Love Him...Forever

Daring

Yuzuru's face is only inches from Shine's. Every word from his lips feels hypnotic; every breath he exhales sends a paralyzing shiver down her spine.

"Yuzuru, you're too close," Shine said, uncomfortable with the overwhelming nearness.

"I know," he whispered, leaning in even more. "And I can get closer."

Shine inhaled sharply—the scent of him was intoxicating—and exhaled in a shaky breath.

"I mean literally. I'm suffocating. I need air," she gasped.

"Oh—sorry."
Yuzuru immediately stepped back, releasing her from the invisible trap of his presence.

Shine held her chest and took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" Yuzuru asked, concern softening his voice.

She nodded.

"We should probably go back," he said. The seductive Yuzuru from seconds ago vanished instantly.

Shine nodded again and walked behind him, unable to stop staring at his back.

"When did he become that guy?" she wondered.

"I don't know where that side of me came from either," Yuzuru suddenly said as he looked back at her.

Shine froze.

"You're not that hard to read, Hana," he whispered beside her ear, smiling widely before turning around again.

They continued walking.

"Where did the two of you go?" Nam asked the moment they rejoined the group.

"We bumped into each other," Yuzuru said smoothly. "So I asked Hana if she wanted to come with us to Barrie. It'll be a fun trip."

"And what did you say?" Monika asked Shine.

"I don't know... Someone should stay here," Shine said uncertainly.

"Hana, that day no one will be practicing," Nam explained. "Everyone will be watching Yuzu."

Everyone turned to Shine, waiting for her answer.

She looked at Allen, silently asking for his say. Allen nodded slowly.

Javier raised a brow. "Look at you two—you broke up a long time ago, but Hana still needs Allen's approval?"

"Her parents left her under my care," Allen said calmly. "Hana is my responsibility."

"Responsibility?" Yuzuru suddenly repeated. "Taking care of Hana is a responsibility?"

Everyone turned wide-eyed to Yuzuru.

"Of course not," Allen countered quickly. "I'm just saying she will always need me. Right, Hana?"

Shine stood speechless between them.

If she agreed with Allen, she'd hurt Yuzuru.
If she disagreed, Allen would be humiliated.
What was she supposed to do?

Thankfully, Miki cut in.

"So, Hana—are you coming or not?"
She shot Shine a look that said, I got you.

Shine mouthed a silent thank you to her.

"I guess... yes," Shine finally said. "Considering everything that's been said."

Two days before Autumn Classic

"Hi, Nam. Hi, Yuzuru," Shine greeted them cheerfully.

"What are you guys talking about?" Monika asked.

"Yuzu still has Shine as his wallpaper!" Nam announced dramatically.