Mishima Fay washed her face thoroughly and finally looked up in the mirror. Frowning, she noted how puffy her eyes were and how her cheeks looked so hollow because she hadn't eaten in days. If she had been looking into the mirror a week back, she would've looked into the face of the powerful and beautiful Mishima Fay. However, today, she was looking into the face of a scorned and hurt woman.
Fay smashed the mirror and looked down the sink. She so wanted to throw up, but she knew it would be useless because she hadn't eaten in days. The strong façade she showed everyone was just a lie. She was hurt now and she wanted to scream.
She was so hurt…
She walked out of the bathroom and went straight to her room. She flipped through her closets nonchalantly and just pulled out anything decent for the day. She decided that it was time to go to work and face her demons.
Pulling on a pair of workpants and a white shirt, she wore high heel sandals and then went to her dresser to apply some makeup on. She knew she needed a lot of it today.
Finally, when she was done, she walked out of her room and walked straight out of her house to her car. She was going to work earlier than others and she needed to sort through stuff that she had missed in the past week.
Later - In the Office
"She's here,"
"She actually came in today…"
Fay ignored the whispers as she walked into her office, which was the vice presidents office of the organization she worked for. "Sai, I want status on all the reports of the previous week," Fay ordered, looking at the shocked secretary.
"Y… Yes Mishima-sama," she said with a bow.
Fay turned around and headed back into her office, focusing on her work. She ignored the looks and she certainly ignored all the other comments. She was here to work. She didn't care about anything else.
But she knew she was going to snap any minute, and if it wasn't for that call…
"Why did you go to work today?"
Fay sighed into her telephone and frowned. "Don't…" she said, rubbing a weary hand through her face. "Don't lecture me, not now."
"Is it as bad as you thought?"
"Worse,' she mumbled, leaning on the couch. "Worse."
"Have lunch with me."
Fay looked at her clock and realized it was past noon already. She had been so buried in her work that she didn't realize it was so late and it was then that her stomach reminded her that she was hungry. "Not today."
He cleared his throat and spoke again. "Have you seen them?"
"I have a lot of work now, I will talk to you later tonight," she said, hanging up on him. She didn't want to give him the chance to argue with her. 'Them' was still a bitter subject and 'them' was something she did not want to hear or talk about.
She turned around to face her desktop and resumed to her work, ignoring her growling stomach. By the time she was done or realized she was done, it was 7 PM and she only realized it was late because it was dark outside.
Fay let out a sigh and shut down everything. She leaned against her chair and closed her eyes. That wasn't so bad now, was it? she thought sarcastically. All you had to do is ignore everyone around you…
She tried relaxing a bit, but suddenly shuddered when a flashback hit her. She immediately shook her head and stood up. I do not want to be reminded of that event.
Fay gathered her things and walked out of her office. She was thankful that it was her weekend tomorrow. She wanted to see if she could survive the office before hitting it full force new week. She picked up her purse and files for the day so she could work from home and catch up on what she had missed.
Walking out, she let the cool night air hit her face. She inhaled deeply and looked around. It was a quiet evening and not a lot of people were on the streets. She had decided to park a bit far away from her building, so she could get some peace. She walked to her car, got in, and decided to call it a night.
The Next Morning
Fay had thought she was going to get a peaceful weekend, but how wrong she was.
"SEIICHI! That evil bastard is sending me to a conference in Malaysia! He is sending to me Malaysia!"
Yukimura Seiichi let out a sigh and rubbed his ear gently. "Didn't you hung up on me yesterday?"
"That's not important right now, you drama queen?!" she snapped, walking back and forth in her room. "He called me on my weekend and told me to meet him at the airport on Sunday! I sense a perverted mission here."
"And you say I'm the one being a drama queen here?" he muttered sarcastically, moving the phone to his other ear. "He's your boss; he is not going to do anything stupid."
"That's not the point! I don't want to go to Malaysia! I want to sulk in my room."
"Take my advice?"
"What?"
"Go and take a week off and stay there! You will do the people of Japan some good by not coming back immediately."
Fay glared at the phone.
Yukimura smirked. "Once you stop glaring at the phone, tell me when you want to meet me for a proper dinner."
"Never."
[Click]
Yukimura stared wryly at the phone. I hate that woman.
Malaysia
Being here bothered her.
Mishima Fay looked around the crowded reception in Malaysia's Marriot Hotel and let out a sigh. Her boss had only given her her stuff and then proceeded to his own meetings while she was stuck here attending on behalf of the company.
Fay stood up from her chair and tried NOT to mingle in the crowd. She wasn't in the mood for this and she didn't want to be here. She was in a whining mode and she just wanted to call Yukimura and shout at him.
Looking around, there was no escape route. She looked at her conference schedule and noticed that there was a seminar held now, so she decided to just go there and pretend she was listening.
She headed towards it and looked around for a proper seat. She got comfortable and put her file on her lap. She had already missed the opening, but she didn't care. She looked up and found a rather young gentleman lecturing. Looking around the room, she realized that the lecture seemed to catch everyone's attention. Fay frowned and looked back at the lecturer; for he seemed to be entertaining them.
She glanced at her schedule and looked for his name and topic title.
Ootori Choutarou – Female Management is Smart Management
Fay raised an eyebrow at the title, but decided to listen to him for the topic seemed intriguing to her. She focused her attention on him and listened to all the pros and cons of a female manager versus a male one. The men in this room will definitely hate him, she thought with a mischievous smile.
Fay never realized that she spent a whole hour listening to him.
After The Seminar
Fay had a smile on her face when she left the seminar. She never thought she would enjoy a lecture so much. The best part was when men started debating the lecturer. She had enjoyed her time.
She looked around and decided that it was lunchtime, so she decided to go to the ballroom and have some lunch. However, when she got there she noticed that it was crowded and she didn't feel like socializing.
She started to go back when someone stood next to her. "You were smiling the whole time."
Fay turned around at the voice and looked taken aback. "Oh…"
Ootori Choutarou smiled at her and nodded politely. "Did you enjoy my lecture?"
Fay blinked, but then nodded. Up close he looked different than on stage. He was tall, fit, and very handsome. However, she wasn't sure what type of a man he was because she noticed that he was sporting a cross earring on one of his ears.
Ootori moved his hand to his earring and adjusted it a bit. "Don't judge me by this."
Fay raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't."
He nodded and looked around. "Would you like to join my table for lunch?"
Fay hesitated.
Ootori didn't get her the chance to respond. He simply moved his arm ahead of her and told her to walk in front of him.
Fay shrugged and did so. She walked slowly until he caught up to her and led her to one of the tables on the side. She was grateful that no one was sitting there. At the same time, she wasn't that comfortable because she didn't want to be sitting alone with a man.
"Where are you from, Mishima-sama?" he asked, reading her name off her name tag.
"Kobe."
Ootori siled. "So you are Japanese," he confirmed, lifting his elbows onto the table and leaning them there. "I am from Japan too."
Fay nodded politely. "I found your topic rather interesting."
He chuckled, shaking his head. 'Then you were the only one," he said softly, watching her. "You are probably a manager."
"Vice President."
He looked like he already knew the answer without asking. He didn't show that he was impressed.
The two of them spent an hour conversing over lunch. Fay found his company cheerful and not gloomy like most of her companions had been lately. He was a nice and fresh change from what she had been through lately. Finally, when they were done, the two of them exchanged business cards.
Ootori tucked the card into his suit pocket. "Do you mind if I get in touch with you when I'm back in Japan?"
I doubt that would happen, she thought, knowing that many people didn't. "If you want to."
"Yes, I do," he said, standing up. "I bid you a good day, Mishima-sama."
"Bye," she said quietly, watching him as he left.
Three Months Later
"Mishima, where are your friends?"
Fay looked at him sadly, but then smiled. "You are my friend, Seiichi," she answered, unfolding the napkin and placing it on her lap.
"Your female friends," he stressed, watching her curiously.
Fay chuckled, but then looked back at him with the same serious gaze he was giving her. "I try not to mingle a lot," she finally admitted. "It hurts less."
Yukimura folded his hands and leaned his chin on them. "You know, maybe if you are more honest like that to someone of your own species, it might help."
"I don't think so." She shook her head, picking up her menu and began reading.
Yukimura poked her forehead playfully and made her look at him. "You need a girl best friend, Mishima."
"Like the last one helped so much?!" she snapped loudly, her face heating up.
He stopped when she shouted and let out a sigh. "I'm sorry."
Fay put her menu down. She looked away with an emotionless look on her face. "I can't eat anymore."
"We haven't ordered yet," he said wryly, reaching to hold her hand. "You're still bitter and heartbroken, Fay," he remarked, squeezing her hand. "You need to talk about it. You've been ignoring the subject since day one."
Fay snatched her hand and shook her head. "I don't want to." If I ever talk about it then it means that it happened. If I ever talk about it then it means it means that it's true. If I ever talk about it then … I will break down crying again.
He was going to speak, but the cell phone ring interrupted them. He looked at his phone, but noticed that it wasn't ringing, so he knew it was Fay's.
Fay looked at it and frowned, not knowing the number. She picked it up and decided to answer anyway. "Hello?"
"Mishima-sama?"
Fay hesitated, but answered, "Yes?"
"It's Ootori Choutarou?"
Do I know an Ootori Choutarou? Fay thought, trying to skim her memory. "Umm…"
He chuckled. "We met in a conference in Malaysia three months ago; I promised I would stay in touch."
"Oh," Fay said, remembering him. He is the young man that gave that interesting lecture. "This is a surprise," she admitted, picking up her glass of water and sipping it while Yukimura ordered something.
"I'm glad it is a surprise then," he said. "I've wanted to call you for a long time, but I haven't been in Japan for the past few months, but now that my feet are firmly on Japanese ground for a while, I decided to call you."
"Oh."
"Will you have dinner with me?"
Eh? Fay thought taken aback… Is he asking me out? She looked at the phone. She frowned, looked at Yukimura who was eyeing her curiously and then back at the phone. 'Dinner as a …?"
He laughed, which was a production of a beautiful deep voice to her ear. "I'm asking you out to dinner as an acquaintance, Mishima-sama," he said, after he laughed.
Fay pursed her lips together and frowned even more because she knew she had embarrassed herself. However, she remembered something. "Ootori-sama… how old are you?"
"Based on my calculations…" he murmured. "I should be five years your junior."
"What calculations?!" she snapped, annoyed at the way he had said it.
He laughed again. "I am only teasing you," he said softly. "So do you want to have dinner with me?"
Fay was fuming, but she admitted that she did want to see him again. "Fine," she mumbled. "When and where?"
He planned it with her and finally bid her well.
Fay hung up the phone and just stared it. "That was unusual."
Yukimura took the bowl of fries and placed it in front of her. "Did you just get yourself a date?" he asked, eyeing her to see if she would give off any reaction. He studied her more and realized that she looked as confused as his question, so he decided to just drop it. "Anyway, how is work?"
Fay looked grateful at the change of subject. "It's… it's alright, I guess," she answered. Work is terrible, Seiichi. Everyday I'm there anticipating with a panic that I'll bump into him… that's what she wanted to say, but she just couldn't.
Yukimura let out a sigh and only wanted to slap her sensessly at this stage. She was so built up inside that he wasn't sure how it would ever break. At the same time, he admired her a lot because she was very strong. Only he had seen this side of hers and he wished that she would find someone who can love and see her for the way she is. He hoped that she could find a person that might be able to get closer to her than he was. "I worry about you, you know."
"I know," she said, smiling at him. "Thank you, Seiichi. You help me more than you realize it."
"I'm glad," he said thoughtfully, picking up the menu and handing it to her. "Now order something and let's eat."
The Next Day
Fay was at work and it was also the same day that she was seeing Ootori for dinner. She didn't know why she had agreed to this, but she knew that the fact that he was younger than her, helped ease her mind a bit. Maybe a change of company might help me a bit… she thought optimistically.
She did her usual meetings, e-mails, reports and status reports of her projects. By the end of the day, she was exhausted and wanted to just curl up in bed, but she remembered that she had dinner plans.
Picking up her bag, she walked out of her office and bid goodbye to her secretary. Fay ignored the surprised look on her face because she knew her secretary was shocked at the fact that she was leaving a bit earlier than usual today.
As she walked to her car, a thought wondered in her mind. Three months and I haven't seen them… I wonder if they're trying to avoid me as well.
She clutched her fist and gritted her teeth. Fay was still angry that even after three months it still managed to hurt her heart whenever she thought about it. It still angered and wounded her. She was livid because it was still getting to her.
Fay headed home and went straight into the shower. She had a nice long warm shower and came out only in her towel. She quickly dried herself and blow dried her hair. After that, she walked to her closet, trying to decide what to wear. I should've asked where he was taking me… we did agree to meet someplace nearby, but he didn't tell me where he wanted to take me.
She decided not to think about it anymore. Fay took out a pair of knee length leggings, a nice elegant long top and to be safe she wore sandals so she wouldn't look too dressed up or too casual at the same time. Also, she pulled out one of her handbags, stuffed her stuff into it, and walked out.
Fay walked to her destination and felt rather nice because the whether was just right tonight. She reached it after a good ten minutes and looked around for a familiar face. Finally, she spotted him standing by a corner as he leaned against a pillar.
"Ootori-sama," she said greeting him, walking towards him.
He looked up at her and smiled.
Fay was relieved that he was in semi-formal clothes. He was just wearing formal pants with a shirt. She was glad that he had no tie or suit jacket on. "Am I late?" she asked, standing next to him.
"No, I'm early," he joked with a bright smile. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."
Fay extended her hand and he shook it. "Pleasure's all mine," she said sincerely. "So where are we going?"
He looked around embarrassed. "To be honest, I'm not really very familiar with Kobe, so I was hoping you would choose."
Fay looked at him with a frown. "But… where are you from then?"
"Tokyo?"
Yikes! "Ootori-sama… did you come to Kobe today… for me?" Please don't tell me that you rode for five hours on a bullet train for this dinner? Please don't say yes.
"I knew I had a meeting in this city today, so I wanted to see you."
Phew… "I'm flattered," she admitted, not looking at him. However, a few seconds later, she looked at him. "Well then, what cuisine do you prefer?"
"I would never choose on behalf of a lady."
Fay totally ignored him. "Which cuisine do you choose, Ootori-sama?"
He looked at her innocently and then let out a sigh. "Is there any good Mexican restaurant around?"
"Of course!" she said, leading him to one that was close by.
They walked for a while in silence until they reached their destination. Ootori looked at the place and smiled. ¨You like Mexican too?¨ he asked, putting his hands in his pockets.
¨Yes or I would've made you change your mind.¨ She smiled at him, ¨Shall we?¨ she asked, tilting her head lightly.
¨Sure. After you.¨ He gestured for her to enter first.
He has manners, she thought walking past him and entering the restaurant. Impressive.
Fay looked around for a vacant table and her eyes fell on one near the big window that overlooked the port. She walked towards the table with Ootori following her and she sat on the chair. He sat across her and hit her feet with his accidentally.
¨Oops...Sorry!¨ He smiled embarrassed, ¨I have long feet.¨ They both laughed at his statement.
¨It΄s alright. Don΄t worry.¨ She looked around the restaurant. ¨I never knew that it would be this crowded.¨
Ootori nodded, ¨I can΄t believe how many people enjoy Mexican food,¨ he remarked, looking at the menu that was on the table. ¨I like the music they have on the background,¨ he said indifferently, still going through the menu.
¨Yes, I think the owner΄s wife is Mexican,¨ Fay said, waving her hand to a waiter. ¨Have you decided yet what you want to eat?¨ she asked Ootori, looking at him.
He looked at her and smiled. ¨Of course.¨
The waiter came to their table and placed wo glasses of water. They gave their order and the waiter walked away.
¨I like it here. It΄s comfortable,¨ Ootori said, looking at the decoration.
¨So, Ootori-sama. What brings you to Kobe?¨ Fay asked sipping from her glass of water.
¨Well, I had a long and boring business meeting. The company I work for has a division here and they send me here a lot,¨ he said as he nibbledon a piece of bread the waiter had brought. ¨Unfortunately, I do a lot of trips with my job, which is very tiring,¨ he sighed tiredly, but smiled at Fay after that.
¨I know what you mean. I get to do my share of trips in my job too.¨ She picked a piece of bread and played with it.
¨Ok. Let΄s not about work. What do you like to do Mishima-san, on your free time,¨ he inquired curiously.
¨Sleep!¨ Fay laughed at her answer. She couldn΄t believe that she was so tired as to admit to someone that she would like to sleep in her free time. Am I that pathetic?
¨Hehe...That΄s nice Mishima-san. I would love to sleep on my free time too.¨ Ootori laughed full-heartily.
Their food was brought at that moment and they conversed lightly about various things. They finished eating after and hour and Fay tried to stifle a yawn.
Ootori laughed lightly. ¨Either I am boring you or you are very tired,¨ he said finally placing his hand on the receipt.
¨No...Sorry...You are not boring me. I just didn΄t sleep well last night.¨ Fay admitted embarrassed. She caught sight of his hand moving towards the receipt and she moved her hand to it but she grabbed his instead. ¨Its my treat,¨ she said eyeing him.
Ootori chuckled at her tone of voice. ¨That΄s not debatable Mishima-san,¨ he said half serious and took the receipt.
Fay lifted her eyebrow at his statement.
¨A man pays for a woman, not the other way around,¨ he smiled warmly.
Fay was taken aback by his smile but didn΄t show it. He is really sweet and a gentleman non the less.
Ootori got up from his chair and Fay followed suit. He motioned for her to walk past him. She past by him looking at him curiously but without him noticing. They went at the counter and Ootori paid for everything, he opened the door for her and walked out of the restaurant together, side by side.
¨I will walk you home Mishima-san,¨ he said in a tone that was not to argue. Fay nodded and they began strolling the street towards Fay΄s apartment.
As they stood by the door, Fay looked at him and smiled. "That was refreshingly pleasant," she admitted, bowing. "I enjoyed your company, Ootori-sama."
"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Mishima-sama."
Fay nodded and thanked him again as she walked into the elevator.
And this was a start of a beautiful friendship.
Six Weeks Later
"You bitch to me less these days."
Fay paused, holding the top in her hand. She looked at Yukimura who was standing next to her and turned her eyes back to the aqua top that she was admiring a few minutes ago. Sighing, she put it back in its place and looked at him again. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"I'm scared to say that you're rather cheerful these days. That word doesn't exist in your life,' he said, picking up the top that she had returned. "I'm buying this."
"I'm just in a better mood," she said, snatching the top back from him. "Don't you even dare buy this, it's hideous."
He ignored her and took it back. "Fay… You used to call me three times a day to complain. Now, it's down to one. Have you found a new victim?" He poked her forehead.
Fay thought about what he said as she followed him to the counter. She watched him pay for it in silent and waited as the one wrapped it and put it in a bag.
Yukimura took it and led her outside. "Well?"
"I'm on and off I guess," she replied, leading him to another store. "I did make a new friend almost two months ago and he's… he's nice."
"Is this the guy that's younger than you?" he asked, window shopping.
Fay hugged his arm and pulled him towards a lingerie store. "You're younger than me too."
Yukimura froze when he realized where Fay had taken him into. "Oy… why did you bring me in here?" he demanded, looking at her as she stared innocently at him. He quickly looked away and walked out with Fay following him laughing. "Act your age, woman!"
Fay pushed her tongue out at him and laughed. After she finished laughing, she walked to the bench by the indoor fountain of the mall and sat on it. "I feel better I guess. If he is the result of me being happy or not, it doesn't matter to me. I found a good friend who can make me laugh."
"I never make you laugh?"
"You only make me hung up the phone on you." Fay giggled, watching him frown. She turned serious and looked at the passing children. "How is your girlfriend, Seiichi?"
Yukimura put his hands in his pockets and looked up at the mall's high ceiling. "She is very good." he looked at Fay who seemed to be thinking of something and then followed her line of sight and found her staring intently at the passing children. He noticed that she had absently touched her stomach and then finally she looked away.
Yukimura walked to her and leaned down so his eyes were leveled with hers.
"What is it?" she asked softly.
He leaned forward and hugged her. "One day you will find a great man who will love and cherish you and give you all the kids that you want."
Fay felt tears in her eyes. "Do you promise to kick his ass if he doesn't?"
Yukimura laughed, rubbing her back. "Of course."
Months Later
"Oh… You broke up with her?" Fay asked Ootori, sitting on a blanket on the beach. She looked at him as he lay on his back with sunglasses on. Lately, she noticed that he had seemed stressed, but he never complained or said anything about it. Fay frowned, noticing that he didn't look the least bit relaxed.
"These things happen,' he muttered, bending one of his knees.
Fay hesitated, but really wanted to know, for her curiosity got the best of her. "Who broke up with whom?"
He didn't say anything.
"Ootori?"
Silence.
Fay raised an eyebrow, but it didn't stay that way for long. She knew he wasn't faking sleep because he was simply not the type to ignore someone like that. She hugged her knees and placed her chin on top of them, watching him. She admired his body and felt like a pervert at the same time. She had to admit that Ootori Choutarou had one hell of the body.
She had spent a lot of time with him in the past few months and they had clicked very fast. He called her almost everyday and visited her whenever he was in her city. She was fortunate that his company had a division in Kobe and he had to come here frequently.
Fay enjoyed his company and always felt at ease when he was around. First, he was extremely polite and mature for his age. Second, his field of work was interesting, and third… it was simply because he was Ootori.
She watched him some more and never realized that she fell asleep.
Later
Wake up
Fay stirred and stretched her arms. "Not yet," she murmured, hugging tightly onto something.
"Mishima…"
Fay blinked and realized she was hugging someone's arm very tightly. She saw something blocking her view, which took her a few minutes to discover that it was someone's chest. Fay let go and sat up, embarrassed that she had hugged Ootori's arm like that. "Heh…" she chuckled. "I'm sorry."
He sat up and rubbed a weary hand through his hair. "It felt nice," he said quietly, looking at the ocean. He turned his body to the side and picked up his watch from the blanket. "I can't believe we slept for two hours."
Fay smiled guiltily. "I'm sorry; I was supposed to wake you up." Why did he say that it felt nice? Fay thought, her heart beating a bit faster than usual. She chose to ignore it for now and not go into that detail.
Fay stood up from her sitting position and stretched her arms above her head. Her arms fell back by her sides and she placed her hands on her hips, leaning down to look at him. "Shall we go and eat?"
"Yes." He nodded, standing up next to her. "Do you want to eat here or care for somewhere fancy?"
Fay looked around and noticed that it wasn't very crowded. "Let's eat here, I'm too tired to change and dress up. I want to go home after this and SLEEP."
He patted her head with a chuckle. "Again?"
"Yes, I've been very tired lately," she said, putting on her t-shirt and then her beach slippers.
"You should rest more," he said, picking up their stuff and walking with her to the café on the beach. They headed to the hut-like structure and Fay found two seats for them. "I'll put our stuff in the car and come back," Ootori told Fay, leaving her after she sat down.
Fay studied the menu and tried to decide whether she wanted a burger with fries, lasagna, or just a salad. She flipped through the pages intently and looked at everything that they had. By the time she was done choosing, she found someone standing next to her table. "Is it really that a hard decision to make your mind up what to eat?"
Fay grinned and stood up to greet her company. "Are you stalking me?"
Yukimura hugged her and kissed her forehead. "Nope, I just came to the beach to relax. My girlfriend ditched me for the weekend." He looked around to see if anyone was with Fay. "Are you alone?"
"No, I'm with Ootori," she said, looking at the door to see if he was back. "Join us?"
Yukimura nodded. "I don't mind actually, would it be alright with him?"
"Oh, don't be silly," she said, grabbing another chair for him. "He's cool."
Yukimura smiled and sat down. Just as he did Ootori arrived and he actually looked surprised because he seemed familiar. "I know you, don't I?" Yukimura asked Ootori with a slight grin.
"From a long time back, yes," Ootori agreed, shaking his hand.
Fay looked at them both in confusion as they sat down.
"I'm sorry if I'm intruding," Yukimura said, apologetically.
Ootori shook his head politely and handed Yukimura his menu. "It's alright; we could both use a cheerful company. Mishima has been sleeping all day because of my boring company."
Fay smacked his arm, glaring at him. "Don't say such things! And how do you two know each other?'
"We don't." Yukimura answered, reading through the menu. "I think we were just on different teams in middle school at different schools."
"Just a face, nothing beyond that," Ootori added.
"Oh… ok."
Yukimura poked Fay's nose. "You look very pale and tired, so I suggest you order something."
'I want a burger with fries."
"Wise choice my skinny friend," Yikimura said as he laughed.
Fay gasped and looked at Ootori. "Am I fat? That was Seiichi's sarcastic laugh? Am I fat? Am I fat?'
Ootori chuckled and placed his hand on her head. "Order your food.'
Fay looked at him and felt a slight tenderness come from his tone of voice. She actually blushed a bit, but hid her face in the menu. At that moment, the waiter came to take their orders.
The three of them conversed for a bit until their food came. Fay was quiet most of the time and glanced at Ootori who was busy eating his sandwich. She turned to Yukimura as she sipped her coke and he just gave her a smile. They all enjoyed each other's company until it came time to pay.
"Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!" Fay exclaimed, snatching the bill booklet from them. "I am paying," she said, putting it on her lap and taking out her purse.
"Give me that book," Yikimura ordered.
Fay ignored him as she placed the bills inside the book.
"Mishima… we can't allow for a lady…"
"Shut up, Ootori. Give a woman a break and let her pay! You're supposed to be pro feminism." She glared at him as she signaled for the waiter to collect the bill from her.
Ootori looked at Yukimura and they both nodded. Yukimura stood up, holding Fay's arms. 'Hey… Seiichi."
"Don't make a scene, Fay," he hissed as Ootori went to take the bill off Fay's lap. However, it was an awkward moment for him because he stumbled and his hand landed on her thighs.
"Oh…" Ootori blushed, looking away with the bill in his hand. He quickly took the money out and placed it in just as the waiter joined him. He handed it to waiter and returned Fay's money on her lap.
"You know I can shout rape," Fay hissed, glaring at Ootori.
Yukimura let go off Fay and gave her cheek a kiss. He took out his own wallet and paid Ootori half of the money.
"Erm… no," Ootori said, shaking his head.
"We both put up with her, so I need to share," he said, placing the money in his hand.
Fay sat there fuming. "I am going to the restroom," she declared, leaving them with a huff.
Yukimura laughed, sitting down on the chair. He covered his face and watched Ootori who was embarrassed. "Don't worry about it; she will be fine when she's back."
Ootori let out a sigh.
Yukimura leaned his elbows on the table and stared at him. "You're in love with her, am I right?"
Ootori looked at him and then back to where Fay had disappeared. "I am an honest person, so I will say that you are right," he answered softly, his eyes still someplace else.
Yukimura was impressed. "I never expected you to admit it."
He turned his gaze to him with a sad smile. "I have nothing to hide."
"Why doesn't she know?"
Ootori stretched his arms above his arms and looked around the crowded café. It was really crowded, but he enjoyed how he was able to have a decent conversation without feeling like he was being heard at. "It would be awkward for her. I know there is something that she has buried inside of her. She always has this hurt look in her eyes and if she never opens that part of her to me then I can never tell her."
Yukimura was impressed even more. "You're an impressive man, Ootori Choutarou," he said with a chuckle. "You keep doing what you're doing and I'm sure she will allow you in."
"Heh…"
"Aren't you worried about the age difference?"
He shook his head. "I have bigger problems to conquer than my age." He winked as Fay approached them.
"I'm mad at you both," she said, crossing her arms.
"We love you too, Fay," Yukimura said, laughing.
Two Months Later
It was a busy day for Mishima Fay at work. She was in a good mood, typing her reports and catching up on things when her secretary interrupted her train of thoughts. "Mishima-sama?"
Fay looked up from her computer screen at her new secretary. The woman had joined them last month and Fay liked her because she had learned everything in a week. "Yes?"
The secretary blushed. 'Do you mind if I take an early lunch today? A group of us are taking Sakamoto-san out on a celebration; he just turned a father two nights ago."
Fay's pen broke as she heard that. She was writing something when her secretary answered her. She felt her heart beat faster and tried not to show any emotions on her face. "I see, that's fine."
"Shouldn't you come as well, Mishima-sama?' she asked joyfully. "He also got engaged and it's a double occasion. I heard that he proposed to her when she was in labor, isn't that romantic?" she asked, looking dreamy.
"That's enough," Fay snapped, but in a soft voice. "I am very busy."
The secretary stopped and let out a sigh. 'I'm sorry." She walked out of the room.
Fay continue her work, but to no aim. The new piece of information bothered her. no, it didn't bother her, but it spoiled her mood. She didn't want to be in the office anymore, she just shut her pc off, left a note for her secretary and walked out.
At home, she lay still on her bed, trying to close her thoughts out. She felt a weird kind of emptiness. She placed her hand on her heart and felt it beating thump… thump… thump… it had been beating non-stop like that for a long time and she just couldn't make it slow down. She was on her back, blinking her tears away, making them go away every time they wanted to come out.
Fay turned around and picked up her phone. She quickly dialed a phone number… she needed to just hear his voice… she wanted to make sure that she would not lose her mind or… just die. She waited until he picked up. "Hello?"
Fay felt her heart leap into her throat. She stabled her voice and exhaled. "Hey…" she whispered.
"How are you?"
"I'm…" she closed her eyes, rubbing her eyes. Fay tried regulating her breathing again, but it refused to obey her. "Choutarou… where are you?" she asked, clutching tightly onto the phone.
"I'm in Osaka,' he answered. "I just had a meeting and I'm heading back to my hotel."
"Oh," she said softly, falling back onto the bed. She hugged her knees on the bed and closed her eyes tightly.
"Are you alright?"
Say it Fay! Say it! "I…" she began, but her voice trailed off and she couldn't find her voice. "I really want to see you right now.'
He paused for a minute and finally spoke. "I'll need about two hours to get to you, is that alright?"
Fay held her tears and nodded, but she knew he couldn't see her so she… "Yes… I'll be waiting."
Three Hours Later
"You're late," Fay whispered, clutching the front of his shirt. "You're very late." She moved her arms to his waist and hugged him tightly as tears started spilling. She could no longer hold them in and Ootori was the only person she was comfortable crying in front of.
He moved his hands to her shoulders and looked at her. "Hey… what's wrong?"
Fay cried her hearts as he held her.
Ootori stood amazed as he held her tightly. The minute she called him, he knew something was wrong. He was thankful that he was close by and could make it less than three hours. Finally, he laid her down on the sofa so she could sit down and kept his arms around her. "Tell me.'
Fay covered her face with one hand and held his hand with the other. She never expected that the news would hit her so bad. She had always been mentally prepared for it, but she never expected it to actually hurt this much.
"Fay… when I'm with you. .. You have this long sad look in you. Tell me what caused it? You never talk about it, but I know there's something. Is this why you're crying?" He took her other hand and held them both.
Fay looked down… Tell him… Maybe its time you let it out… She covered her eyes and buried her face in his chest… "Ok," she whispered.
[Flashback]
Mishima Fay was in love. She was in love with the man who was with her for two years. She was in love with the man who was now her fiancé. Other than her man, she had her best friend, Aya, as well. The three of them were always together and spent every hour together.
It was that fateful night that ruined everything. In addition to emotionally breaking her down, she was publicly embarrassed as well.
She was in a company event and her fiancé was chosen as an honorary employee of the year. He was powerful and well respected. They both worked for the same company, but that night she was there supporting him.
Her best friend was there as well, sitting on another table. She had wondered why she was sitting somewhere else, but it all made sense later.
When he was awarded and called to the stage, he bowed gratefully to everyone and began his speech…
As she sat there proudly, listening to his every word, his next ones traumatized her to the very core.
"And finally… I would like to take this opportunity and announce to everyone that I'm going to be a father. My girlfriend, Aya, and I are expecting…"
Fay never knew what he said next and she never knew what she saw after that. She felt the gazes of everyone around her as her own eyes sarcastically looked at the engagement ring that he had given her.
However, she didn't make a sound or pulled a move. After he was done and the event ended, she simply stood up and left. She noticed that everyone was watching her, studying her, and just waiting for her to do something, but she didn't.
As she walked towards the exit, she heard the running steps of a person behind her. She knew who it was before he even called her. "Fay?"
Fay ignored him and kept on walking.
"I'm sorry…"
The statement made her stop and laugh bitterly. "Are you sorry for what, Sakamoto Koshichi? For sleeping with Aya? Making her pregnant? Embarrassing me in public? Or for being an ass? Which one are you sorry for?"
He stopped.
"I hope you will be happy," she said, giving him her back and walking away from him.
When she got home, she removed the ring and flushed it down the toilet.
[Back to the Present]
Ootori held her even tighter and clenched his jaw.
"It doesn't make any sense to me," she said in a tiny voice. "We were trying for a baby… why… what went wrong?"
He rubbed her back gently. "How long was this?"
Fay moved away from him and took the tissue he handed her. "It was before I met you."
"That was a long time ago."
Fay smiled sadly. "She gave birth two nights ago… and I heard he proposed to her when she was in labor." She put her hand on her hair and covered her face with the other. "I'm such an idiot to let such a thing inconvenience me."
"No," he said, kissing her forehead affectionately. "You have every right to let that bother you."
The tears spilled again, but not as fast as before. They were gentle tears that she was controlling now.
He looked at her and wiped her tears away with his thumb, Fay smiled at this small action. He walked closer to her and placed his hand under her chin, he slowly lifted her head to face him. "If he couldn't understand your feelings then he didn't deserve you," he whispered softly, looking at her red puffy eyes.
Please stop crying… I will not be able to hold myself. He leaned his head and kissed her forehead. "You're a beautiful woman; someone will love you and give you all the kids that you want."
Fay chuckled softly because she recalled that it was the same thing that Yukimura had told her. She put her arms around his neck. "Thank you," she whispered.
Ootori felt his heartbeat faster at the proximity of their lips. Without thinking, he gently brushed his lips over Fay's in a light touch.
Fay opened her eyes in shock as she felt the warm lips over hers. For a second, she almost welcomed it and responded to him, but immediately she pushed him away. The movement was so abrupt that he fell off the sofa. "Ouch,' he muttered, rubbing his back.
"What are you doing?" she whispered, touching her lips. Why… why did that shock me?
"I…" he began, not looking at her. He rubbed his back again and sat up straight. "I'm sorry, but I don't like to see you cry and…"
Fay stood up and glared at him as he lay on the floor. "You thought by kissing me then everything will be alright? Is that the kind of trust I put in you? Is that why I opened myself to you, so you would take an opportunity to kiss me?"
"No… Umm.,. What are you saying?" he demanded.
"Did you kiss me so you could hurt me as well?" Fay cried, clenching her fists. "I thought you were different!"
"I am different," he snapped, rushing up to his feet. "I love you."
Fay covered her mouth as her eyes widened. She took a step back from him and shook her head. "No…" she said quietly, shaking her head in a rapid motion.
"I am different and you are special to me! I am different because I love you," he said, walking towards her, but she kept taking steps backwards until the wall was behind her.
Fay felt her back touch the wall, she could feel the cold coming from the wall and she felt a chill run up her spine when she saw Ootori approaching her and placing both of his hands on the sides of her waist. She looked up at him; wanting to run away, for she didn't want to get hurt again.
Ootori looked at her, feeling his own heart beating fast. He wanted to kiss her, he wanted to make her his, and he wanted to spend everyday being around her. He wasn't feeling sure if he should kiss her at a moment when she felt most vulnerable, but he didn't want her to push him away.
They were looking at each other for a while before Ootori acted up on his thoughts. He moved his body closer to her and moved his hand to her cheek. He cupped her cheek firmly, but there was tenderness in his touch. He leaned his head closer and wanted to capture Fay's lips in his, but she moved her hand and covered his mouth completely. "Get out,' she whispered.
He dropped his hand, but didn't step back. "Is it wrong of me to love you?'
Fay looked away, not answering him.
"I told you that I love you," he said, moving his hand back up to her chin. He held her chin firmly and moved her face so she could stare at him. His gaze was intense and hers was as forceful. "Would it be wrong if you and I start going out?"
Fay pushed him away. "What would people think if I start going out with you?!" she yelled heatedly at him.
Ootori was pushed a few steps back and he steadied himself so he wouldn't fall. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing."
Ootori stared at her and then started laughing bitterly. "Oh, I get it now," he said when what she said hit him. "Of course! What was I thinking? How could Mishima Fay go out with someone who is five years her junior? What will people say I wonder?"
"No…" Fay whimpered.
"That's what you meant!"
The tears started spilling again. "No…" She shook her head in denial.
"You know, I was ready for a slap and for you to tell me that you cherished me more as a friend, but this one really…" He shook his head and just picked up his jacket. "I'll show myself out." That was the last thing he said before he walked out.
Next Morning
"You don't look good, Fay."
Fay glared at Yukimura, but then she closed her eyes for a few seconds and held her onto her head. She opened the door to allow him in and just went back to the sofa and slept on it. She wrapped the blanket tightly around her and closed her eyes tightly.
"Fay?"
"Why are you here?" she asked in a flat tone.
Yukimura frowned, walking in and closing the door behind him. He walked to where Fay was sleeping and touched her hair affectionately. "Someone asked me to check on you."
Fay held the blanket tightly, refusing to comment.
"What happened?' he asked, sitting down and placing her head on his lap. He held her closely and moved his hand across her hair.
Fay clutched the hand that held hers securely and blinked her tears away. She was surprised that she still had tears left in her eyes from last night. "He told me that he loved me," she said in a bare whisper that had Yukimura strain his ears in order to hear her.
Yukimura didn't say anything for a few minutes. "Was that a dreadful thing to hear?"
Fay hugged his hand. "No," she replied, blinking as tears slid down. They were quiet tears that still existed in her eyes. "It was the best thing I've ever heard in my life."
"Then why are you here crying?"
Fay sat up. "Please, leave me alone. I'll feel better tomorrow, I promise." She looked away and hugged herself. She respected Ootori a lot. She knew she messed up, but she also knew that she could never tell Yukimura what happened.
Three Weeks Later
Mishima Fay frowned as she walked to her airplane gate. The last three weeks had been one of the most horrible experiences for her. She had not heard from Ootori at all and she could not find the courage to contact him. Work had been hectic and to make things worse, she had to go to a conference in New Zealand with her ex-cheating fiancé.
However, she was a smart idiot, for she had managed to avoid him so far, but she didn't know how she would be able to do that on a 14 hour plane ride. She was already tired because she had to come all the way to Narita Airport in Tokyo to catch this airplane, and now she knew that she would be suffering jet lag as well.
Fay let out a sigh as she boarded the first class seat. She had purposely arrived late so she wouldn't bump into anyone. The stewardess showed her to her seat and Fay stopped in her seat when she saw Koshichi next to her seat.
He looked up and noticed her, but didn't say anything.
Fay turned around to the stewardess. "Do you have any other available seats?"
The stewardess looked around and nodded when she spotted one. "You're the last passenger on board, so you can sit here, please follow me."
Fay followed to the seat she was leading her to and stopped in her seat when… "Ootori?" This. Can't. Be. HAPPENING!
Ootori looked up and the shock was visible on his face.
Before Fay could say anything, the hostess told her to put her things away and be seated. Fay didn't move for a few seconds and she was about to ask for another seat, but she knew that that wasn't possible since she already asked for a change once.
Finally, Fay sat down after taking off her coat and placing her travel bag at its secured place. She fastened her seat belt and just leaned against the chair. She didn't know what to say or how to react.
Before the plane could fly off, the stewardess began passing around hot towels. Fay took one as it was presented to her and wiped her face with it. She buried her face in the hot feel of it and just breathed it.
Fay still didn't know whether to talk to Ootori or not. She couldn't even sneak a glance because he would be able to see her. She let out a sigh and decided to just get comfortable. She took off her shoes, pulled the blanket, placing it on her lap and took out her book from her bag.
A few seconds later, the captain announced that the plane will be flying and they will be in air soon. Fay ignored everything and just concentrated on her book. As much as she wanted to pay no heed to her neighbor, she just couldn't.
Fay turned to look at him and found him reading something with his reading glasses on. "What are you reading?" she asked in a low voice.
He glanced at her. "My conference paper."
Fay pursed her lips and did something unexpected. By now, the plane had already flown and it was rather quiet in their space. Fay moved her hand and held his. "I'm sorry… I… I miss you a lot."
Ootori looked down at her hand. He stayed silent for a few minutes and finally moved his own hand around and held hers. He lifted it and kissed it affectionately. "I needed to calm down."
Fay held his hand tightly. "Yes, I was very rude and mean to you."
Ootori just nodded, looking at her. "Who are you here with?"
Fay's eyes flickered, but she shook her head with a chuckle. "It doesn't matter."
Ootori didn't comment to that. He put his paper away, took off his glasses and looked at her. "How have you been?"
Fay leaned against the chair and looked ahead of her. "I am better I guess,' she answered quietly, pulling the blanket a bit more. "Yes, I am better now."
"I'm sorry," Ootori said, hugging her head gently. 'I left you when you needed someone the most." He kissed her head tenderly and then rubbed it affectionately. "Thank you for confiding in me and telling me what happened."
Fay nodded and held his hand. "He's here, you know" she said quietly. "That's why I changed seats." She chuckled, looking at him. "I think I got lucky."
Ootori shifted the arm rest between them and extended his hand. "Can I hold you?"
Fay unfastened her seatbelt and moved to his side. "You certainly can," she said softly, moving her arms around his waist. He put his arm around her and placed the blanket on top of her.
'I'm not going anywhere for the next fourteen hours."
Fay shifted and put her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and just breathed in. She loved this feeling and she loved how he was holding her. As she enjoyed his warmth, she suddenly remembered their conversation. He told me he loved me last time. He's always there for me. He's always waiting. He's always watching. And I always miss him… "Choutarou?'
"Yes?"
Fay moved her hand and gently rubbed his jaw. She held it and pulled him towards her making him lean his head. She gave him a light kiss on the lips and then rubbed his lower lip gently with her thumb. "I wanted to see what it felt like," she whispered against his lips.
Ootori kissed her forehead and held her. "I would love to kiss you more thoroughly, but I will respect your feelings from last time and be patient," he said. "I am here when you're ready to be in a relationship with me, deal?"
Fay closed her eyes and smiled as she nodded. "It's a deal Ootori Choutarou."
