OVER…OR NOT?

Chapter 1

The Call

Makino had told herself a thousand times before, that it was all over. But when she heard Domyouji's voice on the other end of the line, her heart missed a beat and a sense of confused guilt flushed through her like a wave.

He must have gotten her new number from Hanazawa Rui. Makino was getting a little angry with Rui and yet strangely, a little glad that he had given her number to Domyouji.

Domyouji's voice sounded oddly different and far away, as if he was calling from a thousand miles away. But then again, that was exactly how far both of them were away from each other – America and Japan.

Domyouji sounded awkward on the phone; she felt that way too. He tried to sound natural, at ease and the effort showed. Soon, they managed to make some casual conversation; he asked her how everything was, and she answered that everything was going okay.

"I am coming back this Sunday." Domyouji finally revealed the actual intention behind this sudden call.

"Maybe we can meet up…like…friends catching up with each other."

Makino wanted to say yes, but she knew she could not have brought herself to say it for she had given up her right to do so the day she decided to stop waiting.

She was supposed to go with Kenchi to a business function on Sunday. But part of her did want to see Domyouji Tsukasa again. Makino came to her decision, and said, no with a white lie about her needing to catch up on a lot of studying for her night school examinations on Sunday.

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then Domyouji softly said, "Okay. Perhaps next time then since I will be back for three months."

Makino said almost automatically, "Jaa…keep in touch."

"Bye," he said, softly. "Take care."

"Goodbye." Makino replied, trying to keep her voice steady and there was a sudden rush of emotion through her core.

She quickly hung up, closed her eyes and sat down, burying her face in her hands. She could not help hating herself, and she could only think despairingly, this wasn't how it was supposed to happen.

….To be continued