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Lying around on the sofa, you suddenly thought of a great idea. Maybe I should visit Kiku. He always makes me feel better... You grabbed your phone and dialed Kiku's number. "もしもし？(Moshi moshi/Hello?) (name)-san?" Hearing Kiku's voice, you reply cheerfully, "Hey Kiku! Are you at home at the moment? I want to go visit you today." "Did you have that dream again?"

Man, Kiku's always so sharp... You dropped the happy tone, and said, "Yeah. I want to see you. You're always there for me when I need you." Kiku then slowly replied, "I'm outside, but I'll be returning soon. Please wait for me at home. Mata ne, (name)-san." "Mata ne, Kiku."

Hanging up your phone, you walked out of the door, and got onto your bicycle.

I really can't wait to see him... Kiku's home was not so far from yours, and it took only a few minutes for it to come into view. Slowing down, you eventually stopped the bike in front of Kiku's house, parking it there. His house was always so impressive; every time you see the traditional Japanese architecture, you felt drawn to it. It had an extremely warm feeling emanating from it, and you always felt that this was a second home to you.

Surrounded by the lanterns in the beautiful garden, you walked up to the main door, knocking on it. "Kiku, are you here yet?" Hearing a muffled response of "I'll be there in a moment", you waited patiently on the doorstep. As Kiku opened his door, you see that he is wearing a yukata. "It's good to see you, (name)-san. Prease, come in." Kiku opened the door, and you stepped into his house. You took of your shoes, whilst Kiku put down the slippers on the floor in front of you.

"Kiku, usually you don't wear a yukata during this time of the day. Didn't you just come back from outside?" Kiku replied, "I just finished taking a bath, and since I wanted to see if my old one fitted me or not, I tried it on." You nodded. "Are you going to wear it for something?" Kiku blushed. "I-It's nothing big, (name)-san."

Feeling that Kiku was hiding something from you, you looked at him suspiciously. "Kiku, tell me... does it have anything to do with cheering me up?" Kiku nearly jumped, his face red with embarrassment. "How-how did you-" You smiled. "We've known each other for a long time now, Kiku. I know that you're very considerate with me... and I'm very grateful for it."

Kiku smiled, still abashed, at your sincere words. "Well, I was thinking of making you a cosplay costume, since you like anime... and actually, I was going to modify the yukata I'm wearing as well...so that I'll match with you...." Seeing Kiku's embarrassed face and quiet, shy voice confessing the truth to you made you even happier. Even if he was the kindest person I've ever known, I have to say, I didn't think he would do this for me... but is this for a friend, or am I hoping too much?

Although you were glad for his caring attitude, you weren't sure about his feelings about you. Sure, you like him, but is he really the one you were supposed to see in your dream? The very thought that he isn't that person terrifies you. But how am I supposed to bring up that topic? Speaking up softly, you say, "Kiku... I'm really glad you do all of this for me...Thank you."

Kiku, still red, smiled. "If it's for you, I'll do anything. Anything to make you feel better." Please, don't make me fall in love with you even more... "Oh, we're here. Let's sit down and watch some anime in my room." Sliding the shoji (A/N: traditional Japanese paper door) open, Kiku pulled out floor cushions, (which he told you was called zabuton in Japanese), and gestured for you to sit down.

As you settled down comfortably, Kiku asked, "So, what should we watch?" You replied, "I just finished Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso... and if you know what I mean, it's kinda hard to watch anything else. I just feel miserable..." Kiku looked at you sympathetically. "I know how you feel, (name)-san. Although I've seen many anime, I have to say that the ending was incredibly emotional for me."

You nodded in agreement. "It made me cry so many times... but I have to say that it was really worth it... But just like Kaori, I want to get my feelings across to the person I love." Hearing something new, Kiku quickly asked, "You have someone you like? Who is it?" It's you... You sighed again. "But I don't know if the person I see in my dreams is actually the person I like... that's why I feel so miserable. The anime didn't help either..."

Kiku sat in silence. Perhaps he realized that you dodged his question; maybe he realized that you wouldn't tell him the truth. But Kiku is Kiku; he is incredibly good at reading between lines. I don't really need to say anything to make him realize that I feel hurt; he just knows. Kiku has always been like that.

"(name)-san... I-I have something to tell you." You looked at him in the eyes, signaling him to start talking, but all Kiku did was mumble. "Kiku, I couldn't really hear that..." You could see that Kiku's face was becoming more and more flushed, and that he was attempting to steel himself to say the words stuck in his mouth.

Finally, Kiku raised his head and looked at you despite his beet red face, all the way up to his ears. Opening his mouth, Kiku quickly said,"...(name)-san...貴女が好きです(Anata ga suki desu)... 私と付き合って下さい(Watashi to tsukiatte kudasai)..." It didn't take you long to figure out what he just said. Thank god to all those shoujo manga and anime that Kiku lent you, you knew what he was saying. Did he just really ask me to go out with him? I don't think Kiku's the type to lie, but...

Thinking that you didn't really understand his words, or even worse, about to reject him, Kiku's usual kind brown eyes were now filled with sadness. "(name)-san... Watashi- I- Why are you crying?" Confused about Kiku's comment, you touched your cheeks, realizing that they were wet. "Oh..." Unable to say anything, you started to feel breathless, your throat tightening up quickly, almost making you choke on your own sob.

Why am I crying? I should be more than happy to hear that Kiku likes me... But I really can't deny how much that dream bothers me... You brushed away your tears, trying to appear nonchalant. "Kiku... It's nothing. Don't really worry about it. I-" Kiku looked at you worriedly. "You're crying because it's not 'nothing'. (name)-san, please tell me... Did I hurt your feelings by confessing to you?"

This was very unlike Kiku. He was hardly ever straightforward, and most of the time he would avoid saying things directly. But seeing him being so worried for your welfare made you feel even more guilty. "Kiku... You didn't hurt my feelings... and I have to say I like you too..." Hearing your reply to his confession made Kiku's heart lifted a little, but he remained silent, knowing that it was your dream that is holding you down.

"Kiku, what if you aren't the man I see in my dreams? What am I supposed to do? You know my family well enough... They'll never let anyone go out with me, let alone marry someone I didn't 'see'." Seeing you heartbroken with tears on your face, Kiku wore a sad expression as he wiped your eyes with the sleeves on his yukata, and looked deeply into your eyes, holding your hands gently.

"(name)-san, I will say it as many times as I need to. 貴女が好きです(Anata ga suki desu)... And that probably won't change. To me, you are very precious. I swear on my honor, I will do anything for you, so please... cast away that doubt. Stay with me...お願い(onegai)..." You looked at him again. "Kiku, I-" You opened your mouth once again, but find yourself unable to say anything. This... I can't face Kiku like this... it's unfair... But what if... what if I know of a way to see that man? Standing up, you replied to Kiku, "Kiku, I'll be at Arthur's for a bit." After telling Kiku, you rushed out of the room in a hurry.

"待って下さい (matte kudasai)!! Please, wait!" But even if Kiku shouted down the hallway, attempting to catch with you, your feet continued to move on their own. Quickly putting on your shoes, you ran out of the house, through the rain that has just started to pour. You rode on your bike quickly, believing that this would be the right answer, leaving behind Kiku, whose face held mixed emotions.
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Since Arthur's house and Kiku's house aren't very far apart from each other, it took you 5 minutes on your bike to get to Arthur's house. Leaving your bike in front of Arthur's house (or to be more precise, a manor), and rang the bell several times. "Yes, who is it?" Hearing the nostalgic British accent, you replied, "This is (name), (name) (last name), Arthur." Hearing your voice, the main gate opened, making you dash towards the front door, where Arthur was waiting for you with a towel.

Seeing your drenched appearance as you arrived at the front door, Arthur handed you a towel with a scowl on his face."(name)? Why are you soaked to the bone, you bloody fool? You would get a terrible cold after standing in the rain like this!" You sighed. "Arthur, I want you to look into something for me." Arthur sighed in return. "Don't tell me it's about that dream of yours?"

You nodded. Arthur knew you pretty well too. After all, your powers to see into the future made you get along very well with Arthur. He could discuss with you about the things that no one could understand. "Yeah... I hope that you can help me here, Arthur." Arthur placed his hand on his scrunched up forehead. "(name), what you're asking of me is...difficult. I can't guarantee that I'd be able to do this. I don't want to risk your life or your talent; it might be the very thing to save the world."

You sighed. After your vision of a distant future, of a dystopia, Arthur had always believed that you could somehow make the world avoid that fate, despite the fact that you can't really alter it. "There are others who have the same ability, Arthur. I don't believe that I have to be the one to do it." Arthur turned around to meet your eyes, with a ludicrous expression on his face. "(name), I know what I know from the scriptures. They tell the truth... it's exactly the same as the events that you foretold. There are no mistakes. Trust me."

"Anyways, just do whatever you have to. I'm very desperate, Arthur. I don't have time to compromise with you." Arthur remained silence, facing your determination with silence. "Please, listen to what I have to say, Arthur. I would do anything to know the truth."

After a few minutes of silence, Arthur looked up and met your determined eyes. You could see his resolve melting away, and he sighed. "Bloody- fine, (name). But you better tell me what this is for." You replied calmly, "I was just hoping to see whether that man is Kiku or not."

Arthur looked at you ludicrously. "You mean to say that, just for the sake of learning who your 'fated one' is, you would sacrifice your ability, or even your life?" You hesitated. If you said yes, would Arthur still agree to this? No time to back out of this now...

"Yes. I would." Hearing your reply, Arthur sits down and puts his face in his hands. "I knew you were an idiot, but not this much of an idiot." You flinched. "What good would it do if you find out and die? Forget about that dream. Just be happy with Kiku."

"You know full well that I can't do that! Even if it seems childish, I can't possibly..."

"That's why you should stop, (name)-san."

Turning around upon hearing Kiku's voice, you see him entering the door, a towel in hand. "What good will it do if you die? (name), I did not confess to you just to let you die."

Kiku's voice had turned serious, and it was evident that without the use of san that he was extremely worried. He was completely soaked; probably from running after you without an umbrella. So he knew what I wanted to do...

"Kiku.... I'm sorry. But...it's been 15 years. And my family-" "It's going to be fine, (name)."

Quickly cutting you off, Kiku held your cold hands with his warm ones. "It's alright to be worried. It's alright to be insecure. Please, no matter what you do, don't ever put your life on the line for something like this." You heard his voice waver.

"Kiku's right, (name). Don't be rash. Try to have that dream again. Maybe things will be different this time." Arthur tried to reassure you along with Kiku.

Suddenly, everything became blurry. You clutched your head, feeling the slow throb hurting your brain. Seeing a change in your condition, Arthur and Kiku started to call out your name. But even their voices were dying down to nothing, as everything became black.

_______________________

You opened your eyes in what you thought was reality. But looking around and seeing only the endless blue skies, you concluded that you are in the recurring dream again. I really have to pay attention this time...

"Come on, (name)!" Upon hearing the line you've heard for the past fifteen years, you quickly turned around to face the man destined to be with you for life. His arm was outstretched, offering his hand to you. His silky black hair, his beautiful chocolate colored eyes, his pale skin, everything....

It was undeniably Kiku.

So this is it. It's Kiku.

Even in your dreams, you can feel yourself tearing up at the sight. It was something that you had prayed for, hoped for, pined for, for the last who-knows-how-many years...and to see it come true was simply too overwhelming for your mind.

Taking his hand, you soared through the skies and relished in the warmth offered by the man you loved with all your heart.

__________________________

"-(ame)-san...(name)-san..." Hearing your voice being called, you slowly opened your eyes. There was a nice aroma of green tea in the air, soothing your mind. "Are you alright, (name)-san?" Kiku was at your bedside, or rather, futon. It seemed that you were back at Kiku's house.

You attempted to sit up, but was hit with a sudden migraine, making you fall back down onto the futon. "It seems that I still have a terrible migraine, Kiku... and it's a little bit cold..." Kiku sighed. "You've caught a terrible cold by running in that rain, (name)-san. You still need to rest. I'll take care of you."

He slowly helped you sit up and gave you medicine to take. "Kiku, how did I end up here?" As he was giving you some water to drink, Kiku replied, "Arthur-san thought that you would want to talk to me later, and as he had something to do, he drove both of us back to my house."

"I see." An uncomfortable silence too over. It was hard to talk to Kiku after what had happened at Arthur's house. You understood that Kiku was worried about you, and ran all the way from his house to Arthur. It's good he's alright...

As if he wanted to be right on cue with your thoughts, Kiku sneezed. "Seems like you're going to have one too, Kiku." You smiled weakly. He had cared so much about your well-being, he had forgotten his instead.

Breaking the silence, Kiku said, "(name)-san, Arthur-san had something he wanted to tell you... and since he is currently busy, he passed it on to you." You nodded. "Your visions about the dystopia... it was something that he did."

You looked confused. "What are you talking about, Kiku?"

"He planted a memory of that vision in you in an attempt to stop you from risking your life trying to find the man." You sighed. Of all things the Brit had to do, it was messing with your memories? "He knew that you would do it. And if he threatened you beforehand about your importance, he thought he could stop you."

"That idiot... no, I'm the fool here." Hearing your voice filled with regret, Kiku glanced at your face only to see that tears were streaming out of your eyes. "I've been such a fool. Arthur was right. Why didn't I listen to him?" You tried wiping them off with the back of your hand, but the stream of regret simply wouldn't stop.

And the man had been Kiku all along. It was me being too afraid to confront the dream; too afraid to see who the man would be.

"I just thought... what if... what if that man isn't you? I'd rather die than have to live with the fact that it wasn't you, Kiku..."

In response, Kiku wiped away the tears with his thumb and hugged you. Against your feverish, hot body, Kiku's lower body temperature soothed you. "(name)...I'll say it again. あなたが好きです。(Anata ga suki desu./I like you). Nothing, and I mean nothing will change it. But never say that you'll die for something like that! Did you know how much you scared me? I never want to be left behind. Never."

Kiku was never much of a person to say what he really felt, but when he was, he sure meant what he said. You could feel his trembling; he was genuinely afraid that you'd die. "But now I'm here. And I know who that man is. So I'm no longer afraid to be with you. Why did I even doubt that you wouldn't be him? I love you, Kiku. あなたが大好きです。(Anata ga daisuki)"

Kiku had waited for this for too long, and he realized that you did too. Both of you remained in the embrace, wishing that this moment could last forever.