Chapter 11: Turning Point
Natsuki kept her promise to keep in touch with Shizuru and once again they're back to being best friends with some sort of mutual understanding. Once in a while, they exchange stories about their lives at their respective universities.
In the end of Natsuki's second year of stay at Tokyo U as an Architecture student, Natsuki and a few other students had the chance to observe a construction project of the Fujino Corporations under the guidance of Soichiro Masashi, a civil engineer who happened to be a friend of their sensei in one subject. That was the time when Natsuki first saw Toushiro Fujino, Shizuru's grandfather. The old man gives off a stern and arrogant aura that easily drowns Natsuki's seemingly cold composure.
Old man Fujino held a meeting with everyone involved in the construction project. The civil engineering students weren't allowed to observe meetings with the Big Boss but Natsuki was dragged by Masashi to temporarily accompany him in the absence of his assistant. Masashi saw Natsuki's potential (clean and well-drafted blue prints, quick and accurate mathematical calculations, and physical fitness) and her appearance is such a big bonus. Masashi felt that it's nice to have her around.
Because Masashi is the Chief Civil Engineer for the project, he was seated close to Old man Fujino. Masashi motioned Natsuki to sit beside him and she followed. To Natsuki's surprise, Mikoto's father, Ken Kanzaki, was the one sitting across her on the other side of the meeting table. During the presentation of Masashi about construction details, Old man Fujino sat beside Ken Kanzaki and they had a small talk.
"Ken-san, I heard about Reito's achievements in England."
"He's a businessman by blood. It's natural for him to excel. As a matter of fact, he'll graduate next year because he studied even during breaks."
"I see he's fit to assume my position but you know I have to think about Shizuru's welfare as well."
"I understand. But if I may be allowed to express my wishes, I'd be happy to have Shizuru as my daughter-in-law. With Reito, they could bring the company to greater heights." Natsuki flinched. Ken Kanzaki is suggesting marriage between Reito and Shizuru for the company's sake.
"Is Reito-kun open to that arrangement?"
"Yes, they've been friends way back in high school. Reito cares for Shizuru-chan."
"If that's the case, I'll make sure that the marriage happens next year. Shizuru also took advanced courses and will hopefully graduate next year. I think Reito-kun will be a good husband and business partner. Besides, Shizuru is just like her mother, only concerned about reputation. She'd be okay with marrying Reito-kun."
When the meeting ended late in the afternoon, Natsuki felt too tired to talk to her classmates. She felt light in the head. She wants to see Shizuru again but if she comes back to Japan, they'll make her marry Reito. She punched a wall and almost broke her knuckles.
--
Shizuru received a phone call from her mom. She learned about the plan of his grandfather to marry her to Reito. She pursued business in the hope that her grandfather might choose her to lead the company but now, it seems that her fate is sealed. For reputation's sake, they're using her like a game piece to be strategically married to a budding business tycoon. She should have just pursued her passion for Japanese art and culture and then teach in a university. That's what she wanted.
She considered the possibility of escaping but she decided against it. She couldn't run forever and her credit cards would be blocked by her family if she did that. Reito is not the problem. He's an agreeable man but she couldn't love him and she knows it deep down in her heart. However, considering her situation, marrying Reito is the most convenient thing to do. Then she thought about Natsuki. She loves her but do they have a future together? Besides, she doesn't know how much Natsuki loves her. It seems that it's just a bit above the friendship line.
--
Natsuki found herself again in Yumi Maezono's office. She's been there during her first year as a student to talk about the specifics of her scholarship program. Maezono recommended Natsuki to the scholarship program and since then, she has been like an adviser to Natsuki.
"Maezono-sensei, how much would I pay if I drop my scholarship in Tokyo U to study abroad?" Natsuki asked.
"The entire amount that you received plus 12%" Yumi explained. "You want to study abroad?"
"Yes and I guess I have to drop my scholarship because of that," Natsuki sadly replied.
"I see. Wait--," Yumi said, as she scuffled papers from the many folders on her table, "—there's a way for you to be free from the obligation of paying that amount. Look at this." Yumi handed information sheets to her and Natsuki quickly read them.
"Whoa, so my scholarship program allows student exchange with universities in the US and Canada?" Natsuki beamed.
"Yes. But in exchange, you have to spare seven hours a week to teach about the different aspects of Japanese culture to school-based organizations delving on Asian studies." Yumi further explained. Natsuki flipped over the sheets and then she ran her finger over the page to check if the University of New York is a partner institution of the program and then her eyes glowed.
"I think I'm applying Maezono-sensei and I hope that you could help me again," Natsuki implored.
"You know I would but you don't really need my help because your grades will speak for you."
--
"What?!" Mai exclaimed, "Your scholarship program is fantastic! So, you go there for two years and then you go back here in Tokyo U to receive your diploma?" They were sitting at a cafeteria in the university waiting for another scholar who was going to the same American university as Natsuki. Yumi said they should meet each other since in two months time they'd fly together to the States and they would also be partners in teaching.
"The guy is late," Nao complained. Besides, why did you need us here?
"I'm not good in keeping others entertained. I already told you that the scholars go by pairs in the different universities. He's going with me to New York." Natsuki calmly explained. Nao was silent for a moment and sipped her orange juice and then she coughed and almost spluttered the juice from her mouth.
"New York? There are many universities in New York. Why do I feel like you're going to Shizuru's school?" Nao reacted. Mai raised her brows and then smiled.
"It just happened. Shizuru's school was in the list and I tried applying and there was a slot and I got in together with this guy named Jaime Allen. This is the first time I'm seeing him so we have to be nice to him, okay?" Mai was amazed at Natsuki. She suddenly saw her in a different light. She stared at her rough demeanor mixed with feminine features. She was wearing tight jeans with tears on the knees, a signature racing jacket, and sneakers.
"I wonder what Shizuru would say when she sees you," Mai said while looking at Natsuki. Nao just snickered. Natsuki lifted her face and smiled.
"She'd probably say, "Ara, Natsuki's so cute!" The three of them laughed until they notice a young man standing near their table waiting to be acknowledged.
"Hi, I'm sorry to interrupt. I'm Jaime Allen," the man politely said in English with a stark British accent. Mai and Nao were pleased about his appearance. He's a clean guy like a model and he seemed easy to deal with, no airs despite his looks. Natsuki wasn't one who pays attention to people's exterior but there was something about the guy which any person couldn't fail to notice. Jaime's smile and he smiles too much as if he has no other emotion apart from utter bliss. To Natsuki's surprise, she mentally commented that the guy is charming. That was the day she became friends with the Civil Engineering student.
--
Natsuki spent her remaining two months in Japan with Jaime. They went through training sessions with other scholars to learn modules that they would teach during their service hours. Natsuki was right about Jaime. He always finds something funny in almost everything and because of his antics, they would usually laugh in the most unusual times. Natsuki learned a lot about him because he welcomes questions. He's never a private person. It was fun to be around him because the way he deals with people is something that Natsuki can't do.
"What country did you come from?" Natsuki curiously asked during their lunch break after one morning training session. Jaime chuckled at Natsuki.
"Most people ask me that same question. The truth is I grew up here in Japan," Jaime explained with his glinting eyes.
"Whoa, all this time I was wondering why they let a Brit teach about Japanese culture" Natsuki remarked. She then thought about what she said and assessed Jaime's reaction to her possibly offending idea.
"I'm Japanese, silly. Japan is my home," Jaime explained with his usual smile. "Both my parents grew up in Scotland but they have been staying here in Japan for 20 years because of work. I'm sure you've heard about Dr. Edward and Isabel Allen of the Semicon Lab?"
"I see. I'm surprised you didn't follow their footsteps."
"Well, they're open-minded. They actually wanted me to study Materials Science but I always get images of structures in my head and that's what I told them. They were cool about me following my dreams. That's why I wanted to go to New York and expand my horizon."
"By the way, when you say you're Japanese, man, you're not believable!" Natsuki commented. Jaime was a witty guy and in most instances, he could come up with a retort when Natsuki criticizes him.
"I'm even more Japanese than you! I'm a tea master you know. I can skillfully perform a tea ceremony. And when I speak Nihonggo, I sound like a native. How about that? Oh, before I forget, with that stiff body of yours I guess I'm better in performing a Japanese fan dance." Jaime showed a conceited smile to the miffed Natsuki. During the short period that they've been together as friends, Jaime managed to have a mental profile of Natsuki's personality.
"Show off. I admit I'm not good at those stuff but I bet Shizuru is better than you," Natsuki smirked. Jaime wasn't surprised at how Natsuki managed to include Shizuru for the nth time in their conversations.
"You know Natsuki, since you're always telling a lot of things about Shizuru I already have a profile of her personality."
"Well, I doubt your profile is accurate. You can never know a person unless you spend some time with them."
"I think Shizuru is…"
"What?"
"She is… just like me!" Jaime exclaimed. He was contented when he saw Natsuki's face screaming, "Unbelievable!"
"You are utterly crazy," Natsuki replied as she stood up and went back to the training room with the laughing Jaime trailing after her.