Eriol turned the radio off. They heard the news just seconds ago.

Tomoyo was trembling in fear. "Everyone's going to hunt me down!"

"Not if I can't help it." Eriol muttered. He held her hand reassuringly. "Tomoyo, no one's going to hurt you. Don't worry. As long as you're with me, no one will dare do something bad to you."

"M-Maybe I should just go home and tell everyone I tried to run away." said Tomoyo.

"You said it yourself: everyone's looking for you. You are a great prey for kidnappers and such." he said.

"So what do I do?"

"I'm coming with you,Tomoyo."

"But you can't! Everyone will think you kidnapped me.You'll be in big trouble." exclaimed the girl.

He shrugged. "I'd rather that happen than put your life in risk."

"You're kidding!"

He looked at her in the eye. "Do i look like I'm kidding now?"

"Eriol, if you're after the reward-"

"I don't need your money, damn it! I'm worried about you,Tomoyo!" he bursted out.

Silence.

"I'm sorry, Eriol.I know you don't want my money because you helped me right from the start when the reward isn't being offered yet. But I can't think of other reasons why you are willing to go through all troubles for my sake." apologized Tomoyo.

"You're not thinking hard enough." mumbled Eriol.

"Come again?"

"Let's go, Tomoyo." he said.

"Well, we're almost there." Eriol said, breaking their silence.

Tomoyo looked around. She's just a street away from her house. "Y-Yes."

He sighed. "So I guess this is goodbye, Tomoyo. Happy Birthday again."

She has many words to say but she can't find her voice. She just silently stared at him.

Eriol is quiet too. He can't think anymore of what to say to prolong Tomoyo's presence.

She gave him a quick hug. As she was about to let go, however, he pulled her tighter.

"E-Eriol?"

"I don't want you to go yet. I don't really know why. I myself can't understand it." he whispered to her ears.

"Eriol.." she murmured.

Instantly he let go of her. Tomoyo looked at him,puzzled.

He shook his head. "Forgive me, Daidouji-san. It won't ever happen again." God, what was he thinking? What made him say that?

"But Eriol,I-"

Suddenly 3 shadows appeared from the dark.

"Well, well, well, nice to see you again, children." Kumo said, an evil smile on his face.

"Stay back!" Eriol ordered Tomoyo.

Kumo brought out a gun. "So you want the reward all for yourself. Tell you what, give us the girl and we'll split the money into four."

Eriol smirked. "You are insulting me, my friend. This girl is worth more than all the rewards in the world."

"Ok Kid, since you don't want a fair bargain, I have to convince you in a not-so-fair way." He and his companions loaded their guns and walked towards them.

Eriol turned to the girl. "Run as fast as you can,Tomoyo. Your house is not to far from him."

"Alright, but please be careful." She told him.

He smiled. "I will."

Tomoyo stared at him worriedly for a few more seconds before running to her house.

"Hey you, come back here!" shouted the thieves but the boy stood in-front of them.

"Out of the way, brat!" Yube shouted before firing at him. The others followed.

Eriol avoided their bullets easily.

"What the-fire! Fire!" yelled Kumo to his comrades. They did as told, but..

"You fools bore me. I think I'll finish you off right now." He told them.

The goons ran out of bullets already then. They dropped their useless guns and prepared to run away.

"Freeze! Nobody will move!" a shout came then headlights shone.