They say spring is a time of love. It's hard not to agree: cold winter gives way to warmth, trees are covered with greenery, flowers blossom everywhere, the air is filled with freshness and sweet aromas. As if nature recreates a romantic mood, ideal for dating.
It's funny that it was in spring that he decided to break up. And in this park, under the shadow of a cherry blossom.
«Well, that's the case. Forgive me for telling you this in such way, Minako. You must be really angry with me now.»
How many times she already heard those apologies for their own feelings? So often that it's even funny. But she understands that that's the rules of courtesy and peculiar decency dictate to him. Yet she doesn't need it. Nobody needs it.
«Of course I'm not mad at you, Kyo-kun!»
It seems that her words, a smile and an expression of relief on her face surprised him. Well, of course, when you tell your girlfriend that you should break up, you expect tears, tantrums, insults and desperate pleas like "don't leave me", "I can't live without you" and everything similar to those. But Minako, fortunately, didn't belong to such a kind of girls.
«Actually, I've noticed that you've grown cold towards me. It was only a matter of time when you'd finally stop walking around the bush. So I'm glad you made your choice and I'm not angry at all that you chose not me. God knows, I did everything I could to keep you, but it was not enough. If you really love Amami-chan more than me, then I just have to let you go.»
He visibly shifted from her words. His gaze flew around, trying not to intersect with her honest and absolutely calm eyes.
«Wow ... it's ... Damn, now I'm doubly ashamed before you, Minako.»
«Please, don't feel so. It's all right. It's just that fate has no future for you and me. I really hope that it will be with you and Amami-chan. I sincerely wish you happiness.»
Kyo-kun shifted uncomfortably, but still met with Minako's gaze and, when he made sure that she was absolutely serious, sighed with relief. He smiled shyly at her.
«You're just an amazing girl, Aino Minako. You deserve a better guy than me.»
She just smiled back at him and hugged him in goodbye. So they broke up. Without unnecessary scenes and scandals. This has always happened in such way and it was not the first time. Surely not the last one.
Aino Minako had a lot of relationships during the whole period of her blooming youth, both with guys and girls. Even Makoto was one of her ex'. There were visits, gifts, long chatting, photos in instagram, hugs, kisses and of course sex. But still her relationships never lasted too long. The longest - six months - was with Makoto. And only because Mina couldn't brace herself to break up for a long time - she was too afraid that their friendship, already spoiled by love, would be permanently destroyed, and Mako would stop even talking to her. Fortunately, Makoto herself settled everything. In her usual straightforward manner, she came to Minako and said: «If you want to break up, like girlfriends, then say so! I will understand everything! We will still be friends and companions.» That day was one of the few cases when Minako cried because of the breakup. She incessantly, simultaneously dipping her clothes in tears, asked Mako forgiveness for her cowardice. For all the pain that she caused her. But even if Makoto was hurt, she assured Minako that this pain would pass, and their friendship would remain unbreakable. This dumped a huge load from Minako's soul and she was able to calm down. After that, the girls ordered a bunch of sweets at home and spent the whole evening sitting on the couch watching doramas. Even if Minako was good with Makoto like a girl, she was admitted to her and herself that it was not love - only crush.
Yes, those were crushes. All that she had until now were just impulses. A bright flame flared in her chest, but didn't burn too long. As if lightning struck a lonely tree in the middle of a wasteland. If there are no other trees nearby, the fire will quickly die out, leaving only coals and ashes. Her heart has never felt like a large forest fire flared up inside so far. Something close to this she was experiencing with Kunzite and... that boy, but it wasn't for long. Because of external factors actually, but nevertheless it was too brief to perceive as a true feeling. And even then these two cases are just exceptions, confirming the rule. Aino Minako had crushes, but never loved.
This happened so often and became so familiar that Minako had long ceased to be surprised. Whenever she, or her partner, decided to break up, Minako always remained calm and benevolent. Breaking up is not a tragedy - this is only the next step. Every relationship is a useful and still great experience. And when they end, it only means that you go further and are open to a new experience. Minako always wished her partners to find happiness with their new passions, regardless of who leaves whom. And they, in turn, always, by some surprising coincidence, told her that she deserved better.
It was always like this. And so it will be until the end of her life - with this fact she has long resigned. Kaito Ace - Adonis - was right. Whomever she met, she won't have a future with him. She will never be able to give all her heart to love, for her duty is above all. Her mission, which she is obliged to fulfil until the end of her days: to protect her princess and the peace on the whole planet of Earth. Minako was born a warrior. To fight in the name of good and light was as natural to her as breathing. So it makes no sense to complain once again that she isn't lucky in love. This isn't the matter of luck, it's just not her destiny, and there's nothing to change it.
Still, no matter how much she assured herself of this, there is sadness in her soul.
Failed again...
No! She will not cry! There's no point in crying! She needs to eat something sweet, then the mood will rise in a moment! Fortunately, a stall with ice cream was nearby. Having bought herself a cone with three different flavors, coated with whipped cream, caramel and sprinkled with nut and chocolate chips, Minako continued her walk through the park. Fortunately the day was good - warm, sunny. Strange thing - most of her breakings happened exactly in this park. Almost next to the fountain where Usagi and Mamoru meet before and after classes. Isn't that ironic? Or is this park so special - fateful? It would be nice to meet her new love here - so far this park didn't give her such joy. Not that Mina hoped with all her heart to start a new relationship so soon after the break, but ...
«I hate you!» was someone's outraged cry, and then a loud slap.
The source of the scream was found immediately: a guy and a girl near Minako, it seems, also experienced a break up. Obviously not as calmly as Minako did, on the basis of a reddened wake from the hand on the boy's cheek.
«You're disgusting! I don't want to see you again! Don't even think of calling me!»
After a lot of screaming, the girl turned on her high heels and retired, grumbling as she went.
«Why should I call you if I the one who ditched you?» Minako heard from afar the irritated, but moderately calm voice of the guy.
In general, it's not her business, is it? This young man, most likely, doesn't need anybody's pity. There wasn't a trace of sadness on his stern face with precise features. Neither was disappointment nor resentment. Only arrogant indifference, perhaps even relief. Since he himself decided to ditch this girl, it means that there were reasons for this and it was entirely his choice. He did as he wished. He has nothing to regret.
However, there was something in this young man that attracted Minako's attention. Something nostalgic, familiar. Like a picture in a children's album ... At first Minako didn't believe her own guess. But, involuntarily making a couple of steps toward the guy, she was able to better see him. Lavender hair in a stylish haircut, azure eyes, always serious and haughty look, always a straight and proud posture. She remembers all this!
And the name. It literally on tip of her tongue. So stupid, but stylish, catchy, suitable for him. She really liked it.
«Trunks?»
He turned to her voice. Is it really him! Or maybe not?
«Do you remember me?» She couldn't hide the worry in her voice. «We went to elementary school together. You were on the senior class, but we still dined together, helped each other with the homework, visited each other, even held hands in the corridor.»
What is she doing? What is she saying? What if she was mistaken? How many guys are painting their hair in lavender nowadays? What if he turned to a name by accident? What if he now laughs, say that she was mistaken and put her in a wildly embarrassing situation? Such a shame it's gonna be!
However, his face was first replaced with shock, then awareness and... joy.
«Minako? Aino Minako?»