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Prerequisite: Music helps set the mood, so as much as possible, I guess you should listen to the songs I put before the chapter starts. I mean, that is if you want to.

Also, I think the slowed version is better than the original

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- "Ever since I met you.. you've had this effect on me. You've been able to make me feel ways I thought I would never be able to feel again."

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN :: BUMBLEBEE

6 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE

TUESDAY

Keigo woke up to the sound of his phone's alarm clock blaring on his ear. He wanted to get some sleep after all that crying and drinking he did last night. But much to his surprise, the alarm wasn't even an alarm but it was a phone call. He examined the caller ID through the blurriness of his vision and saw that it was Dabi. Without hesitation, or maybe even because of his drunkness, he answered it.

"Hey, Dabi~" Keigo greeted as if he hadn't been the saddest man in the world for quite some time now. "I missed you, dude!"

"Now's not the time. What the fuck are you doing?" Dabi hissed on the other line. "You were supposed to be winning (your name) back, remember?"

"Ah, there's no need, really~" Keigo sounded bitter, jealousy and anger dripping on his tone like venom, "I saw her last night and she literally told me in her letter that she wants to be happy with that--what was his name again? Oh right, Tenya!"

"Has it ever occurred to you that she could be lying?"

"She's not the type to lie, though..."

"And you're just going to let go--just like that?"

"Yep!"

Keigo nearly fell from the bed when Dabi slammed on his hotel door. "Let me in, you imbecile." As fast as he could, Keigo stood up and opened the door. Dabi was fully dressed like they were about to go somewhere while there he was reeking of cheap alcohol and tears. He wanted to hug the male and let go of all of his pent up sadness but Dabi got to him first by punching Keigo, making him fall to the floor.

And wow, did that knock some sense back into him.

"Fuck, I didn't know I needed that." Keigo laid on the floor for a few minutes before Dabi crouched and poked his side.

"Sober up. I'm taking you for a stroll."

"I don't want to... I might see her beautiful face and cry." Keigo was really on the verge of tears now but this only made Dabi sigh and flick his forehead.

"This is why you need to work your ass up, Hawks."

Keigo sat up and groaned like a child. He stood up and started mumbling complaints about Dabi barging in and scaring him and now, bossing him around. The taller male just chuckled and sat on the hotel's given guest chairs. Dabi didn't want to see his best friend in pain like this but Keigo looked like he needed a bit of confidence boost. Fumikage had informed them that while Keigo was studying in Canada, he would only talk to the former and nobody else.

Keigo's hope in fate and destiny started to shatter because he was far away from the one he loves.

Other girls had tried to flirt with him but all he could do is stare at them. Nobody really brings him much joy as you did, and now, he was going to lose that. Or was he? Dabi stared at his phone and saw your messages. You were now at the train station with Fumikage as your company. This little bird here just needs a little push out of his nest. Keigo took approximately 40 minutes to get out of the shower. He changed into some casual clothing and grabbed his jacket, leaning on the door.

"Where exactly are we going?"

"We're going down memory lane," Dabi smirked. "It seemed like you have forgotten what matters to you because of your fear."

The duo finally went out and started strolling around the city. Keigo's curiosity was getting the best of him and he was now pestering Dabi to tell him what was going on. Meanwhile, inside the train, you and Fumikage were making your way to your hometown. You closed your eyes and remastered the plan you and Dabi had made in your mind.

Upon seeing your fake engagement ring, he would be devastated and he would--as expected--end up giving up on himself from winning you over. Despite his sarcastic attitude, his confidence level started to drop starting from the time he had his accident. Dabi's job right now was to let him remember how you made him feel all those times you were together. He would remind Keigo what he was here in Japan for.

What he was truly fighting for.

What Keigo's real end goal was.

You and Fumikage sat quietly on the train but there was something bothering your mind and it seemed like he had guessed what that was. "Miss, if you are worried about what sir had talked about you in Canada, let me be the one to tell you that you are all he ever talks about."

"How were you able to know that?"

"Your facial expression seemed tense." Fumikage patted your shoulder. "I'm sure this will all work out, (your name)."

"Thank you for that, Fumikage. I needed that." you smiled lightly before trying to concentrate on the task at hand.

Dabi had been walking around with Keigo for a few minutes now and there was only silence between them. Keigo, once in a while, would kick a few stones out of the way but most of the time, his head was on his feet. Dabi stopped him for a while.

"Hawks, as your best friend, I am slightly worried over this attitude you are showing." Dabi sighed. "Can you please tell me what's wrong?"

"I feel like I just wasted my time doing nothing all this time," he admitted, slowly slumping his shoulders. "I should have called or texted. I should have shown a sign that I was still interested in her."

"What do you think you should do?" Dabi placed a hand on Keigo's shoulder.

"Apologize. I should try to talk these feelings out." Keigo pursed his lips. "And I made a promise... but shit man, I don't understand why I'm breaking it."

"A promise, you say...?"

Keigo stopped talking and took a look around him. His eyes widened and remembered this was where you and him first fought on that first week of school. He smirked as he remembered the fight he and Dabi had because of how upset he made you. Dabi saw his face and smiled lightly.

"Remembering something?"

"You bet." Keigo slapped his own hand. "First week of school, (your name) and I fought because she got upset over you leaving."

"And we fought about it too..."

"Yeah," Keigo continued. "And she got guilty about it so, she apologized after 3 weeks."

Dabi smiled and proceeded to walk down the street and took a sharp left turn on the way to the bar. Dabi had taken the time to memorize and remember the recordings Keigo had marked as special to him and most of the special recordings he passed to his therapist were memories of both of you. Keigo started to chuckle as he followed Dabi.

"Were you really serious about going down memory lane?"

"I was, Hawks." Dabi turned to look at him but never stopped walking. "I still want you to be happy too."

Keigo stayed silent at Dabi's final statement. It confused him but he was glad that at least somebody is there for him in times of need and trouble. Dabi noticed his silence and continued to walk until they had finally reached the bar. Keigo chuckled and looked around for a while. "Mind telling me why here? This place reeks of bad memories."

"Mhm. However, you saved her here." Dabi grinned. Keigo's eyes widened and the male directly turned his attention to Dabi. Keigo knew that you couldn't have told him about it because of the fear of being scolded by him.

"How did you know about that?"

"I have my ways." He lied. Dabi knew because you DID tell him. When he confessed to you about why Keigo left Japan without a word, you told him everything as well. There was really no use in lying and hiding anymore when your main goal is to fix everything and live the lives you all wanted.

"Great ways. You seem to know a lot now. I'm proud of you, buddy!"

"Well, I'm not proud of you yet."

"Why not?!" Keigo placed a hand on his chest just like the time Dabi asked him to look after you. "I am hurt, pal. I thought we were chill."

"Moving on..."

From the University Park and back to your apartment building, Dabi showed Keigo the old spots both of you would hang around and he would see a glimmer in Keigo's eyes-the kind that is only present when the person hasn't moved on yet. He truly did love the hell out of you-body, mind, and soul. Keigo tried to make sense of all of the places they visited and all the advice that Dabi gave him, but he still can't find the courage in himself to face you.

Even after all this time, missing you and wishing you were beside him.

Thought I saw you at a bar last night.
Hid in the bathroom, I just couldn't stay high

"The last stop may be further than the others. Are you alright with that?" Dabi said while walking the road towards the train station. "I'm sure they'll be happy to see you again."

Keigo knew exactly what Dabi meant. He was talking about your parents. They were heading to your hometown. Keigo's heart started jumping out of its' place and he started sweating like crazy. He still gets nervous when it was concerning your parents. Keigo was more afraid now that he left because of a favor and came back not doing anything to win the love of his life.

'Cause I took so much time to reset my life
But in just one look, I'm back

The train ride was a big hassle for Dabi because Keigo couldn't stop fidgeting around while the destination began becoming closer and closer. One time, Keigo almost cried on the train ride because he wasn't ready to face your parents over the failure he became, especially for you-their daughter.

Dabi reassured him that everything will be alright. Or at least, he hoped. Dabi knew that you and Fumikage were already there, and you were starting to get nervous over how this would play out-would it really work?

Forget that I could have anyone I like
But now all I remember is what we had

"Do you believe in fate?"

This question rang on Keigo's head for the whole train ride when Dabi asked about it out of the blue. Did he believe in fate? For how many years, he thought that fate was something that prevented him from doing what he wanted. It took a lot in him to even consider that maybe what fate had planned for him-it was what he needed.

And maybe meeting you was fate.

But losing you was also fate.

How could fate hurt so much, right?

Keigo sighed as both of them made their way to the cemetery. For how many times, Keigo thought it might be better to bail and never show his face ever again. He kept his head hanging while putting his hands on his jacket pockets. What was there to lose to talk to your parents for one last time, right?

Nobody, nobody, nobody compares to you
Somebody, somebody please help me get over you

When both of them were right in front of the grave, Keigo automatically did what you had done before. He grabbed candles and incense and lit them up with a match. Dabi watched as he silently prayed and Dabi took a sharp inhale before speaking up. "Seems like you have a really timely visitor, auntie."

This statement made Keigo chuckle a bit, he opened his mouth a little, only to close it again. "I shouldn't be chickening out, really... but I'm shaking as frick right now."

"Well, I guess, I'm here because..." Keigo stopped himself, taking in sharp inhales and letting out sharper exhales. "... I still do love your daughter. And Dabi, right here, has been proving to me what the hell I was missing over the five years I was gone."

"..."

"For five years, I left your daughter alone. I left her trying to fix and solve something that should have been done by the two of us... I should have tried harder to contact her while I was away--to let her know that I was still here, that I will forever stay by her side." Keigo started to sniffle and tears can be seen trailing down his cheeks. "I told myself when I came back that I'll be damned when I see her because I know my heart will forever be beating her name and my soul will forever crave her presence right beside me. God, was destiny such a bitch last night."

He continued. "However, even if she's arranged to some dude she doesn't really like, I'm heartbroken because I haven't been the best person recently. This time, I'll do my best. After this, I'll go straight up to her and kiss her because I mean it--I do love her."

Dabi reached into his pocket and found his phone, bringing out a copy of the recording of the last time the two of you were there. He clicked play and Keigo automatically recognized the statements. He looked at Dabi who was wearing a cheeky grin on his face. This confused Keigo but his confusion was replaced with relief when Dabi said;

"I finally will allow you to have her, Keigo."

Keigo's tears continued to fall down his cheek as he mouthed a 'what' to Dabi. Dabi just laughed and pointed right behind him. When Keigo turned around, you were right there, smiling and crying as well, your hands covering your mouth as you sobbed. Fumikage was standing right behind you, rubbing your back to relieve you from crying.

'Cause it feels like I've been wasting my time
In all the wrong places, on all the wrong faces

Keigo wanted to scream but all he could do was let out a breathy, shaky sigh. He wanted to hug you so bad right now but first, he turned around and tackled Dabi causing them to fall on the grass. Dabi groaned and pushed Keigo away. "Now go, do what you want to do!"

"B-but what about the-"

"Bitch, just go!" Dabi was screaming and pointing at you at this point and Keigo nodded.

Keigo stood up and brushed the grass off of him, running straight at you, giving you a tight hug. His warm embrace was enough for you to finally break down. Your hands wrapped around his waist and you pulled him even closer, not caring if you got his jacket wet from your tears.

"Oh god, sunflower, I missed this." Keigo puled apart slightly and kissed your forehead. "I missed you... I could just-"

Keigo was cut off by your lips crashing on his. He smiled before fluttering his eyes closed and kissing you back passionately. All those years of missing you and craving for you poured into one kiss. Fumikage had to stand back and join Dabi in watching the two of you from afar.

When the two of you pulled apart, Keigo rested his forehead on yours. He was still at a loss for words.

"The engagement..." you said quietly, your voice being covered by your own sobs. "...has been called off a year ago, Keigo."

"R-really?" Keigo gripped on your shoulder. "I-I can... I mean, not that I didn't have them in the first place b-but... I can l-love you now?"

You nodded quickly.

"And no one c-can stop me?"

You nodded again and wrapped your hands around his neck, pulling him into an embrace. He buried his face on the crook of your neck and planted kisses there. You giggled.

"That tickles, Keigo."

"I'm never letting you go, sunflower." He said, still staying in that position. "I'm sorry if it took me so long to want to do something."

And maybe fate had plans that didn't work for most of us. And maybe fate wanted us to suffer first to make us realize that fate only helps us get to what our heart desires-but it will never be responsible for the actions you do. Because that's on you.

And maybe this was all you both needed.

You didn't need to make up for lost time, because time will continue to tick no matter how many times you fail.

What you needed was the courage to start all over again and grab the time that is now right in front of you.

Nobody compares to you.

5 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE

WEDNESDAY
5:30 AM

The start of a new day. And the start of your new relationship with Keigo.

This time, Time will never be lost again.

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A/N: I wonder if anyone noticed the time disappeared after the date when they were far from each other. Hue, anyways, I decided to update twice today because the last 2 chapters would be shorter and straightforward.

I hope you love this! Y'all inspire me to write more than I should.

Anyways, thanks for reading and as always, take care.