The Performance
"Let's take a ten minute break everyone then run through the show one more time!", Youko announces to everyone. Yumi walks to the edge of the stage and sits down, her legs dangling over the edge. She watches Sachiko converse with several other people and unconsciously moves a finger to the side of her lips, where Sachiko's lips touched just last week.
"Yumi-sama." Yumi jumps and looks to the side, just noticing Kazumi next to her. "I just wanted to apologize for last week. I shouldn't have forced you out like that, and then I let you run off. You were almost hurt really bad. I'm so sorry. I-I didn't mean for anything happen. I just wanted to help you, and…and"
"Kazumi-san."
"and, I understand if you never want to speak to me once this play is over. I just…"
"Kazumi-san." Yumi places her hands on either side of Kazumi's face, making him look at her. "It's okay. I'm okay. It wasn't your fault. You and Onee-sama need to stop blaming yourselves."
"I'm so sorry Yumi-sama."
"I know." Yumi smiles and pulls her hands from his face. "You're a really good friend Kazumi-san. I could never be mad at you. You've helped me so much. I'm very thankful to have met you. Plus you have those beautiful red eyes. They remind me of a rose." Yumi looks back out at Sachiko.
"Do you think we could ever be more?"
"Hm?" Yumi breathes, too busy watching Sachiko.
"Is there someone you like Yumi-sama?"
"Like! You mean like, like." Kazumi nods. "I well…" I can't tell him yes, because he would ask who and I'm not ready to explain that. "No…"
"I see." Kazumi smiles. "I really care about you Yumi-sama. I feel very protective of you. You're one of the nicest people I have ever met. There aren't that many people like you in the high class world. You're special. You have the voice of angel and you're such a loving person. I wish I could've met you sooner. You smile so truly to your friends. I wish to one day have that radiant smile beam upon me."
"T-t-thank you Kazumi-san." Yumi blushes. Kazumi goes into his jacket.
"Yumi-sama. I would be honored if you would go out with me", Kazumi says holding a rose out to her. Yumi's mouth drops and her gaze switches its focus from his face to the rose over and over again.
"I…I..um..ah…" Sei, who decided to come bother everyone again today, was talking to Youko, when she looks over Youko's shoulder.
"What's this?" Sei smiles.
Youko turns around. "What?" She sees Yumi looking like a fish on the stage, her mouth opening and closing with no words, and Kazumi holding the rose to her. "Oh my."
"Looks like someone is finally making a move on Yumi-chan."
Yumi swallows a lump in her throat. She slides off the stage and faces Kazumi. Squeezing her eyes shut, she bows. Kazumi watches her and sees her hands shaking. "I'm sorry Kazumi-san, but I cannot accept your confession. I'm so sorry for any problems I have caused you." Yumi peeks up and sees Kazumi frowning and the rose lying on his lap. She bows back down. I'm hurting him. After all he has down for me with the play and my secret and trying to feed me. I'm such a horrible person. Tears come to her eyes and she sniffs. Yumi feels herself being pulled up straight and then into someone's arms.
"It's okay Yumi-sama. I understand. I'm not the one meant for you. I'm happy enough to just be your friend if you'll still have me."
"Of course!" Yumi returns the hug.
"Shut down! Ow!"
"Be quiet Sei." Youko says, after hitting her with her notebook. Everyone laughs at Sei. Sachiko watches the exchange between Kazumi and Yumi, being subtle in her teeth grinding. Trying to steal Yumi from me again! Yumi pulls back out of the hug.
"I'm truly sorry Kazumi-san."
"It's okay. The person that steals your heart will be an amazing person." Yumi glances over at Sachiko and smiles. She is.
"Alright everyone, last run through of the day!", Youko yells.
They start the run through. Kazumi makes a few mistakes, still a little bummed from the rejection. This also causes Yumi to mess up a few times from feeling guilty, but they keep going. When it finally comes to the lovers' song once they separate, they try to pull their nerves together. No more mistakes. It's okay. The music starts. Yumi stands on one side of the stage and Kazumi is positioned on the other. They are both looking out and the stage is dark, besides the spotlights on them.
Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight
(Kazumi starts out the song. He smiles a sad smile.)
Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there
(Yumi comes in with the second part. She brings her hands up to her chin together then intertwines her fingers. She closes her eyes as she does this, then opens her eyes and looks out. She lowers her hands.)
And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star
(Kazumi follows with the next verse. Their confidence picks up and their eyes become determined.)
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky
(Yumi follows afterwards with the same enthusiasm.)
Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true
(They sing together and turn towards each. Kazumi looks straight ahead and Yumi looks to the audience, staring at Sachiko. Kazumi takes a quick glance at Yumi. He notices she has a bright smile and takes a peek at where she's looking. I see. There really is no beating her. Kazumi smiles. They stop walking and sing from each other's corners.)
And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky
Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true
(They slowly back up until they are back to back. Their hands that are visible from the audience interlace. They end with a spotlight on the two of them. Kazumi looks up and Yumi looks down then blackout.)
The people who were watching give them a nice applause. Yumi and Kazumi walk off stage. Once off stage they look at each other and smile. "I'm happy for you Yumi-sama. She's really hard to compare to."
"Huh?" Yumi looks at him confused. He gestures his head on stage. Yumi looks and sees Sachiko. "Eh! I…" She stops and looks down, trying to hide a blush. Kazumi chuckles.
Once the run through is over, everyone starts packing up to head home. Yumi runs up to Touko.
"Hey Touko. Are you busy this afternoon into the evening?"
"No Onee-sama. Our teachers haven't been giving out much homework because of the festival and play. Why?"
"Would you like to have dinner with me? I want to speak with you."
"Of course Onee-sama." Touko gathers the rest of her things and begins walking to the door. Yumi grabs her hand to stop her.
"Let's wait till everyone leaves first." Touko gives a curious look, but doesn't say anything as she sets her stuff down and waits with Yumi. Sachiko sees them sitting around and walks up to them.
"Aren't you two leaving?"
"Onee-sama invited me to dinner, but she said she wanted to wait until everyone left." Yumi smiles to Sachiko.
"I see. You two have fun. See you tomorrow."
"Bye Onee-sama." Yumi watches Sachiko go. A couple of minutes later, Yumi stands up. "It should be okay to go now." Touko nods, still confused by her Onee-sama actions, and stands. Yumi leads the way to the front gate where a black car is parked. Touko jumps when she sees a big man in a suit standing just outside the gate. He opens the door to the car.
"Yumiko-sama."
"Thank you Yamamoto-san." Yumi gets into the car. "Get in Touko." Touko looks confused, looking from the big man to the car her Onee-sama is sitting in.
"Get in?" Yumi grabs Touko's hand and pulls her into the car, earning a nice squeal from Touko. Yamamoto shuts the door, gets into the passenger side, and instructs the driver to go. Touko sits in the car silently and watches Yumi as she looks out the window. The car finally stops and Yumi gets out of the car. She holds her hand for Touko, who takes it hesitantly. "Where are we Onee-sama?" Yumi just smiles and leads Touko to the front door.
"Touko." Touko looks at Yumi. "I welcome you to the Shigemi household, home of my Obaa-sama and Shigemi Utako and now me, Shigemi Yumiko, heir to the Shigemi Corporation." Yumi opens the door and Touko's mouth drops. "Shall we discuss this over dinner?" Touko just nods, shocked by this new information, and follows Yumi into the house.
It's silent at the dinner table as the food is placed down. "I wasn't aware we were having company."
"I wasn't aware that you would be attending dinner. It's very rare for you." Shock appears on Touko's face for a second before she covers it. Her Onee-sama has never acted this way. It's kind of how Sachiko-onee-sama treats Suguru-san.
"It's nice to check on my granddaughter every now and then."
Yumi frowns. "I feel that I am checked up on more than enough."
"I just care for your well-being Yumiko and I want to see you with my own eyes. Now look at how rude we are. Who is our guest? I feel as though I know her", Utako asks, finally acknowledging Touko.
"This is my petite seour, Matsudaira Touko, also a cousin of Onee-sama."
"I see. Yes, I believe I have seen you at several events as well."
"Yes, Shigemi-sama." Touko gives a slight bow of her head.
"Please call me Utako. You're family."
"Thank you Utako-sama." They eat and finish the meal.
"Excuse us Obaa-sama. Touko and I are going up to my room." Yumi stands from the table and taps Touko's shoulder, signaling for her to stand up also.
Utako stands ups. "It was nice seeing you Touko-chan. I probably won't see you again today, but please do come again."
"Thank you for your hospitality Utako-sama." Touko bows and follows Yumi upstairs. Just like Sachiko did once before, carefully taking notice of her surroundings that Yumi in so familiar with. Touko pauses at the door and takes in the room. What catches her eye is the picture of Yumi and Sachiko in front of Maria-sama, hanging just above the desk. Touko sees her Onee-sama sitting on the bed, watching her. Touko walks towards her. "What's going on Onee-sama?" Touko stands right in front of Yumi.
"I'll tell you exactly what I told Onee-sama."
"Sachiko-sama knows?" Yumi nods.
"There was an incident with a kidnapper last week."
"Sachiko-sama said something about a kidnapper. You protected her and got that cut on your arm." Yumi nods. "The kidnapper was after me." Touko's eyes widen. Yumi grabs Touko's hands. "But I'm okay. Got off with just a scratch. Anyway, Obaa-sama came to visit me in the hospital. Onee-sama was there, and thus I had to explain myself." Yumi goes on to tell Touko about her father and grandmother and why she's doing this.
"So, it's all for Sachiko-sama." Yumi nods. "You would go to the end of the world for her, wouldn't you?" Yumi blushes. "You really do love her." Yumi's jaw drops.
"I…I….Touko…How?...", Yumi mumbles. Touko just smiles.
"I think Sachiko-sama is the only that can't understand what goes through your head and many of your thousand faces."
"Hey!" Touko laughs at Yumi's pouty face. Touko looks down at their hands.
"You know she loves you too." Yumi also looks down at their hands and a small smile graces her face.
"I had a feeling." Touko looked shocked. "I'm not that bad at reading people Touko. It's just the way we have been acting when we are alone or semi-alone. We always get so close, then there is always an interruption." Yumi sighs.
"Then you need to go to a place for just the two of you, where no one will find you." Yumi looks up thinking. A place just for us…
Performance Day…
It was finally the festival and the play had been a success so far. It was almost over. All that was left was Kazumi's song. Half the stage was in pitch black darkness and the other half well-lit. Kazumi stood on the well-lit side.
I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete
(Kazumi walks slowly around the well-lit stage with his hands in his pockets. Everyone stands backstage watching the finale of the show.)
Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?
(Kazumi makes a gesture as if seeing a tree far off then drops his hands and looks around.)
Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know
(Yumi watches Sachiko watch the performance. Sachiko's back is to her. Sachiko watches the performance and suddenly feels hands on her shoulders and a hot breath brush past her ear. "Somewhere only we know", Yumi sings along with Kazumi, loud enough for only Sachiko to hear. "After the show", Yumi whispers then disappears into the dark area on stage. Sachiko stares off at her fading form.)
And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go? So why don't we go?
And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
Oh, this could be the end of everything
So why don't we go somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know
Somewhere only we know
(As the song is beginning to fade out, Kazumi walks to the dark side of the stage, where a spotlight begins lighting the corner. Standing there is Yumi next to the tree, where he carved their names. She turns to him slowly and smiles, then the lights go out.)
The many girls of Lillian scream and cheer. When the lights come up, the cast is on stage with hands joined. They lift their hands and bow, smiling brightly, earning another round of applause. The lights go back out for the last time and everyone disperses. Backstage, Sachiko tries to look for Yumi, but can't find her. What was Yumi talking about? Was that supposed to be a message or… Somewhere only we know… Sachiko realizes and rushes out of the building.
Yumi walks, deep in thought. I can't believe I'm about to do this. I should make it natural. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't…I really hope it happens. Will she be offended? No… Yumi's face goes through dozens of expression has she walks. She looks up at the sky. At least the sun is going down. We won't be as visible that way if something happen. "Yumiko." Yumi jumps and turns around. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
"Obaa-sama! What are you doing here?" Yumi turns around to see Utako and Eiji.
"You did ask if I was going to attend. I said it may be possible. You have attended so many of my events. It's only right to attend one of yours. You sang beautifully."
"Thank you Obaa-sama", Yumi says still in shock.
"You have great musical talent. I'll leave you to your activities. I gave Yamamoto the day off. I will give you your space today. Enjoy." Yumi smiles brightly and bows.
"Thank you Obaa-sama." Utako gives a small smile and walks off with Eiji. Yumi may be the start to expanding the Shigemi Corporation even farther than ever. When they are almost out of sight, Yumi yells in her head. Crap! She's probably already there. Yumi starts sprinting. I haven't really gotten my thoughts together. Guess I'll wing it.
Yumi arrives to the glass door, breathing heavily. She takes deep, calming breaths. This is it. She opens the door and closes it, making sure to lock it. "Hello Onee-sama. I'm glad you understood the message."
"It took me a minute, but this is our place. Lots of things have happened in here", Sachiko says smiling at Yumi from the bench in front of the Rosa Chinensis flowers. Yumi walks over and sits next to her. "You did a beautiful job tonight Yumi. You really do sing like an angel."
"I'll sing for you whenever you want, Onee-sama."
"Will you sing me for now?"
"Now?" Sachiko nods.
"Sing whatever you feel like singing. Anything."
"Alright." I wasn't expecting this, but I will use it in my favor. Yumi takes one last deep breath. Here goes everything.
Wise men say
only fools rush in
but I can't help
falling in love with you.
(Yumi looks at the flowers and begins singing acapella. She twiddles her fingers.)
Shall I stay
would it be a sin
if I can't help
falling in love with you.
Like a river flows
surely to the sea
darling so it goes
some things are meant to be.
(Yumi makes a wave-like motion with her hand then stretches her arm out.)
So, take my hand
and take my whole life too
cuz I can't help falling in love with you.
cuz I can't help falling in love with you.
(Yumi takes Sachiko's hand and caresses it with her thumb. Then she uses her other hand to gesture to herself. The hand brought to her chest then goes down to her other hand. She holds one of Sachiko's hands with both of hers. Yumi looks into Sachiko's eyes, her own so filled with love. She looks down at Sachiko's hand and bends forward slight. As she ends the song, she kisses it.)
Yumi looks up at Sachiko, who is watching her carefully. They faces are so close when Yumi looks up. Their breaths intermingle between them. Neither girl moves. It's all or nothing. Yumi looks at Sachiko's lips then back to Sachiko's eyes. Yumi notices Sachiko does the same motion. Yumi swallows a lump in her throat. She feels the perspiration on her brows from nervousness even though it is a cool night. She tilts her head slightly and bridges the last gap between them. They both sigh into the kiss. The kiss is short, a mere touching of lips. Yumi pulls back slightly to look at Sachiko. Sachiko opens her eyes and they hold eye contact. In their heads, a constant thought plays over and over. This is really happening. Sachiko takes her free hand and places it on Yumi's cheek, pulling her forward, initiating another kiss. They move their lips against one another. First it was just a light brushing of lips. When they pull back again, releases a subtle moan. Strawberries. Sachiko pulls Yumi back in for a deeper kiss. Their lips fight to consume the other. Yumi releases Sachiko's hand and instead places one hand on Sachiko's shoulder and the other on Sachiko's thigh. Sachiko moans into kiss, also causing Yumi to moan into the sweetness of this strawberry kiss. Sachiko uses her now free hand to interlace with Yumi's hand on her thigh. They finally pull apart after several minutes, fighting for air. They stare into each other's eyes yet again.
"I love you."
There goes another chapter. I love greenhouse confessions, so I put the confession in the greenhouse yet again. Featured in today's chapter is Somewhere Out There-An American Tail, Somewhere Only We Know- Keane, and Can't help falling in love- Ingrid Michaelson (cover). While I've been writing, I have thoughts of expanding this story. I can see this going farther. I'm very excited. This will be my longest story yet. Thank for reading and please leave your comments.