Love Him...Forever

The Bridge Between Us

"Oh, Allen, don't look at Hana like that," Monika cut in, pouting dramatically. "It just reminds me I don't have a love life."

Shine turned to her.

Trust me, Monika... you wouldn't want a love story like mine, her inner voice warned silently.

"I'll step out for a second. Can you cover for me?" Shine asked instead, excitement bubbling in her voice. She couldn't wait to hear Allen's good news.

"Sure! Besides, Worlds are over—it's not like we'll be busier than that," Monika said, just as excited for them.

"Thanks!" Shine said quickly, hurrying out from behind her post. She grabbed Allen's hand.

"See you later!" Shine called out. They didn't even notice Nam arriving. The two were gone before Nam could greet them.

At the Wooden Bridge

They stopped at a small wooden bridge overlooking a broad fish pond. The greenhouse was still visible in the distance. It was quiet, private—perfect for talking. Allen scanned the area, making sure no one else was around.

"So?" Shine asked eagerly, her eyes full of anticipation.

"I think we got him," Allen said, dimples deepening.

"Got who?" Shine frowned. She wanted the whole story.

"Remember that night at the party when I told you the Black guy with Brian was the person we've been searching for?" Allen reminded her.

Shine nodded.

"We couldn't locate him at all. It was frustrating. But then you told me you saw Mikka talking to him on the day of your... 'burial.' So we followed her—like I said, we suspected her from the beginning. Then, at the party, everything clicked."

Shine leaned in, listening intensely.

"We focused on tracking Mikka instead. She was careful—very careful—not to be followed. Until the World Championships in Shanghai. I'm not sure why, but it felt like she wanted us to trail her. Maybe intentionally. Either way, she led us to him," Allen finished.

"So what happens now?" Shine asked, hopeful. Deep down, she wished he would say they could finally stop pretending.

"After we capture him... soon... you can go back to being Shine," Allen said with a soft smile. There was a hint of sadness in his voice—maybe from knowing he would eventually have to return her to Yuzuru.

But Shine didn't notice. She was too happy. She suddenly hugged Allen, surprising him.

"Thank you," she said, tightening her embrace.

"It's nothing. Catching him is my job," Allen replied, placing a gentle hand on her back.

"But it's not your job to babysit me and deal with my emotional breakdowns," Shine laughed.

Allen pulled gently away and held her shoulders.

"Babysitting you and calming you during your 'tantrums' is tough—yes," he admitted with a smile, "but it gives me happiness. And it gives me purpose."

Shine's expression softened.

"I'll always be thankful for the day I met you. That day, I gained a friend... I gained you," Shine said sincerely.

"Me too. I'll never forget that day," Allen said, just as genuine, before leaning forward and kissing her forehead.

They hugged again, holding on longer this time.

Later That Night

Shine stood before her bathroom mirror. She removed her contacts and slipped on her eyeglasses, tying her hair into a simple ponytail.

"Hi, Shine. I'll see you again... soon," she said to her reflection, smiling widely.

Ring... ring... ring...

Her "Hana" phone buzzed beside her. Without taking her eyes off the mirror, she glanced at the caller ID.

Yuzuru.

She immediately turned and answered.

"Yuzuru?" Shine said as she stepped out of the bathroom, wondering why he was calling.

"You're probably wondering why I called," Yuzuru said cheerfully on the other line.

"Kinda... so... what's up?" Shine asked, sitting at her study table, where the ocean view would be stunning in the morning.

"I'm fine, thank you. But I called to ask if your offer to tutor me is still available?" Yuzuru asked shyly.

"Of course it is—but you said you couldn't for now," Shine reminded him.

"I just wanted to make sure... hehe. I really want to learn English sooner," Yuzuru said. He sounded genuinely happy just hearing Shine's voice, though there was a seriousness beneath the light tone.

"Okay... but you sound more eager this time. Why?" Shine asked, curious.

"It's nothing special. I just want to talk properly with you guys. And..." he paused.

"And?" Shine nudged gently, curiosity growing.

He exhaled. Shine could hear the hesitation.

"If you don't want to say it now, it's okay. I'm sure you'll tell me eventually," she said softly.

"...and maybe... I want to get to know you better too..." Yuzuru said quietly, choosing honesty.