Love Him...Forever

Almost Happy

Yuzuru releases Shine gently, and when they open their eyes, he's still looking at her as if he can't bear to blink.

"I'm going to do everything you say, Hana. Just... stay here with me," he whispered, voice full of affection.

"I told you, I'm not going anywhere," Shine replied with a soft smile, eyes locked on his.

Suddenly, the door behind Yuzuru opened. Coach Brian peeked out, relief all over his face when he spotted Yuzuru.

"Yuzu, why are you still out there? Come inside now!" he commanded.

"I'm coming, Coach! Just a sec!" Yuzuru answered, still refusing to look away from Shine.

"Don't take too long!" Coach Brian said before closing the door.

"Hana!" a familiar voice called from behind Yuzuru.

"Allen!" Shine gasped.

"I knew I'd find you here," Allen said as he approached.

Yuzuru squinted at Shine suspiciously before turning around. Shine smiled, amused that Yuzuru was jealous.

Allen walked toward them—crisp denim pants, a blue checkered polo, a dark gray wool coat, and a long brown-white scarf swaying as he moved.

"We should go to our seats," Allen said once he reached them.

"Allen is a real-life Adonis," Shine's inner voice admired.

"Ah... right," Shine said aloud, forcing composure.

She turned back to Yuzuru.
"Good luck later. I know you can do it. And tell Nam I wish him good luck, too."

"Where are Monika and Nam?" Allen asked.

"Monika is inside with Nam—she's helping him calm down," Yuzuru answered.

Allen nodded. "I see. Hana, let's go ahead. You can call Monika later."

Shine only nodded.

"Good luck," Allen told Yuzuru politely.

"Thank you," Yuzuru replied.

Allen patted Yuzuru's shoulder before leaving with Shine. She turned back one last time and mouthed, "I love you."

Yuzuru smiled softly: "Aishite masu."

Shine bowed her head, smiling.

As they walked, Allen suddenly spoke.
"So, Hana... I guess things went pretty well with you and Yuzuru last night?"

Shine's heart jumped.
"Well? It went absolutely GREAT!" her mind screamed.

"I guess... we're finally okay," she answered instead, trying to hide her happiness.

"I think you're more than just 'okay.' Am I right?" Allen pressed.

Shine froze. How does he always know?

"What do you mean?" she asked innocently.

"You know exactly what I mean." Allen smirked.

She didn't get to respond—his phone rang, and at the same moment, Monika appeared beside her.

"How's Nam? Is he alright?" Shine asked.

"He's okay. Just nervous," Monika reassured her.

Allen stood up mid-call. "Hana, Monika—we need to go back to Toronto. Now."

"What? Why?" Shine asked, confused by his sudden urgency.

"I'll explain later. But we have to leave immediately."

Her stomach dropped. Something was wrong.

"Can we at least wait until Yuzuru finishes? He's almost done!" Shine pleaded.

"I'm afraid not." Allen grabbed her arm—and she knew the situation was serious.

They hurried upstairs. Shine turned for one last glimpse—

Down on the Triple Lutz.

Shine covered her mouth in worry.

"Don't worry. He'll still do great. He might even win," Allen said, steering her away.

Minutes later, they reached the airport. Allen, Monika, and Shine boarded a private plane. Shine sat by the window, still staring in the direction of the arena she was forced to leave behind.

Allen handed her his phone.
"Use mine if you want to text him."

"Thank you," she said, immediately typing.

Unregistered Number:
Sorry, we had to leave abruptly. Something urgent happened. I'll tell you in two days. —Hana <3

A reply arrived quickly.

Yuzuru:
What's so urgent that you had to leave now?

Unregistered Number:
I'll tell you when we see each other.

Yuzuru:
Whose phone is this? Allen's? Where's your phone?

Unregistered Number:
Yes, it's Allen's. Mine and Monika's died.

His next message was curt—he was angry.

Yuzuru:
Okay. Take care.

Shine typed fast.

Unregistered Number:
Please don't be mad... I love you. (100 kisses)

His reply softened.

Yuzuru:
You know I can't stay angry at you. I'm not mad... I just don't understand.

Unregistered Number:
I'll explain soon.
And congratulations— I know you'll win! <3

Yuzuru:
Thank you. I love you, my Hana. Can't wait to see you.

Before Shine could answer, the flight attendant approached.
"Please turn off all devices—we're taking off."

She powered off the phone.

Her heart sank.
This wasn't the goodbye she wanted.

Because when Allen said the name BLACK, Shine felt her blood freeze.

And she knew...

Trouble had found her again.