Finding A Special Heart - Chapter 1

NAPABUGA ng hangin si Czarina nang sa wakas ay natapos na niya ang mga trabahong kailangan niyang asikasuhin para sa buwang iyon. Magkaganoon man, ayaw pa niyang magpahinga dahil marami pa siyang kailangang asikasuhin lalo pa't malapit na ang peak season sa cake and pastry shop na pinamamahalaan niya.

"Wala ka talagang planong magpahinga, 'no?"

Napaangat siya ng tingin at napangiti nang pumasok sa opisina ang kaibigan at manager ng shop na si Carlyn.

"Ah... So ngingitian mo na lang ako. Ganoon?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong ni Carlyn.

At Least We Have Forever 23 - It All Begins Here

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho and its characters. I do own Riya and other OC's of this story, though.

Warning: The characters might not be in their usual selves.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER—Chapter 23: It All Begins Here

In a few seconds or so, the team reached Master Genkai's house. Though they figured out that it was indeed hassle-free to use a portal to reach Master Genkai's place, they couldn't help but to feel suspicious about it. Something was wrong and they knew it. But for some unknown reasons, no one wanted to voice out their concerns as if their minds were in their own dimensions. But then it was stopped when the door suddenly slid open and Yukina came out.

Just like as usual, Kuwabara was the first to approach the ice apparition and greeted her. But they noticed that even though Yukina was smiling, her eyes looked troubled and sad,

I'll Hold On To You 1 - Unusual Day

[Relaina]

It was only six-thirty in the morning. Pero sa wakas, narating ko na rin ang Oceanside Rose University. To be precise, I was standing in front of the building of the Engineering and Architecture Department. Ilang milya lang ang layo ng school na iyon sa bayan at simula sa semester na ito ay dito na ako mag-aaral. Pero hindi ko naman maintindihan kung bakit hindi ko pa rin magawang humakbang para makarating na sa loob ng building at mahanap ko na ang classroom ko.

Grabe naman. Kailangan ko ba talagang maramdaman ito ngayon? Hindi ito ang panahon para kabahan nang ganito, 'no? There was also no reason for both of my hands to feel this cold that was holding the straps of my backpack hanging on my back. Sa tingik ko naman, walang kakain sa akin ng buhay rito.

"Nervous?"

I turned around to the source of that voice. Kahit naman aminin kong kinakabahan talaga ako, nagawa ko pa ring ngumiti nang makita ko ang pinsan kong si Mayu. It so happened that we took the same course, which was Architecture. Sa totoo lang, hindi naman talaga ito ang kursong gusto kong kunin at aralin. At least, that was what I felt. But until now, I still don't know kung anong course ba talaga ang gusto kong kunin at pag-aralan. I just decided to give in to what my father wanted for me. It was just for now, hanggang sa magawa ko nang malaman kung ano nga ba talaga ang gusto ko sa buhay. Wala naman sigurong masama, 'no?

Journal entry — February 2, 2006

I was totally freaked out when my mom said that he saw Daddy three times. He was wearing white but his face was bloody. That was the same day when my sister saw many terrifying, horrifying souls. Kinda.

I hope Lord God may bless us and this house for the peace of many.

***

For context: We had lived in an apartment before that was apparently haunted dahil na rin siguro sa lokasyon nito. Hindi lang ito ang unang pagkakataon na nakakita ng kakaiba ang sinuman sa bahay na iyon, lalo na si bunso. As for me? Not once na may nakita akong kahit ano during the duration of our stay sa bahay na iyon. There was once even a time na may nakita raw si Mama na parang doppleganger ko raw. Pero the whole time, tulog naman ako sa kuwarto. Kaya pala hindi ako ginising ni Mama that day. Kasi ang akala niya, gising na ako that time. So no wonder, late na ako sa pagpasok sa school. Obviously, hindi na ako nakapasok.

Finding A Special Heart - Prologue

MULING tinangka ng labing-tatlong taong gulang na si Seth na haplusin ang basang pisngi ng batang babae nasa harapan niya nang mga sandaling iyon. Subalit walang ibang ginawa ang kamay niyang iyon kundi ang manlamig at manginig. Hindi niya alam ang gagawin. Hindi pa nangyari sa kanya ang ganoon pagdating sa ibang tao. Tanging si Czarina—ang batang babaeng nasa harapan niya—ang nagbigay ng ganoong epekto sa kanya. Pakiramdam niya ay tila sinasakal ang puso niya sa nakikitang pagpatak ng mga luha nito. Pero wala naman siyang ibang magawa kundi ang panoorin lang ito sa patuloy nitong pag-iyak.

Papahirin lang naman niya ang mga nagbabagsakang luha nito. Wala namang mahirap doon, 'di ba?

"Ang daya mo naman. Ang sabi mo, hindi ka aalis dito. 'Di ba, nangako ka sa akin na hindi mo ako iiwan dito na malungkot," sumbat ni Czarina na nagbalik sa isipan niya sa kasalukuyan.

Oo nga at nangako siya rito nang ganoon. Pero paano ba niya sasabihin rito na wala siyang ibang choice kundi baliin ang ipinangako niya rito in the process?

At Least We Have Forever 22 - Leaving

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER

Chapter 22

Leaving

---

The night wind blew softly as Riya continued to look at Kurama's room outside the Minamino residence that same night. After Haruna's call, she firmly stood to her decision.

The very same decision she said to Genkai as soon as she woke up after being healed by the old lady. Upon remembering that, she could not help but to allow her tears to freely streak down her cheeks as he mind pictured what happened to their conversation a few hours back…

-Flashback-

Riya opened her eyes a few minutes after Genkai healed all of her injuries she acquired during the battle earlier. She winced for a few times before looking around to know where she was, only to be surprised to see and old woman with washed out pink hair she already recognized as the master of Spirit Wave Technique and Yusuke's teacher, Master Genkai.

Journal entry — January 24, 2006

Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang gagawin ko. Hindi ko na rin alam kung siya pa rin ang crush ko.

AC, sana bigyan mo ako ng courage para masabi ko sa iyo ang totoo. At sana, kapag hindi mo ako makita, pilitin mo akong hanapin.

***

Waah! My gosh! Can I scream? Ang corny ko rito. What the heck? Ganito ba talaga ako noon? My gosh! Hindi ko ma-take ang kakornihan ko. Grabe!

Finding A Special Heart - Story Description

Malaking bahagi ng buhay ni Seth ang iginugol niya sa paghahanap sa isang babaeng bumago sa buhay niya may labing-tatlong taon na ang nakararaan. Hindi siya tumigil dahil hindi pumayag ang puso niya na gawin iyon. At alam niya na hindi magiging kumpleto ang buhay niya na wala ang babaeng iyon sa mga susunod na kabanata ng buhay na gusto niyang gugulin kasama ito. In a twist of fate, he found her.

  

  Pero hindi niya inakala na ang babaeng iyon pala ay ang taong lihim na iniibig ng isa sa mga kaibigan niya. Though he doesn't want to feel it, he couldn't help feeling torn between choosing what could make him happy and doing what he thought was right for him and his best friend.

  

  Pero ano nga ba ang tama para kay Seth?

  

  Ang gawin ang lahat upang mapasakanya si Czarina na siyang isinisigaw ng puso niya? O ang magparaya para sa kapakanan ng kaibigan kahit ang kapalit niyon ay ang pagtalikod sa tunay niyang nararamdaman?

At Least We Have Forever 21 - Her Tragic Fate

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Her Tragic Fate

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Riya's apartment…

The gang didn't take Riya to the hospital but to her apartment room since Master Genkai was just staying in Yusuke's apartment who had just arrived shortly before the attack happened. They asked her to heal Riya's injuries and have Botan changed her clothes to a more comfortable ones. After that, they explained the situation to Koenma when the prince called them.

"I know she would be able to use it in this situation," Koenma said that puzzled the gang. "But I never realized her powers would grew weaker up to this point."

"Wait! So you're telling us that you already knew Riya having powers before all this?" Yusuke asked in a loud tone. Koenma nodded.

Till Beyond Eternity - Chapter 12 (Final)

"IF I COULD hold on to love, I'd never let it go. I'd keep it right next to my heart. If I could hold her tonight, I'd never leave her side. If I could only hold on to love..." Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ni Relaina nang marinig niya ang pamilyar na kantang pumailanlang sa paligid. Naroon siya sa pinakamalaking hardin ng ancestral house kung saan abala ang karamihan sa mga kasambahay sa paghahanda para sa birthday celebration ni Armand mamayang gabi. Pero hindi doon nakatuon ang atensiyon niya. Nakapokus siya sa lalaking naroon sa stage at kasalukuyang tumutugtog ng piano. Pakiramdam niya ay nagbalik siya sa nakaraan kung saan unang beses niyang narinig si Allen na kumanta noong School Festival at noong finals week nila kung saan ay naging magkaibigan sila nito sa unang pagkakataon.

Bumaling ito sa kanya at ngumiti nang maluwang nang matapos itong kumanta. Ilang sandali pa ay may kinuha ito sa tabi nito at tumayo sa kinauupuan. Tumalon ito pababa sa stage at lumapit sa kanya. "I hope you like my surprise for you on our ninth anniversary. And to complete it all..." Inilagay nito sa kamay niya ang pitong pink carnations. "I'm giving you these flowers again. And this time, I won't make a promise. Ayoko nang biguin ka for the second time. Nangako ako noon na hindi kita malilimutan, 'di ba? Only in the end, I never managed to fulfill them. Ang sakit n'on para sa akin, alam mo ba iyon?"

Napaluha siya nang maalala ang tinutukoy nito. Huminga siya nang malalim at tiningnan ito. "If you're not going to make this flower's meaning a promise, what are you going to do with it? It's not entirely your fault kung bakit nangyari ang mga iyon sa ating dalawa. Wala kang kasalanan kung nakalimutan mo man ako. At kahit ilang beses mo man akong kalimutan... Ilang beses man akong umalis dahil masakit para sa akin ang paglimot mo, babalik at babalik pa rin ako para ipaalala sa iyo na ako ang taong nakatakda mong mahalin habang-buhay. At sisiguruhin ko na hindi mo iyon malilimutan kahit na kailan. I'll let your heart remember all that. I'm saying all these because I have faith in our pledge. That no matter what might come between us, we'll love each other till—"

"Till beyond eternity," pagtatapos nito sa mga sinabi niya. "I know. And I'm glad you've held on to it." At bigla ay niyakap siya nito nang mahigpit na tila ba mawawala siya sa isang iglap kapag pinakawalan siya nito. In the process ay nabitiwan niya ang basket na hawak niya para yakapin din ito.

Journal entry — January 20, 2006

I really can't understand myself. Bakit sa dinami-dami ng lalaki sa classroom namin eh si AC pa ang naging crush ko? Crush lang kasi hindi ko masabi na secret love (if it's still a secret). Hanggang kailan ko ito maitatago sa kanya? One big question. Magagawa ko bang sabihin ito sa kanya? At kung sasabihin ko man, ano naman ang mangyayari?

***

For context: This was when I started journaling again after a little while. Ang alam ko talaga, naitapon ko iyong dati kong journal, eh. Ito na lang talaga ang nag-survive. And this was during my 2nd year high school. Sa totoo lang... Mukhang siya a rin naman ang crush ko hanggang ngayon. Weird ba?

I know ilang beses ko nang sinabi ito. Pero... gagawin ko ba talaga ito? Seryoso na ba talaga ako? In the first place, bakit ko ba naisipang gawin ito? Nasisiraan na ba ako ng bait or something? Anyway, mukhang hindi naman na magbabago ang isip ko. Mukhang tuloy-tuloy na nga ito. Bahala na nga. Basta panindigan ko na lang.

Wala naman sigurong masama kung mag-take a break muna sa pagpo-post ng mga stories, 'no? Anyway, halata naman na hindi pa ako tapos sa ginagawa kong ito at gusto ko lang maiba nang kaunti ang mga pinaglalalagay ko rito.

Grabe! Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na ang dami ko na rin palang naisulat na mga kuwento. Hindi pa ako tapos niyan, ha? In fairness lang, mukhang sinagad ko pala ang pagsusulat noon. Well, hanggang ngayon din naman. At mukhang hindi na matatapos ang journey na ito ng buhay ko. I think that's even better, honestly. Mas okay nang hobby ito kaysa ang magkaroon ng ibang bisyo. At okay na rin itong outlet ng mga nararamdaman ko sa mundo.

Naks! Ano na namang kadramahan ang pinagsususulat ko rito? Anyway, hindi pa ako tapos. Pero baka umpisahan ko na talaga ang pagpo-post ng mga lumang journal entries ko rito. Maybe just to have a glimpse of my younger self back in high school. Ngayon ko lang na-realize, hindi pala ako nagsulat sa kahit na anong journal buong college days ko. Waah!

My Starlight Song - Chapter 11 (Final)

HINDI pa nagsisimula ang game nang makarating si Livie sa gym ng Greenfield College. Ilang oras din niyang pinag-isipan ang ginawa niyang pagpunta roon. Kahit na sa totoo lang ay nawala sa isipan niya ang tungkol sa laro ni TJ nang araw na iyon.

Pagkatapos ng masinsinang pag-uusap nila ni Lolo Herbert ay agad siyang nagtungo sa silid niya upang tuluyang tapusin ang feature article niya. Unexpectedly, she managed to do it without the heaviness she was feeling in her heart a while back. At natapos niya iyon sa loob lang ng dalawampung minuto.

Natagalan lang naman siya sa pagdedesisyon tungkol sa pagpunta niya sa gym dahil patuloy pa rin niyang naiisip ang mga nalaman niya mula kay Lolo Herbert. Pinakiusapan pala ito ni Aries na sabihin sa kanya ang totoo, lalo pa't alam daw ng matanda ang kuwento tungkol sa resthouse na reward dapat ni TJ kapag nagawa niya nang tama ang dare ng mga ito. Tama nga si Erika. May mas malaki pa nga kuwento na nakapaloob sa challenge-slash-dare na inihain ni Aries kay TJ. Kasabay niyon ay nalaman din niya ang tungkol sa high school graduation resolution ng apat na mga lalaking iyon. At iyon ay ang makita ng bawat isa sa kanila ang babaeng handa nang makasama ng mga ito sa habang panahon.

In short, the perfect bride for them.

My Starlight Song - Chapter 10

TAPOS na ang practice. Wala nang ibang tao sa gym maliban kay TJ. Naroon pa rin siya, walang tigil sa pagdi-dribble at pagsu-shoot ng bola. Pero dahil laging sumasablay ang mga tira niya, naibato niya ang bola dahil sa inis.

"Damn it!"

Nang wala nang maisip gawin ay pasalampak na nahiga siya sa sahig at ipinatong ang braso sa kanyang mga mata. Mabilis ang pagtibok ng kanyang puso at tumatagaktak ang pawis sa katawan niya pero wala siyang pakialam. Wala ang mga iyon kumpara sa nararamdaman niya nang mga sandaling iyon.

Livie...

At Least We Have Forever 20 - Part Of The Truth

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER

CHAPTER 20

Part Of The Truth

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"Kurama! Riya!" Yusuke screamed when the blast occurred and almost threw them away from there.

"Have those demon shinobi gone completely insane? Why would they attack Kurama and Riya from out of the blue?" Kuwabara asked as they tried not to be blown away by the explosion.

Hiei unsheathed his sword and firmly stabbed it to the ground to be used as a support in order not to be blown away and then he spoke. "That depends on their answer once we find that demon shinobi."

The resulting glow and shockwaves from the blast faded slowly but the thick smoke continued to block the view of the area. And what they saw after that made them quite surprised.

Till Beyond Eternity - Chapter 11

HOURS HAD passed. Sa wakas, natapos na ni Allen ang pagbabasa sa journal ni Relaina na ipinagkatiwala nito kay Tita Marie bago ito umalis. Sa kapal ng journal na iyon, masasabi niyang tama si Miette. Ang sipag ngang magsulat ni Relaina. Maging siya ay nagulat sa dami ng nakasulat doon. Nang mabasa niya ang unang pahina niyon, kinasabikan na niyang basahin ang mga sumunod na pahina. Lalo pa't nagsimula ang nakasulat doon noong araw na unang beses na nagsalubong ang mga landas nila ni Relaina. Hindi niya napigilang makadama ng saya habang binabasa ang journal. May mga pagkakataon pa nga na natatawa rin siya, lalo na kapag nababasa niya doon kung gaano ito nabubuwisit sa kanya pero hindi naman mai-deny na attracted ito sa kanya since day one. Nakita rin niya ang mga bulaklak na sinasabi ni Miette na nakaipit doon. Hindi mapuknat ang ngiti niya nang makita ang mga bulaklak na ibinigay niya sa dalaga noon. One of each kind and placed on the page where the dates that he gave those flowers were written. Natuyot man ang mga iyon, tila dama pa rin niya ang essence ng bawat isa sa mga iyon.

He cried when he read the parts of the journal that she wrote right after he had amnesia. Sa mga sulat ng dalaga doon, naramdaman niya kung gaano niya ito nasaktan. Parang nakikita na niya sa kanyang isipan ang walang humpay na pag-iyak nito habang isinusulat ang mga iyon. It felt like something gripped his heart tight every time he could see it in his mind. Nararamdaman niya sa bawat katagang nakasulat doon ang sakit na hindi niya inakalang naibigay niya rito. He even said he doesn't have the heart to hurt her. But what did he do?

Sa isang bahagi ng journal kung saan nakasulat ang huling journal entry ni Relaina, nakita niya ang isang nakatuping papel. Kinuha niya iyon at binuksan. It was a letter—Relaina's letter to him—which was dated March 28 eight years back. So she wrote this on what was supposed to be our ninth monthsary... he thought sadly and began reading it.

Allen,

My Starlight Song - Chapter 9

HINDI malaman ni TJ kung pang-ilang beses na siyang bumuntong-hininga nang araw na iyon. But then wala na yata siyang planong magbilang dahil wala namang maitutulong iyon sa kanya.

Seriously, how could he had been such a coward to face his best friend-slash-love of his life after that? Okay, he did tell Livie the truth—the real reason why he kissed her that one rainy afternoon. Pero ano na ang ginawa niya pagkatapos niyon? Iniwasan niya si Livie? Kung hindi ba naman talaga siya may saltik sa utak sa pinaggagagawa niya. But he did it for a reason.

He was afraid. Nang gabing magtapat siya sa dalaga, naalala niya ang tungkol sa deal nila ni Aries. Walang alam si Livie tungkol doon. At mas dapat na hindi iyon malaman ng dalaga dahil tiyak na malalagot siya kapag nagkataon. It was one thing that she hated the most—ang gamitin sa isang laro o kahit na anong pustahan pa man iyan.

Hanggang sa maisip niya na parang lumabas tuloy na nagbibiro lang siya sa ginawa niyang confession noong gabi ng acquaintance ball. But none of them was just a mere joke. The feelings he poured through the song was way real. Alam niyang naramdaman din iyon ni Livie, despite being consumed with shock.

My Starlight Song - Chapter 8

NAILANG NANG husto si Livie sa mga matang nakatingin sa kanya eksaktong pumasok na sila ni TJ sa loob ng function hall kung saan kasalukuyang ginaganap ang acquaintance ball. Gaya ng inaasahan ay marami nang tao ang naroon. Nagdesisyon siyang maupo na lang kasama ang staffs ng Encounters. Si TJ naman ay nagtungo sa mga kasamahan nito sa basketball team.

Hindi na siya nagtaka nang magsilapit ang mga kasamahan niyang babae sa puwesto. Iisa lang naman ang sinabi ng mga ito sa kanya. Lahat sila ay naiinggit dahil si TJ ang escort niya nang gabing iyon. Kiming ngiti lang ang naging tugon niya sa sinasabi ng mga ito.

Ilang sandali pa ay nag-umpisan na ang opening program. Subalit habang nanonood siya sa mga nagpe-perform sa stage at pinakikinggan ang mga nagsasalita roon ay hindi niya maiwasang tingnan si TJ sa kinauupuan nito. At labis na ikinatuwa ng puso niya ang katotohanang hindi rin niito maiwasang tingnan ang direksiyon niya. Ilang beses na rin niya itong nahuling tumitingin sa kanya na nagpakilig hindi lang sa kanya kundi maging sa mga kasamahan niyang nakakapansin din ng simpleng titigan nila ni TJ. Hindi niya napigilan ang pag-iinit ng mga pisngi niya dahil tinutukso tuloy siya ng mga kasamahan niya.

Mayamaya pa ay nagsalita ang emcee.

The Targeted Tennis Player Of Seigaku Epilogue - A Wedding Celebration

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis or Detective Conan. They belong to their respective authors. I only own Shinomiya Kourin and the other OC's in this story.

Warning: Characters might not be in their usual selves. In other words, possible OOC

-x-x-

Epilogue: A Wedding Celebration

Two weeks later…

"Congratulations!"

A smile appeared on Doctor Yanai and Doctor Miyuzaki's faces as they were greeted by their guests when they finally got out of the church . This located was actually located near the area selected for the wedding reception—one of the few original Shinomiya mansions just a few kilometers near Beika District.

Among those who greeted them were Ryoma and Kourin.

That day was actually one of the most anticipated events of the year to the Miyuzaki clan, the other two families namely the Yumemiya and Azuraya, and of course, to Kourin herself. It was the wedding of Doctor Yanai and Doctor Miyuzaki. The nine-year-old princess of the Shinomiya clan was undeniably happy to see them overwhelmed with love and joy as the couple doctors had finally tied a knot.

The preparation of the wedding was done in five and a half months. But because of the Dark Rose incident, it was delayed for some time but the newlywed couple didn't really mind the delay that time. After everything had been settled, the preparation continued. They've invited other people to that grand wedding as per the request of Conan and Kourin.

Among those other invited guests were the Seigaku regulars and the Echizen family. The wedding was done on a Sunday morning, that was why they haven't really hit a bad schedule for the guests.

"Thank you, everyone," Doctor Miyuzaki said gratefuly as there were unshed tears in her eyes. A proof that she was really happy with what happened.

After all, Doctor Yanai and Doctor Miyuzaki were fated to meet each other on the day Kourin's brother Hitoshi got injured during a winter training at Hokkaido. Kourin knew back then that those two doctors were destined to be together for the rest of their lives—just like what her mother had said to her.

Kourin was happy to know that she was one of the people who actually became a part of their love story. It was a complicated yet beautiful love story that she would definitely remember for many years to come.

After that, all of the guests went to the Shinomiya mansion's garden for the wedding reception. All of them were definitely having fun and sometimes, dazing as the couple began dancing on the dance floor.

Ryoma, for some reasons, noticed Kourin smiling as he saw the girl looking at the newlyweds.

"You're envious about them?" he asked that made the girl change her focus and looked at him. She smiled as she looked at him.

"Not really," she answered.

Ryoma was, no doubt, happy to see her eyes glowed with certain positive emotions after recovering from the trauma she received during the case.

"I'm smiling because I'm actually happy that they're finally together and that nothing can break them apart. I was one of those people who somehow witnessed their love story and the hardships that they had to go through just to be together for the rest of their lives." Then Kourin's face went serious. "It wasn't really easy for Yanai-sensei to become part of the Miyuzaki clan, let alone be involved in their mission to protect my family from many threats. But he proved himself worthy of Shouda-sensei's love. That's why I'm definitely happy for them."

"If you say it that way, then I won't argue with you," Ryoma said after moments of silence had passed between them.

That was when they finally paid attention to the celebration and they noticed that it was already the bride's traditional tossing of the bouquet. Both of them somehow got fascinated, that was why they watched closely.

When Doctor Miyuzaki threw the boquet, everything suddenly felt like it went to slow motion. As if the feeling was to somehow delay and create a sort of cliffhanger as to who would catch the bouquet.

Well, much to everyone's surprise and joy, it was—

"Sakuno-neechan did it!" Kourin exclaimed as she turned her gaze to Ryoma.

Maybe I could do some matchmaking once I met them again… she grinned mentally at that thought. Without a word, he left Ryoma and approached Sakuno who was somehow still in a daze while holding the bouquet she caught.

"You did great in catching the bouquet, Sakuno-neechan." Then she smiled. "When you're finally getting married to the one you love, can you at least invite me?"

"Eh?! B-but I'm s-still young t-to get m-m-married!" Sakuno frantically exclaimed and she stammered but it only made Kourin laugh for reasons so obvious.

"Of course, I know that. What I meant is the future."

It was only when Sakuno heaved a sigh of relief.

I'm really going to wait for more progress on this one. I'm not really sure who to root for but I guess there's progress in that department. Oh, well… Maybe someday, I can see that progress for myself…

-x-x-

"Thanks for inviting us to the wedding, Kourin-chan. I'm really glad you invited the Seigaku regulars to this kind of grand event," Momoshiro said to Kourin after the celebration and the newlyweds proceeded to their month-long honeymoon.

The girl smiled. "It's nothing. Besides, you're all my friends. Why wouldn't I invite all of you?"

"You're right," Fuji agreed and smiled. "But you know that we won't be meeting each other again because… we're about to face our own lives."

"I know that. But I'm pretty sure that we'll be able to meet each other again so I don't have anything to worry about. I could only hope we'll be meting again on a normal circumstances and not because of a case," Kourin said seriously, facing Ryoma afterwards. Then she went towards the freshman rookie. "We'll be meeting again, Ryoma-niichan. I'm sure we will, someday."

The freshman crouched down and after a few seconds, gently hugged Kourin. The kid returned the gesture in the same degree. "I know that. That's why we'll just say 'see you' to each other for now and not 'goodbye'."

Kourin nodded in agreement. She was happy that Ryoma felt the same way about her.

All of those people watching them found the scene quite dramatic and endearing, that was why some of them were teary-eyed. While others were already crying and sniffling.

After that, she waved happily as the bus where Ryoma was riding into started to move away from the mansion's gate.

"See you soon, Ryoma-niichan!" she shouted as the bus started to speed up. She saw Ryoma at the far back seat of the bus and he was waving at her. He was mouthing the same words she had just spoken, except for the name (of course).

That's right. They would meet again one day. She and her newfound friend would find each other once again. She couldn't wait for that day to happen. That was why she had to stay strong in order to protect them just like what she had promised on her family's grave.

This journey won't have to be the end for them.

At least, she knew that much.

THE END

-x-x-

And finally… we've come to the end. Though Sakuno caught the bouquet, it's still unsure if it actually involved her with Ryoma or with another guy. Well, who knows? Still need to carefully think about that idea, though.

There's a sequel of this. I just need to type it down. And this time, the plotline of this sequel involves Fuji Yuuta, Fudomine and Hyoutei Gakuen (or at least they're partly involved). I'm still planning on writing a Part 3 (there's already a clear plotline and will probably focus on Sanada's family and of course, the Tezuka family) which will involve Rikkaidai and Part 4 (no clear plotline but will probably focus on Chitose and surely Shiraishi) will be set in Osaka involving Shitenhouji (which might have Hattori Heiji and Tooyama Kazuha having a small role in the story—I guess). But Part 3 and 4 will not be a crossover anymore and is planned to be placed in POT fandom.

What do you think? R&R, everyone! Thank you for reading this up to this point where I finally finished my very first fanfic story. :)

My Starlight Song - Chapter 7

NIYAYA ni TJ si Livie na mamasyal at mag-picnic na rin sa farm ng lolo nito sa bayan ng Altiera. Hindi na siya tumanggi kahit limang oras pa ang biyahe papunta sa bayan. Naisipan na rin niyang interview-hin muli ang binata upang matapos na niya ang kanyang article. Deadline na iyon sa susunod na linggo bago ang acquaintance ball ng Greenfield College.

Hindi niya napigilan ang mamangha sa laki at ganda ng farm nang marating na nila iyon. Pinya at mangga ang pangunahing produkto ng farm na iyon. Mayroon din itong flower farm na bagaman hindi kasinglawak ng flower farm ng kanyang ina—na kasalukuyang pinamamahalaan ng kanyang ama—ay maganda pa rin. Halata sa mga halamang naroon ang maiging pag-aalaga ng mga trabahante at tagapangasiwa niyon. Magiliw siyang sinalubong ni Lolo Herbert—ang lolo ni TJ sa mother's side—at natutuwa siya rito. Kahit na mayaman ito at bakas ang katandaan at awtoridad sa itsura nito ay hindi ito mapagmataas.

"Alam mo ba, hija, walang araw na hindi tumatawag sa akin ang apo ko at nagkukuwento ng tungkol sa iyo?" Iyon ang mga sinabi ng matanda na hindi niya inaasahang marinig mula rito. At hindi rin niya inasahang masilayan ang pagba-blush ni TJ habang pinipigilan nito si Lolo Herbert sa pagkukuwento pa ng anumang may kinalaman sa sinabi ng huli.

Natawa na lang siya at hindi maalis-alis ang ngiti sa mga labi niya sa tuwing maaalala niya iyon hanggang sa makarating na sila sa pond. Doon naisipan ni TJ na mag-picnic sila nito sa suhestiyon na rin ni Lolo Herbert.

My Starlight Song - Chapter 6

KUNG hindi ka nga naman talaga minamalas, o! inis na reklamo ni Livie sa isip nang maabutan siya ng ulan sa gitna ng paglalakad niya pauwi.

Kagagaling lang niya sa palengke dahil malapit na siyang maubusan ng stock ng pagkain sa bahay. Naisipan niyang maglakad na lamang pauwi nang mapansin niyang maganda naman ang panahon. Kaya nga laking inis niya nang biglang bumagsak ang malakas na ulan. Nakalimutan pa mandin niyang magdala ng ulan.

Kung bakit ba naman kasi ngayon pa umiral ang pagkaulyanin ko. Naku naman!

Nagmamadali siyang tumakbo upang makahanap ng masisilungan. Basang-basa na siya nang makakita siya ng masisilungan sa isang shed sa tindahan. Napagpasyahan niya na doon muna maglagi hanggang tumila ang ulan. Pinilit niyang tiisin ang lamig sa kabila ng patuloy na pagtulo ng tubig mula sa buhok at damit niya. Nanginginig na rin siya.

At Least We Have Forever 19 - Blazing Hearts

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER

CHAPTER 19

Blazing Hearts

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The kiss ended and then they faced each other. It might not have been a direct declaration of love or any confession of some sort. But it was enough for them to reach a silent understanding. They smiled and then they embraced, savoring the presence and warmth of each other while they could.

That way, doubts and fears would fade away and leave them… even just for a while.

For that sole reason, they didn't even notice the hidden presence of some people who actually followed them to that cliff. Seriously, none of them could react properly or say anything when they witnessed an unexpected kissing scene between Kurama and Riya. They also heard their conversation.