*EDITED ENDING/STORY*

Here's the last chapter! Thank you for those who had been with me until the very end :)

I have great news for the fans of Ryuu! I will write a separate story/ending for him :) Of course, people will still have to read this series in order to understand what's happening in the new one :) The title of the Ryuu tribute is "Another Chance". Befitting, isn't it? It's already up!:D

Ryuu fans out there! Please support that fic :) I've written it just for you guys!

If you guys feel like talking or asking Ryuu questions, just ask away in /ayamiko95, just remember to put the story title and which character! I shall respond either in character mode or me =))

Disclaimers: I don't own Kaichou wa Maid-sama, but I have every right to Ryuu Sasaki :)

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~Chapter 13 - The Right One~

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Black.

Black was the only color seen...

Soft rain was pouring as if to emphasize the gloom in the atmosphere. A lot of people were gathered for Gerard Walker's funeral. The whole Walker clan was present, even Edward Walker, who had two policemen beside him and a few more watching from afar.

Everyone was silent as they listened to Ryuu Sasaki talk about the deceased...

All political differences were set aside, just for this grievous moment...

"...He was always there by my side whenever I needed him. He was the brother I never had. I will never forget the childhood I've spent with him. Right now, I can't blame him for leaving. It's been years since he's been watching over me. This time, he deserves happiness. Surely, he'll find that happiness up there, where Sara-nee-sama is..."

Ryuu slowly folded the speech he had written, he looked at Gerard's closed coffin for a full minute, before he swallowed and walked down the podium. He held back the tears that were threatening to fall. He had to be strong. He wouldn't be able to depend on anyone anymore...so he had to be strong. For his own sake and for others'.

As he was walking back to his seat, Ryuu was able to take a good look at Edward Walker. The old man never lifted his eyes, he only kept them on the floor. His expression was filled with remorse and shame.

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He's shaking... Misaki thought, as she squeezed Ryuu's hand as soon as he returned to his seat beside her after delivering his speech. He's being stubborn... Then she shook her head. I'm even more stubborn than he.

"Thank you,"

Misaki glanced at Ryuu as he suddenly whispered the words. She smiled a small smile. That was all she could give... This. This was all she could offer him. Her presence as he undergoes another crucial event in his life.

He's lost so much already...

The guilt started to stab her chest once again, but she tried to fight it back.

Confusion and indecision will only hurt Ryuu more... People think that withholding one's decision will spare others from disappointment and pain— but they are wrong. Being indecisive will only cause more pain. People will tend to expect more the longer one becomes indecisive. They'd start hoping that maybe the outcome is different... The higher someone hopes...the more painful the fall of disappointment.

Ryuu had finally accepted her decision... She cannot sway from it.

She remembered Shintani's words... Don't break his heart to much... But she knew that she had hurt Ryuu so so much. She had firmly rejected him a number of times, but that day was when she really looked in his eyes and told him to give up...

"Be strong..." She whispered back at him.

He needed to be.

He had to be strong. A lot of people will need him. She knew with confidence that Ryuu would be like Gerard. Someone who others will want to depend on. A person who will also be like a hero to others... Kind and soft-hearted. Those qualities of his... She now realized how much she had taken advantage of those...

She suddenly felt Ryuu squeeze her hand.

She looked at him in surprise since she was already deep in thought. She found him carefully studying her face, his eyes were sad but alert.

"I know what you're thinking," Ryuu said softly, "Please, forget about them. This will be the last time..." He trailed off. He looked down where their hands were interlaced and then he looked back at the podium.

The last time...

The sound of it from his lips hurt her a little bit. It was like he wouldn't want to see her anymore after this...

But maybe...it would be for the best? She's going to hurt him more. . .

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"Are you alright?"

Ryuu nodded slowly as he heard Misaki's voice coming from his left. He glanced at her as he shift to his right leg while he leaned onto the wall.

"Don't you want to go back inside? There are only a few people left... don't you want to stay by his side?" Misaki asked gently.

Ryuu shook his head as he looked up at the gloomy sky, "I don't want the memory of Gerard-sama laying in the coffin to be the most vivid thing I'd remember about him. I want the memory of the times we've spent together— scheming," He chuckled shortly, "To be the strongest memories I have of him."

"I envy you," Misaki said quietly, as she sat on the dirt beside Ryuu.

"Idiot!" Ryuu suddenly said, immediately removing his coat. He easily pulled Misaki up and handed his coat to him.

Misaki managed to stifle her laughter as she shook her head in disbelief. "I'd like to think that you're alright now since you seem to able to think of the less trivial things." She carefully placed his coat on the floor before she sat down. "If I'm not indulging you right now, I'd like to point out that I'm wearing black. Getting it dirty wouldn't make a difference."

"A lady shouldn't just randomly sit anywhere." Ryuu mumbled, leaning against the wall once again.

"I can take care of myself," Misaki retorted.

When it was silent once again, Misaki slowly glanced at Ryuu. He had a distant look upon his face, she wondered what he was thinking. Is he thinking of his memories with Gerard? Or is he thinking about the things that might happen from now on?

Misaki tightened her arms which were wrapped around her thighs, she brought her chin toward her knees.

She saw him.

After one year, she finally saw him in person once again.

Usui Takumi... Or rather Walker...

It was only a glance. When she turned around, she caught a glimpse of him sitting at the last row. But just a glimpse of him had already caused her heart to jump rapidly. He never went up the podium to speak of his memories about Gerard just as Ryuu had. He had remained at the back of the room the whole time.

What would happen now... She wondered.

She remembered when Ryuu told Usui over the phone that he was going to take her with him. She wondered why Ryuu had to say that to him. Was there something going on which she didn't know about? She looked up at Ryuu once again and was surprised to see that he was looking down at her.

"What is it?" Misaki asked gently.

"I guess it's about time isn't it?" He looked at her sadly. "You won't be by my side soon,"

"Ryuu..." Misaki stood up, she took his coat and brushed of the dirt. "I'll always be your childhood friend." She handed his coat back to him, a sad smile on her lips.

Ryuu sighed, "You're really cruel."

Misaki couldn't help but be flustered, "What? Would you rather I severe our ties?"

"No," Ryuu chuckled softly, "But you know I have the tendency to be selfish."

"And I know that you will always place my happiness as your top priority." Misaki smiled at him.

Ryuu froze for a moment. It was a long time since he last saw her smile like that... He couldn't help but pull her into a hug. "You will always be the one girl who I'm able to love to the fullest."

"I know," Misaki answered, hugging him back gently.

"Even though I've accepted this... I will always love you."

Misaki pushed Ryuu gently as he said those words, her eyes reflected his pain. She shook her head, "There will be a day when another girl will come, she will surely make you happy. She won't hurt you like how I've hurt you. She will love you the way you deserve to be loved."

Ryuu reached out towards Misaki's face, he stroke her cheek with his thumb as he studied her face swiftly. Misaki silently brought her left hand on top of this right, she sighed. "Thank you for everything," She murmured.

"You're not wearing the ring." Ryuu said, noticing that the familiar sparkle on her left finger disappeared.

Misaki cast her eyes downward. "Ryuu..."

"Fine," Ryuu said gently as Misaki looked at him once again. He smiled softly, "I won't question you anymore. From now on, I won't do anything rash anymore. I promise. At least," He moved his hand to brush away her loose locks from her face, "Promise me that you'll be happy."

Misaki smiled, "Who do you think you're talking to? Of course I'd pursue what I want in the end."

Ryuu chuckled as he saw the fire blazing in her eyes again. Maybe it was for the best he had let her go. It was time for him to let go of the Misaki who had been his childhood friend. The girl who was always gentle and who he had always watched over. It was time for him to let go of Misaki Ashford... and accept that Misaki Ayuzawa is who she truly is now...

Ryuu kicked an invisible dirt from the ground as he sighed once again, "Please leave me alone," He murmured. He didn't bother to look up to see Misaki's expression because he was sure that it would be filled with hurt. He didn't look up nor say a word as he waited for her to leave.

"Hoping that the three of us will always be together was just a fantasy, wasn't it?" Ryuu spoke as soon as he felt Misaki's presence disappear.

Shintani came out from the corner of the wall and gave his cousin a small smile. "At least she knows we exist. That's what you were afraid of weren't you? That she won't be able to remember our childhood together. You were scared that her memories of us will simply fade away if she continues onto her life as a commoner."

Shintani's eyes softened upon seeing Ryuu's complex expression, "The memories we've shared with her will never be forgotten, she will never forget the childhood the three of us spent together. She will never forget you," He added softly.

Ryuu chuckled once again, but this time he brought his hand towards his face to cover it as tears involuntarily spilled.

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Misaki suddenly halted.

She blinked a few times as she looked around her. Where was she? She didn't realize that she had begun to walk aimlessly. When Ryuu told her to leave him alone, her mind suddenly blanked. As she turned at the sight in front of her, she realized that she was standing in front of her school.

Why did she come here?

Misaki touched the low iron gate in front of her school and a sudden smile appeared on her lips as memories were suddenly rushing to the front of her mind. She could remember the time where she reprimanded the idiot trio because of their unruly uniforms. Misaki effortlessly jumped over the iron gate and started walking into the school building.

She walked into the empty building and headed towards her unoccupied locker. She could still remember the time when Usui suddenly asked her if something was wrong and that Shintani had suddenly appeared just in the nick of time.

Misaki slowly opened her locker and her eyes widen.

Letters.

Stack of letters fell from her locker.

She couldn't even see her slippers beneath the stacks. Misaki leaned down and gathered the letters which fell and she saw a note on top of the pile.

Misaki-chan,

We missed you so much! When are you coming back? Seika Academy is not the same without you, it's not the same without its president. The boys may complain a lot, but they really appreciate the things you've done for our school. Please come back soon! We couldn't send these letters to you because your mother said that you're not living with them anymore and that she has no idea where you've gone. Even though the news that you are actually an heiress came out, you're still our most precious friend! We hope that you get these letters someday.

Love, Sakura-chan and Shizuko-chan

Misaki couldn't help but tear up upon reading the short note from her best friend. She couldn't believe that this massive pile of letters are letters telling her that they want her back. It had been almost two years since she left the academy, and the janitors didn't bother to throw out these letters? Her friends have all graduated from this school, and yet— Misaki felt her heart constrict as she felt touched by her friends efforts.

She closed the locker, making a mental note to bring them all with her when she goes back to America.

Misaki walked up the familiar steps, she could remember the times she would chase after boys who broke the rules in school, the times where she would reprimand students loitering. Most of all, she could remember the memories she had of Usui...

She laughed softly as she realized how much she has changed now that she knew about her real life. She had been brought up to be a lady and yet as she grew up she became a tomboy, someone who is feared by majority of the school's male population.

She walked along the hallway where the student council room is. She could remember the time when Usui's existence was no more than a pain for her, he was just one of those boys who broke the rules and piss her off unendingly. She remembered that she would always reprimand him for breaking a girl's heart, for always making them cry when they confess to him. As she remembered that, deep in her heart, she now feels grateful. Although she felt sorry for those girls, she couldn't help but swell with pride that Usui had chosen her.

As she opened the student council room, she remembered the time when Usui first discovered her secret in Maid Latte as she was taking out the trash. After discovering her secret, her life turned into a roller coaster.

Misaki touched the desk that used to be hers, she was surprised to see that the place remained untouched. Her things were still there. Did this place run without a president? She also saw the familiar chair beside her desk and she sighed.

Usui would always take that seat even though she always tell him that he's not allowed inside the room. He never listened to a word she said and just did things as he please without caring that he was inconveniencing others.

Now that she thought of it, she had always thought that Usui was merely trying to tease and irritate the hell out of her. She blushed upon realizing her stupidity. He had always been clear and vocal about his feelings for her, yet she always took it as a joke.

She reached the window where she would always oversee the students of Seika. She blushed again as she remembered that time when Usui had kissed her by this window. He had broken her resolve so easily. She had just officially become an Ashford at that time...

Once again, the thoughts that always haunt her came back. Would things have been the same if I didn't become an Ashford? Yet, she knew the answer to that. It wouldn't have made a difference.

She knew that regardless of her feelings for Usui which became the reason for her to go to her father, she would still return and become an Ashford once again. Her grandfather would pull some strings to bring her back to the household. And so, everything would still be the same. She and Usui would still be enemies.

Would things still turn out the same?

Father might not have died...

She clenched her hands to her side as she thought of her father once again. Would he still be alive if she had not chosen love over family?

Misaki sighed as she closed the door behind her.

As she walked up the steps further, she began to smile once again. She stopped three steps before she reached the door leading to the rooftop. She remembered that she had sat her with Usui when she was hypnotized by Kanou to hate Usui with all she's got. For that brief moment, she had let her guard down and showed Usui her true feelings... She had been thankful... She remembered vividly that Usui promised that he will make her fall in love with him.

Her heart had sped uncontrollably at that time, but she didn't let it show. She immediately brought her guard up. But then, it was like Usui's words were filled with Kanou's hypnotizing spell. From that day onward, she unconsciously began falling in love with him...

With everything going on in her life, she had once again set aside her main objective to joining the Ashford's. She lost sight of her main goal, and because of the that, she had hurt people who were not supposed to be hurt in the first place. If she kept in sight the sole goal of wanting the reach Usui's level because she's in love with him... she didn't have to be confused about her feelings. She didn't have to drag Ryuu or Shintani into her problems...

Misaki opened the door leading to the rooftop, she closed her eyes briefly because of the sudden bright light.

The only reason why she had to go back was because she's in love with Usui Takumi.

The boy who changed her. Seeing things in a positive light, if it weren't for Usui she wouldn't have sought out her father whom she had always hated. If she hadn't done that, she wouldn't have known that her father had loved her all those years... She wouldn't have known that another was kept from her. Her world wouldn't have expanded if it weren't for Usui.

She looked around the vast space of the rooftop, she walked towards the wired fence. She saw a particular building and recalled the time when Usui had jumped to get the picture of the both of them, with her wearing her maid uniform. Misaki leaned onto the wires and sighed. Everything used to be so easy.

"Heeeh? Who do we have here?"

Misaki froze as she recognized the familiar voice that came from behind, somewhere above. She heard a loud thud indicating that he had just jumped off and was now standing behind her. "Did Kaichou miss the school already?" He asked.

"You're not supposed to be here," Misaki spoke.

Usui chuckled shortly, "So are you. We're not students of this school anymore."

"D-Did you know I would come here?" Misaki turned around to look at him. But as soon as she did that, she regretted it. Because seeing him up close made her lose her train of thoughts. Any comeback or retort she has to say to him instantly flew out of her mind.

"I had a guess. After all, it had been so long since you've seen this school right?" Usui said, putting his hands inside his pocket. "Were you worried about this place?"

It took Misaki a full minute before she turned away, "Yes," She answered him, "But it seems like everything is fine."

"Yukimura and the others tried their best in your place. They continued your legacy though they didn't use as much force as you did. With you gone, everybody suddenly started cooperating."

"So you're saying that it was for the best that I left?"

"I'm saying," Usui suddenly took her hand and pulled her close to him, "Is that without you, this school wouldn't even start changing for the better."

Misaki's heart stopped for a moment at the close proximity between her and Usui, she couldn't talk as his intense emerald eyes pierced through her. "Is that all you had to say?" Misaki asked, writhing away from him, but Usui kept a steady grip on her arm. "Let—" She winced.

"Everything happens for a reason, Ayuzawa." He said gently.

Misaki froze. She wasn't sure if it was because of what he said or if it was because he called her Ayuzawa. After she became an Ashford, she never heard anyone call her an Ayuzawa anymore...

"Why are you really here," Misaki asked in a small voice, her hands clenching closed.

When Usui saw this, he let her hand go. "Nothing in particular," Then he turned around and walked towards the other side.

Misaki flinched as her senses started to work once again. His intense gaze... She realized that his lashes were damp. She also just realized that the hand which held her firmly was slightly shaking.

"Usui, you..." Misaki said speechlessly. She had never seen him cry before, nor show any sign of tears for that matter...

Usui griped the wired fence and chuckled shortly, "Ah, I got caught."

Misaki stood motionlessly as Usui leaned his head onto the railing. Of course, She thought. Even though he and Gerard grew up separately, even though they have different fathers... they were still brothers. It's only normal that Gerard's death would cause Usui pain...

"Usui—"

"He was trying to reach out to me, yet I always pushed him away." Usui spoke in a detached tone. "He's helped me this much yet I always assume that he had an ulterior motive."

Misaki felt her heart somersault as she saw herself in Usui. He was filled with regret... just like how she was. She had believed that her father betrayed her, so she grew up hating him...

"It's too late to apologize now," Usui said in a dry voice, "No wonder he didn't have anything to say to me as he died. Ryuu is more like his brother than I'll even be."

"That—" Misaki stopped, she placed her hand inside her pocket and brought out a letter. She slowly approached Usui, standing near him, she saw another drop of tear falling onto the floor. She handed the letter to him, "Gerard gave this to Ryuu for a long time now."

Usui didn't look at her as he simply reached for the letter, "Why would he have this?"

Misaki shook her head, "I don't know. Before coming back here, Ryuu told me that you would be feeling the same pain I've felt when I've lost Father... He heard about Gerard's last wish and he guessed that you may think that way... that he cherishes Ryuu more than you."

"That's the truth."

Misaki remained silent as Usui turned away from her and opened the letter.

Takumi,

I don't know when you'd be able to get this letter, but if you do, then that might mean that I am unable to be by your side anymore.

I would like to apologize for everything that I may have done to you. Using you and dragging you back into the Walker family is something that cannot be helped. This is where you are meant to be. I apologize for being cruel to you during the short time we spent together when we were little, before our aunt adopted you.

I have always watched over you, did you know that? I saw that you grew up not wanting to form any attachment to anybody, and that may be my fault. You've lost your mother and my father shows how much he despise you, I could see how scared and lost you felt. Then you turned to me, but I only pushed you away. I didn't know what to do at that time, because at that time, all I felt was anger. My family was torn apart because of your father. You are a constant memory that my family can never be happy like before.

But did you know I grew attached to you?

As a child, even though I always push you away, you would always come looking for me in tears. That wasn't how a man should be.

When you were sent to our aunt, I could see that you've changed. As I said, you didn't like to form any attachment, you've sealed off your emotions. I couldn't help but blame myself. If only I was kinder to you, would you have enjoyed life a little bit more? But did you know? I was relieved that you were sent away from the main Walker household. That your ties with us were severed. I could at least be at ease that your life will not be turned into a pawn's. You get to move around easily too.

Your cold demeanor continued, yet you became quite a persona wherever you go. I've heard that a lot of people come to admire you, also heard that you've broken quite a number of hearts. When did your demeanor change, I wonder? It must be around when you started hanging out with Seika's president, Misaki Ayuzawa.

I was surprised that you grew attached to her, since I knew the whole time that Ryuu had already set his eyes on her and that she's from the Ashford household— the Walker's enemy.

I knew that instant that the peaceful life I had hoped for you won't continue for long, so I had to start moving.

I didn't want you to form any attachment to be since I've known that my life won't last very long. I didn't want to see that expression of betrayal on your face once I leave... but, I couldn't help myself. Hate me or not, I wanted to be part of your life. The way I treat Ryuu is how I had wanted to treat you... my little brother, legitimate or not.

I hope you'd forgive me for planting a piece of myself in your heart.

As far as I can see, there are a lot of good people around you who are willing to help you when you're in need, don't push them away. Also, always remember not to hesitate to fight for what you want.

Your brother, Gerard.

Usui crumpled the letter as soon as he finished reading it. "Usui!" Misaki was alarmed seeing what he did. She stood in front of him and was about to salvage the letter when she felt him pull her towards him, his arm wrapped around her waist.

"W-what—" She blushed, but stopped when she felt him shaking. She could tell that he was silently crying. Misaki slowly brought her hands on his back and gently rubbed it. "He's your brother," She said softly, "It's only natural for him to love you."

"From the very start he already wished for my happiness..." He said in a muffled voice.

"He did," Misaki agreed.

"Everyone said that my birth was a mistake, a start of a disaster, yet he wished that my life would be peaceful..."

"You deserve it," She felt Usui calm down as his hold around her waist loosened.

Usui pulled away, enough to see her face. His eyes were somehow haunted and Misaki couldn't understand the reason behind it. "I've been wanting to see you for a long time now," Usui said.

Unexpectedly, Misaki suddenly pushed herself away from him. "You never came," She clenched her hands onto her side.

Those words he had said would've made her heart race any time, yet...

She had always imagined what she would say when she meets Usui once more, and never in those scenarios did she think that she would be angry at him. But, anger was suddenly dominating her feelings. "You cancelled all your meetings that required you to go to the States. So you basically don't want to see me, I get it—"

"It's not how it is." Usui said, his eyes softening as he slowly reached out to her once again.

But every step that Usui took forward, Misaki walked back. Their distance never changing. Usui sighed.

"I didn't know what to tell you," Usui said quietly. "Your father died because of my family, do you think I still have a face to show you? I didn't see it for myself, but Ryuu told me how you broke down. Do you think that after hearing that, I would be able to face you?"

Misaki laughed shortly, "That doesn't sound like you."

"People change. That experience changed me. You changed too."

"You—"

"I believed. I believed that when it came to you, nothing can pull me down. I would've always found a way to protect you, to be by your side, and yet—"

"One year." Misaki said in a hard voice, "I've been waiting for you for one year! What kind of crap of an excuse are you giving me this time?!" She said angrily. "You would always take what you want, you didn't care about what others might think! You didn't care what it would do to others! When problems come your way, you would always take care of it without a problem. You would always walk around with that annoying air of confidence! What are you being weak for? Where is your superior air?"

"Ayuzawa—"

"You were my goal, the reason why I could handle anything grandfather or grandmother gave me, it was because I was thinking of you. We lead the same lives... If you can handle it, why can't I? You're an idiotic perverted alien from the start. I could never understand why you were so good at everything you do... but when I understood... when I knew that we were actually living in the same world..." Misaki reached her hand sideways, leaning onto the wall to support her balance.

Misaki looked at him with pain evident in her eyes, "Knowing I could reach your level... I was so happy."

Usui felt his heart froze.

"You've asked me why I would return to the Ashford's. It's because I want to reach you. I want to be able to stand on the same ground with you. If I don't, I'm scared that you'd get further and further away. I—"

Usui froze entirely as Misaki reached around her neck and pulled out a chain. His breath shortened as he saw a diamond ring dangling onto it.

A ring that was so familiar to him. . .

Because he bought it for her. . .

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Ryuu stood silently as he leaned onto Misaki's bedroom door. He watched as Misaki sat motionlessly by the entrance of her veranda. It had been two weeks since her father's burial. He didn't think that this was the right time, but being in the world they were in, everything moved quickly.

Suddenly, the weight of the small box in his right hand seemed to weigh tons.

He couldn't move from his spot as his heart began to ache for some unknown reason— did he really not know the reason?

He knew.

He knew but he didn't want to admit it to himself.

For some reason, Misaki felt like someone was watching her. She slowly turned around and saw Ryuu by her door, looking conflicted. She instantly felt bad. Ryuu had been by her side the whole time she was a mess. During her father's burial, when she practically went hysterical as dirt covered her father's coffin, Ryuu had been the one to restrain her. To say the words that had calmed her down.

"You are not alone."

Those words alone gave her strength. She had forgotten about the people who cared for her. She had thought that she was alone now, alone in the world where she has no clue of yet. In a world where every movement, every breath she took was being monitored. She was wrong. She had Ryuu, Shintani... She had Usui...

Did she?

"Misaki," Ryuu finally spoke.

Misaki stood up and fully turned to him as he slowly approached her.

"I know that this isn't the right time," His easy-going attitude was gone as he fought to hide his uneasiness.

Knowing Ryuu enough, Misaki had guessed his train of thoughts. She looked away as he stood in front of her. "I'm sorry." She immediately answered.

"I haven't even said anything," Ryuu said jokingly, though he felt a stab in his chest.

"You've expressed your feelings often enough," Misaki said gently, still not looking at him, "But I can't return them."

"So it's still going to be him."

Misaki immediately turned to look at him after hearing the obvious pain in his voice. But she was surprised to see that he was smiling. Yet his eyes... betrayed him. Misaki unconsciously clenched her hands closed behind her.

"That won't change..." Misaki half-whispered.

"You know I'd still fight for you,"

"Ryuu," Misaki said sadly.

"Then." Ryuu reached out the velvet box towards her.

"Ryuu," Misaki gasped, "I can't—"

Ryuu didn't wait for her to speak further as he opened the box himself. Misaki was too shocked to speak as she saw the expensive looking ring at the center of the velvet box. Taking advantage of Misaki's immobility, Ryuu took the ring out of its box and took Misaki's left hand.

As Misaki realized what Ryuu was about to do, she resisted. "Ryuu, st—" She froze.

Ryuu held the ring in front of her, eye-level. She saw a tiny word engraved inside the band of the ring. One word that made her heart stop. Just one single word... and she knew.

Tears unconsciously spilled from her eyes as she took the ring from Ryuu.

Ryuu took a step back as Misaki gazed at the diamond ring.

He definitely felt his heart breaking.

He didn't have to say anything at all.

He felt it.

Just that one word... They already made a connection...

~Ayuzawa~

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"We're here,"

Usui looked outside the window and realized that there was nothing but greenery... and gravestones? Where were they?

"Sara's buried here." Gerard answered his half-brother's unspoken question. He started to get out of the car as Cedric opened the door for him.

"Why did you take me here?" Usui asked in his usual uninterested tone as he also got out of the car.

"Because someone is here to see you."

Usui looked at his brother as saw that Ryuu was standing near a certain gravestone— praying. Usui looked at Gerard questioningly, "Why," Usui merely stated.

Gerard raised both his hands and chuckled as he shrugged, "I'm merely following orders," He chuckled once again as he turned around and started walking. "It was Ryuu who wanted to see you."

As if sensing their presence, Ryuu looked up from his prayer. He gently bowed his head in acknowledgement as Gerard stood by his side. Slowly, Ryuu rose to his feet and saw Usui a few steps behind Gerard. "From your expression," Ryuu stated, seeing that Usui's face had a mix of curiosity and confusion, "I can safely assume that Gerard-sama didn't say a word about where he's taking you and why."

"You've assumed correctly." Usui answered, "He likes to keep things hidden." He gave his half-brother a fleeting glare.

Gerard chuckled, "Well don't mind me. You two should talk." Without another word, Ryuu moved away and Gerard took his place as he slowly knelt down in front of Sara's grave.

"Shall we?" Ryuu said, gesturing for Usui to go on first.

Usui moved silently and stopped when he was more or less sure that it was a good distance from his half-brother. Even though Gerard was earnestly praying in front of his past lover's grave, he was still cunning and would be sure to listen to their conversation.

Ryuu let out a deep breath as he inserted both hands into his pants' pockets. "So, where should I start..." He grinned.

"Maybe you should just say things straight out." Usui suggested, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Ryuu chuckled, "Impatient aren't we?" Then suddenly his expression changed into a serious one, "Her real date of birth is near, her grandmother already approved... so, I'm taking her somewhere far away."

Usui didn't have to guess to know who they were talking about and what Ryuu had meant. "And why are you telling me about this?"

Ryuu shrugged, "I didn't think I was going to tell you about it, but I wanted to give her a choice at least. She deserves that much."

"You're both engaged,"

"Says who? The media." Ryuu said, "We're not officially engaged yet, in the records anyway."

"She said yes to you."

"Because she had no other choice. This is why I'm telling you about this. I'm taking her away tomorrow. We'll leave by a private helicopter. Your brother knows the venue, if you're not chicken enough about her decision, if you're confident that she'd choose you, you have to be there."

Usui's eyes narrowed. "You sound as if you're already sure of her answer."

Ryuu shrugged, "It's up to you whether you trust me."

"You love her." Usui stated.

"I never denied that." Ryuu answered coolly.

"Then why are you doing this?"

Ryuu sighed, "I'll be frank with you. If Misaki's being smart, she'll choose me." He looked at Usui seriously in the eyes, "But if she's going to follow her heart, it will be you." He said softly. "It's up to her how she'll decide. That's all I'm going to say. I have to go."

As Ryuu turned to leave, Usui suddenly grabbed Ryuu's arm. Ryuu looked at Usui curiously. "If." Usui decided to say. "If she choose you, you can throw this away." Ryuu looked down to see Usui handing him a black velvet box.

"I can just give it to her as something from me." Ryuu said.

This time, Usui chuckled. "But you know that it was from me. Would you want your future wife to wear a diamond from another man?"

Ryuu laughed as he took the small box. "I can't guarantee you when I'll give this to her, regardless of her answer."

Usui let Ryuu go then.

"I trust you." Usui answered confidently.

For a split second Ryuu was taken aback. Then he laughed in disbelief, "Trust. Let's hope you placed your trust on the right person."

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"When Ryuu gave me this ring... I saw my name engraved on it, and I knew it was from you. Only a stubborn idiot like you would insist on calling me by my previous name." Misaki said, she tried to keep her voice light despite the heavy emotions trying to escape from her heart.

"Ha," Usui took a step back as he also leaned to the side to support himself. "Ha ha," He said once again.

Relief.

Relief surged throughout his being as she said those words.

During Gerard's funeral, he saw Misaki holding Ryuu's hand. He saw that she wasn't wearing the ring he had handed over to Ryuu. He already accepted the fact that Misaki didn't choose him. Why would she? He didn't go see her nor did he stay by her side during her darkest days.

He was aware that she already had feelings for him, but having Ryuu appear, it made him think again. Ryuu was someone from Misaki's past, from her original world. She is a legit Lady. Did he have any right to be with her when he is only an illegitimate child? While Ryuu? He is a son of two respectable people. He was a better match for Misaki.

Usui couldn't help but laugh as he realized that he had been insecure the whole time.

"What are you laughing at?" Misaki demanded, not knowing what was actually running inside Usui's mind.

"Ayuzawa," Usui shook his head, "You chose me."

Misaki blushed, "I— Isn't that already obvious?"

"What are your real feelings?" Usui asked, walking closer towards Misaki. Misaki walked a few steps back seeing that he had that familiar playful expression on his face once again. She had no choice but to stop as her back hits the wall.

"Y— You should already know that," Misaki stuttered as she tried to squeeze herself against the wall.

"Mn?" Usui finally grinned.

Misaki blushed even darker and she tried to kick him in the stomach, but Usui was able to dodge it and maintain his position effortlessly.

"Kaichou always becomes violent when she's embarrassed." Usui teased. "All those training for you to become a Lady has been in vain." He shook his head in disappointment.

"Ha—" Misaki said speechlessly.

"How do you feel?" Usui asked as he moved his face closer to hers, then he whispered, "Because I'm really in love with you, Ayuzawa."

Misaki pushed Usui away with all her strength as her face heat up, "I love you too, you idiotic perverted alien!"

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The End

A/N: Review please :) I hope you guys were able to enjoy this chapter and realized what has been happening behind the scenes! :))

Don't forget to vote on my poll for the next fic I'm going to write :D

For the second time readers, I hope you enjoyed this revised chapter! Kudos! Hope to hear from you guys soon! :)

I had this revised because I realized that it had become more of a MisakiXRyuu rather than MisakiXUsui. Well no worries for me, because Ryuu will have his own share of air time. I guess I grew too attached to Ryuu T.T :))

Special thanks to Devilish Dream-san ! Thank you so much :) You know why~! *wink*

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