"Wakey, Wakey, LoveBirds!" an annoying voice echoed around the living room. You and Souji slowly opened your eyes and grumbled. 

"They're awake!" another voice chimed in. 

"Told you, it'll work." another teasing voice chirped in. 

You and Souji turned to look at each other and burst out laughing at each other's hair. 

"You looked ridiculously, Sou-chan!"  you laughed at him. 

"You should look at yourself first, N/N" Souji barked back. 

You stuck out your tongue, "Excuse you---regardless, I still look better than you" 

Souji didn't say anything. Instead, he pinched your nose. 

"itaaaaa! Let go, Sou-chan!" you yelped, "That's meannnn"

Cough. Another Cough was heard before you and Souji turned to see Ian, Amy, and the others looking at both your antics. All of them covered their mouth to prevent them from laughing. But you and Souji could spot it in their teasing eyes. 

"Alright, lovebirds, shouldn't you feel bad for the rest of us who don't have a love life?" Ian teased. 

"Ian!!!" both of you stated. 

"It's nothing like that, don't misunderstand!" Souji explained, getting up and readjusting his hair. He then reached his hand out towards you to help you get up.

"Mhmmm!" you stated, readjusting your hair. You grabbed Souji's hand and stood up. 

Amy walked up to you and gave you a big hug. She also took that chance to whisper in your ears. 

"Don't worry, Y/N-chan. I'll send you a picture later." This causes you to blush. 

"Amy-chan!" you exclaimed, while Amy just giggled. Souji sent you a puzzled look, which you quickly shrugged off. 

"What are you guys doing here anyway?" Souji asked. 

"Well...since Y/N is leaving soon, we thought we should host a farewell party!" Daigo stated. 

"Let's make Y/N-dono stay a memorable one!" Utchy stated. 

"Memories that are memorable," Nossan added out of the blue.  Everyone burst out laughing. 

"Let's go change then, Sou-chan!" you cheered. 

"Give us a few minutes then," Souji told his friends. They all nodded. 

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

"So what do you want to do today, Y/N?" Daigo asked. 

"Hmm...I actually don't know." you sighed. You never really thought about it as you were busy focusing on rescuing your mom. 

"How about the aquarium? We can go in pairs through the fish dome. Very romantic." Ian winked and handed you a daisy. The rest shook their head and sighed.

You softly giggled and grabbed the daisy. 

"That could be one."

Ian smiled until he fell, and someone stomped on his foot. 

"Itaaa" He yelped. Everyone looked at him with concern except one. 

"Are you okay, Ian?' you asked worriedly. Ian signaled that he was fine, knowing very well who the culprit behind this fiasco was. 

"I'm all good. Just the same jealous mosquito." He smirked. Amy seemed to understand and chuckled. 

"Hmm...how about the amusement park then?" Amy suggested. 

"Oh my! Another very romantic date place!" Ian exclaimed, dodging the incoming stomp. The person fumed, and Ian just smirked. 

"How about a dinosaur museum? We can explain more about our power to Y/N-dono!" Utchy recommended. Your eyes lit up with interest. 

"Dinosaur museum it is, then," Daigo stated, seeing the sparkle in your eyes. 

"Yosh--Full speed ahead!" Nossan exclaimed. 

"Let's go Y/N-chan!" Amy excitedly dragged you out. 

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

After an hour tour --- very thorough with extra details from Utchy 

"Sugoiii!!!!" you exclaimed as the group sat down at the Dino Cafe. 

"Very Brave isn't it?" Daigo asked. You nodded. 

"Yes, very brave!" you chirped. 

Everyone smiled, seeing you so excited and happy. Souji was relieved to see your smile from the distance. 

He felt someone nudged his shoulder. 

"You know...if you wait for too long, I won't make any promises." Ian teased him. Souji shot him a glare. 

"I already told you..you better---" Souji was about to warn Ian. 

"ask her out?" Ian interrupted. 

"Ian!" Souji grumbled. 

"I'm kidding. I'm kidding," Ian chuckled, "but you know, I think you should tell her about what happened before she leave." 

Souji shook his head, "If I do that, she'll feel very guilty and probably find some ways to thank the rest of us---which might then postpone her plan to get back to school" 

"But won't she be even more mad that you keep it hidden from her?" Ian pointed out. They turned around as the staff said the drinks were ready. 

Souji sighed, knowing that Ian was right. "I'll think about it. Give me some time." 

Ian just nodded, "Don't take too long. She leaving soon." 

The two walked back to the table. 

"Drinks are here!" Ian announced. 

"HOoray!" Nossan cheered. 

"Thanks Ian" you said, "Sou-chan" as Souji placed your drink in front of you. He took an empty seat right next to you. 

He saw in the corner of his eye--the rest of his team giving him a thumbs up. He just awkwardly grinned at them --- knowing very well it was their plan to leave an empty seat beside you.

"The cream soda is so good!!" you exclaimed after taking a sip. You quickly turned to Souji. 

"Try yours, Sou-chan. I think you'll love it!" you patted his shoulder. 

"Alright." he chuckled and taking his sip. 

"How is it?" you asked. 

"Very sweet." just like you. Souji responded. 

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

You and Souji walked home after the hangout. On the way, you both pass by Rin. 

Sensing her glare, you tried to keep a space between you and Souji. He took note of it as he followed your gaze and realized what you were doing. 

You three were getting closer. "Hi--" you were about to greet her. 

Rin just scoffed and walked off. You let out a sigh. 

"Don't worry about it N/N." Souji told you. 

"Demo---" you said. 

"It's not your fault," he stated. But Rin had caught on to his phrase and turned her head around. 

"Oh...not her fault. How long are you going to keep lying to yourself?" Rin accused, walking up to you and Souji. 

Souji quickly pushed you behind him and extended his arm out before Rin could reach any closer to you. 

This only fueled Rin's anger. 

"Stop it, Rin. I already told you that I broke up with you because of our differences. Not because of Y/N". Souji stated in a serious tone. 

"What differences do we have? I have always tried my best to support you. While she--" Rin pointed a finger at you. 

"While she was across the ocean, she didn't even bother to contact you. And now, she magically came back and, "without doing anything," made you change your mind about our relationship." Rin reasoned. 

"As if I believe that." Rin angrily spat out. 

"Rin-san, I didn't mean to---" you were about to explain yourself. But Souji stopped you. 

"Whether you believe it or not, that's up to you. I'm thankful that you tried your best to support me throughout high school...but I already told you if we continued like this down the road, it's not gonna work out for either of us." Souji stated. 

"Continued like what? Isn't this how our relationship always was?" Rin pointed out. 

"Exactly. it because of that..." Souji stated, leaving Rin speechless. Both of you looked at him. 

"I was impassive. You were too controlling. Though I've tried my best to match up to your energy and try to do what you expect. I can't anymore." Souji stated. 

"I don't need you to do anything massive back for me. You know that Souji-kun!" Rin interrupted him. 

"I know that! But still, this isn't right. You deserved someone better." Souji stated. 

You could see in the corner of Rin's eyes was slowly brimming with tears that she tried to hold in. 

"What do you mean someone better? Cut the crap." Rin stated, "I know you can also show compassion but it was never directed to me! It was always Amy-san-tachi and her." 

She glared at you. "The moments she returned, you became a whole lot different. You always look out for her, making sure she doing well, etc... Where were all of those things for me? Why her?" 

You were silent...not knowing how to respond. 

"Why?!" Rin stated, seizing Souji's arm and shaking it violently. You could see she was grabbing it very intensely.

"Rin-san, you're hurting Sou-chan." You tried to intervene. 

"You stay out of this!" Rin shouted and pushed you to the ground. "It's all your fault". 

"Y/N!" Souji shouted worriedly. He quickly brushed Rin's arm off him and dashed to you. 

"Daijobu?" he asked. You shake your head, whispering to him that you're okay. He quickly helps you stand up. 

Rin observed the scene and chuckled bitterly. 

"See?" she accused. 

"That's enough, Rin. You can hit me, but you shouldn't have pushed Y/N to the ground," he stated angrily and marched towards Rin. 

You quickly pulled him back, "I'm okay, Sou-chan. I'm sure she didn't mean it." 

He looked at you, and you just shook your head. He took in a deep breath before turning back to Rin. 

"Sou-chan, this. Sou-chan, that" Rin mimicked bitterly, "Do you know that he never allowed me to call him by any nickname? Why do you get to?" 

"Enough!" Souji angrily shouted. This surprised both you and Rin. 

He shook your arm off and walked up to Rin. 

"I'm sorry if I broke up with you so suddenly. But you need to understand that we are not going to work out down the line. I'm sorry for being cold during our relationship, I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say." Souji stated. 

"But Y/N does not have anything to do with our breakup. It's my fault for falling for her. It's my fault for not realizing it sooner and letting it drag out. It's my fault for not clarifying with you anytime soon." 

Your eyes widened and blushed at the indirect confession. Rin held her breath. You could see she was completely heartbroken. 

"You can pin all the blame on me. I'll take it. But please do not take it out on Y/N. That's all I'm begging." Souji stated, staring directly into Rin's eyes. 

Silence filled the air. After a while, Rin just turned around and walked off. 

You slowly approached Souji. You can see his gaze was lingering on her. 

At the end of the road, Rin turned back and let out a sad smile. 

"I still hate you for breaking my heart like that. But I wish you nothing but happiness, Souji-kun. " she stated. 

She, then, turned to you. "Gomene, Y/N. Take care of Souji for me" 

With that she left. 

You both stared at that empty spot for a while before Souji turned around. 

"Let's head home, N/N." he stated. You nodded as you both walked towards each other's house. 

Both knew that they'd need to confront each other soon. Souji with his indirect confession. You with your hidden feelings. But for now, the silence is somewhat comforting as long as you two are by each other side.

To Be Continued...

I'M REALLY REALLY REALLY SORRY FOR THIS LONG HIATUS. THOUGH I DID PROMISE I'LL TRY TO UPDATE MORE (I'M REALLY SORRY I DIDN'T KEEP IT) TvT.

I'll try better to adjust my schedule to balance between work, editing and writing. 

Please stay tune for the next chapter! 

Til' next time,

Adieu~~~