Chapter Ten
Ryo gave a sigh and felt his heart heavy after he parked his car in the garage. He had definitely noticed the weird awkward atmosphere in the house surrounding Jun and Len since that day of Len's return. It was as if the two have been avoiding seeing each other in the house.
To be honest Ryo felt rather guilty for he knew it must have been the after-affect of what Len saw when he first returned. He could still remember clearly the look on Len's face, the expression of betrayal and disgust over his careless actions. Ryo blushed immediately with the thought, he could not understand either why he did what he had done. He just remembered an unexplainable peaceful warm feeling when he saw Jun. He had not considered the consequences and as usual his body reacted first.
A frown appeared on Ryo's face with the discovery. Had he already forgotten Emi? No, Ryo shook his head immediately for he knew Emi was irreplaceable in his heart. He knew he loved Emi with his entire being and never could he love again like that.
The first few days of Emi's death had been the worst days of his life. The impact of Emi's death did not hit him until the first night when he closed his eyes to rest. He had purposely occupied himself with work and it was like pain-killer that prevented him from thinking about Emi. However when he was alone, the moment he closed his eyes, the fact of Emi's death and the thought of never being able to see her again daunt on him. Ryo became afraid of the night, he felt pain and bitterness over taking him and with such pressure he had problem breathing. It was a sickening feeling that caused him to vomit literally until there was nothing left in him. Every night he could not close his eyes and he had no peace and rest.
Many times the thought of ending his own life had crossed his mind. Ryo was suffering massively both mentally and physically during the entire period, and if death was permitted, he would have chosen it for it was the easy way out of his suffering. Yes, all the pain and agony would be over if he had ended his life. He no longer have to be afraid of the nights and no longer have to feel the sickening feeling torturing him and most of all he no longer need to handle a life without Emi.
However Jun's tears and words that day in the rain reminded him of his selfishness. Jun's tears and hopelessness that day pointed out to Ryo that death was never the way out. It would also be the choice that Emi would never have approved. He was selfish and had only thought about how to be eased from the sufferings he was going through. He did not realise he was inflicting on others the same melancholy he was going through.
It was for the first time Ryo had second thoughts about his self-tormenting actions. Most of all Jun's voice and words brought him hope that he thought he could never find again. She had returned him the peace and rest he had long sought. When she remained beside him the days he was recovering at the hospital, Ryo no longer was afraid of the nights for he found he was not alone. That sickening feeling he had also vanished and he could eat again. Although Jun had not said much but just her presence of being by his side during that time was more than enough.
Seeing her smile again made Ryo realised that there still was a reason to live. His well being had actually mattered to someone. It was strange for Ryo because he knew he did not look to Jun the way he had looked to Emi. Emi was the love of his life but Jun was like the life support for his new life. It was not passion and affection he felt for Jun like he did for Emi, rather it was serenity and peace he experienced.
He could smile again because of Jun; he no longer has to be afraid of thinking about Emi for he discovered she lived in him forever as endless wonderful memories. He could do all these because of Jun.
However Ryo felt his heart twitched with pain when he realised that he had forgotten the most important thing, that is—Jun belongs to Len.
He knew from the bottom of his heart as Jun had rescued him, he should do the same for her. The awkwardness between Len and Jun came from his careless acts and he must straighten it out. Jun had always belonged to Len and it will never change…it could never change.
However the moment Ryo entered the house he heard laughter that had become unfamiliarity to the house in the past month. With curiosity he walked towards the source and found Jun and Len both in the kitchen.
"Len, it's not like that…" Jun giggled as she took the potato from Len's hands. With tease she looked to the potato Len had tried to peel in the past five minutes. "If I let you peel any more potatoes we will have no more potatoes to cook."
"Alright," Len gave a sigh as he looked to Jun with a loving smile. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"It's alright," Jun responded to Len's smile with a blissful warm smile as well. "I can handle it on my own. Most of all, I do not want to see you hurt your fingers at all. If anything happens, Sei will kill me."
Hearing Jun's words, Len felt warmth fluctuate him as he pulled Jun closer to himself. "I also do not want to see anything happen to your hands."
Jun blushed immediately and felt her heart pumped like crazy with Len's actions. "It's…it's alright…I will look after my hand and it won't affect my piano playing…"
"It's not your piano playing I am worried about," Len said in all seriousness as his eyes looked to the girl in his arms with a tenderness Ryo had never seen on his brother's face.
Ryo must admit he had not expected to see this when he returned. The awkwardness between Jun and Len had obviously disappeared. Rather it was replaced with a loving bond that had never existed so openly and clearly like this before. Immediately Ryo discovered that Len and Jun had finally gotten together.
Shockingly Ryo sensed a weird uncomfortable feeling arousing in him with the discovery. Ryo could not understand why he stood there and watched them as his body refused to move. Wasn't this what he wanted? He wanted to help Len and Jun together? However Ryo still could not move as his eyes looked to the two because he had forgotten how to react.
Finally sensing the presence of a third person, Jun looked up and when she saw Ryo staring at them, as a reflex she quickly moved away from Len's embrace and asked with an embarrassed smile. "Ryo, how come you didn't make a sound when you come in?"
"I did," Ryo replied quickly and pulled himself back. "But you guys must not have heard me."
However unlike Jun, Len's eyes looked to Ryo coldly for only he knew what was going through Ryo's mind at the moment. Seeing the challenging and defensive look from Len, Ryo shrugged his shoulders as he teased. "I must say knowing Len my whole life, I have not once seen him help out in the kitchen." Looking to Jun Ryo gave her a smile. "It must be because of you Jun."
Jun blushed immediately and lowered her head with Ryo's tease.
"Well, since you have Len here, I guess you won't need my help." Ryo smiled as he felt best if he left them to be in case he became the reason that made Jun and Len uncomfortable again.
However not letting Ryo go, Len placed the plates and cutleries in his brother's hands and said instead. "Jun said she doesn't need me in the kitchen too, so you can help me set up the table."
Not knowing what Len had in mind, Ryo took the plates and cutleries and left the kitchen together with Len. Still not explaining what he was thinking, Len acted normally as he placed the cutleries while Ryo arranged the plates.
Finally after everything was done, Ryo said to Len as he headed towards the stairs. "Just call me when dinner is ready."
"Ryo," Len stopped Ryo however. "There is one thing I have to let you know," Pausing Len finally spoke out the secret he had hidden inside him for the past ten years.
"I loved Emi too."
Ryo turned around immediately unable to hide the shock when he heard the statement that came out from Len's mouth.
Looking directly at Ryo, Len continued. "I hid the feeling because Emi chose you but now," Ignoring the shock on Ryo's face Len concluded with assurance. "This time I will not give Jun to you. No matter what happens."
Ryo did not know what to say or how to react to Len's declaration. There were just too many shocking discoveries to handle in one time. However as Ryo looked to Len's eyes, he knew immediately what kind of hell Len must have gone through when he and Emi first got together. Now everything became so clear to Ryo, the reason why Len had separated himself from Emi and him and gone on an entirely different path, and the reason he had closed himself from everyone, it was because Len had done it for Emi and him.
"Len," Ryo replied his brother with a smile. "Thank you for standing by me and Emi for the past ten years. Now I will do the same for you and Jun."
"Can you?" Len asked sharply however. "Can you deny the feeling you have towards her?"
Ryo did not reply immediately to Len's question; however when he remembered the blissful smile on Jun's face Ryo knew what to do. "Jun had chosen you, and her happiness is above all."
Len frowned with Ryo's answer. It had bothered him that Ryo did not even make an attempt to deny his feeling for Jun. He knew Ryo only made such decision because he did not know Jun's heart for him. If he had found out how Jun really felt, would he really stand aside? Most of all, would Jun go to Ryo if she had known his heart for her too?
Of course not understanding the conflict going inside Len, Ryo sighed secretly inside himself as he returned to his room and left Len to be. After Ryo returned to his room, Len returned once again to the kitchen as his eyes looked to the beautiful girl who's every move and every word captivated him. An unexplainable feeling of insecurity appeared inside Len when he thought about Jun and Ryo getting together. But wasn't he supposed to have cared for Jun's feelings over his own? If he had already known Jun and Ryo loved each other, shouldn't he bless them?
However Len discovered he could not let Jun go. He had tasted the blissfulness and fullness to have Jun beside him, he could not survive now without her!
Noticing Len's focus, Jun turned back and asked with a shy smile, "What's wrong Len?"
Seeing that beautiful sweet smile, Len pulled Jun to himself as he held her tightly with all his strength.
"Len?" Jun called in surprise when she sensed such strength from Len's arms.
However Len did not reply as he closed his eyes and felt his heart a little more comforted feeling Jun in his arms.
"So you and Len are finally together…" Melissa gave a sigh when she waved good bye to Len too after Len dropped Jun off at her place.
A little surprised with Melissa's reaction, Jun asked cautiously. "You are not happy for me?"
"I am of course," Melissa smiled, "but was this really the right choice? I thought it was Ryo that you were in love with and not Len?"
Jun felt a pricking pain in her heart with Melissa's question. However squeezing out a smile Jun said with confirmation. "I am very happy now, really. Being with Len so far had been the happiest days of my life."
With understanding Melissa looked to her soft timid friend, "In that case I am truly happy for you. Besides when I see the way Len treats you, it is unbelievable how much he adores you."
Jun blushed obviously also unable to adjust to Len's attentiveness after they finally became a couple. Although it was strange but Jun must admit she had not expected to experience such blissfulness and joy. Surprisingly she had discovered another side of Len, it was the genuine Len Tsukimori she had always known in his music. In front of Jun now Len was no longer closed and cold, he was meek and compassionate. Although not cheerful and bright like Ryo but he was always patient to listen and support Jun.
Initially a little hesitant with her own decision in the beginning, but now after all these times with Len, Jun was starting to believe this was the way it was meant to be. She had tasted joy and blissfulness, and Len had made her feel like she was the most important person in the world. She could not believe a normal everyday girl like her could deserve such treatment from the famous Len Tsukimori.
"Remember the first time I met Len, he didn't even say hello to me and acted as if I was invisible?" Melissa grinned as she grabbed onto Jun's arm. "But look at him now, he not only greeted me and even offered me such great help simply because I am his LOVELY GIRLFRIEND'S best friend."
"You are teasing me again, Melissa. If you won't stop then I won't help you pack." Jun threatened.
"Alright, alright!" Melissa laughed when she heard Jun's complaint. Well, she must say she was very much helped with Jun and Len's relationship. Being Jun's best friend, Melissa managed to seek further training in her violin through some of Len's acquaintance in Europe.
"Europe…" Jun sobbed, "I am going to miss you so much Melissa…"
"Don't be silly, Jun." Melissa held her friend's hands in her own. "We will continue to see so much of each other remember? You are Len Tsukimori's new piano partner, and he spends majority of the time in Europe anyway."
"So you will come see our concerts in Europe?" Jun asked with excitement.
"Yeah, if my new violin teacher let me off…" Melissa gave a sigh. "I still can't believe it. Mia Dresner is going to be my new violin teacher."
"I know!" Jun smiled. "Like Len, she is one of the world's top violinists. It is like a totally different world to the people we are acquainted with."
"Which made me wonder," Melissa tilted her head and thought for a while. "I wonder what relation is Len Tsukimori to Mia Dresner. She seemed to accept Len's request without hesitation."
"I am sure Mia had seen the gift in you so she was more than happy to accept you as her student." Unlike Melissa, Jun had no doubts and had full faith in her friend.
"But she hasn't even heard me play." Melissa stated the odd point. "Most of all, when I contacted her about the details, she asked me numerous questions about you."
"About me?" Jun obviously did not expect that.
Melissa nodded while she tries to recall the conversation between her and Mia. "She said she was interested in Len's new partner that was all, but somehow I felt there was more to it."
"You think too much," Jun did not agree however.
"No, no," Melissa insisted. "She actually made a statement that made me wonder."
"Statement?"
"Yeah," Melissa crossed her arms and frowned. "She said, 'Len is different now because Jun could offer something I could not offer Len'. You don't think that is a weird statement to make?"
"I could offer something she couldn't?" Jun felt her mind fogged up with Mia's statement.
"I kind of agree with her too. Only you could accompany Len the way he wanted. So I guess that was what she meant." Melissa added.
Jun blushed with Melissa's words, but somehow with a woman's instinct Jun secretly agreed with Melissa that there might have been a special relationship between Len and Mia.
"Anyway, let's get started with the packing. I am so glad you are here to help me out. Free removalist!" Melissa changed the topic and teased Jun.
"Of course, what are friends for?" Jun squeezed out a smile and looked to Melissa in loneliness. Although like Melissa mentioned, they could meet up in Europe in the future, but Jun knew she would really be so alone without her best friend, the person who offered her the best advises she needed throughout the times of trial.
Sei let out a breath of relief and content while he watched Len and Jun perform together during rehearsal. As he had expected, this is the best combination ever, and Len's music never sounded as great and beautiful as this. Most of all, (with his help of course) Len and Jun are finally together, and because of the love Len has for Jun, he could connect with Jun in a way that he never had before with Fuyumi.
"Was that alright?" Jun asked cautiously after they finished performing the new song Len had composed for Jun during his European trip. He had planned to perform this song in the up coming charity concert as a dedication to his new partner and soul mate, Jun.
Len frowned and thought for a while, "From section two, we probably could express it better."
"I agree," Jun nodded. For some reason she could understand exactly where Len was coming from. "Should we try again?"
"Okay, maybe this time when we come to bar 250 onwards, we can add a little more allegro…"
Sei let out another breath as a smile of genuine joy appeared on his face. This is amazing, Len actually discusses how he wants to perform with his partner. When he was with Fuyumi, it always took hours and weeks and months of practise for Fuyumi to understand how Len wanted it. Now with gladness and relief Sei knew his job from now on would be easier. Managing Len is no longer difficult!
"Great work, you guys!" Sei clapped after Len and Jun had finally finished practising. Coming up to them Sei grinned, "Only two weeks of rehearsal and already you two mastered it. Now you believe my fatal instincts? I said you guys were soul mates the moment I saw you two together on the first day didn't I?"
Jun blushed with Sei's tease and looked to Len, thinking back on the first day they met, it was so different to now. She used to be so scared of Len but now she felt really connected with him.
"Alright, Sei, enough rubbish talk." Frown returned back to Len's face obviously his smile was for Jun only. "Tomorrow will be a day off for our rehearsal."
"DAY OFF?!!" Sei called in bewilderment with a term that he had never heard from Len's lips. "You…you are giving yourself a day off?!"
Slight embarrassment appeared on Len's face with Sei's exaggerated reaction. Coldly with a frown Len added, "Maybe you can still come into work tomorrow and arrange the seatings…"
Waving his hands like crazy, Sei declined quickly, "Just kidding, day off it is." Clearing his throat Sei asked seriously. "Was there a special occasion? It was rare for you to call a day off especially when it is only five more days to the concert."
"It's no big deal really…" Jun blushed and answered for Len. "It's my birthday."
Snapping his finger in realisation, Sei nodded. "That would make sense. I knew it has something to do with Jun. Only Len's beloved Jun could make him to do things out of ordinary."
"Looks like you really want to come in to do extra work tomorrow…" Len threatened giving Sei the last warning.
Laughing Sei shrugged his shoulders, "Alright, no more tease from me. Have fun tomorrow guys."
Jun smiled to herself when she recalled the look on Sei's face when Len threatened him to come into work tomorrow. Looking over to Len next to her in the car, she asked again to confirm. "Is it really okay to take a day off when it is only five more days to the concert?"
"Of course," Len replied, "We are now fully familiarised with the performance, besides it is your birthday."
Jun nodded with Len's answer although she did not think her birthday was important enough to take a full day off. It would be fine just to go out for a meal or something after the rehearsal. She was never a greedy person so she had never expected Len to do anything for her.
"So…where will we be going to?" Jun asked and looked up at Len. He had mentioned earlier that he had wanted to make her birthday special.
"To the beach," Len replied with a smile, "It is a very special beach. I believe you will like it. But the rest, it is best to find out tomorrow."
Seeing the mysterious confidence from Len, Jun nodded in trust. It doesn't matter where he takes her tomorrow, she believes Len will always make her happy.
Although not knowing where Len was going to take her today, as considerate as always, Jun prepared some food for Ryo in case they could not make it home on time. Writing down in careful instructions Jun placed the sticky note on the table so Ryo would know where the food she had prepared is.
"Ready to go?" Len asked and came up. However frown appeared when he saw what Jun was doing. Knowing although it was just Jun's nature to be thoughtful but he could not help but feeling a little disturbed with the fact that Jun was doing all these for Ryo.
"Yes, we can leave now." Jun said quickly, however she felt her heart skipped a beat when she noticed the unpleasant look on Len's face. She had noticed anything she does for Ryo now is extremely sensitive to Len. She could understand as well where Len was coming from, after all Len had always known her heart towards Ryo. Taking a deep breath secretly Jun knew she must make it clear to Len that she had already made her choice to be with him, so no matter what happens she will not leave him.
Jun could not help but gape with astonishment when she found herself now on an island. Len and she had driven for an hour and a half and to her surprise they arrived at a port. However as if everything was all organised and prepared, there was a water taxi waiting for them.
"Welcome to Isla Pinula!" There were people greeting them when they arrived.
"Isla Pinula?" Jun blinked and looked around her. "Wow…"
"Isla Pinula is a small island off the coast." Len explained trying to hold in the smile knowing Jun would be pleasantly surprised. "With the water taxis connecting itself to the mainland, Isla Pinula is like an undisturbed paradise."
"It is so beautiful, the beach, the water is so clear…" Jun praised and dipped her hands into the transparent seawater. Taking a deep breath of fresh air Jun felt her entire being relieved.
"Well, if you would like to relax by the beach we can and if you have changed your mind there is also shopping you can do if we travel further into the island." Len explained with a shy expression, pausing Len added. "Or…maybe you would have preferred another place?"
Knowing Len really had planned this day for her, Jun felt her heart so touched. Turning around Jun held Len's hand in her own and thanked wholeheartedly. "Len, thank you…I am so happy today. You really didn't have to do all these for me…"
Len breathed out a breath of relief when he saw the happiness on Jun's face. To be honest, Len had been troubled ever since their relationship first started. He was concerned whether he could make Jun happy. He knew Jun still has feelings for Ryo so Len could not understand the reason to Jun's decision. Would she really be content choosing him instead of Ryo? However now seeing the smile on Jun's soft delicate face, Len knew it was a genuine smile. Indeed just being able to see her smile like this Len was willing to do more. Once again Len had made up his mind, although he knew not the reason Jun chose to be with him, but he wants to let her know that she will never need to regret such a decision.
"What's wrong?" Len asked softly when he noticed the girl next to him gave a soft sigh.
Blushing in slight embarrassment, Jun shook her head softly and looked up at the starry sky in loneliness. "Nothing, I just couldn't believe time passed by so fast. It is already time to return home."
Although they have already spent hours together on the island, walking along the beach, enjoying a wonderful dinner together on the island, still Jun felt she did not want to leave this island so fast. Taking a peek at Len, Jun felt her heartbeat raced a little surprised at how comfortable she felt with him. It was totally different to being with Ryo.
With Ryo, Jun felt more sadness and bitterness for she knew no matter how much she loved him, his heart was else where. Even that night together at the restaurant, although she thought she finally tasted true happiness, Ryo had stepped away and left her feeling lost and sad again.
Hearing what Jun said, Len fondled Jun's hair and replied gently. "Who said we are returning now? There is still another program I have planned."
"There is?" Joy returned to Jun's face immediately. "What is it?"
"There is a famous theatre here on the island, I have bought two tickets to tonight's concert." Len replied and took out two tickets.
"Concert?!" Jun leaped with joy. "What kind of concert is it?"
"Violin concerto as well. I thought it might be interesting to listen to someone else's concert for once."
With joy and anticipation Jun and Len came before a beautiful and grand theatre. The clerk politely collected the tickets and said, "Please follow me and I will take you to your seats."
"Jun," Before they followed the clerk Len called out to Jun. "I know the organisers of this concert, so I better go and greet them. I will meet you at the seat once I am done."
"Sure," Jun nodded and gave a Len a smile before she walked off with the clerk.
However Jun felt excitement increasing when the clerk led her to the front row centre seat. Looking nervously around Jun surprisingly found there were no one else in the theatre except her alone. Taking a look at her watch she remembered she did not know what time the concert was suppose to start, but from the looks of it, they might have arrived way too early.
Just when she thought that was the reason, the theatre bell rang and the light in the theatre started to dim. Standing up quickly in panic Jun realised the concert had started but Len had not yet returned.
Soon Jun's panic turned into astonishment when she saw the curtain lifted and there was Len standing on stage.
"Len…?" Jun called when she saw Len smiling mysteriously at her as if he already knew this would be Jun's reaction.
With a shy but tender expression, Len looked to the beautiful girl before him. "Happy birthday Jun, this concert is for you only."
Jun felt great compassion hit her when she finally discovered Len had booked the entire theatre just to perform for her. A personal and private Len Tsukimori concert that no one else in the world has ever experienced.
. Nothing could describe her feeling right now and Jun felt as if she was dreaming. Yes, it must have been a dream because the musician she had admired for years is now performing before her and only for her. Jun felt her hands shook for she had never experienced anything like this in her entire life. No one has ever treasured her and treated her as if she was the most important person in the world. Ever since her mother's death, Jun picked up the responsibility to look after her father and the house. She laboured for others without complaint and never once was she so pampered like this. Gradually Jun's focus on Len became blurred as tears of gratefulness started to form in her eyes.
Gently putting down his violin after his final performance Len's eyes looked to Jun. To his surprise he saw Jun's hands covered her face while she wept before him. In haste Len moved up to Jun in concern and called softly. "Jun? Are you alright?"
However Jun did not reply him as she continued to weep. A little surprised with Jun's reaction Len asked again this time even softer, "Jun? What's the matter?"
Before Len could figure out why Jun was weeping, Jun's arms suddenly held onto Len tightly.
"Thank you Len…I am just too happy…I have never…been so happy my whole life…" Len heard Jun sobbed by his ear. "Thank you so much Len…thank you…"
Closing his eyes with a warm smile Len responded to Jun's embrace as he held tightly onto Jun's tiny soft body. "Jun, I should be the one thanking you."
Not expecting Len to say that, Jun looked to Len. Gently drying her tears off with his thumb Len's beautiful magical eyes looked deeply and sincerely at Jun. "You once told me my music had saved you and rescued you in your lowest times. But I guess you never knew it was me that was rescued by you."
"Len…" With teary eyes Jun gave Len a shy smile.
Giving Jun a kiss on her forehead Len continued, "Before I met you my life was dark and aimless. It was you that brought sunshine and warmth into my life. For the first time in my life I was sure of my existence." With a sigh, Len asked gently as he placed a beautiful necklace with a diamond violin pendant around Jun's neck. "Jun, would you remain beside me and support me from now on?"
A beautiful shade of pink painted Jun's face with the question, holding the pendant tightly in her hand Jun lowered her head and nodded.
Indescribable joy and affection flooded Len, gently stooping down Len caught Jun's lips with his. He knew he is too deep in now, he can not live on now without her. Finally for the first time Len was no longer envious of Ryo. He knew he has now the best treasure in the world.
Jun and Len's hands stay connected when they walked down the path back to the port. Like Jun mentioned before, Len wished this day would never end. Unfortunately after all it was still only a hope, not long Len and Jun arrived at the port.
"Len," Jun called gently and looked to the tall man next to her. "Thank you for such a wonderful day. It has been the best day of my life."
Stroking Jun's cheek softly, Len whispered. "What are you talking about? We will be happy together everyday from now on, right?"
Blushing in blissfulness, Jun nodded in agreement. Yes, they will be happy together forever.
"Excuse me,"
Both Jun and Len turned around when they saw a man came up to them. "Are you two here to catch the water taxi back to mainland?"
"Yes, the last one is in ten minutes right?" Len asked.
The man shook his head however as he point to the sign on the notice board. "The last one has been cancelled today. There are no more until tomorrow morning."
"What?" Len frowned with the news. "What do you mean it's cancelled?"
Shrugging his shoulders the man replied, "Apparently there's a festival on the mainland so the port on the other end closed early today."
"That means…" Len frowned even more with the sudden outcome.
"Yeah, it means you two just have to stay over night here on the island. Don't worry, the first water taxi tomorrow will run at 5 am." The man left Len and Jun that sentence and returned back to the port side office.
"Len…" Jun didn't know what to say either to the outcome. She had hoped to stay on the island longer but she never expected it to be like this!
"I guess we will have to stay overnight at the hotel here." Len blushed and gave a sigh.
Jun nodded and felt her heart pumping like crazy. It got even worse when Len returned from the hotel reception and explained with embarrassment. "They said because we did not have prior booking, there was only one room available…"
"One room…" Jun repeated softly to herself and felt her heart thumping so hard with nervousness as if it was going to jump out of her mouth.
"It's alright," Len comforted. "I will just sleep on the couch."
However Len's plan did not work because when they arrived the room there was no couch but only a double bed and a chair.
"It's alright," Len comforted again quickly. "I will just sleep on the floor."
Shaking her head immediately at Len's idea Jun declined. "No, Len, you can not sleep on the floor."
"I will be fine." Len replied and opened the wardrobe for spare blankets. However Len frowned when he found the only blanket available in the room was the one on the bed.
"I will call them to bring another blanket over." With a sigh Len walked over to the telephone.
"Len," Jun stopped Len before he made the call. Feeling her ears and cheeks burning hot Jun took courage and said finally. "It's alright…we can both sleep…on the bed…"
"Jun…" Len felt his heart beat racing fast as well in nervousness especially when he saw how cute and sweet Jun was. Although they sleep under the same roof for over six months already but this time they both knew it is different.
Sensing the tensed atmosphere between them Jun quickly turned away and asked. "Do you want a cup of tea or coffee? I will go make one…" However Jun felt no more words could come out from her lips when Len's arms came around her waist from behind.
Jun felt her legs had lost its strength when she sensed Len so close to her. His breathing by her ear and his lips kissing her gently and softly yet as if it was like a spell that took away her strength. Unable to hold herself up any more Jun felt Len lifted her up and placed her down gently on the bed.
Looking to the clock once again Ryo gave a sigh. It is now nearly passed midnight Jun still had not returned. Although he knew already Len had taken Jun out to a day trip to celebrate her birthday but he had not expected them to have gone for this long. Most of all looking to the beautifully wrapped present in his hand, Ryo had hoped to pass this to Jun on her special day. Although it might not mean much to Jun, but it would be a pity for Ryo if he could not hand her the present on her birthday. With a mocking smile Ryo shook his head and gave a sigh. What was he thinking anyway? Jun wouldn't care if she received a present from him, the only present that would have mattered to her was the one from Len.
But since Jun had prepared a wonderful and thoughtful present for him on his birthday, even just out of friendship he should give her a present too. However as time passed on Ryo felt more and more restless he became. Looking once again to the clock it is now past two o'clock in the morning. An unexplainable feeling of disturbance aroused in him when he discovered the reason Len and Jun had not yet returned. Why is he feeling jealous? Why is he feeling such bitterness? Didn't he just want Jun to be happy?
Lying in his bed the entire night Ryo could not sleep. There was a huge battle inside him. Part of him wanted Jun to be happy so he should support Len and Jun. However another part of him reminded him of the way Jun looked at him. There was something that Ryo sensed but was unsure. He initially thought she was just a thoughtful and considerate person that's why she cared for him while he was sick.
But that night in the rain when Jun looked to him with such hurt, such helplessness, it was the same kind of look and passion that Emi had. Also that night at the harbour restaurant, what was this harmonious atmosphere between them? Why did he sense no rejection from Jun when he held her hand while they ran along the stony path? He had never seen her smile so genuinely from the bottom of her heart as of that night.
Suddenly with the sound of the garage door opening Ryo's eyes snapped open. Looking to his watch Ryo frowned when he discovered that after an entire night of mental torture it is now seven o'clock in the morning. Jun and Len had finally returned…
"Len,"
Ryo heard Jun called softly obviously afraid to wake him up.
"I…I…"
"It's alright…" Len's voice interrupted. "Have a good rest. I will let Sei know that we will cancel today's rehearsal as well."
"But…we already took one day off…"
"It's fine. Besides…" With a pause Len's voice became even softer. "You need a good rest, right?"
Ryo heard no reply from Jun but he knew her silence means yes. Sitting up from his bed Ryo looked to the door. Knowing both Len and Jun had returned to their rooms Ryo got off the bed and picked up the present from his desk. Not knowing what to do his eyes looked once again to the door.
Jun sat down on the edge of her bed and let out a sigh. Placing her hands on her cheeks Jun still could not believe everything that happened last night. Jun felt blood rushed to her face immediately with the thought, she could not believe she had spent a night with Len.
Looking to the pendant Len gave her Jun let out another sigh. After all that nerve wrecking moments, eventually nothing happened between them. She knew Len did not do anything because he respected her. He knew she was not ready and he truly treasured her. The entire night Len just held onto her hand as they slept together.
Although she allowed herself a day off yesterday, but the moment she came back home, all the responsibility returned. Taking a look at her watch she remembered that this is usually the time Ryo get up for work. Quickly washing her face again to wake herself up, Jun was ready to prepare breakfast for Ryo again.
However the moment she opened the door Jun found a present outside her bedroom door. Picking it up in surprise she saw a little card attached to it.
"Happy birthday Jun.
Although this present might not mean much compared to all that you have done for me,
still take it as a symbol of my gratitude for you.
Love, Ryo."
Feeling her heart in extreme chaos Jun looked to the present in her hand. Ryo…Ryo had prepared a present for her? Most of all knowing Ryo was awake when she returned with Len this morning put her heart in a bigger mess. Why? Why could Ryo always easily throw her off like this? She had already made up her mind to be with Len but why just such a small tenderness Ryo had spared her could control her emotions so greatly?
Gently unwrapping the present, Jun found a pair of delicate diamond earrings. From the quality and handicraft, Jun knew immediately it was not a present chosen out of random. It was as if Ryo had actually taken effort to select and prepare this present for her. But why? Wasn't she no body important to Ryo? Sitting back down on her bed, Jun felt tears rolled down her eyes again. She hates it to know although she had promised Len yesterday to stay beside him and support him but once again her mind was filled up with thoughts of another man.