Hikaru watched as the others said their goodbyes from the comfort of Haruhi's couch, and after what seemed like an eternity, Haruhi finally closed the door, and shooed her nosey dad into his bedroom.

"So..." Haruhi started, with a bit of confusion and curiosity in her voice. "how come you wanted to give me my present after everyone left?"

Hikaru stood up, took Haruhi's hands in his, and looked her straight in the eye. "Because it's special," he said, full-heartedly. Haruhi was taken slightly aback at this, a blush clearly finding its way onto her cheeks.

"Hi-Hikaru..." She said, flustered. As she opened her mouth to say something else, Hikaru placed a finger to her lips.

"Shh. Just follow me," He said, leading her out of her apartment and to another flight of stairs. Haruhi was very confused at where Hikaru could possibly be taking her that was upstairs in her apartment complex, until it hit her, making her stop completely.

"Hikaru, it better not be a helicopter." she deadpanned, ready to explode him at any moment, though.

"Don't worry, Haruhi, it's not. Now come on, before we miss it." Hikaru said, jumping two stairs at a time. Haruhi sighed and followed him up to the third story. He quickly walked down the hall, and to the emergency exit stairs which also lead to the roof.

"Come on Haruhi, I know you'll love it." He said as he climbed up the stairs, a very agitated girl behind him.

As soon as Haruhi stepped foot onto the roof, Hikaru's hand clasped over her eyes, almost making her fall off the roof.

"HIKARU!" she yelled. "WHAT THE HELL?" Hikaru wrapped his other arm around her waist, and kissed her temple, making her blush.

"I just want it to be a surprise," He soothed as he walked her to the other side of the roof, and sat her down. As he removed his hand from her eyes,
Haruhi looked around to see what the hell was going on.

She was sitting on a light blue blanket with Hikaru on her left, who was holding a golden, medium sized box in his lap.

"Happy Birthday, Haruhi," He said in the softest, most heartwarming tone he could muster.

Haruhi took the box from him, and was about to open it when Hikaru spoke up.

"I know Kaoru got you something similiar, but I really think you'll still appreciate it," He said with a slight blush lining his cheeks.

Haruhi untied the golden ribbon carefully, and placed it aside. She then removed the top of the golden box, and gasped silently. Inside the box was what looked like a cream colored cashmere scarf, and matching gloves.

"Hikaru, you really shouldn't have. I mean, this must have cost you a fortune, just for a scarf and gloves!" Haruhi exclaimed. Hikaru smiled and shook his head, while Haruhi gave him a perplexed look.

"it didn't cost me anything, because I made it. And look," he said, turning it over. In very small writing on the end, it wrote:

"Haruhi Fujioka, you are the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love you. Hikaru."

Haruhi's blushed darkened, and so did Hikaru's. "Hika... Hikaru... that's..."

"Wait... there's more..." He said, helping her up, and taking her to the edge of the roof.

Looking down, Haruhi saw one of the most beautiful things she'd ever seen.

On the road, in chalk, was a beautiful mural of the ocean sunset at Karuizawa - the place they spent summer vacation last year. In the middle of the mural was the silhouette of a teenaged boy and girl holding hands. Down at the bottom of the mural, it said "Happy Birthday Haruhi - From Hikaru."

"Oh my... God..." Haruhi said," Hikaru... this is... that is..."

But before she could finish her sentence, Hikaru grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into a passionate and heated kiss, which sent her spiralling.

Caught up in the moment, Haruhi (quite eagerly) returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck.

After what seemed like a blissful eternity, the two broke apart, panting.

"Haruhi... I love you." He said, pressing his forehead against hers, arms wrapped around her waist.

"I... I love you too, Hikaru.." She said. "I really do. But, I can't rush into anything at the moment, there's a lot of things I need to deal with first.. I hope you understand."

"Of course," Hikaru said, a little dejected, but not letting it show. "I'll always be here for you, though, remember that."

"I don't think I could." Haruhi laughed as she removed her arms from around his neck and he released his grasp on her waist.

"Alright. Well I guess it's time to go back now, it's getting dark," he stated, rolling up the blanket.

"Well duh," She answered, rolling her eyes. Hikaru held her hand as the walked back to her apartment. Once they arrived, Haruhi turned to look at him.

"Today... that was really sweet of you. I never knew you cared that much to go... this far, just to make my Birthday special. Thank you." She said, smiling.

"Only for you, Haruhi," he said, smiling back at her. "I guess I should get going huh?"

"Yeah, probably," she sighed. "See you tomorrow in homeroom?"

"Yeah..." he answered. "Oh and are we still on for Saturday?"

Haruhi didn't think at all before answering. "Yeah of course."

Hikaru gave her a quick peck on the lips before heading towards the stairs and out of view.

Haruhi touched her lips, which were tingling from the quick kiss, all thw while smiling.

"See you on Saturday..." she whispered. Then it hit her. Kyoya made a date with her that night as well.

"Shit"

-Haruhi Hitachiin