Ryuzaki Sakuno Tales
II: Dahlia
By: Reinne141
...
Monday
The sunlight from his bedroom window greeted Seiichi's blue eyes as he tried to get himself out of the comforts of his bed. He had a nice dream last night which included a certain beautiful auburn-haired girl and how he'd love to stay asleep if it meant having her in his arms.
He suddenly wondered.. does she dream about him too?
Smiling pleasantly, he glanced at the alarm clock on his nightstand.. and froze.
Yep, he's late.
(A/N: Dahlia by Yukimura Seiichi)
Aru asa neboushite awatete heya wo tobidashi
Nekutai umaku musube zune kuse tsuita mama
Some mornings, I sleep late and in a rush, hurriedly leave my room
Fixing my necktie and bed hair the same as usual
The blue-haired lad quickly took a shower and fixed himself, all the while feeling torn between sighing or laughing at himself for being uncharacteristically late. 'It's all that dream's fault..', he mused, '..it's too..', a light chuckle escaped his lips, '..enticing.'
Kyou wa yoku hareta hi da sora ga aoi nante
Jikan wasure itsumo no kuse de ori tatsu niwa de
Saying, "Today is a nice clear day. The sky is so blue!"
Forgetting the time with a lasting habit, standing in the garden
After making sure that he has everything he'll need, Seiichi swiftly left his house and walked on the streets, going over the speech he prepared for the meeting later repeatedly in his mind. He'll make sure that before the day is over, those investors will be hooked. But even though he was immersed in his thoughts, his body, out of habit, automatically stopped in front of a familiar shop and his gaze shifted to it.
And as soon as his eyes laid upon the said establishment, he remembered something..
He's supposed to visit it today.
He's.. late for work.. and he has a meeting to attend.. But a minute won't hurt, right? And besides, it's for her. Nothing can be more important than that.
Shaking his head at his own reasoning, the handsome lad entered the flower shop and the scent of fresh flowers welcomed him, just like what it always does whenever he goes there. "Auntie?", his stunning blue eyes scanned the place, searching for a particular person. Walking past the different arrays of flowers, he strode to the backdoor of the shop that leads to its garden.. and found himself awed by its beauty and splendor.
"Seiichi!", an elderly voice called out to him. He turned and saw his favorite aunt, wearing an apron with a shovel in hand. "You came just in time!"
The blue-haired lad gave her a tender smile, "Good morning, auntie. Need a hand?"
"No, you can't get yourself dirtied! And you're looking handsome in your suit and all. Come on, it's waiting for you!", the woman, who's in her late forties, gestured for him to follow her to the other side of the garden. Going there brings back a lot of memories for him. When he was a kid, he'd often lend a hand and help out in the flower shop. There were even times when he'd ask his best friend, Genichirou, to come over. Then his other teammates would go and watch them from the bushes, snickering upon seeing their flustered Fukubuchou wearing an apron. Of course, he knew they were there. So he'd pretend to find them by "accident" and get them to help too.
"There! They're in full-bloom now!", his lively aunt pointed to the right.. and his eyes widened at the magnificent sight.
Saki hokoru dahlia no hana wa boku no sewo karuku oikoshi
Miagereba iro azayaka ni nagare dasu MELODY
In full bloom, a dahlia flower is behind my back as I casually pass by
I admire in its beautiful colors the flowing MELODY
"Beautiful..", he muttered as he walked nearer the Dahlia flowers, his eyes lovingly gazing at them. "Really beautiful.. She'll love them."
Karada goto taore yasukuta taisetsu ni sasae rukoto ga
Hitsuyuo na hana datta noni konnani kirei ni saku kara
By which even failing health could be greatly improved
It is an important flower because it has this kind of beauty when in bloom
His aunt smiled fondly at him, "I'm really getting old, huh? My little Seiichi has finally become a man.. a man in love."
The blue-haired lad's ever-present smile widened, she can really read him like an open book. What did he expect? She practically raised him. Her house was just a few blocks away from their home when he was young. And when his parents were away, he'd just stay at her house and volunteer to help out in the shop. It's the reason why he grew to love gardening himself.
The woman continued, "..That Sakuno sure is lucky."
He whipped his head to look at his aunt, who gave him a wink.
"After all these years.. you're finally confessing to her. She's a really nice girl and I think the two of you will make a great couple. But you have to move fast and give me babies to play with, okay?"
Chuckling, Seiichi slowly nodded and reached down to touch the petal of the flower.
'Sakuno..'
The dahlia is her favorite flower, but not many knows about it. Many assumed she loves roses since the day she received one from a classmate when she was still a freshman. He can still remember the first time he saw her.. it was a few days before his graduation from middle school. He was visiting Seigaku to invite them to their school festival when his eyes caught sight of her; she was standing under a Sakura tree and the mesmerizing scene captivated his heart. Her long auburn-braids danced with the blowing wind while her chocolate brown eyes which were brimming with innocence and purity gazed at the dahlia flower in her hand with such.. sadness and longing. He didn't mean to.. but he just couldn't tear his eyes away from her. That moment was perfection itself. And he can't help but notice.. the tugging in his chest that began to confuse him.
With Yanagi Renji's help, he found out that the girl's name is Ryuzaki Sakuno, the granddaughter of Ryuzaki Sumire, the dragon coach of Seigaku. He also learned about her hobbies, clubs and.. her relationship with Echizen Ryoma. Seems that the boy asked her to be his girlfriend before leaving for America. Really.. Of all people..
Seiichi.. foreign to the strange feeling that has started to spread in his system.. was greatly troubled.
Omoeba ano goro wa mada nanimo wakaranakutte
Nandaka hayaru kokoro wo tada moteamashita
Looking back, that was a time when I still understood nothing
Somehow I could not deal with my impatient heart
He didn't know if it was God's will or not, but he found himself seeing her more often in places he least expected. During Tennis competitions, at the mall (which is in Kanagawa, mind you), Street tennis courts, during their trip to the art museum or even when he's just strolling around (he saw her walking aimlessly near his school, and he found out that she was supposed to deliver a message to a teacher there but she got lost). He wanted to talk to her.. start a conversation or anything but whenever he tries to do it, his traitorous heart would pound so loudly and he'd stiffen.. like someone had inflicted YIPS on him. Now he knows how his opponents felt.
The blue-haired lad can't believe it at first.. the Child of God.. nervous? He never thought something like that will happen to him. Seiichi was clueless of what to do.. he spent most of his life playing Tennis and improving his skills so facing something like this was completely new to him. When he tried to talk about it with Genichirou, he became more confused. His friend just stared at him amusedly and murmured something about "Unbelievable" and "..must be the first time". Even Yanagi was dumbfounded, and when the others heard about it, they had a good laugh.. and a good thousand laps around the court.
After a while, he succeeded in trying to talk to her by using their common grounds.. their love for tennis, gardening and the arts. The handsome lad was so happy to know that they have so many things in common and Sakuno's stuttering around him gradually disappeared as they became closer. But what made him happier.. was when Ryoma finally broke up with her after a year. He didn't know why and of course, he knew he shouldn't be feeling something like that, especially when it's something that's causing the girl so much pain and grief. He knew it was wrong.. awfully wrong.. but he just can't help it. He stayed by her side and helped her through everything, supported and encouraged her.. and made her feel that she's not just any girl who'd cry for a git who left her.. She's more than that. So much more than that.
They went to the same University for the arts and now.. they're both working at Shukado co., ltd., an art studio that is located in Ginza, Tokyo with him as a Sales representative and her as the Marketing manager. It was not long before he realized what it was that he felt the first time he saw her.. Come to think of it, he'd been in love with her for ten years now (He was fifteen when he first saw her, and he's now twenty-five).
"Seiichi, I just noticed.."
"Hmm?"
"Don't you usually go to work before nine in the morning? It's half past ten now.."
Oh. Right.
"I gotta go, Auntie. And.. the flowers-"
"Don't worry, I'll get Yuuji-kun to deliver them. As far as I know, Sakuno-chan hasn't met him yet so I don't think she'll have a clue about the sender of the flowers. And I'm assuming that's what you want since you didn't write your name on the cards. Go now. And good luck!"
"Arigatou!"
With that, the blue-haired lad hurriedly dashed out of the shop. His aunt grinned, never thought she'll see the day! When that boy was still in middle school, they were a little scared that he might just dedicate his life to Tennis, marry it even!
He's an undeniably handsome man, with his angelic face, pleasantly smiling lips, aristocratic nose, enigmatic blue eyes and flowing blue hair, not to mention his gorgeously sculpted body that can make any girl swoon. For the old woman, it's quite puzzling how Sakuno can resist her nephew's charms. But then she'd realize.. Sakuno isn't just any girl. That's why Seiichi fell for her in the first place.
"Kaa-san, I just saw Seiichi-nii.. What was he doing here? He's pretty late for work", Kyo, her ten year-old son, asked with a puzzled look on his face while walking towards his mom. Then his eyes landed on the fully-bloomed Dahlia beside her, "Ah.. He visited them again? What's so special about them anyway?"
His mom ruffled his hair, "They're for Sakuno-chan.. Seiichi planted and took care of them himself.. That's why he always goes here.. I think it's symbolic for him.."
"Symbolic?", the boy looked thoughtful for a moment, "Didn't Renji-nii say that he first saw her holding one of them?"
The old woman nodded. "And.. to Seiichi-kun.. she's just like a Dahlia flower. Him taking care of that flowers shows how he'd take care of her. I think he wants to give her something that grew out of his love."
Kyo tilted his head and his mom just patted his head affectionately, "You're too young to understand these kinds of things. Go call your Yuuji-nii, I have something for him to deliver."
...
Isogu eki no to chuu de fui ni tachi tomatta
Hajimete mirui shiranai keshiki sora wa aoku te
Hurrying on the way to the station, I abruptly stopped
For the first time, I noticed the unfamiliar scenery- the sky really was blue
The morning sky seemed like a scene from a beautiful painting and Seiichi can't help but stare at it wistfully. He's late anyway.. no use rushing then. Aside from Sakuno, he usually chooses nature as a subject for his paintings (Yes, he always paints Sakuno). His paintings are now all in his attic, because he didn't want the girl to see that most of them are her. And.. he HAS plans for them.
He has his own house now, and after a couple of months, he'll buy his own car. He also bought a few properties for his family and himself. Being smart in this business, Seiichi now has quite a large sum of savings in his account. He needs to save up.. in order for him to fulfill his little dream. And that's to have his own family.. with Sakuno.
Seiichi walked into the building and wrote on his time sheet which was situated on the reception's desk. His co-workers greeted him and proceeded with their jobs. He rode the elevator and pressed the button which has the number four on it, and went to his office. Opening the door, he moved to step inside when..
"Ohayou, Seiichi-kun. Late, aren't we?"
Marude ima kimi wa dahlia no hana no youni kokoro ubatte
Me no mae wo kakenukete yuku isshun no MELODY
Right now, you are just like a dahlia flower, stealing my heart
Looking ahead, I would continue running through this moment's MELODY
The handsome lad gracefully whirled around and gave her his most charming smile,
"Ohayou, Sakuno-chan. Saa.. you won't tell on me, will you?"
"I just might~", the lovely auburn-haired girl spoke in a sing-song tone. Her auburn locks cascaded gorgeously behind her back, framing her pretty face just right. She has long abandoned her braids and now just lets them fall freely. If only she knew how beautiful she is..
Seiichi feigned shock, "I will have to stop you then", he quickly grabbed her dainty hand and pulled the giggling girl to his office. With a twirl, he locked her in his sturdy arms with her back on him. "So.. will you still tell on me?"
"Y-Yup!"
"You're asking for it", his right hand tickled her sides and Sakuno almost doubled over in laughter. She tried to stop him but with his left arm around her, it's no use!
"No! St-Stop, Don't-haha! You know I'm ticklish! Please, Don't! Aah, Seeeiiichiii-kun!", her pleas fell on deaf ears as Seiichi bursted into laughter and continued tickling her.
Sakuno.. is the only girl who can make him feel this comfortable.
He can be his real self whenever he's with her.. And that is one of the things he loved about her. Seiichi can show her his genuine self without the feeling of apprehension or worry that it might make him seem weak. And other people saw Sakuno as meek and shy but when she's with him, her genuine smile shows. They can both reveal each others' true selves easily.. which is something that other people failed to do. It's like being home whenever they're together, feeling a sense of completeness that they've never had before.
"Hey, you guys, do you know what other people might think if they hear Sakuno's 'Please don't's' inside a guy's office?", a voice rang and the both of them turned to look at the door.. and saw Michiko, a black-haired girl who's at the same age as Sakuno, smiling at them suggestively. The two, who are still in each other's arms, just gave her inquiring looks and she face-palmed, "Gosh, you guys are so dense.."
Sakuno furrowed her eyebrows and wondered what she could've meant by that. While Seiichi.. just shifted his eyes back to the auburn-haired girl. It felt nice for him.. to have her that close. He sighed contentedly and the girl turned to look at him. "Hmm?", he inquired.
"Let me get that for you", the girl reached for his necktie and fixed it a bit because it got a little loose during their tickle session. The surprised lad's lips slowly formed a gentle smile and he stared at her lovingly. This is really perfect..
Well, umm.. it COULD've been perfect if it weren't for two things..
Well..
One..
Michiko sighed dreamily, "I can't believe you two are just best friends.."
Sakuno and Seiichi bolted their heads to their friend as her words reached their ears. The black-haired girl added, "Why don't you guys just date each other?"
The blue-haired lad's heart began beating erratically and he can feel the blood rush up to his face but he quickly regained himself. He hid the turmoil of emotions inside him and pretended to chuckle.
"Michiko-chan.. Stop joking about such things", Sakuno admonished the girl who was smirking at them knowingly. "Seiichi-kun and I.. are just friends."
Seiichi averted his gaze back to his so-called best friend upon hearing her words. Right.. since she broke up with Ryoma and he became her blanket of comfort.. Sakuno started calling him her bestfriend. It was not such a bad idea at first but later on.. it just hurts every time he hears her say that. "..Yeah."
And Two..
"Sakuno-chan! You never know so don't say that!", Michiko pouted her lips. She's a major Yuki-Saku fan even in their University days and they HAVE to end up together. "Ever since you broke up with that Ryoma guy, you never went out with anyone again! Sometimes, you're making me think that you still have feelings for him!"
She stopped dating anyone and avoided her suitors. She paid no attention to them, kept herself from falling for anyone and Seiichi knows why..
It's because she's still in love with Ryoma.
It would've been perfect.. if it weren't for those two things.
But.. he's going to do something about it. Starting today.
The auburn-haired girl sighed exasperatedly, "Michiko-chan..", her eyes turned on the wall clock inside the room and she suddenly perked up, "Eh! Seiichi-kun! Don't you have a meeting to go to?! It'll start in two minutes!"
"Hai, I'll be going now", Seiichi hurriedly grabbed the clear book above his table and placed his bag on his chair. "Wish me luck."
He heard the girl whisper so he turned and smiled, "Again?"
"Ganbatte!"
The blue-haired lad walked out of the room after receiving a pat on the back and words of encouragement from Sakuno.. and passed by Yuuji who grinned at him while holding a bouquet of Dahlia flowers.
...
The meeting adjourned and almost everyone, even Chairman Tanaka Jichi, praised him for his great speech and skills. His presentation was greatly applauded and he was able to use his disarming charm: which is really important for a Sales representative. Things are looking great and his little plan is now in action.
"About the next exhibition on Friday..", Tanaka trailed off as he eyed his blue-haired rookie.
Seiichi nodded with a pleasant smile, "Yes, everything is prepared."
The Chairman smiled as well, "Are you ready?"
Once again, the handsome lad nodded with a firm, "Yes."
"Good. I trust you, Yukimura-san", the Chairman patted him with a knowing gleam in his eyes, "And good luck."
...
When he walked back to his office, he passed by Sakuno's and did a double take when he saw her holding a familiar bouquet of flowers. Suppressing the smile on his face, he purposely strode to her table and spoke, "Wow.. Who's it from?"
The auburn-haired girl snapped her head up and gave him a shrug, "I don't know.. There was no name on the card.."
"Seiichi-chan..", Michiko, who was sitting in front of Sakuno's desk, eyed him suspiciously, "..Are you sure.. you don't know anything about it? I mean.. Like what Sakuno-chan told me.. only a few knows about her favorite flowers. Even Kachirou-kun who was her classmate since her first year in middle school gave her roses! Say.. are you the one?"
"What makes you say that?", a small smile tugged on the handsome lad's lips.
"Oh.. I don't now.. Aside from the fact that you're her best friend, you're one of the people who knew about her favorite flowers and you're secretly in love with her?"
"MICHIKO-CHAN!", Sakuno threw a crumpled paper on her friend which went straight to the latter's forehead.
"Okay, fine, Geez! Just kidding! No need to be so defensive!", said the black-haired girl and earned herself another paper to the head.
"Nice aim there, Sakuno-chan", Seiichi gently smiled at the two. Oh.. if only Michiko knew how right she was.
Ashita mata aeru toshitara kono jikan wo wasure naiyou
Sukoshi dake osome no asa de dekakeru kami otokashite
Hoping that we can meet again tomorrow, I will not forget these times
Just a little slow-paced this morning, I'll venture out brushing my hair
He'll just have to wait for the right moment to tell Sakuno.. how much he loves her.. and how his love for her grows more and more each passing day. She had been hurt once and he will never let that happen again.
Before.. he was scared to even think of confessing to her..
to risk everything..
to ruin what they have..
Because he didn't want to lose her..
She trusts him so much and even treats him as her best friend. And he didn't want to lose the friendship they have and the trust she gave him.. So he did everything to hide his feelings for her, to resist the urge to just pull her into him and lock her in a tight and loving embrace. He endured so much for ten years.. trying to wear a facade and stop himself from kissing her senseless whenever she smiles at him. He struggled so much and had a hard time keeping himself from making those guys' lives miserable whenever they'd come and try to woo her.
Being in a one-sided (and unrequited) love situation.. was the cruelest AND most blissful thing he felt in his whole life. He can spend time with her.. watch her, protect her, take care of her and love her without her knowing.. Just being with her makes him so happy and he can be content with that.. It's not much but just seeing her is enough for him. But, on the other hand.. This.. agonizing fear of losing the one he loves if his tongue slips even a little or if his actions make it so evident.. the pain of not being able to say how much she meant the world to him.. and not being able to hold her hand the way he wanted to even though she's just right next to him.. almost killed him inside. It was much worse than Guillen-Barre.. because even though he's healthy and able.. he can do nothing to relieve himself of the clawing pain. The thought of losing her one day if he doesn't do anything now.. felt like someone was gripping his heart from the inside.
Sou ieba dahlia no hana no hana kotoba shiranai keredo
Kyou wa mou nemuri ni tsuite asu wo yume miyou
So even if I don't know the name for the dahlia flower in the language of flowers
As I sleep tonight, I will dream by seeing you tomorrow
He'd been loving her for ten years.. satisfying himself with her presence in his life.. with saying I LOVE YOU whenever she has her back on him, with her warm smiles and decadent beauty.. and waiting.. for some sign that can tell him if she might be feeling the same way about him.. waiting for her to feel the same way about him.. just waiting for anything..
But soon he realized.. nothing will happen unless he does something.. how can he know how she feels about him if he doesn't tell her how he feels about her? What if he loses her because he just kept on waiting? No.. he can't let that happen. He kept his feelings inside because he was afraid to lose her.. but what if he loses her because of that?
What if she loves him too?
What if she gives him a chance?
And if she's really not over Ryoma.. he can always do something to help her move on, right? He'll help her forget him.. He'll replace him in her life and love her more.. cherish her more and treat her the way she deserves to be. He'll do anything for her to love him.
So.. even though he's scared of the outcome.. of what will happen next.. he'll ready himself and confess.. He has to do something.. because he loves her. He loves her so much.
"They're so.. beautiful", Sakuno muttered as she gazed at the flowers. There's something about them.. she can't tell what.. but there's something about these dahlia flowers that makes them.. special.
She didn't even notice Seiichi's affectionate stare at her as he spoke softly,
"Yes.. They are.."
Saki hokoru kimi wa dahlia itsumademo kirei na mama de
Shounen no kokoro ni saite todokanai basho de
In full bloom, you are a dahlia forevermore with the same beauty
Blooming in a boy's heart with petals that never fall, in an unreachable place
...
"Want some ice cream?", the blue-haired lad gestured towards the ice cream truck and the girl's eyes twinkled in delight. The two are now on their way home, but just like the other days, they went to the park which is just a few buildings away from their work place. It's like a daily routine for them now: end of work, walking a bit, park, train, home. There were times when Sakuno would ask Seiichi to stay at her house when it's already a bit late, or vice versa. They even have a few of each others' clothes in their own houses, which were left there during their sleep-overs.
Sumire even freaked out when she found Seiichi's shorts under a bed in one of the girl's guest room (Her obaa-chan is now living in Kyoto, she decided to stay there after her retirement). It's a good thing Sakuno explained the whole thing to her quickly before her imagination even began to run wild.
Smiling brightly, the auburn-haired girl chirped, "Strawberry!"
Seiichi chuckled warmly, sometimes she's such a child. They walked to the area where the truck is and joined the group of KIDS who were also there to buy some ice cream. When they finally got theirs, the two moved to sit on a bench when a sudden wail sounded and they both turned to look.
"My ice cream! Mommy!"
"It's your fault! You ruined mine too!"
Two kids, the girl who looked barely six and the boy that must be already seven, cried, blaming each other for their wasted ice creams that are now on the ground. Seeing that no one approached the two yet, Sakuno hurried to them, followed by an amused Seiichi. He watched as the auburn-haired girl tried to calm the two and make them stop crying. She showed her ice cream to the little boy who was starting to throw a temper tantrum and he immediately stopped. Smiling fondly, the blue-haired lad walked to the little girl and offered his ice cream too. Then he fished out his handkerchief and wiped the tears off the kid's cheeks.
"You'll make a great dad someday!", Sakuno praised him as she continued to appease the boy beside her, who grinned goofily and thanked her.
"And you will make a great mom someday", he returned her compliment and ruffled the hair of the little girl, who squealed happily while licking her ice cream.
A woman came and upon seeing that her children are smiling, shifted her eyes to the 'couple' in front of her. Someone told her that her kids were crying so she rushed to the park, only to find them now happily eating. "Aya, Kei..?"
"Mommy!", the two both ran to their mom and hugged her, then the boy whispered something to her and she averted her gaze to Sakuno and Seiichi.
A smile crept up on her lips and she thanked them, "Oh, arigato for your kindness. And I'm sorry for the trouble they must've caused."
"Iie, it was fine, really!", and Sakuno tried not to blush (so much) while Seiichi nodded at the woman with a pleasant smile.
The woman stared at them for a while.. and absent-mindedly muttered a, "What a cute couple.." before stifling a giggle and spoke, "You two look great together. I'm sure you'll be great parents! Thank you again!", and she held her kids' free hands and started walking away, leaving two frozen and furiously blushing adults.
Sakuno thought she should've been used to it by now, because she'd already heard statements like that a million times before.. when they were in high school, almost everyone assumed that they were dating. When they were in college, almost everyone said that they'd end up together in the future. And when they graduated and started working, almost everyone thought that they were already married.
No.. it's something that will take a lot.. A LOT of getting used to.
...
The two strolled around the park, bought some snacks, talked about random things and even got their palms read by a fortune-teller. Seiichi.. doesn't really believe in this kind of things but he likes watching them do this, wondering how these people can make up such unbelievable statements. Sakuno's not a fan of such things too but trying won't hurt, right?
After their palm-reading session, the woman offered each of them the paper where she wrote what she foresaw but Seiichi politely declined while Sakuno just smiled and slipped the paper in her bag. They both left and rode the train, enjoying the view of the setting sun.
"Goodnight, Sakuno-chan..", Seiichi kissed her on her forehead, a habit they had since their university days, smiled at her and turned, leaving the girl standing on her doorstep.
"Goodnight, Seiichi-kun..", Sakuno waved at him before entering her home. She took a quick shower and skipped dinner since the two of them already ate too much while they were in the park. Snuggling on her pillow, the auburn-haired girl drifted to a peaceful slumber.. forgetting to read the paper she received earlier.
...
Tuesday
After paying the dahlia flowers in his aunt's flower shop a visit and planting some more, Seiichi left and went straight to Shukado. He would've planted them in his own garden.. but he was afraid that Sakuno might see them and besides, the garden in the flower shop is a tad bigger. He attended a morning conference and relayed the details for the next exhibition to the selected employees and explained everything.
When it was over, he strode to the cafeteria and smiled as he saw a familiar auburn-head. But he was barely near them when Michiko exclaimed, "She received flowers again, Seiichi-chan!", gaining the attention of the others who were eating lunch there too.
Again with the 'chan'?
His blue eyes shifted to Sakuno and his heart pounded at the view. She was smiling happily while staring at the new bouquet of dahlia in her hands. "Saa.. nice flowers you have there."
The girl bolted her head up and she saw her bestfriend who sat beside her. She nodded and enjoyed the sweet scent of the flowers, her eyes fluttering shut in satisfaction.
"Tsss.. Hey!", Michiko tugged on his sleeves, "Are you sure that's not from you?"
"Not from me."
"Really?", the black-haired girl narrowed her eyes.
"Really."
Not from him..? Sakuno gazed at the two and carefully watched. If they're really not from Seiichi.. then.. but.. it can't be.. but.. he's the only other person who knows about it aside from her bestfriend..
"Well then.. Whoever he is, he sure is persistent.. And a bit knowledgeable about Sakuno-chan."
Could it be.. him..?
But why?
She didn't notice Seiichi who got up and ordered food for them, and she was still in deep stupor when he came back so Michiko flicked her forehead to snap her from her thoughts. The handsome blue-haired lad chuckled and rubbed her reddened skin gently, before giving her the food he bought.
"Oh, I almost forgot, how's the next exhibition?", inquired Sakuno as she took a bite, occasionally moving the broccolis and carrots from her plate to Seiichi's, while the latter transfers some of the sausage to her plate.
"Well.. The artist is still on a trip and won't be here 'til Friday so I guess we won't be able to talk to him personally until then." The blue-haired lad casually shrugged and ate the veggies she gave him. Then he picked up more of the sausage on his plate and gave it to her.
"Why did the Chairman agree to that? Isn't that a little suspiscious?", and again, she moved the vegetables from her food to his plate while happily munching on the sausages.
"It's because of his works. He was.. quite awed by them, so are the other members."
"His works? Ah- I haven't seen them yet. Do you have some samples?", and they continued on talking, eating and transferring the food they don't like, while Michiko just stared at them with an odd look on her face. All of a sudden..
"You're like an old married couple."
And the two turned to look at her with puzzled expressions on their faces.
...
Sakuno looked around the mall, her eyes roaming around the various shops. Seiichi asked her earlier if she can accompany him to the said place after work and now.. they're here. "What were you looking for again?", she asked the blue-haired lad.
"A jewelry shop.. or something like that. Is there a good one here you can suggest?", his ever-present smile is still on his face, masking the nervousness he was feeling. Seiichi casually inserted a hand in his pocket and looked relaxed.
"Ah! I know one! Come on!", then she pulled him by the arm with her left hand (her right hand is clutching the bouquet) and dragged him to the far south of the mall. Seiichi noticed the surroundings and quickly realized that he'd been here before with her. After five minutes, a fancy shop with different kinds of jewelries and accesories came into his view. Right, they went around this area before to window shop. Sakuno beckoned him to go inside and there, he marvelled at the number and beauty of the jewelries.
He meticulously scanned the things displayed, murmuring something every once and a while, "Will she like this..? No, not.. This..?"
The auburn-haired girl walked around the shop as well, eyeing everything around her when she suddenly stopped and stared. 'Thank goodness it's not sold yet!', she thought as she gazed at the necklace which has a flower-shaped crystal pendant. She'd been saving some money to buy this one ever since she saw it a couple of months ago.
Giving up, Seiichi called out and turned, "Sakuno-chan, what do you think should I..-", and saw her staring at a necklace on the glass cabinet..
Unconsciously, a loving smile made its way to his lips.
...
"Seiichi-kun.. I thought you said you wanted to buy something?", Sakuno asked as the blue-haired lad checked out the DVD's on the shelf. They're now in a movie store, looking for a decent movie to watch in the girl's house since every Tuesday is THEIR movie night.
"I'll.. just look for it some other day. What do you think?", and Seiichi showed her a DVD with the title 'A walk to remember' on its front. He's already watched it before but he knows she hadn't so he knew it'd be a nice pick. He has no problems watching this kind of movies but if only Niou was here.. he'd be laughing his bum out. The auburn head smiled and gave him a thumbs up. "Okay, I'll go pay for it on the counter."
Watching her bestfriend wait in line, Sakuno's eyes softened. She really is lucky.. to have someone like him in her life.
"You alone, miss?"
The girl turned her head and saw a man who casually stood beside her. He gave her a VERY friendly smile and she can't help but feel a little cautious. "I-Iie.."
"But I don't see anyone here with you. How about we watch some movie then?"
"A-Ano.. I-I said I..", and she started to fidget nervously.
"Come on, it'll be fun", the man smirked shrewdly and stepped nearer to her.
"Umm, e-eto..-"
"There you are. Sorry for keeping you waiting, love..", a gentle voice broke into the uncomfortable atmosphere and before the man can even move, the blue-haired lad walked to them and wrapped an arm possessively around the auburn-haired girl. He raised the paid DVD and smiled, "Let's go?"
"Hey! Who are you to-"
"I'm her boyfriend. So please, if you'll excuse us.. we'll be leaving now."
Sakuno, who understood what he's doing, nodded and returned his smile. The blue-haired lad released her.. then reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers, much to the girl's surprise. They moved to exit the store.. but when they were just a step away from the door, Seiichi looked behind him.. and gave the man a cold, hard and sinister glare that made him stiffen and gulp as a shiver crawled up on his spine.
"..Bastard", the man hissed. "I'll get back at you for that."
...
"Saa.. You're such a trouble-magnet, Sakuno-chan", the pleasant smile on his face returned as soon as they got out of the movie store. The girl pouted and opened her lips to say something when.. "I'm not leaving you alone again."
Sighing, the girl just nodded obediently and continued to walk.. The both of them not noticing that they were still holding each other's hands.
...
Wednesday
A soft chuckle reached the girl's ears and she sleepily "Hmm?"-ed while comfortably snuggling on the warm and fragrant..- Another chuckle followed and Sakuno's hazy mind slowly registered that familiar sound.. She willed herself to open her eyes and when she did.. she was welcomed by a pair of beautiful blue orbs looking straight into hers.
"Ohayou, Sakuno-chan.."
Oh. It's just Seiichi-kun.
"Ohayou..", she closed her eyes again and decided to go back to sleep when a realization bombarded her and she exclaimed, "-S-SEIICHI-KUN..?!"
The blue-haired lad chuckled some more before speaking, "Did you have a nice dream?"
Blinking her eyes rapidly, Sakuno tried to remember what happened, "Weren't.. Weren't we watching a movie last night..?", and an image of herself crying so much while pointing at the TV screen flashed in her mind.
"Well.. You fell asleep on the floor while I was putting away the snacks and when I carried you here.. I can't really leave because you were using me as your pillow." And he gestured at their positions, with him just lying there on the bed and her head snugged on his chest. When it finally dawned on her, she quickly sat up and her cheeks began to blush so much.
"Gomen, Seiichi-kun! Mou.. You should've woken me up, I-"
"It's fine, don't worry about it. And besides, how can I do that when you looked so cute while sleeping?"
"Seiichi-kun!"
This isn't the first time this happened and well, Seiichi is her best friend and she knew she can trust him so in the end, she just laughed at herself and to compensate, proceeded to cook some breakfast for the both of them. It's a good thing the blue-haired lad left some clothes in her house before and she already washed them, just in case he sleeps over again and he'll need something to wear (Yes, that included office clothes).
If Michiko was there.. she'd surely comment at how much they looked like a couple.. with Sakuno cooking while humming at the same time and Seiichi preparing the table while yawning lightly.. he's still a little sleepy..
Because he spent most of the night just watching her sleep.
"Seiichi-kun, your clothes are in the guest room, by the way..", then she lifted the ladle unto her lips and sipped, then, "..Umm, can you come here for a bit?"
The blue-haired lad whirled after putting down the plates and approached her,
"You made some soup?"
"Hai.. I know you like having warm soup in the morning so here.. Can you taste it for me?"
Seiichi nodded happily and took the ladle from her. His blue eyes lit up upon tasting it and he smiled genuinely, "Saa.. Sakuno-chan will make a fine wife someday."
There go those 'Someday' jokes again.
The girl shook her head while giggling and turned her attention back to the stove.
"Stop joking around, Seiichi-kun.."
"And you know.. I do think we'd make a fine couple one day", the handsome lad chuckled, hugged her from behind and placed his chin on her shoulder.
"Mou, I'm cooking, you might burn yourself!"
"Call me your aisaika first.."
"Seiichi-kun!"
"Yadda.."
"Mou.."
"Hmm?"
"Aisaika.. stop it."
"I didn't hear it.."
"Aisaika!"
Seiichi fondly ruffled her hair and went back to the table. She might think it's just a joke but for him.. hearing her say that.. makes his heart swell with joy and contentment. (A/N: Aisaika- Loving husband) He sat and just watched her cook.. with a loving gaze that he only reserved for her. One day.. maybe one day, she'll be able to see him as someone more than a friend? Maybe one day.. they can act like this as a true husband and wife?
He hoped so.
Seiichi reached for the remote and increased the volume of the TV in the kitchen. He just needs to get it out of him somehow.. Right now..
When it was finally high enough.. he stood and with a tone laced with such affection, he spoke..
"..I love you.."
Sakuno almost dropped the ladle in her hands. Frozen, the wheels in her head started to run and she felt her breath hitch. After a while of much contemplation, she whirled around and.. nobody was there.
She heard the sound of shuffling feet upstairs and exhaled.. then her gaze went on the Television which is just a few feet away from her..
Maybe.. Maybe she's just hearing things. The TV is too loud after all.
...
Once again, a bouquet of Dahlia flowers arrived and the card held no information about it's sender except for: 'My beautiful dahlia flower..'
Now, she's really curious about his identity. Who could it be?
Seiichi repeatedly denied that it's him and well.. why would he give her flowers anyway? In the end, only one name comes into her mind..
'Ryoma-kun..?'
But why? And they had no communication for the past few years so why would he do such a thing? It's impossible.. Really impossible..
"Sakuno-chan!"
The auburn-haired girl looked up and saw Michiko who was lazily carrying a few folders.
"Hai?"
"Seiichi-chan asked me to tell you that he won't be able to take you home tonight. He just left and he's kinda in a hurry.. Do you know what he's up to?"
Frowning a bit, Sakuno shook her head. He didn't even tell her that he'll be leaving work early. Oh well, he must be busy..
"Ne, Sakuno-chan.. Did you have any news about that mystery painter?"
Again, Sakuno shook her head. Hold up, something's not right. She's the marketing manager but she doesn't even know a thing about their artist whose exhibition will be this Friday! Now she's feeling a bit left-out.
"Hontou? I heard the Chairman and Mrs. Nanao talking about him awhile ago. They're saying that he's pretty awesome!"
"Ah..", the girl listened half-heartedly to her friend talk as her mind went off to contemplate about OTHER things.
...
Sakuno hated walking alone. She hated being alone. Maybe because.. for the past ten years.. she got used to walking home with Seiichi. No, let's rephrase that.
She got used to being with Seiichi.
For the past 3,650 days, she had been walking home with him. So it really felt weird for her not to have him by her side at this time of the day.
Letting herself wander around the mall, Sakuno found herself going back to the jewelry shop. She had been battling herself internally if she should buy that pretty necklace for quite some time now.. To buy or not to buy?
She hasn't bought herself anything new since she started saving up and well, she has enough money now. And besides.. that necklace is too lovely and she can't let herself not have it!
"To buy then..", she muttered happily and marched to the shop.. only to find her precious necklace.. gone. Panicking, she hurriedly went to the staff on the counter and the dreadful news took her by surprise! Someone already purchased it!
With that, the girl dejectedly walked out of the shop and gazed at it forlornly.. This day is really not for her!
"Mattaku!"
And she continued to lament while walking around the mall. She's not a very materialistic girl and that necklace is the only thing that caught her interest! Sakuno doesn't usually go and buy herself such stuff but ever since she saw that beauty, she couldn't help but yearn to have it around her neck!
Turning around a corner, something caught her eyes that made her stop in her tracks. A sudden feeling of shock rose in her.. followed by disbelief and.. and..
"Seiichi-kun..?"
Her eyes locked on the blue-haired lad inside the restaurant.. who was chatting with a red haired girl while showing her a.. familiar necklace with a flower-shaped crystal pendant.
...
Seiichi saved the file in his laptop and stretched his arms..
'What a long day..', he mused.. now all he has to do is e-mail the revised document to the CEO and everything will be set for Friday.
The blue-haired lad started typing away when all of a sudden, his phone rang and a name so dear to him appeared on the screen. He quickly grabbed it and clicked the 'answer button', eager to hear the sound of HER voice.
"Hello?"
"Sakuno-chan?"
"S-Seiichi-kun.."
"Hai?"
There was no answer.. Curious, the handsome lad spoke again.
"Sakuno-chan?"
Still, there was silence and Seiichi suddenly felt worry course through him.
"Sakuno-chan?", he said with a firmer tone. When the voice on the other line didn't speak, the blue-haired lad moved to stand, "Sakuno?"
"Are they really not from you?"
Quietly sighing with relief, Seiichi sat again on his swivel chair.
"What do you mean?"
"The flowers.. Are they really not from you?"
"Ah, n-no.. Why?"
"It's not from you?"
"Sakuno-chan.."
"Seiichi-kun?"
God, he hates lying to her.
"No."
"Sou ka.. Okay. Oyasumi, Seiichi-kun."
"Sakuno?"
But the line went dead.
...
Sakuno gripped her phone tightly.. and opened the message she received hours ago.
'Meet me tomorrow. Same time. Same place.'
- Ryoma
...
Thursday
There they are again.. those beautiful dahlia flowers..
So, they're from Ryoma, huh?
Sakuno slowly picked them up from her table and gazed.. What should she do now?
"Sakuno-chan..?"
The familiar soft voice of her bestfriend snapped her from her reverie and she bolted her head up to look at him. A strained smile curled on her lips and she turned her eyes back to the flowers.
"Is this about yesterday? Sakuno-chan?"
Not knowing how to answer that, the girl decided to remain silent.
"I'm sorry for not telling you.. I just had something important to do and- Sakuno, please look at me."
But still, the girl didn't answer him.
"I promise, I'll walk home with you today.."
"Why are you being this quiet?"
"Please.. I'm sorry.."
"You know I don't like it when you're like this.."
"Sakuno.."
"Are you angry at me?"
Finally, the auburn-haired girl raised her head,
"Why would I be angry?"
"Then-"
"You have some arrangements left to do for the exhibition tomorrow, right? I think you should go finish them now.."
"Sakuno.."
"Seiichi.."
Knowing that the conversation is over once she calls him by his first name that way, the blue-haired lad sighed. "Okay.. Then, I'll just see you later?", he whirled around and moved to step away when..
"No, I-I'm going somewhere later."
"Somewhere?", once again, the handsome lad turned to her. "Where is 'somewhere'?"
The girl refused to look at him and he knew something is up. Moving closer to her, he repeated.
"Sakuno.. Where is 'somewhere'?"
"Seiichi-kun.."
"Where is 'somewhere'?"
Biting her quivering lip, the auburn head gave him the answer.
"Ryoma-kun.."
Suddenly feeling as if the air was being squeezed out of him, Seiichi's blue eyes widened and he unconsciously clenched his fist.. "R-Ryoma?"
"H-Hai.."
This got to be a joke.
"Ryoma? Echizen Ryoma?", the blue-haired lad repeated with a carefully placed tone, hiding the hurt from surfacing in his words.
Sakuno nodded.. and Seiichi felt like everything just crumbled. An unexplainable pain began to devour him and he felt his knees weaken. God, why now? Now that he has finally mustered the courage to tell her.. his love for her.
"Why? After what he did.. you're still..", his blue orbs searched her face, looking for anything.. that can tell him of whatever it is she's thinking. Finally, he muttered wearily, "..You're still in love with him?"
Sakuno didn't answer him. She just continued looking at the floor and he suddenly lost all the energy he has.. He had everything planned out for tomorrow.. How he'd confess.. How he'd tell her everything.. Why now does that Echizen have to ruin everything for him?
Before he can do something unsightly.. or anything that can remove his facade, the blue-haired lad plastered back his ever-present smile and nodded as well. He turned around.. and the smile faded.
But if that troublesome brat thinks he'll just give up that easily.. well, think again.
"I'll be waiting for you at the park."
Because he's not giving her up.
"S-Seiichi-kun?"
He might've lost to him before..
"I'll wait there. Go there after your meeting with Echizen, ne?"
But not this time.
"Ma-Matte-"
The blue-haired lad walked out before the girl can even say anything. No.. He won't give her up. Not when he's so close to finally confessing to her.
"I waited for you for ten years.. Why not wait a little more?"
...
"Are you really sure about this?", Michiko asked her friend as the girl continued to rummage her handbag. "If I see that Ryoma again, I'll definitely give him a piece of my mind! I'll even team up with that old friend of yours! What's her name again? Toma-"
"Tomoka."
"Tomoka! Right!", the black-haired girl grinned evilly. Then, noticing what the auburn head is doing, she inquired, "Oi, what are you looking for, anyway?"
"My phone.."
"Your phone is right behind you."
Sakuno immediately turned around and.. there it is! She must've placed it there on the shelf while.. well, while staring off into space a while ago. Feeling stupid, she quickly placed it inside her bag and thanked Michiko.
"Slap him if he tries to do something bad, okay?"
"Michiko-chan..", the auburn-haired girl shook her head at the black-haired one's antics and moved to leave, not seeing the piece of paper that fell on the ground.
Michiko's eyes darted towards the paper and she reached down to get it.
"Mou.. Sakuno-chan can be so careless sometimes..", she unfolded it.. and froze as its content completely made her feel as if the temperature in the room just fell down to zero.
'The man who has loved you for a long time..
Or the man who's now wanting to be back in your life?
But be careful of the path you'll take..
For it will decide you and your soulmate's fate.'
"S-Sakuno-chan..?"
And the black-haired girl continued to stare at the paper Sakuno received from the fortune teller days ago.
...
Seiichi sat on a bench and watched as the sun began to set, its beautiful color painting the horizon, just like a magnificent piece of art. The blue-haired lad sincerely hoped that.. that whatever the two might be talking about right now..
He still hoped that.. after that.. Sakuno will come and walk home with him.
...
Sakuno halted walking and eyed the road that she and Seiichi usually goes to after work.. It's the way to the park. He must be there now, waiting for her.. Should she just go there?
The man who has loved you for a long time..
But then she shifted her brown orbs to the left and realized that it's the road that will be leading her to Kawamura sushi.. to where Ryoma is..
Or the man who's now wanting to be back in your life?
She stepped towards it but.. it's like something.. something is telling her to go the other way.
But be careful of the path you'll take..
'Sakuno.. stop it', she thought and prepared herself to face the man who left her for his dreams.
'I have to do this.. Once and for all..'
For it will decide you and your soul mate's fate.
...
The sun has long gone and in its place now is the towering moon that gave company to the handsome blue-haired lad. He received a message from Sakuno awhile ago telling him to go home already.. but he still persisted and replied that he'll still wait.
Didn't she know how much she meant to him?
And that retreating home now.. will be like giving her up? And worse, to a man who has never seen her worth?
No, he won't do that. He can't do that.
Because giving her up.. is like giving up every reason he has to live.
...
"Ryoma-kun.."
"Ryuzaki.."
"L-Long time no see, ne?"
The cat-eyed man smirked and tilted his cap down.
"Your hair is still too long."
...
It's been four hours now since Seiichi started waiting.. and still, Sakuno.. not even her sillhouette can be seen. The blue-haired lad gritted his teeth and ignored the cold night air that began enveloping him.. She'll come..
She will..
She will, right?
Putting a hand inside his pocket, he pulled out a silver necklace with a flower-shaped crystal pendant.. He has faith in her. He knows she'll come. The owner of this necklace.. will come.
...
"You sure you don't need a ride home?"
"Iie.. I still have to go somewhere." Sakuno bowed to the so-called Prince and stood up but..
"Ryuzaki.."
...
"That's a pretty nice thing you have there..", someone spoke behind the blue-haired lad, "That must've cost a lot, huh?"
The blue-haired lad whipped his head around.. just in time for a metal baseball bat to hit him on the head and he fell.. his blue eyes recognizing the face of the man before him.. who has three more guys on his side.
That's the man in the movie store.
"Told you I'll get back at you.."
...
Sakuno suddenly clutched the front of her blouse as a painful throbbing began in her chest.. she felt her breath stop and her knees began to tremble..
"What's wrong?"
She shook her head because she didn't know it herself.. but the pain in her heart seemed to have gotten stronger and an unexplainable weight settled in her.
"Ryuzaki, what's wrong?"
She shook her head again..
"B-Betsuni.."
"You should go home and rest."
"Ryoma-kun.. I-"
"Come on."
"I can't.."
"Ryuzaki. Let's go. It's too dangerous to go out at this time of the night. I'll take you home-", the capped man stopped talking as his eyes noticed something glistening on her cheeks.
It was tears.
...
.
.
.
.
Friday
Sakuno walked on the streets as the morning sunshine bathe everything in sight. After all these years..
.. she has finally done what she should've done before.
Although she still has a question in her.. she's just gonna have to let it rest until she.. until she sees Seiichi.
It's impossible..
It really is.
Setting her mind to the exhibition, she sighed and composed her thoughts.
It was impossible anyway. She shouldn't let herself be swayed by that kind of thoughts..
Because Seiichi.. couldn't have possibly be the owner of those flowers, right?
No, that's impossible. It would've been nice.. but that couldn't possibly be.
It just couldn't be..
This week had been the most confusing and troublesome one she ever had..
Her mind went off to all of the things that happened the past few days.
It started off with a dream she knew would never ever happen.
(A/N: Distance by Christina Perri)
(A/N: The words in bold font are Sakuno's real thoughts while she was with Seiichi)
The sun is feeling up the room, and I can hear you dreaming
She suddenly wondered.. does he dream about her too?
Do you feel the way I do, right now?
It felt nice for her.. to have him that close. She felt so contented in his arms..
She suddenly heard a sigh and a question immediately flashed in her mind.
Could he possibly be feeling the same way? Does it feel nice for him too to be with her?
Dismissing it as a silly notion, she turned to look at him. "Hmm?", he inquired.
'Sakuno, get a grip', she scolded herself and spoke to the blue-haired lad,
"Let me get that for you." And she fixed his tie.
I wish we would just give up, cause the best part is falling
"I can't believe you two are just best friends!"
Michiko didn't know how much she hated that word.
Call it anything but love
She wished.. she didn't call him that in the first place. It was okay before but now..
"Michiko-chan, stop joking about such things. Seiichi-kun and I..", it just hurts, "..are just friends."
And I will make sure to keep my distance
"..Yeah."
She knows he can only see her as a friend. She knew.
So.. she just decided.. to keep her distance.
Say I love you when you're not listening
"Hai, I'll be going now."
She watched him hurriedly grab his clear book and place his bag on his chair.
"Wish me luck."
Sakuno can't help it..
"..I love you."
He heard the girl whisper so he turned, "Again?"
Sakuno, you baka. "Ganbatte."
And how long can we keep this up, up, up..?
She decided to just let everything stay the way they are.. to keep everything they have..
Because she was afraid to lose him.
Please don't stand so close, I'm having trouble breathing
The girl shook her head and turned her attention back to the stove.
"Stop joking around, Seiichi-kun."
"And you know.. I do think we'd make a fine couple one day", the handsome lad chuckled, hugged her from behind and placed his chin on her shoulder.
Please stop.
"Mou, I'm cooking you might burn yourself!"
Didn't he know how hard it is for her to breathe with him around her? Didn't he know how hard it is for her to hear him joke like that?
I'm afraid of what you'll see right now
"Call me your aisaika first.."
"Seiichi-kun!"
Please stop.
"Yadda.."
"Mou.."
Please..
"Hmm?"
"Aisaika.. stop it."
"I didn't hear it.."
"Aisaika!"
If only he knew how much she wanted him to be her aisaika.
I give you everything I am, all my broken heartbeats
Until I know you'll understand
She was once hurt but he became her savior as he came into her life.
She fell in love with him the day he first talked to her.
He somehow reminded her of a dahlia..
It looked fragile, delicate and beautiful.. but it has something in it that makes her feel different.. And just like a dahlia.. he has something in him that saved her broken heart.
She loved dahlias before because it's what Ryoma gave to her the day he asked her to be his girlfriend.. and it was the same flower he gave to her before leaving for America.
But ever since she met Seiichi.. she had another reason to love those flowers.
Because it reminded her of him.
And I will make sure to keep my distance
But she knew.. he'll never see her the way she sees him.
Say I love you when you're not listening
She even imagined him saying 'I love you' to her.. how foolish can she be?
How long can we keep this up, up, up..?
For ten long years, she loved him in secret.
And I keep waiting for you to take me
Waiting.. just waiting for him.. or any hint.. that might tell her of what he really feels.
And you keep waiting to save what we have
But it seems that her first guess was right.
She saw it herself that day in the mall..
Turning around a corner, something caught her eyes that made her stop in her tracks. A sudden feeling of shock rose in her.. followed by disbelief and.. and.. hurt.
"Seiichi-kun..?"
Her eyes locked on the blue-haired lad inside the restaurant.. who was chatting with a red haired girl while showing her a.. familiar necklace with a flower-shaped crystal pendant.
Sakuno tried for the last time.. to confirm..
"Are they really not from you?"
"What do you mean?"
"The flowers.. Are they really not from you?"
"Ah, n-no.. Why?"
"It's not from you?"
"Sakuno-chan.."
"Seiichi-kun?"
God, she wished he was just lying.
"No."
But he's not.
"Sou ka.. Okay. Oyasumi, Seiichi-kun."
So I'll make sure to keep my distance
"You have some arrangements left to do for the exhibition tomorrow, right? I think you should go finish them now.."
"Sakuno.."
"Seiichi.."
She decided to just.. maintain their distance, be a good friend and support him. That's what best friends do, ne?
Say I love when you're not listening
She decided to stay the way they are.. Be content with saying 'I love you' whenever he has his back on her.. Satisfy herself with his mere presence in her life.
And how long can we keep this up..?
Although, it'd be something that will be like both heaven and hell for her.
Make sure to keep my distance
That's why she decided to meet up with Ryoma.
"Okay.. Then, I'll just see you later?"
"No, I-I'm going somewhere later."
"Somewhere?", once again, the handsome lad turned to her. "Where is 'somewhere'?"
The girl refused to look at him and he knew something is up. Moving closer to her, he repeated.
"Sakuno.. Where is 'somewhere'?"
"Seiichi-kun.."
"Where is 'somewhere'?"
Biting her quivering lip, the auburn head gave him the answer.
"Ryoma-kun.."
Maybe she can fall back into love with him, ne?
But in the end.. she can't bring herself to do it.
Because she knew Seiichi already has her heart.. how can she give something away when it's not hers now?
"I-I'm sorry..", the auburn-haired girl bowed her head while her first love just sat there with an expression that is rarely seen on him.
A couple of moments later, he pulled his cap down and spoke,
"It's Yukimura Seiichi, isn't it?"
Sakuno fiddled with the hem of her blouse and Ryoma smirked,
"Osakada told me all about him.. She even told me that you don't do that anymore..", he gestured at her hands. "But.. it seems it's because you're more comfortable with him.. than you are with me.."
"I.."
"You?"
"I..-"
"You love him."
Taking a deep breath, the auburn head nodded,
"..Gomen.."
"Che, stop it. It was my fault in the first place", now his cap is completely covering his eyes, "..If I didn't let you go.. you wouldn't have fall for him."
An awkward silence ensued.. but then Sakuno remembered something and she spoke,
"Ah, R-Ryoma-kun.. A-About those dahlia flowers.. They're beautiful but.. y-you can stop sending them now."
Ryoma raised a brow at that,
"Flowers?"
"H-Hai.. The dahlia-"
"I'm not sending any flowers."
Sakuno froze and her chocolate brown eyes widened,
"E-Eh?"
"They're not from me."
Say I love you when you're not listening
Now the girl is definitely confused.. who are they from then?
She would've talked to Seiichi about it but Ryoma insisted on taking her home, and when she tried to call him..
.. He was not answering.
How long till we call this love, love, love..?
She's going to ask him.. because there can only be two who'd send them and if it's not Ryoma, then..
But it was impossible. It would've been very nice.. but it was impossible.
And.. she'd also like to apologize to him for not coming last night. But she sent him numerous messages to go home.. he did, didn't he?
Glancing at her wristwatch, Sakuno quickened her pace to get to the place where the much anticipated exhibition will be held.
Seiichi must be there.
He must be. He is. He is..
Ignoring the pricking in her chest, the girl continued to walk..
Even though.. an unsettling feeling kept on pestering her. It even kept her awake all night. And she didn't know why.. but her eyes just won't stop crying.
They just won't stop crying..
Her heart just won't stop throbbing..
And her hands just won't stop shaking..
Walking faster, the girl tried to calm herself..
She needs to see him now. Now. To rid herself of this fear that has slithered around her heart..
It was ridiculous, why is she being like this?
Seiichi is inside that studio right now and she knows it. He'll be there.. he'll be there..
"He'll be there.."
The building came into her view and she stopped just in front of its main entrance.
He's there.. talking to the clients.. presenting the paintings.. explaining the theme..
He's there.. He's there, he's there!
The sound of her phone ringing disturbed her mantra and she quickly fished it out of her pocket. With a shaking hand, she held it unto her ear and answered,
"M-Moshi-moshi?"
A crackling sound.. then a voice asking, "Is that her?" was heard.
"Moshi-moshi?", she repeated.
"Sakuno?"
It was Sanada Genichirou.
"H-Hai?"
No. No..
"Where are you?"
Controlling her voice, she replied, "At a studio here in Kantou.. why?"
She felt it.
"Seiichi.."
She felt it last night.
"Seiichi..? W-What.."
She felt it.. she felt it but she tried hard not to believe it.
"He.."
"What? Sanada-san..?"
A gasp for air.. followed by a muffled sob from a familiar voice.. Kirihara Akaya.. He must be with Sanada right now..
.. And he's crying.
"Sanada-san? Please.."
"Sakuno.."
"Please.. Tell me.."
"I'm sorry.."
The voice on the other line broke..
"Sanada-san..? What happened?"
She knew what happened.. she felt it.. she just didn't want to believe it..
"He's.."
No..
He can't be..
"..He's gone."
Sakuno's tears streamed down her face as Sanada finally said the words she dreaded to hear. She felt it last night.. She didn't know how.. But she did..
It's like a big part of her went missing last night.. She just didn't want to believe it.
That big part of her was Seiichi.
Was..
Sakuno dropped her phone and placed her hand in front of her lips to muffle her sobs. She wanted to scream.. To wail.. To curl up into a ball and-
The door to the studio opened.
And the auburn-haired girl almost fainted as the worst pain she had ever felt in her entire life began to drill through her heart.. Slowly.. Painfully..
Because what she saw in the studio.. displayed on its walls, being praised by the clients, critics, the press and art connoisseurs..
.. are paintings of her.
They were all her. Every single one of them.
'This is your project?'
'Yep.'
'You're still not finished with that?'
'Sakuno-chan, please don't move yet..'
'Mou! You'll have to treat me to some ice cream for helping you and agreeing to be your model, ne?'
She stepped inside.. and saw an image of her lying on a grassy field.. which vividly reminded her of the field beside their university.
'What are you doing?'
'Sketching..'
'Sketching what?'
'..Secret.'
There was an image of her standing under the sun on a..
'Seiichi-kun.. we're on the beach, why not enjoy for a while?'
'Iie.. I have to finish this first..'
'Another project again?'
'Hai.. and besides.. this moment is too beautiful to just let it pass.'
Another painting of her.. walking in a garden full of flowers.. staring at the setting sun, sitting on a bench at a park, smiling gleefully with butterflies all around her..
.. and an image of her standing under a sakura tree while holding a single dahlia.
'I've been meaning to ask this before..'
'What is it?'
'When you saw me that day in Kanagawa when I was in middle school.. How did you know my name? I don't remember saying it to you.. nor meeting you before that day.. Ne, Seiichi-kun?'
'To be honest.. A good friend of mine told me.'
'Why?'
'Because I asked him..'
'Why?'
'Because.. I was just curious.. about the little girl I saw in Seigaku before with a dahlia in her hands.'
'Y-You've seen me before?'
'Hai.'
'Sou! That's why you knew I like Dahlias!''
She walked towards it.. and saw Seiichi's familiar signature at the bottom with a date saying that it was painted years ago..
.. All of this are his creations.
.. And they're all about her.
Sakuno's chest constricted painfully.. no.. this can't be right.. impossi- her eyes caught something and she almost dropped on her knees.
.. They were dahlia flowers.
Familiar bouquets of dahlia flowers were arranged beautifully along the halls.. complimenting the theme of the exhibition. Written under each and every paintings.. is its theme.
"My Beautiful Dahlia Flower.."
Just like what was written on the cards she received.
"Seiichi..", her shoulders began to shake and her unstoppable tears cascaded down her cheeks. No.. this can't be.. no..
"You like it?"
Sakuno whirled around and saw Michiko and a.. red-haired girl. She was the girl who was with Seiichi in that restaurant.
"Yukimura-san told me all about his plans and I must say, it is pretty sweet. I'm Kaneda Keiko, the coordinator of this art studio. Yoroshiku, Sakuno-san", the redhead laid out her hand but Sakuno just continued staring at her, comprehension of what really happened in the restaurant dawning on her.
"Is that tears of joy? You must be so happy, Sakuno-chan! Seiichi-chan did all this for you! This is the sweetest confession ever! Keiko-chan gave him a hard time to let him hold this here! I can't believe he's the mystery painter! Where is he anyway? His exhibition is a success! The clients want to meet him!", Michiko excitedly shook her friend.. who turned to her with a look that totally confused her, "Eh? Sakuno-chan? Are you ok-", but before she can even finish her sentence, the auburn head.. fell down unto the ground.
"Sakuno? Sakuno!"
"Hey! What happened-"
"Somebody help us!"
The Chairman approached the girls.. but he was barely beside them when he received a message pertaining to a certain art prodigy. "..He's..? Oh God.."
...
"The necklace he bought is missing?", Yanagi Renji inquired as Seiichi's aunt wiped the tears in her eyes.
"The bastard who killed him must've stolen it then!", Marui Bunta clenched his jaw and placed his hand on his head, "Aitsume!"
"He said.. it was the perfect necklace for Sakuno.. He wanted to give it to her that day.. on the day of his exhibition." The old woman smiled bitterly, "He must've fought them for it.."
Kirihara Akaya started crying again but Niou Masaharu smacked him on the head, "Stop it already.. Buchou certainly won't like that." But he himself.. was trying hard to get a hold of himself. His statement only made Akaya cry more.. Their buchou.. their buchou is gone and he can't just accept that! He just can't!
Yagyuu Hiroshi issued his former doubles partner a scolding glare (though he was wearing glasses) and patted the back of the green-eyed lad. "I think you should rest, Akaya-kun." Jackal Kuwahara agreed as well and stood to pull their former Kouhai when a panting Yuuji came rushing to them.
"T-They're gone!"
That caught everyone's attention and the old woman bolted up from her seat,
"What do you mean?"
"Seiichi-kun's last bouquet of dahlias! They're gone!"
...
Sakuno refused to leave her bed. She felt so empty.. hollow.. like nothing matters anymore. Her friends, even her Obaa-chan, did everything they can to help her but she refused to let anyone in..
She didn't want just anyone.
All she wanted is Seiichi.
Several days have passed but the girl still imprisoned herself in the little world she created. A world where only her and his memories live.
The memory of him watching a movie with her in the living room.. of him washing the dishes in the kitchen.. of him sleeping in the guest room.. of him sleeping beside her.. of him reading a book with her..
In every corner of her house.. are his memories.
How she wished she could turn back time.
To tell him how much she loves him.
To tell him how much he meant the world to her.
Now she has no one to tease in the morning.. no one to walk home with.. no one to spend Tuesday nights with.. no one to cook for.. no one to..-
If only she could.. If only she told him.. If only..
A knock on her door made the girl sit up. It must be Tomo-chan or Michiko again.. It's pretty late now and they shouldn't be staying outside someone's house like this.
Didn't they know how dangerous it is at this time of the night?
The auburn-haired girl stood up and walked downstairs.. her living room unkempt and dark.. She passed by the boxes of stuff she collected from Seiichi's office. She was going to send them over to his family but they said that it was okay.. That she can have them..
They didn't know how painful that was.
Looking through the peephole, she focused her eyes and was surprised when she saw no one there. Frowning, she slowly opened her door to check.. when she noticed something pink on her doorstep.
Feeling her heart thrash wildly, she bent down..
.. and picked up Seiichi's last bouquet of dahlia flowers and a red velvet case.. and inside it.. is the necklace he wanted to give her so much.. so much that he lost his life for it.
"..Seiichi.."
The cold air caressed her skin as she stood still on the doorway. How did these..
"..I love you.."
A faint whisper.
She felt a familiar pair of firm arms embrace her from behind.. its recognizable warmth shielding her from the harsh night wind and a tear fell down her cheeks.
Because there is only one person in her life she knows so much that even her body can recognize him just from his mere comfortable warmth and presence..
"..I love you, Sakuno.."
Only him..
Nodding her head earnestly, she tried to look at him but he locked her in his arms. He placed his chin on her shoulder.. just like the way he would whenever he's hugging her.
The girl sobbed and spoke,
"..I love you, Seiichi.."
She felt him nod as well as his blue hair brushed her cheeks, its fragrance still the same as always. She knew he was smiling.. she can feel it.
"There, we finally confessed.. I'm happy now..", the soft voice said with his usual gentleness yet.. there was an unnatural quality to it.. there was something ethereal in his voice..
She knew what he meant by his words and she felt like her heart won't be able to take it.
"Seiichi, don't.."
"I'll miss you.."
Her legs trembled as she heard him say that.
"Don't.."
"Please live.. ne? I'll always be with you.. Ne, Sakuno?"
"Don't leave..", she wanted to hug him, beg him to stay, to grab him but his arms kept her in place. Just like the times when they'd play around and he'd tickle her.. with his arms around her, she knew it was no use..
"Saa.. don't cry. I don't like it when you cry.."
"Seiichi!"
"I'm sorry.. for leaving this early.. But, I'll be waiting for you.. okay?"
"P-Please..", she pleaded him, her voice breaking as her sobs continued to escape out of her lips.
"..I love you. I always have.. and I always will. Remember that."
A gust of wind followed.. and his voice faded into thin air.. along with his embrace..
Sakuno knew.. he's now truly gone. He won't be coming back. He won't be coming back..
They wasted a lot of time.. afraid of losing each other.. afraid of getting hurt.. afraid of risking what they have.. when in the end, their fear is what led them to an eternal separation.. which is something they'll never be able to get back.
Her best friend.. Her savior.. Her love.. won't be coming back and she will never ever be able to be with him again. If only.. If only..
Now, the only proof of his visit.. are his dahlia flowers, the silver necklace.. and a lock of blue hair on the girl's shoulders. Closing the door, Sakuno stepped inside.. not knowing how to start her life again without him.. now that the biggest and most important part of it.. is now gone.
...
OWARI
...
Review, please?
Please don't kill me.. God, I cried so much. I played both 'Dahlia' and 'Distance' while writing and it made me cry so much. I am a true Yukimura fan, please don't be mad! If you want, I can write a sequel for this, so don't shoot! I dedicate this to all of you guys who took the time to read, review and click the 'Favorite/Follow' button. Thank you guys! Especially to Kikumaru-cat who told me that she's a YukixSaku fan.
I'll start writing the third one and it'll be titled 'A thousand years', a ShiraishixSakunoxTezuka fanfic, a request from Mistress Hydrangea and Deathly Jester! Aye aye! It'll be a kinda happy, kinda sad story, depends on who you're rooting for. Review this, please? Yay!