FINAL CHAPTER

Before anything else, I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who stood by this story up 'til the end. I'd have to admit I'm a bit surprise on how things ended up this way, but I'll leave it at that. Someone asked for sequel, but unfortunately, I'm already cooking up another story in my head.

For those who read and skipped chapters, a very HUGE THANK YOU for the time! Looking forward to hearing from you soon! (If you do have questions, feel free to PM me!)

"He really said that?" Yumiko asked, doubting every word her brother said ever since they started talking fifteen minutes ago. How couldn't she? All Syusuke talked about was how Tezuka asked him out for marriage and to go with him to Germany and possibly settle down. Yumiko knew Tezuka was stellar. But all things she learned in a span of minutes are just going too fast.

"Dad will not let me. You know that."

Yumiko sighed. "Syusuke, it doesn't really matter what dad says. If you want to go, then go."

"How can you say that?"

The Fuji heiress shrugged. "If Tezuka's serious, which I believe he is, then I'm sure he's capable enough of taking care of you. I don't see anything wrong with that."

Syusuke sighed. "I want to graduate," he said, emphasizing each word to make his sister understand his major reservation for his fiancee's offer. "I want to stay here."

Ah. So there it is. Yumiko once again sighed, this time with a hint of defeat. "Syusuke, I like Tezuka for you. But if you're having too much of these doubts, then let go."

Fuji frowned.

"There's a whole new world waiting for him outside Japan. The fact that he accepted the job offer means he knew that. And you, being tied down here without any strong resolve of being with him just...it won't work, Syusuke."

The blue-eyed boy's frown deepened. "I love him, nee-san. I don't have any doubts about how I feel."

Yumiko nodded. A weak one. "But Syusuke...you can't be holding him back."

"I'm not!" Fuji blurted, suddenly annoyed at what his sister was implying.

"I suggest you sort this out with him. Long-distance relationship may sound like a good one. But trust me," A hesitation. "It doesn't work."

And with a sad smile, Yumiko left.

"So you are really going," Yukimura said with a lovely smile, pulling a full set of long-sleeve shirts from Tezuka's closet. He was helping him pack and judging from the amount of luggage he sees, Tezuka won't be coming back anytime soon. "Where do you plan to stay?"

The ex-psychology professor, who was busy sorting out some documents on his desk, turned to Yukimura's direction. "The hospital will make the arrangements."

"Is Fuji coming?"

That, stopped Tezuka. "He needs to finish college."

Yukimura dropped the shirts down on bed. "But will he be coming after his graduation?"

The stoic Psychology major remained silent, scanning more papers on his hand.

"Tezuka, don't tell me he-"

"He can't go, Seiichi. I asked him like what you said. But-"

"But you were not convincing enough," Yukimura said in a matter of fact tone.

"I can't force him to come. It's his choice, not mine."

"And you are his fiancee Kunimitsu!"

Another silence.

Looking at his long-time friend's defeated form, Yukimura can't help but heave a sigh. He moved closer and held Tezuka's shoulders, forcing him to look at his face. "You have to ask him. Again."

Tezuka looked away and tried to get off from his friend's hold but Yukimura wouldn't budge. "And if he says no?"

"You won't die. You'll still have your six-digit pay grade on your new job, and you have me."

Tezuka released a soft chuckle as he pulled his friend to a hug. Yukimura hugged him back. "I am so lucky to have you," Tezuka muttered, face buried at the bluenette's neck.

Yukimura gave him a gentle tap on the back. "So am I."

That was the scene they were at when Fuji stepped on his fiancee's room. Of course he knew better than to act like a spoiled teen and walk out just because he sees his boyfriend hugging someone else. By now he had already accepted the depth of Yukimura and Tezuka's friendship and understood that this kind of intimacy comes with the whole package. Still, he couldn't help the sudden rapid increase of his heartbeats.

They might have been friends all along. But Tezuka looked...so comfortable on that hug. Fuji swallowed and took another step closer. "Yukimura-sensei, I'm sorry to interrupt but I'd like you to let go of my fiancee now,"

The bluenette, who was obviously caught off guard turned and released Tezuka with a gentle shove. "Fuji...we're just-"

"I know. But if you'll excuse us, I need to talk to him. And it can't wait."

Yukimura immediately got the message. He smiled at Tezuka and grabbed his things on a nearby chair. He exited the room a second after, leaving the two in silence.

"You didn't even tell me that you're leaving tomorrow," Fuji muttered.

"I'm not. But someone's going to pick up my things ahead. I'll leave the day after graduation."

"Which is a week from now."

Tezuka nodded.

Fuji inhaled and released his breath sharply. He closed the gap between them and pulled Tezuka to a deep kiss. Before the other could respond, he pulled away. "I don't know what I'll do if you leave me," Fuji whispered, his voice coated in honesty. "If you leave I'm...Tezuka, I can't..." his voice trailed off as he found himself burying his face to his fiancee's chest, not wanting the other to see him crying. But Tezuka knew better. Even if Fuji tried, he could hear and feel his muffled sobs against his chest.

Tezuka is selfish. But he will never impose on Fuji. Even if he wanted to, he will not. He held him by the shoulders and pulled away. "We will get in touch, I promise."

Fuji shook his head, wiping his tears harshly with the back of his hand. "No. Take me. I'll go."

Tezuka frowned. "Fuji...I'm not-"

"Take me with you, Tezuka! Please...just..."

The stoic ex-professor held out a hand and took Fuji's on his. "We'll get in touch. Everyday."

Fuji refused to acknowledge him, fighting another wave of tears on its way. Now, he really felt like a brat. But what can he do? If he allows Tezuka to leave, they won't be seeing each other again for what? Two years? Three? That's too long. But then again, it's not like he can just immediately disappear. Even if he starts making the preparations now, a whole week will not be enough to get all the necessary papers ready. The fact is, Tezuka will be leaving a week from now and Fuji has to stay.

He took a step back and sighed. "Don't call me until you get to Germany. No text, no calls, no emails."

Tezuka understood and nodded. Fuji gave a weak smile and bid his goodbye. Just one smile. It's better that way. He can't see him off at the airport. He can't bear to call him before he leaves. If he does, he'll just get upset. Fuji knew himself better, and he's not someone who can easily let go of another person whom he's already so attached with. So no, he won't see him off.

A whole week passed.

Tezuka headed to Germany.

Fuji stayed for his classes.

6 months later...

"Oi Syusuke, that's enough I'll-"

"Just one more," Fuji whispered finishing his last glass of vodka in one gulp. "Can I just stay here for the night? Yumiko's going to kill me if I go home like this."

Shiraishi sighed and examined his friend's form. One word came to mind - messed.

Being Fuji's best friend, he had all the idea how tough it was for the other ever since Tezuka left. He was aware of their agreement not to contact each other unless the professor has settled down in Germany, but even at that, Shiraishi expected Tezuka to call the moment he arrives. He didn't.

And it has already been six freaking months, for crying out loud! What the hell is Tezuka doing?! He's not good in history, but he was very well aware of the fact that Germany's among the most advanced countries in the world. Is it really that difficult to make an overseas call? Heck, he could even just post something on Facebook or Twitter to keep his loved ones posted!

But Tezuka didn't. He never called. No messages. Nada.

Tired and more concerned of what has become of his friend, he had confided with Atobe the other week. Because why not? If you can't find the answer in the library or internet, Atobe's always the best alternative. To his surprise, the diva couldn't give him any information aside from the fact that Tezuka's doing good at a certain facility. Shiraishi couldn't tell if the other was lying. He could be. But he had no time to argue.

Beside him, Fuji started to grab a can of beer, which he automatically snatched away. "Fine. You're staying. But no more drinks. Jeez, you're the worst drunk I've ever met," Shiraishi muttered, pushing himself up and pulling Fuji's arm so he could stand up.

He dragged him to his room and let him lay down on bed. Fuji started to stand up but Shiraishi held him down by the shoulders. "That's enough. Get some sleep. And that's an order."

Fuji groaned as a shot of headache hit him. He opened his eyes and stared straight at his friend. "Kiss me.."

Shiraishi shot him the 'are-you-nuts' look. If Fuji wants to make him a substitute for Tezuka, then no thanks. His friend is good-looking, a knockout actually, but NO.

"Shiraishi..." Fuji whispered, tugging his friend's shirt. "Please..."

Shiraishi Kuranosuke is cool, and he knows it. But he's still a man - a perfectly healthy guy with active hormones. And his good-looking, effeminate best friend is drunk, lying vulnerable on his bed asking him to what? Ah yes, a kiss. And it came with a 'P-L-E-A-S-E." Oh, and don't forget the two cans of beer he took just minutes ago. Add them all in one equation and you'll see how difficult it is to stay in control.

"Just once," he said with a sigh. "If it'll make you feel better."

Fuji smiled and pulled Shiraishi closer, welcoming his lips with his own. They've been friends for years. But they never saw each other as potential lovers. True, there were a few times when they flirted, but those times were easily dismissed as a joke. Nothing serious. Nothing personal. Yet as Fuji felt his friend respond to his kiss, he wondered how things would have been between them if this happened years ago.

Will Shiraishi date him? Will they still have the same fun they do as friends? Will he feel happier than those times he spent with Tezuka?

Tears swelled on Fuji's eyes, and Shiraishi's reaction was instant, pulling himself away. "Aghrr...jeez...now look what we've done.." he admonished, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. It's not like he despised the kiss. In fact he thought it was sweet. But seeing Fuji crying in front of him for the only one reason he could think of was another story. Somehow, it pained him.

"I'm sorry.." Fuji muttered, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand as he tried to once again stand up. His friend pushed him down.

"I said, sleep. Forget about this. You're such a brat, you know that?"

Fuji lost all the energy to retort as his mind was once again flooded with the thoughts of the only person he longed to see again - Kunimitsu Tezuka. His first love. His fiancee. His...

...and he drifted off to sleep.

"Ore-sama flew all the way here when I heard that you got sick and this is what I see," Atobe muttered, throwing a mischievous grin at Tezuka who stopped signing sheets of paper from his office desk. Atobe's eyes didn't miss the clutches leaning at the far end corner of the room.

"Keigo...when did you-"

Atobe waved a hand in dismissal. "I come and leave when I want. So is it true?" he asked slamming himself on a nearby couch. He had waited for Tezuka to call him, but none came. And according to his sources, Fuji's not getting any as well. Even Tezuka's parents seemed to know a bit of their son's business. When he tried hacking to the facility's database to get anything Tezuka-related, he came up with none. So his curiosity - because he'd never admit that he's concerned - is perfectly understandable.

"Keigo-"

"That you got into a terrible car accident? Broke your leg, damaged an arm and..." he stared straight at Tezuka, searching for the natural glint on that hazel-brown eyes. He saw none. "..your vision.."

Tezuka set aside the papers he was signing. The fact itself that he was affixing his signatures on the paper meant that he can still see. That, relieved Atobe. Still, he noticed the bandaged arm under the crispy white lab gown Tezuka was wearing.

"It's true. I hope it didn't make it to the headlines."

Atobe smirked. "You happen to work at a world-class medical facility who values privacy to a certain degree. They kept your name off the record."

Tezuka nodded. Of course he knew about that. He personally asked the press not to mention his name. And of course their facility made sure his request was granted. "So is that why you came here? To confirm if I'm fine? I am."

The kept his gaze locked at Tezuka. "You suddenly disappeared from the radar. I heard you never even dropped a single message for him."

Tezuka immediately knew who Atobe was referring. "It's a tough time readjusting to the lifestyle and workload in here. And the accident-"

"Oh please, Kunimitsu. You know better than to make those kind of lame excuses. Are you instead by any chance, seeing someone else?" A hint of teasing clear on Atobe's voice. Tezuka responded with a glare. "C'mon..this place is packed with gorgeous-looking people, and an intelligent breed at that. So-"

"So what, Keigo?" Tezuka challenged. "I'm not seeing anyone. And I'm engaged."

Atobe arched a brow in amusement. "Oh really? Well, let me break the news. That same engagement that you're talking about just went down the drain few days ago," he said, savoring the confused and bothered look at Tezuka's face. He deserved it for not calling ore-sama sooner. "Apparently, Syusuke Fuji has decided to move on and is now dating his best friend."

Tezuka's look didn't falter, but Atobe could see the surprise on that normally stoic appearance. Truth be told, he wasn't sure if Shiraishi and Fuji was formally dating. But he received photos of them kissing - in Shiraishi's bedroom. It might have been some random get together, but Atobe didn't care. He's just so pleased to know that his blue-eyed nemesis isn't that perfect after all.

"Which reminds me...why haven't you called him?" This time, it's Atobe's plain curiosity that propelled the question. He waited for Tezuka's response but nothing came. He sighed and stood up, giving one more meaningful look at his soulmate. "I'll see you around."

Atobe has left, but the news he brought remained.

Fuji and Shiraishi.

Tezuka snapped his eyes shut at the sudden familiar pain on his left arm.

He misses his Syusuke.

3 days later..

"Amusement park? Seriously?" Fuji asked, eyeing his best friend in close scrutiny. One, he knew Shiraishi doesn't like amusement parks. Two, he formally asked him out for a date. Both are suspicious. "Shiraishi...what is this?"

"Date. What else?"

Fuji frowned. "Ok fine, but why?"

Shiraishi frowned in thought. Yesterday, when Yukimura-sensei asked him to bring Fuji on the place, he really didn't ask much question. He just know that it was supposed to bring back his friend's good mood. "Well...Yukimura-sensei -"

"Yukimura-sensei?" Fuji asked incredulously, now starting to get annoyed. "How is he part of this?"

"I was just-"

"He's being a good friend, Fuji.." Yukimura said, walking closer. Fuji frowned as he spotted Sanada along with the Humanities professor. "It's a double date."

Fuji stared at the professor, and then to Shiraishi. Few seconds after he started laughing. "I'm sorry sensei.." Fuji muttered, suppressing his laughter. "But Shiraishi's seeing someone. I mean, he already has a girlfriend..so...this is not-"

"It's a double date,"

Fuji froze at the all too familiar voice behind him. He saw Yukimura smile, Sanada lowered down his cap to hide the sudden blush on his face. And Shiraishi...well Shiraishi was literally gaping.

"You- Aha!" his best friend thundered, pointing an accusing finger at the person who was few steps behind Fuji. The blue-eyed boy, for some reason, refused to turn around. More like he was afraid to do so.

Shiraishi started to draw some incomprehensible patterns on air and doing some sort of pantomime in hopes that his friend would guess what he's trying to say, but Fuji's thoughts were completely somewhere else.

That voice.

He turned around. And he saw him. Their eyes met.

"Tezuka..." Fuji whispered, not believing any of it. He blinked several times, his feet glued to his position. Is this really.. "Ouch!" he yelled when Shiraishi pinched his right cheek.

"You're not dreaming, silly," Shiraishi said with a grin.

Fuji glared at him and stared at Tezuka who remained on his spot few steps away. It has been six months with no communication and...

"And I guess, this is the part where I have to say good luck to your dates." Shiraishi said, giving Fuji a soft tap on the shoulder. He winked at Yukimura which earned him a death glare from Sanada. As if he care. He bid them one last goodbye and disappeared from the flood of people.

"Sanada and I will buy some foods. Tezuka, you have my number," Yukimura said as he pulled his lover away, leaving the two on their own.

He didn't see it before. But now that his full attention was on his fiancee, Fuji could see that Tezuka had clutches. He frowned and took the first brave step to close their distance.

"What happened?" he asked once he was face to face with the man whom he has just been dreaming about last evening.

"I...got injured," Tezuka said, never leaving his eyes on Fuji's face. He noticed the dark lines under his eyes. He brought a hand and caressed Fuji's cheek. "You're not getting enough sleep,"

Fuji leaned in to the touch. "How could I?"

He helped Tezuka walk to the least crowded area and sat on a nearby bench.

"I'm sorry if I didn't call. I can, but I didn't," the ex-professor started. After his encounter with Atobe three days ago, he strengthened his resolve and took a week-long leave from work to go back to Japan. Their department head was against it, not liking the idea of him traveling abroad with his current condition. But Tezuka would take none of it. He knew he has to go back. Even just for a couple of days.

"Why?"

"I...can't concentrate."

Fuji looked at him. "You don't have any idea how I..." his voice trailed off at the sudden lump in his throat, making it difficult to speak.

"I'm selfish, I know. But if I called and hear your voice I..." Tezuka sighed. "I miss you so much, Syusuke."

Even is there were few people passing by, Fuji didn't care. He let his tears fall down as he leaned in against Tezuka. He missed him. So much.

"Atobe told me about you and Shiraishi."

The blue-eyed boy sniffled and looked at him. "What about us?"

"Atobe said you kissed."

Fuji's eyes widened at the realization. He made a mental note to confront Atobe about it later but for now, "W-we did. It was me...I ...but-"

"I understand. Now can you help me up to my car? It's at the parking area."

Fuji frowned, blinking away his tears. "But Yukimura-sensei and Sanada...they're-"

"Seiichi knows. I just want more time with you. We can't do it with all these people."

"Then why the amusement park?"

Tezuka thought for a while. "It's Seiichi's idea."

Fuji couldn't help but smile. True. They need to catch up. But all the talk can wait later. For now, he only has one thing in mind. And when Tezuka leaned in to give him a tentative kiss on the lips, he knew his thoughts are shared.

"Genichirou, what are you doing?" Yukimura asked with a frown, slightly annoyed at the fact that Sanada's full attention is on the strawberry ice cream he was licking. "Let's go home,"

"What about Tezuka and Fuji?"

"They're gone. Tezuka texted me."

Sanada nodded and went back on his business with that annoying pink-colored ice cream. Yukimura who have had enough of being ignored grabbed the ice cream and threw it on a trash bin. Sanada stared at him, surprised.

"Why did you do that?" he said in protest.

"You're not paying attention."

"I was! You shouldn't have-"

Yukimura pulled Sanada closer to his side. "If you like licking it so much, then I'll give you a better option."

Sanada blinked once. Then twice. And then he blushed.

OWARI DA!

WHAT?! That's it?!

SY: Hai! That's it! A classic ending for our major pairings! Of course, everyone is free to imagine what happens from here. But as of this moment, Drop Out is officially signing off! Once again, thanks for all the reads and reviews! See you all on the next journey!