#Chapter 17: Hide and Seek

                                    

                                          
"I already lost her once...
                          
I will no longer let go"
                          
Final Episode.... 
After a week... 
Raira Academy Class 2-1
"Aoi, you already have a clean records", Rai announced. Everyone in the class cheered. Aoi stood up in front of the classroom. "Guys. Thank you for clearing out my name. And Isumi...", Aoi pointed at the girl sitting at the back. Isumi lowered her head. "You have to take responsibility of what you've done", Aoi instructed. "Everyone. Thank you for being a part of my life", Aoi opened. "Why do you sound that you're leaving?", Rai asked. "Dont tell us you're leaving again!!", they all whined. "I wanted to stay further. I wanted to spend more. But there are things I just thought.... I also wanted to achieve. Sorry for being selfish", Aoi bowed. They all looked at each other. "We wish you all the best", they shouted. Aoi raised her head and tears formed in her eyes. "You're such a crybaby", Rai knocked her head. They all flocked infront of the room and gave her a big group hug. 
                          
Samezuka Academy... 
Rin came back from Australia. The next day, they will be standing at the Nationals Stage. "I have a greater dream", he said to himself. Souske who was lying at the upper bunks heard him. "I wish you all the best", Souske whispered under his breath. 
                          
Nationals Stage...
It was already time for Single Relays. Rin looked up to look for Aoi. He spotted her and waved. Aoi waved back in response. He stood at the platform and got a final glance at Aoi. He dove in and was the first person to finish the race. He was too happy and looked Aoi's spot again but she was missing. He looked at the exit but no one was there. Everyone was clapping and cheering. Rin took a shower and went outside the competition hall. Rin ran around to search for Aoi. He called her number but no one was answering. Souske called his name. "What are you doing here? Its already time for awarding", Souske informed.  "I just got the feeling that if I loose sight of her. I will never see her again", Rin lowered his head. "I'll be looking for her. So go and claim your reward", Souske elbowed. 
                          
Graduation came and Aoi was nowhere to be found. Rin decided to go back to Australia. 
                          
After a Year
In front of Sydney Opera House. 
                          
Rin took a rest from jogging that early in the morning. He continued his sports career and vowed to race Haru again. He stopped by and looked at the horizon. "Aoi! Let's go watch the sun", someone called out. Rin was alarmed by the name. He looked around and saw group of college student walking around. Rin went near but he was blocked by a sea of students. "Aoi! Let's go have some surfing after this", one suggested. "The only one who can be surrounded with a lot of people is... Kizutani", Rin thought. He was trying to get near but it was hopeless. He got all his strength to shout. "Kizutani!!!", Rin shouted. Everyone looked at him. A blonde went out of the group. Her eyes were still as bright as before. Her silky hair fell back at her back. "Rin-san?", Aoi tilted her head. Rin grabbed her writs. "Dont go away again. I will no longer let you go", Rin suddenly said. The redhead took her away and they ended up infront of the beach. "Rin-san. I always thought we'll meet here again", Aoi laughed. "Why are you here?", Rin asked. "I took an advance examination. I entered a university here. I will be taking the tract of medicine", Aoi informed. "We'll be seeing each other  a lot" Rin smiled. "You made me leave my group", Aoi pouted. "I'll just inform them that I'll be having a date with you", Aoi walked away. Rin grabbed her hands. "No. Before that, I have to tell you something. I wasnt able to it before that's why I fear that I might not be able to say it again", Rin gasped for air. "I had always liked you", Rin tighten his grip on Aoi's hand. Aoi laughed and cupped Rin's face. "I know. That's why I'm here", Aoi gave Rin a peck on his check... 



                          
The end....


                          
An open ended story...


                          
Im not good at endings but if I have time. I'll make sure that I'll remake some of the portion of this story.