Rikka's POV

Two weeks passed ever since the incident. Now that the whole problem cleared up and everything was back to normal. Ira was back!

We explained the situation to the Cures and resolved the problem. Of course Mamon already knew and she was right, Ira did come to tell me.

I realized that love is a lot more complicated than it seems. It's important to learn about eachother and build trust with one another in order to grow together. I learned that the hard way.

Who would've known how drastic the problem was. I'm just glad that everything's okay and that mine and Ira's relationship has been resolved.

That day, we took Ira to the hospital so that they could examine his wounds. A few stitches and bandages would do him fine so there was nothing to worry about

Ira and I just got back from a doctor's check up. The doctor said that his wounds will clear soon, and that they're doing better. Which was a relief. We're going to Mana's house now for lunch.

"It's a good thing that everything went well" I told him

"Yeah.. although those stitches frickin hurt" Ira said with a frown

"Just be sure to take plenty of rest" I instructed him

"Yes yes, lemme guess, Doctor's orders?" Ira said sarcastically

"Hey, who was the one who cured you that time you were sick?"

"Why it was you, Doctor Rikka" Ira smirked

We arrived at Mana's doorstep. I was about to ring the doorbell but the door swung open and Mana instantly came out

"Hiya guys!" Mana said, "I saw you guys coming from the window"

"Hey Mana!Sorry, are we late?"

"Not really. Although the others are already here!"

"Great! We're on time!"

We followed Mana into her parents restaurant. The diner closed early for our little get-together. It's been a while since we gathered like this.

Everyone was seated, even Mamon was there.

"H-Hey Mamon! What are you doing here?" Ira asked

"Eh, I was passing by" She shrugged

"Did Bel ask about me?"

"Oh, he told me as soon as he becomes human, he'll beat you to a pulp for leaving. He's been wondering where you were

"Greeeaat, I'll look forward to that" Ira said sarcastically.

"How are those stitches treating you?" Makoto asked

"Not too bad.." Ira said

"It's good to see you healthy Ira-kun" Alice said with a smile.

Ira just smiled awkwardly and Mamon laughed softly. Embarrassed, Ira then shot a dirty look at her.

Mana came out from the kitchen with a bunch of dishes in her hands. "Sit guys! Sit!" Mana said.

Ira and I sat down. We all talked and laughed with one another. Although, I noticed that Ira was not engaging in conversation, he looked down at his hands.

Everyone else began to notice too.

"Ira? What's wrong?" Regina asked

Ira jolted from his thoughts, "O-Oh.. uh.. n-nothing.."

"You looked troubled.." Alice said

"It's just.. I've been thinking. The whole incident that happened two weeks ago.. I know I can't take it all back.. but.."

"Ira, you apologized so many times! And we forgave you!" Mana said

"Well some people took a lot to convince" Regina said, eying Aguri

"It's not my fault! He was trouble from the very beginning!" Aguri said

"N-No, Cure Ace is right" Ira said, "I mean.. looking back-

"Ira, I know how much you regret this" I said, "but what's in the past needs to stay in the past! It's over now, don't worry yourself over it" I said

"Y-Your right Rikka.. I've just..Well.. I'm just really glad that you all accepted me despite... well everything.."

I squeezed Ira's hand.

"Rikka loves you! She trusts you! And we trust her. And you have proven yourself so it's all good!" Mana said

Ira smiled "Thanks everyone"

After that, Ira's spirits seemed to be higher, I was glad!

We continued to talk, laugh and enjoy our time together. Soon, evening started rolling in. We decided to say our goodbyes and head home

"That was fun! Let's do it again sometime!" Mana said

"For sure!" I said, everyone agreed.

"Let's go Ira?" Mamon said

Wait..
I thought

"U-Uh sure thing" Ira said, "Just give me a sec"

He's leaving..?

"Sure thing" Mamon said, with a sly smile. Ira groaned at her.

Ira took my hand and we started walking towards my house. We stopped at the front door.

"Sorry Rikka, I have to get going" Ira said

"Your heading back to Trump Kingdom?" I asked

"Well, Bel told Mamon to bring me back with her. He can't bring me himself cause well.. he's in a mouse situation"

We both laughed

Ira continued, I've been gone for well.. a long time actually. It's probably time I head home"

"I understand" I said

Ira grabbed my hands, "Listen Rikka, I promise to come back and visit! Maybe even stay for a couple of days!"

"No running away?" I asked

"No running away" he promised

I smiled, "Then I'm looking forward to it"

He smiled too.

Ira's POV

I brought Rikka in for a hug. Although I was going home, I really didn't want to leave Rikka behind. I squeezed her a little tighter, to reminisce and preserve the moment

Just then, I felt a strange feeling. The chilly evening breeze died down suddenly and the moon came out of the clouds.

In between Rikka and Mana's houses, I saw a dark figure, in the shape of man. I couldn't exactly tell who he was or if I knew him. He looked roughly in his 20s or 30s.

I squinted my eyes trying to see if I could get a clearer image of him but just as the moon was about to hide back in the clouds, he vanished.

What's surprised me most was the way he vanished..

He didn't exactly just "disappear". He teleported..

..The same way I could..

"Ira? Ira?" Rikka's voice came ringing.

I've been lost in my own thoughts, I completely forgot that I was still hugging her. I immediately pulled back from her and brought my hands to her elbows.

"Y-Yes?"

"You okay?" Rikka asked, "Boy do you go into trances a lot.."

"I'm fine! Perfect! Because your here with me"

"You sure? You seems distracted"

"Just thinking about how much I'll miss you"

Rikka smiled sweetly

"Ira!? You coming?" Mamon called, "Come on! I'm leaving without you!

I faced Mamon "Coming coming!" I called back.

I turned back to face Rikka.

"Well, bye Rikka" I said

"Wait! Ira! Before you go" Rikka leaned towards me and gave me a kiss on my cheek. I was caught completely off guard.

"Have a safe trip, come back soon" She said

"Thanks. And for sure!" I told her.

I let go of her arms and flew up to Mamon.

"Finally done?" Mamon asked

"Gimme a break Mamon" I said, annoyed

I waved back at Rikka one last time and caught my last glimpse of her beautiful smile.

I turned back to where I saw the figure earlier

Weird.. what was that?
I thought