Long.

You'll notice a gap in the dates below. The gaps in the storyline will be filled out in the next chapter.

Sorry for the delay. When you're in your finally year in college, you tend not to make a mistake to assure graduation. That's why I'm taking my last term seriously.

THREE DAYS AFTER

'She touched me…

And leaves a stitch.'

-Akane-

(December 23)

Weeks flew by fast and before I knew it, December was finally reaching its last week and in another couple of days the season of giving will be upon us. With this clearly in mind, I couldn't find myself to stop smiling. After all, receiving gifts has always been a favorite of mine.

"Excited?"

My smile widened as I looked into those blue round eyes. Ecstatically, I replied "Who wouldn't?"

Michiru weaved a light laugh before turning her gaze back at her packed lunch.

"By the way," she muttered, absently picking a piece of tamago, "I have no plans of giving you a gift this Christmas."

Finally for the first time this day, a pout replaced my lips. A playful smile formed across Michiru's face which I challenged with an assertive squint and a quick big bite onto her tamago.

I pulled a tongue out and grinned cockily, "Payback!"

"Yeah," She smirked, adding, "I dropped that earlier on the floor."

I choked and almost threw up but Michiru managed to quickly add 'kidding' before doing so. I made a face and turned my attention instead at the person who just sat in front of me.

"What were you two talking about?" Mikoto asked, placing her tray on the table and sliding closer to Michiru.

"Christmas."

"Well," Mikoto started as she picked her chopsticks and mixed the noodles around. "What are your plans then?"

"We'll be staying at home though I don't think it'll be a normal Christmas since my sister is back in town."

Both were taken by surprise and uttered in a high spirit "She is?"

"She did pop once at our door step, slept with us thrice in the past weeks and now I'm not sure where she is but I do feel she'll be there during Christmas." I told them less spirited than their reactions were while indulging myself with Michiru's lunch and mine as well. "You?"

"For me, it'll be Sapporo-….."

I am very sure Mikoto said more than that but as soon as my eyes came across those blonde strands surfacing around the cafeteria, the only thing I heard from Mikoto was Sapporo because after that I suddenly voiced her name out in the open.

"Haruka!" I called, gesturing her to come and sit with us. She wasn't really hard to find. A student who's five feet and nine inches tall with blonde hair is always bound to stand out. Besides, it is after all, a cafeteria dominated by black haired students.

Haruka took a couple of seconds before she finally managed to spot me idiotically waving my hand and happily telling her to come over. She made her way, smiling, and sat beside me as she arrived. I could tell by the subtle expression on Michiru's face that she was indeed happy to see her. Mikoto, on the other hand, was a different story.

With an obvious fake smile, Mikoto greeted, "Hey."

Haruka politely looked at her and returned the greeting with a simple smile.

"So Haruka," I cleared my throat as I began, breaking the slowly growing tension, "Any plans for christmas?"

"Probably spending it with the girl she met at the bonfire." Mikoto abruptly interrupted.

I looked at Mikoto before turning my gaze back at Haruka. Though I did notice Michiru's face fell a bit.

"You sneaky little thing." I glared, hands on hips then kidded next "I baked you cookies that night and you already replaced me that fast!"

"You baked her cookies?" The sudden question caught my attention. I looked at the owner and saw her shaking her head in disbelief. Mikoto then added, "Why would you do that?"

Nothing to gain from answering it, I turned back to look at Haruka instead.

A crooked smile formed, as she replied savored in sarcasm "Believe me Akane, my bowel couldn't forget your cookies for five whole days."

I faked an amused laugh while Michiru giggled beside me.

"And no," Haruka now facing Mikoto. "We only had a casual conversation that night while we walk to the station. I haven't seen her since then."

I don't know if it was because she ran out of breath or she was actually happy to hear that, but what I do know is I heard Michiru sighed. I had a slight feeling it was mostly because of the latter.

"Anyway, I'll be spending Christmas the way I always do." Haruka finished with a content smile. Averting her gaze to another person at the table, she then asked "How about you?"

"It's Koko's birthday on the 26th." Michiru said, looking up from her onigiri then adding, "So we'll celebrate her birthday as well. I will be cooking and Koko will be asleep before dinner gets ready."

"Ah." She gasped amusedly, nodding her head. "Hime-chin amazes me."

"Why?"

Haruka's agape turned quickly into a sly grin as she teased out, "She knows exactly how to escape bad cooking."

Both shared a laugh. We weren't able to raise any question or voice something out, we can't even relate from the conversation they were both having.

Hime-chin, really?

I sighed, smiling. For a few minutes, it truly felt as if Mikoto and I weren't even there, just the two of them having that conversation. And this feeling was slowly taking its toll on Mikoto. The only thing that stopped those two from conversing was this shrill sound of the school bell ringing behind us.

Haruka stood up, taking the tray along with her and bid "I'll be going then."

We all watched her go before we stood up and grabbed our own trays as well. Michiru walked towards the door and waited while Mikoto and I went to return the trays. It was rather silent and I was aware that she still has her questioning gaze set on me.

And as we dropped the tray and head back, I knew I was right as Mikoto asked once again, "Why would you do that?"

"What?" I returned, arching a brow up.

"Bake her cookies."

"It's a thank you gift."

Mikoto laughed, shaking her head "Come on Akane. We both know you're not that considerate."

"To a person who helped Michiru get through the pain you caused her, being considerate is not even enough, Mikoto." I shot back, faking a smile as I walked away from her.

"What?" Mikoto scoffed, shaking her head. "You hate me now? Michiru already forgave me."

I took a step beside her, and spoke nonchalantly "That doesn't mean I should."

-x0x-

-Haruka-

"You're really here."

I looked up and saw an amused smirk running through her lips.

"I thought I wouldn't see you back here, but here you are." My laughter came almost in an instant when her face inched closer to mine and her hands clasped strongly onto my shoulder. "You're here!"

"Hey." I chuckled more, pushing her hand away. "That's going a little overboard."

"Can you blame me?" She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I thought you've given up."

I scoffed and finished tying my shoelace.

She shook her head and asked, almost sounding in nothing but shock "What-… happened to you?"

Pushing myself up, I stood right before her and simply replied. "People change, Fuuko. I got better."

She smiled, draping her arms over my shoulder, pulling me a little closer. "You suck!"

"What the hell!" I laughed, nudging Fuuko's stomach.

Four years. That's how long I had stopped from running. That's how long I had given up.

Why?

Because everything about this place was a constant reminder of what happened four years ago. So, walking into this place once again wasn't easy. But stepping into that pedal, hearing that gun fired, then running, with this great urgency, passion, and dedication in my heart, feeling this cold breeze running through my skin and breathing into it.. That feeling of exhilaration, that feeling freedom, it all reminds me why I loved doing this in the first place.

Also…

It's because I'm trying…

I'm trying to move forward.

"Your time is a little behind from before."

"You have all my data?" I asked, removing my shirt and throwing it into the bin.

"I'm the captain. That's part of my responsibility." She simply replied, glancing back on the notes. "But that is quite acceptable given the fact that it's been four years since you last ran. I guess it's still impressive."

"Are you mocking me?"

"I call it statistics." She shot back, taking her steps out the locker room. "See you after the break."

I waved a hand and pulled a shirt out of my bag.

It's not because I haven't ran for four years that my time is a little off. It's just that running at the tracks once again, I felt a little uneasy. And I kept picturing that day no matter how hard I try not to.

That's why I couldn't concentrate.

That's why I couldn't run any better.

Just then, I spotted Mikoto walking in. With a smile on my face, I greeted, "Hey."

Without taking a quick glimpse at me, Mikoto replied unenthusiastically back "Hey."

And then we we're silent. I don't know what to make out of it but it felt like there's this big tension going on between us… or to say the least tension built up against me. But hey I could be wrong. After all we did have a conversation earlier this morning, didn't we?

So maybe we just need something to talk about. Let's see…

After juggling few interesting topics back and forth, I finally picked one. With another smile, I voiced happily out. "You're time was amazing! I was two seconds behind you. I guess I'm-…"

"We're not friends." She quickly said, her voice a little loud.

I was taken back, and all I could do was to stare at her heated glare.

"Don't act like we can be friends because we can't. Not after you confessed to Michiru and certainly not when you still feel that way about her. So don't pretend as if you don't like her anymore because you still do. I'm certain that you do. It doesn't go away that fast." She paused, taking a good look into my eyes. "So we're not friends. We will never be."

"I-…" I stopped, thinking ways to reply but nothing came to mind.

She smirked, slightly shaking her head. "And judging by the way you are now, Michiru still isn't either just a friend to you." Mikoto took her bag and walked out the door after adding, "Being close to her wouldn't change anything. Michiru chose me. She chose me. So at least have some decency to step back and respect her decision."

I wanted, for thousands of reason, to say something back. But I couldn't find it within myself to do so. The only thing I was capable of doing was stare at those eyes and watched as she left the room, with her words ringing through my thoughts.

In the end, there was nothing to say.

Because the truth of the matter is, everything she said was true.

-Ume-

(December 24)

I could feel my tears welling up as I watched those silhouettes fade into distance. But I had to be strong. I needed to be strong. After all, that person doesn't deserve these tears. So I bit my lip, clenched my hand and held all the tears from falling as I swung my body around to another direction.

Just then, I found myself distracted by those blonde locks surfacing through the crowded street across where I was. And just as I thought, it was her- the same person a few weeks ago.

With a hand held up high, I called her out, jogging my way across.

She fully turned around, and though partly surprised, she welcomed me with a warm smile.

-x0x-

-Haruka-

Her hands rubbed against the cup as she breathed in the warm sensation it brought. She sighed, a small smile cradling her lips as she took a quick sip into her mocha flavored coffee. Her face once again fell a little bit, as her body relaxed onto the sofa.

After inviting me for a cup of coffee, I never heard Ume uttered a word since then. How should I put it? It kind of seems like she's in a not bad nor good, or not happy nor sad disposition, it's more like a mixture of both. Unexplainable mood perhaps, which hardly ever turned out to be any better. Either way, I do have to be grateful for the coffee.

With a small appreciative smile thrown, I spoke politely out, "Thanks for the coffee."

"Christmas sucks!"

I gagged the coffee in my mouth after the weird reply I had come to hear. After all, it's not that often you'd hear someone saying that after a word of gratitude. I quickly grabbed a tissue from the table and wiped my mouth off.

"That's the spirit." I replied monotonously which had her giggling.

"This town never experience snow and…" She paused, her face fuming, "…it reminds you that you don't have someone special to spend it with."

"Ah." I gasped, settling my back comfortably on the sofa. "You got dumped."

She squint then rolled her eyes, replying "No. But I'm fully aware you were."

"How so?" I asked, arching one brow.

"I saw you staring at someone from a distant during the bonfire but I barely managed to make up who it was." She reasoned out with much confidence.

"I knew you were stalking me!" I pointed, taking a quick sip into my coffee.

Ume threw her head back and laughed, basically mocking me. After a while, her laughter died as she glanced back to look directly into my eyes. With a mischievous grin up, she asked haughtily "So, tell me."

"Tell you?"

"What's the story?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "There's no story."

"So are we just going to pretend that there aren't any?"

"No, we're not going to pretend because there really aren't any stories to tell."

"Try me. I'm a good listener and I give out pretty awesome advices. After all, I'm more experienced."

"You're in college. That doesn't make you experienced; it just tells me you're older."

She laughed, "You're rude."

"There's nothing to tell, really."

"Okay." I could see that sly smile behind that coffee cup. I wanted to press my statement further but decided to shrug it all out. Besides, nothing good will come out of this.

I strongly believed that. So strongly believed it.

That's why I was able to hold myself from saying anything after that. I went silent, awkwardly silent as Ume and I sat there and drank the coffee little by little.

So it only bugged me when I suddenly muttered out in the open, "Tell me… is it possible to be friends with the person you still like?"

"Does the person know?"

"Well, yeah."

"Is she single?"

"I wish."

Ume looked up, brows creasing, "No. It's torture and definitely stupid."

I had to laugh at that expression.

She pouted but continued anyway. "Until that feeling still strongly exists, then that person can never be just a friend."

"Then how?" I leaned in, resting my cheek onto my palm. "How can that person be just a friend?"

"I don't know. Distance yourself, probably, till the feelings are gone."

"No. No." I shook my head and asked once again, "Hypothetically, if it was you and you still want to keep that friendship there without distancing yourself. How would you do it?"

"Well…"

I quickly added, muttering softly "I just want to find a way where it is possible to be close, to still have that friendship and say that it's okay, that there's no more feeling there, so there's nothing to worry about. That nothing has to change."

"So this is your story…" She murmured appraisingly, while smiling at my direction. "You're stupid, you know that."

I moved my head away, covering half of it with my hand as I uttered back, "I knew I shouldn't have told you."

Her face softens. Smiling, she uttered back, "Find someone who can make you forget about her. After all, the only way you can move on is to find a new love stronger than the old one. Then focus yourself to that and nothing else."

I tried to hold it in as I looked at her face. I tried, I really did. But it was too much for me. So, I burst out laughing, stomping my foot on the ground.

"You know what your problem is? You mask your emotions away with a laugh or sarcasm. So even if it hurts, you still give out a smile or joke about it and say that it's okay." Ume glared, slapping my forehead in return. "So grow up."

I flinched and pouted, "Hey!"

"Just one thing," Ume uttered quickly, folding her arms against her chest. "Does her partner know about this?"

I looked at her and frowned, "Yeah… sadly."

"You do realize that other than you being stupid, her partner would do anything to keep you two from being friends or together? Because that is what's going to happen, like it or not."

The moment Ume uttered those words, I felt a slight pang hit my chest.

I wonder…

Would that happen?

-x0x-

-Michiru-

"I'm sorry I couldn't see you off. I really got a lot in hand."

"It's okay. I'll be back in a few days. We'll see each other again."

"I'm really sorry."

"Michiru, it's okay. I'll see you when I get back."

"Yeah. Take care. Call me if you can."

"I will. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Bye."

"Mmm."

*CLICK*

I shut my phone and put it back inside my purse. The next thing I heard as I stood by the hallway was this cute voice asking eagerly out,

"Was that Hawuka-chan?"

I laughed as I found my little sister standing beside me, earnestly pulling the hem of my shirt. I smiled as I warmly looked at her. "No. It was someone else. Besides, onee-chan wouldn't just say I love you to Haruka."

She pouted, stretching her arms drastically up as she argued "Why not? I love Hawuka!"

My smile widen as I ruffled her hair "I'm sure you do."

"I'll mawy Hawuka-chan someday!"

"You really like Haruka a lot huh?"

"Ah huh!" Koko nodded her head vigorously. Stretching her arms wide, she added with a proud smile on her face "This big! Onee-chan too, right?"

I paused, staring intently at those innocent eyes of Koko. She tilted her head, patiently waiting for my reply. My face softened. I smiled, crouching, "Why don't we get those desserts you've been wanting since then?"

Her eyes bulged in an instant and her smile widened as well. "YAY!"

Koko ran through the door and twirled around as she got out. I followed behind her and reached her hand as we walk out to the street.

I don't know why…

Why it took me a while to say anything back or why I wasn't even able to reply properly at Koko's question.

The answer was simple.

I do. Just as any friend would feel to a friend.

So why was it when I looked at those innocent eyes, it felt like the answer wasn't just that simple.

That it wasn't just that.

"Onee-chan!" I felt a strong pull on my hand. I snapped and saw Koko pouting up to me, with her other hand stretched out. "Pudding!"

I peered over my shoulder and saw dozens of puddings piled up and next to each other. I let go of Koko's hand and without a second later, my sister was already over there, having some trouble deciding which one to pick over the others. I watched her through the sidelines while I picked some items needed for tonight's dinner.

"Michiru?" I jerked up when I heard my name uttered from behind me. I looked around then I finally found her. A wide smile on her face and inviting arms stretched out.

"Katsume-san!" I greeted with a surprised smile. "What are you doing here?"

"I just had a coffee with a friend and this was on the way home so I decided to buy something for dinner."

"Akane would be surprised if she found out you're preparing for Christmas." I told her.

"Well it does sucks but hey," she shrugged smiling, "it makes her happy. You know how she is."

"THIS!" I turned around and saw Koko jogging her way back. With her arms held high, she shouted joyfully, "This! Let's buy this pudding!"

"Alright. Go put in the basket then." I told her smiling. Koko did as told.

"Daughter?" She asked, arching a brow while pointing a finger at Koko.

Koko, tilting her head, looked at Katsume in that big round innocent eyes and mumbled a soft "Mmm?"

I, on the other hand, threw my head back and laughed a loud before replying a big, "No."

"Sister then."

"This is Kokoro." I said, pointing to my sister "Koko say hello to Katsume-nee-chan."

"Hello." She muttered shyly, hiding behind my leg.

"Why can't Akane be that cute?"

"She's 18." I giggled, taking Koko's hand with mine.

"But she acts like 12." Katsume sighed.

Suddenly, I felt a slight tug on my hand and a whisper coming from below me, "Onee-chan."

"I think she really wants to get home." Katsume mused, pointing a finger at Koko.

"Ah." I looked at Koko then back to my watch. "We have to prepare dinner and all and it's getting pretty late."

"Hey, I don't mind."

"Maybe we could sit for a coffee and talk some other time."

"Oh, yeah that would be great."

"So we'll just see you around then."

"Definitely." She answered with a proud grin, waving a hand as she left the place.

It took several minutes before Koko asked out in the open, "Who was she?"

"She's Akane-chan's onee-chan."

"She's pwetty." She gasped, looking back at the last place where Katsume stood.

"Oho… And Haruka?"

Koko quickly looked back at me, hands clenched together, "Hawuka-chan's the pwettiest!"

"Is that right?"

Nodding her head enthusiastically once again, "Ah huh!" then stretching her arms up above. "She's the best! Onee-chan thinks too, right?"

My eyes widened a little. Again, I was taken by surprise by her question. But what still surprised me the most was still not finding within myself to answer her question directly. Instead, I asked, chuckling, "Why is it you always ask me that?"

Really…

Why was it so hard to answer?

-x0x-

-Haruka-

After having a cup of coffee and well, a nice conversation with Ume, I went directly back home. I stumbled upon a few gifts on the door, with names I knew printed on them. Names that always appear on every gift on every Christmas, and names I rather not see nor remember. Once inside, I threw my keys in the bowl and placed the gifts by the table. I slumped back on the sofa and kept my eyes closed. This is Christmas for me.

Christmas was just like any other holiday there is and it just meant another break away from school. I had stopped celebrating it four years ago and I never intend to celebrate it now not that it bothered me. Well it actually did. I don't like that jovial theme it has and you're supposed to have. It's troubling and irritating. It's a constant reminder of what I don't have in life. And it sucks.

I laughed, remembering Ume's words clearly in my head.

Christmas, I never liked them. They suck. They really suck.

So it only surprised me why I suddenly walked out of the door and out into the street. The only time I realized I wasn't home anymore was when I found myself standing in front of some lame cardboard cut-out advertisement of a popular artist with a drink in hand.

I blinked a couple of times before I decided to might as well buy myself something to eat tonight. Now I'm stuck here, staring at some wide variety of desserts I could take home with me. I picked the one with the simplest design and headed directly to the counter.

"Haruka?"

I turned around and saw her walking up to me. I smiled.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was just buying something for tonight."

She looked at the items I bought and a second later her brows creased. "Those are not food."

"They actually don't require cooking skills." I grinned. "Just a working microwave."

"It's Christmas. Don't you have any decent food prepared?"

I shook my head.

"Didn't your mother cook anything?"

This time a faint smile cradled my lips as I stared at those eyes in dismay. "It's just me…"

Her face softened as she took my hand with hers. "Why don't you spend Christmas with us?

I scoffed, shaking my head. "No. It's okay. I've been spending Christmas alone for four years now. It's okay."

"No. it's not okay." She replied with a straight face. "It's the more reason why you should come with me."

"I-…"

I wanted to protest- to honestly turn down the offer. But when she smiled, tightened her hold and dragged me out to the street, I wasn't able to find my voice anymore.

So I went along with it.

-x0x-

-Michiru-

It took me three hours before I got everything ready. Koko tried to help out by setting up the table but ended up not being able to reach them. Instead, I told her to keep her eyes carefully guarding the food. She did as told and was happy to do so.

I sighed, wiping the sweat off of my head as I stared at the dinner on the table. Everything was finally done and the only thing that was missing was the juice. I usually am not the type of person to forget these things but when I stumble upon Katsume, I suddenly forgot to grab a pack of juice from the grocery. Now, my mother went out to buy us some. Hopefully, there are still some stacks left.

CREAK...

My ears perked up as soon as I heard the door opened.

I went out of the kitchen, speaking out loud, "I know I have forgotten about the juice and you're still mad but I managed to finish-…"

And stopped midway through when I come face to face with her.

"Hey." She muttered, shyly smiling back at me.

"… Hi." I managed to reply properly back, still confused and at the same time surprised to see her here.

"Hawuka-chaaan!" Koko shouted from the top of her lungs as she launched herself onto her.

Truthfully, I already considered the option that I might be just hallucinating but when Koko suddenly burst out of the kitchen, ran to the hallway, jumped her way towards her then hearing her name flow out of my sister's mouth, it finally dawned to me that this was actually real. That she was really standing in front of me.

"What-… what are you doing here?"

Haruka stopped from tickling my little sister, and uttered unsurely, "Miharu-san invi…"

"I invited her over for Christmas." My mother said, walking pass me.

There was nothing left to say… or just that I don't have anything to say other than to smile. Because truth be told, I was happy about it. Koko was just more vocal about her feelings than I am, as she shouted, hugging Haruka in the process, "Yay!"

-x0x-

-Haruka-

How should I say this…?

Our dining table was this twelve-seater table more than enough for a family of five. We barely have any conversations or any skin contact because we were too far away from each other. So we just sat there, eating the food prepared by top-chefs cooked for us.

While in this household, we sat through the whole night in this really small dining table. The food was just enough. There were no extras or leftovers. It's wasn't also extravagant, it was simple but enough. And it tasted great. In this table we talked a lot. We discussed almost everything and laughed almost at anything. We were happy. I was happy.

So even though this small dining table barely made room for anything anymore, it still was better. Because that spacious dining table with all those lavish meals actually felt lonely.

"You're smiling… Why?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and found Miharu-san confusedly staring at me. I waved a hand and chuckled, "Nothing. I just thought of something."

"Okay." She shrugged and continued, "Michiru took Kokoro upstairs. She'll back any time now."

"Mmm.."

When I thought the conversation was already over, Miharu suddenly surprised me when she asked "Say… What happened?"

-x0x-

-Michiru-

"… What happened?"

I stopped from my tracks and hid behind the wall. Patiently, I waited, with my back pressed against by the concrete wall, for Haruka to respond truthfully. But I didn't hear anything from her. Only my mother adding her statement with another question, "Wouldn't they worry?"

This time I heard Haruka sneered still without a word uttered.

"Haruka?" my mother called out once again

Finally, Haruka spoke… And it was something I wasn't expecting to hear.

"My father left my mother when I was 14. She took me to live with her while my two older sisters lived with my father. My mother killed herself after a year while I was out to a track competition. That's why I quit because the thought of running or seeing the field reminds me of that day- that day where I could have done something if I just stayed at home with her. My father, I still blame him for what had happened. So I can't find it in my heart to forgive him. Anna-nee lives in another country and her husband doesn't like me. She does visit a few times but that's it. And Natsu-nee is out there, a place I'm not exactly sure where that is."

I never heard any response from my mother but instead, I heard Haruka continuing.

"I have a father who I refuse to recognize, a mother who killed herself, a sister who I haven't seen since she left to another country and another sister whose husband doesn't acknowledge me. That's why it's just me. Just me every year since I was 15, Miharu-san."

"Sorry. I didn't know." I heard my mother say which was quickly waved off by Haruka as she faked a laugh, replying

"Don't be. That's life. We never like it most of the times but we have to live it anyways. You know what's ironic? I hated my father since then that I can't even find it in my heart to look at him but I'm still living off from his wealth. Isn't that just pathetic..."

"Can I say something? Just an opinion."

I could hear my blonde friend replying a soft 'Mmm' in return

"You might not like hearing this but," She warned before continuing. "I think it's your mother you have to blame. She was the one who had given up. She had given up on herself and she had given up on you. That's not something you should blame on yourself or even your father. That was your mother's choice. It's her to blame for that."

'Too honest, Okaa-san!' I chided mentally to myself. Really why does she have to say that. That was so insensitive of her.

There weren't any response and judging by that silence, I could tell Haruka wasn't too happy hearing that.

'Great. Just great, Okaa-san!'

And I was definitely right when my mother continued, saying, "I told you, you wouldn't like it."

Haruka didn't say anything after that. I was contemplating whether or not to walk in there and pretend like I didn't hear everything. It took me quite a while before deciding that silence as my queue to enter. With a pretty convincing smile on my face, I took my steps inside.

"I put Koko upstairs in your bedroom." I said as both of them looked up at me.

My mother stood up, walking pass me then turned around to take a quick look back at Haruka. "Kokoro might freak out if she finds herself alone in the bed."

As soon as my mother left, the atmosphere became awkwardly quiet. Awkward and suspiciously quiet. I couldn't put anything into mind what possible topics we can talk about. The only thing that kept crossing my mind was that conversation Haruka had with my mother. So I kept shaking my head while forcing a smile out.

Haruka stared back at me with a faint smile. And somehow it felt like she knew exactly why I was acting this way. But never the less, I still need to find a way out of this. With a quick glance by the pantry, I finally found a good cover.

"We still have some desserts left. You want to share?"

I don't want to open up anything related to that. I don't deal very well with things such as that so I really believe that's it's best to leave things how my mother left them. After all, I would want Haruka, at least just for today, be feeling nothing but happy. So tonight, I'll try my very best to keep her smile up and let her enjoy the rest of the day.

"Why not?" She smiled, rubbing her stomach. "I still have a room for some more."

I giggled as I placed a plate with a slice of cake on the table. Haruka took the fork on her hand and pulled the plate closer. I went on the other side and sat across her, bringing a plate of cake along with me.

"I hate to say this but," She uttered after gulping down the piece of cake. Continuing, "… you cook pretty well, Kaioh."

"Surprised, Tenoh?" I mimicked, raising one brow up.

"I am. Your mother cooked the last time I was here."

"What can I say?" I said, shrugging. Then grinned as I proudly claimed, "I'm pretty skilled."

"Oho slow down, missy." Haruka raised a hand, palm facing me and commented out, "Ego's getting a little too big for Christmas."

"Yeah coming from you, I doubt it is." I shot back with a knowing look.

"I'm honest, not arrogant. There's a fine line between those two."

"It's called modesty, which clearly is unseen to you."

She laughed, grinning as she bantered out, "I take it back. Your food sucks."

"You can't just take it back. You ate all of them."

"I can and I'll puke if I have too."

"That's just… appetizing." I rolled my eyes, dropping the fork back on the plate.

Haruka laughed once again, smiling cockily like any idiotic being would. I dismissed the action with a glare and a fake amused smile.

"So tell me…" She started, after stopping from laughing. "Since we'll be graduating next year… what universities are you planning to try out?"

I arched both brows and questioningly stared back at her.

"I know it's out of topic but I'm curious."

I gently smiled and spoke, "I'm hoping to get this scholarship grant to this great art school in Prague, if not then I'm hoping to get one from T University but the competition is pretty tight. Still scholarship is my only way to college. Koko's going to school soon so money will be tough on us."

"I wouldn't worry about that, Michiru." Haruka reassured with a soft smile, adding, "You're going to make it. You'll be in an art school in Prague and you'll do great. You'll be great and you'll send me post cards telling me how awesome you are."

"Well that's the hope." I laughed lightly. "How about you?"

"Let's see. I plan on taking law then go into politics." She kidded dryly. "Come on, you see how I'm in school. I don't think there's any future there."

"You know what's amazing is that no matter how bad you do or act, in the end you're still able to pass. You're in your last year, Haruka and somehow you got through that." I argued, adding with a simple smile "You're great, you just don't know it."

"Hearing that from you, yeah it's quite rewarding."

"It's not that often I call a narcissist pervert great."

"Touching." She remarked in full sarcasm.

"I'm telling you that you can be great if you want yourself to be. But until you find it in your heart to let go of the past, then you'll just be the person you thought yourself to be."

Her mouth fell a little open as she stared at me in shock. "You heard?"

I paused, rethinking the words clearly in my head. Suddenly, I realized I slipped up the one thing I swore I won't mention today. 'Great!'

Feeling highly regretful, I cast my stare down and spoke quite softly, "Sorry. I overheard you two talking."

Haruka put up a faint smile as she moved her head away.

"I'm not telling you what my mother told you, who to blame or not to blame. I'm just telling you that you owe yourself a life, a future because you're a good person, a great one that I have come to know and you deserve that. So don't give up on yourself."

Then we we're silent. I actually expected this to happen. After all, an outsider like me shouldn't just give out opinions like that. So it only surprised me when Haruka suddenly spoke out,

"You know I haven't been particularly fond of Christmas since I was 15 but I remember liking-... well loving it when I was a kid. Because back then was the only happy memory I have with my family."

I'm lost, to tell you the truth. I was expecting a drastic reaction, like a violent response or maybe even just a simple glare and scowl. But I receive none. Instead I got that out of the blue confession. Also followed by Haruka smiling as she uttered out,

"Thanks."

I pondered aloud, "What?"

"Tonight you and your family gave me something I had almost forgotten."

"A cake?" I snorted. "It's really not that rare."

"No." She chuckled, covering half her face. After a while, her laughter died as her emerald eyes straightly looked into mine. She spoke gently, weakly,

"For reminding me the feeling of having a family."

-Mikoto-

(December 26)

Where is she?

I called her countless of times but she never picked up. I took the earliest flight back home just so I could surprise her but she wasn't home. So I'm stuck here, sitting by the porch of her house, waiting. I don't even know why I should be. Michiru should have called me- to tell me where she is. Three days had passed and she didn't even try to reach me. But as soon as I heard those familiar voices by the distance and saw them walking happily next to each other, I finally realize why Michiru didn't even try.

I could see Michiru's mother taking Kokoro from Haruka's arm. I bowed my head in respect as she made her way pass me and inside the house. I averted my gaze back at Michiru who was nothing but utterly surprised to see me.

She took her steps towards me and asked without any hint of happiness or regret, "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"Me? What are you doing out with her?" I scoffed bitterly, angrily pointing a finger back at Haruka. "I've been calling you all this time and you never even returned any of them. Now, I could see why."

What was really funny was Haruka even found the courage to butt in. "It was my fault. I'm sorry."

"Don't. I'm not talking to you." I hushed, glaring back at the blonde being.

"Sorry." She muttered to herself as she walked away.

"What was that about?" Michiru asked, her voice a little higher. "Koko wanted to go swimming and Haruka gladly insisted to bring us there."

"Of course she would. She likes you for crying out loud." I reasoned out.

"…"

And now she has nothing to say to me? Was that guilt?

"I know. I heard everything. You didn't even have the decency to tell me that."

"Nothing happened." She said in defense, looking straightly into my eyes.

"I know." I told her and admitted truthfully, "But I just can't stand seeing you spending your time with someone like her."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying is that I don't want you to see her anymore."

"She's my friend."

"And I'm your girlfriend." I reminded her with a straight face. "I'm your girlfriend Michiru."

"Miko… I just can't-…"

"Four months, Michiru. You've only known her for four months." I quickly shook my head, grunting at her reaction. "I don't know why you have to think about this or why you're having trouble. This shouldn't be hard. I shouldn't be even arguing with you as to why. Unless you-…"

I paused as soon as a thought came to my mind. A thought I refuse to believe but can't when everything she had done was telling me otherwise. I really wanted to put this thought aside or even disregard it. But seeing how those days went by, I can't help but think the possibility of it being true.

"Michiru…" I looked up and asked, much to my dismay, "Do you-… like Haruka?"

-x0x-

-Haruka-

Mikoto was right. After all it wasn't my place to butt in. So, I left in an instant feeling highly responsible for what happened.

Though it's not the guilt that's bugging me the most.

It's the thought of Mikoto keeping Michiru away from me. Because frankly speaking, as Ume had said, that is what's going to happen, whether I like it or not. And though this remains true, I couldn't find it in my heart to be angry at Mikoto. I understand. I clearly understand why she would react that way.

Still, I can't let go. I just can't let go of Michiru like that.

This was my fault. I made this happen but I can fix this. I will fix this.

I dug my hand through my pocket and reached for my phone.

I can be her friend.

And…

Michiru can be just a friend…

She will only be just a friend.

With such determination, I quickly dialed the number that first crossed my mind.

"Hello?"

"It's me, Haruka…"

"Hey, why are you calling this late?"

"You were right…" I told her, laughing bitterly to myself.

"… Haruka?"

"So, help me… I want to move on, Ume."

Thanks for reading! I really appreciate all the reviews!

American Stitches by Richard Walters. I think the song fits this chapter.(Also the line in the title came from this song)

Also, thanks to MRAZI for reading this, giving out opinions and pointing out my mistakes. MRAZI you're awesome!

December 25 will be in the next chapter and so are the succeeding days. The gaps will be filled out in the next chap.

"Haruka it's me, Michiru. I tried to call you on your phone but i couldn't reach you... Well, it's new year, you know what they say about new year. No? me neither just that Akane's been telling me this story... A lot. You know how she is... Say Haruka, I've been doing a lot of thinking and it's probably too late but I think... I think I might feel the same way. I don't know.. I'm not sure either.. just that you've been in my mind lately- constantly. and I... I need to see you. So if you can hear this right now, then meet me. You know where to find me."

THANKS!