Writer's Note: Quick disclaimer: I don't have ownership of any character in this story. This is purely a passion project. One thing I will say is if you haven't played any Puyo Puyo game. Give one a try. Most games have an in-game tutorial section to help get you off the ground and are easy to access. With all that said, enjoy the story.

Truths Told

"There. That's the last one," Tee says. He finishes buttoning up a classy, purple shirt paired up with sleek, black pants, and a pair of white leather shoes.

"Are you certain about this, Captain?" Zed says.

Tee grabs a black and white, striped tie and begins to tie it around his neck. He looks at a projected image of himself via Zed. "Ringo and I compared the dates and times of both sides of the dimensional border. Today is the day."

"I see. But Captain, are you sure about a visit during the border's most fragile time is a good idea?"

"No, but I will never hear the end of it if I miss out on her sixteenth birthday party. Don't worry, Ess and O have proven themselves capable of sealing any tear. The crew will be fine." Tee lets go of his tie. "Alright, I'm all set." He turns around and forms a portal. "If I'm not back in a few hours, you know what to do."

"Yes, Captain. Do enjoy yourself." Zed watches Tee walk into the portal to see Ringo once again.

Upon arriving at Suzuran High School, Tee pulls out a sheep of paper with directions to Ringo's birthday party.

I better get going, Tee thinks. I'm late as is. To start, I go…

After taking a bit longer than he anticipated, Tee arrives at Ringo's party. As he got closer, he notices a guard at the entrance.

Alright, here we go, Tee thinks. He approaches the guard.

"Name, sir," the guard says. He's holding what Tee assumes to be a list of guests.

"Tee," he says.

The guard examines the list. "Sorry, Tee. Your name isn't on the list."

Odd. "Does anyone on the list have the word 'captain' in their name?"

The guard looks again. "Nope, captain isn't in any names."

Getting obscure, huh, Ringo? "How about Tetris King?"

The guard looks a third time. "Still nothing. I'm going to need a physical invitation from you."

Oh no! Tee slaps a his forehead. I didn't bother to bring mine. Now I'll never hear the end of—

"Tee! You're here!" A voice says. One all to familiar for Tee.

He looks to see Ringo wearing an emerald dress with white slippers. Instead of her usual curls, she straightened her hair to hang from behind her head. Tee turns away to hide a blush rising on his face. Wow! She's beautiful, he thinks.

"Is he a guest?" The guard says.

"Yes he is," Ringo says. She looks at the list and points to a name. "That's him."

"Oh, okay," the guard says before looking at Tee, who's still turned away. "I apologize for holding you up, Mr. Basic-Title. You can go in now."

Tee stops blushing when he hears the name Ringo placed for him. He turns around, and walks in with Ringo. Basic-Title, Tee thinks. Since when did Ringo call me…wait. Ha Ha. Very funny, Ringo. Once inside, Tee sees what the party is like. The center of the room has Arle and Amitie finishing a round of Puyo Puyo with their friends watching. Maguro and Risukuma are at a table eating food while developing some sort of experiment. Ringo's parents are in the kitchen restoring food trays and refilling pitchers of water, lemonade, and tea. There some other adults that Tee doesn't recognize.

"Man," Amitie says, "I played really well until I misplaced that one set. Good job once again, Arle."

"You didn't do too bad yourself," Arle says. "If it helps, take moment to calm yourself." She looks away from Amitie to see Tee looking their direction. "Well, well, well, look who arrived late."

"Hey, Arle, Amitie," Tee says. "Right before I changed, there was a ripple in the dimensional border."

"I see," Arle says. "If only Ringo knew?"

"Yeah," Amitie says, "she was worried you wouldn't show up. We took a few minutes to ease her. Right, Ringo?"

"No, I wasn't worried," Ringo says. "Tee arrived a bit later than I anticipated. Regardless, he's here now." She looks him over. "Although, one thing I'm unsure of is if he still has his Puyo Puyo skills."

"Hey," Tee says, "my skills aren't lacking."

"Prove it, Tee," Ringo says. "Battle right here, right now."

"You're on, Ringo." Tee plays several rounds of Puyo Puyo and chats while he isn't playing.

A little while later, Tee walks to the food tables and picks out food.

"So? What do you think about the party?" A voice says. Tee turns around to see Arle walking over to the food tables. She grabs a plate and begins to grab some food. "I'm sure Ringo would like to know."

Tee caresses his free hand over his forehead. "I'm enjoying it," he says. "I feel honored to have received an invite from Ringo to her party and grateful to have arrived."

"I'm sure Ringo will appreciate you saying that."

"I hope so." He looks over at Ringo, who's in the middle of a round with Maguro and Risukuma. "Hey, Arle? Do you mind if I tell you something?"

Arle puts a hand on her chin. "It depends. What's it about?"

Tee takes a deep breath. "For some time, I have feelings towards Ringo. I know you two have a great relationship and are close. I wanted to hear your thoughts about this before I tell Ringo." All right, Tee thinks, what will Arle say?

Her eyes widen. "Oh wow. Here I was preparing to tell Ringo you left without saying goodbye first." She lets out a sigh of relief. "Anyways, I'm happy to hear that. You two are a pair if I've ever seen one." Arle takes a deep breath. "The thing is…" Tee has a bad feeling rise in his stomach. "…Ringo has feelings towards Maguro. I'm sorry if that's what you didn't want to hear." She grabs more food.

"Well…thanks for telling me. The last thing I'd want to do is ruin my friendship with Ringo." Tee pours himself some water. "Can you keep this a secret?"

Arle places a finger on her lips. "She didn't hear anything from me."

"Thanks, Arle."

After eating the food on his plate, talking to acquaintances, and introducing himself to the adults that are Ringo's former teachers, Tee feels dizzy.

I should get some fresh air, he thinks. At once, he walks over to the back, sliding doors with a cup in hand, opens one, and steps out. He then closes the door, walks over to the railing, and leans against it. As he feels the cool breeze brush against his face, he feels better. I don't understand how Ringo wears clothing like this. Perhaps this is more formal attire and what Ringo wears is more casual. Maybe I should—

"I wondered where you were," a voice says.

"Gah!" Tee says. He turns around to see Ringo walking up to him. "Don't do that."

"Do what?" Ringo says. "Surprise you?"

"Yes. If anything, I should be surprising you."

"I guess some things are susceptible to change." She leans against the railing. "What are you doing out here anyways?"

"I felt dizzy inside. The first thing I could think of is to get some fresh air."

"How are you feeling now?"

"Better. I'll say I got too warm in there."

"That's a relief." She looks down. "Although, I feel bad now. I should've agreed with you on the short-sleeve shirt. This problem would've been—"

Tee puts his cup down and grabs her shoulders. "Ringo, stop!"

"But, Tee—"

"If I didn't want to wear this for today, I would've put up more of a fight."

Ringo smiles at him. "Here I was worried you'd be mad at me. My main concern about the party was you passing out."

He lets go. "I'm captain of the SS Tetra. I've trained for these things. Besides, this gives us a chance to be alone."

Ringo playfully pushes him. "Clever, Tee. Real clever. The moment I think I have you figured out, you throw a curve ball."

He chuckles while raising his hand. "I do what I can." He lowers his hands and looks up at the sky. "Wow! Look at the stars. They're amazing."

Ringo looks up. "I can't deny how beautiful they are." She lowers her head. "I'm surprised by your amazement, considering how often you're surrounded them."

"Sure I spend most of my days in outer space, but seeing them close together like this is much better. Not much looks better than this."

She smirks at him. "Name one."

He looks at her and shows a smile. "That's easy, you. Especially today. I was going to tell you earlier that you look amazing today."

Tee sees some blush rising in her face. "I should've expected you to say something like that. Regardless, that's nice of you to say. You're one of the few guest to compliment me. Thanks!" The blush fades away.

I feel special. "You're welcome."

The two take a deep breath and look at the stars again.

Tee grabs his cup and has a drink. I should tell her regardless of how she sees me, he thinks. He looks at her. "Hey, Ringo."

She looks at him. "Yes, Tee?"

"There's something I need to tell you."

"Oh? What is it?"

Here goes. "I…I…" Just say it. "I—"

"There you two are," a voice says. Tee and Ringo look over to Amitie walking towards them with a camera.

"Amitie, what are you doing?" Tee says.

"I think it's obvious, Tee," Ringo says. "She came out to take a picture of us together for my mom, who must be preoccupied."

"Ringo's right," Amitie says. "If it's alright with you, Tee?"

"I'm fine with it," Tee says. He puts his cup down and looks at Ringo. "Simple or creative?"

"We can keep it simple," Ringo says. At that, the two have a side hug while facing the camera.

"Get ready," Amitie says. "I want some smiles." She holds the camera to her face. "3…2…1…" The camera takes a picture. "Perfect! Thanks for letting me get a picture." She turns around, and walks inside.

"You're welcome," Tee and Ringo say. They go back to leaning against the railing.

Well that was unexpected, Tee thinks. What will Ringo's mom do with—

"So," Ringo says, "what were you going to tell me?"

"Huh? Oh, right," Tee says. He clears his throat. "What I was trying to say before is I—"

"Hey, Tee," another voice says. Tee and Ringo turn around to see Lemres walking over to them. "I was looking for you."

"Oh hey, Lemres," Tee says. "What is it?"

"First," he says, "I want to congratulate you on your Puyo Puyo skills."

Tee looks at Ringo. "I learned from the best," he says. He could see a faint blush appear on her face. He looks at Lemres again. "Anything else?"

"Yeah. We should have a Puyo Puyo battle. I personally want to see how far you've come."

"Okay. I'll make sure to have a battle with you before I leave." He looks over at Ringo to see her a little bit annoyed before looking at Lemres again.

"Sweet. Come find me when you have a chance." Lemres goes in.

"Alright, see you in a bit." Tee says before looking at Ringo. "Sorry about that."

"Don't worry about it," Ringo says. "Now then, what were you going to tell me?"

Tee drinks a little more of his cup. Now or never. "Ringo, I truly—"

"Um, pardon me," another voice says. Tee and Ringo turn to see Maguro. "I do apologize about barging in."

Ringo takes a deep breath. "It's fine, Maguro," Ringo says. "So, what is it?"

"I'm here to tell you, Ringo, that your parents are going to pull out your cake in five minutes."

"Okay, thanks Maguro," Ringo says.

"You're welcome." He starts to walk back in.

"One more thing," she says.

Maguro turns around. "What is it?"

"Can you wait at the door and tell anyone looking for Tee or myself that they'll have to wait until we come back in?" She says.

"No problemo." Maguro walks in and closes the door.

Tee stills look at the doors. Wow, Maguro is awesome. How can I possibly compare with him. Guess I'll find someone else. It's better for me to play it safe, Tee thinks. All of a sudden, a hand waves in front of him. He then turns to Ringo.

"Good. You're still there," she says.

"I got caught up in my thoughts," Tee says.

"Well, since I got you out of your thoughts and we won't have any holdups, what are you going to tell me?"

He takes a deep breath. "Ringo, I'm truly grateful to have you as a friend."

"Oh, I thought you were going to say something else."

Something seems off. "I didn't have the right words to say until now." He drinks the rest of his drink. "So uh, do you want to go back in? I know Maguro mentioned cake."

She lets out a sigh. "Now I'm the one lost in thought. Don't want to keep everyone waiting." She starts walking back.

Tee stretches out a hand and clears his throat

Ringo turns around and looks at him in surprise.

"If you're okay with it?"

Ringo smiles. "You know, Tee? I forget how much of a gentleman you can be." She accepts his hand and walks with him to the door.

After the party, Tee stays to help clean tables and chairs with Ringo. Arle and Amitie are sweeping the ground. Maguro and Risukuma are taking down banners. Ringo's parents are in the kitchen storing leftovers.

"That's wonderful to hear," Ringo says. "Knowing what you want to do in life. Even from a young age."

"I'm one of the lucky few," Tee says. "I loved looking at the night sky. I also enjoyed stories of previous SS Tetra captains surviving near-impossible odds, discovering new planets, or some other way to make a name for themselves."

"Have you made a name for yourself?"

"I already have."

Ringo gives him a look. "What have you done already to make a name?"

"Discovering the Puyo Puyo side. Astronomers on the Tetris side have a field day whenever I allow them to analyze any footage of the Puyo Puyo side."

"Wow! They work fast. I wonder if I'll meet someone from your side in the future that's not a member of your crew."

He looks up. "The possibility is there. It's only a matter…of…when…" He looks away from Ringo to see Arle and Amitie whispering among themselves. What are those two whispering about? I hope it doesn't involve— "Waah!" He raises his hands to block incoming water droplets. "Ringo! What gives!?"

"You didn't answer me. I wanted to make sure you were there."

"I was. I noticed Arle and Amitie talking to each other." He runs an arm across his face.

Ringo looks over to see Arle and Amitie waving at her. She puts the wash cloth she used into the bucket. "It's a good thing we are done cleaning. Now I can give them something to do."

Tee puts his cloth into the bucket. "In that case, I'll take the bucket to your parents."

"Thanks, Tee." At that, Ringo walks over to the two while Tee walks towards her parents.

He puts the bucket on the counter and notices Ringo's parents storing containers into a cooler.

"There, that's the last of them," Ringo's dad says. "I wonder how the others are doing?"

Her mom looks over to see Tee. "I'd say we're about to find out," she says. "Are you and Ringo done cleaning the tables and chairs, Tee?"

The sound of tables slamming shut reaches Tee and Ringo's parents

"If you needed an answer, there it is," Tee says. He looks at a clock in the kitchen and realizes what time it is. "Oh! I need to take my leave now." Cutting it real close right now, Tee thinks.

Her mom walks over to a printer. "Before you go," she says. She grabs something and walks over to Tee. "Take this." She puts it in Tee's hand.

Tee looks down and sees the picture shows him and Ringo out on the patio. Sweet, Tee thinks. "Thanks for the picture," he says. "What about Ringo?"

"Don't worry," her mom says, "she'll get an album from this evening. She'll have a copy in there."

"Okay, thanks, Mrs. Ando," Tee says. "I'll see you two next time." He waves goodbye to them.

"Goodbye, Tee," her parents say.

Tee walks back into the main area to see Arle, Amitie, and Ringo folding chairs.

"Here to join us?" Arle says.

"Sadly, no," Tee says, "I need to leave."

"I'll walk you out," Ringo says. She begins to walk with him.

"Hey!" Amitie says. "What about us?"

Ringo looks around to see all the banners taken down. "Go get Maguro and Ris. I'm sure they'll help."

Arle and Amitie look at each other before Arle goes to get Maguro and Risukuma. After a minute, she comes back with the two.

"…I'm not telling her." Arle finishes.

"Telling who what?" Ringo says.

Tee nudges her. "Now isn't the time for that," he says. "Are you still walking me out, because I need to go, like right now."

"You don't have enough time to say goodbye to everyone else?" Ringo says. "I figured that can be done."

"I suppose there's enough time for that," Tee says. He looks at everyone and waves, saying, "Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Tee," everyone but Ringo says.

While standing at the entrance, Tee and Ringo look at each other one last time for the occasion.

"Did my parents give you the photo?" Ringo says.

Tee makes a notion to the location of the photo on his person. "Yep," he says, "I'll do something. Not sure what."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Tee walks ahead, then looks at her. "See you next time?"

"I'll be waiting for you."

Tee turns around and creates the portal.

Before he goes in, he hears Ringo say, "Hey, Tee?"

He looks back. "Yes, Ringo?"

"There's something I need to tell you."

Tee looks at her in confusion. "Oh, what is it?"

"BEEP! BEEP—"

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 reckless.Might 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

Writer's Note: If you made it to this point, first and foremost, thank you for reading my story. You've read what I consider to be version 2.5, which will be the version I intend to leave on the website. If there are any grammatical mistakes made in the story, do let me know as this is my first story on the website. Important note: I'll be away from the device that my account is tied to between the day this story is published and July 28, 2024. I'll be on the device July 29th, but I won't respond to any messages for I'm dealing with matters on my end. If there is enough interest in the story, I'll work on a collection of different events tied to the story. i.e.: What was Ringo doing prior to Tee's later than expected arrival. With all that said, thank you once again for reading my story and go play Puyo Puyo.