One for Three

Chapter 65

*** 5 years later ***

It was amazing how quickly time flew by. Five years had passed since those memorable events that had forever changed my life. The small silver key still hung around my neck like a silent companion. In the first few days, I had tried it on every lock I came across, determined to find out what it was for. Eventually, I gave up.

Only last year did the secret of the key reveal itself when Kaori accidentally let it slip. It turned out that even my supposed "ice block" of a partner had a romantic side. The key was something very special – it was the key to his heart, made especially for me.

Our lives had gradually settled, and my friends' lives had also evolved over the past few years. I had since rented Seiya's apartment to Motoki and Makoto. Their wedding was truly a dream, and by the following summer, they became parents to a wonderful son. Soon, their family would grow by another member. I was very happy for Motoki and loved spending time with my godchild.

Minako and Yaten had gotten married last year and continued to argue about every little thing, but they were still inseparable. Even though Yaten and Diamond initially had their rough patches that lasted several years, they now got along. So much so that the men regularly had their "men's nights" with Kunzite – a circumstance that drove us women crazy every time. But our partners knew exactly how to placate us.

Mamoru had also finally found new love. He had moved in with Setsuna two years ago. They had tried to keep their relationship a secret at first, but Motoki let it slip, and the cat was out of the bag. The two of them were really well suited to each other. They harmonized perfectly, and I was genuinely happy for them.

And me? I lay here in my soft bed and, as so often on days of great significance, couldn't sleep. So, I mentally reviewed the last six years.

I was still Usagi Tsukino, though only for a few more hours. I was now 34 years old and one of Japan's best art dealers. Haruka managed my organization with her all-around talent. But most importantly, I loved this man lying next to me. He still sometimes tried to hide behind his walls, but piece by piece, I managed to break them down, strengthening the bond between us even more.

Kaori was a good teacher in the art of dealing with the "perfect world." I had attentively internalized her lessons and could hold my own in this world in no time. Over time, I became almost as adept as Diamond with his poker face, though sometimes I still lacked perfection.

The sun was just starting to rise, and my heart was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had a very special goal for today. Quietly, I slipped into my comfortable clothes, careful not to wake Diamond. Haruka was already waiting by the car, grinning at me as planned.

"Nervous, Moonface?" she joked. "A little, but can you please take me to the cemetery?" I asked her.

On the back seat lay a white rose. Haruka, as always, had thought ahead and was prepared for everything. It was as if she could often read my thoughts and fulfill my wishes even before I voiced them.

With heavy legs, I got out and walked the small path past the chapel. I gently ran my fingers over the letters in the white stone to greet them. It felt strange standing here, especially on such a day. But somehow, I wanted to feel his presence once more before my life officially changed. The delicate golden ring was still on my finger, and even though Diamond wasn't initially thrilled, it would stay there. Forever. The clouds parted, and the sun shone lightly down on me. This was the sign I had been waiting for. I was ready. Slowly, I placed the white rose in front of the stone.

Then I returned to Haruka. "And where to now, princess?" Confused, I looked at her. Princess? Hadn't I been her Moonface for years? "Why not Moonface anymore?" "I thought I'd try out the new name," she said with a wink and got into the car. "To Minako, please," I said, looking out the window. Mentally, I went over everything important for the next few hours. It had to be perfect.