XXX.

You asleep, Berry?

My chest constricted at the familiar nickname. Although the number was unregistered, I instantly knew who it was from because there was only one person I know who calls me by that nickname. Still, I decided to mess with him a little bit as I bite my lower lip to suppress the silly smile while I typed a reply.

Me:

Who is this? Is this Makoto?

Unregistered Number:

No. And who is he?

Me:

Oh, wait! Maybe this is Keima? Or Shinji? Stop making me guess.

Unregistered Number:

You know what, never mind, Kinomi.

I covered my mouth to muffle the giggles that was coming out of my mouth. You like to tease me, Tsukishima? Well, too bad that I learned from the best playboy which happened to be my brother.

Me:

Hahahahaha I'm just kidding, Tsukishima. Of course I know it's you, dummy. Where did you get my number?

It took a while for him to reply, though.

Unregistered Number:

From Haruno-san. I even bribed her with three slices of chocolate cake and a blueberry muffin. The things I do for you.

I pressed my lips together to prevent the smile from getting any wider. I stole a glance at the managers and found them still talking and laughing with each other, oblivious to the presence of the girl in the corner. I haven't talked to Aoi for months, I better reconnect with her and better yet thank her one of these days.

Me:

Not my fault you're in love with me.

Unregistered Number:

Touché. Can you sneak out?

Me:

What? Why?

Unregistered Number:

Let's meet at the rooftop.

I stood up and went to the door when a voice interrupted me, "Mikazuki-san, where are you going?" Suzumeda-san asked and noticed that I caught the attention of all the other managers as well.

I offered them a half-hearted smile, "Toilet." I said, "Be right back."

I didn't care whether they bought that statement or not, I exited the classroom without even waiting for their replies. I sighed, seeing as though the hallways were dark, the light coming from the moon through the windows were only my source of sight. I walked through the empty hallways with light treads, careful not to make any noise. When I finally arrived at the rooftop, the cold wind immediately brushed against my skin, sending goosebumps. I hugged my arms as I cursed myself for forgetting to bring my varsity jacket, and then stopped when my eyes landed on a tall figure leaning against the railings. I took a few steps toward him and as if sensing my presence, he turned around and met my stare. My lips parted in awe, how the light of the moon framed his impassive features made him look magnificent and how it made everything feel surreal. Now that I'd seen him like this, I realize how much I was missing. Without another word, I rushed into him and jumped into his arms, closing my eyes as I inhaled his scent. Not only does he feel like home, but he smells like home, too.

Tsukishima's body stiffened for a second, surprised at my sudden action. He wasn't used to the person I once were, where she doesn't let herself show her vulnerable side to other people, but with him, I know I can bare my soul into him.

"I didn't know that you missed me that much, Berry." He said with a light smug tone, but there was an underlying affection to it. He wrapped his arms around me, resting his face to the crook of my neck.

"I could say the same to you." I muttered, then pulled away to stare at his face.

We could only have extra, stolen moments like this. I know it is for the best but... I'm starting to regret transferring to Tokyo now.

"It's cold, why aren't you wearing a jacket?"

"I forgot to bring one with me."

He smirked then shook his head, "You're too obvious that you're excited to see me." He remarked.

I rolled my eyes playfully, even though it was true. I put my hands up as a sign of surrender. "I'm not the one who asked to sneak out in the first place."

That was his turn to roll his eyes at me, then he took off his jacket to drape it over my shoulders. It's warm and it smelled just like him. I looked up at him with an arched eyebrow.

"What?" He asked with the same expression.

"I never took you for a gentleman." I smirked at him which made him roll his eyes again.

"I am, though. Only for you." He winked.

He really does know how to leave a girl speechless.

"Hah! I bet you do that to all the girls."

I must have sent him over the edge because his expression darkened but before I could comprehend what happened, he pulled me by the nape and kissed me, making me feel like I was frozen. I didn't have the chance to close my eyes when he pulled away, and I just stared at him dumbfounded.

"I may act like a gentleman to other girls like you assume, but I don't kiss them and frankly, I don't love them." He tenderly caressed my flushed cheek, "Does that convince you enough?"

"Yeah..." I mumbled absentmindedly, then he smiled as he leaned down to kiss me again, more passionately this time. My hands went to rest on his chest as we savored the limited moment together. I could tell how much he missed and yearned for me just by the way his soft lips moved against mine. I kissed him back with the same intensity, wanting to let him know that I felt the same way. Then he pulled away and I opened my eyes to look at his slightly flushed face and red lips.

"Convince me, too," He said.

"About what?"

"About Makoto... and Keima and Shinji or whoever they are."

I shook my head with a light laugh, "I told you, I'm just kidding. I swear I just made those names up."

He lightly flicked my forehead, "You better make sure... because I'll keep an eye on you, that's both a promise and a threat."

"You know if I heard that from another person, I would be totally creeped out."

"You look a lot better now," He commented as he looked at me intently, "How's your family?"

"They're fine. Mom's happy and pregnant with my sister. My stepfather and stepbrother are kind and caring, too."

Tsukishima nodded in agreement, smiling, then he patted my head. "Good."

"Why do you look so sad, Tsukki?"

"I am happy..." He looked away with a solemn smile on his lips. I tilted my head to the side, gauging his reaction and I held his hand, making his head snap back to me.

"Tsukishima?" I smiled, making him raise an eyebrow in question but agreed nonetheless. I looked at our intertwined fingers, feeling the warmth in his big hands in the cold night. "You know that I hate not being by your side, right?" He swallowed as he stared into my eyes. "It's hard, but you are one of the reasons why I always get through each day... and you are mainly the reason why I am the person I am today, why I decided to overcome my fear and try to love again. Kei, even if you hurt me... it will all be worth it because you are worth it."

His expression softened, "Kinomi..."

"I know I had never been completely honest with you from the start. I'm not even at myself either. But trust me that I want to try to be more open with you, and I hope that you do, too." He nodded, and I let out a small smile. "I know now how upset you must have felt when I continued lying to you before, because I am feeling it now."

He snorted, then let out a smile of his own. "Oh, baby, if you only knew."

I felt my cheeks heat up at the endearment, and I rolled my eyes.

Then he told me everything that happened to him in the course of the months we were apart. And who Takahashi Yumiko was in his life...