Oh my Gosh you guys I'm so sorry for the long wait! I really wanted to post this sooner, but I decided to make it longer since it's the last chapter (kinda like a season finale lol).

Btw, this is not the epilogue yet! This is the official last chapter of Way Back Home.

I hope you enjoy! xx

Six months later

I let out a sigh of relief as I grabbed my jacket and purse from my table and walked out towards the parking lot. I shivered and tightened my jacket around me. It was already eight in the evening, and it was snowing on a Friday in February, and this day had been draining. I just wanted to go home and cuddle in my blankets and watch movies all night.

"Wait up, Mkan!"

I was already at my car, when I saw Anna Umenomiya run towards the me.

"Hey," she gasped. "Can I get a ride?"

"Sure."

Anna was a classmate of mine, and friend since I started taking psychology classes at a local university. I was enrolled, but I wasn't a regular student, since I was only taking certain classes. She was also an irregular student, since she told me she wasn't sure if she really wanted the full college experience yet. You can see why we got along right away.

Ever since I left home and came back to Japan, it was like I was an entirely different person. My parents were worried that I'd revert back to my old ways, but I assured them I wouldn't go back there again. The first two weeks I was a little down of course, and I kept in touch with Hotaru, Ruka, Aoi and Natsume. Things were a little awkward with Natsume a little, since we decided that we wouldn't do the long distance thing. So our conversations were a bit... limited. But it was better than no communication at all.

I was suddenly interested in psychology because one night when Natsume and I were talking on the phone, he mentioned about how Mr. Narumi was looking for interns in his department, and how he thought I if I was still in California, I could apply. I told him I wasn't ready for that yet, but it got me thinking maybe I could take some classes here. I looked up colleges and universities nearby and started reading textbooks, and with that I was hooked. It interested me so much how studying about people's behavior can make communicating so much easier. So that was what I had been doing for the past six months.

As for my swimming, I still continued. The college had a pool as well, but I only got to swim occasionally. It was an escape for me now when I become homesick, because it always reminded me of that summer. Although I much preferred swimming at the beach.

I still talked with Hotaru often though, but Natsume not so much. Of course he was getting busy with school work and maintaining his scholarship, and I was busy with my classes. So we only talked about once or twice a month now. And today, he still hasn't called me.

On any other day it wouldn't bother me, but today was actually my birthday. Yep, the big eighteen. Hotaru and Ruka already called me, and they told me how busy Natsume was, and they were sure he'd call. I know there's that thing with timezones, but if Hotaru and Ruka greeted me when it was two a.m. in California, then wouldn't he?

I mentally slapped myself. God, we weren't in a relationship anymore, so it wasn't his obligation to call. But it would be a lie if I said it still didn't bother me.

Beside me, Anna removed her beanie and shook out the snow from her pink hair. "Oops, sorry. I'll clean that up."

"Don't worry about it," I told her.

She sighed. "I really hate it when it snows. It's not as magical as other people think."

"Tell me about it. Not fun having your car buried in snow in your own driveway when you're about to be late for class."

She giggled. "Yes exactly! God, I wish it was summer again."

I smiled ruefully. "Yeah, me too."

"So any plans tonight?" she asked. "No hot date or anything?"

Oh and did I mention I hadn't told anyone I met here that it was my birthday? And that I was completely alone today because my parents had to attend a conference? I wasn't upset or anything, because I didn't want my birthday to be a big deal anyway. But it still would've been nice to have someone to celebrate it with.

I laughed and shook my head. "No, I don't. Just staying in tonight. You?"

She sighed. Anna was a typically social person, so it did surprise me that she asked for a ride tonight. "Me neither. Not in the partying mood."

"Do you wanna come over?" I offered. "It's going to be the total opposite of partying."

Her face lit up. "Really? I would love that."

I parked my car in front of our driveway, and fished out the keys from my purse as Anna and I walked up the door. We walked in and I reached for the light. "Do you wanna order pizza or—"

"SURPRISE!"

I let out a shriek as I about jumped ten feet into the air. The first thing I saw was the big banner on our dining room that read, "Happy Birthday, Mikan!" Next was the pink layered cake that my parents were holding who were now grinning at me. I gasped, clamping my hand over my mouth.

"Happy Birthday, honey!" Mom said, hugging me.

"Mom! I thought you and Dad were gone for the weekend?"

She rolled her eyes playfully at me as Dad kissed my head. "And miss your birthday? You actually bought that?" he said.

I glanced over at Anna who was grinning widely at me. "You were in on this?"

"Whatever do you mean?" she said, innocently, then laughed. "Of course I was! Did you really think I was going to forget your birthday?"

"But I never told you!"

She winked. "You didn't have to."

I hugged my parents again. "Oh thank you so much!"

"Don't thank us just yet," Mom said.

I then saw Hotaru walk towards me, with Ruka in tow. My eyes widened as I gasped. I ran towards Hotaru and threw my arms around her. "Hotaru! You're here! In Japan! And Ruka too! But how?"

"Woah, slow down there, birthday girl," she said, hugging me back. "There's this thing called airplanes now, I think you've ridden in one before."

I rolled my eyes at her, as I hugged Ruka. "Hey, I really missed you, kiddo," he said, ruffling my hair.

"I missed you guys so much. I can't believe you flew all the way here!"

"Why wouldn't we? It's been half a year since we last saw you," Ruka said.

I wondered if Natsume came with them too. But then again, if he did he would probably show up by now. I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.

"He's not here," Hotaru said, reading my mind. "He had to study for his finals this week, and his parents are back in town so he had to stay home. He told me to tell you happy birthday though."

I smiled. "I'll take what I can get."

After I talked with Ruka and Hotaru for a few minutes, updating them about what's been happening in my life, Sumire came up to me next.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" I said, giving her a hug (which was a bit awkward because her stomach was really big now; she was due any day). "You're supposed to be resting in bed."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes at me. "Please. And miss my best friend's birthday? Hell no. I'm pregnant not diagnosed with a contagious disease."

When I arrived at Japan, Sumire was the first person I visited, because well who else would there be? I didn't tell her about coming back, so she was really surprised to see me. Somehow, our relationship had gotten deeper than before and we grew a lot closer. I was the one who always accompanied her on check-ups, since her parents were still giving her the cold shoulder. Fortunately, they didn't kick her out, they just wouldn't talk to her. But it didn't bother her because she said that when the baby finally came they would surely forget all about their fight. She was so sure of herself, and I was proud of her for that.

Hotaru and Sumire seemed to be hitting it off, which was the biggest shocker of the night, since they were complete opposites. But I could tell they were getting along, with Sumire's elaborate hand gestures that she does when she gets excited, and the amused expression on Hotaru's face, which clearly looked like she was interested in what Sumire was saying.

I mingled with more people some more (most were my relatives in Japan and a few of my classmates), and sat down on our couch for a while, just watching everyone and thinking of how much my life had changed over the past months. Now that I thought about it, I don't think I've changed that much. For two years I was so lost that I thought hiding and running was the only answer. And now that I was eighteen and finally an adult, I had never felt more myself.

"You seem to be deep in thought there." Ruka was grinning at me.

I smiled. "Just thinking about things."

He sat down beside me. "He misses you, you know. Like a lot. The first month you left he was miserable. Couldn't focus in school, and I was really scared he was going to return to his old ways. He actually almost did, one night, and I snapped him out of it telling him how you'd feel if you found out. So he just kept himself preoccupied with school and work."

Guilt suddenly washed over me. "Did I make the right decision, Ruka?" I said, quietly.

"Mikan, don't blame yourself for this. Natsume will always be Natsume and none of that is your fault. He respects your choice to stay away for a while. And now that he knows that it's doing good for you, he doesn't have to feel miserable. Look, do what's best for you right now, Mikan. You don't have to worry about any of us."

"Of course I worry about you. It's what I do best."

Ruka laughed. "Is this what Japan did to you? Turn you into the cheesiest person on the planet?"

I rolled my eyes at him.

"Oh and before I forget." He reached into the pocket inside his jacket and took out a long, black, velvet box. He handed it to me, grinning. "Happy Birthday!"

My eyes widened. "Ruka, you didn't have to get me anything. Just you and Hotaru being here—"

"It's not from me, or from Hotaru," he interrupted. "But just so you know, I really wanted to get you a kick-ass present but Hotaru told me you'd have a coronary if we did, so yeah. Natsume wanted me to give this to you."

My mouth fell open. "H-he did?"

"Yes, and he specifically told me that if you attempt to give it back to me, I choke you with it. No, I'm kidding. He would just be really upset. So come on, open it!"

Slowly, I lifted the lid, and there nestled in red velvet was the most beautiful necklace I've ever seen. It had a plain silver chain, and attached to it were three outlined stars connected to each other. I looked in closer on the pendant and saw that the stars were studded with diamonds.

"Oh my God," I gasped. I felt like crying. This must have cost a fortune! It was the sweetest thing someone's ever given me.

"You like it?" Ruka asked.

"It's so beautiful," I said, my eyes already filled with tears.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Ruka, I have to thank him for—"

I was suddenly cut off by a loud cry. Ruka and I glanced at each other alarmingly before running towards the kitchen where the sound came from. We saw Sumire hovering over the sink, gasping, her hand clutched to her stomach. At first I thought it was just one of her normal contractions, but then I looked down and saw fluid dripping down her legs.

"Oh my God," she gasped. "I think the baby's about to come."

"I can't do this," Sumire wailed. "I can't."

"Of course you can," I told her, holding her hand tight. "You're gonna do great."

We were now in my car, on the way to the hospital with Hotaru and Ruka, who was driving. Sumire and I were in the backseat, where she was now in labor. Everyone had become frantic at my house a while ago, especially my parents who wanted to take us to hospital. But I told them that they could just follow later, after they made sure the guests were able to leave safely. I was surprised at myself for actually keeping it together, but the only thing on my mind was for Sumire to be safe.

"Please don't leave me," she said, her eyes brimming with tears. "I don't think I can do this alone."

I wiped the tears away and kissed her forehead. "I won't, I promise."

An hour later, I was in the delivery room with Sumire, who was literally about to give birth. Normally, family members were the only ones allowed here, but the doctors gave me consideration since Sumire really needed someone there. I was nervous as hell, because I've never done something like this before, and it took all the will and power I had not to faint right there on the spot.

At that moment, Sumire's doctor came in, along with others for assistance. "Okay, Sumire," she said, brightly. "On a scale of one-to-ten how much pain do you feel?" She gestured to the chart on the wall, where each number had an emoticon of the intensity of pain.

"I don't know, eight?" Sumire gasped. "Can we please just get on with it?"

"Just a little more, Sumire!" the doctor said. "Come on."

Sumire sat up and grunted loudly, her hand gripping mine tightly that I thought it was going to break. But that was nothing compared to the pain Sumire was feeling right now. If only I could be much more of help, but the only thing that I could offer her were words of encouragement.

"Okay, one last push!"

"I don't think I can anymore," Sumire gasped.

"Yes you can," I told her. "You're one of the strongest people I know. You can do this."

"Come on, honey," the doctor said. "Just one last push."

She pushed one more time, and before we knew it, a baby's cry filled the room.

"It's a boy!"

I looked at Sumire happily, who was now crying. "You did it. I'm so proud of you."

Moments later, a little beautiful baby boy was placed in Sumire's arms. The baby started crying, and Sumire stroked him softly. "Shh," she whispered. "It's okay. Mommy's here. Mommy's got you."

"He's beautiful, Sumire," I said.

She beamed at me. This was the happiest I've seen her. "I know. And thank you for being here, Mikan. I couldn't have done it without you."

"I barely even did anything. But I'm glad to help. So, what are you gonna name him?"

She smiled contentedly. "Jiro. He's my little Jiro."

And I knew without a doubt, that she would make an amazing mother.

I stared at the pendant hanging from my hands, the stars glimmering in the sunlight. I sighed and clutched it to my chest. It's been a week since I last left a message thanking Natsume for the necklace, and I still haven't received a reply. I know he's busy, but the wait was just killing me. On the bright side, I've been at Sumire's a lot lately, because she needed bed rest after she was released from the hospital. I've been helping her with Jiro, but my motives were selfish, because I just really liked holding that precious baby in my arms.

And Sumire was right. Her parents were thrilled about the baby, and were really sorry they weren't there for her when she gave birth since they were out of town. She seemed to grow closer to her parents, and I was happy for her that everything was perfect.

"You should just talk to him," Sumire told me one day when I was at their house. Jiro was fast asleep already and Sumire and I decided to watch movies just to relax.

"I did. I left a message, remember?"

"No, I meant talk to him in person."

I looked at Sumire disbelievingly. I thought she was kidding, but her expression was serious. "Is this a post-pregnancy thing or are you just insane?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't be so dramatic, Mikan. I know you're dying to. So what's stopping you?"

Fear, I thought. That I might not have anything to go back to. "I can't just go back to California. And besides, I can't leave my family or you."

"Mikan, stop worrying about everyone so much," she said. "I'm sure your parents will be fine. I'll be fine. And I know you want to go to college at UCLA already."

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Sumire was right (again). Six months for me was already a long enough time to figure out what I wanted. And now, I think I knew what that was.

"What do you want to do, Mikan?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, tell what you want to do."

I took a deep breath. "I want to help people. I want to help those who are going through something like I did. I want to help them overcome their problems, and be part of their journey."

"And..." she prodded.

I hesitated.

Sumire sighed exasperatedly. "Just say it, Mikan."

"I want to go home."

I snapped back to the present when I heard my phone ring. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest when I saw who the text message was from.

Natsume: Hey, Mikan. I'm so sorry it took so long to reply. A lot's been going on. Anyway, I'm so glad you liked the necklace. It reminded me so much of you when I saw it. And I just want to apologize for not calling. I just miss you so much that hearing your voice hurts. But I do hope you had an amazing birthday. Take care always. I hope to hear from you soon.

Love, Natsume

I felt tears fill my eyes as I read the entire message again. It was short, but I could definitely tell that he wasn't okay. And he signed it with "love." Did that mean that nothing changed between us? Was this a sign? Was it finally time for me to come back?

"Yes, Mom I just landed. I'll call you when I get to Hotaru's, okay? Yes, I brought sweaters, but you do know that it's like ninety degrees here right? Okay, I will. Love you too."

I walked out of LAX, the smell of the ocean hitting me like tidal wave. God, I missed this place. I was relieved to finally be somewhere where I didn't feel like freezing to death. A week after receiving the text from Natsume, I asked my parents if it was okay for me to go back to Malibu, and finally pursue college there. I'd never seen them so happy. So for the next few weeks I was immersed in my psychology classes (because that's what I planned on taking), and swimming practices so I could have another shot at that scholarship this coming semester. I didn't know how long I was going to stay, but time didn't really matter. Now that I was back, it was like I hadn't left at all. I had to admit, a part of me didn't want to leave in the first place, and all the while in Japan all that I've been thinking is about coming back. But then if I did stay, then I wouldn't have been there for Sumire when she gave birth. I still might not know what I was going to do with my life. And I might not have realized how important everyone I left is.

"It's so good to see you again, Mikan!"

I smiled, and hugged back Mrs. Imai. "It's good to be back."

"You look gorgeous! I love what you've done to your hair."

A few days after my birthday, I decided to cut my hair short—about shoulder length—and dye it a lighter color which was almost blonde. "Thank you," I replied.

Hotaru came up to me and I have her huge hug as well. "Whoa, easy there. We just saw each other a few weeks ago," she said.

"Felt like months."

Hotaru was the only person who knew I came back. Not even Ruka knew, because he was terrible at keeping secrets. He'd probably blurt it out to Natsume the second he found out. Of course I didn't want him to know right away. I planned on hiding from him at least until after I tried for the scholarship again.

"Come on, dummy" she said. "You have a lot of things to unpack."

Natsume

I checked my phone again before swim practice, and let out a sigh of frustration. Still no reply from Mikan. It's been almost a month now and she has still yet to reply to my last message. Could she possibly still be upset that I didn't call on her birthday? I know giving her a present wasn't going to make up for that, but if it wasn't for my parents coming back to town that weekend, then I might have called, or even surprised visited her like Ruka and Hotaru did. It's not like I didn't want them back, my parents I mean. I was happy... for Aoi that is. And I don't mean to sound like an ungrateful douche, but I liked it better when it was just me and Aoi. I mean, I still love my parents, but they've changed so much that I don't even know them anymore. They said they were still unsure of how long they were going to be staying here, but I do hope however long of a period that would be, they would somehow return back to their old selves.

I jumped slightly when my phone beeped. I checked it immediately, only to be disappointed that it was from Ruka (yep, I was definitely an ungrateful douche).

Ruka: Hey man, you going to the party tonight?

Me: Nope, sorry busy tonight.

Ruka: Busy doing what? Staring at your phone all night waiting for Mikan's reply? I bet you were doing just that before I texted and was extremely disappointed that it was me.

Me: Smart ass. Have to start on that Econ paper. And other stuff.

Okay, I wasn't really going to do my paper that I finished days ago. The truth was, these past few months all I've been doing was giving myself work to do so I wouldn't think about her all the time. But no matter what I did, my mind always wondered back to Mikan. Of course I wanted to call her every single day just to hear her voice. But then I remembered that we agreed to separate as friends, when obviously we were still very much in love with each other. How fucked up was that? But I guess it was for the best though, because I knew Mikan really needed to focus on her life for a while, even if it was a million miles away from me.

God, I really missed her.

Ruka: "Other stuff" meaning moping over Mikan?

Yes, Ruka. You are most definitely right. But I didn't tell him that.

Me: MEANING MY PARENTS, ASSHAT. They've actually been doing things around the house not related to work and it's creeping me out.

Ruka: Isn't that supposed to be a good thing? They're slowly reverting

Me: I don't know... they might just leave again in a blink of an eye, and Aoi will be hurt again.

Ruka: You don't have to pretend it's all about Aoi you know.

Me: It is. Where the hell are you anyway? Practice starts in 10.

"Here!"

I turned around and rolled my eyes at Ruka who was panting by the locker room doorway. "Come on, loser. We're going to be late."

It's officially been a month now, and I still haven't received a reply. It was driving me insane.

"Okay, this has got to stop."

I looked up and saw Aoi staring at me with an exasperated expression. "Seriously, just fucking call her."

I gaped at her. "Excuse me, young lady? Did you just curse at me?"

She rolled her eyes and sat down beside me on our patio bench. It was a Saturday morning, and usually I had to work, but it was my day off. So there was nothing to keep me preoccupied. "Don't be a prude, Natsume. I'm fifteen. I know curse words. However, I only use them when I'm extremely pissed. Which in this case, is necessary."

"Jesus, I'm such a bad brother," I muttered.

"Hey, you're an awesome brother. And you taught me well. Okay, now back to the situation."

"I don't wanna talk about it," I groaned.

"Natsume, it's been what, six, seven months? We have got to talk about this."

"I can't just call her," I said. "What if she doesn't answer? What if she's still mad at me?"

"I think you and I both know that Mikan wouldn't be upset over a silly thing like that. So what's really bothering you?"

In the back of my mind, I knew what it was I was afraid of. I just couldn't say it, let alone admit to myself for the chance that it might actually be true. "That she might have moved on," I whispered.

"Do you really think that?" she asked, quietly.

I shrugged. "I don't know. But it's not impossible. I feel like I should have fought for her, you know?"

"Okay, if that's what you really think then you might now know Mikan at all. I've seen it, Natsume. The way she looks at you even when we were kids. I remember when I was eight that I'd want someone that I would look at the way she looks at you. And I still do, now. When I talk to her I can hear how sad she feels even if she's trying to keep an upbeat tone. And besides, she wanted this. She deserves some time to figure her life out, you know? I mean, she's young! She needs that. So don't beat yourself up if you think you've screwed things up because you didn't. Now stop being a pussy and dial her number right now."

"Wow," I gasped. "Sometimes I wonder how you're younger than me. How many rom-coms have you been watching?"

"A few." She winked. "Now call her right now. Before I do it."

"But—"

She reached for my phone. "Okay!" I exclaimed. "Fine."

I sighed in defeat as I dialed her number and placed my phone beside my ear. My heart started racing faster when there was ringing. Then, it occurred to me that I didn't consider the time difference and then I started panicking.

But then I heard it.

"Hello?"

It was her voice. She actually answered. For a second I was in pure shock, with my mouth wide open. Aoi prodded me to talk.

"H-hey, Mikan, it's me." It speaks!

"Hey, you." I heard the smile in her voice. I was surprised at how clear she sounded, because usually long distant calls were hard to hear. Not that I was complaining, because I much preferred this.

"How are you?"

"I'm great! You?"

"I'm doing good."

God, this was not the kind of conversation I had in mind. Why couldn't I just say it? I miss you. I love you.

"Oh yeah I got your text. Sorry I wasn't able to reply. I've been um, really busy these past few days. Thank you again so much for the necklace it's beautiful."

I mentally sighed in relief. Thank God. "No problem. So what have you been up to?"

Aoi rolled her eyes at me, clearly bored with our conversation. But I was savoring every moment of it.

"Oh, um, you know school stuff," she replied. "And Sumire just had her baby so I've been helping her with that too."

"Yeah, Ruka mentioned that. Tell her congratulations."

"Will do. So I heard your parents are back in town?" she said, distractedly. "How's that going?"

I hesitated. I was really hoping this topic wouldn't be brought up. I never talked about them often during the summer ever since that weekend we stayed in LA. "Okay, actually. I mean they work but that's not the only thing they do." Like this morning for example, they actually went grocery shopping. That was going to take some time getting used to. That is, if they're going to stay for a long time.

"Well I'm glad. Oh hold on." I heard shuffling on the other line, and another girl's voice. It sounded like she was in a hurry to go somewhere. Oh God did I call at a bad time? I calculated the time difference in my head, and it must be one in the morning there. I wondered if she was at a party or something, but I didn't hear any music. Or maybe she took the call outside?

"Hey," she said, coming back on. "Sorry, but I have to go. I'm so glad to hear from you. I promise to call you soon, okay? Bye, love you!" And with that, the line went dead.

Then it took me five seconds to register the last thing she said. She's finally said the words I've missed hearing from her. And I didn't care if it might have been a slip, I knew that it was exactly how she felt.

"Well?" Aoi said. "What did—"

I grinned widely at her and took her in my arms, swinging her around. "Thank you so much for making me do this."

"Oh my God," she gasped, as I put her down. "Don't ever do that again."

Mikan

Oh. My. God.

What the hell did I just do?

I looked at Hotaru alarmingly. "Do you think he knows?"

"Doubt it. I bet he was too ecstatic that you answered, he hardly even thought of the time difference. But God, do you realize it's supposed to be two a.m. in Japan right now?"

"I know," I whined, burying my face in my hands. Then, I realized something.

"Oh my God," I said. "I think I said the 'L' word. Holy shit I said the 'L' word!"

Hotaru and I were both in her car right now, with me having just finished trying out for the scholarship. I think I did better this time (as compared to the last, obviously), but I was still nervous about the results which would be posted tomorrow. On the other hand, it was good seeing Mr. Narumi again, and I told him to keep it a secret for a while.

And as for my recent phone call, I literally felt like crying. Just hearing Natsume's voice made me realize how much I miss him and how much I love him. Even if our conversation was brief and way awkward, I would take that any day over no contact with him at all. God, please let me win that scholarship.

I didn't even know what the hell I was thinking asking him to stay friends. I mean, we could have worked it out, right? But then again, what he did still hurt and every time I thought about it, it felt like my heart was breaking all over again. But like what they say, we forgive the people we love because we still want them in our lives.

And I needed Natsume back in my life.

"So what are you gonna do now?" Hotaru asked.

I sighed. "I don't know. But do you mind if I borrow your car for a bit? I just need to visit Tsubasa."

"Sure."

I dropped Hotaru at her house first, then drove straight to the cemetery. I haven't visited Tsubasa since I came back, and now seemed like the perfect time.

I put the flowers I bought nearby on his grave, and sat in my usual place on the grass. "Hey, Tsubasa," I whispered. "I'm really sorry it took this long for me to come back. The truth is, I wanted to. Every single day when I was in Japan. But I was scared. I know I kept telling myself that the reason why I left is because I needed to get my shit together. But then I realized that I was afraid that I wouldn't have a life here. Failing that scholarship made me realize that not everything works out. So I ran again, which apparently is something I'm good at. I was so mad at myself for doing that again after I told myself I wouldn't. But I made the best of it. Those six months made me realize that I wanted to be a psychologist. I really want to help people who're lost, like I was. But I couldn't do that in Japan. I knew I needed to do it here back home, where I was happy. So here I am."

"Mom and Dad are doing fine, by the way," I went on. "They said they planned on moving back here for good if I get into UCLA. Oh and I tried for the scholarship today, so be proud of me for that because I think I nailed it. Also, Natsume still doesn't know I'm back, which I don't why I wouldn't just show up at his doorstep. I keep telling myself that I want to make sure I'd stay here for good first, but I think it's because I'm scared to see him again. Does he still love me the way I love him? I mean, six months is a long time of not being us. But God, you have no idea how much I miss him." I sighed. "But I still miss you every single day. I wish you were here right now, telling me how stupid I am for making things so complicated. I miss my big brother so much. I love you, Tsubasa."

I exhaled loudly, feeling like a big weight had been lifted off my chest. It was like this was the only place where I could admit everything out loud. I kissed my fingers and put them over his grave. I quickly composed myself, and got up.

And that's when I saw him.

And he was looking right at me.

For few moments, we just stared at each other, not knowing what to do. We were a few feet away from each other, but I knew he heard every word. I couldn't read his expression, but I felt like he could see right through me.

Natsume walked slowly towards me, and my heart literally felt like coming out of my chest.

"Hey," I managed to say.

"Hey," he replied.

There was another awkward silence. Why couldn't we just say the things in our heads out loud?

"I like your hair," he said. "You look beautiful."

I smiled. "Thanks."

"You're here," he said, disbelievingly. "You're actually here."

I nodded. "Yeah, for quite a while actually."

"But why didn't you just tell me? Why didn't you come back to me?"

Tears started to prick my eyes at the sound of hurt in his voice. "I'm sure you heard what I said earlier," I whispered.

"I want to hear you say it again."

"I was scared, okay? I think you pretty much know by now that I am not the smartest girl in the world. I fuck things up, and overthink too much. I thought you hated me for leaving you just like that, even if we did have a proper goodbye. I thought that distance was going to change things. But for me, it didn't. I still love you, Natsume Hyuuga. I've loved you every single day. And if you don't feel the same way anymore, then I don't give a f—"

His lips suddenly crashed into mine, and I instantly forgot everything I was going to say. He kissed me passionately, and I realized how much I've missed the taste of his lips so much. So I pulled my body closer to his, and he gripped my waist tighter, making sure I wasn't going anywhere soon. The hell I wasn't.

He suddenly pulled apart from me, his forehead resting on mine. "I can't believe that you would even think that I don't love you anymore. You don't know how hard these past few months have been for me. But I don't care about that anymore, because you're here and that's all that matters."

I caressed the side of his face. "I'm so sorry for making you wait."

"Shh, it's okay. You're worth the wait."

I laughed. "That is the cheesiest thing I've ever heard. But thank you for putting up with me."

"Thank you for coming back."

"I'm exactly right where I want to be. I'm home."

Yep I'm a sucker for happy endings.

OMG IT'S FINALLY OVER WOW IT'S BEEN MORE THAN A YEAR.

I just want to thank you guys for all your support and positive reviews. It means a lot to me.

Thanks for putting up with the slow updates and just my story in general. Ya'll are the best x

Oh and btw if you want to reread that NatsumexMikan reunion play "A Thousand Years Part 2" by Christina Perri and Steve Kazee. Because I was playing that song over and over again while writing that scene and I almost cried.

THIS ISN'T THE END YET THERE'S STILL AN EPILOGUE COMING UP VERY SOON, WHICH YOU GUYS REQUESTED! :)

Anyway I love you guys and I'll talk to you soon! x