Love Him...Forever

Deep Bonds

Shine's eyes widened, surprised by Yuzuru's sudden move. She wasn't sure if his "I miss you" mirrored hers, but with his face so close, her heart fluttered, and her cheeks burned red as she gripped the steering wheel.

Yuzuru smiled, leaning back and waving goodbye.
"Thank you again. See you in two weeks," he said, a gentle, almost playful smile on his face.

"See you," Shine replied, her own smile shy, cheeks still flushed.

She watched him bow politely to Allen, still seated in his car, before disappearing inside.

Shine pressed her cold hands to her hot face—until Allen suddenly slid into the passenger seat, startling her.

"Drive," he commanded.

"Are you leaving your car here?" Shine asked, surprised.

"It's okay. I called someone to pick it up, and I can't let you drive alone," Allen said, adjusting himself in the seat.

"Now, drive!" he repeated firmly.

Shine glanced at him, then started the car. Seconds later, Yuzuru's house was out of sight.

Exactly two weeks had passed since Yuzuru promised to return to Toronto, and waiting felt endless to Shine.

"Yuzuru's arriving today, right?" she asked Monika excitedly.

"I think so. He and Nam still have a competition," Monika said, giving her a suspicious look.

"What? I can't ask?" Shine responded defensively.

"I didn't say anything," Monika surrendered, leaning closer. "But remember—you have Allen. Getting excited over another man isn't exactly appropriate."

"She's right," Shine's inner self noted. "To everyone else, you're still a couple with Allen."

Shine exhaled, trying to defend herself.
"I'm just happy to see him again. First, Yuzuru and I are friends again—thanks to you guys. And second... we won't see him for a long time after this week."

Monika smiled knowingly.
"You have a point. I'll miss his shyness and playfulness."

"What are you girls talking about?" Nam asked, cheerful as ever.

"Nam, you came early! Isn't your practice this afternoon?" Shine asked happily.

"Well," Javier said, patting Yuzuru on the back, "Yuzuru wanted to have lunch with all of us."

Shine slightly bowed her head in greeting, while Monika practically bounced with excitement.

"Hi!" Monika said.

"Why do you want to see us all?" Shine asked directly.

"I'll be missing you all soon. This is my only time before I leave," Yuzuru said with a soft sigh.

All eyes followed him attentively.

"After the WTT, I'll be staying in Japan until mid-August," he continued. "So, I won't see you for a while."

"I see... so what should we do until lunchtime?" Shine asked.

"Just... hang out and bond," Monika suggested.

Nam, Javier, and Yuzuru moved into the reception area, joining the group.

"This is the first time we're eating together—just us," Javier started.

"Yes! And it's nice," Monika agreed.

"I wouldn't mind if Mikka were here. She's easy on the eyes, right, Yuzu?" Nam teased with a grin.

Yuzuru just smiled politely.

"If that's the case, I wouldn't mind Allen's presence, either. He makes my heart flutter every time he looks at me," Monika added, a hint of jealousy in her voice.

"It's fine," Shine said honestly.

"Will Kazumi join the team event?" Javier asked, sensing tension between Nam and Monika.

"No. It'll be Kanako Murakami and Satoko Miyahara for the ladies."

"Kanako Murakami? Isn't she paired with Yuzuru?" Shine said, a flicker of jealousy in her tone.

"What? I just joined a figure skating forum recently!" Shine said defensively.

"We didn't say anything, but why so defensive?" Nam asked, clearly enjoying the display.

"You shouldn't act jealous—especially now that Allen isn't here to save you," Shine's inner self scolded.

"I'm not!" Shine insisted.

"Hana, Kana, and I are just friends," Yuzuru said calmly. "Shine was, is, and will always be the only girl I love."

"Exactly. No one can replace her," Monika added firmly.

"If we didn't know you were with Allen, we'd think you were jealous, Hana," Javier said, smiling.

"You're right—I am jealous! My boyfriend is Yuzuru Hanyu—the angel of music... or rather, figure skating," Shine's inner self admitted.

"I'm not jealous," Shine said quickly, though it was half-true. She immediately changed the topic.

"Speaking of Kazumi," Shine continued, "Yuzuru and I both know she can speak English really well and—"

"WHAT? That two-faced girl!" Monika snapped before she could finish.

"Monika, relax," Nam said gently, brushing his palm along her back to calm her. "Let Hana finish first."

"Thank you," Shine said with a small sigh. "As I was saying... she promised Yuzuru she wouldn't be mean to us again."

"She's not mean to me," Javier chimed in casually.

"That's because she knows better than to mess with the top skaters of the club," Monika shot back, still clearly irritated.

"We just need to give her a chance. We don't have to be friends with her," Shine said honestly.

Monika crossed her arms, silent, while Shine decided to lighten the mood.

"Hey, Javi! We haven't celebrated your WC win yet!"

"Yeah!" Nam chimed in.

"How about tonight?" Javier suggested.

"But will Yuzu be okay with that?" Monika asked.

"Sure. I won't see you for a while anyway," Yuzuru agreed.

"Okay, but where?" Nam asked excitedly.

"How about my place?" Yuzuru offered.

Everyone exchanged approving looks.

"We're all set then," Javier confirmed.