"I swear. I'll keep trying. Fighting. Just like you are. And believing...that there's hope."

Those word rung in [Y/n]'s head. Even when he kissed her, it was soft and gentle. It was everything [Y/n] hoped it would be, but there was more that he wanted to say. More that he needed to say. The silent voice that was screaming to come out. [Y/n] couldn't even enjoy the feeling without the overwhelming burden of wondering if Yuki was okay.

And that tear...

He was crying.

"[Y/n]. Are you alright?" [Y/n] heard and looked up to see Hatori. [Y/n] blinked in confusion. "Oh, Hatori, I didn't notice you there." She said.

"What's wrong? Do you have a fever? You look a bit flushed." Hatori said, making Tohru get up from her seat next to Kyo. She walked over to check on her sister, and [Y/n] shook her head.

"I'm okay, really. I was just lost in thought. I wasn't expecting you to be here." She said.

"I came out here with Akito yesterday. This is the first chance I've had to stop by." Hatori said.

"You're staying at the annex, too?" Tohru asked.

"I'm sorry. This should be a fun vacation with your friends, but instead, you two are left alone." Hatori said while looking away from the girls.

"Please, you don't need to apologize! Kyo's here, so we're not alone, and with the others gone, I've got plenty of time to cook..." Tohru rambled, and [Y/n] chuckled a bit.

'I wonder if the others are worried about us like Hatori is.' [Y/n] thought with a small smile. She remembered the look Yuki gave her before walking out of the front door this morning. It was a sad, longing look. Like he didn't want to go. He didn't want to leave her, but he had to. They couldn't disobey the family head.

[Y/n] smiled at Hatori. "Thanks for visiting, Hatori, but there's no need to worry about us. We're glad we got to be here." She said, and Tohru nodded agreement. Hatori smiled a bit, patting the sisters on their head. "I'll be going then." He said and began to walk out, "Kyo, try being good company."

'Yes, thanks to Akito.'

[Y/n] thought about first seeing Akito. The look of disgust that Akito had when looking at [Y/n] and the fake smile plastered on their face. 'What did Akito say to make Yuki react like that?' [Y/n] thought.

"[Y/n]?" Tohru called while looking at her with concern.

"You're not getting sick, are you?" Kyo asked while getting up, "You've been spacier than usual."

[Y/n] waved it off. "I'm fine. Just thinking about something." She said and smiled, "I was thinking we could go to the beach today. We could play in the sand or something."

Tohru had a bright smile and clapped her hands together. "Yes, I'd love that." She cheered while Kyo gave a blank look.

"People actually do that?" Kyo asked.

"Sure! It'll be fun, you'll see." Tohru said.

Once they got to the beach, the girls played in the sand making what they knew as a "sandcastle". It was two sand domes. "So... what is that?" Kyo asked.

"A sandcastle, silly." Tohru said.

"Oh, yeah? 'Cause I was gonna go with 'sand igloo'." Kyo said, and [Y/n] chuckled.

"It's not that bad." [Y/n] said.

"Well, it's not like I've ever made one before, so what do I know?" Kyo said.

"Wait, this is your first time building a sandcastle?" Tohru asked.

"Huh? Well, yeah." Kyo said.

"That makes us your sandcastle senpai!" Tohru cheered.

"Well, Senpai, you really suck at this." Kyo said, and [Y/n] chuckled. "I'm really starting to feel like the third wheel here." She said. Suddenly, [Y/n] was tackled into a hug, making the boy transform. "We're back! We're back! We're back! We're back!" Momiji cheered.

"You scared the crap outta me." [Y/n] said while holding the bunny boy, "You gotta stop doing that."

"You're such a pain, Momiji." Kyo muttered while Tohru smiled.

"Tohru! [Y/n]!" Kisa called while running over to them.

"Do you really wanna spend your vacation doing something this lame?" Hiro questioned.

"Hey! I'm glad you're all back." Tohru said. [Y/n] looked over to see Yuki and Haru talking. She stood up, handing Momiji to Tohru, and walked over to the Rat male.

"Hey." [Y/n] called out to Yuki as Haru walked away, "I'm, uh, glad you're back."

Yuki smiled. "So am I. Have you been out here this entire time?" He asked.

"Yeah. Tohru, Kyo and I came out here to build sandcastle." [Y/n] said, and Yuki looked at their 'castle'.

"So, um, that's what that is. I was guessing...a sand igloo?" He said, and [Y/n] laughed, nervously. "Yeah, Kyo said the same thing. I don't think we're very good at what we do."

"Sorry. Yesterday...what I said, it was...a lot." Yuki said as he walked ahead of [Y/n] towards the others, "I should have known it would upset you. I was babbling nonsense. Again. With that said..." Yuki turned to [Y/n] with a smirk on his face, "When it comes to the kiss, I'm not sorry. There was nothing wrong about that. Not to me, at least. Even so, you can forget about it if you want."

"How can I forget something like that?!" [Y/n] questioned with a reddened face, "And, what you said wasn't nonsense. I could tell that it was hard to say, but you said it anyway. It was important to you, right? I wanted to be there to listen."

"The thing about the truth is...you need to wait for the right moment to tell it." Yuki said and placed a hand on [Y/n]'s cheek, leaning close to [Y/n]'s ear, "But...one day...I promise." He whispered in that soft, silky voice that [Y/n] loved so much, "For now, I can tell you this much. You don't need to worry about me, okay?" He finished as he backed away little.

[Y/n]'s face turned even more red. "O-Okay. Sure." Yuki smiled at her.

"[Y/n]! Yuki!" Momiji sung while the others walked closer to the two.

[Y/n] felt her heart about to explode. 'Whatever happened with Akito has made Yuki a lot bolder than normal. He's...such a tease.' [Y/n] thought. Yuki walked over to Kyo and grabbed him by the collar of his orange t-shirt.

"Listen, if you do see Akito while we're here, don't lash out like an idiot. I couldn't care less about how many insults you have to put up with, you will control yourself. Because if you don't, it could cause trouble for Miss Honda and Miss [Y/n]." Yuki said as he glared at Kyo.

"Oh, shut up. I don't wanna listen to this from you!" Kyo yelled, causing attention to be drawn to them, "You're so arrogant! Think you're better than me?! Huh?!"

Yuki's look turned dark. "Yes, I do." He said, and everything went silent.

"I'll kill you!" Kyo yelled.

"Um, you guys, please." Tohru said, trying to stop them from fighting. "Yuki's so cool." Haru said.

"Like hell he is." Kyo growled.

[Y/n] smiled a bit. She hoped one day she could hear that silent voice that Yuki kept tucked deep down.

The next day, it was the same thing. Yuki and the others went to the annex leaving [Y/n], Tohru, and Kyo at the vacation home. Kyo and Tohru played in the sand while [Y/n] sat on the steps, reading a novel.

She watched the two interacted from afar. The way they smiled at each other and looked at each other. It put a smile on [Y/n]'s face. Even when a huge wave came crashing on them, it made [Y/n] laugh. It also made [Y/n] realize how lonely she was without Yuki. [Y/n] sighed, closing her book and stood up.

"I guess, I can get some laundry done while they hang out." [Y/n] muttered and began to walk upstairs. When she looked to her left, she noticed two people walking down the road away from her. [Y/n] hummed and continued her journey back to the house.

[Y/n] sighed once again as she folded the laundry. Yuki told her not to worry about him, but she couldn't help it. He filled her mind constantly. Suddenly a gust of wind blew one of the sheets away.

"Damn it." [Y/n] groaned. 'Do we even need that sheet?' She thought and sighed, realizing it was her bedsheet.

[Y/n] went searching down the hill for the bedsheet. But, when she found it, she also found a horse, too. "A horse?" She muttered and looked around for an owner or maybe a farm. All [Y/n] saw were clothes and shoes. "You are..."

"Rin!" [Y/n] jumped a little hearing Yuki's voice, "So it was you then."

"You know who this is?" [Y/n] asked.

"I thought I saw her." Yuki said as he walked closer to the horse, "Glad I decided to follow and make sure. This is Rin, or Isuzu Sohma." [Y/n] hummed, "I'm sure you figured out she's the Horse. But what are you doing transformed out here like this? Not feeling well?"

"If she's sick, then we should get Hatori." [Y/n] said, and Yuki pulled [Y/n] close to him, avoiding Rin's kick.

[Y/n]'s eyes widened in shock. "Rin, do you realize how badly you could have hurt her?" Yuki questioned.

"Don't get him." Rin growled and transformed back into a human, "Don't...get anyone."

[Y/n] was in awe. Rin was beautiful. Then, she realized...Rin had no clothes. [Y/n] grabbed the bedsheet and tossed it over Rin's body while Yuki looked away. "Well...go get some clothes for her." [Y/n] said, and Yuki smiled at her.

"Thanks." He said as she walked off. Rin began to collect her things. "Rin, come on. What are you doing here?" Yuki asked, "No, let me guess. You came to see someone."

Isuzu grabbed Yuki by the collar. "Shut up! It's none of your damn business where I go! Do you understand me? Keep your mouth shut. No more questions, and don't dare tell anyone I'm here. If you do...I swear, I'll kill you!" She yelled in his face as she glared daggers. [Y/n] came back with some clothes.

"Kill me? I think we both know that's impossible." Yuki said.

"Don't try to act cool. You're not fooling anyone. You're just Akito's little toy." Isuzu said, and [Y/n]'s eyes widened a bit then she looked at Yuki, who didn't seem to react. Rin snatched the clothes from [Y/n]. "Don't tell. Don't tell anyone I'm here." With that, she left.

"Isuzu!" [Y/n] tried to call out to her, but she didn't turn back.

"Not everyone can pull off that attitude stark-naked. I'm impressed." Yuki said.

"Not even I could do that." [Y/n] said with a sigh, "Is she gonna be alright?"

"Eventually, yes." Yuki said as he stood up, "But for now, let's not tell anyone we saw her."

"Yeah, but I'm a little worried, though."

"Trust me, I wanna go after her, too, but I need to get back before anyone misses me. I kinda snuck out." Yuki said, and [Y/n]'s eyes widened a bit, "It'll be all right. You just leave her to me, okay?" He smiled a bit, "See you. Sorry for rushing off."

"Yuki." [Y/n] called out, causing him to stop. Yuki looked back at [Y/n]. "I'll be here." [Y/n] said with a gentle look, "Waiting for you to come home."

Yuki smiled, "I'll hurry back then. So, I can come home sooner." He said a bit eagerly and rushed off.

~~

'I never realized when it happened or...how it happened. When I started thinking of Yuki as more than a friend... As someone I could be in love with... The look I had for Yuki was the same look that Kyo had for Tohru. Longing, loving, yet somehow sad.'

[Y/n] sat next to Kyo while reading a novel, and Tohru was handling the rest of the laundry. "Tohru, [Y/n], how are things going here?" Shigure asked as he entered the vacation home.

"They're great. But, um, I thought you were out at the annex today." Tohru said.

"I was, but I forgot something." Shigure said, "Kyo, you're up."

"What?"

"Akito has requested the dubious pleasure of your presence. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'll have to steal him for a little while." Shigure said.

Tohru dropped her basket, and Kyo stood up. "Huh?" They said in unison.

"Wow, did you two coordinate that?" Shigure questioned. Tohru had tears in her eyes while [Y/n] had a smile on her face. "If I go, then they'll be--"

"I can't believe it! You've been invited, too!" Tohru cheered, "This is wonderful! Right, Kyo?"

"Yeah. You're finally one of them. We're so happy for you, Kyon." [Y/n] said with a smile. Kyo pat Tohru on the head. "I won't be too long. Stay outta trouble you two." He said then playfully knocked [Y/n] in the head.

"Right. We'll see you in a little bit." Tohru said, and [Y/n] waved them goodbye.

[Y/n] closed her novel. "I'm sure they're all having a banquet together." She said, and Tohru smiled, brightly.

"You think so?" Tohru said, and [Y/n] nodded.

"Let's cook something for everyone to eat when they get back." [Y/n] said as she stood up.

"That's a wonderful idea!" Tohru cheered.

~~

[Y/n] and Tohru stared in awe at the firework displayed on the floor below them. "Wow. We've got bottle rockets, sparklers, skyrockets. So many different kinds." Tohru said.

"Jeez, what did you morons do, clean out the whole store?" Hiro questioned.

"If you had to pick just one, which would it be?" Tohru asked Kisa.

"I like sparklers." Kisa said with a smile. [Y/n] smiled as well. "Me too." She said.

"Did you buy all these, Yuki?" Haru asked.

"No, we got Momiji to thank for that. I was thinking we could set these all off tomorrow night." Yuki said, and the girls looked at him, "What do you say?"

"That sounds good, but why tomorrow?" Tohru asked.

"Well, um, you know, we're leaving the day after that, so that's our last chance." Yuki said, and everyone looked at Tohru, who shrieked.

[Y/n] chuckled, "I guess you forgot."

"Oh, um, yeah, I did." Tohru said as she blushed a little.

"I figured this way; we can finish off our vacation with a fun memory. 'Cause...the way things worked out, I'm sure it must have been lonely for the two of you. Right?" Yuki said.

Kisa looked at the sisters with worried eyes. "No. We weren't lonely. It's been a great trip." Tohru said with tears in her eyes.

"We weren't together the whole time, but Tohru and I got to spend the summer with the people we care about most. So, fireworks would be a perfect way to end things." [Y/n] said, and Tohru nodded.

Hiro looked at the time. "Oh. It's almost time for the Mogeta Tv special. Kisa, ready?" Hiro asked, and Kisa nodded. "But, Momiji said he would watch it with us." Kisa said, and Tohru stood up.

"I'll go find him and let him know it's about to start." She said and ran off.

The trip went by fast in [Y/n]'s eyes. Yuki's changed and so as Kyo. [Y/n] smiled a bit at the stupid cartoon that played on the TV. She's noticed that she'd become more smiley after being kissed by Yuki. Yuki's gaze became fonder. It was almost as if nothing was wrong.

Later that night, Momiji admired the fireworks, excited about the day that they would have tomorrow night. Once putting the package down, he stood up to go to bed. That's when he saw Akito outside.

Momiji opened the door. "Oh. Akito. It's so late. What, um, what are you doing out here?" Momiji asked.

"I'm here to see Tohru and [Y/n] Honda. Go get them for me." Akito demanded with a dark look, "Something's come up and I have to return home. At once. Regrettably, I haven't been able to see the girls since I arrived, so..."

"Now? But they're already in bed, sleeping." Momiji said.

"Then go wake them."

Akito took a step forward, and Momiji blocked the way. "Hold on. Akito. I can tell you're mad, and if you see Tohru or [Y/n], then you'll lash out, and they'll get hurt. What's wrong? Please tell me. What are you so upset about? Did something bad happen?"

"'What's wrong?' That's rich. Why are you asking? To get to know me?" Akito asked, "To understand me? Is that it?"

Then Akito glared and punched Momiji in the face, "Keep your false sympathy! It's a lie. All of it! You just want to get the upper hand! To define me using your own twisted logic and paint me as a villain!"

"Please let him go!" Tohru shouted, and she separated them, "Stop it! Leave him alone!"

"What was that? It sounded a lot like you were giving me an order. How rude. Awful, really. I can tell you're not a very nice person." Akito said, and Momiji put his face in his hands.

"But you see, Tohru-- Miss Tohru Honda, I was kind enough to take the time to come visit. And no matter how disrespectful you might be to me, there's something I need to tell you. Something important." Akito grabbed Tohru's face and pulled her closer, "Stop thinking you're special. Scum. You and your sister seemed to believe you both saved Yuki and Kyo. And that may just be the most arrogant thing I've ever heard. Little fool. You don't have the full story. Listen closely. Once high school is over, Kyo will be locked away."

Tohru's eyes widened in horror, "Just like the previous Cat, he'll be imprisoned for life. As for Yuki and the others, they'll come back to the estate, where they belong. For good. All of the zodiac members will move through life together. Every step in tandem. Every breath shared. They will take nothing, and nothing will be taken from them. As it should be. Forever unchanging. A future of happiness, an Eternal banquet. Enduring. That's what awaits them. And don't think for a second at either you, Hondas, are invited."

"Y-You...can't be serious." They heard and saw [Y/n] walk from around the house. She'd heard the whole thing. Yuki was going to be taken from her. Again. This time forever. She had a horrified look on her face as she was closer to Tohru's side.

"What you're talking about, is that really happiness? For Kyo and all the others to be caged and confined to the Estate. For the rest of their lives." Tohru said with tears in her eyes.

[Y/n] glared at the ground through her glasses with tears as well. "But...they've been working so hard to move forward. No matter what it cost them." Tohru muttered.

'That's why...Yuki...'

He looked so sad when talking about their future. A future they couldn't have.

"Enough. The only reason you think that's bad because you're ignorant. Outsiders like you can't understand what life is like for us. Don't try to judge our need and desires using your petty values. They're not equipped for it." Akito said as it began to rain.

"Akito. Who are you?" Tohru asked.

Akito glared and walked closer to the sisters. "Who are you to the zodiac members? Are you...?" Tohru muttered, and her eyes widened when she realized then she grabbed [Y/n]'s hand.

Akito's hand was placed on Tohru's cheek. "What did you think? That I was just another animal spirit. No. To them, I am God." Akito left deep scratches on Tohru's cheek. "I am the master of their hearts and souls. They belong to me. Understand?"

[Y/n] glared harder, "How dare-", taking a step closer, and Akito glared then punched her in the face. [Y/n] tumbled and fell to the ground, glasses falling off her face and broke on the ground.

"Akito! Ah, there you are. I've been looking for you." A brown-haired male called to Akito.

"I'm sorry, Kureno. I just had to see them before we left. Oh, right? You three haven't met, have you? Let me introduce Kureno Sohma, the rooster."

"Hello. Hondas."

"Um. Hello." Tohru said, but [Y/n] didn't speak.

"No..." [Y/n] muttered. Akito glared. "It's not right. They're people."

'They're all so precious to me.

Kyon,

Momiji,

Kisa,

Hiro,

Haru,

Hatori,

Aya,

...Yuki...

Please I don't want Yuki taken away from me again. He's...my precious treasure.'

Akito punched [Y/n] in the face once again, sending her stumbling to the ground. "Please stop!" Tohru shout trying to stop Akito, who just pushed her aside. "You act tough, but deep down you're just a punching bag." Akito punched [Y/n] in the face repeatedly while on top of [Y/n], "A useless child. No wonder your mother didn't want you. Yuki practically begged to have Hatori erase your memories."

[Y/n]'s eyes widened, and Akito stopped. "Oh, of course you wouldn't remember. It's disgusting, really. Thinking you could change him. Save him. Give him hope. He didn't even want you around."

"Akito..." Kureno tried to pull Akito off of [Y/n], but Akito pushed him away too.

"You're lying..." [Y/n] muttered, and Akito glared harder.

Then punched her again. "What could I possibly gain from lying to you?!" Akito yelled and grabbed [Y/n] by the collar. "Yuki hates you! He's always hated you--"

[Y/n] gave a deadly look. "Why...are you going at me like that? Like I something wrong!"

"I don't give a damn who the hell you are." [Y/n] muttered, "God, or not-" She stopped talking. She remembered what happened to Hatori when it came to the woman he loved, Hiro when it came to Kisa. Love had no place in the Sohma house. Not among the zodiacs. One slip up could get Yuki or the others could get hurt. Maybe even Tohru.

As much as [Y/n] loved him, she couldn't risk Yuki being put through much worse. She'd hate herself completely if that were to happen. [Y/n]'s body fell limp with only Akito holding her by the collar. "You're right...I am just a punching bag." [Y/n] said in a soft tone. She remembered getting beat up in elementary by little boys, in middle school by a gang of girls, and now, high school, by the family head of the Sohma family. It never changes. [Y/n] wasn't strong. Just the same weak little girl.

This is what Akito wanted to get in her head, break her psychologically. And it just might be working.

"Yuki...wants nothing to do with me. He hates my guts. I'm just another girl in his sea of fangirls." [Y/n] muttered in a weak, shaky voice, "You're right, Akito... I'll be your punching bag. Beat me all day and night until you're satisfied. Screw the zodiacs... As long as you leave Tohru...leave my precious sister alone."

Tohru placed her hand on Akito's that held the collar of [Y/n] pajama shirt in it. "Please...Stop this. I'm begging you. She's had enough." Tohru said with tears rolling down her face.

Akito let go, "All right, since I'm so gracious. Be good little girls and mind your own business. If you don't...you'll be punished." With that, Akito walked away.

Tohru fell to her knees at [Y/n]'s side. It's always been like this.

"I'm so sorry, [Y/n]." Little Tohru cried in [Y/n]'s arm when they were six.

Then again when they were 13. Even now, she was crying and apologizing like crazy. [Y/n] gave a broken smile, pulling Tohru into her chest, saying that she's fine and she'll be alright.

Someone suddenly grabbed [Y/n]'s face to look at her bruises and scratches. "That looks painful." Hatori said.

"Hatori..." [Y/n] muttered.

"Go, Doc. I'll see to their wounds. Aren't you returning home with Akito tonight?"

"Hatori? And Shigure, too." Tohru said as both of the men helped the sisters stand.

"What are you two doing here?" [Y/n] asked.

"Momiji got me. The poor thing was absolutely terrified. As white as a ghost." Shigure said. [Y/n] and Tohru looked around for the boy. "Where's is Momiji? He's not hurt, is he?" Tohru asked.

"Yes, but not badly." Hatori said, "He right here." He pointed out the male to them.

"Momiji! Are you okay?" [Y/n] said as she and Tohru rushed over to him.

"Um...I think so." Momiji muttered and he began to cry.

Tohru wiped the tear from his cheek and pulled him into an embrace. [Y/n] joined in on the hug. "So precious...You both are so very precious to me." [Y/n] muttered hugging them tighter. Momiji transformed into a bunny.

"You're going to a cold." Shigure said.

'It may be hard...I'll be beaten, thrown around even spat on, but I'll protect those who are precious to me...all of them.'

~~

"Hallo, Sun. The rain all gone. It's firework time!" Momiji cheered when they got to the beach.

"What? Now? It's nowhere near completely dark yet." Yuki said.

"So what? I can't wait until tonight, that's way too long! Ja?" Momiji said, and Tohru smiled. "Uh-huh." She agreed.

"Of course." [Y/n] said with a grin. "Hey, why are those bandages on your faces?" Hiro asked.

[Y/n] rubbed the back of her head. "We took a walk last night. I fell down the hill." She said.

"Yeah, we tripped over her, and now we match." Tohru said, "Right, Momiji?" Momiji placed his forehead on Tohru's. "Yep! We're like three bees in a pod."

"The word you're looking for is 'peas'." Hiro corrected.

"Come on. Are we doin' this or not? Which one first? Which one first?" Kyo asked.

"Leave that to me. I've already picked, and it's gonna be awesome." Momiji said, and they let the one Momiji picked.

It wasn't as awesome as he thought it would be. [Y/n], Yuki and Haru checked out the bottle rockets. "Point upwards. Place inside a bottle. Carefully light the tip of the fuse." [Y/n] read, "Sounds simple enough. Oh, and it says not to hold it or point it at people or animals."

Haru was doing the exact opposite of what was said. "Did you hear her, Moron?" Kyo questioned.

"You can dodge. Don't worry, I have faith in you, Kyo. So, you ready?" Haru said.

"I will hurt you." Kyo growled, and [Y/n] giggled.

She watched as the other smiled and laughed and had a good time. It was nice and peaceful.

[Y/n] understood now why the other Zodiacs never got close to people on the outside, near felt the need to interact or make friends. Because in the end, they were to be snatched away from their true happiness. It made [Y/n] sad and angry. [Y/n] wanted to help them, protect them...break their curse.

"Miss [Y/n]..." Yuki called out to her, gaining the [h/c] haired girl's attention, "Here." He gave her a lit sparkler. [Y/n] stared in awe as she took. "It's so pretty." She cooed. "Everyone seems so be enjoying themselves." [Y/n] said as she walked with Yuki to the stone steps.

"Yeah." He agreed as they sat down, "This trip, it's the first time we've all gotten together like this. Just for fun, you know. It's strange. Summer comes around every year, but it's never the same summer twice. I'm glad I'm here getting to spend this summer with you." He said, and [Y/n]'s eyes widened a bit as she blushed.

"Y-Yeah. Sure." [Y/n] said as her sparkler went out.

"What? You didn't like spending the summer with me?" Yuki teased.

"That's not what I said!" [Y/n] snapped at him.

Yuki leaned closer to [Y/n]. "Then say it. I wanna hear it." Yuki said.

[Y/n] blushed even more with a huff, looking to the side. "I'm glad I got to spend the summer with you too, Yuki." She grumbled.

"Aww! Yuki and [Y/n] are being all lovely-dovey again!" Momiji said.

"I told you they were dating." Haru said.

"We are not dating for the last time, Haru!" [Y/n] yelled, "Will you just light the big firework already!" She huffed again.

'I'll do my best for you...all of you. So, you can live out your dreams outside of the Sohma Estate. Away from Akito. Where you're as free as a bird. I swear it. Even if it takes everything I have.'