And yes! I'm back! I have no excuse and I can only apologize for taking so long in translating this chapter. I still have no new ideas for the next one, but I know that I'll have to make at least 4 more, hopefully this won't end soon. Any suggestions?

Hope you like it!

The new week came and Tsukushi could see that, contrary to everything she expected, Tsukasa was fulfilling his promise and she had not seen him stalking her, neither he nor his bodyguards. Because of that, she was calm, but on the other hand, she recalled that soon she would have a "date" with him; even more, the words "I love you" mentioned by Rui just days before had left her so impressed that she didn't know what answer to herself.

On Wednesday she was more nervous than ever knowing what was coming the next day after school. She had not spoken to Rui even by text messages and she knew he was giving her the space she needed to think, but that space was worse because it made her feel as if she wasn't herself.

—Everything all right, Tsukushi? — Yuuki asked. It was late in the dango shop.

—Yes, all good...I guess. And you? I haven't seen you putting down that cellphone throughout the afternoon.

—Oh, I was just talking to Ryou-kun.

—How are you doing with that Yuuki? Do you like this guy?

—I can't say I don't like him, but you know everything I went through with Nishikado… Ryou knows what happened in a way.

—How's that?

—One day, after school, I stayed because I had daily duty, and amidst my thoughts, Nishikado-san appeared, and I wondered aloud "Won't I ever be right for you, Nishikado-san?" and I didn't realize that Ryou-kun was at the door of the clasroom...it was really funny because he approached me while saying "Well Matsuoka-san, if a guy thinks you're not right for him, it's because he's definitely blind ".

—He told you that right off the bat?

—We had talked a few times in class, but yeah, he came to tell me something like that. That day I was sad and, you were preoccupied with other things, so I allowed myself to tell him about some things that had happened. I never imagined that something like this would make us friends, or...well, you know.

—Sorry I wasn't there for you, Yuuki.

—Nonsense, you did everything you could.

—And if I can say it, that guy likes you, it's obvious, is noted from miles away. But the question is how you feel.

—Ryou-kun has been charming. I only mentioned the name of Nishikado-san that day, but as soon as I introduced him, he knew who he was. He knows how much I fell in love with him and he said he was willing to help me forget, but is not as easy as it sounds. I wanted to take a break, because it didn't seem fair to him, but as you've seen, he decides what he wants.

—Yes, I've noticed.

—And you, Tsukushi? You told me you would meet with Domyouji-san tomorrow.

—Oh, Yuuki, don't remind me. I still have no idea what I'll say.

—Do you still have feelings for Doumyouji-san?

—Well...it's not easy to forget everything that happened between us.

—I'm not talking about that, I'm talking about what you felt for him ... at the end you fell in love, you and I know it, but I don't see the same desire you had to fight for him like when you decided to take a plane to New York. If anything, I can advise you to follow your heart completely, you have no pressure from anybody, that's what you wanted, now what remains is that you be honest with yourself.

—I don't know Yuuki, it's been just two weeks off Domyouji so to speak, and it seems completely wrong to be so calm is not it? I feel bad because Domyouji ...

—You have to stop doing that, you have to stop thinking about how this will end if choose one or the other. Feel, don't think. When you finally decide you'll have more than enough time to worry about that.

—Tell me the truth...I'm a horrible person right?

—No, you just were injured to the point that your heart is split in two, and really I cannot imagine how difficult that must be for you. You want my opinion?

—Desperately.

—When you were with Domyouji-san there were times when I saw you very happy and joyful, but with Hanazawa-san...it's like someone turned a light inside of you, your eyes have a certain glow and your smile doesn't stop...There were many times in which I wondered why you chose Domyouji-san, but I know you did it for love, and there came a moment when you decided to be with him, so I didn't say a thing. But now, after everything that happened between Hanazawa-san and you in Hawaii, I'm sure your heart has reminded who it belonged to at first.

—Yuuki I…don't feel good, it's not fair... —Tsukushi leaned against the wall—Is it possible I'm forgetting Doumyouji so easily? Is it possible that everything I said to feel for him has been so weak?

—Tsukushi—Yuuki hugged her friend—is not like that, I really think so...But remember that the first time you decided to be with Domyouji-san was because he practically forced you, in the end you fell for him but what was the price? Your whole story was bumpy and full of problems and not all were fault of his mother, many were for his own whim. I don't think he is a bad person but…I believe he never managed to get all your heart. Tsukushi, look at me. Ask yourself this: What if Domyouji-san were to leave? If tomorrow suddenly he had to catch a plane for business and get out of our lives for years—Tsukushi stared at her and tried to imagine her life without him, she thought that it was somewhat difficult, but not impossible. Yuuki watched her reaction, her friend had said nothing—And now what if Hanazawa-san was in the same scenario? —This time, Tsukushi couldn't think, she just felt nauseous and a strong grip took over hear heart, as if someone was forcing it to beat faster, her eyes were flooded and fresh tears wet her face while Yuuki realized that her friend's body was more honest than her head, the reactions were so different that there was no doubt...

—What will I do!? —Tsukushi was crying so much that Yuuki ran to the door to turn the sign "Open" to "Closed", it was almost time to close anyway—Yuuki, how can it be? It was just two weeks, two bloody weeks, and I...I...

—I think that anyone who had gone through what you have, would have given up long before. Look at you...look what state you are in. Maybe you actually never stopped loving him.

Tsukushi was unable to speak...it was impossible, unbelievable; anyone who saw her would think she was the worst, choosing the best friend of her ex-boyfriend.

The tears continued for some time, Yuuki could only sit next to her friend and comfort her in which, she knew, was a decision that had not arrived because she wanted, it was all matter of the heart. But, be that as it may, she was sure it hurt Tsukushi to think about Tsukasa and how to have realized her true feelings for Rui seemed a betrayal to him.

oº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºo

Rui, in that instant, was having dinner with his family. Her mother had noted that the last three days he had been more quiet than usual, even had missed two days at school. Not that it really mattered, since Rui knew everything that was being taught and more, all that school stuff was more like a review, but still. And besides all that, he spent his time looking at his cellphone as if he wanted to call someone, but always ended up closing the lid, sighing and going to sleep or walk.

—Son—Rui turned to listen to the voice of his mother. He was sitting on one of the balconies of the second level study—What's wrong? You seem odd. On Monday you went to school just until noon and the last few days you've spent at home I've noticed you're worried.

It was true, he had decided not to go to school since every hour spent on it on Monday became impossible knowing she was so close. He knew it would be difficult, but not so much. He had to get away, so he missed.

—It's nothing, mother, I'm just a little worried

—Is it something you can tell me? Maybe I can help.

—I don't know...Can you?

Hikari was surprised that her son spoke to her like that, but not in a bad way, she had always wanted to have more confidence with him and now that she was perennial at home, she had tried to talk more with her child in an attempt to let him know that she was there for him.

—I hope so—she pulled a chair beside his son, but when she sat, she noticed there were several cans of beer at Rui's feet, maybe that was the cause of his disinhibition, but now was not the time to worry about that.

—Falling in love...I think is something so ridiculous.

—Why do you say that?

—Because it really makes you stupid. You can't think straight, can't sleep, don't want to eat, want to stay away and need all of your willpower and more to avoid making a mistake. The routine becomes more terrible than ever and you are angry at everything and everyone...if love is like that, I don't understand why everyone seeks it.

—Who is it?

—Who?

—The person you are in love with—Hikari wondered but knew deep down that most likely the name that haunted her head would be the name to come out of the mouth of her son.

—The poorest girl in Eitoku, the only working class virgin, the number one screamer that made the mighty F4 fear and respect her—he sighed heavily—I'm in love with Makino Tsukushi…Isn't it ridiculous to be in love with her when I know that most likely she won't correspond to my feelings?

—Why wouldn't she?

—Because I, like an idiot, was dumb enough to not realize my feelings, and at the know of them, throw her into the arms of my best friend knowing that she loved him...and now, she does not know who to love...

—Tsukasa?

—Exactly! The great Domyouji Tsukasa! —Rui rose with a can in hand and drank what was left. He then threw the can down the balcony—My best friend, my brother, I would put my life in his hands without hesitation twice, and yet we both had to fall in love with the same person. Everything would be easier if I could still push her to his side with a smile on my face.

—Would you feel better doing that?

Rui looked at her mother and laughed.

—I must be really drunk right? To be talking these things...with you!

—I'm glad you do, if you want I can order to bring more to drink for you, but running away is not the solution.

—I didn't run, not anymore, I went and told her, I said "I Love You" without any kind of notice. She was so surprised that she didn't know what to say, haha ...I even thought the time in Hawaii would give me an advantage, but now I don't know...

So it was with her who he really was in Hawaii —thought Hikari.

—So the issue is that Tsukushi has to make a decision? You or Tsukasa?

—Yep, so...I told her to talk to him, that she has to fix what she feels, but then, perhaps it will happen as usual: they'll fight, they'll cry, then will look in the eyes and realize that they are meant to be and I'll end up like the best man and best friend on their wedding day.

¡PAF!

Rui suddenly felt his cheek burn, someone had given him a slap and that someone had been his father.

—Dear…!

Riku had followed his wife to the study in order to have some time alone with her without knowing that he would find his son drunk and depressed. After listening for a while, he decided to intervene.

—Hanazawa Rui, you are behaving in a deplorable and humiliating way. If you already told your feelings to this young woman and did everything that was in your power to prove that you loved her, you should hold on to her and every ounce of hope there is, because until she doesn't say yes to another man, that means you have an opportunity. Stop this nonsense and fight for the woman you love, you're not a child.

Rui was eyes wide with shock. His father then did something that surprised him even more, he took him by the shoulders and pulled him into a hug.

—My son, do not make the same mistakes I did. It was a fluke of fate that your mother could become my wife and she was the one who suffered the most and did her best to be by my side and to bring you into this world—Releasing him, he went to his wife and kissed her hand—Once you've decided to fight for something, you better do it until the end. What are you? Are you a man who gives up so easily?

—No, father.

—Very well then,—He said this with a smile on his lips—you wouldn't be my son if you thought like that. Now go wash and rest, this is not over until it's over. Did you hear me?

—Yes, Father.

Rui was almost sober after so many surprises that night. After the slap of his father he had noticed the way he had spoken to his mother, but she, far from being angry, was showing a beaming smile on her face. Besides that, his father had hugged him and given him advice to fight for the person he loved. Never in his wildest dreams would Rui have thought that he could trust his parents like that.

Rui, I know that your parents love you, is only a matter of speaking a little more. Don't be afraid, you'll see it will be easy

Those were the words Tsukushi had told Rui after he spoke with her about the nervousness he felt around his parents that day when he took her to school in a limo to speak with Shigeru.

Determined to seize the last shadow of drunkenness he had and, therefore, of courage, he approached his mother and gave her a hug.

—Good night...m-mom.

Hikari would had sprouted tears of joy at that moment if it was not because she knew she had to hold it until Rui left.

—Good night, son. You will see that everything will be fine—She said as she stroked his brown hair.

He turned to Riku and noticed it was the first time he really looked directly into the eyes of his father, while they were severe, they denoted the strength of a man who had been through a lot during his life and also they radiated kindness if you really stopped and watch.

—Father... —Riku put his hand on his shoulder and gave him a little squeeze—Dad, thank you...and good night.

—Have a good night, son.

Rui left the room between embarrassed and happy, but knew he would definitely rest well.

—Riku...oh, Riku.

—You got your dream, my love?

—Yes dear, it was so unexpected that I can't yet believe it—Riku saw how tears wet the cheeks of his wife, but knew that they were tears of happiness at being able to have done something as a mother for Rui. That had always been her greatest dream and it hurt him she couldn't have done it for so many years because of work. He himself was surprised at his behavior toward his son, but could not say he regretted anything he had said or done, his son was his pride and he loved him deeply, but being the man he was, he was never able to prove it. Perhaps, this was the opportunity they were waiting.

—Master, apologies. Can I send someone to clean? —A butler had appeared.

—Yes please, thank you.—the butler excused himself and went to get the staff—And now... —before his wife knew it, she found herself raised in the arms of her husband.

—Dear!

—What? Tonight is definitely to celebrate, and it strikes me more than one an idea to do so—he whispered in her ear.

Hikari gave him a kiss on the lips as he moved into the hallway that lead to their room. Definitely, they needed to celebrate.

oº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºo

Tsukasa was waiting outside the school, he had sent a text message to Tsukushi saying he would be outside the classroom, but she had responded with a request to meet out of school. He agreed.

The last three days had been hell, he forced himself to bury in work in order to have no time to go see her, he had asked the head of his personal security to dismiss any order of watch her under the threat of letting his mother know if he ever asked. Tsukasa had put everything on his part to keep his promise even if he had sweated blood.

—Hello—he heard a voice greeting him

—Hell…o

Tsukushi was wearing light blue jeans, a red and white patterned jacket and her hair and face had been done. She looked very pretty.

—Shigeru—she told him at his reaction. The truth was that her friend had managed to get her out of the classroom half an hour before to prepare her for the occasion. Tsukushi already knew how useless it would be to discuss, so she let her do whatever she wanted. Besides, she had her forces focused on keeping her mind clear and on what she would have to tell Tsukasa sooner or later on that "date".

—Well, shall we go?

—Yes, of course.

Tsukushi got carried away into a restaurant which again was emptied only for them, but she made no comment about it.

—Ask for whatever you want—Tsukushi was about to open the menu but then... —although I would recommend the prawns with cabbage salad and apples for entry.

Tsukushi sighed.

—Why don't you choose?

Tsukasa could not be happier and arranged for the dishes. Tsukushi couldn't complain about the taste, after all, it was a top restaurant, but couldn't help thinking that it was he who always wanted to impose on what to eat. She had noticed that she never ordered in any of the times they went out together and the few times he had eaten her kind of food, it had been a disaster.

The meal passed without further delay and they only talked of trivialities. Neither of them seemed willing to take the first step to talk about what they really had gone to talk. After lunch, Tsukasa had prepared a viewpoint overlooking the sea and, again, only them were in that place. Tsukushi couldn't help but think of Hawaii and shook her head, she couldn't compare, she couldn't.

—Did you enjoy the food?

—Everything was very nice, Domyouji. Thank you.

—That's good.

Silence.

—Domyouji, I think it's time to talk to us. Don't you think?

—Yes, I was coming here to do so—He approached her and took her hand—Tsukushi, I'm willing to forget everything that happened with you and Rui in Hawaii because I know what I did in New York was really bad too. My mother will not interfere with my decisions again and you can be sure I'll be by your side and on your side forever.

—Domyouji...

I know it's been hard for both of us, but now we can get back together without involving third parties. I will not let Rui confuse you again, is me who will be with you.

Although it seemed unlikely, all these words Tsukasa was saying distilled the utmost sincerity and affection without a single drop of arrogance and that was exactly what ended up deciding Tsukushi to what she had noticed the night before.

—Domyouji. What we have is…so weird! We are right and we are wrong. I think we get along much better when we discuss that when we try to be sticky like other couples, and I spend it incredibly well when we do, when we foolishly insult each other and when we fight for no reason. But things have also happened over which we can't have control...Everything I felt for you was not a lie and...

—Wait, did you say "felt"?

—I'm not sure how I should use the terminology of the time, I still love you, but...not like before. Doumyouji is no longer the same.

—Say no more—he pulled away from her and turned away.

—Are you going to shut me up again? Every time I'm about to say something you do not want to hear I end up getting hurt.

—How can you say something like that?

—Because it's true, I never wanted to take it as that, but it's true. I feel as if I am something very precious to you Domyouji, therefore you are not willing to hear from anyone an opinion different from yours. Didn't the last time I talked about my feelings towards Rui finished with you flipping the table?

—That was...

—And also, you left me alone again…This time there was no pressure from your mother, you weren't trying to protect me or my friends, it was completely your decision.

—You were getting on my nerves.

—And it will be like that in the future! Do you think that everything would always be happiness?

—If you're by my side, yes.

—No, Domyouji...At some point we will fight seriously again and you'll yell and I'll scream and when I tell you "leave me alone" because I need a space, are you planning to go without looking back waiting for me to realize my mistake since it's you who's always right? I can't have that uncertainty with me forever. You say that you'll forget what happened in Hawaii? Let me tell you that I do not consider as wrong none of what I did there...Besides that you're making it sound like "we're even" and it's not like that. You are forming excuses and apologies for your behavior. "I did something wrong and she did something wrong, But let's leave it at that" Say it isn't that what is going through your head.

—It will not be like that again, I promise you...Makino, I will change from today, from this moment.

—Sorry...

—No...

—Domyouji...

—NO!

—I can't return to you— Tsukushi began to cry—I love you, really love you, but the deepness of the feeling is so different now...This is not something of today or last week, this…I don't know since when, but I know I had not noticed.

—Why are you doing this? —Tsukasa was crying—You want to punish me for all the harm you say I did to you?

—If it were in my hands, I would never want to hurt you, Doumyouji, but I can't take it anymore...All this time I've based my decisions on someone else's feelings, and it is true that eventually my feelings changed, but now...I just want think in what it is that I want.

Tsukushi approached him and it broke her heart to see his tears, but she knew that if she faltered at that moment, all that was said would not have helped. She unzipped her coat and Tsukasa saw she was wearing a necklace. For a scant second he came to think the Saturn pendant would be there, but when Tsukushi pulled the chain, he saw no pendant...he saw a ring.

Tsukushi was engulfed strongly in the arms of Tsukasa and for the first time, she felt him cry inconsolably as a little boy. The stifled sobs and cries didn't stop and she was trying to hold it everything she could, it didn't seem fair to show more weakness than the one already displayed.

—I love you and that will never change you hear me? I will not give up...Tsukushi

That was more than he expected, he had never said her name.

—With you I lived things I never ever imagined and you made me discover facets of me that I didn't think existed. Arigato...Tsukasa.

She clearly knew that this was the farewell, her whole being was sad, but she knew that in part, she felt free, she knew she was doing the right thing, she never had a doubt while she was talking to him and she realized that from now on things would be difficult or uncomfortable, but that was how it should be.

—I have to go.

—I'll take you home.

—N ...I'll be fine. And you will be too, you'll see...Bye bye.

And it was so, amid tears and a bitter goodbye that Tsukushi and Tsukasa ended.

He could only watch as the only woman he had ever loved was becoming smaller and smaller as she walked away from him. He had gone with so much confidence that he would get to convince her to return to him, that it would be like any other time they fought...but he was wrong. What hurt him most was knowing that all that Tsukushi had said were true. He always knew, she had not loved him from the start as it had happened to him and that is why he had insisted so much in cashing her until he got her, but...still, he couldn't do anything to change that damn character of his. His worst mistake was New York, and never, not in his most horrible dreams would he have thought that Rui would tell her how he felt. He sensed it from long ago, what had happened between them on that beach, though brief, was real, it seemed the only one who had not noticed in time had been Rui and at finding Tsukushi in that way in New York, he was not able to restrain himself any longer.

He felt his pocket vibrate. It was a message from Shigeru.

I really hope I'm not interrupting ^^. Did you like as how I arranged Tsukushi? You better did. If you have not planned anything until later come to my house to celebrate!

She was like Soujiro, so sure that Tsukushi would return to him just because she had always done so...now everything was different, now the person who had captured her heart was none other than his best friend, the person he considered his brother. Perhaps the only thing worse than losing Tsukushi that afternoon, was knowing that deep down, most likely, with him she would be better.

oº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºo

The next day was unbearable. Tsukushi had gotten up with swollen eyes and all morning she had a headache, she just wanted one thing but was not sure how to do it.

During the day she had not seen anyone from the F4 and wondered how long it would take the rest of the guys to know, if you they didn't know already...Did Rui know? She hoped not, she wanted to tell him, but she wasn't sure of how exactly.

At least it is finally Friday, I can rest before having to think about what to do now—Tsukushi thought. That evening she had also asked the dumplings store for a free afternoon and had promised Yuuki to tell her everything later. She walked home slowly, going over what had happened the previous day, trying not to but it was inevitable, after all Tsukasa had been, was and would be a very important part in her life. She sighed for the fiftieth time that day when suddenly her footsteps stopped a few meters before her door.

—You're late.

Rui was leaning on the wall. Obviously, she invited him in.

—Sorry about the mess, I have not worried much about it these days.

—I can imagine. Sorry for coming without warning, it's just...

I wanted to see you...

No, he couldn't say anything, he couldn't push his luck.

Tsukushi looked at him, somehow guessing what he meant, since she had thought about seeing him all day.

—Would you like some tea?

Tsukushi quickly put water to boil, while waiting, they talked about her classes and what she was intending to do in order to study at a university.

I don't think my parents can keep paying Eitoku and I really don't mind taking the carreer in a public university.

—You know that...

—Yes, I know, but I can't have such a debt with you.

The teapot rang and Tsukushi turned her neck, it was then that Rui saw it: a necklace.

A strong blow fell directly into his stomach. All fears he had that week confirmed in his head as he realized that the collar of Saturn had returned to its place. Stupidly, according to him, he fixed his gaze on her fingers as she brought the cups and found no ring. He knew that his happiness would be diminished, but had not realized how much until that moment when he realized that his best friend and the girl he loved had come back together.

—Good for you, Makino.

—What do you mean? Why the "Makino"?

—It will be difficult, but I'll be able to raise my walls up against the rest of the world once again, also, I didn't lie when I said that while I saw your smile I would be happy...

—Rui?

—I thank you for all you know? I didn't think it would last so much from the start, but I'm glad all the same for the experience.

—What the hell are you talking about? Speak clearly at once because I don't understand.

—No need for you to understand, I'm just talking to myself—Rui smiled but Tsukushi noticed that smile didn't reach his eyes—I better go, we wouldn't want Tsukasa to arrive and think we're doing something .

Rui got up but felt someone pulling at his sleeve.

—Leave it, I couldn't bear it if you pity me.

—What is wrong with you!? Does the tea smelled funny? I don't understand a word...

—Is it necessary that I say it out loud? Fine...When you returned to Tsukasa that left me out, I have nothing to do here. Now I understand why you put that face when you saw me, you didn't know how to tell me right? Don't worry, everything's fine, we will remain friends, or I can continue to treat you as my pet...

¡PAF!

Lately Rui was getting more slaps than he felt he deserved. Now he noted that Tsukushi had her eyes flooded and she was red, but with anger.

—Is that what you came to tell me? Are you somehow in an indirect way telling me to return to him? Very well! You know what? Maybe I'll do that, after all, I don't think it's too late to do it...But here, take this with you on your way out.

Tsukushi fought to take off the necklace and threw it at Rui. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had been nervous since she had seen him, but only because she didn't know how to tell him that she was willing to try something with him if he was willing to receive her broken and shattered as she was. But now the young master in front of her looked like, in a subtle way, he wanted to throw her back into the arms of his best friend. The lack of sleep, sadness, nervousness and stress in general of recent days accumulated and she ended up yelling at him in the hall of the door, she turned around and went into the bathroom which had no lock, but she didn't care because she was always alone.

Rui, on the other hand, was puzzled to see all Tsukushi's reaction, he didn't understand why he would have to take something that represented the love of those two, but when he picked up the necklace from the floor, all he wanted was that it would swallow him whole. Instead of observing a pendant with the seventh planet, there hung a beautiful silver ring with a Hawaiian flower in the middle.

—¡Tsukushi!

—Go... —it was obvious from her voice that she was crying.

—Please listen to me...I'm sorry, really sorry, I was an idiot, a fool, a jerk for not asking first and simply assume that you...that you. Please open the door.

—Why should I?

—Because I love you...I really I love you and I can't take it anymore...

Tsukushi was not expecting to hear something like that after all the nonsense that Rui had said at first.

—You have no idea of what I went through this week. My pessimism was something that made even me feel pathetic this time. I couldn't go to school because I knew that somehow I'd try to find you and I was determined to give you your space, you needed to think of Tsukasa this time to define what it was that was going through your heart. My own parents found me in a deplorable state on Wednesday and, trust me, it was the first time that we communicated so openly, and I owe that to you...I came today thinking somehow to ask you if you'd decided something, but seeing the necklace around your neck I assumed that was the one Tsukasa had given you, so I just wanted to run away. I'm surprised, I didn't think I would react so badly to something that was very likely. But now, I need to hear it from you Tsukushi, what happened yesterday?

Rui heard only silence.

—All right, I understand you do not want talk right now. Again, I ask you to forgive me, I'll go, but I'll be back soon okay?

He was careful to leave the necklace hanging from the handle and walked away from the door, he was just a few steps from the hall when he heard a slight creak.

—You're a fool ... —he turned to see her

—I know, and I'm sorry.

—You simply go out there, assuming whatever you want.

—You're right—they began to approach.

—It was not easy you know? It was sad for me to have to leave Tsukasa like that, but I can't deny that...

—...What?

—I'm in love with you, Rui.

Rui hugged her tightly and she did the same. He could not believe his ears, had se really said she had left Tsukasa? At least he knew that the best evidence was the necklace she was wearing, but still, it seemed too amazing.

He pulled himself from her a bit and took care of cleaning her tears. She smiled a little at seeing the great expression of happiness that flowed from his face, even Rui's cheeks were colored.

They both wanted to say something, but the words didn't connect at that moment. How much time had passed since that first meeting? How long had they felt something for each other but had not noticed? Tsukushi knew that she had not lied when she fell for Tsukasa and Rui knew that it had been really hard to forget Tsukasa, but as they looked in each other's eyes, they could see that, at that time, only they mattered in their hearts, there was no other response or other logic, they loved each other...and damn the world if all this was coming against them.

Tsukushi then did something Rui didn't expect. She passed her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly. The two began backing to a wall and then dropped down to the floor, never breaking the kiss. After a few minutes that seemed like hours, they separated. He was the first to speak.

—I want you with me, I need you by my side Tsukushi.

—So do I...

—I do not want, to pressure you but... —he laughed a little—God, what is wrong with me

—The same as me, I hope, I feel that at any moment I might pass out

—Be my girlfriend—He whispered. For a few seconds Tsukushi wasn't sure of what she'd heard, but she was sure of the central word—When did I become so? What have you done to me? —He asked her pressing her against his body and hiding his face in her neck.

—Yes.

Rui released her as if burned with something. He didn't think he had registered the word correctly in his brain, but Tsukushi's blush flush and her tender expression made him understand that he had heard right. She then saw a smile she was sure she had not seen before, she could even swear she saw a small tear in the corner of his eyes.

They both laughed still hugging and sitting on the floor, their foreheads glued and kissing freely now that they had finally openly said their feelings for each other. There would be time to think of the consequences the next day, this night, only the two of them mattered.

Rui and Tsukushi were together...at last...