This is the last chapter of Never Without You!! :) Enjoyyy

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Malice's POV

The wind picks up, rustling the leaves of the sparse trees clinging to the mountainside, and the sun peeks through the patchy clouds, casting shifting shadows over the rocky terrain.

Zelda stands a few steps ahead, her hair tousled by the wind. She turns back to me with a rock in her hands.

"Look what I found," she grins like a little kid. "This could be a significant archaeological find! The patterns could match the early timeshift stones I learned about in Professor Shad's class. Have you taken his class? He always says these kinds of artifacts can reveal so much about ancient history. He'll be thrilled to see this!"

She's gonna give her professor a rock? I meet her look of excitement and curiosity with a simple nod.

"You've been unusually quiet today," she says, taking a small step toward me. "You haven't even insulted me yet."

"We can easily change that," I force a smile.

A sincere giggle escapes her, "No, that's alright. I like it more this way. I'm just making sure you're doing okay."

"I'm okay." I thought that would do the trick but judging by the look on her face, she's doubting my words. "Just thinking about some of the people that have influenced my life."

"Oh." She crouches down in front of me. "Am I one of them?"

"Well, I am currently sitting on a mountain because of you. So, yes."

When I dodge her eyes again, she takes another step. "Would you like to talk about some of the things you're thinking about?"

I shrug, tossing a loose stone off the cliff. It tumbles down the slope, disappearing into the underbrush below.

"Not really," I finally say, but the words feel hollow. There's so much I want to say, but I can't find the right words. Or maybe I'm just afraid of what might happen if I do. "I just have a lot on my mind. No big deal."

"Maybe I can help," she says.

I glance at her, surprised by the sincerity in her eyes. For a moment, I feel a flicker of something—hope, maybe?

"You've done more than enough already."

Zelda's jaw drops, a smile qued behind it. "Is that your way of saying thank you?"

"Ha, you wish."

"Come on, let me in on your thoughts."

"Pass."

"Please?" Her eyes widen. With the light catching them just so, they sparkle like the river, making it hard to refuse. "If you tell me one thing that's been on your mind lately, I'll tell you something that has been on mine."

I'm tempted to say that I don't give a shit about the things in her mind but I swallow it, remembering Impa's advice—or threat—to be kinder. "Sure," I sigh. "If it makes you happy."

"It sure will!" Zelda chirps, her enthusiasm infectious. "So what or who is on your mind?"

"Making me go first, huh?" I arch my eyebrow at her, but her smile prevails.

Part of me wants to tell her about my kiss with Pike while another part of me is oddly intrigued by the idea of sharing some of my past with her.

In a reluctant mutter, I begin with "I..." but instantly pause, dismissing both of those ideas. What happened with Pike is private; it's between him and me, and I shouldn't go around broadcasting it. And I don't think Zelda could handle the truth about my past as a Yiga Clan member. Maybe I should just make something up so she'll stop asking questions.

I shake my head, accompanied by a shrug of surrender. "I think... um..."

"You can tell me," she encourages me, eagerly scooting closer.

"Uh," I back away slightly and squint at her bright smile. It's almost creepy how happy she looks.

Trying to remain unaffected and nonchalant, I tell her with a roll of the eyes, "There's someone I like."

Her eyebrows shoot up like fireworks. "You're in love?"

"I said like."

She nudges me playfully. "You have a crush!"

"No, I don't." My voice is void of emotion, yet Zelda impishly smirks at me when I don't deny it a second time. Unconvinced by myself, I press my lips together and nod to her satisfaction. "I guess maybe I do."

"Malice has a crush!" She announces to the whole mountain. "On who?"

"Like hell I'm telling you!"

"What! Why not!" She pouts. "Why—come on, tell me, please?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because..." I give her another vague shrug and think of a reason. "I really shouldn't... like this person. That's why I can't tell you." And this time, I'm surprised to find that I'm not even lying.

"What's wrong with liking him?"

"It's not that it's wrong. I just don't want to well... It's just not a good idea for me to get close to someone. Anyone really."

"Is it Ganon?" She asks but I remain silent. "At least tell me if I know the guy!" She lets out a sudden gasp. "It better not be Link!"

I hold her stare of intimidation with ease, countering it with a steadfast poker face. "So, what's been on your mind, Zelly?"

She bites her cheek, fighting the urge to ask more questions.

"We had a deal," I remind her.

"Okay fine," she gives in quickly. "I guess I've been thinking about my relationship with Link a lot lately."

"Trouble in paradise?"

"Not at all. It's been going very well, actually!"

"Oh right, Link hasn't gone on any killing spree recently."

"What are you talking about?"

"His little encounter with Karusa at the beginning of the semester," I say and she frowns. "What? Too soon for jokes?"

"What he did to Karusa that day..."

"Was fucked up."

"Yes," she agrees reluctantly. "Link shouldn't have gotten into another fight with him."

"Link broke Karusa's leg, Zelda. He probably wanted to do worse. You saw the blood on his hands, right? He looked like a mad man!"

"He's not usually like that. There must have been a good reason for Link's actions. Believe me, his heart is in the right place."

"So is Karusa's."

Zelda doesn't buy it, but I decide to let it go. No point trying to convince her.

"So," I prompt, changing the topic, "tell me more about your recent relationship thoughts."

"It's kind of intimate," she admits shyly.

"I'm all ears," I tease her. "The sex not doing it for you lately?"

"That's private!" she blurts, her cheeks taking the shade of a tropical sunburn.

"Nothing is private when you're dating a celebrity. A lot of people say he's good in bed."

"Who says that?"

"I don't know. People."

Zelda huffs annoyed. "Have they ever even talked to Link?"

"Probably not," I laugh at the irony. "Is it true though?"

"Maybe it's time for us to start heading back to the lodge," she avoids the question.

"He sure as hell has the stamina," I laugh. "Being an athlete and all."

"We don't want to get back in the dark."

"Speaking of stamina, how many rounds can he go? Thirteen 'till he pulls out?"

"Seriously, Malice, it's getting late," she says, glancing at the dimming horizon.

"I bet he's a marathon man," I muse. "You've gotta keep up with that, huh?"

"We really should start heading back," Zelda repeats, more firmly this time.

"So eager to get back to Link," I snort. "All this talk about him is making you horny, isn't it?"

Zelda scowls at me. "Is he the one you're in love with?"

"Maybe," I shrug.

"Is it?"

"So what if it was him?"

"Tell me!"

"Nah, I'm good."

"Malice!"

"All I'm saying is that he got the body to do some freaky shit."

"Hey!" She scolds, her nose flaring in fury.

"Don't act so innocent now. I know you're thinking about it all the time."

"Why are you saying this stuff?"

"Because it's fun to see you blush." I lean in closer. "Are you thinking about his body right now?"

"No!" She totally lies. "Now please stop thinking about Link in that way!"

"Are you for real right now?" I lean back on my arms and laugh lightly. "I'm just trying to help you."

"Help me?" She scoffs, hands on her hips. "How are you helping me?"

"You're dating a fucking pro-athlete. You gotta get used to nasty comments like this." Having said that, her fury suddenly defuses, her eyebrows relax and her jaw is no longer clenched. "Zelda, if you're as serious about your relationship as Link is about sports, then you gotta stop caring what other people say. Or think. Because a lot of people are picturing him when they—"

"Okay Stop!" She hastily cuts me off. "Please! I don't care if he's famous or not, I don't like talking about Link's intimacy."

"Link's intimacy? Who the fuck talks like that? Are you a goddamn virgin?" When she looks the other way, her lips pressing into a thin line, I have my answer. "No way! You're shitting me! You haven't slept with him?"

"You know, now I kind of miss the days you'd just insult me and go about your day. Can we go back to you hating me?"

I sit up straight, push my fingertips together, and talk business. "You gotta get laid by him." I watch her wince as if my words were painful. This girl is so fucking sensitive, I can't help but provoke her a little. "If you don't fuck him," I watch her twitch again, "he's gonna get off with someone else. Trust me, guys ain't patient when it comes to sex."

"Link is not like other guys."

"And that's how I know you're a virgin."

"So what?" She murmurs. "Nothing wrong with being a virgin."

It's honestly cute how innocent she is. All jokes aside, I hope she keeps that innocence.

"Link and I have talked about it, and we agreed that we both want to wait for the right moment."

"The right moment? Zelda, you do know Link has done it before, right?"

"What? No! Stop! Ew!" Her cheeks are so red, she looks like a grumpy poppy.

"It's true, he told me so himself."

With a look of hurt, she mutters, "He told you he's had intercourse?"

"Yeah."

"When?"

"When I slept with him in your guest bedroom that one night. I straight up asked him if it was his first time and he said no."

"You make it sound like you two..." She stops herself from saying more, as if the thought itself hurts like a stab wound.

"I'm just messing with you." The hurt on her face melts, washed away by relief. This girl's emotions change quicker than the seasons. "I would've told you sooner if Link and I had fucked. But I swear I asked him if he was a virgin and he said no."

"Well then he must have lied to you!"

"What reason would he have to lie about it?"

"Maybe he didn't want to be made fun of by you! You know? Kinda like you're doing with me right now?"

I ignore her comment and keep making fun of her. "Are you planning on staying a virgin forever?"

"No, not forever."

"Are you making him wait until the wedding night?"

"No?" she says with an unsure undertone. "But I sort of wanted to wait until we've been dating for at least one year."

"And how long has it been now?"

"We didn't officially start dating until February 21, but he doesn't even remember that because of the head trauma that your 'friends' caused. So maybe our anniversary would be sometime at the end of March or beginning of April..."

She's treating my question like a math problem. Shit, I only wanted to know how long it's been since they started being a thing. She's too funny sometimes. I hope she knows I'm just teasing her.

"When was the first time you two hooked up?" I ask straight forward.

"We never 'hooked up,'" she states like a prude.

"Kissed then."

"I think it was sometime in August last year."

"Great, and was that a one time thing or did you guys keep smooching even though you weren't in an 'official' relationship?"

"The latter," she admits, giving me a suspicious glare.

"Did you see other people while being with Link?"

"No, of course not."

"Did he see other girls while being with you?"

"I hope not."

"Did he or did he not?"

"No, he did not. Where are you going with this?"

"Zelly," I grab her shoulders and hold her gaze solemnly. "It's November. If you've been messing around since August, then you've been dating for more than a year now."

"What? No we weren't dating back then, or messing around or hooking up!"

"Yes, you were!"

"We weren't?"

"Let me ask you this..." I sigh, keeping my temper under control. "And please just answer with yes or no. No bullshit excused or explanations this time. Did you ever hold hands with him last summer?"

She nods and answers, "Yes."

"Did he ever spend the night at your place?"

"Yes."

"You at his?"

"Yes."

"For more than two nights in a row?"

"Yes."

"Did you share the bed?"

"Yes."

"Did you cuddle?"

She scowls at me, her answers becoming more hesitant. "Yes."

"Did you ever wear his clothes during one of your stays?"

"Yes."

"Did you leave clothes at his place?"

"Yes."

"Did he leave some at yours?"

"Yes."

"Did you spend the holidays together?"

"Yes."

"Did you go on dates?"

"Yes."

"Then you were fucking dating him!"

"No."

"Everything I just listed are things the general public defines as dating!"

Sulky, Zelda mutters, "Not true..."

"Then what do you call that? Friends with benefits?"

"It wasn't like that..."

"I know it wasn't like that! Because you were actually dating him!" Before she can deny it again, I quickly cut her off. "Aren't you happy it's been over a year? Now you can finally... you know! Have intercourse, or whatever the hell you called it."

"It's not like I would have followed that stupid one-year-rule anyway," she suddenly admits.

"Then what's holding you back? You nervous it'll hurt?"

"No, I guess we just haven't found the right moment."

"Not this again," I slap my forehead. "You're telling me there hasn't been a single 'right moment' in the past year and a half?"

"There has."

"But?"

"We got caught."

I don't know whether to laugh or slap my forehead again. "Well then clearly it wasn't 'the right moment'. Why didn't you just go to a private place or something with a lock?"

"We did." She nods abashedly. "We were at a Halloween party last month... Everything was perfect, and we did lock the door, but the hostess was in the attached bathroom, which we hadn't noticed, and she interrupted us. So nothing ended up happening that night." She hides her glowing face behind her hands, shaking her head in embarrassment. "Why am I telling you this? Please don't circulate this information!"

"Don't worry, Zelly," I zip my mouth and throw the key down the cliff. "The dead tell no tales."

"You're not dead though."

"We can easily change that," I say once again, with an honest smile this time.

"I don't want you to die." Her tone is so serious and soft that it gives me chills.

"I'm joking, chill the fuck out and stop worrying so much. I'll take your secrets to the grave, alright?"

"Promise?" she asks, sounding a little desperate.

I squint at her, rolling my tongue in my mouth to get rid of the bitter aftertaste of that word. "You know how I feel about promises."

Zelda lowers her hands to look at me, her expression softening. "I know," she says quietly. "Maybe just this once? I really don't want Link to find out we talked about this."

"It's not healthy to keep secrets from your significant other."

"Don't make me beg you!"

"I don't have to. You're already doing that all on your own."

As amusing as it is to watch her freak out, I vow to keep this conversation between us. She makes me pinky-swear, and I go along with it, even though that's pretty much the same thing as a promise—just for kids.

With a contented sigh, Zelda stands up and stretches. "Can we please head back now? It really is getting a little too dark for my comfort."

I nod, feeling a strange sense of peace settle over me as I get up. I take a last look at the little mound of earth where we planted the acorn, wondering if it'll ever make it up here. If it does, it might live longer than me. I probably won't see it grow into an actual tree, but that's okay with me. I did my part, the rest is up to the acorn.

I take a deep breath, allowing the crisp mountain air to fill my lungs before we hear back, and for the first time in a long while, I feel a glimmer of optimism.

As we make our way down the mountain, the world feels a little bit bigger, and my place in it a little more hopeful.

Link's POV

Impa flops down next to me on the couch, eyeing my new snowboarding gear.

"Fin is a dick for giving you a bigger discount than the rest of us," she complains.

I shrug and drop the new GoPro back into the plastic bag. "He's just trying to convince me to compete this season."

"I'll gladly compete if it gets me brand new skis for 200 bucks!" Impa says.

Ravioli, looking as grumpy as ever, joins the conversation. "I still don't get why you needed new gear, Link. You barely even use the stuff you have."

"Just because I don't show off every day doesn't mean I don't hit the slopes," I counter, trying on my new goggles.

"That's true," Kiroh says, then turns to Ravioli. "Did you know that he's an Olympics champion? He's actually the youngest snowboarder to win gold!"

Ravioli gives Kiroh the side eye. "Who..."

"Link."

"...asked?" Ravioli adds.

Even though Kiroh doesn't seem affected by Ravioli's attitude, Impa, ever the protective one, throws a pillow at Ravioli. It hits him right in the face.

"Don't be a bully," she tells him as he grunts.

"Karma," Pik laughs. But his laughter is cut short when he gets hit by a pillow himself. "Hey!" He barks, throwing the pillow back at Ravioli.

"That wasn't me!" Ravioli snaps at Pik. "It was Impa. Both of you, stop hitting me with pillows!"

On cue, everybody grabs a nearby pillow and throws it at Ravioli. Even Mipha smacks him lightly, her giggle defusing any tension on his sour face.

A dangerous smirk suddenly forms. "You guys are forgetting that I'm an archer." Ravioli grabs all the ammunition around him. With perfect aim, he hurls 4 pillows at once, one at Impa, one at Pik, one at Kiroh, and one at me even though I'm innocent. Mipha is the only one spared.

Hands in the air, Impa and Pik surrender, holding back their laughter.

I grab my two shopping bags and bring them upstairs to my room. Zelda's stuff is perfectly folded in our duffel bag while my stuff is littering every available surface. A hoodie on the chair, a beanie on the desk, sweatpants and two shirts on the bed, and three socks on the floor. No clue where the fourth one is.

Maybe I should clean up a little before Zelda comes back from their hike. Gotta be fast though, because they should be back any minute now.

. . .

After I've shoved all my clothes into the bag and even found the missing sock, I head back downstairs. Mipha and Ravioli sit arm in arm on one couch while Impa and Kiroh sit together on the opposite side. Pik's somewhere in between on an armchair.

I walk up to Impa, who's checking out the new vinyls she bought today. "Hey, Impa?" I speak in a low voice, "shouldn't Zelda and Malice be back by now?"

She looks at me, then at the time on her phone. "Yeah, I've been thinking the same thing," she frowns.

Kiroh looks slightly concerned too, but Pik tries to reassure us. "I'm sure they're fine. They probably just lost track of time. They'll be back soon," he says.

The mood in the room begins to shift. The jokes are over and everyone's starting to look a little worried. I hope Pik is right and they really did just lose track of time...

I try to call Zelda's phone, just in case. "Straight to voicemail," I say and Impa nods.

"Same here. I have a bad feeling about this."

We both try texting Zelda, but our messages fail to deliver.

"Maybe her phone's dead?" Impa suggests. "Wouldn't be the first time she forgot to charge it."

Kiroh puts his hand on Impa's shoulder. "Let's give them a bit more time. If they're not back soon, we can head out and search for them."

"They're probably just taking their time enjoying the view," Pik theorizes.

Ravioli rolls his eyes at him. "Enjoying the view in the dark? Yeah, right."

"Oh, I didn't know it was dark already," Pik mumbles, slowly running out of optimism.

"Oh fuck, Link!" Impa grabs my arm and pulls me close, her voice a tense whisper. "Malice was calling someone from Kiroh's phone yesterday! What if Ganondorf knows we're here? Didn't Malice say she was scared someone might find her here? What if they did find her?"

"Shit, Impa, don't put that thought into my head."

"I'm just saying... Who knows what kind of shady business Malice got herself into! We don't know how dangerous these people are!"

I try to push down the worry but as the minutes tick by, I can't help but glance at the door, hoping to see Zelda and Malice walk through it any second now. I can tell the others are just as anxious.

Impa starts pacing, her steps quick and agitated. "Something must've happened! Goddamn it! We should've never left them alone!" she says, her eyes darting to Pik.

"I agree with Impa." I get to my feet, phone in hand. "We should start searching for them. They could be in trouble."

The others get up, but just as we're about to head out into the dark, a weird rumbling noise echoes from the basement.

"The hell?" Impa looks at us in confusion. Everyone in the room freezes. The sound is low and unsettling, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

Pik's eyes widen. "What was that?"

"Probably Malice and Zelda," Ravioli says. "They must've just got back."

"Why would they enter through the basement?" I ask him annoyed.

Another eerie noise follows, this time louder, more distinct. It's like a gunshot or something heavy banging against a pipe. The tension ratchets up another notch.

Mipha clutches Ravioli's arm, but her eyes stay on me. "Should we call for help?"

"Yeah, call Ghostbusters," Ravioli teases her. "Tell them we're hearing spooky noises in the basement."

"Revali!" I yell in an angry whisper.

He looks at me disarmed and slightly surprised. "What did you just c—"

"Lower your voice," I order him. "And stop joking around. This might be a break in."

"Oh come on. It's probably just a wild animal or something."

"And how would it have gotten inside," I challenge him. "Think it unlocked the backdoor all by itself? Now be quiet!"

A loud bang from downstairs silences us all. With a distinct hand motion, I signal Impa to turn off the lights and for the others to seek cover.

"Get down and stay away from the windows," I whisper, scanning the room for any objects I could use to defend us. My best and closest option is the cue laying on the pool table. Not ideal but still better than a pillow or decorative vase.

Crouching in the dark, every creak and groan of the old lodge feels like a death threat. Not taking my eyes off the basement door, I tell Ravioli to take Mipha to his room upstairs and lock the door. They're safer there than down here. At first, Mipha refuses to leave us behind, but Ravioli convinces her to go with him.

Meanwhile, Impa creeps towards the basement door, her expression serious. "I'll check it out."

"No," I assert in a stern whisper. "I need you to guide Pik upstairs. He can't see, remember?"

I can tell she wants to fight me on it, but this is not the time to argue. I give her the task to call 911 if she hears any more weird noises, then I exchange a knowing look with Kiroh, who's the only one left with me. He gives me a firm nod of understanding; with Ravioli protecting the others upstairs, I need Kiroh down here for backup in case I need help. He's not as tall as Ravioli, but he looks strong enough to handle himself in a fight.

Slowly, I make my way to the door, open it quietly, and peek down the dark, ominous staircase. Armed with nothing but a stick, Kiroh and I take each step at a time, the wood creaking beneath our feet.

Chilling silence falls over us when we reach the bottom. The basement is pitch black, so I have no choice but to use my phone's flashlight. This makes us super vulnerable to attacks.

Little dust particles fly through the air as I scan the area with the weak light. In a moment of absolute silence, I hold my breath and strain my ears, trying to pick up any hint of movement.

A sudden loud crashing sound makes Kiroh jump into my arms! I drop the cue and I almost lose my balance too! Quickly, I push him behind me and aim the light into the far corner of the basement, but there's nothing there.

Just as I start to lower my guard, a dark figure lunges at us from the shadows. Kiroh and I stumble back, my phone hitting the floor, plunging us into darkness!

"Get back upstairs!" I tell Kiroh but he doesn't move.

"N-nah dude," he stammers, his voice shaking. "I got your back!"

"How cute," a strange voice whispers through the dark.

Another voice joins, "Now perish, you foolish boys!"

They don't sound particularly deep or intimidating. More like Gollum and Voldemort if they were to ever team up. Confused and disoriented, I try to find my phone in the dark. "Who's there?" I ask like a top tier Hollywood idiot.

Finally, I manage to grab my phone and turn the flashlight back on. Two slender figures are standing next to the door.

"What the hell," I let out a breath of relief as Malice and Zelda break character, giggling hysterically.

Zelda's laughter echoes off the basement walls. "Sorry, we just had to mess with you guys!" She turns the basement lights on and walks over to a shelf where her phone was hidden behind some books.

"You recorded this whole thing?" I ask, still catching my breath.

Malice grins mischievously next to Zelda, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "That was my idea."

Kiroh lets out a nervous laugh as he slowly realizes it was all just a prank. "You scared the shit out of us."

"Speak for yourself, Kiroh. I wasn't scared one bit."

"Oh yeah?" Zelda teases me. "Let's replay the video, shall we?"

"No need for that," I shake my head coolly, acting like I don't care. "Actually, can I see your phone real quick?"

"Why?" She squints at me, clutching her phone with both hands as if it was her precious ring.

I shrug calmly. "Just want to check the time."

"I'm not falling for it! You want to delete the video!" She taunts me and presses play. "You sound scared, admit it!"

"If anything, I was just worried because you weren't home yet," I defend what's left of my dignity. "We tried to reach you a couple of times but you didn't answer your phone."

"Oh, I didn't get any service on the trail," she explains with an apologetic smile and plants a quick kiss on my cheek. "I'm sorry for worrying you."

"It's okay, I'm just glad you guys made it back safely."

"How cute," Malice rasps in her Gollum voice.

I'm too taken aback by her silly behavior to come up with a comeback. I've never seen Malice so... lighthearted. I swear I heard her giggle for the first time today.

As we all make our way back upstairs to the living room, a bunch of notifications begin to flood Zelda's phone. "Wow!" she gasps, "I've never seen so many messages come in at once."

"Now you know what it's like to be famous," I joke.

"Fifteen unread messages and nine missed calls from you, Impa, Father, and—aw shucks! I can't believe I missed Urbosa's calls too! I have two new voicemails. I really wanted to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving but now Thanksgiving break is almost over..."

"You should try calling her back right now," I say. "I'll go get the others in the meantime. They're all hiding upstairs. Unlike me, they were super scared, you know?"

"I can't imagine Impa hiding voluntarily." Zelda eyes me suspiciously, "Someone must have forced her to go upstairs."

She's right, I bet Ravioli had to keep Impa restraint. She probably tried running back downstairs to help me and Kiroh.

While Zelda is on the phone, I play with the idea of pranking the others. I wouldn't mind having a recording of Ravioli looking all pale and timid. For leverage, you know? But before I get the chance to set up my phone in the hallway, Kiroh barges right past me and informs everyone that it's safe to come out.

Ravioli opens the door right as I slide my phone back into my pocket. Mipha, Pik, and Impa are sitting behind him on the bed. It's good to know that they would've been safe if someone had really broken into the lodge.

"What was it?" Impa asks us, getting up first.

Kiroh tells them bravely, "It was just Malice and Zelda. They were pranking us."

"Told ya," Ravioli returns unimpressed while Mipha lets out a soft sigh. They're an odd couple but somehow it works super well for them. Even though their personalities are like sweet & sour sauce.

Without anyone else noticing it, Mipha smiles at me from across the room. It lets me know that we are okay. We've had our ups and downs in the past year, but now there are no more mixed feelings between us, and no more tension between me and Ravioli. Not more than usual. They have each other now and even though she could probably do better, I think they're good for each other. She brings out the best in him, and he takes care of her like she always deserved.

I smile back at Mipha. It's the kind of smile you can't fake. I guess I'm genuinely happy, and it's not just because of Mipha—for the first time, things seem to be working out for all of us.

Kiroh heads into the room while Mipha and Revali leave. He gives Impa a forehead kiss and tells her how glad he is that she's okay. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Kiroh is living proof that not all Boars are bad. I mean, he was ready to risk his life for me in the basement. I used to be cautious around him, but he's definitely earned my trust. No doubt, he's kind and loyal, and if anyone says otherwise, Impa will back him up without a second thought.

Kiroh and Impa leave the room now, leaving only Pik.

"Do you need help getting downstairs?" I ask him awkwardly.

"I think I got it," he replies with a smile. "Thank you, Link."

Sometimes it's weird for me to see him as a friend. He was obnoxious when I first met him. His feelings for Zelda made him step out of line more times than not. Never would I have guessed we'd one day spend Thanksgiving together. But things are different now, and Pik, even though he never ended up with Zelda, seems really happy recently. Whether or not he still has feelings for her, I do believe that he's supportive and respectful of my relationship. So we're cool.

As I walk toward the stairs, the thought of Pik stays on my mind. I might not be his biggest fan, but I'm honestly impressed by his positive attitude, especially considering he lost his sight last year. In a way, that makes me look up to him. I mean... how does someone keep smiling so much when darkness surrounds you? It's wild. I couldn't do it when I realized my time as an athlete is probably over. I think I could benefit from being a little more optimistic every so often. It's just incredible how good Pik is at seeing the bright side all the time.

But what's even more shocking than Pik's positive attitude is Malice's. If last year someone would've told me I'd see Malice having real fun one day, I would've called them a liar. I thought for sure she's always stay fake and miserable. But tonight, she was smiling and laughing like a normal college kid, she even joked around with Zelda in a way friends do. For a moment, I forgot it was Malice.

It's crazy—in the best way possible—to see this girl so carefree. This girl who used to blackmail Zelda, invade my personal space, and battle with addiction and abuse. That girl is now recovering from her trauma by making new, happy memories! It brings a smile to my face as I walk back downstairs.

I find Zelda where I left her, standing in the living room near the windows. She's holding her phone to her ear, staring out at the starry night sky.

Just like Malice, Zelda has come such a long way too. I remember she used to be driven by her own insecurities and prejudice, causing her to get into long and exhausting arguments with her Father and friends. Still, Zelda has always been fiercely loyal to those she cares about, even if fear pretty much dominated her life. Especially the fears of failure and intimacy. Karusa's actions didn't help... He caused so much pain in her life, and yet, over time, she found the strength to overcome her fears. She got back up, stronger than before, and started opening her mind and heart to new experiences. I'm so proud of her!

In place of insecurity, there's now determination that fuels her actions. Something I really admire about her is that she knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Whether it's pursuing her passion or standing up for what she believes in, she faces challenges in a way that is truly inspiring to me. To be honest, it's her strength that has helped me get back up.

I've had my fair share of troubles over the past years. But every time I got into a fight or struggled with something, Zelda was there to help me get through it. She'd cheer me on during games, take care of me after my knee surgery, risk her own reputation to be with me, fight for me when I got expelled, and listen to me when I just needed someone to be there. During my coma, she never left my side, and when I woke up, she did everything she could to help my recovery.

Technically, she made me fall in love with her twice!

I could see myself spending the rest of my life with her. I haven't thought too much about the future, but I know that whatever I do after graduation, or wherever I go, she'll be right by my side.

Maybe we'll stay here, or maybe we'll move to Japan together. She's already met my family and said she really enjoyed that trip. Which is still crazy to me because I definitely wasn't in my best mindset back then. With Ruto showing up and then me deciding I want to quit sports, I really put a lot on Zelda's plate. I still can't believe how supportive she was of me fixing things with Ruto, and taking a break from sports even though that's all I knew how to be good at.

I was confused and angry during that time. It made me act recklessly, but she was patient and stuck around. I'm so thankful for her support. It took a while for me to figure things out, but I think I'm at the point now where I can appreciate sports without feeling the pressure to win. For example, I enjoy playing tennis with Malice and Zelda. Teaching them is so much more fun than competing. And I'm honestly so stoked to snowboard again soon. Which reminds me, I'm still wearing my goggles.

I slide them off and catch my reflection in them. I've come far too, I guess. My hand reaches up to feel the scar on my scalp. Despite challenges and hurdles, I'm still here, still fighting. Not sure if I'll be able to play professionally anymore, but maybe I will pick up fencing again, or play soccer with some friends in my free time. Maybe I'll even play for a team again one day. Who knows.

Zelda turns around, hanging up the phone right as I put down the goggles. She looks serious, her eyes unfocused, like she's not really seeing me.

"Were you able to call Urbosa?" I ask, a weird feeling settling in my gut.

With a slow, almost mechanical movement, she shakes her head. Something's definitely off.

"I listened to her voicemail," Zelda tells me in a distant tone. "We have to go home. Tonight."

"Why? What happened?"

Her eyes widen with a kind of shock that makes my blood run cold. I notice her grip tightening on the phone, knuckles turning white.

"My father," she starts, her voice catching in her throat. "He's dead."

TO BE CONTINUED

There will be a third book! But I'm on summer break right now so I'll announce the release date later on! 

Thank you for supporting Thinking About You and Never Without You! And a special THANK YOU to those of you who always leave likes and comments on the chapters :D I love you guys! And I really hope to see all of you for the third part of the series! Stay updated on my Instagram: nebulace

🩵xoxo  -Ace