Thus, after more than a year (how awful!) I'm back to updating this story that will definitely, don't doubt it, have an end. But there are still a few more chapters to go, and we still don't know what'll happen to Soujiro and Yuuki. Do you want them to end up together? I still haven't made a decision.

This chapter is short compared to the rest, but I hope you like it and I also hope to update more frequently to end something that many people have followed even though I've been M.I.A. for a long time.

I thank you very much for still being here, right now, reading this new chapter.

Oh, and I almost forgot, this is being english-proofed now by katrinahopes! =D yay!

Thank you so much…

"What the hell happened to you?" was the first thing Akira asked Soujiro after seeing him enter the room Tsukasa was now sleeping in.

"Nothing…"

"All right." Akira noticed his friend wasn't in a good mood at all. He knew that it was best to keep a distance until he got over it and decided to tell him what had really happened.

Soujiro poured himself a whiskey and sat on a chair close to the window. He couldn't believe that Yuuki had preferred that guy to him. After all, how long had they known each other? Moreover, who the hell did that blue-eyed foreigner think he was to stand up to him!? He was Nishikado Soujiro! He vowed to brand that fact into the man's skull the next time he saw him.

"Where is Shigeru?" Soujiro asked Akira, noticing the girl was nowhere to be seen.

"She went to look for Makino. I think she still doesn't understand the fact that the relationship between Tsukasa and Makino is over."

"How did that happen?"

"I'm not sure, but I think it would be accurate to say the breaking point for her was New York."

"It's not as if Tsukasa hasn't done stupid things before, Akira. Makino should've waited a bit…"

"How much more, Soujiro? Hasn't she suffered enough already? She was bullied because of us! Because of our red card, Makino was tormented and almost expelled! Her family and her friends' families were put at risk because of Tsukasa's mother, and still he treated her like shit in New York. Do you think it's nothing what she had to go through?"

Soujiro had the sense to show embarrassment, but he didn't remain quiet.

"Still, they were supposed to be together. Maybe not at the beginning, but can you really blame him? I mean, look at the lives we lead. We don't come across girls like her every day. It's obvious he felt fearful and threatened by something he didn't understand. It was supposed to end well! She was supposed to wait for him despite all of that, so that later on they could laugh about the adversities and his stupidity for not seeing what was right in front of him before it was too late!"

Akira watched him for a few seconds. His friend outburst was out of character, and it was weird that it happened only because of Tsukasa and Tsukushi ending things.

Maybe…

"Are you really talking about Tsukasa when you say he didn't notice what he had in front of him before it was too late?"

Soujiro was startled to realize he was blushing, but he didn't have the time to answer because at that second the doors swung open, revealing a furious Shigeru.

"It's unbelievable!" she screamed.

"Shh!" Akira took her to a corner and tried to quiet her in consideration of Tsukasa. "It was difficult enough to convince him to go to sleep, so whatever you have to say, just say it… and what in the world happened to you?"

Now that he looked at her, Akira could see the puffy eyes, the bitten lower lip, and the tear-stained cheeks.

"They…are traitors…a couple of goddamned traitors," she said, sobbing. Soujiro joined them, surprise written on his face at seeing Shigeru so upset.

"Are you talking about Makino and Rui?" he asked.

"Yes! I went to her house, you know? I was hoping to reason with her, to explain that Tsukasa had no options in New York, and that he loves her! And guess what I found? Her, dressed in Rui's shirt-no pants—and him, wearing only pants. They were laughing!"

Soujiro thought back to Hawaii and realized that the mark he'd seen on Rui's shoulder must have been given by Makino. There was no way she would give herself so easily to someone without having a taste of what a physical relationship was.

"She just broke up with him, Akira, and she's already fucking someone else!?"

"Shigeru, calm down. I don't want the first thing Tsukasa hears when he wakes up to be that his ex slept with his best friend—if that's even what happened."

"You doubt it?"

"You weren't in the room with them, so you don't know for sure what really happened, do you?" Given this logic, the girl shut up. "Now, both of you are going to calm down, you got me?"

"But…" Shigeru started.

"But nothing. Tell me something, Shigeru. If it had been the other way around, if Makino had chosen Tsukasa and today it was them who welcomed you in those clothes, would you be this outraged and angry for how Rui was being treated? And you, Soujiro, would you be so pissed off if not for the fact that you find yourself in a similar situation?"

Both teens had to bite their tongues. They knew that Akira was right, but when feelings are hurt, reason doesn't always work.

"Whose side are you on, Akira?" Shigeru asked him.

"Makino's," he said without thinking twice, and that was enough for Shigeru. She shoved him and stomped out of the room again.

"Were you also late?" Soujiro asked Akira after a few seconds.

"What are you talking about?"

"Makino."

"No," he said immediately, knowing what he was hinting at. "If I had wanted her, I would have been even more aggressive than Rui. I just love her and respect her. She is a good friend, and I'm worried about her wellbeing."

Soujiro felt the truth in his words, but that only made him feel worse about himself. After a while, he made his excuses and left. Alone, Akira sighed heavily and went back to guard his friend's sleep, which he hoped wasn't plagued with bad memories.

oº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºo

"I guess I didn't think I would have to face reality so soon," was the first thing Rui heard Tsukushi say after Shigeru left.

The girl had gone off on Makino, saying whatever she wanted, proving once more to Rui that Shigeru's feelings for Tsukasa had never really disappeared. From the first moment of their story, Rui had known that someone would end up being hurt. He had been prepared to be that someone, but now, in an unexpected twist and for the first time, he had gotten the girl.

In the wake of Shigeru's departure, Rui had closed the door and led Tsukushi inside, seating her on the futon and waiting for her to say something into the silence. When the pizza arrived, he paid for it. It was then that Tsukushi had finally reacted.

"Were you expecting something different?" Rui asked in response.

"No, but I was hoping to at least have a couple of quiet days…" she said.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. It was my decision. It had to happen, and I don't regret anything I have said or done. I'm happy, Rui, something I haven't felt in a long while."

Tsukushi knew she was speaking the truth. It was how she felt. She was calm. Yes, there was a part of her heart feeling the pain of breaking up with Tsukasa, but in her head was also the certainty that it had been the correct choice. Her time with Tsukasa had had its happy moments, but also too many toxic and harmful ones. She couldn't let herself to be in a situation like that ever again. She just couldn't.

Both of them stopped their conversation to savor the delicious pizza Rui had bought. Tsukushi ate eagerly, at ease knowing that Rui was aware of her eating habits and didn't mind one bit; she would never be a diet or gym kinda girl.

"What would you like to do?" he asked while caressing her cheek. The truth was he didn't want to stop touching her, even if it was a small touch.

"Right this moment?" She sighed. "Sleep. I feel that my body is screaming at me for a few hours of sleep." A sarcastic smile crossed her face. "I wonder why I am so tired."

"I don't know, either," he answered, knowing perfectly well why his girlfriend's body was reacting like that. "Listen, Makino. I was thinking and, well, wondering if you… and it's only if you want to, you don't have to feel pressured to…uh… not that it is an obligation, but…"

"Spit it out, Rui!" Tsukushi said, laughing nervously.

"Would you like to have dinner at my house? I would like to introduce you to my parents again, this time as my girlfriend. As I said, the fact that I do this doesn't tie you to anything or mean any kind of commitment, or-"

"Of course I'll go, Rui. I hope you'll forgive me if I don't extend the same courtesy to you; you know that if my parents find out about us they will think all our financial problems are solved, which they definitely are not."

Rui thought carefully for a few seconds, but when Tsukushi figured what he was about to say, she tried to stop him.

"Rui, no!"

"Hear me out; that's all I ask."

She sighed. "Fine."

"I won't pay your family's debts because I know that would offend you tremendously. However, I could try to find a job for your father-nothing that is beyond his capacities or requires me to pull major strings. Maybe some kind of office work. He used to do that, right? And before I even tell him about the job, I will discuss it with you and you can tell him about it only if you approve it. Is that acceptable?"

Tsukushi thought about it and concluded that it wasn't a bad offer.

"I'll think about it."

"Good, because there's something else, and in this I do want you to say yes."

She stayed silent, waiting to see what Rui wanted.

"Please, let me get you another apartment."

She objected. "No way. You know quite well that whatever you get me will be too expensive for me to afford on my salary."

"I know, but I'm willing to let you pay the same rent you're paying here. If you want, you can pay me the difference when you get a job after you finish college. You can't live here. This neighborhood is really dangerous, Tsukushi, and I know there are times you have to go to the public bathroom because the pipes broke down or something."

"Public bathrooms aren't that bad…" she tried to counter.

"Tsukushi. I know your pride. I know your way of living. But please, I'm asking you to rely on me; let me do this. I would give you everything if you'd let me, and you know that it's not because I think less of you or because I want you to feel indebted to me. I do it for the selfish wish to have my girlfriend safe and closer to me." Rui gave her an honest look that told her he had no hidden agenda in his petition. "Sleep and think about it, okay? I'll wait for your answer."

Tsukushi lay beside him and closed her eyes. Certainly, Rui could afford the best luxury condo in the city without making a dent in his finances. But why did she feel more inclined to accept his offer than Tsukasa's? The latter had also complained about her living arrangements, but she had never given in to his demands.

But Rui hasn't demanded anything from me, she realized. He is asking me, and if I ever declined, he wouldn't push me further.

Tsukushi had stopped comparing the two men long ago, but there were times like this when it was clear to her how different they were. While Tsukasa ordered something, Rui offered a compromise; and it had been a long time since Tsukushi had let anyone take care of her.

Maybe it's not such a bad thing…

That was the last thought that crossed her mind before she surrendered herself to sleep in the warm embrace of her boyfriend.

oº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºo

The first thing Tsukasa noticed when he woke up was that his head hurt like a bitch. It felt like a drill was digging through his brain. His skin and eyes were burning, and his body was a collection of aches.

"Tsukasa? How are you feeling?"

He tried to answer, but his throat was too dry. His friend, noticing this, passed him a glass of water.

After a few sips, he tried again. "Akira? You're still here?" Slowly, Tsukasa's head cleared, and he remembered his outburst after Tsukushi ended their relationship. Forever.

"Yeah, I'm here. Shigeru and Soujiro came too, but they had to leave."

"You can go, too," Tsukasa said roughly. "There's no reason for you to stay."

"Maybe not, but I would like to… in case you need something."

That was Akira, always the constant one and the cornerstone of the F4. Without him, that strange little quartet would surely have dissolved after so many disagreements and arguments.

"I feel like sending everything to hell," said Tsukasa with a grimace.

"Well, you already destroyed your room, so I guess you might as well do this one, too," Akira answered with a wry grin.

Tsukasa tried to laugh but couldn't. He was too tired, and, for the first time, he noticed it was not physical tiredness. He had slept for hours, until the sky outside was dark. His body was rested. It was his mind that was weary now. It was the emotional drain, the decline of the feelings in which he had trusted so much—feelings that had finally failed him.

When he remembered, his eyes welled up with tears.

"Oh, come on! This is ridiculous!" he yelled, trying to wipe his face with his robe.

"Give it time," Akira murmured.

"Time!? Akira, this is unbelievable! I have never in my life cried like this!"

"You still haven't processed the news, so maybe you'll feel like shit for a couple of days. Besides…"

"Besides?"

"Shigeru told me that Rui and Tsukushi were together this afternoon, so they'll probably be together on Monday at school. Unless you want to hide in your mansion for the rest of the year, you'll have to deal with the idea… as cruel as it may seem."

Akira knew it was harsh on his part to tell him this, but it was better for him to face it now than to be taken by surprise later.

"They didn't waste any time, huh?" he said bitterly.

"Would you have waited?" Akira asked.

"It's different. We…" Tsukasa sighed heavily. "Nevermind. There's no more we, and it's my fault, Akira. And what's bothering me most isn't that Makino ended the relationship, or that Rui will be the one next to her… What's eating me inside is that I could've prevented all of this, and I didn't, you know? I'm a fucking prick."

Tsukasa kept talking for a while, about everything he could have done to avoid the situation. Akira knew that it wasn't healthy to dwell on what "could have been", and that such speculation was useless, but his friend was hurt, and it was still too soon to try to reason with him. So… he stayed and he listened. He was the sack into which Tsukasa poured everything he was feeling.

Akira decided to wait until the next day to take him out of the room and force him to eat. After all, Tsukasa was one of his best friends.

oº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºo

Rui noticed Tsukushi was getting more nervous as they reached his house.

"Calm down," he whispered in her ear before opening the door.

They hopped out of the cab and Rui was received by his home security staff. Together, they crossed the lawn to where the service staff was waiting to welcome them.

"Good evening," Tsukushi offered tentatively.

"Welcome young master, young miss."

"Thank you," said Rui. "Are my parents home?"

"Yes, sir. They are in the living room. We will serve dinner shortly."

"Perfect. We'll be there."

Tsukushi laced her fingers with Rui's, and he felt immensely happy knowing that she felt more secure like that. He had to admit that he was feeling a little nervous, too.

He turned a corner and found his mother sitting down on the carpet, knitting something. His father was holding a newspaper, but he wasn't reading it. He was too busy watching his wife.

"Father, mother, good evening," Rui said with a slight bow.

Tsukushi added her greeting to his. "G-Good evening. I'm sorry to disturb you."

"Rui, darling-you're back. And you brought Tsukushi!" Hikari started to get up to greet them, but suddenly noticed that her son and the girl next to him were holding hands. She glanced at her husband and saw that he had noticed, too.

"Good evening, miss Makino."

Rui's father showed a serious face, but barely. It had been a few days since his conversation with his son, and a smile was fighting its way to his lips, but for once, he wanted to play the role of the stern father before the girl his son brought home.

Considering the blush to Rui's cheek, his clear nervousness, and his actions the past few weeks, it was obvious that he was head over heels for the girl he was holding hands with. Riku had no intention of throwing obstacles up between them, but even so, he wanted to experience the traditional fatherhood he'd set aside for so many years.

"Do you have something to tell us, Rui?" he asked, putting away the newspaper.

"—Um…yeah. I would like to introduce you again. Tsukushi, these are my parents, Hanazawa Riku and Hikari. Dad, mom, this is Makino Tsukushi…" There was a brief pause. "My girlfriend."

"I knew it!" Hikari stood up and went to hug her son. "I knew it would all work out!" Then she turned to hug Tsukushi, taking her a few steps away to question her about how it had all happened exactly, causing the poor girl to blush a deep red at the thought of all that had passed between her and Rui that afternoon.

Riku rose to stand next to his son. "So now you're bringing your girl home," he said.

"If it weren't for everything you told me that night, maybe I wouldn't be here with her now," Rui confessed.

"Are you happy?"

"Very."

Riku couldn't contain it anymore and he smiled, pleasantly surprising his son. Rui answered with the same smile, clearly an inheritance from his father.

The two men hugged, and Rui heard his father whispered in his ear, "I'm proud of you." His heart glowed with warmth.

"Miss Makino…" This time Riku addressed Tsukushi, who seemed to be a bit embarrassed by whatever Hikari was asking. He decided to rescue her from his overenthusiastic wife.

"Yes, Hanazawa-san."

"You can call me Riku."

"R-Riku-san."

Tsukushi was a little bit surprised to see that the man before her, the man who was wearing the same crooked smile Rui wore when he was happy, was offering her his hand.

"I hope to see you more often." It was clear where Rui had gotten his good looks. His eyes were his mother's and maybe his nose. But the smile and the expression? Those were all his father's.

The way that the most important people in Rui's life had quickly and openly accepted her moved Tsukushi nearly to tears.

"Hai!" she answered shaking his hand firmly.

"Sanae-san, if you're going to come in, do it now," they all heard Hikari say to the air.

"Mistress!" An embarrassed Sanae appeared. From her look, she had heard it all.

"Oh, come on. You've been there for a while, and I know you want to congratulate Rui, too."

"If the young master will allow me," said the old woman.

"Of course, Sanae-san," he said, opening his arms with a smile. The woman hugged the boy she had watched grow with so much affection. She had thought that after his disappointment with Shizuka, she would never see him smile again, but after the first time he brought Tsukushi home, she knew something special was going to happen.

"I'm so happy for you, young master. And for you too, miss Makino."

"Call me Tsukushi," she said, and before anyone could predict it, Tsukushi rushed up to Sanae and hugged her tightly. Rui had told her the role this woman had played in his life, and Tsukushi was already filled with gratitude toward her.

"Oh, okay. Tsukushi it is, then," the old woman agreed, smiling sweetly. She felt that today would be one of those precious moments she would hold in her memory along with Rui's first steps, his first word, and his school entrance. "My god, I was coming here to announce dinner was ready and I completely forgot."

"Let us go, then. Tsukushi, I imagine you'll stay for dinner, right?" Hikari asked.

"Yes, if I'm not imposing…"

"Oh rubbish. From now on I would like to see you more often at dinner!"

"I…I will try," she said with her best smile.

"There you go. Now tell me, did Rui give you this ring in Hawaii?"

"Um…"

Riku and Rui watched the two women they loved disappear together into the kitchen and both of them sighed at the same time. Looking at each other, surprised, they burst into laughter at the same moment.

They decided it would be wise to follow the girls, so that's what they did. After all, this had been a great day, and it was going to be a great night.