Her. (Chishiya Shuntaro)

12

Chishiya could have gone inside the car in time before the grenade exploded. It was risky, but he could have made the choice to take the risk. However if he stayed with them, he'll have no time to find her.

He waited before it was safe enough to wander off. Now that he was certain she was also here in this world, he thought she's also probably running away from the King of Spades. The problem is, Tokyo is quite huge. Now then where could she have ran off to?

"This is our first date as a couple, are you sure you want to spend it in the same coffee shop we've been visiting for months?" Chishiya asked her, and again, she smiled brightly and he had no choice but let his heart be stirred.

"I mean, we both enjoy being here, so this is just as perfect as exploring new things." Chishiya knows she was being considerate of him because he had a tight schedule for the entire week, and for that he couldn't help but like her even more. Still, he wished she thought of herself even more.

"I know what you're thinking, Shun." She muttered, chuckling as she gazed at his eyes. "You're probably saying in your mind how you wish I'll think of myself more. But I really do love being her with you."

He smiled back at her. He liked how she's always genuine with everything she says. Contrary to him who would always be pretentious.

"Then, the next time we're both free...where would you like to go?"

"Hmmm...let me think."

Chishiya found it adorable how she would pout her lips when she's deep in thought. He could only fight the urge to plant a kiss on her lips.

"Considering you and your big brain, probably somewhere that would challenge our minds."

Chishiya didn't know why he suddenly remembered that conversation they had during their first date. But perhaps what she told him before could help narrowing down the place he could look for her.

Somewhere to challenge her mind. Knowing her, she would have probably gone to clear games that appear to be cognitively challenging. And he was willing to find her wherever she might be. Even if he'll have to clear every mind bending games one by one. And where else to start but diamonds?

Chishiya did not waste anymore time. Although still a bit disoriented by the sudden of attack of the king of spades, he hastily went to the Queen of Diamonds' blimp. He knew her quite well. She would be careful enough not to begin with a king, but because it's a battle wits, she'll be confident enough to go for the queen.

Of course his deduction would all be pointless had she gone with a group. After all, she's always so warm and welcoming it would not be surprising if she found true friends in this world, and they could be on the way to clear clubs games for all he know. Still, if there was a slightest possibility that he could be right, he's willing to risk everything for it.

Chishiya waited until midnight on the entrance of the game area. However there still was no trace of her or anyone entering the game.

Surprisingly enough, the game area was near their apartment. And something urged him to pay a short visit. Even though it is more likely to be just a replica of the real one, the nostalgic feeling still visited Chishiya's heart as he opened the door.

Everything was like how they left it. The only thing missing was her. Chishiya roamed around their small space. And everywhere he walked, he finally felt a piece of her. From their small but very well-kept living room where they would play games and watch movies, and she would complain about him knowing all the cheat codes even when he was playing fairly, their neatly organized kitchen where he would cook for her in the morning and she would cook for him at night, everyday she stirs the food while he embraced her from the back, to their room filled with paintings of him in all angles because she liked painting his face so much.

Every corners were her smiles and laughter Chishiya would die for.

And then he stumbled upon what he considered a very special place. Their small balcony filled with overgrown plants he recognized.

"Happy first anniversary." Chishiya solemnly greeted, holding out the tiny rose plant in a ceramic flower pot

"A plant?" She asked with a smile.

He smiled back.

"I've thought of bringing you a bouquet, but I thought you didn't deserve something that would eventually wither."

She still looked perplexed, and he did not fail to notice the red hues forming on her cheeks.

"I planted this, and watered and took care of it everyday in secret, so I could give it to you at the right time."

"Shun! That's the most beautiful thing someone has ever done for me!" She squealed, tackling him into a tight embrace. Luckily his grip on the pot was tight.

With a genuine smile on his face, he hugged her back. "Let's both take care of it so it could bear more flowers."

Chishiya couldn't help but smile as he caressed the roses from the small plant he gave her before. They had now grown and bore so many rose flowers. Just like how the two of them have grown as a couple and as individuals in almost four years of dating one another. Yet there they were, currently apart.

Chishiya sighed in frustration. If he could only hear her, see her, and feel her once more.

"Shun?"

Chishiya's eyes slowly widened. He was never the type to rush things, boy he didn't even run like crazy when the king of spades were chasing them with a rifle. But he turned around swiftly upon hearing that voice once again.

And there she was. Her right leg was covered in wound and has been bleeding pretty badly. She had a katana supporting her as she limped towards him.

"Is...is this for real?" He muttered under his breath and took a moment to gaze upon her.

She looked so worn out. The bags under her eyes were evident. Her eyes looked tired, yet relieved. She had wounds all over her face and bruise all over her body. Her long flowing her was cut at a neck length. She looked broken, and yet, she was still the most beautiful girl he's ever seen.

She quickly let go of her Katana and limped towards him.

"I'm not dreaming right?" She said with a smile on her face as tears finally bursted out of the corner of her eyes. She gently touched his cheeks, and trailed his fingers on his face.

"I'm the one who should say that." He whispered, grabbing one of her hand and lovingly kissing her palm. "I've tried searching for you everywhere."

They pulled each other each other into a tight embrace, and he buried his face on the crook of her neck. "Welcome home." He whispered.

"I'm home..." she replied.