Love Him...Forever

The Talk That Changed Everything

Yuzuru and Kazumi returned to Japan, while Shine, Allen, Javier, Nam, and Monika flew back to Toronto the next morning. Shine was still off-duty until the second day after their arrival.

"What did you guys talk about?" Monika asked as Shine settled onto the couch.

"Talk?" Shine repeated. Then she remembered—
the night after the gala,
the knock on her door,
and Yuzuru standing there.

Flashback — Yuzuru's Late-Night Visit

"Ahmm..." Yuzuru sighed, suddenly losing the confidence he had earlier.

"You didn't come here just to sigh, did you?" Shine asked directly.

"I know it's wrong for me to say this," Yuzuru began seriously, "because I know none of this is anyone's fault."

"What are you talking about?" Shine asked, more confused.

"I mean..." Yuzuru lowered his gaze, hesitating.

Shine moved closer and gently patted his back.

"It's okay," she encouraged softly.

Yuzuru lifted his eyes to meet hers.

"The World Championship..." he finally said, dropping his head again.

Shine raised his chin so he would look at her.

"I think I know how you feel," she said gently. "You're happy for Javi, but you also regret losing. Right?"

Yuzuru nodded.

"I am happy for Javi. He worked hard for that gold medal... but I feel like I overestimated myself," he confessed, still avoiding her eyes.

"Yuzuru, it's normal to feel that way. You're the Olympic champion, World champion, two-time Grand Prix champion, three-time national champion. But moments like this... they shape you. They help you grow stronger," Shine said softly.

"But haven't I suffered enough?" Yuzuru's voice cracked. "First the collision in China... then surgery after Nationals..."
He finally broke—crying, frustrated.

Shine rubbed his back in slow, comforting circles.

"Shhh... you overcame the collision in China, and look at what happened—you became Grand Prix champion again. And the Worlds result wasn't punishment. It was Javi's reward for his hard work," she said soothingly.

Yuzuru wiped his tears and looked at her.

"Yes... Javi worked really hard. He deserved it. And besides being off the ice for a month... I think I was distracted."

Shine froze—guilt hitting her immediately. She slowly lowered her hand from his back. Yuzuru realized too late what his words implied.

"No! No, that's not what I meant!" he said quickly, waving his hands. "I wasn't distracted because of you."

Shine inhaled deeply and leaned back.

"It's okay. Honestly, it's kind of an honor that I could cost the great Yuzuru Hanyu a gold medal," she joked, laughing to break the tension.

Yuzuru laughed too.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

"For what?" Shine asked.

"For making me feel okay," Yuzuru answered. Then he grew serious again.

"Earlier, you asked why I didn't go to Mikka, Kazumi, or Monika."

"Yeah. You told me your reasons," Shine said casually.

"They were excuses," Yuzuru admitted.

Shine straightened, suddenly tense. She didn't say a word.

"I told you before that I don't share personal things with anyone... except Shine," he said, pausing.

Shine's heart tightened. Her inner voice panicked. Where is this going?

Noticing her tension, Yuzuru sighed before continuing.

"Don't worry. I won't insist that Shine is you... because clearly, you're not her."
Shine relaxed a little.

"But with you... I feel like I can say anything," Yuzuru finished quietly.

Shine smiled.

"I'm happy you feel that way. If you ever need someone to talk to, you can come to me anytime," she said warmly.

"Always?" Yuzuru repeated.

"Yes. Always."

"Allen might not like that idea," Yuzuru said almost matter-of-factly.

"Oh right... Allen," Shine's inner voice reminded her.

"Allen will understand. That's how he is," she said proudly.

"So... you and him are official now?" Yuzuru asked suddenly.

"How—" Shine stopped her own silly question.

"Your necklace has the same charm as your bracelet. I'm guessing both gifts are from Allen," Yuzuru explained. Shine heard a quiet hope in his voice—hoping she'd say no.

"This?" Shine touched her sun pendant.

I'll remove this when I'm back in your arms, Yuzu, she said silently in her heart.

"He's a good person," she told Yuzuru aloud.

Yuzuru smiled faintly. Then he frowned, exhaled, and continued.

"Shine would be happy that her best friend finally found someone."

"I think Shine would be happier seeing you find someone too," Shine lied, smiling.

"I'll try," Yuzuru said, standing up.

Back to Present

"Yes! Your talk with Yuzuru," Monika repeated firmly.

Shine frowned.

"Oh, that talk." Shine nodded as she remembered. "Nothing, really... We just decided to start over."

"Anything else you want to tell me?" Monika asked, curious.

"Nothing," Shine lied.

Then she shot Monika a sharp look.

"But why did you do it?" Shine asked.

"Do what?" Monika tried to play innocent.

"Oh, come on. Yuzu told me everything," Shine said, emotions mixed.

"We just couldn't stand seeing you two not on good terms. And Yuzu said he wanted to talk to you," Monika admitted.

Shine immediately threw her arms around Monika and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you," she said, squeezing her harder.

"You're welcome," Monika said, slightly surprised.

"Okay! You can release me now," Monika joked, pretending to choke.

"Hana!" a familiar voice called excitedly.

Shine released Monika and turned.

"Allen?" Shine blinked. As he approached, she could tell—Allen was bringing good news.