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Chapter 25 - chapter 25

Yuri, now lying down with a few of his wounds already tended to, turned his head toward her, eyes pleading with a playful glint.

Yuri: "Babe… let's go to our hideout."

Y/N narrowed her eyes, still gently dabbing at a bruise near his collarbone.

Y/N: "Why?"

Yuri: "If my dad sees me like this, I'm done for. He'll interrogate me like I'm a criminal."

She arched a brow, arms crossing.

Y/N: "Then maybe it's time to expose your face, Yuri. You deserve it. You didn't back down."

Yuri (groaning): "Babe, your boyfie will be punished. Like, ancient-ninja-training-in-the-rain kind of punishment."

She smirked.

Y/N: "Worth it."

Yuri (pouting): "Baaaaabe…"

She leaned closer, cupping his cheek with exaggerated sweetness.

Y/N: "Come on, Shadow boss. Let's sneak out."

Yuri (grinning like a kid): "That's why I fell for you."

As Yuri slipped his arms into a hoodie, trying to look less like someone who just came out of a fight club, he tossed a teasing look over his shoulder.

Yuri: "Maybe we should live separately… you know, I keep getting scolded like a kid here."

Y/N whipped around, glaring.

Y/N: "Yuri, you are over going right now."

Yuri (grinning): "Over going? Babe, I'm just warming up."

She grabbed his hoodie and pulled him down a little, face close.

Y/N: "One more word and you're sleeping in the car tonight."

He laughed under his breath, loving every second of her fire.

Yuri: "You'll miss me before I even lock the door."

Scene: Classroom –

The next day, Yuri sat at his usual spot, his body still aching from the previous night's battle, but he was trying to act like it didn't phase him. His friends, as usual, were teasing him.

David leaned over, glancing at him with a playful smile.

David: "Bro, you alright? You were barely standing yesterday."

Yuri (grinning): "No pain at all. I'm good."

Just as he finished speaking, Y/N walked up behind him, her eyes glinting mischievously. She raised her fist and slammed it lightly against his abs, testing his strength.

Y/N (smirking): "Really?"

Yuri (groaning in pain): "Babe… what are you doing?!"

Y/N: "Testing you. You're not in pain anymore, huh?"

The boys, witnessing the playful exchange, burst into laughter.

Felix: "Ooooh! That's gotta hurt, man."

Keif: "Y/N, the real Shadow Leader here."

Yuri (covering his face in mock embarrassment): "Babe, you're embarrassing me in front of the boys, and I'm the Shadow Leader!"

But despite the teasing, there was a softness in his eyes when he looked at her — a mix of pride and affection.

David (chuckling): "Guess Yuri's not untouchable after all!"

Yuri (grinning): "You're all dead when we get out of here."

But Y/N just gave him a playful wink, clearly enjoying the moment.

Scene: Freya's POV –

As Freya walked down the hallway, her eyes scanning the classrooms, she couldn't help but notice the loud laughter spilling from one of the rooms. Curiosity piqued, she slowed her steps as she approached Yuri's classroom.

Then, she saw it.

Y/N, standing casually behind Yuri, punched him playfully in the stomach as the boys around them cheered.

Her jaw clenched.

Freya (thinking to herself): "Yuri… actually did nothing? Acted like a kid in front of her?"

Her heart began to race with a blend of jealousy and fury.

Freya (internally seething): "That damn disgusting bitch. She thinks she can just waltz in and steal him away from me. I will make her pay."

Her gaze darkened, the image of Y/N and Yuri laughing together burning into her mind.

Freya (muttering to herself): "I won't let you have him. Not when he was always mine."

She turned on her heel, her thoughts already spiraling into a plan. The kind of plan that would make Y/N regret ever getting in her way.

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Y/N and Yuri's relationship continued to deepen. They had weathered storms together, faced enemies, and found solace in each other's arms. With each passing day, they became more than just a couple—they became a team.

They spent lazy afternoons at their favorite café, their hands always intertwined. Y/N would laugh at Yuri's playful teasing, and Yuri would find peace in just being with her, away from the chaos of their past lives.

Y/N had grown more confident in her own strength, and Yuri, no longer hiding behind his walls, began to show the world a side of him that only she had seen. He wasn't just the Shadow Leader anymore—he was the man who would do anything to protect the person he loved.

One evening, as they sat on a rooftop under the stars, the city's lights sparkling below them, Yuri turned to her, his voice soft and serious.

Yuri: "You know, I never thought I'd get this far. When we first met, I was just… lost. But you, you made me want to change. And I did."

Y/N looked at him, her heart swelling.

Y/N: "I didn't make you change, Yuri. You always had it in you. I just… reminded you who you really are."

Yuri (smiling softly): "I'm not sure where I'd be without you."

There was a quiet moment between them, the kind that spoke volumes. The world seemed still, as if giving them space to exist in that bubble of peace they had built together.

Y/N (playfully): "Well, I guess you'd still be getting into trouble."

Yuri (laughing): "True."

He leaned in, brushing his lips gently against hers, a promise sealed in that kiss. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear—they would face it together, side by side.

Scene: Graduation Day – A New Beginning

It was graduation day, a milestone that symbolized the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The sun shone brightly as students gathered in their cap and gown, each one beaming with pride and excitement. For Y/N and Yuri, it wasn't just about the ceremony—it was a celebration of everything they had overcome and achieved together.

They stood side by side, each wearing their robes, their smiles flashing in unison. The air was thick with excitement, but for them, there was a calm, a sense of certainty that the world ahead would be theirs to conquer.

Yuri (grinning): "Can you believe it? We actually made it."

Y/N (laughing): "I knew we would. I told you we'd get here."

She turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling with pride. There was no doubt in her mind that they had both come a long way. From the chaos of their lives before, to the strength of their bond now—it felt like they had already conquered the world.

Yuri (squeezing her hand): "And now, we get to decide what comes next. Together."

The ceremony began, and they joined the sea of graduates, walking across the stage as their names were called, the applause from friends and families echoing around them. When it was their turn, Y/N and Yuri exchanged a glance, a quiet promise between them. No matter where life took them, they would be together.

As the ceremony came to an end, they stood outside, the crowd of students spilling into the open air, some rushing to find their families, others simply soaking in the moment. Y/N and Yuri stood by themselves for a moment, looking out over the campus that had been their home for so long.

Y/N: "This place, these memories, they're all behind us now."

Yuri: "Not behind us. We carry them with us. Every single lesson, every fight, every victory. It's part of who we are."

They stood there, hand in hand, the wind rustling around them. The world was theirs to explore, to shape, and they were ready.

Yuri (smiling): "So, what now, babe? The real world awaits."

Y/N (grinning): "We make our own path. Together. Whatever comes next, we face it as a team."

And with that, they turned to walk into the future, the promise of everything they had worked for and the endless possibilities ahead filling them with hope and excitement.

Y/N's POV:

As I stood with Yuri, looking out over the bustling crowd of graduates, I could feel my heart beating a little faster. The day had been a whirlwind of excitement, but there was an underlying sadness that was starting to settle in. My gaze shifted to Mr. Hanamitchi and my dad, who were slowly making their way toward us.

Mr. Hanamitchi looked as strong as ever, his presence commanding attention as always. My dad, though, was a little slower, his wheelchair evident as he wheeled himself toward us. His face was full of pride, despite the physical limitations that had come with his health. Today wasn't just about me—it was about them, too. They had both been there for me in ways I couldn't fully express.

Dad (smiling warmly, despite the weariness on his face): "You did it, kiddo. I knew you could."

I rushed forward to embrace him, feeling his strong arms wrap around me, supporting me in a way that always made me feel safe. The familiar scent of his cologne, the warmth of his embrace—it felt like everything was finally falling into place.

Mr. Hanamitchi (turning to Yuri, his voice low but full of pride): "You've grown, Yuri. I'm proud of the man you've become. This is just the beginning."

Yuri met his father's gaze, and for a brief moment, I saw something soft in his eyes—something that wasn't there before. It was the acknowledgment of everything that had led to this moment: his father's strength, his own journey, and the future that awaited him.

Yuri (smiling, his voice firm): "Thanks, Dad. I won't disappoint you."

And for a moment, I saw not just the leader of Hanamitchi, but the young man who had fought for a sense of belonging and had finally found his place. It made my heart swell with affection.

Mr. Hanamitchi and my dad left us for a moment, turning down the hallway toward the university's administrative wing. They said they were going to meet the founder of the university—apparently, Mr. Hanamitchi had business ties here. Of course, he did. That man had connections in every corner of the city.

But as much as today was about celebrating all we'd accomplished, I couldn't ignore the ache building in my chest. I glanced at Yuri, his hand holding mine, and I knew what was coming.

Y/N (quietly, almost to myself): "I'm going to miss you so much, Yuri."

Yuri (giving me a playful smirk, though I could see the sadness hiding beneath it): "You're not getting rid of me that easily, babe."

I laughed softly, but deep down, I knew that soon, I'd be leaving the Hanamitchi residence and returning to my dad's house. It was time for me to go back, to be there for my dad as he healed and adjusted to life after his discharge. But the thought of being apart from Yuri, even if just for a little while, made my heart ache.

Y/N (sighing, squeezing his hand): "I know… but I'll miss you every day. I can't imagine not seeing you every morning, waking up beside you."

Yuri (softening, his voice low): "I'll be here, babe. We're not saying goodbye. Just a little pause. I'll come see you whenever I can."

It was hard to smile through the lump forming in my throat, but I managed. There was so much ahead of us, but this moment felt like the beginning of something new, something we both had to embrace—separately, but still connected.

Y/N (nodding, trying to stay strong): "I know, Yuri. I just… I'll miss this. I'll miss you."

Yuri (leaning in, brushing a soft kiss on my forehead): "I'll miss you, too. But we've got this. We've come this far, haven't we?"

I smiled, my heart still heavy but filled with hope. Yuri had always been my anchor, my strength. And now, no matter the distance, that connection would never fade.

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