Riku, now back in his own body, ran through the streets like a madman.
His breath ragged, heart pounding.
"Mei… where are you?!"
He pushed through crowds, his eyes scanning every face.
Then—
He saw her.
Mei's body—collapsed again, surrounded by people.
"MEI!!!" he screamed.
He shoved through the crowd and dropped to his knees.
"Mei! Hey! Open your eyes—it's me! Riku!"
Her eyelids fluttered. Slowly, she opened them.
"Riku…?" she whispered, weak and barely breathing.
He grabbed her hand tightly, tears already forming.
"You're safe now. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
But then
Sirens.
Police cars pulled up. Officers stepped out.
"You're under arrest," one of them said, handcuffing Riku.
He didn't resist.
"I've already published all the videos… everything. The truth is out."
"Asahi and Kenta? They're already in prison."
"Now… I am Riku. Not Mei."
The officer looked surprised, but still escorted him to the car.
As he was taken away, Mei tried to sit up.
"Riku…"
He looked back one last time, smiling.
"They're gone, Mei. You're free now."
Two Months Later
After serving his time, Riku stepped back into the world—his heart set on one thing.
Mei.
He didn't stop.
Didn't breathe.
Went straight to her home.
But when he arrived, her house was quiet.
He knocked.
No answer.
He turned to the nearby neighbor.
"Excuse me, do you know where Mei is?"
The old woman nodded.
"She moved. Said she's staying at a friend's place."
Riku's heart skipped.
"Friend… or boyfriend?" he muttered under his breath.
"Can you give me the address?" he asked, trying to stay calm.
The woman nodded and handed it over.
Riku ran—his thoughts racing.
No. Not Mei. Please not someone else…
He reached the place.
A small apartment.
Knock Knock.
The door opened.
It was Mei.
Her eyes widened.
His did too.
Without a word, Riku stepped forward, entered the room, eyes scanning quickly.
"Where is he?"
"Your boyfriend…? Where is he?!"
Mei looked confused.
"Riku… I don't have a boyfriend."
He stopped. Silent.
Then—
Riku stepped closer and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"I missed you… so much," he whispered.
And gently—
He kissed her.
Mei didn't pull away.
Her hands slowly wrapped around him.
Mei stood frozen for a second, her thoughts racing. She wanted to push him away—so many questions, so much pain—but the warmth of his arms reminded her of everything they'd been through.
She slowly closed her eyes… and kissed him back.
Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes as their lips met—gentle at first, then full of all the emotions they had buried: sorrow, guilt, longing… and hope.
When they finally parted, Mei looked at Riku, voice trembling.
"Why… did you come back?"
Riku held her face softly. "Because you're the reason I kept going. I want to live your dream—with you."
Riku looked down, nervous, his voice shaky.
"Mei… I-I want to tell you something..."
Mei gently held his hand. "Yes, Riku?"
He took a deep breath. "I… I love you."
For a moment, silence. Mei blinked, stunned. Then her smile slowly returned—warm, real.
"I love you too," she whispered.
Riku laughed softly, almost in disbelief. "Why… why was it so hard to say?"
Mei leaned her forehead against his. "Because the ones we truly love… are the ones we fear losing the most."
"You go home now." mei said.
Riku blinked, surprised. "Eh? Go home?"
Mei nodded, her expression soft but serious. "Yes… You should go home now, Riku."
"But… why?" he asked, confused and a little hurt.
Mei looked into his eyes. "Because I want to meet you again tomorrow… not as someone who barged in or fought the world… but as someone who starts fresh—with me."
A small smile curled on Riku's lips. He nodded slowly. "Alright. Tomorrow, then."
He turned to leave, but before he stepped out, Mei called softly,
"Riku… thank you for not giving up on me."
Riku looked back, smiled faintly, and said,
"And thank you for waiting for me."
The Next Day – Their First Real Date
Riku stood outside Mei's new apartment, holding a small bouquet of white lilies—her favorite. He had cleaned up well: neat shirt, combed hair, and a nervous heartbeat pounding in his chest.
The door opened.
Mei appeared in a simple white dress, her hair tied in a loose bun. She blushed at the flowers. "You remembered…"
"I never forgot," Riku said, smiling warmly as he handed them to her. "Ready?"
She nodded, and they walked side by side through the soft golden glow of the late afternoon.
Later – At a Small Café
They sat across from each other, sunlight filtering through the windows.
"I was scared," Mei admitted, playing with her cup. "Scared you'd disappear again."
"I won't," Riku said gently. "This time… I'll stay. I want to protect your dream, Mei. And more than that, I want to live it with you."
Her eyes shimmered. "Then let's do it together."
They touched hands over the table—no words needed.
Evening – Movie Theater
They sat in the back row of a quiet theater, sharing popcorn. Mei leaned slightly on Riku's shoulder during the emotional scenes, her fingers gently brushing his. Riku, normally tense and cautious, felt at peace.
As the credits rolled and the lights dimmed back on, Riku turned to her and smiled.
"That was… perfect," he said.
Mei laughed. "It was just a movie."
"No," Riku replied softly. "That was my first real date… with my real love."
Mei's eyes widened slightly, then softened. "Mine too."
---
Later – At a Cozy Dinner Spot
They sat in a small family-run restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley, away from the noise of the city. Candlelight flickered between them as warm food was brought to the table.
Riku took a deep breath. "Back then, I thought I'd lost everything. But now, sitting here with you… I feel like I've found everything I was missing."
Mei reached across the table, holding his hand.
"You didn't lose everything," she whispered. "You were just on your way to me."
They smiled, a quiet comfort growing between them.
Night – Walking Home
The night air was cool, the streetlights casting a soft glow as Riku and Mei walked hand in hand. Their steps were slow, unhurried, as if neither wanted the evening to end.
"Tomorrow, our school begins," Mei said, glancing up at him with a small smile.
Riku squeezed her hand gently. "Yeah… but this time, a new Riku will walk through those doors."
Mei tilted her head. "New?"
Riku nodded. "Stronger. Braver. Not running away anymore. And not alone."
Mei smiled brightly. "Because I'll be by your side."
Riku looked at her with warmth. "And I'll protect you… just like you saved me."
They continued walking under the stars, their fingers intertwined, leaving behind the shadows of the past—ready to face tomorrow together.
Sunlight spilled gently through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. The sound of birds chirping filled the quiet air.
Riku slowly opened his eyes. Next to him, Mei was curled up on the couch, her hand still in his. He stared at her peaceful face for a moment, his heart full.
He whispered, "Mei… you're beautiful even in the morning."
Mei stirred and slowly opened her eyes. "Riku…?" she mumbled, still half asleep.
"You're awake," he said with a smile.
She blinked a few times, then realized how close they were. A pink blush spread across her cheeks as she quickly sat up. "Y-You were watching me sleep?"
Riku laughed softly. "Yeah. It was hard not to."
Mei turned her face away, her cheeks turning even redder. "I-I probably look like a mess…"
Riku gently reached over, touching her hair. "You look perfect."
Her heart skipped. She covered her face for a second. "Don't say things like that so early in the morning…"
Riku leaned in, his voice soft. "I mean every word."
Mei glanced at him from behind her hands and smiled shyly. "You're so embarrassing…"
Riku chuckled. "But you love me, right?"
Mei's blush deepened. She nodded, eyes full of warmth. "Yes. I do."
They sat quietly, enjoying the calm—their hearts finally at peace.
Riku kissed her forehead. "Let's make today the beginning of our new story."
Mei nodded, eyes soft. "Together. Always."