Haku didn't know what to say or what to do when he saw Chihiro stand there in front of him. "Chihiro.. I.. It's me Haku.. your friend.. do you remember?" Haku slowly moved closer to her. "Of course I remember Haku! How could I forget you silly?" Chihiro said with a smile as she nudged Haku's arm.

Haku could feel the curiosity of the people around them and their judging eyes. Of course he was the 'master' of the bathhouse now, his new sfaff (who obviously doesn't know about Chihiro or as people in the bathhouse called her when she was ten, 'Sen') would no doubt gossip about him and the 'human'.

"Chihiro.. you better come inside." He ushered Chihiro to come in the bath house "And I shall expect all of you to be back at your respective quarters." Haku courteously dismissed them and his staff promptly followed in his orders.

Chihiro admired the foyer of the bathhouse. It was looking rather exquisite.t Guests were rushing in and out but everything was still well maintained. She continued to wander in the bathhouse and strayed away from Haku.

Haku turned his head to check on Chihiro and was shocked not to see Chihiro anywhere near his sight "Chihiro!" he snarled as he looked for his friend. There were surprisingly a lot of guests at this hour. Haku felt slightly dizzy, he never really liked crowds. Fortunately he found Chihiro standing in front of a transparent spirit. "Chihiro! I just turn my back from you for a minute and then you're gone. Don't you wander off from me like that!" He grasped Chihiro's arm and she turned to face him

"I'm sorry Haku.. " She sheepishly apologized, he saw a tear trickling down her cheek, as much as he wanted to wipe her tear away, he couldn't let his staff see that. He tugged Chihiro's arm and led her to the elevator where he pulled the lever down to go upstairs to his apartment.

As soon as they arrived at the right floor Haku continued to lead his friend to his own quarters. Since Yubaba had been banned he took the honor of taking Yubaba's apartment, why would he reject such an offer? It was spacey and he needed a lot of elbow-room. He ushered Chihiro to sit at the velvet lounge at the foot of his king sized bed.

"H-Haku? Are you mad at me?" Chihiro whimpered

"Oh Chihiro, I'm not mad at you ok?" Haku sat beside her and moved a little closer

"Then why were you-" Chihiro got cut off of what she was saying

"Chihiro, Im sorry. I just.. I'm scared… That.. I might lose you again." He timidly said. Chihiro couldn't help but simper seeing Haku blush.

"I missed you Chihiro. I really do."

"As do I Haku." Chihiro gave a Haku a warm friendly embrace and he gladly returned it. They both felt warm and happy in each other's arms. It's like for that split-second nothing in the world means more to them than each other. But that happiness was short lived

"Ehem," Chihiro awkwardly coughed as she broke the hug

Haku smiled to himself, he cant help feeling blissful at the moment. Chihiro the girl he fell in love with when they were young, and still love until now, was here sitting beside him. 'Perfect…' he thought. Everything was perfect.

But that perfect moment didn't seem to last. Haku saw Chihiro frown, "Chihiro is something wrong?" he asked with a bewildered look

Chihiro sobbed and cover her face with her hands "Haku… was it really your plan to not see me for years? Did you really mean to hurt me? Haku I've been doing everything I can to reach you again. I always go to the remains of your river whenever I have time and talk to it as if you were right there in front of me, and I've been accused of being insane by some people because I'm talking to a small stream! Were you really planning to keep that promise you made me? Or did you just say that to me 'cause you pitied me?"

Haku was speechless. Even if he had not really intended it, but he had hurt the girl he really cares for. Chihiro's eyes were full of sorrow and anyone could see the pain she had gone through for years. He really felt guilty right now.

"Chihiro, I also did everything I could do to see you again, I've tried crossing the dried up river. But whenever I could cross half of it, I'd start disappearing. I go to my river too, hoping that I could communicate with you, but.. I guess the remains of my river are too small that I can't contact you. But, often times, I could feel your presence Chihiro. Believe me, I have tried everything to see you again. But, nothing worked." Haku explained and held Chihiro's hand in his, but she took her hand away from him, she sat there staring at the floor.

Chihiro's POV

'Really Haku? You could've thought of other ways to go to me. I thought you're supposed to be the one who should go to me, not me going to you. Haku, you don't know how desperate I was to see this world again, Rin, Kamajii, Zeniba, Boh.. and of course you. .. Haku I love you.. I have loved you since I was just ten.' I thought. It would only be a thought though, I'm not gonna risk our friendship by telling him I love him, I know he doesn't feel the same way. Even if he did, it would be impossible for us to be together. A mortal and an immortal? Who heard of search a thing, maybe in fairytales its possible, but this is real life. I know sooner or later he would find out, maybe by himself.. or maybe through me if I decide to tell him, but there's a thin chance on that happening.

Haku had a blank expression on his face, it's like everything in him is mixed up, he couldn't stand Chihiro being so sullen.

"Chi-" before Haku could finish Chihiro cut him off

"You don't have to say anything Haku. I'm tired, and I know you are too. We should just sleep this off." She saw Haku's eyes widening, and she knew just what he was thinking "In separate beds, of course. I'll go down and find Rin and see If I could still squeeze into their apartmet." She continued, Haku nodded in agreement. They bid each other goodnight as Haku led Chihiro outside the room.

Haku wanted to hug Chihiro badly, but he figured it wasn't such a good idea. He watched her slink to the elevator. Chihiro stood still for a moment and watched Haku standing by his door, his beautiful, mysterious, emerald eyes staring at her. A sudden bang from downstairs snapped her out of her trance, she quickly pulled the lever in the elevator for her to go down and find Rin.

A/N: hope you like it :)) ..sorry I deleted it.. I forgot to put in some parts in this chapter.