Fujiwara's Tofu Shop
Bunta came home at 4 o'clock after some drink with Masashi. He looked around the quiet house, knowing that nobody was home yet. He sat in the small living room, switching on TV and smoked. He recalled the girl he met in front of his house. She was carrying a box of cake and some champagne. He knew that she must be the girl who used to call Takumi during the summer time. He wanted to ask her in but he could not. He spared some thoughts for Nanami. His son had made the choice and he should not find more trouble for the young boy. Nanami and Takumi came home after an hour, bringing back a box of strawberry shortcake, which was Mizuki's favorite. Nanami ran up to call Mizuki but came down with a disappointment when the birthday was not around.
"Bunta, where's Mickey?" Nanami asked.
Bunta shrugged, "I don't know. She went out before I came home."
"Wah…" she cried in her disappointment. "What shall we do with the cake?"
"Let's wait for her then," Takumi suggested.
"What have you bought for her?" Bunta asked curiously.
"It's a secret," Nanami replied and looked at the nicely wrapped present.
Mizuki was sitting in a traditional Japanese restaurant. She looked around at the beautifully decorated place, admiring the interior design. While waiting for the food to be served, Mizuki looked around without meeting Ryosuke's gaze. It was a quiet dinner; neither of them spoke. Ryosuke stayed patient as the dinner went on. After they had finished the meal, the waiter brought the cake out. Mizuki smiled at her favorite strawberry shortcake in front of her.
"Happy Birthday," he said with a smile. "Make a wish."
Mizuki closed her eyes and smiled, while making a birthday wish. She then blew the candles and cut the cake. Ryosuke brought her home after the dinner.
"Thank you," Mizuki finally said her first sentence to Ryosuke.
"Mizuki, when can I see you again?" he asked.
Mizuki got out of the car without answering his question. Ryosuke watched the girl got into her house and remained in the car.
"Happy Birthday!" Nanami yelled as she wrapped her arms around the younger girl.
"Arigato," Mizuki replied with a smile.
Bunta looked outside the window, noticing that the FC was still around. He walked out of the house while the girls were preparing the table to celebrate. He brought Ryosuke into the house. Nanami and Takumi was dumfounded when they saw Takahashi Ryosuke and turned their gazes to Mizuki, who stood at the table, frozen.
"Oyaji, what does this mean?" Takumi asked.
"How? Do you want him to stay or leave, Mickey?" Bunta asked his niece.
Mizuki looked at her uncle and Ryosuke first. She moved her gaze to Nanami and Takumi, unable to decide. Ryosuke did not want her to be in a difficult position and bowed politely before he left the shop. Mizuki ran out of the shop, but it was too late. Ryosuke's had left. She let out a big sigh before got back into the house.
Mizuki went out on a date with her schoolmate, Kenichiro. She had been forced to go out with Kenichiro after lost to Nanami on a bet. They went for a movie, followed by tea break at a café. Mizuki was totally bored and her mind was thinking of someone else. As Kenichiro walked Mizuki to the bus stop, Ryosuke was driving home after his class. He saw her on the other side of the street. Mizuki was surprised when the white FC pulled over in front of her.
"I make a move first. Thank you for the movie," Mizuki said politely and got into the car.
Kenichiro sighed in disappointment when he saw the white FC. It was Takahashi Ryosuke and he knew well that he got no chance, as Ryosuke was rich and good-looking.
"Thank you," Mizuki said as she enjoying the breeze.
"Mizuki," Ryosuke said. "Don't go out with any other guys."
Mizuki looked at him immediately with confusion.
"You're my girlfriend and I have zero tolerance with you going out with other guys," he said calmly and pulled over by the road shoulder.
"But I'm not your girlfriend," Mizuki replied.
He held her hand and said seriously, "Will you be my girlfriend? I promise I won't make you cry or upset again. I'll give you the happiness."
"It's too sudden and…" Mizuki replied, but her word was silenced by his kiss.
"I love you, Mizuki." Ryosuke whispered after he broke their kisses.
"But…" Mizuki wanted to consider.
"Give me a chance, Mizuki." Ryosuke asked. "Please, just once. Follow your heart."
Mizuki nodded.
Takahashi's Mansion
Dr. Takahashi was sitting in the living room, discussing with his wife and Ryosuke. It was a very rare occasion when his parents came home early afternoon. Ryosuke knew that his parents must have something important to discuss. Thus, he cancelled his date with his girlfriend that evening. He listened attentively to his parents' discussion about his future. Although his parents supported his 'hobby', they had one condition. That was to marry a girl who they have chosen for him. Ryosuke dumfounded when he heard it and was thinking furiously about Mizuki. He was quite lost.
"Ryosuke," Dr. Takahashi said. "She'll be here for dinner. You can give me your answer after the dinner, but I expect a positive reply from you."
Mrs. Takahashi looked at her son and said, "Why don't you go back to your room and get change? I guess she'll be here in about half an hour time."
Ryosuke nodded and walked up to his room.
Fujiwara's Tofu Shop
Mizuki was relieved when Ryosuke cancelled the date as Bunta just told her about a dinner. She looked at her uncle, trying to find out what was his motive this time. She stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself, as she tried on the dresses. Suddenly, Mizuki collapsed on the floor.
Bunta ran up to his niece's room after a loud bang. He called Mizuki as he held her in his arms. She was unconscious and Bunta quickly called the ambulance.
Takashita Hospital
Mizuki was lying on the bed with tubes and machines around her. Bunta, Takumi and Nanami were standing by the bed, worriedly. Nanami walked out of the room quietly, looking for Mizuki's doctor. She asked Dr. Atsuro, who was also Mizuki's cousin, about Mizuki's condition. Dr. Atsuro shook his head lightly.
"Nanami, I guess you should know about Mizuki's condition better than I am." Dr. Atsuro replied.
"Do something. You can do something," Nanami said with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I don't know what I can do. It's too late," he sighed.
"Nothing is too late." Nanami insisted.
"Nanami-Chan, I want Mickey to live, but… I really don't know what to do," he replied, clenching his fist. "If she agreed to have the operation, she wouldn't have to…"
Nanami knew about the fact that Mizuki refused all the treatment offered by her mother. However, she did not think that this day would come so soon. Especially when Mizuki and Ryosuke had just patched up. She was lost.
Ryosuke was running up the stairs to the ward where Mizuki was in. He rushed out of the house as soon as he received the news. He stopped at the door, took a deep breath and composed himself before he walked into the crowded special ward of Takashita Hospital. He was stunned when he saw his parents were standing inside the room as well. Nanami led him toward the bed and cued the others to leave the room. Ryosuke watched everyone slowly left the room. He grabbed her hand and slumped by her bed.
"Mizuki, please wake up," Ryosuke said with his trembling voice. "Don't do this to me. Don't leave me again."
Outside the ward, Nanami was leaning against the wall as she looked up at those curious eyes that were on hers. She sighed.
"Takahashi Ryosuke is Mizuki's boyfriend so I guess my answer had clearly explained your doubt." Nanami said.
"Nanami, how long have they been together?" Mrs. Takahashi asked the young girl.
"Quite some time. They met each other early this year," Nanami replied politely.
"Will Mizuki be fine?" Dr. Takahashi asked Dr. Takashita Atsuro.
"I don't know. I'll need to do a thorough check up on her," Dr. Atsuro replied.
Inside the ward, Mizuki moved her finger lightly. She knew Ryosuke was with her now. She whispered as her eyes were still closed. Ryosuke remained by her side without calling the nurse. Slowly, she opened her eyes and looked at her beau. Ryosuke helped her to sit up and gave her a hug.
"Ryo, promise me that you'll not upset if I…" Mizuki said weakly.
"No!" Ryosuke refused. "Mizuki, you must get well. I want to be with you. I just want to be with you."
Mizuki looked at him and slowly wiped away his tear.
"Ryo… I…" Mizuki closed her eyes as she tried to phrase her words.
"Mizuki, please don't leave me again," Ryosuke begged.
Mizuki nodded. She could not bear to see him upset.
"What if one day… I… could not recognize you?" Mizuki asked with assumption.
"I will bring our memory back, I promise," Ryosuke replied.
Mizuki nodded, "Ryo, can you help me call Dr. Atsuro?"
Ryosuke nodded and walked toward the door. In a short while, a young doctor came into the room with Nanami and Takumi. Mizuki looked at her cousin and nodded her head, consenting him to do a thorough check up on her. Dr. Atsuro had a small talk with Ryosuke at his office after Mizuki fell asleep. Ryosuke nodded, as he agreed to let Mizuki go back to US for the treatment.
Ryosuke looked at Mizuki as she packed up her things. It was going to be their last day before Mizuki left for New York. Ryosuke took her out for a date. He just wanted to enjoy every moment with her, as he did not know when would she come back. He brought her to the waterfall that he promised her earlier. Mizuki looked at him, as they sat at the edge of the rock.
"I'm afraid that I'll not be able to remember your face," Mizuki said.
"Silly girl. I told you that I will bring your memory back," Ryosuke told his girlfriend.
"But… what if I … never…" Mizuki asked.
"Shhhh! I'll go to New York to look for you if you don't come back in 1-year time. I promise so don't worry," he wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"Ryo," Mizuki called his name and looked into his eyes. She kissed him.
To be continued