Hohoho! Merry Christmas! I hope you guys are having tons of fun, and that I haven't kept you waiting too long. Finally, the long-awaited final chapter yay! *claps hands. Alright I'll stop with the chit-chat, hurry with the replies to the beloved reviewers and go on to the story!

AKA99: Nope, Hikaru didn't tell them not to attack who, or who to attack. She just gave orders to be protected. (: so the guy was simply obeying her orders. Yes, Haruto is indeed a great guy isn't he? ^^

diamond heart 82: Whether he'll be fine... You'll know it after reading hahahas! Well, of course, what fun would it be if our dearest brunette doesn't protect the love of his life! Alright "fun" might be a wrong word, but I think you get what I mean (;

johnnytheepicchun: Wonder if Hikaru will start being nicer to Dan huh... Nah not hard at all that's not even the ending so well, it's alright :D

Sayuri Lapis: YAYY!

Saki-Rose Chan: Hahahaha well, I guess everyone has differing views. I guess I just prefer to stay on the more optimistic side and try to see the best in Hikaru, but well, nothing wrong with what you think too! Though, I find Hikaru sweet, I can't imagine my friend constantly cutting into my relationship!

Runo stood outside the emergency room, hands together as she prayed for the safety of her lover. Drago remained silent as he stayed on the blunette's shoulder.

Haruto and Hikaru were sitting side by side on the chairs. The redhead couldn't stop crying as guilt tore her apart bit by bit on the inside. It was her fault. She should have realised Dan's feelings towards Runo earlier, that they were true.
Runo gasped when the doors of the emergency room opened, and the doctor came out, pulling down his mask.

"He's out of danger for now," the doctor smiled at Runo, who beamed with tears at the corner of her eyes. "The stab wasn't too deep, and it was lucky that your friend right here is a really strong boy. He'll be fine after a couple of weeks of rest."

"Thank you, doctor!" Runo bowed to the doctor gratefully, who took his leave. Turning to the room, Runo placed her hands together again. "Thank God he's safe."

The blunette turned to the redhead. "Hikaru."

The said girl lifted her head up very slowly, afraid to meet the eyes of the idol.
"You're damn lucky Dan's alright."

The blunette turned and walked away, leaving a sobbing Hikaru behind.

"How're you feeling?" Runo smiled at Dan, who was finally awake.

"Just a little ache on the back," Dan groaned, as Runo helped him to sit up."How long have I been asleep?"

"Two days."

Dan nodded his head, before blinking as a thought came to his mind. "Runo, what happened to news about your abortion?"

The blunette blinked back, before smiling. "Oh, about that..."

The previous day...

"Support Haruto and Runo! Support Haruto and Runo!"

The blunette groaned from her training room. Peering down from the window, she saw a mob at the entrance of the agency, with signs about her, Dan and Haruto. The blunette had too much in her hands, and with Dan in the hospital right now, she couldn't maintain peace.

Looking at the clock, she saw that it was time. For now, she was alone. She had ordered Hikaru to stay at the hospital to look after Dan, with the other Brawlers of course. There was still an imminent fear of Hikaru doing something to Dan. Quickly grabbing a change of clothes, she exited the room and changed, before heading towards the conference room.

Haruto waited outside the room for her, giving her a nod. Runo smiled back before entering the conference room. As soon as they entered the room, they were deafened by the clicks of camera and a long line of questions from the reporters. The two made their way to their seats.

"Runo Misaki, is it true about your abortion?"

"How are you responding to the mob outside your company now?"

Runo raised her arm, before any more questions could be asked.

"Firstly, I would like to say that my abortion is indeed true. A year ago before my debut, I had an abortion. I was pregnant with Dan Kuso's child."

The crowd grew silent as Runo paused. One of the reporters raised his arm. "Then why did you abort the child?"

Runo took a deep breath. "Back then, Dan left for a boating trip. Our relationship had never been stable, and I didn't knew if he even wanted the child - there was no guarantee, so I aborted the child."

Runo watched as the eyes of all who were present widened in shock. There was an instant flooding of questions once more. Runo raised her arm once more, standing up.

"But then, I realised afterwards how much I meant to Dan, and how much he means to me. Our relationship in the past may have failed, but right now, we are building a new one, a stronger one. I'm sorry to disappoint my fans who have been supportive of me and Haruto," the blunette turned to the male idol with an apologetic expression. Haruto shook his head with a smile. "But I believe that we all have the right to choose who we love. Haruto's a great guy - he's wonderful, but the one I truly love and who I believe is the one meant for me is Dan. I hope you will all give me your fullest support."

Runo bowed to the crowd. There was only silence, until a single man stood up, and started to clap.

Runo blinked, until she saw the whole group of people present stand up and clapped for her.

"It's rare to see someone who believes in her love so much, of course, we'll all support you," A female reporter spoke up.

Runo beamed, before thanking the crowd. Haruto got up as well, "I have witnessed how much he sincerely loves her. I hope other fans will, on my behalf, support Runo's decision and wish her and Dan all the best."

The male idol later bowed, before leaving the stage. Runo followed Haruto out of the conference room, where at the entrance, the two shared a friendly hug.

"Thank you, Haruto," Runo whispered. "I'm sorry, you deserve much better."

The two pulled away from the hug. Haruto shook his head with a sincere smile. "It's alright. I'm glad you're happy now. I'm really glad."

"Wow, Haruto really is a nice guy," Dan was amazed.

Runo nodded her head. "Isn't he? Maybe I should have chose him after all..."

"Don't you dare, Runo Misaki!" Dan yelled, causing Runo to let out a cry of surprise and cover his mouth.

"Kuso, this is a hospital!" Runo scolded, before looking at the brunette and laugh. Runo sat herself beside Dan, and leaned down to give him a soft, chaste kiss. As soon as the two parted, Dan let out a sigh.

Runo grinned at the brunette, amused by his satisfaction. She blinked as she saw the brunette look around frantically.

"What's wrong?"

Dan paused, looking up at Runo. "Where're my clothes?"

"They're stained with blood, all that's left is whaever was in your clothes, your phone, your wallet... Stuff like that," Runo explained.

"Do you know where they are?"

Runo nodded her head, turning to the drawers beside the bed. Dan gritted his teeth as he tried to reach for the drawers, but Runo stopped him. The blunette bent down to pull out the drawer.

"What do you want?" Runo asked, blinking.

"There should be a white box in there, could you help me take it?"

The blunette nodded her head in response, taking out a white box and handing it over to the brunette before shutting the drawer.

"What is it?" Runo asked.

Dan shook his head with a mysterious smile. "Nothing at all, Runo." The brunette slid the box into his pocket.

"Anyway," the brunette grinned cheekily. "Can I get some food?"

"Dan!"

"You still haven't forgiven Hikaru?" Dan asked, walking hand in hand with Runo across the beach.

Runo shook her head. "I don't know how to forgive her when she nearly caused you to die."

Dan paused, holding Runo by the arms. "But I'm alive now, aren't I?"

Runo smiled back, hugging the brunette. The brunette winced, pulling away slowly. "Careful, I may be discharged, but that doesn't mean I'm fully recovered."

The blunette shot her boyfriend an apologetic look and laughed nervously. She then looked down at her watch. "It's about time to meet Haruto. I wonder what he has to say to me."

"He'd better not be trying to rival with me for you," Dan warned. Runo giggled in response.

"He's been overseas for the past few weeks, maybe he's even found himself a new foreign girlfriend."

"Runo! Dan!"

The couple turned around as they saw Haruto walking towards them and waving.

"Haruto!" Runo beamed, giving the blue-eyed male a friendly hug. The blunette quickly pulled away as soon as she felt a 'fire' burning behind her. She turned around, only to see Dan glaring daggers at the other idol. Chuckling nervously, the blunette retreated to her boyfriend's side.

"Sorry 'bout that, Dan. We're just friends, so no hard feelings?" Haruto smiled, holding out his hand.

Dan turned his head away, arms folded. Runo gave the brunette a sharp nudge, causing the brunette to nod his head and shake Haruto's hand.

"No hard feelings."

The male idol smiled again, before turning to the Japanese female. "Let's head to the beach shack and talk, alright?"

Runo nodded her head, and Dan and her followed Haruto.

After the three had settled down and ordered a couple of drinks for themselves, Haruto turned to Runo.

"Runo, there's something I need to talk to you about."

"Is it about Hikaru?" Runo asked slowly. Haruto nodded in reply.

"Don't stay mad at her anymore, alright? Hikaru's actually a really good friend."

Runo folded her arms in dissatisfaction. "Did she ask you to speak up for her?"
Haruto shook his head. "Nothing of the sort. I was going to tell you this sooner, but apparently my schedule wouldn't. Back then after I confessed to you, Hikaru came up to me to tell me how happy and relieved she was. She told me she was glad that you would finally be safe hands, and that you would never have to worry about being left behind ever again. She was so happy, she cried. Runo, tears and smiles don't lie. I know that she sincerely cared."

Runo listened quietly, before Dan interrupted the silence. "While I was hospitalised, Hikaru talked to me too. You weren't there back them, but she apologised to all she had done to me, to us. From her expression, I can really tell she meant it. Even when we had the argument which was being recorded back then, I know she cared alot about you, Runo. She did."

Runo lowered her head, burying her face in her hands.

Hikaru stood under the tree nervously. This was the same spot where she and Runo had first met. Till now, she recalled every detail clearly.

Hikaru stood under the tree, enjoying the shade from the immense heat. She watched as the Sun slowly set, before turning away as she prepared to leave. When she was a couple of feet away from the tree, she realised that she had yet to take her bag, and was about to hurry towards her spot. Instead, she paused when she caught sight of a girl with sky blue hair. It was so beautiful. She was so beautiful. If Hikaru had been a boy she was certain she would have fallen for her! What actually surprised Hikaru more was that the girl stood on the opposite spot of the tree. It surprised Hikaru that the two of them had actually been technically standing back to back.

The blunette seemed to have felt Hikaru's gaze on her. Runo tilted her head to one side lightly, blinking at Hikaru before smiling nervously.

"Er, hello? My name's Runo."

Hikaru couldn't help but smile as she recalled the scene. Runo had seemed so adorable.

"Hikaru!"

The redhead turned around in surprise, blinking in surprise as she saw her best friend running towards her. Runo dashed towards Hikaru, wrapping her arms around her as she cried.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm a horrible best friend for not noticing that you were doing it all for my sake," Runo cried out.

Hikaru blinked, before tears fought their way out. The redhead wrapped her arms around Runo, shaking her head.

"I'm sorry... It's all my fault."

The two cried in the embrace, before finally pulling away shortly.

"You're sorry, and I'm sorry. Let's both not be sorry and be friends again," Runo sniffed.

Hikaru nodded her head, as more tears streamed down her cheeks. "Best friends!"

"What are you trying to do?" Runo gasped nervously as she was blindfolded by Dan.

"You'll know shortly," Dan chuckled, leading her to Marucho's backyard. He pulled away Runo's blindfold, and ran over with the other Brawlers.

"Surprise!" Everyone shouted.

Runo gasped, blinking. Tapping her chin thoughtfully, she asked, "What's the surprise party for?"

"Your beloved birthday," Dan walked forward to peck Runo's temple. "We couldn't all be present and apparently my own surprise for you was ruined, so we all decided to plan you a party again."

Runo laughed, shaking her head. "But, it's been a month!"

Dan wrapped his arm around her waist. "It's alright! Better late than never."
As the other Brawlers crowded around Runo, Dan sneaked away. Runo was occupied by the others as they talked to her.

What Runo failed to notice was Hikaru, Haruto and Dan pushing out a cart with a huge cake on it. The cake was pristine white, and of vanilla flavour, just as Runo loved. The other Brawlers moved away, as they allowed Haruto and Hikaru to move the cake towards the birthday girl. The other Brawlers circled around Runo as well.

"One, two, three!" Julie cheered.

All of them broke out in a birthday song, clapping as they did so, while Runo gasped, covering her mouth with a hand.

"... Happy birthday to you!"

Dan took out a bouquet of red roses from behind him, walking over to his girlfriend and giving it to her. Runo was so touched that she was about to cry. She accepted the bouquet, thinking to herself what a wonderful surprise it was, yet what she had not expected was that the surprise had not yet finished. Runo blinked as she saw Dan pause, before kneeling to the ground on one knee. The brunette pulled out a white box, the same box from the hospital, and opened it, revealing a ring. Runo jumped slightly at the sight of the diamond ring.

"Goodness, Dan, did you rob a bank?!" The blunette exclaimed in surprise.

The brunette chuckled in response. "I am a famous Brawler, Runo. My income doesn't fail me."

The blunette giggled back.

"Runo, for the past six years, I was the worst boyfriend you could have ever found. The Dan Kuso from back then didn't deserve you at all. But I promise you, right now, I'm a changed man. I swear, I will make you happy, never to shed a tear of sadness again. I will make you feel like a princess, a queen, a goddess, and treat you like my main female character," Dan grinned, holding up the box.

"Dan, we're only nineteen, don't tell me you want to marry Runo!" Julie gasped.

Dan chuckled in response. "I assure you, Runo, this is just a promise ring. If you accept it, you'd be temporarily 'engaged' to me, meaning you'd have to stick with me officially for the rest of your life, just that it isn't written in black and white. We have so many witnesses here, if I ever let you down, any of them can come and beat the hell out of me."

"You said it, Master Dan! I'll come and give you a good beating!" Baron yelled, causing the other Brawlers and Hikaru and Haruto to laugh.

Runo giggled, winking at Dan as she held out her left hand. Dan beamed like a child on Christmas, before sliding the ring onto her finger. The brunette got up, hugging the blunette and spinning her around, before giving her a passionate kiss on the lips while the girls threw rose petals at them.

As soon as they pulled away, Runo smiled at Dan. Dan shot her an apologetic look. "I was going to 'propose' to you on your birthday, but..."

"It's alright. What's more important is that it's better late than never!" Runo couldn't stop smiling.

And she really meant it. What mattered was that they were together till the end. Even if they made a detour in the midst of finding their happy ending, at least they solved it in the end.

And what awaits them from there on, was only a life-long's worth of happiness.

And that, marks the end of the story. I hope you guys loved the story. ^^ I wanna thank all my loyal readers and especially my regular reviewers who have been my happy pills and greatest source of motivation. Do continue to support me please! And have a very, very merry Christmas and a happy new year! ^^