offer Tora made. Of course, the CEO didn't look pleased, but he knew there wasn't anything he could do to change the girl's mind. In response, he would return the bow and thank Kuon for her time.

...

"Thanks for coming to get me. It was hard to get out of that conversation."

Yuka and Kuon were standing side by side on the balcony, their shoulders almost touching. Together, they gazed at the city lights twinkling in front of them, enjoying the view.

"I couldn't let him take you away from me, you know?"

Silence followed after Yuka's bold statement. Kuon didn't know what to say as she wasn't expecting her friend to say something so unlike him. Her hands made their way to her face, wanting to hide the harsh blush on her cheeks.

"What are you saying?" She managed to say.

Yuka let out a small sigh before turning to face Kuon. He would reach for her hands, gently pulling them away from her face.

"I knew, okay? Hibiki... He told me what was really going on. Only because I asked him to, so it's not his fault."

Silence fell between them once again. Both stood there quietly looking at each other, unsure of what to say next.

"I rejected him," Kuon finally managed to say. "I couldn't go through with it, even if it was beneficial for the company."

Yuka felt bad. He knew Kuon's engagement meant a lot to her father and his company, but he would be lying if he told her that he understood and was okay with it.

"No deal is important," she continued to say. "Not if it keeps me away from you."

Kuon looked down. She felt warm all over as her confession overwhelmed her. It may have been embarrassing to say, but she didn't regret saying a single word. It was about time she said something. She knew she was given a second chance when fate brought her and Yuka back together. She didn't know when she would be given another opportunity, so she decided to take this one. Even if Yuka didn't feel the same.

"I couldn't let him take you from me..."

Was that his confession? She thought to herself. Does he really feel the same?

Kuon suddenly felt something warm and soft brushing against her lips. It took her a moment to realize that Yuka was kissing her. Shocked, her green eyes would widen, but she wasted no time. Kuon willingly gave in to Yuka and kissed him back. The kiss started out slow and sweet, but the passion and love the two had for each other pushed them to go further. Yuka gently pressed Kuon against the balcony as he deepened the kiss they shared. Eventually, the two would separate to catch their breaths. Yuka would lean his head forward to rest it against Kuon's, looking deep into her eyes.

"I've always loved you, Kuon. It's crazy that I've come to realize that when I thought I wouldn't see you again. I'm sorry that it took so long for me to figure everything out... To find you again."

Kuon's eyes glossed over from her tears. Her painted lips would form into a happy smile as she looked her friend in the eyes. Instead of giving him a verbal response, Kuon let her lips do the talking for her. She pushed herself off the balcony rail and kissed Yuka once more. She would wrap her arms around his neck while Yuka rested his around her waist to hold her up. Together, the two would softly sway with the quiet music they heard from inside. No words could express how they were truly feeling at that moment, so instead, they basked in each other's company and concluded their evening with a waltz on the balcony.

A/N: Happy Valentine's Day! Unfortunately, this fanfic is coming to a close. I have one more chapter planned for you all. I have it started, but I don't really know when I'm going to finish it. I have other things I have to get done before I am finally free. Again, thank you so much for reading my story. I really appreciate the support you guys have given me. I'm surprised I've kept up with this story at all. Usually, I would start something and then get a writer's block two chapters in. The comments you left and the faves really gave me the motivation to continue this, so thank you. :) Have a great day!