Taiga fell onto her knees. Ryuuji had just left her. He had let her go so he could go claim the heart that he wanted.

And there was Taiga, sobbing into her hands as loneliness hit. She just wanted his love. His care. She didn't want him to leave.

How could he walk away so easily? How could he leave her just like that?

"Ryuuji!"

Taiga's eyes snapped open. She looked around, as realization sunk in. They were at Ryuuji's grandparents house. Taiga fell asleep in Ryuuji's arms.

She slowly slipped herself out of Ryuuji's arms. That's when she began thinking.

'What kind of relationship is this? How many people did we hurt while going through with this? What if I mess up? What if…Ryuuji leaves me?'

Taiga felt a lump form in her throat. Just how many times will Ryuuji let her mess up?

Ryuuji suddenly sat up with a yawn.

"Hm? Taiga, it's the middle of the night. What are you doing up?" Ryuuji asked.

"Well…um…Ryuuji…" Taiga began. Ryuuji looked her in the eyes.

"…You…you'll always be here…right?" Taiga asked wearily. Ryuuji stared at her, surprised.

"What're you talking about? Of course! I'm not leaving you," Ryuuji said.

"…Really?"

"I promise," Ryuuji said, squeezing Taiga's hand.

She relaxed.

"…Thank you…"

There was a moment of silence.

"But seriously, what happened to the Taiga I know? You almost never avoid a chance to call me stupid," Ryuuji joked.

"It's 'idiot' not 'stupid!' Idiot!" Taiga said. Ryuuji smiled.

"Never mind then."

Taiga let Ryuuji pull her into his arms.

"…Now go back to sleep, idiot!" Taiga said. Ryuuji smiled.

"Yes ma'am."

Taiga sat there in silence.

'Ryuuji…I don't think you'll ever know what those words means to me…but that's okay. I'll be fine…as long as you stay right by my side.'