A month has passed since that fateful day, and I have to say, It was a pretty eventful month. After Alexander Talbot was brought to jail, and sent to a trial, with the amount of evidences piling up, along with witnesses stepping up to speak out about his wrongdoings, he was pronounced guilty by the court.

Of course, my father was one of those people and thankfully, he wasn't deemed as a whistle-blower by the public. Instead, it made him seem like he was doing the right thing.

That week, it was a scramble for the news reporters to be the first to report these juicy news. After all, Alexander had a reputation of being a 'saint', a humanitarian. When news of his crimes were exposed, there was a huge uproar throughout Serenity, our city, and the neighbouring cities.

The Talbot family, unfortunately, suffered major consequences and they went bankrupt within a few weeks. Jessie and her family suffered from the aftermath, however, they took it well. They didn't fall into a hectic mess, and handled everything with ease, it was as if they expected this to happen someday.

They came prepared.

Alas, Jessie couldn't bear the fact that her family was close to being responsible for the city's downfall. She took it really hard on herself, so much so that she did not want to stay in this city any longer.

"Jean, I'm sorry. I can't take it anymore, I have to get out of the city for awhile."

"Oh, Jessie..."

We were in her room, sitting down on her bed as she spoke softly. Her eyes were swollen, and her hair was an utter mess. There were tissues strewn around her bed, and I pulled her into a hug.

"It's killing me. And just staying here makes me think of the destruction that would have happened, if my grandfather wasn't stopped."

"It's fine, I understand. But...you still have to get your certificate from school, don't you? Remember, graduation?"

Jessie laughed weakly, sniffling. "I'll go to school tomorrow and take it. Staying here any longer will make me go insane."

I released her from her hug, my eyes were watery. "Where do you plan to go?"

"Well...actually. My parents prepared really well, and they bought a house over in Eclipse."

"Oh god, that's like almost a four hours trip from Serenity."

"When I get better, I'll come back."

"It's fine, Jessie. I'll visit you, definitely."

Jessie broke down, sobbing into my arms yet again. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

"I'll miss you and your clumsiness, yo-your forgetfulness and--and your dumb moments-"

"Oh shut up, will you."

We giggled and choked on our tears at the same time. Jessie's bed almost turned white from all the tissues littered around her bed.

*******************

Jessie said farewell to everyone in her cafe, the place where she worked at. The locker room which was usually empty was suddenly crowded. It made me realise how small the locker room actually is. She also said farewell to Nathan, and to my surprise, she still didn't know who Nathan actually was.

Huh.

I guess I never told her at all, well, not that it's my position to expose him.

Seems like there isn't any need to anymore though.

After that fateful day, the amount of activities from Apeirons decreased drastically. We weren't exactly sure was it because of Alexander, or was there another reason behind it. There were still some attacks behind Apeirons, but they were always quickly shut down by Thomas, Kim and Nathan.

"Hey, Nate." Jessie stepped towards Nathan with a soft smile. I was beside her as she did so, eyeing the both of them with curiosity.

I couldn't deny the twinge of jealousy that welled up within me too. At this point, I'm pretty sure what I feel for Nathan isn't simply just friendly feelings.

"Jessie, this is quite an upsetting news to hear." Nathan smiled amicably at Jessie, and Jessie just chuckled at his words. She stretched her arms out, her smile widening.

"I'm sorry. But don't worry, I'll be back before you guys realise it." She said, as both of them embraced each other. I bit on my lower lip and glanced away, squeezing my eyes close.

"Have a safe journey, Jessie." I heard Nathan say, and I forced myself to look back at them. At that moment, I caught Jessie whispering something to Nathan, making his eyes widen and he broke apart from her hug.

Jessie observed his expression for a second, before breaking into a hearty laughter. "Goodbye, everyone. I love you all, and I'll definitely come back soon."

She turned to me, engulfing me in a bear hug. It felt like she was squeezing the life out of me. Her parents were outside the cafe waiting for her, inside their car.

"See you soon, Jean. Thanks and sorry for everything, especially your back."

I snickered, patting Jessie in her back, unable to stop myself from sniffling. "There's no need to thank and apologise, Jessie. I'm your best friend, and I'm not just going to stand at the side and watch you when you are in harm's way."

"You and your selflessness. I wish you treasured yourself more sometimes."

"Says the reckless one, you should be the one treasuring yourself more. What were you thinking chasing your grandfather alone?"

Soon enough, we became a sobbing mess again. Everyone in the locker room were watching us, some with tears in their eyes and some just laughing softly at us. It took awhile more for us to recover and move on. We walked with Jessie to the entrance, her parents waiting patiently for her. However, before Jessie entered the car, she pulled at my hand, and began to whisper in my ear.

"You and Nathan look good together. So, there's no need to be jealous."

Taken aback, I recoiled back in alarm and stuttered out in a squeaky voice. "Wha-wha--how?! You-you knew? Since when?!"

"Oh come on, Jean. I'm your best friend too, you think I wouldn't know? You are too obvious! Your eyes literally sparkle at him, and if I look closely, I bet I can see hearts in them."

"He-hearts?! What? You-"

"Love ya, Jean. All the best to you, but I bet you don't need it." Jessie winked at me, boarding the car and I only watched the car speed away, with Jessie waving wildly at all of us from inside the car.

I heard everyone shouting their farewells from behind me, and then they headed back into the cafe. I was too stunned at that moment to even react, hence, I hadn't even move an inch from my spot.

"So, she really left, huh." Someone spoke beside me, startling me out of my stupor. I glanced to my right, noticing it was Nathan.

"Ye-yeah...yeah. She really left..." I stuttered at first, only for the realisation to hit me after. Jessie was really gone this time, and who knows when I'll be able to see her again.

Even the car was nowhere in sight now.

Despondent, I glanced back at Nathan, observing the sad expression on his face. It made me feel even worse and I forced a small smile on my face. "I'm sorry, Nathan. You didn't even get a chance to tell her..."

"Hm? Tell her what?"

"That you liked her--uh no, still like her? Love her? Wait, you still like her, do you? Uhm no, what the hell am I saying..." I blurted out, only to babble on and on. I ducked my head in embarrassment, fiddling with my hair.

A moment passed, and I didn't hear any response from Nathan, who was still standing beside me. I could only hear tiny clicking sounds from Nathan, which made me frown but I didn't lift my head up.

"Jean." Nathan suddenly called out, shifting his position so that he was standing in front of me.

"Hmm?" I lifted my head up, stumbling slightly when I noticed how close he was. He was gazing down at me with a frustrated yet amused look, with his beautiful mismatched eyes.

"Oh...your contacts...when did you remove them?" I blinked in confusion and unconsciously took a step closer to observe his gorgeous eyes. I also noticed the case which is used to keep contact lenses, in his hand.

"When you weren't looking just now."

Ah, so that's what the clicking sounds were.

"Why did you remove them? What if someone recognises you? Hurry and put it back on." I frowned at him, pursing my lips in disapproval.

"I just want to be the Nathan Scott you've been with this entire time, and not the Nathan Scott you met back at the café on that day." He answered, and I deepened my frown, puzzled at his words. It didn't help that my heart skipped a beat at his words too.

I let out a small chuckle, bewildered. "What's with that? Do you think I'll care about it? With or without your contacts, you are still the Nathan Scott I know, the Nathan Scott that has been with me the entire time."

I beamed at him, and a soft breeze blew by, making me tug my hair behind my ear. "Don't you need to head back to the cafe? I heard from Jessie that the cafe is closed for an event this week."

I spun around, deciding go back into the cafe to retrieve my handbag. Just then, a hand wrapped around my arm, a force tugging me back. I staggered backwards, my eyes wide in alarm and struggling to keep my balance. My back collided against a warm chest, and a pair of arms embraced me.

"I care about it though, Jean. I really do." Nathan's silvery voice tickled at my neck, and I felt a shiver going down my spine.

Uh...what's happening?

Why is Nathan hugging me?

...and why is his voice so sexy? Damn.

"Na-nathan?"

He spun me around in an abrupt manner and I almost squealed when I realised how close our faces were. I instinctively recoiled, gulping nervously, finding it hard to meet Nathan's eyes. Somehow, at this moment, with the afternoon sun shining down on him, his partially obscured face gave off a enigmatic charm. His chocolate brown hair glistened in the sunlight, making my heart thump harder with each beat.

Okay, this is so weird.

I know he's hot, but now, he's so incredibly hot.

Am I dreaming? I must be dreaming. Yes, he's so dreamy--wait what?

"Sorry, I didn't mean to spin you around that hard." He released me from his arms, and I swore, the feeling of his arms remained there.

"Uh...that's...fine--i think. No, completely, yeah...probably." I was clearly struggling to speak coherently, and Nathan only gave me a baffled look.

"Jean? Are you okay?"

Oh, he's so hot.

"Why are you so hot?" I questioned without thinking, only to come to senses a second later, looking away in horror. "I didn't just say that."

I didn't just say that! 

I seriously didn't just say that, oh my god!

Let me crawl in a hole, and die. Please.

I heard Nathan snickering, before bursting into a hearty laughter. My eyes were focused on the ground, heat creeping up to my face.

"Oh, Jean, I'm so sorry."

"What? Why are you saying sorry? What for?" I snapped my head upwards, utterly embarrassed.

"I'm sorry for not realising how much I like you." Nathan cupped my face gently, staring at me intently. I instantly blanked out at his confession, flummoxed.

Huh?

A second passed and I noted numbly how Nathan's face grew bigger in my vision. Another second passed and I felt something warm and soft on my plump lips. The hand originally cupping my cheek coiled around my neck, while an arm snaked around my waist. My eyes were wide in amazement, whereas, Nathan's eyes were closed, his lips on mine gradually begun to move.

I blinked rapidly and my heart fluttered erratically, I'm not even sure if I can even breathe. Eventually, my eyes slowly closed and I begun to immerse myself in the gentle kiss. Alas, Nathan eventually broke apart from the kiss, panting slightly. I almost whimpered unconsciously, in a complete daze now.

"Sorry, I should have asked you before kissing you like that." Nathan said apologetically, his face a little flushed.

"Huh?"

"Can I...uh....kiss you again?"

I nodded vigorously, tiptoeing and curling my arms around Nathan's neck. Without hesitation, I slammed my lips into his and Nathan stumbled a little at my unexpected action. He smiled into the kiss, proceeding to bring me closer with his arms on my waist and neck.

Somewhere along the kiss, I finally regained my senses and broke apart from it this time. Nathan frowned at me, a curious look in his eyes which seemed a little hazy.

"I thought you liked Jessie. How did it become me instead?" I asked, my arms still around his neck.

He grinned at me, leaning forward and pecking my cheek. "I thought I did, but what I felt towards Jessie just simply infatuation. Towards you, Jean, it's different."

"Different?"

"I like you, Jean. Probably more than I think I do. I've never felt this way about Jessie before." Nathan said softly, a gentle look in his eyes as she moved his hand to my cheek. He stroked it lovingly, his smile growing bigger.

I've never seen that kind of look that gorgeous eyes of his before.

It made my heart palpitate, and there were butterflies in my stomach. I bit on my lower lip, reaching forward to peck his cheek too.

"Me too, Nathan. I like you, probably more that I think do either."

Nathan's hand which was still stroking my cheek suddenly went to my lips. He began stroking on my lips, and I looked at him expectantly, a tiny smile on my lips. He began to lean down, his lips inches away from mine.

"So, are you guys officially a couple now?" A familiar voice interrupted us, startling the two of us.

"Thomas? What are you doing here?" I furrowed my eyebrows at him. His arms were crossed against his chest, a smirk on his lips.

"You lovebirds are blocking the way, jeez. Kiss somewhere else." Kim joined in the conversation, rolling her eyes at us.

"Kim?" Nathan spoke in a questioning tone.

It was only now we noticed the everyone's eyes on us. Some of them held curiosity, while most of them held a hint of annoyance. Though it wasn't particularly crowded today, we were still blocking part of the pavement. We hurriedly withdrew, and I was so embarrassed. I can't believe I was kissing Nathan in the middle of the street, in the public.

"What are you guys doing here?" Nathan asked them.

"I remembered you telling us that if we're were unable to contact you, you are probably working here." Thomas explained, gesturing at the cafe.

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

"Did you forget?" Kim gave Nathan a disapproving look.

"Ah! The awards ceremony! They wanted to thank the three of you for-"

"The four of us, genie." Kim smirked and I rolled my eyes at her, rather touched that Kim decided to include me. 

"Thanks, I'm touched. Though, is there any need to call me that now? We aren't in disguise now."

"That's right! The awards ceremony, it slipped from my mind, it-"

The piercing sounds of sirens filled the air and it grew closer towards us. Eventually, a police vehicle sped past us and we observed in silence.

"It can wait." Nathan sighed, finishing his sentence with a depressed tone.

"Oh man, I dressed up a little nicer today. I even picked out a new shirt."

"That's 'a little nicer'? You look the same as always, Thomas."

He's still the same lanky man, I met back in the train. Well, he did style his hair a little, making him look more decent that usual. It was rather...charming, if I would say so.

"It'll get ruined anyway. Now, stop the chit chat and let's go." Kim walked towards Nathan, and Thomas shook his head, disappointed.

I raised my hand, wanting to give him an encouraging slap on his back. However, a wave of dizziness immediately hit me when I took a step forward. Thankfully, everyone's backs were facing me at that time, thus no one saw it. I halted, glancing down at my abdomen, there was an indescribable sensation on my abdomen.

Pressing my hand gently on my abdomen, recognition was apparent on my face.

...it's the part where I was shot at a month ago, by that weird bullet.

"Strange." I muttered to myself, baffled at what just occurred.

"Jean? You coming?" Kim hollered at me, sounding slightly irritated.

"Ye-yeah!" I hollered back at her, jogging towards them.

Time to save the day, and bring hope to people, like what superheroes do, huh?

I smiled to myself at my cheesy thoughts, shaking my head. 

Ehem, *cough*, hiya all! I'm terribly sorry for the late update, like super super late. My graduation is nearing soon, and I had to rush my final project (since our team screwed up our report somehow). Then, I went into a slump because of my mid-term results, and then, I went to take a break from everything, which explains my long MIA period. 

I'm celebrating Lunar New Year too (it's known as Chinese New Year in my country), so yeah...

Anyway, here's the epilogue! I'm planning to include some trivias too, so do hang on in there! The sequel will probably come out after I'm done with my year-end examinations (it happens in the next two weeks, i'm a nervous wreck now).  

Have a great weekend ahead guys! Comments and votes are always welcome, love you all!