Chapter 10
Rui exited the bathroom, spirits somewhat risen from the earlier nose dive of the day, grateful with the words from her sister. She peered from left to right to see if Kajita was nearby and was silently delighted to see that he wasn't. She didn't have anything against him personally, but sadly for them both, he liked her. She supposed it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility she should have established more clear boundaries. As upset as she was at Natsuo for confiding in Miyabi and keeping her company, she was also with Kajita every day. She was annoyed he was jealous but at the same time, she probably would have been the same way if Natsuo had to move across the world for a while and was spending each day with a girl.
Still at the time she knew deep down she had to leave Natsuo, to let time heal things and grow as a person. Was this the right time to think about getting back together? Honestly she was unsure, but at the very least he'd come here and she'd still been on his mind. That made her smile, so she cheerily moved her way back to the showroom floor where the signing was being completed.
Upon arriving, she noticed that a crowd was starting to form as the time ticking down for Natsuo's signing. She was quite nervous, proud, upset, and even a bit elated. Just a general wave of emotions she only ever felt when it came to him. If you told her just a few years ago she'd be this worked up over a boy she'd say you have her confused for Hina-nee. As the months passed, her unpleasant memories of Natsuo seemed to dissipate and honestly her good ones were highlighted. She was able to make sense of her own feelings better, and how they together could actually work things out before they became clouded. She sincerely hoped he'd come to similar realizations, because deep down she really wanted nothing more than to be with Natsuo again.
She decided she'd make use of the fact she technically worked/trained here to get a decent leg up on the line. If she had to guess he would be coming through the back hallway with security, it would be foolish to risk the front. She headed over and displayed her staff ID and explained to the guard she just wanted to get her book signed quickly, he shrugged and said she could join the staff line in the hallway he'd be entering from.
'Other staff members are interested in meeting Natsuo? Strange.' Rui thought to herself before walking through, and after a small journey down the hall she saw a few of her co workers waiting in a small group… and Kajita?! What the hell was he doing here. Out of all the scenarios she could invision this going, here being within a 100 foot radius of Kajita, somewhat secluded, when reuniting with Natsuo was probably in the top 5 worst. Picking up the pace she got within whispering range before very quietly saying, "What are you doing here Kajita? I didn't take you for the reading type." Kajita merely glanced up, with a hint of… Nervousness on his face? Before saying " Tachibana Kun, I didn't know this is why you were here today. As for what I'm doing here, it's to get this book signed." As he holds up the novel written by Natsuo. All she could do is say "Why?" Kajita smirked, saying "flustered are we Tajibana-Kun? It's a cute look for you. I'm actually doing this for you, I know you've been kind of down lately so I figured if I got you a gift you may feel better." Normally she may slightly appreciate being called cute, and the gesture was kind, but she was not at all in the mood for this right now, so she pouted at him.
"Would you leave then, as you can see I can get my own version of the book signed. I appreciate the gesture, but after last night I really don't want to see you right now. We can talk about it later, I promise," she finally decided on saying. She hadn't really known what to expect as a response, but what she got was not something she especially appreciated. He gave a scowl, and then approached her, which made her retreat until her back was against the wall. He put his arm out and against the wall so he was shielding her from looking anywhere but at him or his feet. He quietly said "A man professes his feelings for you, goes out of his way to get you a gift, and the best you can do is say 'Can you leave?'. Unbelievable Tachibana San. I feel I've been very kind and you've been rather selfish towards me. I'd like an answer to the question from last night." As this was happening commotion started to be heard coming down the hall. Was it him?
Natsuo POV
He was coming down a hallway to the showroom where he'd be setup to sign books and meet fans with the assistance of Kimmy his translator. He was incredibly nervous; he hadn't anticipated anything like this, and for other reasons like I don't know, he still hadn't properly met with Rui, and he's got some fancy dinner with the hotel owners daughter which certainly won't help him fix things. He broke from his thoughts by Kimmy, who explained to him the Hotel had some staff members who wanted to meet him and get books signed before he met with the general public. He naturally obliged, good to get a little bit of practice in. As they approached a group of people, he noticed the guy Rui was kissing the other night standing by a wall, and on the inside of his stance was…. Rui? His heart immediately dropped. From his distant view he couldn't really tell what they were doing but the posture made it seem like it could be kissing, and this possibility angered him. Sure she was allowed to move on, and him catching her in the park and running wasn't in her control. This however was, and if they were indeed a couple she had made a conscious decision to come to this staff only singing with her new boyfriend to flaunt him off. It was pretty clear where he stood on this and immediately steeled himself, after all he'd just play the step sister card and act like he wasn't in so much pain inside.
Just a few more steps, and he's made contact. Rui seems to notice him and shakes off her fellow cook and looks at him. Natsuo uses his little acting training to force a smile, but he knows there is no way he can replicate anything other then the dead look in his eyes that he's sure returned by now. A few of the employees that were ahead smiled and he signed politely. After about 10 minutes or so, the guy she was with approached him and greeted "Hey there, I was wondering if you could make sign this novel. I know a girl who's a fan of your work that I would love to receive it." Natsuo can seem him glance at Rui as he says it. Natsuo goes to sign the book but "accidentally" spills a water bottle on it.
"Sorry, been a long day my hand must have slipped. I'm sure you can pick up another copy of my book. Have a nice day." was what Natsuo managed to say managed, and the chef looked pissed. Natsuo dared to venture if looks could kill, he'd be dead right now. At the end, It appeared he was going to say something, probably confrontational, when security gestured at him and he turned and skulked off. The last person amongst the employee signings was Rui, his sister. Here goes nothing.
"Hey its been a bit Rui. Sorry I didn't call you, it was a bit of an impromptu trip over here to do some press with my book. It's done quite well here."
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, counting down the seconds in his head until she speaks, a bead of sweat drips down his right temple as she finally opens her mouth,
"It's not a problem. I'm glad to see you're having success. I was wondering if you'd sign my copy of the book?" Just then their eyes met, and what he saw in hers were concern, confusion, hurt, and love. In contrast, she saw nothing. His eyes were completely dead.
Finally, Natsuo replied "Sure thing, anything for my beloved sister, Rui."
She looked at him critically before asking him "Is everything alright? Can we talk?" For some reason this question annoyed him, because the truth was he wasn't okay, none of this was, but he couldn't let her know that so all he said was "Yeah I'm fine. I'd love to catch up, but I have to do this signing. Perhaps afterwards, if you and your boyfriend don't have plans."
Natsuo then began to walk away, with Rui faintly mentioning something but he didn't hear it. His heart was pounding so erratically and loudly that it was thudding in his ear drums. He began to berate himself, just ignore it, just ignore it. Mindlessly he went up to a microphone to speak, all he had to do was address the crowd and then Kimmy would translate. All he had to do was say anything, but he couldn't. His voice wasn't working, his legs were jelly. His breathing quickened and started to echo through the microphone, and then he couldn't take it anymore. Natsuo saw only black as the world collapsed around him.