BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Tee lets out a groan while stretching an arm out to his nightstand. "Where is that alarm?" He says while searching.
CRASH!
Tee opens his eyes the moment he hears the sound. "Oh no!" He sits up and looks at the ground to see pieces of glass covering a photo. He grabs his gloves, puts them on, and shifts the pieces. "Please be alright. Please be alright. Please be alright." He grabs a corner, pulls it out of the pile of glass shards, and looks at it. He lets out a sigh of relief and says, "No tears. What a relief." He lays the photo down on the nightstand, turns off the alarm, gets out of bed, and begins his morning routine. Can't believe it's been two years, Tee thinks. Oh, how the time flies. While doing his morning routine, Tee reminisces about his many visits to Ringo's world. Their friendship had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. No matter what, Tee takes time out of any given month to visit Ringo. As he's getting ready to leave his quarters, he looks at the photo again. It's from the time Amitie took a picture of him and Ringo. I'll take this with me. Once I'm done with my shift, I'll go put a wood frame around it. He puts it into his jacket pocket, leaves his quarters, and walks to the cafeteria of the SS Tetra. When he arrives, he sees Ess finishing a sprint trial.
"Good morning, Tee," she says cheerfully.
Oh boy, Tee thinks. "Hello, Ess," he says before walking over to the counter.
She stands up and walks over to him. "Did you sleep well?"
He grabs the tray with his breakfast on it. "Yes, I did…why?"
"It's just that you were ONE MINUTE LATE! You should know out of everyone how much I value my beauty sleep. Every. Minute. Counts."
I do because you're always complaining to me about it. "I had a situation arise." He grabs some silverware.
Ess puts her hands on her hips. "No situation is more important than my beauty sleep."
"Eh, I'd argue otherwise." He types a request to have his quarters cleaned a day earlier.
"Oh, why the rush? Did you make a mess?"
"What's it to you?"
"I may let today slide if your reason is valid." Ess looks at Tee's jacket to see a sheet of paper sticking out. Ah ha, she thinks, found your 'situation.' "While I'm thinking about it, when are you seeing Ringo again?"
"A week from today." He gives her a look. "Why?"
Now to bring it up. "Are you going to tell her?"
"Tell her what?"
"Don't play dumb with me, Tee. Your feelings for her, that's what."
He looks at her. "What makes you think that?" Did O tell her? I know he's teaching her his language.
"It's written all over your face. You may not know this, but the entire crew knows about your feelings."
He looks away. Am I really that obvious? "Did O tell you?"
"No. If anything, he was the last to know. Papa was the first one."
"That…makes sense."
"I'll ask you again, are you going to tell her?"
He lets out a sigh. "I can't."
"Tee, fearless captain of the SS Tetra, can't tell a girl his feelings towards her."
"It's not that. She has a thing for Maguro. Besides, I'm fine with having her as a friend."
"You still sound afraid."
He looks at her. "You have any advice? I assume that's why you're still here." He walks over to the table.
"I do."
Tee spreads his arms. "Pray tell, what is this advice I so 'desperately' need."
Ess takes a deep breath. "The next time you see Ringo, tell her. If you don't, then don't tell her at all."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Why? Because you're running out of chances. Ringo won't sit around waiting for you. Sooner or later, she'll find a guy she'll want to hang around more so than you." She starts walking over to the door leading to her quarters. "Tell her. Or don't. I don't care what you decide."
"Remind me to give you the award for best person to consult feelings with."
"Ha Ha. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm getting some much needed beauty sleep." She leaves Tee alone to ponder what she told him.
He sits down and eats his breakfast. Easy for her to say. She's never had any feelings for a guy. When he's done eating, he puts his tray into a sliding door for it to be washed, and walks to the cockpit, where O sees him.
"PiPiPiPi," O says. "PiPiPiPiPiPiPi."
"Good morning, O," Tee says. "Sorry I'm late. I got out of bed late and talked to Ess."
"PiPiPiPiPiPi. PiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPi."
"That's good to hear. Time to give the starting report."
"PiPi."
Tee clears his throat. "Captain's report. This is Captain Tee of the SS Tetra. I'm sending this via communications officer, O. My shift has started with no ripples in the Constellation Zone to report. End of report."
"PiPi. PiPiPiPiPiPiPi?"
"I'm going to look at the stars, O. I haven't done that in a while."
"PiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPi."
"Thanks, O."
After staring at the stars for about an hour, Tee spots a comet.
"Pi," O says, "PiPiPi."
"I'm doing that, O," he says. He closes his eyes. I wish…for a chance to tell Ringo my feelings for her, he thinks. "I made my wish. Did you?"
"PiPi. PiPiPiPi—"
"Don't tell me. Otherwise it's bad luck." Tee chuckles before going back to watching the stars. He hears O laughing as well.
For the next few hours, Tee watches the stars as he pilots the SS Tetra, with a routine report every now and then.
"…End of report," Tee says.
"PiPi. PiPi, PiPiPiPiPi," O says.
"Why did you have to say that O? You out of the crew know whenever we acknowledge the lack of ripples—"
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
"One pops up." Tee shakes his head. "Regardless, we need to get going."
"PiPiPiPiPiPiPiPi," O says.
"Thanks, O. Traveling to the ripple in 3…2…1…" Tee presses a button. "Now!" At that, the SS Tetra travels to the ripple.
Ringo sits at her meetup spot while hiding her excitement.
This is it, she thinks. Today is the day I confess to Maguro my feelings for him. It'll only be a matter of time before we become a couple. I can't imagine how adorable the two of us will be. She looks around. Speaking of Maguro, where is he at? I'm dying to—
"Hey, Ringo," Maguro says. He sits down next to her.
"Hey, Maguro," Ringo says. "It's a shame we don't have as much time to hang out as before." Tell him at the right moment.
"Well, I have some places in mind for today. What about you?"
Okay, here goes. "I have some as well. Before we do, I need to tell you something."
"Oh, what is it?"
Ringo takes a deep breath and places a hand on Maguro's hand. "This was something I debated about all morning and decided to tell you now. Maguro, I have feelings towards you. I've had them for some time. In fact, I don't see myself being along side someone else."
He looks at her in shock. "Ringo. I don't know what to say?"
She takes her hand off his. "Well, you don't have to say anything now. My only request is to have a response before we're done hanging out today."
"Oh, okay."
As the two hang out, they alter between their plans.
He hasn't mentioned it at all, Ringo thinks. The two are walking through one of Suzuran's national parks. I'm unsure if I truly told him. Maybe I should do it when we're done hanging out.
As their time together is coming to a close, Maguro walks with Ringo back to her home.
"Thanks for hanging out with me, Maguro," Ringo says. Any moment now, I'll tell him, she thinks. "I had a good time."
"You're welcome, Ringo," Maguro says. "I also had a lot of fun." he walks with her to her home's front door. "Hey, Ringo?"
He beat me to it. "Yes, Maguro?"
"I've been thinking about what you said to me earlier, about your feelings towards me."
I did tell him. "So, what's your response?" It's coming. I know what he'll say.
Maguro moves his bangs so they aren't blocking his face and holds Ringo's hands. "Ringo, you're smart. You're pretty. You're kind. You challenge yourself to be better. You're willing to try new things out. You're the type of girl any guy wants to be by his side."
Why is he saying these things? "I don't want to be by anyone's side except yours."
"I appreciate that. However…" At this moment, Ringo has a bad feeling rising in her stomach. "I only see you as a sister. I'd be lying to everyone if I saw you as anything else. I'm sorry, Ringo. I can't be the man by your side." He lets go, covers his eyes again, and walks away. Leaving Ringo all alone.
Ringo stands there in shock about what Maguro said. This is all a dream, she thinks. I'm stuck in some horrible dream that I'll wake up from. She tries a couple ways to wake up, but none of them work. It's not a dream. Maguro see me as a sister. Nothing more, nothing less. Ringo looks around trying to find the front door. Everything's blurry, I don't get it. She's able to find the door, opens it, and walks in.
"Ringo?" Her mom says. From where Ringo's hearing her, she's in the kitchen. "Is that you?"
"Yes, mom," Ringo says. Everything will be okay, she thinks. She sits in the living area.
"Did you have fun with Maguro today?"
"…Yes." After saying this, Ringo cries, but quiet enough for her mom to not hear. No! Everything won't be okay. Maguro doesn't have the same feelings towards me.
"That's wonderful to hear, sweetie." Her mom flips a page. "I can't decide what to make for supper. Do you have any suggestions?" No response. Her mom looks up to see Ringo's head down. "Ringo?" She puts the recipe book down and walks over to her. "Ringo? Is everything— Ringo!" Her mom sees her covering her face and sits down next to her. "What happened?"
Ringo moves her hands from her face and takes a deep breath. "I told M-Maguro my f-feelings for him. B-But he t-told me he s-sees me as a s-sister." Ringo puts her hands over her face as she cries again.
Her mom hugs her. "Take it easy, Ringo. Calm down."
Ringo looks at her. "What am I going to do?"
Her mom looks at her and wipes a tear off her face. "How about you help me make dinner? I can't decide."
Ringo wipes any remaining tears off her face. "Okay, mom. But I'm going to wash up first."
After some time passes, Ringo and her mom finish setting up the table, right when Ringo's dad walks in.
"I'm home," her dad says.
"Welcome home, Honey," her mom says. She walks over to him and share a kiss.
Ringo looks away while thinking, That could've been Maguro and I in a few years.
Her parents stop kissing.
"Hey, Ringo," her dad says.
Ringo looks at him. "Hey, dad," she says.
"How was your day?"
"It was fine…for the most part."
"Did something happen?"
"Okay, that's enough for now," her mom says. She looks at him. "Honey, Ringo and I cooked this meal together. We'll be disappointed if we don't eat it together."
"Ah," her dad says, "so that's the scent I caught coming home." He walks over to the family bathroom. "I'm going to wash up first. Don't eat without me."
"We won't," her mom says. She looks at Ringo. "Best to wash our hands in the kitchen."
"Okay," Ringo says.
"Great meal," Ringo's dad says. He puts the chopsticks he used down. "It's been a while since I had it."
"You're welcome, Honey," her mom says.
Her dad notices her messing around with her chopsticks. "What's wrong, Ringo?" Her dad says. "Thinking of a career in artistry?"
"No, it's just," Ringo says, "earlier, I told Maguro my feelings, but he didn't see me the same way." She puts her chopsticks down. "But he could be saying that for now. Maybe he'll change his mind."
Her dad takes a deep breath. "Ringo —" he says.
"I should've given him more time. These things shouldn't be rushed."
"Ringo—"
"There's still a chance for us to be together. Who knows, we could work things out so we could have a marriage and —"
"RINGO! I never saw him as your husband."
Ringo looks at him in shock and despair. "What?" She sees her hopes of a life with Maguro get shattered into a million pieces right before her eyes.
"I always saw Maguro as a son. Even if I didn't, you two weren't meant to be."
Ringo's eyes tear up again. "How could you?" She stands up, runs to her room, and slams her door shut.
Her mom gives her dad a look. "You didn't have to be so harsh," she says while standing up.
"You heard her," her dad says. "She clasped onto a dream. You also knew this. Maguro never saw her that way, and he never will."
Her mom picks up dishes. "That maybe so, but I won't be so harsh."
"So be it." Her dad stands up and walks over to the living space to watch something on the TV.
A little while later, Ringo lays on her bed looking at an album when she hears a knock on her door.
"Who is it?" Ringo says.
"It's me sweetie," her mom says. "Can I come in?"
"…Yes."
Her mom opens the door and sees her laying on her bed before walking over and sitting at the edge. "How are you feeling?"
Ringo stops looking and sits up. A hand holding the album she was looking at. "Still hurt. Why did dad tell me now instead of before today?"
"Well, did you enjoy the all the time you spent with Maguro?"
"Yes, why?"
"If your dad had told you before Maguro told you, would you till enjoy your time with Maguro as much?"
"When you put it that way, no. I wouldn't…oh, I see why dad didn't tell me. It's strange. I feel like there's someone out there for me. I don't know who it is." She looks at her mom. "Any ideas?"
"I don't know." Her mom looks at her album to see a picture of her with Arle and Amitie on one page and a picture of her and Tee on the other. Both taken during Ringo's sixteenth birthday party. "What about Tee?"
Ringo shakes her head. "He doesn't see me that way. He sees me as a friend. Besides, I'm sure he has a girlfriend by now."
"Oh? I thought—" Her mom gets interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.
"I'll get it," Ringo's dad says. A few seconds later, he says, "Hello you two. Ringo's in her room chatting with her mom, but come in anyways." Her dad says something else, but neither Ringo nor her mom catch it.
"Well," her mom says, "that's my cue to leave." At once, her mom gets up, walks to the door, closes it behind her, and walks away. Leaving Ringo alone.
Ringo gets up, puts the album back, and sits on her bed. Who could that be, Ringo thinks while the sound of footsteps approaching.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Come in," Ringo says. She watches the door open to show Arle and Amitie walking in.
"Hey, Ringo," Arle and Amitie say.
"Hey Amitie, Arle," Ringo says.
"Is everything alright?" Amitie says while she and Arle sit down.
"I assume so," Ringo says. "Why?"
"You didn't meet up with us at the hangout spot," Arle says.
"Yeah," Amitie says, "You were going to talk about how you and Maguro were a couple and how you waiting for that moment."
Digit, I forgot, Ringo thinks. "Sorry I couldn't make it," she says. "Let's just say Maguro and i saw each other in different lights."
"Oh," Arle says, "I'm sorry to hear that."
"Me too," Amitie says. "I'm also sorry for bringing it up now of all times. I should've put two and two together."
"Thanks, you two," Ringo says. She looks down. "I don't know what to do anymore. I can't think straight."
Arle puts a hand around Amitie. "Say Amitie," she says, "what do we do when we can't think straight?"
"Um," Amitie says, "seek enlightenment from a donkey atop a mountain?"
"No, silly," Arle says. "We play Puyo Puyo."
"Right," Amitie says. "that method. Should we play Puyo Puyo tonight?"
"My parents won't like that," Ringo says. "How about tomorrow morning? Then we can have lunch afterwards."
Arle and Amitie get up.
"I like the sound of that," Amitie says.
"Me too," Arle says.
"Perfect," Ringo says. "Are we meeting up at the usual?"
"Works for me," Amitie says.
"Same here," Arle says. "Make sure you don't bail on us again, Ringo."
"Tee hee," Ringo says. "I won't." She waves goodbye to Arle and Amitie as they leave her room, with them waving back.
That night, Ringo lays in bed. Unable to sleep.
Mom was going to tell me something, Ringo thinks, but she didn't finish. Based on how she spoke, she must've known something about Tee that I don't. But what? I feel like if Tee was the one, he would've said something by now. I've told him I'm certain I've met the man I'll spend the rest of my life with. She ponders this before falling asleep.
The next morning, Ringo waits for Arle and Amitie to arrive.
Since they're not here yet, Ringo thinks, I'll practice my Puyo Puyo skills. It's been a couple weeks. With little difficulty, Ringo beats each round of practice. Now that I'm warmed up, I should go for a bigger chain than the ones I'm getting. I'm really feeling myself at the moment. Now then, let's get— WAIT! That's not a Puyo pair. It's a tetrimino. She stares at the piece in confusion. I must've booted up Tetris on accident. What did Tee tell me? It's been a bit since this happened and I can't remember. Perhaps, I clear a line. When she clears a line, she's enveloped inside a white light. Uh oh, I don't think that was the solution. I think I'm being transported, again. Ringo closes her eyes.
"Ripple is sealed," Tee says. He smacks his hands.
"PiPiPi," O says.
"The job's not done yet, O. We need to run scans. There's always the possibility that someone crossed over on accident. I'll scan the ship while you scan the planets." He starts a scan.
O starts a scan. "PiPiPiPiPiPiPi?"
Tee puts a hand on his forehead. "I didn't tell you right away. I knocked over my frame while turning off my alarm. After my shift today, I plan to…oh, what's this?" Tee looks at the SS Tetra scan.
"PiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPiPi."
"Okay, time to give an emergency report."
"PiPiPiPi."
Tee clears his throat. "Captain's report. This is Captain Tee of the SS Tetra. I am broadcasting this message via communications officer, O. I have sealed a ripple in the Constellation Zone. However, a resident from one of the Puyo Puyo worlds crossed over the border." He looks at the scan. "Based on my scan of the SS Tetra, the guest is inside the playroom. I'll investigate after this report. End of report."
"PiPi. PiPiPiPiPiPi?"
Tee walks towards the door. "Yes, O. I'll be fine on my own. Besides, someone needs to stay in the cockpit." The door opens.
" PiPi. PiPi."
"Thanks, O." Tee walks to the playroom. I wonder who it is, Tee thinks. He arrives at the playroom and waits for the door to open. If anything, I'd rather it not be— "Ringo!" He sees her laying on the ground. At once, Tee rushes over, and sits next to her. He puts a hand on Ringo's chest. "No signs of breathing." He looks around the room. "No signs of a defibrillator. I'll have to send a pulse."I've wanted to put one in here. I guess I have a reason now. More important, I need to wake Ringo up.He lays his hands on Ringo's chest, and sends a pulse. A few seconds later, Ringo starts regaining conscious.
"Oh, my head," Ringo says. "Where am I? What happened?"
"Ringo, are you okay?" A faint voice says.
"Yes, I'm okay, Arle. I'm sorry if I worried you. I must've passed out."
"I'm not Arle," the voice says.
Although becoming clearer, she still can't make out the voice. "Amitie?"
"No, it's Tee."
By now, Ringo fully regains conscious to realize Tee is holding her. "Oh, Tee. Sorry for barging in like this," she says.
"Don't worry about that," Tee says. "What matters is if you're okay."
"If you're unsure before, I'm okay." She sits up with Tee's help. "What did you do?" Did he perform CPR? Ringo thinks.
He let's go. "I sent a pulse to your heart and lungs. I didn't take the risk of leaving you alone to look for a defibrillator."
"Thanks." Weird, I don't feel a thing. She struggles to get up.
"You're welcome." He stretches a hand. "Here, let me help."
Ringo stops him. "No, I'm fine." She continues to struggle regaining her balance. "…Okay, I'll accept your help."
Tee helps her sit on a couch. "Wait here. I'm going to get you some water." He leaves the room.
"Oh, okay." She stares off into blank space. I wonder how long I was out for. Now that I think about it, my throat is a little dry. Did Tee know about that? I wonder if it's a side effect of that pulse he sent. That, or the light-headed feeling I'm getting right now. Is it possible for both? She stops thinking when a table forms in front of her and Tee walking in.
"I'm back, Ringo." He hands her the glass of water. Should I tell her? He thinks.
She grabs the glass. "Thanks." She takes a few minutes to drink the glass. Afterwards, she says, "I feel better now."
"Wonderful." No, I shouldn't. "Now then, are you ready to go back?"
"Go back? What do you mean?"
"Well, back to Suzuran. I'm sure coming here wasn't something you planned."
Ringo lets out a smile. "You're right about that."
"I'll ask again, are you ready?"
"Well…" Ah yes, back to Suzuran. Seeing mom and dad. Hanging out with my friends…not being in a relationship with Maguro. Ringo's eyes water again. "No. *sniff* No I'm not." She puts her hands over her face as she cries again.
Tee's eyes open wide. "Ringo! Did something happen?"
She looks at him. "Can…Can you hold me?" Tears slide down her face.
Must be something serious. "Yeah, I can hold you." He is caught off-guard by how sudden Ringo hugs him. Once he recomposes himself, he hugs her back. "Take deep breaths." I should tell her. Maybe that'll calm her down.
Ringo and Tee hug for several minutes with Ringo taking in deep breaths.
During the hug, Ringo thinks to herself, This…This is nice. Crazy how warm Tee is. I don't know how long I should hug. I mean, I want to keep hugging him because of how nice this is. But I feel like I should move to stop first so he shouldn't feel pressured to stop hug…Wait! Why am I thinking like this? Tee and I are only friends.
At the same time, Tee thinks to himself, I wonder what happened. Did Maguro turn her down? Was she going to tell Maguro but her parents stopped her? Did she have a nightmare come true? Well, whatever the event, I'll sure she'll tell me. She feels better whenever she gets something off her chest.
After a few minutes, they let go of each other.
She wipes her eyes and looks at him. "In case you didn't know, I had feelings for Maguro."
"Okay." I think I know where this is going.
"Yesterday, I told him about those feelings. But, he didn't see me that way. He told me he saw me as a sister."
"Ringo. I…I don't know what to say." Maybe I shouldn't tell her. At least, not today.
"I'm not surprised. You didn't expect to see me today, let alone plan around what happened yesterday." She laughs as she looks down. "Still, I always thought of him as the one, but I didn't think of him not being the one. I…don't know what to do knowing the truth."
Tee gets up and grabs the glass. "Would you like some more water?"
"…Sure. Water sounds nice right now."
"I'll be right back." He walks to the door, and leaves when it opens.
She looks at the door. Oh, Tee. You're so helpful! It's a shame you only see me as a friend. Ringo lets out a sigh. I should've listened to mom and made new friends at school. Maybe then…huh? What's that? She notices a piece of paper laying where Tee was sitting at. When she looks at it, her eyes open up. It's…Tee and I during my sixteenth birthday party. He told me he kept it at a safe spot. Did…Did he keep it on him all this time? Strange. After all, he told me he liked having me as a friend. She hears the doors open.
Tee walks in. "I'm back…Ringo." He sees her holding the picture.
"When you told my you kept this in a safe place, I didn't expect you to keep it on you."
Don't be reckless, Tee. "Today was different. I knocked it over before I started my shift."
"Knocked it over." She looks at him. "Tee, did you frame this?"
Tee could feel his heartbeat increase. So much for not being as well tell her everything…actually, don't say everything. Just the frame and go from there. "Yeah, I had in in a glass frame by my bed. I knocked it over when I couldn't find my alarm." He sits down and hands her the glass. "Here."
She puts the photo on the table and takes the glass from Tee. "Thanks." She drinks some of the water. That's weird. Why would Tee keep his copy by his bed? It seems a bit much for seeing me as a friend…oh great. The feeling is back. Ringo puts her free hand on her chin.
"Ringo? Is everything alright?"
"Well, it's just…whenever I look at my sixteenth birthday party, a weird feeling rises in me."
"What weird feeling?"
"I feel like someone wanted to tell me something that night but didn't. I don't know who it is and what they wanted to tell me." She takes some time to drink her water.
Tee looks away. I…Is she talking about me? I'm certain if it was anyone else, this wouldn't be an issue. With that in mind, I should her the truth. The whole truth. He opens his mouth but close it when he sees Ringo lowering her glass.
"I'm thankful for having you as a friend, Tee. You're always willing to let me get something off my chest. In fact, you're the first person I told about my weird feeling. Thanks for the water. I feel much better now." She puts the glass onto the table next to the photo. Once I get back,I'll start my search for the one. "I'm ready to go back now, if you're ready." She sees him with his eyes closed. "Tee?"
Tee has a hand clenched up into a fist. I can't tell her. She'll be shocked and confused. Worse, she'll question everything from these past few years. I can't put that on her. Not now. Tee remembers what Ess told him.
"The next time you see Ringo, tell her," Ess said. "If you don't, then don't tell her at all."
All of a sudden, Tee feels himself moving back and forth. He opens his eyes and looks over to see Ringo moving him.
"Phew," she says. "I was concerned you were drifting around the Constellation Zone."
"Thanks for bringing me back," he says. "I was thinking about something."
"You're welcome. What were you thinking about?"
"Something Ess told me. She was very adamant about it."
What was it?" Ringo waits for an answer but sees Tee sitting in silence. What did Ess tell him? Ringo thinks. It's like whatever she told him is a matter of life or death. Also, why is the air so tense all of a sudden? I feel like some major plot point is about to happen.
Man this is tough, Tee thinks. I'm potentially ruining a friendship by these actions. I…I want to tell Ringo my feelings, but she'll think I'm lying. After all, I did tell her on her sixteenth birthday...party...that's it! He looks at her. "Ringo, there's something I need to tell you."
He's pretty serious. Now's not the time to mess with him. "What is it?"
"It's about your sixteenth birthday party. What I told you that night wasn't what I wanted to tell you. I still value our friendship though."
"It wasn't. Then what were you going to tell me?" Am I blind? What else would Tee tell...no! No way!
He takes a deep breath. No going back now. He removes his gloves, holds her hands, and looks at her face-to-face. "Ringo, I have deep feelings for you, and for some time now. I have a sense of warmth and joy when we hang out. Some bad days were better when you were a part. I look back on all our adventures together with happiness knowing I wouldn't want them with anyone else."
She looks at him in shock. "Tee, I-I had no idea?" At the very least, I should ask the obvious. "Why didn't you tell me back then?"
"While you were playing a round of Puyo Puyo with Maguro and Risukuma, I told Arle about my feelings for you. That's when I found out about you having feelings towards Maguro…" He grows silent. Wait. She's still heartbroken. I could've waited until next week. He looks down. "I'm sorry, Ringo." He lets go of her.
"For what?" I'm still in shock.
"For being inconsiderate. I knew you were heartbroken and I still told you. I didn't stop to think if now was a good time." He puts on his gloves, grabs the glass, gets up, and walks to the door. You've ruined that friendship, Tee. Now she won't want to hang out with you. "When I'm back, I'll take you back to Suzuran." Tee gets up and walks with a slight hunch towards the door. It opens and closes on him.
Ringo is alone again in the playroom. All this time, Tee had feelings for me. I know the most about Tee on the Puyo Puyo side and yet I didn't know about that part of him. Ironic. She puts her hands on her head. I…I don't know what to do. Do I still talk to him or stop in a few months?…I'll go with the latter. He said so himself. He told me the day after Maguro broke my heart. I never knew how low Tee would go. She looks at the door. He's not back yet. I'll look for him. I'll be back sooner. I'm sure Arle and Amitie are wondering where I'm at. When she gets up, she looks at the picture again. I always tell everyone that my sixteenth birthday was memorable but never why. Mom, dad, Maguro, or Ris? No. The party would've been the same as any other year. Arle, Amitie, or any of their friends? It was cool for them to come, but the day wouldn't be memorable. Old teachers? Awesome to see them again, but I'm sure I'll see them when I take over my parents shop. Tee? I mean, he's a great friend…wait. Do I see him as a friend? I only saw as that because of what he said then. In fact, that's probably the cause of the weird feeling I always got. Nice to have that resolved...strange. I feel relieved. Knowing the truth, what do I see Tee as? Ringo reminisces of all the times she and Tee hung out. I'm joyous to have met Tee. I'll say I'm happier with him than with Maguro and…WAIT! Ringo's eyes open wide as she puts a hand over her mouth. Oh my geometry, I can see clearly again. More important, I need to find Tee. The door opens.
Tee walks in. "I'm back, Ringo. Sorry I took longer than expected. I got caught up on something." He raises a hand. "Portal in 3—"
"Tee, wait." He's still beating himself up. He needs to know now. She grabs his hands and pulls his gloves off.
"RINGO! What are you doing?" I'm confused.
"Making sure this moment is memorable." She grabs his hands.
What is she talking about? "Don't you want to go back?"
"I do, but I want to tell you something." She looks at him.
"W-What is it, Ringo?"
"I have a response…" She looks away. "and an apology." She takes a deep breath and looks at him. "I'm sorry, Tee."
"For what?" I'm still confused.
"Lying. To everyone, but you most of all now that I know the truth."
Tee looks at her in confusion. "What lie were you telling?"
"About the way I see Maguro."
"What…What do you see Maguro as?"
"I see him as a brother."
Tee could feel his jaw drop while his eyes widen. "Ringo? Are…Are you saying—"
Ringo shows a smile and nods her head. "Yes, Tee. I have feelings for you too." She lets go of his hands and hugs him.
At first, Tee stands there in shock. This is a dream. I'll wake up any moment now. He feels her hugging him tighter. No! This isn't a dream. This is real! He hugs her back, lifts her a little off the ground, and spins around. After a spin, the two of them lock eyes. "Say, Ringo?"
"Yes, Tee?"
"I was wondering if you would like to be in a relationship with me?"
"I'd be honored to. Only thing is, I feel like we should do something to officiate it. I have something in mind. What about you?"
"Well, I was hoping a kiss…if that's not too much for you."
Her jaw drops. "Tee! That's what I was thinking."
"So you're fine with it?"
"Yeah, I like that as our start."
The pair closes their eyes and share a kiss.
Tee remembers the wish he made when he saw the comet. Thank you, Tee thinks during the kiss. Thank you for giving me this chance.
When they're done kissing, Ringo has a smile. "My first kiss," she says.
"Mine as well," Tee says. He lets go of Ringo. "Can I get my gloves?"
"Oh, yeah, sorry." She lets go of him so he can pick his gloves up off the floor. "I wanted to make sure you stopped being sad. I personally think some form of response is necessary when it comes to a confession." She sees him place one in a pocket while wearing the other. "Why are you wearing one?"
"I'm required to wear both while on the job. I would've worn both if we didn't start a relationship just now. Think of it as making the day we started our relationship extra special." he creates a portal with his gloved hand and stretches his other hand to Ringo. "You coming?"
"Yes." She grabs his hand and walks along of him as they travel to Suzuran.
After walking through the portal, Tee and Ringo arrive at the meet-up spot on Suzuran.
She leans into him and says, "You're a good boyfriend, Tee."
"Why?" He says. "Our first day isn't even over."
"Well, you're a gentleman for bringing me home."
"Not bad reasoning. Should I stay here until someone comes for you?"
"No, in fact, you should hide somewhere so you can create a portal."
"Why?"
"I'm hanging out with Arle and Amitie. You'll never hear the end of it if you stay." Ringo sees a tree large enough for Tee to hide behind. "Follow me." Ringo leads Tee to the tree.
He stands in the spot Ringo wants him to be at. "Who am I telling?"
"Whomever you want. I'm telling my parents, Maguro, and Ris. I want to surprise Arle and Amitie. After you left, they joked about us being a couple. I want to mess with them as payback."
"Fair enough." He looks away. "As much as I want to stay, I must be off now. I've spent enough time away from my shift." He looks at her. "See you next week?"
"Yep, and you know where to go."
Tee gives her a genuine smile before sharing a kiss. Afterwards, he opens up a portal, and walks in. Leaving Ringo all alone. A cool summer breeze grazes Ringo as she takes a deep breath. The sadness and uncertainty that once plagued her is replaced with joy and peace of mind. Neither she nor Tee know where their relationship will go. What they do know is they'll experience it together. All because they had a chance to get their truths told.
The End