𝒀/𝑵'𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚: 𝒀𝒖𝒋𝒊, 𝑴𝒚 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏

Episode XVII: Eternal Love, Eternal Loss

•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•

Dear Diary,

Today was a rollercoaster of emotions. The attack earlier left me shaken, my heart still racing from the adrenaline. But as the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the baseball field, Tokyo High School's victory washed away some of the pain. We won! I couldn't help but smile, feeling a fleeting sense of joy.

As I walked off the field, the cheers fading into the distance, my thoughts betrayed me. Memories of my mother, Katherine, flooded my mind like a tidal wave. I missed her warmth, her kindness. The evil that had consumed her still felt like a nightmare. I was 14 when she vanished, and when she returned two years later, I was 16. But she wasn't the same. The kind person I knew was gone.

In the quiet of my room, surrounded by shadows, I allow myself to mourn. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I remember the mother I lost. Those two missing years changed everything. Why did she have to leave? Why did she have to come back different?

But I push aside the grief, reminding myself it's not time to dwell on the past. Tomorrow is my birthday, and excitement mixed with nervousness swirls within me. I've been bothering my friends all evening, reminding them it's my special day tomorrow. They've been patiently tolerating my reminders, their smiles and laughter a balm to my soul.

I have no idea what tomorrow holds, but I'm ready. My 17th journey will end, and my 18th will begin. A new chapter awaits.

There's another thing, though - my feelings for Yuji. Whenever I think about him, my heart races, and my face flushes. The memory of Megumi revealing my secret affection to Yuji still stings. I recall the stuttered words, the nervous laughter, and the overwhelming desire to hide.

After the infirmary incident, I couldn't meet Yuji's gaze. I was so flustered. Speaking with him was like navigating a minefield - I'd stutter, my nervousness at its peak. My face would burn, and I'd fidget with my hair or fingers.

For a moment, I felt like Hinata around Naruto - shy and unsure. Even now, as we date and share kisses, the embarrassment lingers. It's as if I'm standing on the edge of a precipice, unsure whether to leap into the unknown or retreat to safety.

But with Yuji by my side, I feel a sense of home. His love is my anchor in the turbulent sea of emotions.

As I close this diary, the moon casts a silver glow on my face, illuminating the tears and the smile. Tomorrow awaits, full of promise and uncertainty.

Goodnight,

Y/N

•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•

Morning sunlight streamed through the dorm window, casting a warm glow over my face. I was sleeping peacefully, lost in a dreamless slumber. The door creaked open, and Yuji's gentle voice whispered, "Good morning." I stirred, half-asleep, and mumbled incoherently. Yuji's soft chuckles filled the air as he sat beside me. "Today's a special day, Y/N. Wake up." His words barely registered, but his presence was comforting. I smiled softly, eyes still closed and snuggled deeper into the blankets.

Yuji gently pulled the blanket away, revealing my sleepy face. "Come on, it's time to wake up." My mind foggy, I blurted out, "I'll only get up if you carry me." Suddenly, strong arms enveloped me – one under my legs, the other beneath my back. I opened my eyes to find Yuji's face inches from mine, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He held me in a bridal carry, his warmth radiating through his gentle grip. His lips brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine. "Happy Birthday, Y/N." My face ignited, flames of embarrassment spreading across my cheeks.