A/n: Here's chapter seven, minna! I have to warn you though—this one is much shorter than the others, since I'd like to reserve the rest for next chapter. Read and review ^^ Oh, and no Miku in this chapter. XD Sorry, Miku!

Rin's POV

Okay. This is it. I am definitely going to do it this time—no more pathetic excuses to back out. I won't be having any more opportunities after this.

I walked out of my room and heaved a great big sigh. This is it—no backing out. I need to get all my fear suspended for a moment, so I could unleash all my feelings out honestly and sincerely. I need to tell him now. I need to know if he feels the same way.

I heard the horses. They were preparing to leave. I need to find him right away. You'd think it was easy, finding Len in this rumble of horses, soldiers and lots of other people. I always wondered why the royal family always brought a million soldiers wherever they went. Maybe it's because there's a huge threat in their life, because there a lot of people who want to take their throne. Or something like that.

But I can't waste time dawdling about trivial things like that. Finding Len is my very first priority right now. I walked through the crowd, searching for a blond prince.

"Hey! What are you doing here!"

I turned around. Oh no. A soldier—who has seen me lots of time in the castle, dusting off vases and other stuff—has seen me. Apparently, maids aren't allowed here.

What should I do? Lying is definitely out. Any lie would be seen through. The truth won't protect me too. Running away would cause a ruckus.

Why is my life so—

"Rin?"

That voice. That voice! Both the soldier and I turned to look for the source of the voice and fortunately, standing a few feet away was the one I was looking for. He walked closer, looking over his shoulder every once in a while. They supposed to be leaving any time now.

Len cleared up the whole mess and a few seconds later, we were alone. He didn't look like he was in a good mood, but that didn't dissolve my determination.

He asked, quite impatiently. "What are you doing here?"

I gulped. "I…I came here, because I …wanted to tell you something."

Suddenly, I felt very small and unable to speak. All the determination…All the hope that has given my feet the ability to come here…suddenly disappeared. I had prepared myself for this moment countless times, but I still…

Len looked really impatient, so I decided to go all out a shoot for the stars.

My stupid mouth even stuttered. "I-Len, I-I love you!"

My eyes were closed. I didn't want to see how he reacted—Rather, I was scared that my greatest fears were going to be displayed in his face.

Someone called out to him, but he remained silent. I knew he was still in front of me; I could hear his breathing.

"Open your eyes."

It sounded more like an order from a prince, than something Len would say. That got me another thought—If he did come back from his long journey, would he still be the same Len I have always loved?

I opened my eyes slowly, the right one before the left. I was nervous and I was shaking. My face felt hot and I knew I was red in the face. I actually didn't care about those anymore. I felt that the moment I open my eyes, all the weight of reality would come crashing down on me. Nonetheless, I still followed Len's order.

I stared at Len's eyes, looking for some trace of disgust or loathing. I found none. Instead, there was a kind of melancholy in his aquamarine eyes.

Len started, "Rin, listen to me. I don't have much time, but I need to explain this to you. You were the very first girl who comforted me—who was always there for me. You didn't laugh at me when I cried. I-I'm a wimp, I know, but you let me be a wimp. And that's—that's not a bad thing. You didn't try to change me…Th-That's why…"

He was looking down; it was a habit for him when he was embarrassed. I was waiting for his answer. The dead sunflowers of hope in my heart have been revived and it felt pretty good, listening to another person compliment you.

"I love you."

It was so wonderful to hear those three words. I found myself smiling unconsciously. I guess I was as red as an overripe apple right now.

I found myself saying, "R-Really?"

Len replied, "Don't make me say it again. It's embarrassing."

"I don't think I heard correctly," I teased, even though I was aware that I was blushing real bad.

Someone called out to him again, but Len ignored him. He suddenly held my hand real tight and pulled me away from everyone. He didn't let go of my hand when we stopped.

"I-I'll come back," He said, staring deeply into my eyes. "I'll definitely come back to you."

I smiled and squeezed his hand. "I'll be waiting right here."

He pulled me toward him and hugged me real tight. It felt so wonderful. I felt like I could take on anything now, being held by Len's powerful arms. It was so comforting, as if the hug was supposed to assure me that everything was going to be alright and we were going to meet again someday. It made me feel sadder to think that he was leaving, so I took that thought out of my mind for the time being.

"Len, whether you come back in five years or five decades, I'll be right here—waiting for you." I said, breaking the hug.

"You sure?" He said, grinning. "Five decades is a really long time."

"I don't care," I mumbled. "I'll still wait for you."

He smiled. His smiled was so soft and so genuine that it made me smile too. This moment was perfect. Nothing could ruin it.

"I should be going now."

Except that.

"I was afraid of that."

He gave my hand one final squeeze and was on his way.

When he was gone, I muttered, "Len, I'll be waiting for you until you come back…So please hurry up."

.

A/n: That's all for this chapter. This was actually written in October in a notebook, but I had no time to type it all, even if it was short. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I think I'm going to end the story in about Chapter Ten, but that's still tentative.

Review? :)