The streets were filled with all kinds of people at this time of the day. They were split into groups of students, middle-aged businessmen, the elderly and working-class adults like herself. The only difference was that most of them were in pairs and she was alone. It was almost 8pm but she wasn't in the mood to go home so early. She had decided to go for a drink tonight instead.
After her third glass of sake she heard a voice saying:"Excuse me, miss. Is this seat taken?" and turned around to see an acquaintance. Ukitake Jushiro was a fellow business partner of her company. They had met on several occasions at the company's anniversary event. "Ukitake-san. You can take the seat. How are you?" she smiled. "I'm doing pretty well. Thanks for your concern. What about you?" "Me? I'm good." "I see. How's Shunsui doing? I haven't spoken to him in ages." "That person. Ah, I think he should be well off without me." She spat. There was a moment of silence as they drank for awhile before he spoke again. "How are you coping now?" She ordered another glass of sake before answering:"It's really alright. Besides, we weren't exactly an item." "What makes you say that?" She paused to think, "We didn't make our feelings known." "Feelings... I see." "Was he like that in school too?" "Huh? Let me think back. Hmm… he was quite a player. But none of his past relationships were serious. You were an exception." "How do you know?" "He had told me before. He said you were different from the rest." "Do you think I would believe a playboy's words?" she retorted. "Then how about the things he told you before? Did you not believe his words last time?" "That was different. That was when I… I loved him… but it's different now."
I just said it. After all this time I was able to say it! But why couldn't I say it to him? I'm such a failure. She thought. "I think I better get home now. Thanks for your company tonight." "I should send you back." "No, it's really alright." He shook his head and laughed:"You're still as stubborn as ever Nanao. Alright then, at least let me walk you out." She smiled and led the way out for them. "Thanks again. It was nice seeing you. Have a good evening Jushiro. Bye." "Bye." He watched her walk towards the traffic junction before turning the opposite direction towards the car park. Just as he was about to cross a small street he heard the loud screeching of tires and people screaming in shock. He quickly ran back to the spot where he left and saw a crowd gathering in the middle of the road. "Excuse me… make way please." He said as he pushed his way through the crowd. He panicked the moment he saw Nanao lying on the road. "Nanao! Nanao! Can you hear me? Nanao?" "I'm… ok." She said in a feeble voice. "Don't worry. I will bring you to the hospital now." He quickly asked a passerby to help him take care of her while he went to fetch his car and drove her to the nearest hospital.
"Excuse me. Are you the family or relative of Ise Nanao?" enquired the doctor who came out of the operating theatre. "I'm her mother. Is my daughter alright?" said the lady who had rushed to the hospital after receiving a call from the hospital. "The operation was a success. There were only a few minor cuts and bruises. She will be admitted for 3 days before we release her." The doctor explained. "Thank you. Thank you so much." The lady said tearfully before heading towards the ward her daughter was in. "Mother. How did you…" "Nanao. Thank god you are alright. I was so worried. Your friend told the hospital to call me and inform about you." "Oh, him. " "Alright, rest well dear. I will return tomorrow with breakfast." The older woman said and left.
"Hello?" "Shunsui? It's Jushiro here. Something's happened." "Jushiro? Ukitake Jushiro? Hey, how are you? We haven't talked for a long time." "Yeah, I know. But that's not important. Nanao was in an accident." It took some time for his brain to register what his old friend had just said. "Hey, are you still there? Nanao was hit by a car when she was crossing the road just now. She's in the hospital now." The words came out in a whisper."Is she hurt?" "Just come to the hospital tomorrow morning I will send you the address." Then the line went dead. His head was in a whirl as he tried to process the news. What just happened? Why do I feel this strong atmosphere of guilt around? Was it my fault? Questions were flying around in his head causing him to have a headache. Maybe it was a prank call. They just wanted to test his feelings.
When he switched on the television the next morning, he realized that it wasn't a prank call. There was a news report on a hit-and-run case that happened the night before. The police were investigating the matter. Although they did not show the victim, the description given by the other passerby matched Nanao. Oh my god, it was true after all. What should I do? Would she want to see me? He was left in a dilemma, to go or not to go.