Love Him...Forever

Nice Guy

"O...kay," Monika said slowly, narrowing her eyes at Shine with suspicion.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Shine asked, pretending innocence.

"Is there something going on between you and Yuzuru?" Monika asked bluntly.

"What? No! How could you even think that?" Shine said defensively.

"Relax! Don't get mad. Let me explain first," Monika said.

Shine frowned and crossed her arms.

"It's just... I still don't understand why Yuzu jumped out of the elevator that night."

"I thought Yuzuru already made that clear to everybody," Shine replied shortly.

"Yeah, but I'm not buying that 'I can't leave you alone' excuse."

"If you're confused, how about me?" Shine's inner voice snapped. "I'm the one left hanging by his actions!"

Shine exhaled sharply, calming herself.
"What's not to believe? You said it yourself—Yuzuru is a nice guy. He was just being nice that night."

Monika was about to argue when Nam, Javier, and Yuzuru approached the front desk. Yuzuru looked like his usual innocent, nice-guy self again.

"What are you girls arguing about?" Nam asked.

"Nothing," Monika said—obviously lying.

"It's fine," Nam said. "We just wanted to ask if you're free later?"

"Why?" Shine asked.

"Javi wants to chill with us tonight," Yuzuru answered.

"Shouldn't you guys be preparing for the Grand Prix? Especially since Skate Canada is a week from now," Shine said, sounding like a strict auntie.

"Hana," Javier said, "a week is enough time to practice and relax."

Shine then looked at Yuzuru.
"Patrick is coming back for Skate Canada. Aren't you worried?" she asked.

Before Yuzuru could respond, Monika slipped an arm around Shine.
"Hana, one night won't hurt. They probably need to release stress too."

All three boys nodded eagerly.

"Alright, alright. Where do you want to chill?" Shine surrendered.

"At my place," Javier said happily.

"I'm coming—if Hana is coming," Monika declared.

The boys all looked at Shine.

"Great. Now I really can't say no," her inner voice muttered.

Shine caught a small smile on Yuzuru's face.
"Oh wow. Are you happy about this?" she scolded him silently.

"Kazumi's in the US for Skate America. She won't be back until next week," Yuzuru added casually—almost like a reminder.

"So... what do you say, Hana?" Nam asked.

"You can bring Allen," Javier said quickly. Yuzuru frowned immediately.

"I'll go," Shine finally agreed.

"Great!" Nam clapped.

"Why do we always have to convince you?" Monika teased.

"Because her presence makes everything complete," Yuzuru said suddenly, smiling.

Everyone froze.

"Yuzu, Hana already said yes. No need to sweet-talk her," Monika laughed.