Takahashi's Residence

Keisuke came home and went straight to his brother's room. He needed the explanation to his curiosity. He knew roughly what it was all about but he wanted to know the truth.

"Aniki," Keisuke called as he sat at the edge of the bed. "What happened?"

Ryosuke turned himself around to face his brother. He knew that his brother would not just heck care about what happened.

"Mizuki is the girl I mentioned," he replied.

"This one I already knew it," Keisuke answered back.

"Okay, I met her at Akagi one night and from then on, we began to see each other." Ryosuke paused. "Everything was going good for both of us until…"

"Until? What?" Keisuke asked.

"Until I saw her with Takumi," Ryosuke replied.

"So you thought that she was seeing another guy," Keisuke continued for his brother. "You made the assumption and you began to avoid her."

Ryosuke nodded, "I thought that she was seeing someone else beside me. I didn't want to ask because I assumed that she wouldn't tell the truth."

"Aniki, you know her well, right?" Keisuke asked again. "Mizuki is not that kind of girl who tells lie. She's a girl that I think is the most suitable for you."

"I know that. I even thought that Airisu was her as well," Ryosuke admitted.

"What?" Keisuke exclaimed. "You're crazy!"

"Keisuke, I'm sorry." Ryosuke said.

"Sorry? It's okay. So what did you do after that?" Keisuke continued to ask.

"I… about a month ago… She was on her way home. I stopped her. We have a tiff and I was pissed off." Ryosuke paused.

"Then?" Keisuke asked.

"I raped her," Ryosuke replied as he covered his face, shamed of what he had done. "In our house."

"Aniki," Keisuke exclaimed in his disbelief.

"Keisuke. I regretted and when I knew the truth, I don't know what to do. Every time I close my eyes, I remember the way she looked at me. I tried to look for her but she couldn't recognize me. At first, I was quite relief," Ryosuke confessed.

"Why was she here then?" Keisuke asked.

"I met her a week ago. She didn't recognize me but she was curious about how I know her. So we met a few times. I asked her out and brought her here for a chat," he continued.

"So you brought her home and while she was here, she remembered everything, right?" Keisuke asked.

Ryosuke nodded, "I still remember her eyes when she looked at me just now. It's the same, painful stare she gave me before she left."

"You hurt her. When I saw her on the street just now, I knew she was hurt and lost," Keisuke said.

"How's she?" Ryosuke asked.

"I don't know," Keisuke replied while shaking his head. "There's only one person who can answer this question."

"Keisuke, I… I'm not fit to be your brother," Ryosuke said.

"Aniki, I admit that I'm very disappointed with you but…" Keisuke replied. "You're still my brother. Aniki, I know you'll find a way to solve your problem."

"Keisuke," Ryosuke said.

"Aniki, Mizuki is a good girl. Please don't give up," Keisuke said before he left the room.

"Thank you," Ryosuke said softly.


Fujiwara's Tofu Shop

Takumi and Nanami were accompanied Mizuki in her room. Mizuki was still asleep on the bed and seemed to have a slight fever. Takumi was very frustrated when he heard from his father that Mizuki met with that guy. He wanted to know who was that person. They took their turn to look after her, as they were worried that Mizuki might do something silly.

"Mickey," Nanami asked when she saw that Mizuki opened her eyes. "How do you feel?"

"I'm fine," she replied weakly.

"You've not been eating for a few day," Takumi said to his cousin. "Can I get some porridge for you?"

"I'm not hungry," Mizuki replied.

"Mickey, you must eat something." Nanami said with a serious tone. "You're too weak."

"But I don't feel like," she insisted.

"If you want to torture yourself, Fine!" Nanami said, annoyingly. "I thought you're smart enough to be able to think for yourself. You proved me wrong!"

Nanami got up and walked out of the room. She knew that by giving Mizuki some pressure, she would be able to think straight.

"Aniki," Mizuki turned to Takumi who was still sitting by her bed. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," he replied. "Can you tell me who was that guy?"

"I can't because you will kill him," she replied.

Takumi nodded his head, "You know and you still want to protect him."

"I…" Mizuki said.

"In that case, I'll just leave you alone for now. If you change you mind, tell me." Takumi said and left the room too.

Mizuki closed her eyes and sighed. She knew they were worried for her. However, she did not want them to look for Ryosuke.


It had been a few days after that incident. Ryosuke had made his decision. He went to the gas station to look for Takumi. He waited until Takumi was knocked off and they found a quiet place to talk.

"Ryosuke-San, what is it?" Takumi asked when they were standing by the lake.

"Fujiwara, I want to ask you about…" Ryosuke paused for a while. "How's Mizuki?"

Takumi looked up with a shock, "Why are you asking about her?"

"I think it's time that you should know. I'm sorry for what I have done, but I really love Mizuki," Ryosuke replied.

Takumi immediately grabbed Ryosuke's collar. His eyes were raging with anger.

"So that was you," Takumi said.

Ryosuke nodded, "Hai."

"Stop it, Takumi!" Nanami yelled as soon as she got off her bike.

Nanami heard that Ryosuke came to look for her boyfriend from Itsuki and rushed down, fearing that Takumi might kill Ryosuke. She just knew about Ryosuke from Mizuki, who finally told her friend. Takumi looked at his girlfriend in protest.

Nanami stood in front of Ryosuke, "Takahashi Ryosuke." She slapped him across his face after she called his name.

Takumi dropped his hand from Ryosuke's collar. Ryosuke was stood still with no expression.

"That's for Mizuki," Nanami said and raised her hand up again. "Next is for your…"

"Nanami," Mizuki shouted.

Nanami turned back when she saw Mizuki walked over.

"Mickey, you shouldn't come out." Nanami exclaimed.

"I must because things are getting complicated," Mizuki replied.

"Aniki, let's us go home." Mizuki asked Takumi.

"But he…" Takumi replied.

"Let him go, please." Mizuki asked. "Just once."

Takumi nodded and asked Nanami to go home. He got into Hachi-Roku and left with his cousin and girlfriend. He did not understand why Mizuki came but he could tell that his cousin still loved Ryosuke and Ryosuke felt the same too.


Takumi was sitting in the living room with Nanami, discussing about Mizuki. They were shocked to know that that guy was Ryosuke. Nanami knew that Mizuki was still loved Ryosuke, no matter what he did. However, he did not want her friend to see Ryosuke again, as she did not want to see Mizuki upset again.

"Takumi, can you ask Takahashi Ryosuke to see me tomorrow evening?" Bunta asked, as he removed his shoes.

"Oyaji!" Takumi exclaimed.

"Don't ask, just do it. I want to see him here tomorrow," Bunta ordered.

"But Bunta," Nanami protested.

"Nanami," Bunta looked at the girl and continued. "I have a reason for doing this. Whatever I do will be at Mizuki's best interest, trust me."

Nanami and Takumi looked at Bunta.

"I just want Mickey to be happy," Bunta reminded Nanami and Takumi.

They nodded.


Mizuki was looking outside the window, as she listened to Takumi and Nanami's conversation. They took her out since early afternoon so that Bunta could have a private talk with Ryosuke. Both Nanami and Takumi were curious what was Bunta trying to do.

At Fujiwara's Tofu shop, Ryosuke arrived at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. He rang the bell at the counter and introduced himself to the older man. Bunta brought him to his tiny living room. He studied the young man in front of him for a while before he took a puff.

"Takahashi Ryosuke," Bunta said calmly, as he exhaled the tobacco. "The reason why I called you here today is regarding my niece, Fujiwara Mizuki."

Ryosuke nodded, politely.

"There're a few questions I must ask you." Bunta continued.

"Yes, please," Ryosuke, replied.

"Good! First, how do feel about Mizuki?" Bunta asked, studying the young man very carefully. "I want only the truth."

"I'm sorry about everything I have done, but I love her. Fujiwara-San, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to pay for my mistakes." Ryosuke replied in his deeply regrets.

Bunta nodded, "Even if I were to ask you not to see her again?"

Ryosuke nodded and sighed, "If that is what she wants. I don't to hurt her anymore."

"I see," Bunta said.

"Fujiwara-San, I wish you can give me a chance." Ryosuke appealed.

"It's not up to me to decide," Bunta replied. "You may leave."

"Hai. I make a move first. Thank you," Ryosuke bowed politely before he left the shop.

Bunta let out a deep breathe after Ryosuke left. He thought about his conversation with Hisashi about Mizuki. The person whom his brother chose for Mizuki was none other than Takahashi Ryosuke. Was it the time he should arrange a meeting with Takahashi's family? The person he concerned most was Mizuki. He did not want her to feel upset so he must plan everything very carefully. Since both Mizuki and Ryosuke had feeling for each other, it would not be a difficult task. It was just a matter of time.


"Mizuki," Bunta called when he walked into the girl's room.

"Oyaji," Mizuki replied, without looking at her uncle, as she was tidying her wardrobe.

"How would you like to celebrate your birthday?" Bunta asked.

"I almost forgot that my birthday is coming," Mizuki exclaimed when she realized that her birthday was just a week away. "Anything will do."

"You're going to be 18," Bunta said adoring his niece. "A big girl now!"

"I'm always a little girl in your eyes anyway," Mizuki replied sweetly.

"Mizuki, remember I only want to see you happy," Bunta told his niece.

Mizuki nodded and hugged her uncle.


Nanami was sitting on the bed, chatting with Mizuki who was reading the latest car magazine on S2000. Mizuki planned to do some adjustments for her car again. Nanami was quite bored during their winter break. Takumi was working as usual. Mizuki suggested to Nanami to get a job so that she could find something to do. Nanami sighed in her boredom. Nanami then asked about Mizuki's plan after graduate. Mizuki closed the book and seriously think about it.

"I'm going to continue my studies," Nanami told her friend.

"What are you going to study?" Mizuki asked curiously.

"Engineering, I guess!" Nanami replied with a smile.

"It suits you," Mizuki nodded.

"What about you?" Nanami asked.

"Me?" Mizuki exclaimed. "I don't know. What can I do?"

"Mickey, I think we can just study together since you're quite enjoying school life." Nanami suggested.

"Will that be a good idea?" Mizuki asked, unsurely.

"Don't tell me that you're going to stay home or help Bunta run the business!" Nanami said.

"How do you know?" she asked with a smile.

"I know you too well, dear!" Nanami grinned.

"Ok, let me consider what I want to do after high school then. I still have some time, right?" Mizuki replied with a simper.


It was Christmas day. Ryosuke was puzzled when he received a phone call early in the morning. He was wondering what was the intention of the caller. He got out of the house and bought a bouquet of white tulip and a box of cake. He looked at his Tag Heuer watch, checking if he was late. He arrived at Fujiwara's Tofu shop about noon. He looked at the door that was shut, took a deep breath before he rang the doorbell. He waited patiently outside the shop.

"Oyaji, someone's at the door. Could you please answer?" Mizuki shouted from upstairs.

After a few minutes, Mizuki realized that there was not anyone at home. She quickly ran down to answer the door. As soon as she opened the door, she slammed it shut and stood in shock. She opened the door again to check if she made a mistake. She slammed it shut the second time. Ryosuke was shocked to see her too. It took him almost 10 minutes to find his courage to knock at the door. Mizuki stood on the other side of the door, seemed lost.

In the meanwhile, Bunta was having a drink with Masashi. He smiled when he imagined Mizuki's face when she saw Ryosuke. He had been waiting for Mizuki to calm down. Masashi asked his old friend when he saw that smile. He knew Bunta must have been hiding something from his kids again.

Finally, Mizuki opened the door. She looked at the flower and cake in his hands. How did he know about her birthday? Ryosuke was staring at Mizuki, not knowing what he should do next.

'Fujiwara-San!' he thought, as he slowly realized Bunta's intention. 'So today is her birthday! God! I didn't get her any present,' he cursed silently.

"What are you doing here?" Mizuki asked, still staring at the things in his hands.

"Ah… Happy birthday," he replied.

"Thank you," Mizuki said politely. She looked at the flower and cake, wondering why Ryosuke was still holding on to it, instead of giving her.

"Ah," Ryosuke uttered.

Mizuki was getting impatient when he took so long to say a word. She pointed at the flower.

"Ah… for you," he finally gave it to her.

Mizuki nodded and closed the door. She looked at the flower and smiled. However, confusion slowly built up within her emotion. She pondered why she did not felt so much angry or upset like before. She was quite happy to receive his gift, but slowly she recalled what he had done to her. She put the flower and cake at the counter and went back to her room. Ryosuke stood at the door, lost. He called her after some time.

"Mizuki," he addressed her.

Mizuki remained silent as she listened to the caller.

"I'm… sorry. I just want you to know how sorry I am. If I could turn the time back, I wouldn't want it to happen. Give me a chance to make it up to you. I promise I won't make you upset again. Please… at least one last chance," Ryosuke said sincerely. "Let me take you out for lunch. I'll wait till you come down."

Mizuki looked at the phone after she hung up. She was in dilemma when her heart wanted her to give him a chance but her mind did not allow so. She was deciding between her heart and her mind.

To Be Continued