Yusei pushed up the garage door.
"Akiza."
She was standing with her back turned towards him, with her hands clasped behind her back. Yusei went over to turn on the lights.
"Leave the lights off."
Yusei halted and turned to look at her.
"I've just been waiting here, thinking of all kinds of things," Akiza said, "I can't show you my face right now."
Yusei stepped closer to her and Akiza continued. "So you'll be the only one here in Neo Domino City now, Yusei…"
Yusei stopped right in front of her. "Yeah…so what's wrong?"
At this, Akiza spun around to face him. "I was just thinking of how I should say a proper goodbye to you," She explained.
"I see," Yusei murmured.
"Yusei." Akiza clenched her hands. "I've always lov – " She paused and Yusei looked at her, waiting. Akiza felt heat rise rapidly onto her cheeks. She squeezed her eyes shut.
Suddenly, without warning, she took Yusei's face with her hands and kissed him on the lips. Yusei's eyes widened with shock, but he closed his eyes as well and kissed her back.
When they broke apart, both of their cheeks were colored. Akiza stared at the ground, too embarrassed to look at him, and admitted, "I love you, Yusei. I've always loved you." There, her secret was out.
Yusei was elated as he grasped for her hand and said, "I love you too."
Akiza dared to look up. He was grinning shyly and she hesitantly smiled as well.
"Akiza, don't forget to smile. There's no one in the world with a better smile than yours," Yusei said and Akiza replied, "You're the one who put that smile on my face, Yusei."
None of them wanted to leave and waste the little precious time they had alone together. Akiza pulled her hand away and Yusei let go of it. They stared into each other's eyes for a while.
Then, Akiza said, "Promise you'll keep in touch with me. Call me or send an email, or text me. You can even write a letter to me."
Yusei laughed and Akiza blushed indignantly. "What's so funny?"
Yusei's laughs turned into a milder chuckle and he apologized. "I'm sorry. But I definitely promise to keep in touch with you."
Akiza relaxed. "Good, because I'll miss you – a lot – when I'm gone."
Yusei took her hand again and kissed it. He looked up to see Akiza blushing furiously again. "Hurry up and get your studying done. I want to see you as soon as possible."
Akiza giggled and nodded. "Well, I'm off." She withdrew her hand.
"Okay. Get on out of here."
Akiza took off and Yusei watched her. When she disappeared out the door, he finally turned away.
He wondered, Am I her boyfriend now?
He shook his head at such a stupid question. Of course. We're in love with each other.