Hi,
I hope you're well. Thank you for patiently reading the previous chapters.
I really hope you're enjoying this humble story. We're on the third chapter already.
Thank you for all the comments you left. Here's chapter 3. :)
Chapter 3: Why Do I feel This way?
At the manga cafe...
"I'm so tired, Harumin," Yuzu slouched back.
"This is a funny video. This dog is so adorable. I think I want a toy poodle," Harumin thought out loud, watching a video online.
Oh well... Harumin seems busy...
"Harumin, hey!" Yuzu shouted.
Harumin took off her headphone and turned to Yuzu, "Wazzup, Yuzucchi?"
"Remember Taro?" Yuzu put her phone down.
"Taro? The soccer team captain! A.K.A Captain Pretty Boy? No, I don't," Harumin said, laughing so hard.
"Harumin, stop that!" Yuzu stared at the ceiling.
"What about Taro?" Harumin turned her gaze back at her PC and mindlessly searched for videos to watch.
"He invited Mei to watch his game tomorrow," Yuzu casually glanced at Harumin.
"Captain Pretty Boy has courage now, huh?" Harumin chuckled, searching for cute photos of dogs.
"Yeah! So... Mei agreed to go in one condition," Yuzu sat straight on her chair.
Harumin slowly turned to Yuzu with a curious expression, "So... What's the Prez's condition, then?"
"She would go watch his game... if," Yuzu softly rubbed her forearm.
"If?" Harumin leaned forward and shoved Yuzu.
Yuzu was startled and got a bit scared, "Mei would go if I'd join her."
Harumin raised her brow and giggled.
Why is Harumin acting so weird?
"I'm sorry, Yuzucchi. I thought it was something else," Harumin replied, still gazing at Yuzu.
"I don't wanna go, Harumin," Yuzu sighed, looking away and stared at the door.
I don't know why I feel this way about Mei. Was it because she kissed me? I feel anxious being near her.
"Hey, I would love to watch his game, too!" Harumin said, turning to her PC and continued to gawk unabashedly at photos of cute dogs.
"Hey! Are you sure?" Yuzu approached Harumin from her side and gave her a tight hug.
"Yuzucchi, what are you doing?" Harumin tried to gently move Yuzu's arms away.
"The game is tomorrow at 1:30, okay?" The blonde stretched her body and yawned, "It's time for us to go home, Harumin."
"Since tomorrow is Saturday, then we can go shopping after the game," Harumin tilted her head and flicked a finger on her chin and imagined some clothes she would like to buy, "Wego would be on their spring season sale, this weekend, it's a perfect time for us to go shopping, Yuzucchi!" shouted Harumin.
"Do you think Mei would like to go shopping with us?" Yuzu stood up and stretched one more time.
Harumin chuckled, "No idea, Yuzucchi, but I doubt it."
Mei always has this simple and uncomplicated style which makes her look elegant. Where does she buy her clothes?
At the heart of Tokyo lies Tanoshi-ge Living, a modern high-rise residential building, designed by Okogi Umezawa, Yuzu's mother. As part of her commission, she was rewarded a two-bedroom unit. Also, the real estate developer was so impressed by her team's work that they decided to work with her for their upcoming projects for the next five years. Yuzu and her mother moved to Tokyo from Kyoto.
The building offers easy access to all parts of Tokyo. Tanoshi-ge Living also has exclusive facilities and services. At the ground floor lies Yuzu's sanctuary, the spa.
This feels really good. Yuzu dipped her fingers in the large hot tub at the spa and let the water form small waves.
Yuzu stripped her towel and lowered herself into the water, It's so relaxing. I hope it's always like this. Yuzu shut her eyes closed. She felt wonderful.
The hot water gently calmed and relaxed her. Why did Mei do that? I mean she can just go without me or turn Taro's offer down... why involve me?
She sank deeper into the tub and enjoyed the warmth. Why am I making such a big deal about this? It's not really a big deal to go watch Taro's game.
I'm not making any sense anymore. This week has been extremely crazy.
Remembering the kiss at the Yuugen Crepe House, Why do I feel like I enjoyed it? I mean the kiss with Mei. It was my first time to kiss a girl. And Mei kissed me. Yuzu continued to sink herself deeper in the tub.
I wonder how she felt about it. Yuzu placed a finger on her lips, reminiscing that moment. It felt really nice though. Ugggghhhh!
"WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?" Yuzu stood up and spoke out loud which startled everyone in the tub.
"Shhhh..." About seven other people gave her disapproving looks.
"Oops... I'm sorry," Yuzu bowed and gently sat in the hot tub again.
Why do I feel this way? Yuzu had never thought a kiss with a girl could give her butterflies.
Why can't I stop thinking about that kiss? She had never even given a thought on kissing girls prior to that one with Mei.
Why did I get turned on? She had never even looked at girls in a sexual way before until that kiss with the raven haired.
I think I'm screwed.
Yuzu got out of the water and sat at the edge of the hot tub before deciding to leave the spa.
At their apartment...
"Hey, Yuzu. How are you?" Ume, Yuzu's mom, was busy preparing their dinner.
"I'm okay, Mama. School has been really tough but it's fine," Yuzu said, giving her mom a bright smile.
"I made us some soup curry. This will make you feel better," She flashed Yuzu a big smile back.
"Thank you, Mama. They have really nice facilities here, you know," Yuzu replied, approaching the kitchen.
"Yes, they do. Did you enjoy the spa on the ground floor?" Ume asked, pouring some special seasoning into the pot of Soup Curry.
"Yes, Mama. I don't think I ever told you this but I'm very proud of you. You designed a very beautiful place," Yuzu smiled at her mother.
Ume's heart just melted hearing those words from her daughter, "Yuzu, is there something that you want to tell me?"
"Mama, nothing," sighed Yuzu, opening the plate drawer.
"You can tell me anything," Ume insisted. She knows when something is bothering her daughter.
How can I tell Mama about how I feel? Would she understand?
"When you met papa... how did you know that he was the one for you?" Yuzu asked, avoiding eye contact with her mother.
"Well, Yuzu. It's really hard to explain," Ume sighed and turned to her daughter. Yuzu's green eyes were filled with worries, "Things like love go beyond words. You feel them. When I first met your papa, I could not explain why I was attracted to him."
Oh Mama...
"We were very different. I was carefree and he was serious with everything. Nobody wanted to approach him," Ume chuckled at the recollection of her past.
"Huh? He didn't act so serious with me when I was growing up," Yuzu exclaimed, walking to the dining table.
"That's because he learned to relax and to have fun a little," Yuzu's mom brought the pot to the table.
"Mama, you still didn't answer my question," Yuzu sternly said, giving her mom a serious look.
"Yuzuko, I can't tell you exactly how I knew he was the one for me. But he was the only one who made me feel at home when he was around. He was the only one whom I could bare my heart to without feeling ashamed. I always felt relaxed around him. He loved me at my weakest and accepted me at my worst," Ume shed a tear.
Yuzu approached her mother and wrapped her arms around her.
"Yuzuko, why are you asking me this question? Are you, in any way, in love?" she asked, looking straight at the blonde.
Am I in love? I'm not sure. What do people call this feeling?
"I don't know, Mama," Yuzu answered, hugging her mother tightly.
"Love comes in more than a thousand different forms. Shouldn't you be focusing on your studies, Yuzu?" inquired Ume, gently breaking the hug.
"Yes, you're right, Mama," Yuzu answered, staring at the table.
I should be focusing on my studies but my mind is focusing on something else.
At the soccer field...
Yuzu checked the time on her phone, and whispered to herself, "Seems I'm too early for today."
As she was about to put her phone in her pocket, she received a message.
From: HT
Yuzucchi, my sister paid a visit today. I won't be able to watch the game with you. I'm sorry.
See you next time. I'll make it up to you. I promise!
"Hey, Yuzu!" Taro shouted, running towards the blonde.
"Hey, Taro! Big game today?" She waved her hand and shouted back.
"It's a practice game against a team from another school. We're warming up for the big game next month," Taro said, panting.
"Good job, captain! Practice is the key to success, as they say," Yuzu joked, giggling.
"Cut it out, Yuzu! You'll surely learn more about success from Aihara Mei," Taro retorted, fixing his gorgeous hair with his hand.
"Have you seen her somewhere? I think I'm too early for today," Yuzu inquired, shamelessly scanning the field.
"Not yet, though. Maybe she's on her way," Taro stretched his back, "Thanks for agreeing to come, Yuzu. I owe you a lot."
"Well, Taro," Yuzu looked away, "I don't know anything about soccer... so forgive me, just in case, I would be cheering the wrong team."
Taro laughed, "Now, I understand why Aihara Mei wanted you to join her."
"Why?" Yuzu asked angrily, staring at the tall guy.
"Because you're fun to hang out with," Taro wiped a small sweat on his forehead.
Fun to hang out with? What does Taro mean by that?
"I've never seen Aihara Mei being too close with another person," Taro uttered, making eye contact with Yuzu.
"Huh?! She's the president. Of course, she has a lot of friends,"Yuzu exclaimed, crossing her arms.
"Everyone seems to be intimidated by her, Yuzu," Taro stood on one leg and grabbed his opposite ankle to do the classic stretch, getting ready for the game.
Well... Mei looks intimidating perhaps because she has everything... and she's gorgeous.
"Taro gently pulled his outstretched arm across his chest this time, "You're the only person whom she seems comfortable with. She likes you, Yuzu," Taro casually said.
Like me? Am I so obvious? What kind of 'like' is Taro talking about?
"Huh? What do you mean, Taro?" Yuzu asked, glaring at Taro.
"She seems relaxed around you. You two can be good friends, Yuzu," Taro answered, stretching his shoulders.
"How long have you been stalking Mei, Taro?" Yuzu stretched her shoulders unconsciously mirroring Taro.
"I'm not a stalker, Yuzu!" Taro did the victory stretch, "I have just been observing."
"C'mon. You're a stalker!" Yuzu burst out laughing.
"Yuzu," a girl called across the field.
I know that voice.
Both Yuzu and Taro turned to see the girl. Their eyes were met by the sight of a raven haired girl in a business casual attire. Mei wore a striped top and a soft purple blazer that perfectly flatters her hourglass figure. She put on a black skirt that strikes a balance between classy and sexy. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
Yuzu and Taro remained speechless for a moment basking in Mei's presence.
"I'm sorry for being overdressed for this occasion. I will be heading straight to a gathering after watching the game," Mei uttered, taking off her blazer, "Yuzu, what time have you arrived here?"
"Not too long, Mei," Yuzu awoke from her dream-like state.
What has happened. Why is my heart beating so fast?
"Will the game start anytime soon?" Mei asked, glancing at Taro who was still in his dream-like state.
"Taro, what time will your game start?" Yuzu lightly hit Taro's shoulder who was still gazing at the raven-haired girl.
"Ah yeah, it should start by now," finally Taro came back to the real world.
"Good luck, Taro," Mei raised her head to make eye contact with Taro that pierced straight to his heart.
Taro scratched his head in disbelief and made weird laughing sounds, "Thank you, Aihara-san."
"So, it seems they have installed a new bleacher seating," Mei turned to her left admiring the location of the bleacher seating. It was beautifully surrounded by trees.
"Yeah, it looks really great and comfortable," Yuzu turned to look at the seating, "The trees on each side make it perfect for a relaxing afternoon."
"Captain! We're about to start our game!" one of the soccer team members shouted.
"Ahhh. Thanks for coming, Aihara-san. I hope you enjoy our game," Taro said, slightly bowing out of anxiety and ran towards his team members.
"Yuzu, let's head over to the bleachers," Mei uttered, taking off her high heels.
"Mei, what are you doing?" Yuzu's eyes widened.
"I suppose it's okay to walk barefoot on the grass. It's uncomfortable to walk in high heels on the grass, Yuzu," Mei reasoned, looking on the ground, "I like how the grass creeps up between my toes."
"'Kayy, so I should take my sneakers off too," Yuzu replied, bending down on one knee to untie one of her shoes.
"You don't have to that, Yuzu," Mei turned to look at Yuzu who was slightly behind her.
"I wanna know how it feels like for the grass to creep between my toes, too," Yuzu took off her pink sneakers, "Let's race to the bleachers, Mei."
Oh no. I don't think Mei would want that. Yuzu, what are you saying? She's not Harumin!
"That's actually not a bad idea but I still have a gathering to attend to, later this afternoon," Mei clutched her handbag gently and turned to look at Yuzu, "Let's just walk, Yuzu."
"Alright, Mei!" Yuzu clutched her backpack straps.
"Yuzu, when we were at the Crepe House, you mentioned that your only talent is making people happy," Mei tucked in a strand of hair that fell on her forehead.
Mei remembers that! It makes my heart melt.
"Yes, I remember saying that, Mei," Yuzu sighed deeply to suppress the fast beating of her heart.
"But I do believe that you have a secret talent, Yuzu. Question no. 9. What is your secret talent?" Mei asked, glancing at the blonde.
I can't believe we're still doing this.
"Umm, Mei. I'm not sure if you're going to believe me but..." Yuzu massaged her forehead, "Because of my dad, I, somehow, enjoy writing poetry.
Ugggh! Why did I even share that? No one knows about it!
"Poetry? Hmmm..." Mei tilted her head.
"You see, Mei. My dad... uhmm... and my mom met when they were both in college," Yuzu explained, brushing her hair with her hand to release some anxiety.
"I see. They were college sweethearts," Mei stated as she stopped for a moment to wear her shoes. The girls were getting closer to the bleachers.
"That's right! And dad used to write excerpts from his poems on post it notes. He would slip a note through the vents in my mom's locker everyday at school," Yuzu bent down to tie her shoes.
"Your mom is very lucky," Mei exclaimed as they continued to walk a few more steps before the front row, "You were inspired by your dad," Mei straightened her skirt while getting ready to sit and gestured the blonde to sit beside her.
"I kept most of his poems in a box at home," Yuzu retorted, taking off her backpack and sat beside Mei.
"Have you written some poems, recently?" Mei placed her handbag on her lap.
"Uhh... yes," the blonde hesitantly answered.
"Is it alright if I'd ask you to read an excerpt from your work?" Mei asked, making eye contact with Yuzu.
Why do you have to be so cute? I mean why would you want me to do that, Mei?
Opening her bag, Yuzu took her phone out, "Are you sure about that, Mei?"
"Writing poetry is something I'm not good at. I find it fascinating how some people can easily capture their emotions with words," Mei looked out over the field.
"Okay... If you insist, Mei," Yuzu scrolled her phone to search for her most recent work.
Damn it! I wrote this last night trying to figure out my feelings.
"So, you write a poem on a smartphone?" the raven- haired questioned.
"There's a great app that makes writing poetry easy," Yuzu replied, hesitating over sharing her latest work.
"I see," Mei tucked a strand of hair behind her right ear and looked on the ground.
"Mei, if you don't like this one, just let me know. You're very good with words so you can correct my grammar or give me feedback," Yuzu said, wiping a sweat that started to form on her forehead.
What if she would figure out this poem is about... Oh, she wouldn't know that. Fingers-crossed.
"Grammar rules shouldn't limit someone from creating a good poem or a prose," Mei said, turning to Yuzu.
"Are you ready, Mei?" asked Yuzu, sighing ever so deeply.
Mei gave a nod in return and replied, "I am."
Yuzu took a very deep breath then started to recite,
Before I saw you,
I didn't know I was incomplete.
You found me, I found myself.
Your eyes have passion,
A glow that only I can see.
Is it possible that we met before?" Yuzu paused, catching a breath.
I don't know why I wrote this poem.
In one of our many past lives?
How playful can the universe be
To separate us in eternity,
But this heart is stubborn
And it always knows
Its way to yours.
Yuzu breathed out heavily, "That's all, Mei!"
This is so embarrassing. I can feel my face turning red.
"Hmmm. Is it possible that we met before?" Mei said, with a curious facial expression.
What does she mean?
"I like that line," The raven-haired girl nodded approvingly.
Yuzu chuckled nervously, "Thanks, Mei."
"Could you send me a copy of that?" Mei took out her phone.
What? Why? It's a terrible poem!
The blonde turned to Mei in disbelief, "Uhmmm, are you sure? It's an awful poem, Mei. It's a free verse and I made it to clear my mind on..."
"On?" inquired Mei, "I believe that you were inspired by that person, weren't you, Yuzu?"
I guess I was, Mei.
"Yuzu, we have a poetry club at school. You would be a very good addition to them," Mei said, unlocking her phone.
It will be the end of my social life!
"Mei, no one knows about this. I don't think I'm ready for that," Yuzu whispered.
"I understand," Mei replied, hiding her disappointment.
Why does she look disappointed?
"It's a pity that the poetry club has the least number of members in our school," Mei sighed, "If only they could find a way to attract more members, they would get their budget approved. But it seems they will have a hard time doing that."
"Poetry is really not popular, Mei," Yuzu responded, looking over the game.
"Indeed, it isn't," Mei replied, gazing at the game with a defeated look.
Don't give me that look, Mei. Uggh. If I'd join the poetry club, I'm not sure if I'll have time to hang out with Harumin.
"Okay, Mei. I'll try it out. I'm not sure if I get accepted. I mean, my poems aren't that good, you know," declared the blonde.
Mei turned to Yuzu and smiled, "I'm sure the members will be happy to have you around. Have you sent me a copy of your work?"
"Oh, I almost forgot," Yuzu said, tapping the 'send' button hesitantly.
We'll see what happens next.
On a Monday morning...
Yuzu leaned towards Harumin and whispered,"Harumin, I need to ask you a favor."
"Okay, Yuzucchi. What do you want me to do, this time?" Harumin answered while completing her last minute homework.
"I need you to... take me to the poetry club?" Yuzu swiftly looked away.
"Huh?! It's on the third floor. You know where it is, Yuzucchi!"
"Yeah, I know."
"Besides, why do you need me to go there with you?" inquired Harumin, still busy with her task.
"You see, I'll be signing up for their club," Yuzu said as softly as she could and hid her face in embarrassment.
Harumin burst out laughing and stopped what she was doing.
Yuzu shoved Harumin's shoulder, "Harumin, stop laughing!"
"I'm sorry, Yuzucchi," Harumin said, wiping some tears from laughing, "Why would you do that to yourself?"
I don't know why, Harumin.
"It's about Mei."
"What about the Prez?
"Last Saturday, when YOU weren't around, I made a promise to join the poetry club," said Yuzu, giving Harumin an angry look for not showing up.
"Sorry about that, Yuzucchi. My sister can be scary, you know. So, I stayed at home to avoid any trouble," Harumin reasoned, "Are you sure about joining the poetry club?"
"Not really sure about it but I made a promise, so..."
"Looks like the Prez used her charisma to convince Yuzucchi to join a club that's about to get extinct," Harumin quipped, tapping her pen on her notebook.
"Don't be too mean, Harumin," begged Yuzu, resting her head on the desk.
Harumin turned to look at her best friend, "Since when did you become interested in poetry, Yuzucchi?"
"Well, it's a long story, Harumin," Yuzu looked out the window.
"Seems the Prez really likes you, huh?"
Huh? Why does everyone think that? Taro, now Harumin?
"Why do you think that way, Harumin?" asked Yuzu, still gazing at the sky.
"I don't know. I just get the feeling, Yuzucchi. You seem to like the Prez, too, huh?" Harumin casually commented.
What does Harumin mean? Am I getting too obvious. Do I really like Mei?
"Harumin, Mei is a nice person," Yuzu answered, pretending to grab something from her bag.
"I see. She's lucky to find a friend in you, Yuzucchi. Prez isn't really that friendly, you know. Seems you're the only one she has warmed up to," Harumin uttered, trying to finish her homework.
The only one she's warmed up to?
"Since you've known her longer, Harumin. Doesn't Mei have a lot of friends?" asked Yuzu. The blonde just recently transferred to their school.
"She doesn't have time for that. If she isn't busy at school, she's busy learning about their business,"
"Has she ever been in any sort of relationship?"
"Why do you want to know, Yuzucchi?" Harumin asked, raising her brow, "Well, when we were in freshmen, there was a talk in school about her being involved with the student council president at that time. He was our senior but Mei broke up with him."
"Why?"
"They said he was very jealous to a point that he didn't want Prez to be friends with anyone,"
"That jealous?"
"That jealous! The Prez is beautiful. It's impossible for her not to attract any type of attention,"
True enough.
"So, she hasn't been romantically involved with anyone since then?"
"No, she hasn't, I guess. I think she needs someone who is very secure with himself to handle her long list of admirers," Harumin chuckled.
Someone who's very secure?
In the hallway of the third floor...
"Yuzucchi, there it is! The hub of the poetry club," Harumin pointed to her right.
"You're right, Harumin. Come with me," Yuzu dragged Harumin.
"Hey, let me go! It's not my cuppa tea!" Harumin exclaimed.
"This is your payment for not showing up last Saturday," Yuzu held Harumin tighter.
"Jeez! Okay, then," Harumin straightened herself, "Here we are, Yuzucchi. Now, go knock on that door," Harumin commanded.
As Yuzu was about to knock, someone opened the door from inside, "Oh, hi. I'm sorry," The blonde said and gave the person a nervous smile.
"You must be Okogi Yuzuko?" the other person asked, smiling brightly at Yuzu.
"Yeah, how do you know my name?" Yuzu questioned, arching her brow.
"Our student council president dropped by our office today and gave us a copy of your work."
What? Mei gave them a copy of my poem? Goodness!
"She also said that we will be expecting you any time soon," the person said, opening the door widely and gesturing Yuzu and Harumin to come in.
"How did you know it was me," Yuzu said, making her way in.
"President Aihara Mei gave us a description of your hair and eye color. She's right you have green eyes. Oh by the way, I'm Hitomi Kosugi, the poetry club president," she said, looking straight at Yuzu's green eyes, "Those emerald eyes are like the first spring leaves on a plum tree, the color of freshly cut grass that creeps into our barefoot toes," she recited, "I'm sorry, it's become my reflex to create poetry out of nowhere."
"That was good, Kosugi-san," Yuzu said, smiling approvingly.
"Thanks. Just call me, Hitomi," she insisted, smiling back at Yuzu, "So, Okogi-san, how are you related to Aihara Mei? She never visits our club but today was an exception."
"I'm her," Yuzu said before she was interrupted.
"She's her partner," Harumin blurted, wrapping her arms around the blonde's shoulders.
"Her partner?" Hitomi questioned, raising her head to look at both Yuzu and Harumin. Hitomi was about 5 inches shorter than Yuzu. She had pixie-like hair with waspy bangs brushed along her forehead.
"I'm her project partner," Yuzu replied, hiding a little taint of blush forming on her cheeks.
To be continued...