Chapter 7: Letting go
"I can't believe it took you two hours to get ready Mimasaka-san."
"Well, looking this good is a time consuming task. I do have a reputation to maintain."
"Talking about your reputation, how come you are not taking one of your conquests to Rui's party?" To say that she caught me completely by surprise with her question would be an understatement. Sitting in the limo watching the scenery pass by, I was content.
"I never bring any of my conquests to my friends parties. It would complicate things." I did not turn around as I answered
"Complicate things?"
"Yes Yuki-san, the women I date are already married, coming with me to this kind of parties would be too evident within our social circle. They have to keep appearances and so do I. Now that I am in charge of the family business I can't take the risks I used to take when I had no responsibilities."
"But don't you feel lonely?" I turned to face her and I saw her earnest curiosity.
"Yuki-san, I can't miss something that I've never had. Besides, I am not really alone. I have my family and my friends. For now that is enough." I turned to look out the window and I could feel her gaze on me. I had never had anyone worry about whether or not I was lonely. It was nice to have a friend that worried about me. Sojiroh was an idiot, not realizing how great a person Yuki was. But then again I am glad he didn't see it, because maybe she and I wouldn't have become friends.
As we arrived at the party I noticed that she seemed a little bit nervous. "Yuki-san, are you ok?"
"I'm a little nervous. I've never been to a party like this."
"Don't worry Yuki-san, I will make sure that you don't embarrass yourself. Don't worry about anything and just have fun."
"Ok Mimasaka-san." A nervous smile appeared on her face. She was brave.
I stepped out of the car and extended my hands towards her to help her out. We walked into the mansion and went in search of our friends.
"Yuki-san! You made it!!" I saw Makino making her way towards us. Having her friend close by had eased Yuki's tension a bit.
"Tsukushi!! You look great!!" Yuki hugged her friend and smiled at Tsukasa who was never far from Tsukushi.
"You too!! I am so glad you are here Yuki. Come on lets go talk to Rui."
"See you around Mimasaka-san." Yuki managed to say as Tsukushi dragged her into the ballroom in search of Rui.
"So, Akira? Are you dating Yuki?" I couldn't help but laugh at Tsukasa's question.
"Of course not. Yuki and I are just friends."
"Well it looks like she is over Sojiroh. I am glad. Makino did not like that Yuki was so interested in him." Tsukasa commented as we walked into the ballroom.
"Tsukasa, I've come to learn that there is more to Yuki than what we usually see." My eyes found her slight figure standing beside Tsukushi and Rui near the buffet tables. I could see her eyes alight with merriment.
"Thank God I know you prefer older women, otherwise it would seem that you are starting to care for her." I turned to the sound of the voice and found Sojiroh walking towards us.
"Of course I care for her. She is my friend." I replied as Sojiroh reached us.
"I am just glad that she is no longer chasing me around. I could never give her what she needed. Do you think she and I could ever be friends Akira?" His eyes focused on her figure and for an instant I could see how he really felt for her. The bastard had been lying to everyone about what he felt for Yuki.
"I honestly don't know Sojiroh. That is something that only Yuki can answer." I answered as I took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "But if there is something that I've learned about her is that she has a very kind heart and a very forgiving nature."
He turned his eyes to me and searched my face looking for something and explaining his thoughts, "Akira, I know I've hurt her by not reciprocating her feelings, but it is better this way. No matter how much I might … have grown to care for her I know that I could never give her what she needs. She is better off with someone else. But that doesn't mean that I wouldn't want to be friends with her."
"Sojiroh, do you love her?" asked Tsukasa. Sometimes I forget how perceptive he could be.
"Yes. I love her enough to let her go and have a happy life with someone who can give her the kind of love and devotion she deserves. It is enough for me if we can be friends."
"Sojiroh, she loves you. Don't you think that it should be her decision?" I saw him turn to look at her, standing there talking with Tsukushi her happy laughter ringing throughout the room. "No Akira. I know her love for me will fade with time, it has already started. Besides I am going to be living in England for a while. My family has opened a new office there and my dad wants me to manage it until it is stable which will probably take a couple of years."
"What?" Tsukasa and I asked simultaneously.
"I leave tomorrow and I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to see all of you one more time before leaving. Face it guys things are changing, we all have our own paths to follow."
"It doesn't matter where our paths lead. We will always be the F4." Tsukasa stated.
"Well in that case let's make sure that it is a memorable night." I said as I started walking towards Yuki and Tsukushi.
"Having fun Yuki-san?" I heard her small yelp of being caught off guard.
"Mimasaka-san, don't scare me like that!!" she turned to me with a smile that did not dim as she greeted Sojiroh. "Good to see you Nishikado-san."
"Good to see you too, Yuki." Sojiroh replied with a smile.
The night was full of laughter and good wishes as Sojiroh told the rest of the group about his move to England. As the night progressed I saw from afar how much attention from the other male guests she was receiving. Her innocent and honest laughter were a stark contrast to the superfluous people that surrounded her, so unlike them, that she stood out in the crowd. She was unaware of her appeal. I also saw my friend watch her closely as if wanting to memorize her image in his mind… one last time before letting go.
As the party drew to a close Yuki and I said our goodbye's to the rest of the group. I helped her into the car and slid right next to her.
"It was a nice party Mimasaka-san."
"I am glad that you had fun Yuki-san."I felt her head rest on my shoulder and as her breathing grew slower, I could barely hear her whispered "I am so sleepy."
When we arrived at my place, I carried her to the guest bedroom next to mine and asked one of the maids to help her out of her clothes. I knew she was going to be out for the rest of the night.
"Please let me knew when she wakes up in the morning, and don't let her leave without waking me."
"Yes sir."
I stepped out of the room and closed the door softly. As I entered my room and started to get ready for bed, pondered about the fact that it had been a night full of revelations. Although I had suspected that Sojiroh's feelings were a lot deeper than he let on, I never actually thought that he would let her go. But Sojiroh was right, Yuki was moving on and her feelings for him were fading. Tonight, she had talked to Sojiroh and smiled at him, but there was no more of that intense infatuation and longing from before.
I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to love someone so deeply that you would be willing to let them go so that they can be happy. I don't think that I could be that unselfish. I don't know that I could love someone that much. As I fell asleep I hoped that even if I didn't find that kind of love, that maybe Yuki would. She definitely deserved it.
Authors Note:
(hangs head in shame) I am so sorry for not having updated in a long time... life just seems to get in the way sometimes. I must confess that I was extremely surprised that the chapter ended the way it did.
Thank you for taking the time to read this story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as i am enjoying writing it.
Happy Valentines day!!!
