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In the classroom

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After following Sesshoumaru's trail for a while with his own amber eyes, the basketball captain was suddenly reminded of the reason why he had come … he needed to see Miroku. Someone had paid him an unexpected visit at the basketball clubhouse and Kagura was with her at this very moment as he spoke.

"Sensei…" He started, pausing as the young coach placed his attention on him. "Your girlfriend…she's here to see you."

Miroku's brows lifted in surprise at the mention of that word.

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At the basketball clubhouse

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Inuyasha's eyes widened, shocked the instant he entered the room, Miroku and Kagome following behind him. Kagura was the only there. Where's the gorgeous lady who came looking for his teacher?

"Kagura…Erm.. Where's Sensei's girlfriend?" He implored rather blankly, at the same time hit by a wave of male embarrassment that he had brought Miroku here for nothing.

The heinous girl stood up, folding her arms as she rocked one of her slender legs. "Firstly, she said that she's NOT Miroku sensei's girlfriend YET." Then, her tone softened. "And if you don't see her here, she'd have left of course!"

The captain pouted slightly at the slight sarcasm, not that he wasn't used to it. Coolly, the girl proceeded toward Miroku, her hand clasping onto an item colorfully wrapped up as a gift.

"Miroku sensei, Sango-san, she left you this." She intoned plainly, as thoughts of the previous conversation with the young lady flashed in her mind. "And this too." Slowly and clearly, she related what was said between them.

Flashback

Taking over the present from Sango, Kagura felt a little uneasy that the unexpected guest was about to leave. "Ano… Sango-san, why don't you just wait a little while? Inuyasha has gone to get Miroku-sensei and he'll be here anytime now." She was a little puzzled.

The young lady merely smiled politely. "We had a pact that we'll not meet before next Tuesday so I'll have to leave before he gets here. But, there's something I need to pass to him before Tuesday. Can you see that he gets it?"

"What's this?" Kagura asked, her curiosity was aroused.

"He'll know what it is when he sees it." Sango dipped into her handbag, fishing out something else. "Also, could you help me return this to him?"

She handed over a bunch of keys and this time, even the heinous felt too awkward. It was as if she was caught in the midst of a lover's break up. "Err…Sango-san…"

The young lady tapped her shoulders gently, soothing her knowingly. "This is the keys to his house. I don't think I'll be needing these in a while."

With a heavy heart, the young teacher took over the bunch of keys as well as the wrapped gift.

"What's in it, sensei?" Inuyasha couldn't help but ask as he pointed at the present. "And why did Sango-san say she can't meet you before next Tuesday?"

"Next Tuesday?" Kagome found the date rather familiar. Suddenly, it struck her. "Isn't next Tuesday Rin's birthday?" She gave a questioning eye to the young coach. "Sensei…err… your girlfriend can't be jealous of Rin, can she?"

"This is the present I meant to give to Rin on her birthday but no matter how I searched, I just couldn't find it." Miroku laughed to himself, at himself contritely. "And Sango, she had found it for me."

Kagome shook her head. "Your girlfriend's way too generous. I'll never help my boyfriend find a present for another girl. EVER!" She gave a hard threatening stare at Inuyasha who instantly gulped.

Miroku scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "Our relationship isn't the sort you're thinking. She's not officially my girlfriend yet... actually."

Kagura threw him an incredulous look. "Are you serious, sensei? She has YOUR house keys, hello?"

"Well, our relationship's better than friends but we're not lovers yet." This time, the young coach's heart pinched for the one who had given him her love. He heaved a soft sigh of penitence. "It's all my fault. I've always selfishly placed my feelings for Sango in a grey area between friendship and love, always refusing to decide… and it's really a cruel thing to do to her…"

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A distance away from the school

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Under the warm and comforting afternoon sun, two strangers strolled, each with a heart filled with emotions as well as emptied of them. Both with so much in their mind and yet felt so hollow inside. Merely by chance, they paused momentarily next to each other at a viewing point, looking out at the same magnificent scenery before them.

"This school looks so beautiful from here." Sango let off a soft gasp as she took in all that was in front of her even though her heart was burdened.

Sara nodded, offering her ever polite smile. "Yes, but it's just too bad I'll be leaving here soon." She sighed.

A little taken aback, the young lady had a sudden urge to know more. "Why? I was assuming that you're a student from the school?"

Sara's smile turned more forced. "Actually, I came here to study because of the person I love. From the beginning I already knew I didn't stand a chance. And now, he has rejected me and so, I'm giving up and leaving."

Sango offered a soft pat of encouragement on her shoulder. "Well, I think it's not a bad thing that a relationship has a definite ending." She smirked at herself. "To be honest with you, I'm also here because of the person I love. But the problem with him is that… he can never decide whether he should accept me or not… And that hurts me a lot. Waiting endlessly is a form of suffering and I feel that I no longer have the strength to carry on."

"Waiting for true love needs a lot of perseverance." Sara smiled broadly at the senior in front of her. "Ne-san, I think, you're admirable."

"You too." Sango returned with warmth. "Choosing to put an end to a fruitless relationship and move on, that requires even more courage. I envy that you have such courage… I hope that you'll find the true love you're looking eventually."

"Arigato." Sara was immensely comforted and touched. "I hope you will too." She retrieved a chocolate truffle from her purse. "Ne-san, everytime I eat this, it helps me regain my energy." She handed it to the young lady.

Sango looked at the beautifully wrapped candy in her palm gratefully. "Arigato."

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At night in Rin's room

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After a warm shower and a late meal, the girl felt so much better than in the morning. She sprawled lazily on her bed with her covers over half her form, rolling to settle on her chest slightly as she took a moment to admire the new ornament on her finger.

Sessh said it's made from a gem called the moonstone…. She recalled a brief conversation between them on their way home that night. He said… it suits me…

She let her finger trace the outline of the dragonfly gently. It was certainly the prettiest present she had ever received in her life. Not only so, it held a great significance in her heart.

He said to wear it always… she mused, smiling dreamily to herself as she sank languidly into the pillows.

From her bedside drawer, she took out the velvet box which contained the ring before Sesshoumaru had worn it for her. Now, without the piece of jewelry, there were only two delicately folded roses in it, seemingly made of golden foil. Rin's brows rose with slight curiosity. Sessh… he couldn't have made these. So, where did they come from?

A slight turning of the door knob broke that train of thought, her eyes shot to the entryway, noting the visitor and greeting him with the sweetest smile of late. However, the boy didn't seem at all pleased with what he saw. He frowned as he close the door lightly behind pressing on the lock, not wanting to wake both their parents.

"Gal, why are you still awake?" He intoned, slightly accusing. "You had a long day. You should be sleeping already."

The first thing that came to Rin's mind was the purpose of his visit, totally ignoring his not-so-amiable comment.

Has he come because he wanted to…. She blushed at the thought, or rather, at herself having that thought, not knowing that she was already slightly aroused just thinking about it.

Seeing at the girl was not responding to him, Sesshoumaru coolly paced to her bed, flipped up the covers and settled himself beside her at his usual side. With a strong firm arm, he pulled her warmly into his embrace.

Contented, Rin threw her own arms round him gladly snuggling into his chest, inhaling deeply his scent, so clean, crisp and manly. Sesshoumaru placed his chin securely on her head, lightly moving to place small kisses on her temple. Even though getting intimate with his girl was something always on his mind, this night, it wasn't his top priority.

After his long agonizing search for her thinking that he might have lost her for good, it had brought a foreign feeling in his heart, of being afraid. He had never been afraid of anything in his life and that afternoon was the very first time this strange emotion struck him… and struck him bad.

He tightened his hold on the girl in his arms reflexively at that thought. And he knew, tonight, he'll never will himself to sleep if he weren't with her by her side and be doubly, perhaps, triply sure she's truly alright, both mentally and physically.

His brows furrowed. Rin was obviously better… And she didn't seem to be prepared to sleep as yet. Sesshoumaru felt her slight hand gently cruising the area just above his inner thigh. "Gal, what are you doing?" He was surprised at her attempt at such amorous gestures, so blatantly.

Struck by girlish pride, Rin's blush turned deeper, instantly catching the drift that the boy wasn't into it that night. So, she was wrong. "Err… nothing…" She retracted her hand, pretending to try to fall asleep.

Sesshoumaru smirked, shaking his head and lifting her chin to search her hazels. "Was that an invitation?" When he noticed her flushed cheeks, he knew he was right. "Though I didn't come with the intention, I'd never turn you down if you want me badly…" He sealed her mouth with several teasing kisses, rolling over to the top of her, his muscled chest pressing on her soft breasts feeling her laden heaves of breaths.

That made the girl turn to a one time red, trying to wriggled herself away from him to no avail. "What… are you talking about? I'll be sleeping now. Don't bother me." She freed herself in desperation to save whatever that was left of her ego, shifting to one edge and seemingly closing her eyes to slumber.

But Sesshoumaru didn't give up. He pressed his chest close to her back, circling his arm round her waist in the most possessive manner. "You know… you don't have to be embarrassed about such… we're way pass that, don't you agree?"

At those tenderly spoken words, Rin finally turned to face him, her eyes beseeching as she smiled. "I know that. I'm sorry, Sessh... I-I just thought you'd only come for one reason…" She chuckled as she noted how the boy's brows twisted at her last remark.

Half afraid that he would suddenly pounce to attack her, Rin was all ready to make her escape from his clutches… but he didn't. Sesshoumaru merely embraced her, bringing her even closer to his heart. "Most nights, yes…" He admitted, a slight chuckle escaped his lips too. "But…not tonight…" He whispered in a low deep voice. Tonight, he was satisfied with just feeling the tingling warmth and sensuous softness of the one he had grown to love so much in his arms, to know that she's safe and she's well.

He threw the covers over both of them, offering her a clipped goodnight kiss as they let sleep take over.

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A few days later, Rin's birthday

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Outside the school, the basketball team gathered as they bade Sara goodbye. In the midst of the taking of multiple photos with an assortment of boys, Rin merely watched on in silence as Sesshoumaru tended to his role as the photographer.

Rin's narration

In just a few days, Sara finally said goodbye to the team, resigned from her post as the manager, getting ready to leave the school.

Throughout the session, the girl's mind was not at ease with herself. Her hands constantly rubbing against the ring on her finger, she felt a great sense of guilt toward the dark haired girl.

In all honesty, Sara had been a wonderful friend. She was never forceful, insistent even when she could. She did not pry, merely accepting a conclusion she couldn't change, getting out of the way to unknowingly solve the problem in this love triangle.

Opening the door of her limo, Sara turned to wave at everyone. Bending into her car seat, she retrieved a big box of her favorite truffles, handing it to the heinous girl. "Kagura-san, please accept this little token from me on behalf of the team."

Kagura smacked her lips, taking over the present with utmost reluctance. Though Sara was gentle soul, she still couldn't convince herself to like her. And she was relieved that she didn't have to learn to do that since she's already leaving.

"Goodbye everyone. Take care!" With that last farewell, the dark hair girl got into her ride, still continuing toward through the window as the car moved off.

At that moment as the vehicle started, the distance between them grew, Rin's remorse grew double and triple… till she could no longer stand it. With a gasp, she dashed after Sara's car, shouting frantically as she went along. "Sara! Sara!"

Hearing her muted voice, Sara was shocked to see Rin chasing after her. She instructed her chauffeur to stop, then wound down the window as the girl reached her side.

"Ne-san, what's the matter?"

Panting breathlessly, Rin tried to calm down before she starts. "Sara-san, I-I…" She bit her lip, making a decision after a brief moment of hesitancy. "I can't lie to you any longer." She raised up her hand, showing the ring on her finger. "The girl who is wearing the ring… is none other than me…I'm so sorry for not being honest with you since the beginning." She fought back a tear.

Sara smiled as she shook her head. "Why do you have to apologize, ne-san? You're the one who is suffering the most, isn't it?" Her smile widened at a thought. "And I think, if the one Sesshoumaru-ni-san loves is ne-san… I think… that's just so wonderful."

Rin swallowed hard. "But….Sara…."

"The golden roses in the box are from me." Sara soothed graciously. "They're best wishes from me to the both of you, ne-san and Sesshoumaru-ni-san. Remember the prayer that I've taught you? You have to chant it everyday you know?"

A smile adorned the girl's lips immediately. She nodded, tears gathering in her eyes. "Wo yao he Sesshoumaru yong yuan yi qi."

Sara nodded with approval, fighting back a tear herself, waving as the vehicle began to move on again. "Goodbye, ne-san and all the best!"

"Goodbye, Sara. Take care!"

As the distance between them furthered again, Sara looked back only to find that Sesshoumaru had come to Rin's side and even though they seemed perfectly as per normal on the outside, she could feel the intensity of their feelings for each other just by the way he gazed at her. His usually nonchalant self was so inscrutable. Only his ambers gave him away. They were so mesmerizingly golden, so filled with tenderness and… love once directed at Rin. She should have known. It had become so clear to her all at once.

Unknowingly not within her control, tears began to fall in Sara's eyes. She had come, she had fought and she had lost. This love was never meant to be from the beginning. Sesshoumaru had already given his heart to someone else, someone whom she could never surpass. Still through every fall, every failure, one would learn to become more gentle, more empathic and yet, stronger.

I will never regret coming here… never… Sara mused, wiping away the fluid clinging to her cheeks.

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At the confectionary

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Rin strolled to the counter, clicking on the bell nearest to her, alerting the sales assistant. She was greeted with a bow promptly.

"Miss, I'm here to collect a cake." She handed the receipt to the lady.

"I can't believe Aunty." Sesshoumaru only spoke when the shop assistant had gone away to retrieve the order. "She has an intelligence and sensitivity to ask the birthday girl herself to collect her own cake." He chuckled, shaking his head rather elegantly.

Immediately, Rin's eyes narrowed protectively at the sarcasm directed to none other than her mom. "It's no big deal. It's on our way home."

The boy peered at her incredulously, lifting up both his hands now filled with paper and plastic bags of stuff. "Well then, you'll have to carry it yourself. See, my hands are full."

The girl pursed her lips and as she took the cake box from the counter, her attention was once again drawn to the small exquisite piece of jewelry on her finger.

Is it safe for me to wear the ring at home? She pondered rather seriously to herself, then peaking at the one beside her. Instantly, she recalled his words on the day he had given it to her.

Promise me you'd wear it always….

Well, since he'd put it THAT way… with a sigh, the girl exited the shop but as they made their way homeward, either spoke. Rin's mind was once again filled with many thoughts…

I don't care who gets hurt…. I want you…. Only you….

Rin's narration

Sessh… he was always so firm… never yielding… never faltering…

But I was such a weakling…. A coward… Always afraid… worry… making him worry too….

"Sessh…" She started in a jerky tone and that drew the boy's attention instantly. He peered at her, scrutinizing that bemused downcast look on her, wondering what was bothering his girl at the moment. "I-I feel so sorry toward you…"

"Sorry?" His brows constricted, entertained. "Why?" He knew EXACTLY what she was referring to, just wanting to tease her a little on her birthday.

A little out of sorts, Rin found it extremely difficult to express her feelings too. "Well… I-I just feel sorry…. You know… everything that happened…."

"Are you feeling imbalanced and moody just because you're in your twenties now?" He laughed as Rin smacked him lightly on his elbow.

"HEY!" She pouted, frustrated at always being a target for his teasing. "You're so rude."

Then she stopped, facing him in, gazing into his eyes tenderly. She didn't want to continue the joking. She wanted to say something to him, something important, something she had decided she'd do. "Sessh… I promise… I'll make myself stronger… more courageous… so… Wo yao he Sesshoumaru young yuan yi qi." She recited the prayer taught to her with full confidence.

Immensely moved by her little speech, the boy did not show it on his face. But that last bit of unfamiliar language… didn't he hear that before from somewhere?

A brief search through his memory and he got it. Sara… she had said it when he accompanied her on a short tour that day. What does it mean?

"That's a Chinese prayer that Sara-san taught me to say." Rin herself admitted before even being asked. "She said it's like a form of blessing."

On that spot, the boy came to a conclusion. He started walking away, taking on a more urgent pace, purposefully heading for a place in particular. "Izuko, Rin, let's go."

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At a language center

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Sesshoumaru politely greeted the lady at the information booth as she returned the gesture. "Ano… Miss… Could I trouble you with a Chinese translation?"

Being asked by a breath-taking handsome young man, who in the right mind would ever refuse that? "S-sure…" She blushed slightly.

"What do you mean by…" He repeated the phrase rather fluently. "Wo yao he Sesshoumaru yong yuan yi qi."

"Oh…" The lady at the booth seemed to understand it instantly. "Erm… Who is Sesshoumaru?"

"That would be me." He replied plainly.

"And who's the one saying this?" She implored again.

"Me!" Rin raised her hand studiously.

"Erm… And what's your relationship with him?" She pointed at the elegant boy.

A little shy and confused whether it was wise to reveal such intimate information to a complete stranger, Rin hesitated but the boy spoke relentlessly.

"We're koibito (lovers)."

Rin blushed at the word, though deep in her heart, she was immensely touched that Sesshoumaru had intoned that so quickly, so firmly.

"Then, it's alright I guess…" Though naturally a little disappointed, the lady held her professional stance. "Because the statement actually means I want to be together with Sesshoumaru forever'. It's a love declaration from her. You got to treat her even nicer from now onward, ne?"

Rin's cheeks exploded into deep red as the boy swallowed, his own cheek slight tainted with pink.

As the two stepped out of the language center, Sesshoumaru picked up pace, as though wanting nothing more than to leave the vicinity as quickly as he could. He only stopped when he found that the girl couldn't catch up with him.

"Sessh?" Rin stopped a distance away behind him, surprised at the pause.

The boy stretched out his arm in an invitation and with an outburst of a small laugh, Rin scurried to him, rounding her arms with his lovingly.

"Just now… That was so embarrassing. I never want to step into this neighborhood EVER again." His facial expression had generally resumed his normal self though he still felt like hiding in a hole or something.

"It's all your fault." Rin squeezed his arms shyly, whispering. "Who asked you to go find out so rashly?"

Silent throughout the rest of the journey home, the young lovers held onto each other, neither was able to successfully wipe that persistent flushed grin off their faces.

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