A/N: Hello again people! I apologize greatly if it took me ages to update and upload this chapter. To be honest with you, I'm having a very hard time deciding Yumi and Kaoru's fate. Thank you all to those who reviewed, added this story to their favorites and alerts, and to those who PMed me and told their opinions and suggestions regarding this noob of a story of mine! THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!

To the reviewer named as tsk:

I'm sorry if the ending in chapter 18 didn't meet up to your expectations or standards. I suppose it's my fault that you didn't envision the story the way I did. You see, the taxi was going straight forward in an intersection. The grey Mercedes Benz sports car was from the left. The sports car was going so fast at 120kmp/h that the taxi driver was driving the taxi into the middle of the intersection didn't have the time to dodge the grey car. I don't think anyone could stop and dodge an upcoming car that is going to hit the side of their car. So once again, I'm deeply sorry if the ending did not satisfy you.

Finally, I really, strongly suggest you listen to 'The Scientist' by Coldplay while reading the contents below. Like seriously, listen to it on YouTube or something or better yet, keep it on repeat ;)

Other than that, please enjoy chapter 19 and please review, comment or PM me any questions if you guys have the time to do so!

Disclaimer: I do not own Marimite or any of its characters. All belongs to Oyuki Konno.

Chapter 19: Those Three Words

A blood-curling scream reverberated throughout the entire fitting room as Sachiko, frozen with terror, wailed in horror as she heard the impact of metal and steel against each other. Her cell phone hit the floor with a thud, sending the other occupant of the room into paralysis.

Touko was the nearest to her cousin; she can only stare at Sachiko's terrified-filled face before instincts kicked in. She dropped the hairbrush that was in her hand, and blatantly ignored the cracking sound it made against the marble floor as she raced toward the raven-haired girl. Before she could even get a hold of the Ogasawara heir, trembling lips spoke out with clear mortification.

"I have to get to her." Sachiko's voice was coated with fear mixed with determination. She turned around and was about to leave when two hands placed it selves on her shoulders. Touko forcefully made the older girl face her and asked.

"What happened to Yumi-sama? And where are you going?" Her tone was desperate, clipped with uneasiness.

Sachiko was on the verge of lashing out on her confused cousin. She resisted the urge to scream at her. Yumi could be on a one-way ticket to death, that the brunette could be dying out there in a totaled car and here she was being questioned on her whereabouts. The sinking feeling of dread was urging her to just get out of there and run as fast as possible to Yumi. Her mind was screaming wildly within.

Get out and run.

"Car crash. Don't come with me. Tell the others about what happened. NOW!" Sachiko commanded with ferocity as she shrugged the younger girl's hold off and bolted towards the door that leads to the outside world. The hinge of the back door creaked loudly, and a heavy whipping sound was heard from the doorknob hitting the wall as Sachiko exited the building.

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry, you don't know how lovely you are

I had to find you, tell you I need you, tell you I'll set you apart

Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions, oh let's go back to the start

Running in circles, coming in tails, heads on science apart

Quivering fingers grabbed a bunch of fabric far below the waistline, holding said material up as she hurriedly went off. Realizing that she couldn't go any faster because of her shoes, she stopped for a moment and tore off the white, high heels that was slowing her down and threw them aside. Adrenaline was rushing through her blood like poison as she breathed heavily; her vision getting blurry from unshed tears welling up and disturbing her eyesight.

Bewildered looks that were being shot at her way was ignored. She didn't care that she was wearing a wedding gown and that she was running barefoot on the hard, callous pavement at the same time. She didn't care that her black, silky hair was disheveled. And she certainly didn't care about the fact that right now, she looked like a complete and utter mess.

She didn't give damn at all.

Her thoughts were being consumed by one person.

Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part

Nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be this hard

Oh take me back to the start

She and Yumi...They were running in circles all this time. A knife went through her heart as her eyes opened for the first time. Yumi lied when she said she loved her as a friend. She never loved her as a friend; she loved her more than that. Sachiko pushed herself to go faster as the truth slammed into her brain like a ton of bricks. All this time, Yumi hid her true feelings; those pink, soft lips owned by the petite girl curling into that fake smile. Images of Yumi's pretend smiles and grins flashed through Sachiko's smoldering eyes like a surreal horror movie. Even when she closed them, the memory of Yumi's declaration of love that night burn under her eyelids like hot coal.

That overwhelming feeling of guilt was clawing her insides out like a tiger's huge sharp-edged claws tearing out its prey flesh. She felt so stupid knowing it took a horrendous event clutching Yumi's life to make her realize how much the brunette meant to her. The one who was holding her heart was right in front of her, and she took it all for granted. She took Yumi for granted. She took her love, her heart, and took it all for granted. And this time, she might be too late. 'I didn't realize what I had until she could be gone.'

I was just guessing numbers and figures, pulling the puzzles apart

Questions of science, science and progress, do not speak as loud as my heart

Tell me you love me, come back and haunt me, oh and I rush to the start

Running in circles, chasing tails, coming back as we are

Soon, the whirring of the ambulance siren reached the distressed girl's ears. Two unrecognizable cars caught her eyes as thick, black smoke danced and wavered to the blue sky. Molecules of iron were waltzing on her taste buds as she inhaled the metallic smell of blood. Four stretchers did her eyes see, two of them covered completely from head to toe with a white, cotton sheet. She just fervently hoped that Yumi wasn't under one of the said sheets. Sachiko quickly searched for the mocha-eyed beauty that captured her soul, and a heart-breaking shriek fell from her lips as azure eyes spotted her at last. Oh God.

Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part

Nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be this hard

Oh I'm going back to the start

"YUMI!"

Sachiko tore her feet of the ground with a broken intent. In just four quick strides from where she was, Sachiko practically collapsed against the stretcher as she stroked Yumi's bloodied cheek; not caring about the male paramedic who was telling her to go away because of the poor girl's condition. Yumi's eyes fluttered open, and a small grin appeared in her crimson-painted face. Sachiko couldn't help the silent cry that escaped from her throat as she realized the true situation her ex-soeur was in.

'Yumi looks...she looks so small and broken...Oh God...'

Blood..blood everywhere. A slick trail of the crimson fluid was running down from a deep wound from her head down to her face. The severity of the head wound was enough to make the auburn strands of hair cling together with blood. The crisp, white sheet that was hovering over the pale girl's body just below the neck was also tainted with the red essence of life. Connected from Yumi's pale wrist was an I.V tube; the cylindrical body of plastic carrying intravenous fluids to the girl's bloodstream.

Turning her head, Yumi slowly eyed the raven-haired girl before commenting with a gurgled chuckle, probably blood swishing in her lungs. "You look so beautiful in your wedding dress Sachiko-sama." Yumi sincerely complimented the crying girl's attire with a thin trail of the red liquid trickling down her chin.

Sachiko's face was a map of utter sorrow; her deep sapphire eyes glowed with guilt infused tears that glinted off the sun. She wanted to cradle the younger girl's head so much, to just caress her cheeks with both hands and not stop; not caring for the blood that was staining her trembling fingers.

"Shhh...Don't say anything Yumi please! Don't speak j-just rest okay?" Sachiko brokenly whispered as tainted fingers tucked a clump of sticky brown hair behind one ear. Yumi just nodded weakly in response and closed her weary eyes. Two callous hands were suddenly tugging her away, but they were violently shrugged off by a growling Sachiko; her eyes becoming two dangerous slits.

"Miss, it would be best if you leave now. We have to get her to the hospital imme-"

Maybe it was the mere touch of the male paramedic. Or the strong urge to protect and stay with the broken girl was enough to push her collective patience over the edge. Sachiko couldn't help the snarl that rose from the back of her throat as she can't help but lash out in retaliation.

"Don't you think I know that? Open your goddamn eyes!" A pointed finger began to jab the young paramedic's chest repeatedly. "She needs me right now and leaving her will certainly not be an option. I'm coming with her whether you like it or not."

The now-scared man only responded with a shaky nod.

Turning around, Sachiko's hands enclosed a bloody one as an emergency medical team of two wheeled the stretcher towards and up on the ambulance. Not wasting any more time, the doors were closed with a slam and the engines roared as the emergency vehicle screeched to a start. Still holding Yumi's paling hand, Sachiko sat down on the turquoise-colored bench with her head hung low.

Sachiko couldn't control the scalding-hot tears that were running down her guilt-stricken face as she closed her eyes. It was for sure that regret was drowning her, not allowing her lungs to intake oxygen. Her chest felt like it was burning in the inside, and there's nothing to extinguish the burning pain. Never in her entire life did she felt so much remorse.

She never knew it could come to this, that it took an accident that involved the mocha-eyed girl to make her realize how fatuous her choices and actions were. And for that she would never forgive herself. The raven-haired woman's whole body shook; the pain in her chest and throat proving to be too much. She wanted to scream to the whole world her inner torment so badly that it was killing her.

She felt the petite girl's hand slip away effortlessly from her quivering hold, and soon felt the same moist hand lift up her chin. The bloodied hand drifted to a tear-stained cheek and kept it there. Anguish-filled sapphire eyes locked gaze with tired mocha orbs. Sachiko wrapped Yumi's hand with her own; holding Yumi's touch in place before speaking.

"I'-I'm so sorry Yumi. I'm so sorry I didn't realize how much you mean to me until now." Sachiko began to utter brokenly. "I'm so sorry it took this long to finally understand how much I love you." She continued with a shaky breath as she shook her head. "I didn't have the courage to tell you what felt for you for such a long, long time, but now I can and I will." A short pause filled the vehicle before she carried on.

"I love you so much Yumi, and I'm so sorry it took this long for me to say it again."

Her tone was colored with sadness and grief; her eyes closed shut; bracing herself for the brunette's reply. She was expecting something harsh, hurtful and even cacophonous in general. Heck, she just wanted some type of reaction from her, but what tumbled out from Yumi's lips was totally unexpected to the former.

"Nobody said love was easy. Besides, it's better to be late than never right?" Cut lips curved into a tight smile despite the hiss that shortly followed. "So don't blame yourself Sachiko-sama...you have done nothing wrong." Yumi said, her voice more softer and quieter as she continued to gaze lovingly at the weeping latter.

This made Sachiko's constricting heart clench even tighter. How could this sweet girl even say that? Yumi was probably the most selfless person she has ever met. If you entered her heart, you'll never get out. She was the kind of person who'd hold your hand and follow you to the flames of hell. There was no one to blame for her stupidity and foolishness except for herself. And here Yumi was, who was hurt not only physically mind you, telling her that it wasn't her fault they ended up like so.

"I feel so tired. Maybe if I just close my eyes for a minute or so..." Yumi's eyelids started to droop once more, and this time, Sachiko knew that if they closed, it would be for a very long time.

Possibly forever.

"Yumi please stay awake! We're almost there so please stay conscious for a little bit more." She frantically started to beg. "Think about your family and friends!" Sachiko finished, hopelessness and despair coating her voice.

To her horror, distraught appeals were obsolete as the auburn-haired girl's eyelids slowly continued to drop.

"P-Please stay awake for me!" Sachiko pleaded desperately; sobs racking through her whole frame as the ambulance reached its destination. She can't lose her like this. Not now, or ever. The thought of Yumi dying, leaving her alone in this god forsaken world was enough to make her not want to live anymore. Yumi not existing in her life was a life not worth living.

Yumi turned her head towards Sachiko, and gave her an apologetic look. Her mouth formed the silent words 'I'm sorry...'before her whole body shut down.

Everything that happened next was a blur of red and white. The paramedics got the stretcher on the ground gently but quickly, and immediately rushed the injured girl to the entrance of the hospital straight to the ER with Sachiko at the back of the stretcher following suit. Blood was pounding boisterously in her ears as her breathing became more and more frantic. They were about to reach the critical care facility, but one of the paramedics stopped and told the distressed girl that she can't go inside and has to wait outside.

A surge of helplessness swept through Sachiko, her legs buckling all of a sudden. Knees came in contact with the cold, hospital floor and new waves of tears rapidly went down her cheeks. She couldn't believe everything that has transpired from the last thirty minutes. Later whispers and murmurs filled the hallways, but both were cut off from Sachiko's sense of hearing. She couldn't blame them though.

You don't see the daughter of the most prominent family in Japan in a blood-stained wedding gown kneeling on the floor crying every day.

"She's a strong woman Sachiko. It'll be okay." Youko murmured softly, her big sister instincts kicking in as her hand gently rubbing circles on her whimpering soeur's back, exhaustion from waiting making her more uncoordinated than she usually was.

All members of the Yamayurikai, Yuuki and Suguru rushed in earlier and found Sachiko on the middle of the hallway of the hospital on her knees crying her eyes out. If Youko hadn't comforted her Sachiko would probably would have dry heaved from her ceaseless crying. Some were sitting now, while others stood up as they waited anxiously for 2 and a half hours for any news regarding the current condition of the brunette that has touched everyone's heart and her partner. Apparently the drivers of the cars didn't quite make it after the collision.

"Thank you." Sachiko said softly, her body immediately relaxing to the older woman's consoling touches, her head leaning and eventually rested itself on Youko's slightly bony shoulders, grateful for her support as a wave of tiredness washed over her.

"No problem." Youko whispered gingerly, wrapping one arm around Sachiko as they swayed a little from side to side due to weariness.

The moment the door to the ER opened and a middle-aged man wearing a white lab coat came out, everyone rushed to the doctor and as they all opened their mouths to ask the same question, but Sachiko's agonized voice spoke loud and clear; saving everyone their breaths.

"How is Yumi? Is she going to be alright?"

The doctor took a deep breath before he began. "It seems to be that Ms. Fukuzawa is suffering from intracranial injury or more commonly known as TBI or traumatic brain injury. I believe the force from the collision impact was strong enough to somewhat fracture the top-right side of her skull, causing the tissues of the motor cortex of her brain to slightly bruise. Also the shock waves from the impact loading caused coup countrecoup injury."

From the sound of the doctor's explanation, everyone knew that Yumi's condition was pretty severe.

Slightly sweaty fingers started to thread itself on Yuuki's ruffled hair as he asked the next question. "So how is Yumi doing now? I-I mean what will happen to my big sis..." His voice cracked on the last word.

"Ms. Fukuzawa is..." The middle-aged man gave everyone an apologetic look before continuing,"...she is in a coma at the moment. The severity of her head injury is only moderate, but from this point, we don't know what will happen next."

"I see..." Yuuki said brokenly, not wanting to break down in front of everybody as he stared down, his gaze practically burned holes through the floor. He will stay strong not only for himself, but for his sister as well. Yumi would always tease him when he cries, telling him that real men don't cry, only little boys do. A small smile formed on his lips as droplet of tear made contact with the white tiles.

Beside Yuuki, Suguru was standing, comforting him by patting his shoulder with as much assuage as he could possibly muster. Not far from the guy's left did Yoshino, who at the time was shaking her head in disbelief, not wanting to accept her best friend's current state. And Rei was right beside her when Yoshino turned around and suddenly clinged to her cousin; tears soaking the former Rosa Foetida's collar. Slightly off to the side were the Rosa Gigantea sisters: Sei silently muttering 'no' over and over with her head hung low. Shimako and Noriko were just standing there, holding each other's hand so tightly, not saying a word, as if they were afraid of letting each other go.

And finally, the Rosa Chinensis sisters.

It took a moment before the doctor's report eventually registered in her brain. Sachiko felt her knees go undone once more, as she collapsed to the floor, not having the energy to hold herself up anymore. Immediately she felt Youko's cool arms wrapping around her, and at the same time Touko's, as they both tried to comfort her, telling her how Yumi will be alright, that she will wake up soon.

"Can we visit her right now?" Touko asked softly, her voice lacking its usual vigor.

"She's resting in a private ICU at the moment. Just go straight and turn on the first left and enter in ICU ward no.129. I'll take my leave then." The doctor slightly bowed his head before walking away, but Suguru stopped him and asked for his time privately. He just waved at the others, gesturing for them to go on and see Yumi without him.

Sachiko rubbed her eyes tiredly as she shifted her eyes between the love of her life and the beeping monitor, watching the green wave on the black background go up and down in the same pattern. Soft fingers found and intertwined with Yumi's delicate ones as Sachiko leaned in and lightly kissed the top of the brunette's hand, rubbing her face affectionately on it.

More than 7 hours has passed by since the fateful accident. The moment they all saw her laying there with tubes stuck in her body and beeping monitors observing her heart beat, tears started falling as each one surrounded the bed. Soon enough Yumi's parents rushed in, and both gasp in horror and shock. If Yumi's dad hadn't caught Miki she would have fallen to the floor. Before long, everyone except Sachiko said their goodbyes and promises to visit before one by one quietly left the room, the Fukuzawa family being the last ones out. She never left though. So here she was now, sitting on a chair beside the comatose girl as her thoughts wandered again.

Apparently her cousin Touko came back with a bag of fresh clothing for her to change into. A simple red v-neck t-shirt and fairly tight-fitting jeans. She also brought a pair of maroon flip-flops that are her size. For some reason, Touko knew she'll stay with Yumi, and how right she was indeed.

She was never going to leave her again. Never again.

"I know you can hear me Yumi, and I want you to know that I love you so much, that when you wake up and open those beautiful auburn eyes, I'll be the first one you see, because from this day onward, I will never leave your side again. I'm so sorry for everything that I have put you through and I know I shouldn't even say these things to you, since you have a boyfriend and everything, but I just can't help what I feel anymore." Sachiko sighed softly, gazing at the sleeping girl's face with so much affection before she continued. "You're the most amazing, kind, and loving person that I have ever met, and I would give up every single thing that I could possibly possess just so I could be with you."

She looked up at the ceiling, trying to keep her tears at bay, but when her eyes gazed at Yumi's angelic face once more, controlling her tears proved to be futile. "I'm so sorry I took your heart with me and I didn't even realize it until you confessed to me that night. I promise you that when you wake up I will give mine to you whole-heartedly, no complications added mind you." Sachiko said jokingly, yet every word that tumbled out of her mouth sounded serious.

Sachiko yawned pretty quietly as she slowly closed her eyes and leaned forward, feeling the mattress slightly dip under the weight of her upper chest and head. She spoke those three words softly once again before drowsiness overtook her entire system.

"I love you..."

To Be Continued...

A/N: Like it? Hate it? Review and tell me! And once again THANK YOU so much for the reviews! Over a hundred on my first multi-chaptered story here in FF! I could just die :D The ending is pretty near, and I think I have decided how the ending's going to play out. And I'm not telling anyone mind you ;) Sorry if you find any mistakes regarding the punctuation or grammar, for I do not have a beta reader yet. Am I such a bad writer that no one wants to beta for me? LOL

Do you think the title meant the words 'I love you' or 'I am sorry'?

Hope to hear from you soon,

AsulNaRosa

P.S. You guys are probably tired of hearing apologies from me but I swear to old cheese that's good and yummy that this is the last one. Sorry if this story is too detailed if you guys find it that way :3 Oh and also please tell me about what you think of the song too. If it fits the story I mean.