Instead of discontinuing this fic, I decided to the best of my ability, to condense everything into one final chapter. That's why it's so long. XP

I'm really not cut into writing HS love-coms. I've realized that a long time ago and I'm sorry guys, but I hope you'll be ok with it because finally. An ending. The real ending though… I doubt I'll be able to write it. I hope I'll be able to add it. Maybe.

And yes, the original playlist I made will be cut short with this chapter.

Warning: All drama, not much funny moments. And yes, let's time-skip!

~K27~

"Long Live"

(Took the author almost three years to finally put up this song)

Her.

I'm pretty glad that life has made me experience another wonderful coincidence here in this train bound from Tokyo to Namimori at seven in the evening.

It's been two years since my college life began and only now do I see Kyoko-chan. Not only that, we're both sharing the same seat. I haven't visited Namimori since graduation day.

And she's as beautiful as ever.

"Wow, Haru-chan?" she asks, her tone splashed with so much excitement I can almost taste it as she pulls me into a warm embrace, her golden locks aglow from the fluorescent lamps. I nearly drop the rucksack I was carrying. I can't help but let my tears fall and do their job in making me look like a mess.

I guess… it's really been awhile since.

"I miss you. I miss you so much," I say weakly as I hang onto her to prevent me from falling as the train gathers speed.

"Me too. Gosh. It's been two years since graduation…" she murmurs.

I can't help but bite my lip at the thought. I can still remember that crisp, sun-kissed day. Under the roof of our TC we said our pledges, and how Yamamoto-kun made a garbled speech I couldn't understand.

And of how… he wasn't there.

We finally sat down. She graciously placed my stuff on the compartment above our heads.

"Still going strong?" she smiles. I look out at the window.

"Surprisingly, he often calls. Makes sure I won't do anything stupid. Like in middle school and high school," I snort and checked my phone. Funny, he didn't call at all today.

"That's nice," she smiles as her eyes flit to the desert of stars and its only oasis of a waning moon outside.

"What about you and Tsuna-san?" I asked.

She smiles. "I haven't heard of him. I don't mind though."

"B-but-" I sputter.

She shakes her head. "It wasn't his fault. I didn't come with him then, right? When he invited me to go? No… when he literally fell on his knees and begged for me to come that time?"

Her voice was like a maudlin melody, a retreat to the piano tunes of long gone memories. They were not like the sunny Kyoko-chan I remembered when Tsuna-san gate-crashed onto her life that senior year. That firecracker Kyoko-chan, the one who fiercely competed with Tsuna-san and assertively denied the feelings she harbored for that kid with the dying will…

"I guess this is his way of telling me he cares for me. To protect me, you know. To make sure no one knows about me. To make sure I won't suffer the same fate like then."

"Tsuna-san's one hell of an ass if he ever doesn't care even by giving you a text or a letter," I grumbled, folding my hands as I eye her beadily. "Seriously, I'll go to Italy myself and make him fall on his knees and apologize to you.

Her laugh ripples between her right fist. "There's a risk of beating him to death before he gives in, Haru-chan. It's ok. He has the Mafia to worry about. If you think about it more, I guess he should put it first before-"

"Before you?" I interrupt, stupefied at her words. No way- no way is Tsuna going to think of my girlfriend like that!

"Y-yeah-" she just says hesitantly. "Besides, whenever I go to the Sawada residence (in the holidays, of course) Nana-san's kind enough to show me their pictures."

"That's all?"

"Yup," she smiles.

"No letters?"

"Nope. And you should see Gokudera-kun. He really kept the hairstyle you did back then."

"That idiot," I mutter.

She just laughs. It makes me a little uncomfortable. This was far, far from the Kyoko then, the Kyoko who wept uncontrollably when we watched the plane rise out of sight, never to return…

This Kyoko was far too… composed. Too perfect. Perfectly fine with how Tsuna and she lost contact when she refused to come with him.

"I'm proud of you two. I guess I was wrong in thinking Gokudera-kun was a totally indifferent person."

It was my turn to titter.

"I guess he gave in. He figured I won't give up on him, no matter what happens. No matter what shit he gets into. Even if he gives up on living his own dreams, he knows I'll be there to pick up the slack," I say, looking at my phone. He rarely texts, but he calls everyday.

"Since the Prom, right?"

"Yup. Gosh, I can't forget that night," I lean back on my chair and casually toss the phone to my handbag. "He unknowingly told me that it wouldn't work when he said it was better that Yamamoto-kun would be 'The One.' Only…"

"I can still remember. You two became the Prom King and Queen."

"Ironically," I sigh. "And I figure it was now or never before Gokudera-kun and I perform. Only…"

I wonder why I cried so hard back then. There on that stage, unable to contain my humiliation, my anger, my disappointment, my frustration… The spotlight was so freakin' bright and my adrenaline levels were so high.

"Yamamoto-kun. I- I like you. And I was thinking… maybe it's about time."

"Pfft. Excuse me. You're really referring to me, Haru-chan? Be honest with me, did you think I would actually say 'Ok, I like you too. Let's go out now. Yes?' Pfft."

He left me there on that stage, with the hundreds of eyes at my direction, judging me for a little fool.

"Yamamoto-kun humiliated you in front of the whole senior year," Kyoko said it for me.

"And Tsuna-kun comforted me. He told me to wait."

"W-wait, he was there before-"

"Yes! Honestly, did you think Gokudera-kun would be the one making the first move?"

"Oh right, he talked to Yamamoto-kun first… I followed them out."

"You did?!" Gosh, what happened to this Kyoko-chan? The nosy, outspoken, and ebullient Kyoko-chan?

"Yes," she says mischievously, putting her hand to cover her mouth as she eyes her right side. So far, no one seemed to be listening. Dude number 1 was busy listening through his headphones and the girl was also busy watching something on her laptop to care. "Yamamoto-kun was crying too. He was pretty manly about it though. But he was really tearing up as he tells Gokudera-kun that you like him. Only inexplicably though."

"H-he knew all along… Gosh why am I so obvious, dangit!"

I close my eyes in embarrassment. I didn't feel any trace of regret, or pity for Yamamoto-kun. It was his choice, and I'm pretty much thankful that he- he really-

"He loved you too, you know. But he decided to put his best friend's happiness before his."

"Is he… is Yamamoto-kun ok now?" I tend to never mention him when I talk to Gokudera-kun. Stupid, childish me.

"He must be. I mean, it was for the best. Both of you are happy, right?"

I bite my lip. Really… did Kyoko-chan really move on? Is she really happy that Gokudera-kun actually chose to be with me?

"And I think that Gokudera-kun was really in love with you all along. He just realized his feelings then. When he performed without you. It was really beautiful. I nearly cried."

"Of all the Vocaloid songs I had him listen to, he really had to choose that. Girlfriend. Its lyrics kinda suck too."

"But his cover was beautiful. It was the right song to tell me. You know."

I look at Kyoko-chan as she stares back at me quite serenely.

"And after that was one of the best events of the night, yo," I laugh. "Even Gokudera was by my side that time and we were cheering like crazy. I mean, come on!"

"Yeah, I can remember you two were like wild mutts out there. No offense," she quickly replies.

"Girl, you were also starry-eyed that time!" I accuse her. "Dude, I thought it was the dance club and the glee club doing a collab. It was amazing, man! An acapella dance remix! Seriously, how badass is that? The crowd was literally on its feet. They were breaking it down while rapping and singing and shizz oh my gosh, Kyoko-chan are you even listening?"

She looked bored. "Almost all our batchmates kept telling their own version of that performance."

"Because it was really, really awesome! They were all wearing ski masks and when they took them off man!"

"Yeah, I wonder how Tsuna-kun's hairdo managed to remain intact then…"

"You're making fun of the person who gave you a rose after the show?"

"He nearly gave me a heart attack then!"

She was turning red now, to my pleasant surprise. Finally, I'm seeing an immature Kyoko that I came to know two years before.

"And of all people to be there… gosh, it never crossed my mind that Hibari knows how to dance man!" I squealed. Seriously, that man is freakin' yum. He was the one hitting the bass notes that time. And when he revealed himself I swear almost three-fourths of the female population swooned. I didn't because I was afraid of getting a whack later (he put them on cleaning duty the next week)."

"Tsuna-kun told me later Hibari-san choreographed the entire thing. That's why he was absent that time. He practiced along with the other boxing club members. He probably got a good beating from Hibari-san because he can't dance before."

"Seriously?!"

"Don't even think about falling for Hibari-san. You won't go home with just a broken heart. I promise that."

I shudder. I almost forgot that underneath Hibari-san's beautiful face was one scary, sadistic bod.

And suddenly I wonder what happened to the poetic self I trained to be in case Gokudera-kun and I meet. He probably will make fun of the fact I didn't change much after two years.

Ok.

"I thought you and Tsuna-kun would ever kiss after, you know. It was the freakin' waltz, and you two never crossed lips."

"Haru-chan, please," her eyes became slits as she moved her lips. "If I ever hear you saying that word-"

Easier said than done.

"Tsuna and Kyoko sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-Mffft!"

Her hand on my mouth was enough for me to stop.

Gosh, her face was scary for me to even describe. It will haunt me to my very grave as much as I want to forget.

"Well. At least he arrived for me to give him his Valentine's gift," she says as she sinks back to her seat. "And our final scene before the parting curtain was kinda dull compared to your moment with Gokudera-kun. Why oh why, did you have to sleep in the Namimori rooftop after the Prom?"

"I had a cold the next day, don't remind me," I made a face. I fumble through my bag to get my sweater. The airconditioner's getting to me.

"Come on, tell me the details! I know it was all mushy-mushy, girl!"

"It…" I began. Then my lips closed and spread to my mouth.

'I knew it' he said. It was 4 AM in the morning and I only got two hours of shut eye. I forgot to bring my jacket, stupid me.

"Just in time, hey."

I had nothing else to say. I staggered to stand. My heels were killing me and my strapless gown was making me freeze over.

'Good job making me pissed' he mutters as he throws me his coat. I take it, dumbfounded and wide-eyed as he walks past. I could hear the blades of the helicopter in the horizon then. 'You're the last person I want to see before I leave'

I couldn't say anything. I thought that I was still able to quip something. I wanted to act strong like before. I wanted to be the person he was sure to lean on like that time under the crimson sun in Namimori Park.

And shucks, I couldn't do it when the time was nigh.

'Sorry I didn't pick you up to perform with me earlier; Guess I I didn't want you to cry midway'

I look up. The helicopter was near now, turning the rooftop into a whirlwind of dust and noise.

"I-"

He moved in closer and silently helped me put on his coat when I lost my words.

'Time together is just never quite enough'

He was looking at me and nudging me to continue the song.

I bit my lip and closed my eyes as his hands draped my shoulder.

"When you and I are alone, I've never felt so at home…"

'What will it take to make or break this into love?'

I open my lids. He was still looking at me with that unreadable expression.

"When we're apart whatever are you thinking of?"

Was the helicopter now above us? I can see a ladder hanging mid-air behind him.

'If this is what I call home why does it feel so alone?'

"So tell me darling do you wish we'd fall in love?"

This time I couldn't help but let my tears flow. What was I thinking? It really can't work. I should've realized what he realized when he turned Kyoko-chan down.

'All the time'

And just like that, I feel his lips pressing into mine.

I wish I felt the magic that time. There we were, tresses played by the wind, eyes blinded by dust. His coat flying off into the rising dawn. It was itchy, cold and uncomfortable.

But it all felt so right.

"There were a lot of questions I had to ask him. How did he know of my feelings? Was he playing with me? How come I let him kiss me? How could he change his mind when he said that Yamamoto-kun suited me more?"

"And he just went after your moment?"

"We paused after a minute. He didn't even say goodbye. He just told me 'I was wrong all along'."

"Funny if you looked at the meaning of his words the other way," she smiles.

"Yet you know," I press my lips together, mustering up a hearty grin. "That time, I understood him quite perfectly."

~K27~

"Are you sure?" Kyoko-chan looks at me, quite flabbergasted at my words.

"Yup. It was easy applying for a scholarship. I guess Gokudera-kun was right. If I really put my heart into it, even my grades would shoot up."

I was leaving Japan in a week to continue my studies. Yes, all for the sake of going back to Namimori to teach them kids.

"I'm planning to surprise him. I already told Yamamoto-kun and Reborn-kun about it. Soon, I'll be in Rome. I ended up compromising for Yamamoto-san's sushi."

"Really? F-from his dad?"

"Well, nothing tastes better than home sushi according to Yamamoto-kun," I shrug. "And I have no choice. Those two are expert blabbermouths."

"Why not tell Bianchi-san? Or Tsuna-kun?"

"Nope, can't ask his Boss and sister. They can blurt it anytime since they're closer to Gokudera-kun."

"Seriously, you already know how meddlesome Reborn-chan is. If he tries to wreck his plans-"

"Then no sushi," I reply calmly. "Don't worry, my BFF. Haru's got it in the bag. I'm bringing in three suitcases full of them. They should be happy enough with that. Yamamoto-san's going to help me bring them to the airport too."

"Okay…"

We then hear the cool voice of the train conductor. Five minutes till touchdown.

"We should get our stuff then," I chirp and engage myself with the hubbub of the other passengers. Nothing really beats the feeling of going home. I haven't slept the entire night because of engrossing myself too much with talks about university life. Kyoko-chan might end up getting a scholarship soon to study abroad. It's still not finalized yet, but I'm pretty sure she'll get it.

"Kyoko-chan… can you still remember that time before Tsuna-kun left?"

"When? Graduation?"

"Nope. When you delayed your time to attend that baking competition to see him off. Why didn't you go with him? You wanted too, didn't you?"

She pauses putting on her lipstick as she looks at me. For a moment, I nearly see her eyes getting awfully shiny.

"Oh that. I couldn't bear to leave you behind. I guess… my real commitment wasn't our relationship."

"Then why did you even start going out with him after the Prom?"

She gives me an icky titter. "I looked far ahead. I want to be a chef, without the Mafia business weighing me down. I had no future if I was with him. What about you, Haru-chan?"

"I love Gokudera-kun so…" Wait. I- I shouldn't argue with Kyoko-chan about this. Of course I want to be a teacher. I also want to marry Gokudera-kun (Ok kill me I know I'm looking wayyy far ahead). She can juggle being with Tsuna-san and living the dream if she desires it so much.

She appears to read my thoughts. "It's not that easy. Nothing in life is ever easy."

"Did you even really love Tsuna-san to begin with?" I blurt out.

She bites her lip and I feel uneasy at my words. What was I thinking? Of course, Kyoko-chan… she…

"Kyoko-chan I'm-" I'm about to extend my hand to her shoulder as she turns away but she-

She takes it graciously. She raises her head that smile of hers still plastered on her pretty face.

"Don't apologize." She then laughs as she carries my other bag. She only brought her handbag with her, since she still has extra clothes at her house. I didn't have the privilege of having an elder brother who works abroad so no leather shoes and designer clothes for my college life.

I look at her. She appears so, so strong. I can never really be like Kyoko-chan. I can never… I can never be that level-headed. I'd rather do things for the sake of love than common sense.

"I'm actually… really envious of you, Haru-chan."

"What?" She really does the trick in surprising me.

"Because you and Gokudera-kun never grew apart no matter the distance and danger."

"What's so special about that? If Gokudera-kun died I seriously can't live-"

"I wanted Tsuna-kun to miss me. What a selfish fool I was to fancy hearing his voice on the phone like old times. All I see of him are photos from Nana-san. No contact at all."

"Kyoko-chan-"

Her simper remains intact. I didn't know if she was holding back her feelings of loneliness or if she was really okay with it.

"Yet I still love him. I'll wait. I'll wait for the sign. And if I can't wait anymore, I'll just wear the Prom dress he gave me on my wedding day."

The train came into a full halt as she said those words. The doors were beginning to open.

I hold out my hand. Time to be the bubbly BFF!

"Then Kyoko-chan, let's get going. Maybe the sign you needed is a big bundle of cream puffs."

I grin. She's taken aback for a moment before laughing too as we push ahead to the door. Time to be alive and enjoy the fresh air of my pretty hometown.

When I finally catch sight of the good old Namimori train station I nearly threw my bags in front of me.

Gokudera Hayato is standing up from the bench in front of us. I walked forward before the people behind me could complain.

When I moved out of the way I couldn't even move a step closer. I'm utterly terrified. Yes, he's here. He's really here.

And Kyoko-chan was right. He really is… donning the hairstyle since two years ago.

I finally drop my bags.

Lookie, my hair's the same back then too. I can't even say that to him.

He smiles.

I wait for the usual insult he greets me with whenever we talk on the phone while thinking of saying something clever or annoying in return.

He kisses me instead.

~K27~

Me.

No words.

Not a single word was exchanged that spring morn when Gokudera-kun finally returns to Namimori in perfect health to meet his woman. He's taller than last time again, losing the childish swagger he displayed back then. He looked less a gangly nineteen-year-old and more a romantic twenty-something bachelor.

All the doubts I had of him hitting on my best friend disappeared when his lips touched Haru's. He changed drastically. Gone was the shy Gokudera-kun who'd fidget and stammer as he tries to court me. He's far more passionate, confident and more serious when it came to love.

And suddenly the air feels ice-cold.

I regret telling Haru my feelings. It's embarrassing to envy your friend's love life, when you chose to be single to begin with. My feminist hormones went in full swing the last time I saw Tsuna-kun.

I place her bags near hers and walk away. I don't want to disturb them. I need a good shut-eye as well.

"It's funny you know."

"What is, Kyoko-chan?"

"Us being girlfriend and boyfriend. It doesn't feel as romantic than the couples I see."

"Then do you want us to hold hands and snog each other in public?"

"W-why do you sound so enthusiastic about it?"

"You don't want that and I'm okay with it. As long as we can see each other and hear each other, I'm fine with that."

"Sorry. I should have more experience going out with someone but with you, haha…"

"I love you, Kyoko-chan."

"EH?! S-stop saying that in public. They're staring… "

"If we can't hold hands, then at least you will let me say those words."

"Denied."

I guess back then, Tsuna-kun and I based our relationship less on body language and more on our words.

"You didn't really have to go overboard. I mean. It's just my eighteenth birthday. No need for a dance and a gown. You could've just taken me to see the stars."

"Let me take you then."

"W-wait I gained weight last week!"

"And up we go!"

"Wahhhhhh!"

He never complained and respected what I wanted. Even if I didn't take his hand most of the time when we were together. Even if I didn't look into his eyes too much when we were drinking our milkshakes. Even if I whacked him in the head when he places his hand on my shoulder.

I thought back then that such things… such public displays of affection were unnecessary and childish acts of love. But no matter how cold I was, no matter how hard it was for me to show that I care too… I always saw him beam and take me into a journey of sorts.

In no time at all I reach Yamamoto-kun's place. My stomach grumbles, only to retreat and moan once my eyes catch the 'Closed' sign. I forgot that we arrived at 6AM.

No choice but to go home and catch some sleep. I turn to my right and began my slow march back to my home. After a quick nap I'll clean the place up to make sure it's more inhabitable for crying out loud.

Haru really zaps my energy. In a good way. Gosh, it's been a long time since I talked so much.

She was the same as ever, only I see that halo of wisdom now flitting on top of her head. She chooses her words now and her perky self was laced with mature quips. I can't pinpoint it exactly, but maybe her intimacy with Gokudera-kun changed her.

Yup, it changed her as much as it changed him.

I'm still in middleground with little chance of moving forward. College work had forced me to cut off from any social activities and focus more on the future I even have second thoughts of reaching.

I take my keys from the handbag that I find really heavy. The last thing I ever need is another leather bag from onii-chan. He calls me seldom now. He's been working on something along with Hibari-san and promises me he'll call me twice a day again once the mission's over.

I actually miss this house. Having it all to myself isn't actually so bad. I mean, I've lived under its roof alone for three years. After university, I'm planning to have it rented while I continue my studies.

Haru tells me I'm buying my ticket to a lonely existence. I disagree, though half-heartedly. I love being independent. I plan on not getting married soon, too. The world's such an exciting place and I want to explore it without a family bringing me down.

I leave my bags behind my room and made my way downstairs to the sofa. It's been my habit to sleep near the entrance so I can hear if someone intends to visit. I pray I'll be able to hear it. I'm really exhausted…

~K27~

DING.

Damn, what time is it? My head hurts really bad.

The luminous hands in my watch pointed at 8 PM.

Oh, I was that tired?

"Coming," I called groggily as I went to the kitchen sink to gargle and wash my face.

DING.

"Sorry!" I say hastily as I wipe my face with the towel while running to the front door at top speed. If this is Haru-chan I'm unfortunate enough to have no food cooking because I woke up quite late-

"Sorry. Her family still doesn't know about me. The hotel's packed and I've been wondering…"

"Wait, have you asked Yamamoto-kun's dad instead?" This person… definitely, he's the last person I need to be here.

"I'm not allowed to be in contact with a subordinate's family if the supposed subordinate isn't with me-"

I try to look more intimidating as I stand my ground. I take a step forward.

"Access denied," I say and slam the door to his (ugly) face.

Hold up… what am I doing? We haven't talked in awhile. Plus, there's no reason for me to be mad at him. I can just politely turn down his offer and help him find a place to sleep in.

Gosh, Kyoko you're acting like a spoiled lassie.

"Kyoko-san? The Tenth would want me to be here too. He'll fry me alive if he finds out I'm letting you live alone-"

"THEN SLEEP OUTSIDE MY PLACE AND GUARD ME FOR ALL I CARE!"

The sight of him and Haru kissing keeps replaying in my head. I shouldn't be acting like a kid. But how can he be so bold about asking me to let him, a guy, sleep in my place?

"Alright then."

YES! Victory!

I was about to pump my fists in triumph when a low growl issued from the very depths of my belly button.

Oh no.

This is an upset I didn't expect. It hurts really.

I open the door and crane my head outside. Gokudera-kun was at inches to my right, a fist covering his mouth as if hiding a laugh.

"So," he says finally as my eyes become big orbs. "Dinner, Kyoko-san?"

My pride is broken through the bellow of my tummy.

~K27~

"Haven't seen you in a long time, Gokudera! What will you and Kyoko-chan have? On a date, I see?"

I want to chuck a table to Yamamoto-kun's dad if only he wasn't Yamamoto-kun's dad.

"Nice to see you too, old man!" Gokudera-kun laughs as he high-fives with Yamamoto-kun's dad. "Nah, Kyoko-san was feeling kinda peckish so we had to go. The best one in the house, please."

Please? This is the first time I ever heard him use that word.

He leads me to the table at the far end of the restaurant. "I don't want people to casually mistake me as your guy, Kyoko-san."

I shudder a little when he reads my mind. He looks at my hands.

"You're working hard, I see."

I smile. He's working his magic again by making me feel at ease with his words.

I also look at his hands. They're still adorned with rings. I easily spy the Vongola Ring nestled in his right ring finger.

It's been awhile since I saw his hands, or him for that matter. I forgot that we weren't on speaking terms since that day. It's my fault.

"So I guess you're the Right Hand Man, then? Being alive and all?"

"The test was easier than I imagined. The Tenth didn't tell you why he was absent for the majority of the Prom, didn't he? Such a virtuous man!"

I eye him warily. 'Virtuous' was overkill.

"No, he didn't."

"He went in Italy to save my ass," he answers calmly. "When I came thereafter to take my test, I just went inside an empty room with a small table in the middle. There was a piece of paper there. There was a question asking me what was the hardest choice I ever made and gave a half-hearted decision."

"And I thought you were assigned to destroy the world or something. Instead you got a beauty pageant question that you can easily answer."

He chuckles. "I was utterly flabbergasted as well. I wanted a real answer though and it was easy to give."

"I can guess it… Just tell me."

Gokudera gives a toothy grin. "You should. It involved you."

I sigh as I take my chopsticks and begin fiddling with them. I can't give him a whack nor a sarcastic 'I know.' I just don't want to egg him on telling me further.

The last thing I need to hear is to know he still regrets choosing his dream over me.

I don't want to make the same mistake so here I am, still in Japan to make my dream come true.

"Why are you even here? To see Haru or to finish some dangerous ho-hum for your 'virtuous' boss?"

"I've finished the mission a day ago. I came here to relax. My two years were a pain compared to yours and Miura's."

"Nice try but you can't fool me," I yawn. My stomach was rumbling storms already. I hope the food will come here already.

"Kyoko-san…" he draws with his fingers on the table. "I came to pick you up."

"What?" I-Is he two-timing? Oooh, I see what you're doing!

"I want you to go to Italy. You miss him, don't you?"

W-what-?

"Wait- this is happening so fast I don't know what to say-"

"To be honest, I broke entrance to your house. You were mumbling the Tenth's name over and over."

"How dare you even went- without my permission you-"

I can't believe this. Slowly, my respect for the man I liked in my highschool days is slowly dissipating. He has no right to question my decision. He has no right to say that when Tsuna-san now probably-

"He still has the Valentine present you gave him, Kyoko-san."

"Here you go, tuna belly with a discount! Eat up!"

I can't look at Yamamoto-kun's dad. Gokudera-san's eyes are pleading. His hands are now balled into fists as they made sudden contact with the table.

You have to be kidding me. I don't want to listen to him. The last thing I need is to abandon what I have already built up and go to the direction he's telling me.

But-

"I thought you weren't going to come."

"I've let you down a couple of times already. This is the last time I will-"

"Now that I think about it, I guess it's fine. You can pay me back for also not watching your match before."

"No. I apologize."

"You went to Italy to finish something. It's ok. I know."

"I see… I'm glad that you're satisfied."

"What?"

"I saved Gokudera-kun. That's what you wanted, wasn't it?"

"I-"

"D-don't cry, Kyoko-chan! It's okay now. He's going to survive. They're going to give a test that will make sure that even if he fails, he'll be ok. If ever he fails, then he still has an option of going with you to college. That's what both of you want, right?"

"Eff you."

"K-Kyoko-chan, don't cry. It'll be ok. You'll be with Gokudera-kun if he fails to become my Right Hand. I'll be telling him later-"

"Stop being so nice. You're really ticking me off. First you gave me a dress and now you're telling me to go with your best friend. Is that really ok with you?"

"It is! Please don't cry-"

"You're so selfless, making me turn me blind. But you like me too, right? For once, shouldn't you actually think about what you want?"

"But I have already. Seeing you wearing the dress I gave you is enough. Dancing with you is enough. Talking with you is enough."

"Tsuna-san, but not returning your feelings… is that enough?"

"If that won't make you happy then-"

"Too bad. I guess I like you already. And I want to like you more."

"Ky-"

"Here. Happy Valentine's Day. I didn't want you to wear that rag in your chest so I made a new good luck charm."

"…"

"You're welcome. Let's see each other at the cake shop tomorrow. I need your help after. Can you teach me how you made that chocolate cake in our cooking class?"

He was close to real happiness that time. He merely nodded and took me home. He was quiet throughout and stayed close to me.

That was the first time I ever held his hand.

"Give me until tomorrow," I say finally as I snatched a piece of heavenly food to appease my empty sack of energy. "I need you to stay only in the living room. We need to talk."

~K27~

We talked about a lot of things.

And it made me realize how much I miss Gokudera-kun. How much I missed Yamamoto-kun, Onii-chan, Chrome-chan, Mukuro-san (slightly), Hibari-san (very slightly), Lambo-chan, Ipin-chan, Reborn-chan, Bianchi-san and a whole lot of them I can't name out.

"Who is the person stupid enough to be dating your brother? I nearly contracted cancer when I found out he has a woman."

"Oh, remember Hana-chan? She was his date to the Prom. They had been textmates since the time she tried to contact me. Onii-chan answered it and they exchanged numbers. When they met they surprisingly clicked. Hana-chan often texts me and stuff. They're planning to get married once Ryohei retires fighting professionally."

"Which I doubt will be happening anytime sooner, hahaha," he guffaws as he spreads his arms over the sofa. I already brought a futon down to where I was lying to.

"Now, now, don't underestimate the power of love. It managed to convert my brother, remember."

"Tch. Yeah. Did the same for me too. I've been looking back and I really wonder why I even fell for her in the last minute."

"Seriously?"

"Maybe it was because the moment was too fucking perfect. I don't know. I figure that if I should end up leaving Namimori behind, I should leave with a bang."

"Well congratulations. I never figured you'd pull that off. To even kiss Haru-chan in the train as well as call her almost everyday…"

"I didn't call her yesterday. I intended to surprise her."

"You did a good job. Everyone was staring at you two."

"Thanks."

"…AH! I really can't wrap my finger around it! You're so... gutsy now. What happened to you?"

He looks at me and then tilts his head up on the ceiling, probably deep in thought.

"I ended up taking her advice to heart. She told me to just do it than regret it later. And maybe, when I look back at the shit I did to her and to you… I don't want to repeat them. I don't want to act like a bad guy anymore. I have to tell you, that time I first kissed her, it was for the baseball-baka. I didn't want him to feel bad in entrusting Miura to me. But…"

"You ended up loving her forreal?"

He hoists himself up and stretches his back before sinking down again. He grins widely.

"When I kissed her again, it felt better than then. I really don't regret giving up on her."

"Gosh, stop this. Don't make me feel guilty!"

"I will until it rubs you the right way. Kyoko-san, if you only knew how much you're missing. It's ok to chase your dreams. I know. But make sure that you don't chase it without people to back you up."

I stuffed my face with a pillow.

Gokudera-kun, the roles have been reversed. You are now the guru and I, the idiot student.

"It will get pretty lonesome."

"Yeah…" I murmur. It… hurt. His words. They were brutally honest and eye-opening that I feel sick at myself.

"I'll be leaving tomorrow. After I bid adieu to Miura, I'll be flying to the airport. By then, I hope you'll give me an answer. I won't be back sometime, so make sure your final decision counts."

A few minutes later when I closed my bedroom door I threw the pillow at the window. I forgot I shut it close for the airconditioner. Sigh.

Even if I don't go with him, I can still go there through my scholarship. I can also save up for the trip. I can't go right now. I mean, I have a lot of things to aim for. I need my studies. I didn't apply and pass a scholarship application for nothing.

"It will get pretty lonesome."

Die, Gokudera-kun.

Is it my fault that I don't have any friends in Tokyo with the exception of Haru and Hana-chan (both of which I rarely see)? I could care less.

"I- I'm sorry, Tsuna-kun but… if I keep chasing after you, I might end up losing the thing that I want to be. I want to accomplish something by my own power. I don't want to depend on you or Onii-chan."

"Ok. You should. I'm sorry if I ever was a burden to you. Good luck then. Godspeed."

I coldly rejected him that time. Nice, Kyoko. Really nice.

It really puzzles me… his neverending patience. No matter how bad I end up reciprocating his feelings, he never gets mad.

Gosh, pull yourself together! Don't listen to your own musings. I can't neglect my studies right now. I just can't.

I have to work hard.

And then what? What then if you become a chef? It will be too late. You can't chase after Tsuna by then.

But if he loves me then he can wait.

Can you be sure he'll be chasing the girl who long gave up overlapping her future with his and turned to another direction?

Oh conscience stop. You don't know Tsuna- you absolutely don't-

People change. Look at Gokudera. Haru. Your Onii-chan.

Look at you.

~K27~

"I don't get you at all. If I were you, I would've been there to meet Tsuna-san. You even let Gokudera-kun leave without a word."

The spring morning was breezy and comforting. I sip more latte as I think back about the sight I saw three hours ago when I woke up. He rolled up the futon and folded his blankets, leaving a note on the living room table.

Makes me glad we didn't end up together.

"He should die," I mutter as I give the paper for Haru-chan to read. "I did the same thing he ended up doing. Why should he care about bringing me with him?"

"Maybe he's not just thinking of your sake. Maybe Tsuna-san's so depressed these days, he decided to do something about it," she says matter-of-factly as she eyes the paper more.

"Sorry then but with the tons of friends Tsuna-san has out there, I'm sure he won't mind if one is absent," I sigh heavily. "Can we just talk of something else, Haru-chan? Maybe we can talk about your friends in Tokyo. Any chance you can introduce them to me?"

I wait. She was still looking at the paper, lost in thought.

"Kyoko-chan, I'm sorry but I have to tell you this as your best friend," she says as she spoons her coffee cup. "You are probably the most selfish person I've ever met."

"W-wha-"

"Before you ever think of anything spiteful to say, I want you to focus less on your dreams and more on the people around you. It's not just about you. You have your own story, but the more you get absorbed at your own, you're just imprisoning yourself in your own little world. Sure, you've followed your dreams. Sure, you're a chef. But then what? If you're going to celebrate that milestone alone, what's the point? I can't be the only person you can brag your achievement to. Even Hana-chan."

"I…" I don't understand. Why should it be wrong to think about yourself more?

"You're becoming like the girl you were then before you met Tsuna-san again, Kyoko-chan," she continues. I couldn't contradict her. But…

"I'm scared. I'm scared of having no words to say," I whisper. "I did something awful to Tsuna-san. I didn't even say goodbye."

"Then remember what Gokudera-kun did. If words don't cut it, then just go for it!"

She then gives me the paper.

"You didn't read the rest, you know," Haru smiles.

I look the paper and nearly slapped myself for not noticing the cramped letters at the bottom of the back page.

Last chance.

I see Haru-chan's red phone in her right hand.

"He's still in your place. Go get him."

"But-"

"I don't ever, ever, want to hear you say that word. Time doesn't care for excuses," she pushes me out of my chair and then into the street. My back hurt a little.

"B-"

"Don't ever say that word! Just go already. You can't make Tsuna-san wait!"

"Haru-chan…"

I turn back at her and nod before breaking into a run.

Thanks, bestie.

~K27~

"Gokudera-kun!" I scream once I reach my house and search for him around to no avail. "I'm here, ok? Please come out now!"

No answer. I feel a little stupid.

"Hey, I'm here already! Your girlfriend made me see the light! I was wrong! I was selfish! I'll go with you!"

I turn back to the bathroom just in case.

"I'm sorry! I'll go see Tsuna-kun already! I hate you, but please show yourself so I'll hate you more for even hiding!"

I ran upstairs to look under the beds in my room and Onii-chan's.

"I want to go now! Gokudera-kun! I'm sorry! I'll go with you! I want to see everyone!"

I now hurry downstairs back to the living room and look behind the sofa.

"I want to see everyone!"

The wave of nostalgia hit me full in the face.

Onii-chan, Yamamoto-kun, Hibari-san, Chrome-san, Mukuro-san, Lambo-chan, Ipin-chan, Reborn-chan, Bianchi-san and the rest… I miss them.

"I want to see him! I want to see Tsuna-kun!"

I miss him.

"I want to apologize to him! I want us to begin again! I want to see him!"

And I guess I still love him.

I was now bawling my eyes out. I'm on my knees before becoming a puppet with cut strings.

"I want to see Tsuna-kun so please, please come out Gokudera-kun!"

RINNNGGGGGGG!

My cellphone's beeping. Shaking, I press the receiver.

"Kyoko-chan, sorry. He's here in my house. I read it wrong. I got really excited. Come here, hurry!"

~K27~

"You were crying," he says smugly as we both fly carefully to Narita airport. We were both silent for almost three hours since he embraced Haru goodbye and had me climb on his back to Italy.

"You're going to make fun of me then?" I snort. "I had a good speech out there and no audience was lucky enough to hear my glorious performance."

"Once we see the others you can do a play-by-play performance Kyoko-san. Make damn sure you also make us cry."

"I wonder how the heck I even liked you in the first place."

"I wonder why I believed you to be more ladylike than Miura."

"Don't know what happened but yes, I'm not. I've been doing some roadwork too, just in case."

"College," he remarks as we finally touch down. Sure enough, a black jet was waiting for us.

"Oh my gosh, is this your own jet?" I scream in delight. Mafia perks deserve to be banned.

"The baseball bastard has a bigger jet than me," he sighs as he lets me down. I follow him excitedly to the entrance.

"Gokudera-kun, I've been wondering… why haven't you called Haru-chan 'Haru' yet? And why hasn't she called you 'Hayato' yet?"

"Oh that…" he sighs. "It's not a really special reason. She said we can only call each other by our first names if we ever get married. By the looks of it, I'll be calling her Miura until after five years."

"In the end, she keeps bossing you around, huh?" I titter once we step in the stair-thingies to the plane, with me in the lead.

"She's a real dreamer, yeah. But I like her optimism. Whenever I'm in a bad mood, I just have to call her to hear about another experience she has, from school crushes to waffle sundaes for lighting up my day. So far she's done a pretty good job."

"That's Miura Haru for you," I agree once the 'door' opens and I step inside.

"I want to ask you too," he says as he seals the entrance. "When are you going to call the Tenth merely by his first name?"

"I wonder as well," I laugh.

The door in front of us suddenly opens.

The person in front is so achingly familiar my tears are imminent.

"Yamamoto-kun!"

Yamamoto-kun is so tall. I jump and pull him into a tight hug.

"K-Kyoko-san?!"

"I missed you," I murmur, remembering the unlikely closeness we've forged back in senior year. I owe him a great deal since I shot him in the head.

"You too, Kyoko-san? Huh? How? Wait, don't tell me that instead of America you rigged the maps to Japan?" He asks Gokudera-kun, who merely shrugs.

Ooh, I see what you did there Gokudera-kun. Mehehehe.

"Where's Onii-chan?"

"He's in Italy with the rest of the guardians," he pats me assuringly. I miss this treatment. "Man, if Tsuna finds out-"

"What, Yamamoto-kun?"

That voice…

That familiar voice that often plays in my dreams…

Yamamoto-kun moves out to my right for me to see the person I know oh-so-well.

"Kyoko…chan."

My knees nearly freeze as I hear him call my name.

He looked… almost the same person as ever. His height, jawline, eye shape and lips may have changed but I can still see the same old person I fell in love with under the stars then.

He looks at me still. Both Gokudera-kun and Yamamoto-kun never made a sound as he steps forward.

I smile warmly.

"I came… to see you," I say softly.

"Kyoko-chan," he repeats, his eyes still penetrating mine.

"I'm sorry about before," I turn away, averting his gaze. It was embarrassing. I look probably like a hairdryer-ed chick for being in the air for three hours. "I was a really big douche. If there's any chance that-"

I stop when I try meeting his eyes again. I thought I was the first one to break down..

Gokudera-kun was right. He really does miss me.

The steady stream of tears in his face continues to cascade down as he awaits my next word.

"I'm sorry," he laughs as he quickly wipes his tears with his sleeve. "I'm just so happy- you're here- you're really here. Haha, I can't believe that-"

I lunge out to him and prepared myself for a tight embrace.

"I missed you," I whisper as my tears also appeared. "I'm so, so, sorry for then. I've been a really, really selfish person. Can we start over… until I can call you Tsuna again?"

"Don't worry," he says gently as his hands encircle my back and pull me to his chest. "I understand what you're trying to say. I love you too, Sasagawa Kyoko."

I burrow my head into his chest.

It's been a long time since I cried so hard.

And it's the first time he cried along with me.

~K27~

*Girlfriend had a beautiful cover in Youtube sung by Fruu. Unfortunately at present, it got deleted. Ask me for the link. Seriously, the cover is beautifully sung.

*I've been planning to put 'Long Live' for a long time already so instead of me putting the themes song/song that inspired me to write this here, I put that up first.

*Faithfully and Superman should be included here!

I'm proud to say it took me 4 nights to finish this. I dedicate this to a lot of people, most especially though to the person who stuck to reading this till the very end.

Going to college shook my initial views. I can tell you that I experienced a lot of things in a short span of time. In truth, I don't like my university, but I'll try to fall in love with it.

I hate the ending of the manga, but my love for KHR didn't leave me. I love this fandom and I hope you guys will continue to. I've been following Magi but the shipping in KHR still rules!

If you've got any questions, comments, outrage/s regarding the ending, feel free to tell. I have been thinking of Namesake, in actuality, as a thorn I needed to remove so I could continue to write the fics I want to write (majority of which are KHR). So the ending… I don't know when I'll be able to post the true ending, so just ask me what will happen. But of course, if you've followed the TYL arc, then you know that the end of the tunnel isn't sunshine and rainbows.

Thanks for reading!

Angel Descendant