Warning: Melodramatic at the end. I just can't help it. This is the chapter where angst and melodrama are played out EXTEMELY. xD

This is the chapter out of all the chapters I posted that I really poured it. This is the chapter where I gave it my all. This is the chapter where I put even my grades on the line. This is the chapter were 3 days of midnight-typing were given to the fullest.

This is also the chapter where Sawada-san becomes Tsuna-san.

~K27~

The two of us together can definitely get back the smile we forgot

And be strong again

…

Please look at me,

I'm here, waiting for you

Even if I'm lost alone blown upon the wind.

I'm here, waiting for you

Gazing up at the sky

I'm sure my heart is opening its hands to protect you

So that the you back then will turn and look at me

No need… to cry.

-Olivia Lufkin 'A Little Pain'

~K27~

There are two choices I'm supposed to take inside the four walls of my classroom here in Namimori High- the first choice is LAUGH. The second one is LAUGH HARDER.

To be safe, I jump to choice #1...

...on the first appearance of Haru, or what I think is Haru. She wears the same winter uniform. She still has her brown and alert eyes, complete with lashes and a thickly-glossed pucker. Her mouth is curled up in a frown, usual when she's in a sour mood.

Her hair, however isdifferent. Umm, do you know those short guy hairstyles? Well, her last long hair is now severely lopped off, with her sporting a short-short boyish 'do.

This is the outcome of her deal with Gokudera-kun. Both of them had to do what their deal planned them to do. I found out from Yamamoto-kun earlier that they 'did it' just last Saturday.

Haru spots me and now runs to my direction. I notice a bald patch from her hair as she dashes onto me and then burst into tears all the while mumbling things regarding octopuses and fail haircuts.

Sigh, another typical Monday, except for the absence of Sawada-san. Onii-chan had already told me about him out for training in the Amateur West-East Japan Tournament this week, but I can't help wondering why he's not in his original seat. The girls are now pacing it like a well-guarded throne as they whisper and point at me. Guess the scene I did last Saturday in my escape and the confrontation between me and Sawada-kun is still fresh in their minds. I ignore them though. This isn't the time for me to mind them.

Because Gokudera-kun finally does his grand entrance- with a new shiny 'do. I mean really shiny.

Sanmyaku, no hair!

All began rolling in the floor thanks to his bald head. And now, everyone can't help but take choice #2- that includes myself. All that's left of his hair was a sheen of a clumsy stubble on the left side. This time, he sees us, and marches to our table, in time because Haru had stopped crying and is now ready for another verbal round with him.

"You!" He screams as he attempts to spray Haru with spit. "You said that shaving wasn't allowed!"

"You started it first! Why the hell did you turn my gorgeous locks into this ugly mop? You know that it takes a long time before my hair grows back!"

"Like you're the one to talk!" seethes Gokudera-kun, pointing at his head using his ring finger to be safe. "At least I did a neat job and didn't shave off that filthy hair of yours!"

"Oh shut it!" said Haru now close to tears. "It really took me a long time to grow my hair to my waist, you know! And you even made me look like a boy!"

"Hey guys," said Yamamoto-kun calmly, patting Haru's head as she now wipes her sobs. "Why bother arguing just because of your bet? Come on Miura-chan, smile." He grins at Haru, who immediately turns pale pink. "Besides, I like it better that way, Miura-chan. You look really cute with that hair on. Oh, I know!" He then takes from his bag a clean blue handkerchief and ties it to her hair, making Haru burn a shade deeper. "Chin up, 'kay?"

She just nods slowly as she exits, intentionally bumping past Gokudera-kun and probably going to the restroom.

"Geez." Gokudera-kun says angrily as he goes to his seat. "Before it was 'hahi' and all that 'Haru-haru' crap. Now it's about the hair. Dammit, what the hell's wrong with her?"

"She kinda graduated from saying those things since sophomore year," I reply to Gokudera-kun, whose feet were once more launched on his desk arm. "And, she said she wanted to look more girly than before. Her stepdad... kinda likes her becoming lady-like and all. And I think he's not really that easy to please..."

"Sheesh." He scoffs. "And I thought Big Mouth's got a better and more logical reason than that."

"Gokudera's such a cold person for feelings." Yamamoto-kun chides him and wags his finger.

"I'll be a hot one about those feelings the moment I see her jumping here again." He replies back angrily before slipping back to his seat. "Screw that girl and her 'girly' ways."

"Maybe we can go to the arcade later, and some karaoke after," suggests Yamamoto-kun to me. "We'll just let those two have some fun and forget their arguments and stuff."

"But our tests are next Wednesday." I say calmly, although I am shaking because of dread regarding that subject matter. "I don't want a low grade again (against that Sawada)." I wish he didn't hear the last three words.

"Aww, please Kyoko-san?" He now purrs coming closer now to my annoyance. "Pretty-pretty please~?"

Good gawd, what's wrong with this guy?

I agree now, sighing. If this is for the sake of Gokudera-kun and Haru reconciling, then let's bring it.

~K27~

It's a rather eventful day. The moment we said 'arcade' to the two, they jumped in the ride immediately after class. We got lots of prizes thanks to the new Haru-Gokudera-kun competition with Yamamoto-kun bringing up the rear. They gave the stuffed toys to me, while they went on to play. (Haru had a knack for the claw-thingy while Yamamoto-kun was a pro in Racing. There's also Gokudera-kun in the token-token thingy). After the arcade, we immediately went to the newest karaoke place, where we sat on beanies in their 'deluxe' room and enjoyed singing in wireless microphones with the lyrics flashing in the HD TV. There were also the snacks that they just keep in coming, ranging from macaroons to parfaits. Did I mention we can sing outside in their rooftop? (I wonder though how Gokudera-kun and Yamamoto-kun paid for the hefty bill, and they said from Sawada-san...)

We were really drained by the time we ended our 'healing session' for Gokudera-kun and Haru. They even didn't bother arguing on the way home. This time, it's Haru and Yamamoto-kun chatting lively, though sleepily in the back (But... I guess that's just Haru. Yamamoto-kun is as energetic as ever.) Of course, I had nothing much to say to Gokudera-kun that time. I look at my watch. It's already past nine. The stars aren't on sight tonight. Clouds bundle up the dark sky this time around.

We're walking and slightly numbed from the night air when I see him- I see him.

Sawada-san.

Even from afar, I already know it's him. He's wearing an all-black ensemble with his black hoodie and black shoes. From his back hung a long object also wrapped in black.

We stop in our tracks. To my right, I see Gokudera-kun tense slightly, losing the seeping sleepy face he had on earlier and whose eyes are now wide awake and body more alert than 5 seconds ago.

"It's tonight, Juudaime?" He now asks as Sawada-san walks in front, takes out the long thing in his back and throws it in the far back. As I whirl around, the target- Yamamoto-kun already caught it. On his face plastered the seriousness I've never seen him put on in my lifetime."

"You've forgotten?" He asks simply as his tall figure stands there and all I can do is glare and scowl at him for ruining our night out. "I had to take that from your dad, Yamamoto, sorry."

Yamamoto-kun smiles briefly as he slings that object on his back.

"We'll take south. Ryohei-san and Hibari-san already took North-"

"What's my brother got to do with this?" I flare up and draw to my full height.

"Like us, he has some urgent business to finish. Now please Sasagawa-san refrain speaking too loud. If they hear you-"

"Then please tell me what that business is! I have a right to know- I'm his sister!" I hiss furiously.

"Let's go." He just nods to Gokudera-kun and Yamamoto-kun. Haru's still groggy and didn't know what's going on. Yamamoto-kun whispers something in Haru's ear, making her giggle. They then run quickly from us, leaving me fuming in the backdrop and Haru's head resting on my shoulder.

~K27~

I don't know. I really don't know.

"He's just afraid of what will happen if you get too involved with him."

"Just involving himself with those stupid sumo matches Hana-chan-"

"Is that the only real reason you can think of Kyoko? Are you really that shallow-minded?"

I stop. Talking to Hana-chan on the phone comforted me the moment I got home from class. But now, the more I talk to her and the more did everything make sense, the less I didn't want to know.

"I want to be this dense, Hana-chan." I say finally. "I just want to think that there's nothing wrong with Sawada-san, or Gokudera-kun or Yamamoto-kun or Reborn-chan. I just want to think that we're back at Namimori Middleschool with you and not separated like this. I just want to think that we're stupid junior-high-schoolers again." I stop and imagine Hana-chan in my midst, arms folded and chiding me on.

"But you know you can't be dense forever, Kyoko." She answers before sighing. "And sooner or later, you're bound to find out the truth about Tsuna and gang anytime soon. I wonder too if I can see you again sooner… probably in the Summer Festival I'll probably be there."

"Thanks, Hana-chan." I reply gleefully, now clapping my hands. "Make sure to bring things there in Ikebukuro."

"Yeah, yeah. By the way, what's gotten to you all of a sudden? Calling me now after three years when I thought you'd forgotten-"

"Sorry about that! Hana-chan, I've really been not myself these days."

She pauses. The phone then emitted more or less a crackle of electricity. I yank the phone cord desperately. What's happening Hana-chan?

"W-what's wrong Hana-chan? Something strange?"

"I'm just smiling. I really can't believe it but somehow you've really changed."

"Umm it's my voice right? I know, I should probably tone down the lozenges…"

"No! Not that. It's just, you seem really older now. Except that thick skull of yours with its ridiculously-slow processing… I mean, come on! That baby's been babbling that like since forever."

"What?"

"Kyoko, for a smart kid like you, how can't you know?" She chuckled, emphasizing the 'Kyoko-moron' part.

"If Hana-chan won't tell me, then I guess it's up for me to find out, huh?"

"Now you're talking. Well, I've gotta go. I've still got a bus to catch."

"Thank you, Hana-chan."

I now imagine how far her smile would reach her cheeks.

"Wait for it, Kyoko. The time will come when you'll just be surprised at what Tsuna's really thinking. You'll just be caught like 'whoa'. Never give up, 'kay?"

"I wish you're here, Hana-chan." I smile, trying hard to fight off tears. "The buildings haven't changed, but the people sure do had."

I then hear the beeping- she hung up.

"Who's that, Kyoko-chan?" I hear my onii-san ask from inside as he munches on the plain breakfast of miso soup and bread rolls I make now that I'm busy.

"Hana-chan, my friend in junior high. She's in an all-girl's academy in Tokyo."

"Oh… the big-haired hag?"

My brother's really mean these days, as I've currently noticed. I can tolerate him calling Gokudera-kun names (since Gokudera-kun also does that) but with saying it crudely on girls… ugh. (I do notice that guys have a tendency to call girls 'hags' when 'bitches' were inappropriate to say in the presence of their girly sibling/friend. *I swore. My gosh, I swore!*)

I decide to just ignore it. I'm not really in the mood. I still have a job to prepare to after school so I continue washing the dishes. From the window, rain continues falling down in torrents. It's been like this for a week now. I'm surprised Namimori's still standing strong despite the non-stop drizzle.

"Kyoko, have you heard the news lately?" My brother suddenly piques his buried-down curiosity.

"Yeah. There are a lot of gangs that happened to be taken down by some unknown Mafia family since Monday."

"W-what the hell are you saying? I meant the school news!"

Brother sure knows how to cover up some things he doesn't want me to know. Like I do know, anyway; I know that there's a damn connection *there I swore again* between the forced disbanding of these groups with Sawada-san and onii-chan but good grief am I too blinded to see it.

"No. I've been taking care of some jobs after class so… I guess I didn't have the time to chatter with Haru-chan." Happy, dearest brother?

"Ah…" I now hear his loud-enough assuage. "Well… the Tournament's tomorrow."

The coffee I'm drinking suddenly found itself in the sink. "What?"

Hmm… so maybe that's why he's not in his classes today (and by 'he' I mean *cough-cough*) so he can practice. The more I notice it, the more I kinda wish there was more… competition. By now, well I didn't like it much. Gokudera-kun also only recites when I ask him to so it's never fun.

"We're gonna fight tomorrow. Kyoko, make sure to skip classes and watch us- to the extreme!"

"Skip classes? Onii-chan, well I really want to have decent enough grades so…"

"Come on! Please?" He purrs, making even me wonder if onii-chan's still inside this man. (Go figure. Hibari-san and onii-chan were made to attend high school even though they don't need to. They had already enough schooling in Italy, as I heard from him and they're still studying!) I thought brother as an intellectual-type of person and for him to say such things makes him really out-of-character.

"I'll try if the principal permits it." I promise, though at the same time vowing to break it anytime soon. I'm really sorry onii-chan, but I have to take advantage of it now that Sawada-san's out of my range. This time he really is going down.

"Then tell that stupid principal I'll be ready to take him on if he rejects your request!"

"But isn't the principal Reborn-chan?"

"Who's he?"

I really thought that onii-chan had at least some common sense when he studies another year in high school. Sanmyaku, am I wrong.

~K27~

Now that I look at myself, my hair's kind of long. It has already reached past my shoulders and near my waist. I don't have clips, since Haru often borrows them for styling reasons. What I do have is the push-pushy pen onii-chan gave me. It has a metallic orange wrapping around its stainless-steel shell. On top of the push-pushy things, was a crest I seem to remember seeing on onii-chan's notebooks (I buy him notebooks to which he jots down his drawings of extremities) and on Yamamoto-kun's and Gokudera-kun's bags. Where have I seen this insignia before, three years ago?

I then notice golden smooth writing inked on the wrappings. I have to rotate the pen many times to notice the words in Italian. I should probably ask what it means to someone who knows how to.

I pin my hair using the pen, slide my bag on my right and take the big umbrella my brother lent me (He agreed to jog in the rain to boost his stamina. I don't understand how running in the rain will boost your stamina. What I do understand is it can boost your chances of getting a cold.). Well, I guess I've gotta go.

~K27~

Good gawd, the weather's getting worst. Maybe I shouldn't whistle so much. It's probably raining harder because of that. Add to that, my shoes are wet from stepping on too many puddles.

I look up to only face the wet sky. Because of the rain, I just can't catch a glimpse of the stars.

My red umbrella's already making all kinds of noises because of the heavy pattering as my feet slosh along. My watch tells me it's already seven-thirty. Oh man and I still have to do some light reading of fifty pages for my report on the afternoon!

I could feel the cold water on my socks as I now dash to Namimori High. The dreary surroundings only added to my misery as I stumble and fall through the slush. If Haru catches me like this (good thing I brought an extra uniform…)

Oh yeah, Haru. I've been really suspicious of her, since Thursday when she told me about that.

We happened to be in the restroom then, with me putting up my hair again and her putting as much hair extensions as possible, making her hair look more like an overblown fur of a spitz.

"Here, let me help." I offered, as I carefully lined them in order. She could just blush as I made her hair more like the one she used to have before her bet with Gokudera-kun.

"Thanks Kyoko-chan," she said gratefully as she added more pink lip gloss to her already pink lips. She dabbed a little more powder on her face and a little blush on her cheeks. It's a funny thing that she doesn't have much of the things to make herself look pretty enough.

"What's with all this?" I asked, now wondering why she's having a make-up overload session. "You have a new guy or something? I thought there's still a deal between you and Gokudera-kun about that."

"Oh right," winked Haru as she pats my hand. "Well I have to tell her that the deal's off for now."

"Why?" I asked pretending to be interested when on the contrary I'm really on the edge wondering what's gotten into her all of a sudden.

"Well, I had Yamamoto-san's number after our night out and I've been texting him these past few days. He's really sweet and kind and caring and cool to hang out with. He's not like the sports jock I remember him from the usual. And his mom's divorced from his dad like me, since I technically live with my stepdad so…."

"You're saying you like him?" Oh gawd, Yamamoto and Haru… I really don't like the combo, but if Haru says she does-

"If I told you I love him would it be okay for you?"

"Haru-chan, it's just some random texting. How can love even blossom from such shallow beginnings?"

"Aww, Kyoko-chan's such a meanie!" She folded her arms and glanced at the mirror to not ruin her braided look (which comprised of hair extensions). "What if he tells me that he feels the same way?"

"You're daydreaming again." I just didn't like it. Yamamoto-kun never really thought of love much. What's he thinking now? They only met, like a couple of weeks ago after 3 years. I doubt that their relationship would last long now that…

I paused in horror. This is our senior year. Yamamoto-kun and Gokudera-kun have been not giving a damn on college applications (which involve those 'Mafia whatnot' that the principal often scatters) so does that mean...

"Did Yamamoto-kun tell you what his plans are for college?"

"Now that you mention it, I never got to ask him. But he said that he'll go anywhere Tsuna-san wants to go."

Oh gawd, everything's suddenly coming together. So, after high school if this continues… Onii-chan often mumbles about this in his sleep.

They'll be going back to Italy. And I guess with the things that they are doing, with all the absents in the classes this week and all the occasional disappearance of some gangs, they won't be coming back this time around.

I then passed out that time. By the time I opened my eyes, my head was resting on a white fluffy pillow and my body on the bed in the nurse's office. The light just facing me from the ceiling dulled myself a little, and finally to my right I see a frowning Gokudera-kun. By the time he notices my eyes were already open, he bursts out into an evil grin.

"Kyoko-san… I have some of the Big Mouth's fake hair. Darn, are they freaky." He then raises up the many hair extensions Haru had tried so hard piecing together earlier.

"W-what's going on? What about the classes Gokudera-kun? There's a quiz in Physics-"

"Hey, hold your horses Kyoko-san! Take a deep breath, come on. Reborn-san arranged it all. I arranged the official punishment for the culprit in that restroom with this." He showed the extensions. "There isn't supposed to be any cheating about hair length in our bets."

"Okay," I just said as I sank back to my pillow and sighed. I wondered how much of the conversation between Haru and me was heard. I didn't know what got into me, but I resumed asking him. "Gokudera-kun?"

"Hn."

"Why are you here?"

"To guard you from that Big Mouth."

"Oh." Darn, this guy never rambles. "Uh, Gokudera-kun?"

"Hn."

"What's it like having no hair?"

"What kind of question is that? Well, it's kind of refreshing Kyoko-san. You don't need to fan so much on hot days. But well, it's kind of irritating on rainy days. It's freezing! So, next time you want to shave your head, time that out in summer."

Oh gosh, this guy can be stupid when you wish for it.

"Umm, thanks about the advice, Gokudera-kun. Hey, I'm just wondering if you know about what Haru-chan and I talked about before I lost consciousness." (I technically fainted, but using those two words makes it less embarrassing).

"No, I didn't. And I don't care at whatever that hag's babbling about."

~K27~

From my reverie, I pause walking. I had this prickling feeling that someone's following me.

I turn my head back. The rain had fallen to fewer patters so it'll be easier to hear if someone's there. I'm alone. I guess it's because it's still early to go to school. And I'm taking the shortest route where none much passes by.

Yet I'm feeling that someone's there- lurking and waiting for me to make a mistake.

I walk faster. Gosh am I stupid! I freakin' paused. There's also no Yamamoto-kun and Gokudera-kun around and I freakin' paused. They'll realize that I know about me noticing them. Gosh, hurry Kyoko! I know this is bound to happen, with all the gang and people disappearances happening the time Sawada-san and the others came around-!

I then ran. I ran like it's the last thing I can ever do. I know I can make it. Only a few more meters till I catch sight of Namimori High School and scream for help-

But the enemy's running too. Oh gosh, what's gonna happen now? From the sloshing of the water, I guess my future assaulter is much faster than me. I throw my umbrella blindly at the back and try my best to outrun him. Oh gosh, I don't like this. There were only a few more meters till I reach the place. It's only a little more time before I-

A hand roughly grabbed my shoulder, and before I could scream, I lost it. Dammit, I lost it.

~K27~

"She told me she likes Yamamoto-kun." I toned down the 'love' thing because I figured Haru's just being delusional again.

I guessed Gokudera-kun will probably yell 'So what?" or 'Like I care!' or something. But he just sat there, nonplussed at what I blurted out. He's thinking. I know that Gokudera-kun's not stupid when the situation calls for it and I pray that this situation is enough for him to realize it.

He then grins a little, before his hands now fell to his knees and he bows low.

"Knew this was gonna happen sooner or later," he just said as he looks down. "Of course she'll be caught by his attitude or something."

"In your time in Italy, did Yamamoto-kun have any girlfriends?"

"Him? Hmm… as far as I know, he never really thinks about such things. He had a girlfriend about two years ago, but it only lasted a month and he was never really serious about it."

I started thinking. If Haru by any chance gets rejected, oh god I really don't want to see it. As a friend, I know that her 'perfect guy' won't be appearing anytime soon.

"What about you Gokudera-kun? Had any girlfriends in your time there?"

"Me? Well who cares about those things? Being slaved by mushy crap will only hinder my job as the Tenth's subordinate! And since the boss also doesn't have such things either…"

I sighed in relief. Thank goodness that Gokudera-kun's still got no one in his sights… yet. Gawd, if the two of them had one then…

"But Kyoko-san, don't tell this to anyone. DON'T TELL THIS TO ANYONE!" He raises his voice almost to a hissing shout that made me turn my head back a few inches.

"What shouldn't I tell?" I asked.

"It's kinda private and the baseball freak didn't want me to tell me about it and all you know so I guess this is breaking the line really-" Yes, I reminded myself I was talking with none other than Gokudera-kun. A very out-of-character Gokudera-kun. He now takes a deep breath before taking the plunge.

"He likes talking with her. He finds her fun to be with."

"That's it? That's freakin' it?" I said aloud. "That's your big secret?"

"It's a secret enough."

"Umm… I think it's a little childish secret Gokudera-kun."

"Oh. Kay. Sheesh, I don't understand you people. You don't think it's important? Does that mean he likes her then?"

"He said he only likes talking to her."

"Right..."

"But why do you care so much? I thought you don't care at whatever that involves Haru-chan. You often fight with her, right?"

"Honestly, Kyoko-san I just want her to know that I like exchanging talk with her, that's all. A shame though that I can't really make her cry."

"Really, Gokudera-kun, you can really be sensitive when the situation calls it."

~K27~

You know Gokudera-kun, I wonder why you can be able to open to such feelings.

Because even at gunpoint with a bruised body to boot, I can't tell them the truth about Sawada-san.

"Awake now, dearie?" I hear a sweet and sickly voice from the shadows. I look around with the dim lightbulb and notice the caved-in ceiling with dirt steadily falling from above. We're underground.

"Goood." The voice mutters as the man pointing the gun at me earlier hit me full impact in the stomach. I had to scream in my head instead of crying out in pain. "Now, since you're fully awake, I just want to kindly inform you that Sawada Tsunayoshi would be coming here anytime soon- and gladly alone."

I laugh darkly. "You picked the wrong damsel to hostage."

Ack. The hit to my stomach somehow dulled my senses. It's a good thing that my smart mouth beat my smart brain.

"You don't believe me? Would he really give a damn that some insignificant pinprick like me would be worth even this turf of yours?"

"Oh, you know a little of it, I see. I thought that you're gonna be one of those stupid whores again. It's nicer that someone would know a little something about what's happening below ground. But nonetheless, I'll be glad to play with you even just a little if he doesn't come anytime soon."

The person who was speaking finally uncloaked himself from the shadows. He was wearing that simple hoodie get-up and some dark pants. His face, to my horror showed otherwise.

It looked less, less like that of a man. It looked more like a head still recovering from a trip to the hottest furnace imaginable.

"You know about the Mafia, dearie?" He whispers to my ear, before launching a right kick to my face. I think my nose broke.

"I'm kinda getting there, sir." I whisper as my nose bleeds freely. The pain from the blows hurts. But this is my fault. Ha, if I paid closer attention to the others, then none of this would have happened.

"Oh, then you realize Namimori's no longer in our grasp? Did you know that he-oh killed all my buddies in a blink of an eye as well as doing this to my body?" He said, still in that feigned sugar-coated tone. "If he doesn't try coming, then who knows what will happen to you?"

"Then just get it over with. He's not going to come anyway." I smile, with a little blood from my nose probably mingling with my teeth. I'm trying to be sarcastic here. Frankly, who gives a damn now? These people are wasting their time with me. Did they honestly believe he'll come? Hahahaha! Now I'm wondering who the real ignorant people here are.

They're stupid.

"K-kyoko-chan."

The Sawada from before; the happy-go-lucky person I knew- he's not there.

"You're really a good friend to me. And I don't want that to change, Kyoko-chan."

He's really good at cracking up jokes. Jokes that can really pack a punch to your chest. Good friends? Come on, Sawada-san. You lie. Hahahaha! I forgive you though. You were still a kid when you said that. We were still young then, and I know that things change when you get old.

I know that and I miss it.

I miss it because I was much freer than these ropes that are binding me. I miss it, because I can still forgive unlike the hatred I'm feeling for him right now. I miss it because… I know that the future was a road I can see.

Now, I guess the other side isn't as pretty as I thought it'll be.

"Tsu-kun."

I wonder when I'll be able to say that to him. Really, I wonder when that will happen again- the times we just call our own names without any worry.

I'm really wrong to naively wonder that.

Hana-chan was right of calling me dense.

I then hear sounds- it echoes inside the earthen walls of the cell I'm in. Even now, it echoes inside of me as it fades away.

"I'm alone."

BAM! I hear a sickening crunching sound and a muffled cry of pain. Oh god- no, no, no!

No, god, no. Please, oh please tell me this isn't real.

Please tell me that the person I'm hearing isn't Sawada-san.

"Hmm… what a grand entrance Tsunayoshi-kun." My head kidnapper chuckles as he forcibly yanks the rope aside from my hands and lets his own rough, grotesquely-hewn palms do the binging as he brings me forward.

My stomach lurches. Just coming out of the shadows limping slowly was the person that I didn't and expected to come.

And just like that as he comes out to the light, the shadow of a crowbar comes falling down to his head.

I scream as his head starts to bleed and he falls. Gosh, tell me I'm daydreaming. Oh god, just make this all an effing bad dream.

"Smart enough not to bring any of your comrades alone, aren't you?" My attacker winks as cool metal licks my neck from his left hand and I feel my hands curling inward and all I can do is just cry out.

But as far as I see, with all the chairs that only batter him as they fell and break down his back, his pain's much greater than mine. He doesn't even scream.

I now wonder why Sawada-san can be stupid when the situation doesn't call for it. Why did he let himself experience this alone?

"You're enjoying this?" Sawada-san coughs as the crowbar hits his back and by the sound I scream and struggle and try to just get out of his grasp. My punishment was a swift slice to my cheek.

"Good for you to notice." He just smiles when this time he hits me once more in my stomach while it was Sawada who looks at me. He is wide-eyed.

Then someone kicks him on his right cheek and he staggers down.

Another chair is split into pieces before he can get back up again.

The tears in my eyes just won't come out. I don't want to watch this, but my fuckin' eyes just won't let me. Sawada-san, just- just give what he wants. Just hand it to him and go. You're just making this worse than what you want this to be.

Dammit, just stop this.

Kyoko- just- just get a grip!

"Hmm… any chance for you to be groveling anytime soon, Tsunayoshi-kun? Or will you want to get hurt a little longer? Look, your girl. Oh… she really wants to cry. Even her pretty hair's messed up."

He grabs my face before slicing my neck again shallowly. I didn't cry. Hell, I won't cry!

Now that he mentioned it… my hair! The pen. The freakin' pen. It doesn't amount much of a weapon, but I guess it can help as a diversion and then- then... If only I can finally let out the pen. You can do this Kyoko. The more he watches Sawada-san, the less is his grip. I have a chance.

But what am I supposed to do after? Sawada-san can run then and send more reinforcements. As long as I manage to prance around a little more, then he can call 911.

Hang a little longer, Sawada-san. Gosh, I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.

"Ooh. What's this boss?" One of Sawada-san's attackers picks up what fell into his pocket earlier. This is it, Kyoko! Come on, move!

But I don't. The henchman doesn't too, because Sawada-san's hand was firmly grasping onto his leg.

"Don't you dare touch that." He murmurs dangerously as the Tuna charm dangles onto his attacker's finger.

And from my eyes I see the charm being ripped into pieces.

For the first time ever, I see Sawada-san's eyes less damp and more in line with fury.

He stands up like those guys from zombie films and kicks the guy in the face effortlessly. Another one tries to attack but he just raises his fist to the right and BAM! His victim pirouetted a little before getting knocked out cold.

This time, no more distractions! I send a kick backwards to hit him on his **** and not minding the numbness of my hands, with all my might I pull out that damn pen and tried to push it.

Oh gosh, the pen's glowing! It's really glowing. The orange wrappings were now emitting an eerie-looking glow.

"Point it at me. Point it at me, Kyoko-san!"

I turn my head. This is no time to cry. He's focused on taking them down- I don't care if it's for this place or anything but he's really doing it. Just because of that stupid charm. This is definitely not the time to be swayed by name-calling or anything.

I then point the pen straight at him and pushed it with my remaining strength.

BANG! The pen curled inward because of the impact and really got busted up.

The outcome is seen as he falls, the bullet wound gushing from his forehead. God, I killed him. W-what-? I toss it aside as I try to force myself not to shout. Hands force me back from running. Swears of fury rain.

Kyoko, he said to point it at him. This is Sawada-san, dammit! He knows what he's doing.

For crying out loud, he's the boss of the Vongola right? The most fearsome family in the Mafia world… oh. Oh.

I finally get it.

Reborn-chan, Yamamoto-kun and Gokudera-kun… even my brother. They often talk about it.

The truth is already in front of me. I was just too stupid to notice.

Sawada-san's the Tenth Vongola Boss.

Stupid mind!

"Kyoko-san, you finally realize it."

S-sawada-san's not dead. He's walking, walking to us and makes me as flabbergasted as the others present in this room. From his forehead was none other than a flickering of a flame. He moves calmly and normally. And his eyes… his eyes… his beautiful orange eyes…

"S-sawada-san?"

He nods simply, and then I see it. His hands were encased in black with sheens of silver. He holds them out, in a diamond-position and all I can do was look on.

This being can't really be Sawada-san.

"Zero-point Breakthrough: First Edition." He says simply.

A flash of light and before I knew it, I'm in the land of ice. The men from earlier are now ice pillars. The earthen floor now is a freezing sea. Icicles plague the ceiling.

But in the midst of it all, there was a flame.

The flame kneels down, and retrieves what's left of the tea-bag charm. He puts them in his left pant-pocket and then dusted his dirty pants altogether. Slowly, he walks up to me and I just ogle.

"W-what was in the pen?"

"A Dying-will bullet. I had your brother give it to you just in case I can't have Reborn with me. Can you stand?"

I just look at him. His eyes show genuine concern as he holds up his left gloved hand.

"Y-you're kidding me."

"You don't believe I'm Sawada?"

"Kinda. W-what's this? I thought Mafia was all about guns or something."

"Your brother might help explaining." He immediately takes my hand up and helps me stand. I wobble a little. Blame it on delirium from my wounds and seeing Enemy #1 turning this place into ice and showing mercy.

"Why did you let them beat you up? You could've beaten them up in any way you want it with your subordinates."

"I didn't have a game plan. I went here right away without telling the others the moment they sent me that letter."

"Y-you're kidding me."

"I thought that they won't be targeting you. I rarely talk to you or interact with you so…"

"Sawada-san, you're telling me that all these times you've been ignoring me to keep me safe?" Gawd Kyoko, you really are the ignoramus here. You are really so, so, so STUPID.

As I rise, he falls. I catch him just in time. The flame in his head's gone. Maybe that flame was the reason he can even stand from all the hits he received.

He now doesn't answer. His eyes are covered with all his hair. His shirt smelled funkily of sweat. He probably skipped practice for the sake of rescuing me. His match's tomorrow and with all those injuries…

"Did I look cool, Kyoko-san?" He mumbles weakly, as I find my way out of the darkness and supporting him from behind.

"You looked and acted stupid." I reply flatly and thank the darkness for hiding my tears. More and more I realize that Sawada-san manage to gave it all for me. He probably showed me that charm to make me realize he still remembers me.

"Hahaha…" He laughs weakly and I nervously play along. Soon enough, we reached the outside. It was already night time, but the rain's still ongoing though this time, they danced slow steps.

They manage to hide my tears too. Thank god that my surroundings are helping me.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess in the first place." He mutters more as I stumble a little from his sheer weight. I didn't look at him as I walk. We were just near the edge of the town. From behind was none other than a small abandoned shack that didn't stand out much from the much shabbier community.

I didn't smile. He really said those words. Know what? He's acting less than the Sawada I knew. For now, he's acting like Tsuna, the Tsuna I always wanted to see. I didn't answer him. If I answer, then he'll realize I'm crying because of this all.

"Kyoko-san?"

"Yeah?" I whisper as we walk.

"You've really changed."

"Not as much as you."

"Are you mad with me because I did?"

He probably noticed it- my coldness towards him. He had a good reason for avoiding me whilst I didn't try to ask him. I really am too stupid.

"Not anymore." I admit with a laugh.

"So you are. I'm sorry, Kyoko-san."

"N-no. It's fine."

Ugh. It's really getting to me- his weight and my own injuries. I know Sawada-san's trying his best to help me, so I didn't complain.

"You have a match tomorrow, right? You took this beating and all but shouldn't you at least umm… have taken care of yourself more?"

"I didn't want to let Kyoko-san be the only one hurt out there." He too admits.

I just look at him and force a smile. "Gawd, are we both stupid." I'm wrong again to think he's a braggart. He's just too selfless for his own good.

Just like that he touches my shoulder. I look at him. Even with all the bruises he sustained and made his face indecipherable to read but I can see it. His real smile.

"Just watch me, Kyoko-san. I'll be out there tomorrow, and I'll try to win. Just watch."

The rain couldn't hide my blush. But my sneeze did.

"Gah! K-kyoko-san must've caught a cold! I really, really apologize!"

"Oh Tsuna-san…" I stop. He also looks at me. My gosh, I said his name! Oh gosh, he'll say what a girl I am to easily slip that out!

"It stopped raining." He murmurs. Now that he mentioned it…

I look up, and see just how beautiful the sky is. The stars look awfully similar to the one three years ago. He points at one.

"That looks like Reborn." He points at one. There it was, the unchanging shape of Reborn-chan even from three years ago.

"There's Lambo-chan." I also point out one, my tears already ceasing to flow. One by one, we point at the stars from before.

"There's Tsuna-san!" I exclaim, as I point up at the one in the far left, just below Gokudera-kun's and Yamamoto-kun's objects.

He pauses and looks at me. I also look at him, praying he didn't hear me calling him that a second time.

"Yeah, Tsuna-san." He agrees, and I can't help but smile at him. "Shall we go now then, Kyoko-san? You'll catch a cold."

The moonlight hid my blush again.

~K27~

By the time we reached the hospital, there was a sound of a howling dog. It was no other than Gokudera-kun.

"TEEENNTTHH!" He yelled in anguish as he and Yamamoto-kun came forward and helped us two back. "I knew we should've conducted a search party!"

"But that would be against the baby's orders…" interjects Yamamoto-kun, who supports me inside along with Haru, who keeps muttering and wondering what happened with me and you-know-who.

"K-kyoko-san. Why are you crying?"

"Kyoko-chan! *Gasp* Did that awful man reject you?"

"No, Haru-chan! It's just because this is the best kidnapping I ever experienced."

"What the hell?"

Tsuna-san passes out and was taken in the ICU for obvious reasons. I was taken in too, since my nose suddenly started to bleed the moment I catch Tsuna-san's sleeping face from the window.

When I awoke, a piece of paper was lying in the table. Inside was the translation Gokudera-kun gave me the night before. I asked him to translate what was written in the pen.

La speranza è l'ultima a morire

"Hope is the last to die."

I thought I lost hope, but in the end, I didn't. Sawada became Tsuna. Hope helped me.

NEXT CHAPTER: Graduation makes me nostalgic. At least though there's the Summer Festival!

Yes! I did it! Sorry for it being long, but I want to compress it to one chapter to make the other ones short. Four chapters left!