Chapter 13

Eh.. It's late.

Kanata jumped from table, he had to make some meal. "At least, not good to starve on a birthday!" he laughed at himself. Birthday! 25th of December. A good holiday indeed, for him. Few calls and sms came from college friends, which he answered very reluctantly. Strangely, no call from Hanakomachi, Nozumu or even Santa. May be it's due to his rough attitude for past two months. Whatever. He did not even care. There was nothing left to care about or rely upon. World is tough, and one has to deal with it tougher. No place for lullaby. He fell once. And the girl taught him well what reality does the hell with dream.

He came out of the main gate, sat there. Good view of town from here, but he did not have that mind any more.

How many days I haven't gazed the clouds.. Suddenly he became thoughtful.

Baka! That neither gives marks nor money. Give up with foolish imaginations.

He stood up. "Damn! Now am hallucinating!" he shook his head, as he saw a girl dressed in white below the long, long stairs. She started to climb up.

Kanata rubbed his eyes, "Is it..? But.. but..that's impossible!"

"Surprise!" someone cheered.

"Eh? Who is there?" he looked at the bushes on left.

"Damn Santa, you spoiled it.." another voice.

"Well, then.. we should make this now.."

"Happy birthday!" came in chorus.

"Santa! Nozumu! Konishi! Tenchi! Hanakomachi! " Kanata could not believe it.

"If you forgot" A head peeped out, obviously Mikan. "Me and my brother are also here to celebrate.."

"But.."

"It was all her plan"

"Eh? ED?" Kanata could not think any more.

"Hmm, she messaged us all to keep this a secret" Nanami exclaimed.

"You can't believe, how hard has she trained last two months.. just for this day.."

"Akira! you.." he wondered looking her close to Ed.

Miyu made it to the last step.

"Hey.. she is here.. let's leave" they hastily left somewhere they could peep from.

Kanata had nothing to say. What to say this moment?

She came near. Nearer. Kanata felt nervous.

And she kissed him. Very short, just on the lips, and out of embarrassment, just hid her face in his chest.

Everything was so fast, Kanata could not react. Then he too, hugged her, tightly. The setting sun made the shadow of the duo long, long, longer than the steps..

"Tadaima.."

"Okaemi..."

I am home. Welcome back.

(A/N: Well. it's a bit fast, cliché ending. I was in a dilemma whether to make it a romantic or tragic.. and ended up like this. Thanks everyone who read my story and gave their valuable reviews! May we meet again...! )