The You I Don't Know
She disappeared from time to time and no one seemed to know where she went. Sachiko had even gone as far as calling her home, but if her family knew where she was at those times no one said anything. That was why Sachiko found herself in this position in the first place, spying from behind corners and tracking her movements like a thief in the night. Was this really the kind of Grand Soeur she was going to be? Sachiko couldn't believe her own tenacity and her lack of faith in her petite soeur. What did she really think Yumi was up to?
In truth, dozens of scenarios were floating through her mind and had been for months now. Every idea from a secret job to a lurid love affair made the list of possibilities. Was she in some kind of trouble? Was someone forcing her to disappear like this? After so long patiently waiting for Yumi to come to her and explain things herself, Sachiko had finally given in to her overwhelming urge to understand.
Rei had admonished her for her fretting over Yumi's absences, saying that she had been this way as long as they had known her. Yoshino had even pointed out that while she hadn't personally known Yumi before high school she did recall her leaving school at times and being absent on many weekend events.
So this is normal… Then why won't anyone tell me what is going on? Sachiko felt like this was a test of her willpower. But if she didn't figure all this out it would be as if she had lost… and she hated losing.
Knowing that Yumi would spot her immediately if she were to get on the same bus as her, Sachiko had already called upon her family driver to pick her up around the corner from the bus stop. Sachiko waited to see Yumi board a bus and then instructed the driver to follow it. Seven stops later, near the heart of the city and far from Yumi's home, her petite soeur stepped off the bus and headed straight for an alleyway.
"What is she doing?" As there was no way for her driver to follow her, Sachiko exited the vehicle and slowly approached the alley. She reached the alleyway just in time to see Yumi disappear to the left at the end of the path.
Hurrying in her pursuit, Sachiko did her best to avoid the trash laying about while maintaining a silent and swift pace. Their distantly shared trek continued like this for some time before suddenly Yumi disappeared. "What?" Sachiko turned around frantically. These alleys were like a maze, with little shops or stores sporadically spread throughout. Could Yumi have stepped into one without me seeing? Looking around she spotted two doors. One seemed to be a convenience store, small and a little shabby, and the other was obviously a dojo of some kind. Even now she could hear the typical "battle cries" coming from inside. A quick glance inside the store revealed no Yumi, so that left… the dojo?
Skeptical and thinking that Yumi more than likely had gone down another alleyway, Sachiko nearly walked away. My pursuit is already a failure, so why not take a look to be sure? With that thought, she stepped gingerly into the dojo. It was louder in her, a cry of "Hiya!" causing her ears to ring. Looking about she was shocked to see the place was much larger than she had expected. A proper dojo with sparing areas, equipment, and even stands in a viewing area closest to the door.
"Good day, nice to meet you. Can I help you?" A tall girl with hair dyed a deep red greeted her with a smile.
Sachiko returned the greeting with a bow and said, "I was merely curious. I thought a friend might have come here a few minutes ago. Is it possible for me to be a spectator today? This dojo intrigues me."
The girl's smile never wavered as she bowed and motioned toward the stands. "Of course. We only ask that all spectators remain quiet at all times. As this is practice and not an official match, we don't allow cheers or anything that might distract from the teachings of the Senseis."
"I completely understand and have no interest in distracting from your work." Sachiko bowed in thanks and made her way to the far corner where the stands were hidden somewhat in shadow. Whether or not Yumi was here, Sachiko didn't want others gawking at her as she witnessed the dojo's activities.
Making herself as comfortable as possible on the wooden seat, Sachiko began to look around the dojo, instinctively searching for familiar faces. Of course, there were none. Or so she first thought.
"Fukuzawa-san, warm them up!"
Whipping her head to the right, to the training mates directly in front of where she sat, Sachiko's eyes grew wide as she heard the response and saw the one who spoke.
"Hai, Sensei!" Yumi, dressed in a sleeveless white karate gi, bowed to her Sensei and took up a position in front of her group. She was barefoot, with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. Gone were the aloof smile and glimmering eyes. Instead, a look of serious concentration took over her usually comical face.
"Kohai!" Yumi yelled, bowing to the group of younger boys and girls standing in rows before her.
They all bowed in response yelling, "Senpai!"
Senpai? Yumi is… teaching them?
For the next ten minutes, Sachiko watched as Yumi took the younger group through warm-ups and a few "basic" forms. Her focus was incredible. As she walked the rows, correcting stances, and giving firm, yet not unkind corrections where needed, Sachiko found herself impressed by her petite soeur. Not that she had never been impressed with Yumi before, but this was something different.
"Fukuzawa-san!" The Sensei had returned, accompanied by another Sensei who immediately took over Yumi's group. The Sensei spoke with Yumi briefly, before leading her to the mats at the far end of the room. Sachiko couldn't hear what was going on, but she watched everything intently.
"So you are here to watch Fukuzawa-sama's dan testing?"
Sachiko jumped in fright at the voice that came from below her. Hand over her heart, as if trying to forcefully stop the rapid beating, Sachiko looked down to her right, between the stands and the wall, and found that same tall redhead from before. "Excuse me?"
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. You see, I also like watching her while she leads the others in forms." Despite the fact she was standing in shadow, Sachiko could see the warm blush that tinged the girl's face. "She's unlike any other, isn't she?"
Returning her eyes to Yumi she responded, "That she is… apparently." Yumi now stood in the middle of the mats, surrounded by a large group of observers. "What exactly is she doing? You mentioned dan testing?"
"Yes. She's testing for the 5th dan advancement. Today is her last few tests, actually. The testing typically runs about ten days, but because of her particular circumstances, the Senseis agreed to spread it out a bit more. If she can accomplish all the weapons forms today then she'll finally pass!" The young girl jumped up and down excitedly, clapping her hands as she spoke.
Weapons forms?! Yumi, what are you up to? "So what exactly is dan testing though?"
The girl straightened, looking once more in Sachiko's direction. "Oh, don't you know? I'm sorry, I thought for sure that was why you were here in the first place."
"Well, it's true I came to see Yu- uh, I mean, Fukuzawa-san, but I honestly have no idea about this kind of thing." Sachiko turned back just in time to see the Sensei toss a bow staff in Yumi's direction. She gasped as Yumi caught it with ease, spinning it in the palm of her hand then easily around her shoulders only to be caught by her other hand. It was like an intricate dance. Sachiko felt the sudden desire to join in and take the staff's place as Yumi's partner. Of course, her pride and common sense kept her firmly planted in her seat, though she did feel her composure slacken as blush blossomed on her pale cheeks. What exactly am I thinking? No, what exactly am I feeling? Watching as Yumi seemed to glide across the mats, never missing a step, sent chills up Sachiko's spin. How her hands slid along the staff as if tenderly caressing the wood, brought goosebumps to the flesh along her arms. This is a side of Yumi I never imagined… I like it.
Shaking her head, as if pulling herself from a dream, Sachiko tried to push those unexpected thoughts and feelings away. They had no place in her relationship with Yumi. None whatsoever.
"So that's what this is all about. Fukuzawa has been training for the 5th dan testing for about a year now. She's been a black belt for a few years and shocked everyone with how quickly she moved up the dan ranking. A few months after she started high school though, her involvement took a sharp decline." Sachiko had only just tuned back into their conversation in time to catch the explanation of the dan and black belt. Noticing the disappointment in the girl's voice, Sachiko turned to see she actually had moisture in the corners of her eyes.
"You say her involvement declined?" Sachiko asked in a small voice.
"Yes, it happened quite suddenly. I heard someone say it was because she was pulled into a special group at her high school."
"Is that right?" Sachiko turned back just as Yumi completed an aerial kick, landing and immediately falling into a leg sweep as she maneuvered the staff to mimic the motion at shoulder height. An instant later she was on her feet and bowing to her Sensei.
"Yes, apparently it's a huge commitment. To be honest, it took everyone here by shock."
"Why is that?"
"Just a second, my neck is cramping from looking up at you like this." Gripping the side railing of the stands, the girl heaved herself up and over in the blink of an eye. A moment later she was settled by a shocked Sachiko on the wooden bench, smiling comically. "Don't mind me. My mother calls me her monkey for a reason I guess. That's why I like wearing my tracksuit while I'm here."
Sachiko felt taken aback by the girl's behavior, but it reminded her so much of what she imagined a younger Yumi to be like that she couldn't help but smile. "By the way, I don't believe we introduced ourselves. After all, I can't very well call you monkey, now can I? I am Ogasawara Sachiko."
The girl's eyes grew wide. "Ogasawara?"
Sachiko continued to smile. "Did Yu- Fukuzawa-san tell you about me then?"
A glint of confusion lit the young girl's eyes as she responded. "Uh, no, no - It's just, your family is rather famous, that's all. Fukuzawa never mentioned that she knew you or anyone from your family."
Disappointment stabbed Sachiko's heart at the thought that Yumi would keep her a secret from anyone in her life. She was, after all, her Onee-sama, wasn't she?
Obviously seeing the disappointment on her face, the girl waved her hands emphatically in a panic. "I'm sure it was merely an oversight, Ogasawara-sama! Fukuzawa-sama has been extremely busy for so long. I'm sure she meant nothing bad by it."
Forcing another smile to her lips, Sachiko nodded. "I'm sure you're right. Now, about your name?"
"Ito Mei." The young girl smiled broadly then bowed in respect. "It surely is a pleasure to meet you." Turning her attention back to the testing, she asked, "How exactly do you know Fukuzawa-sama? If you don't mind my asking."
Sachiko hesitated in her response. Yumi hadn't said anything for a reason, right? So was it her place to say anything about their relationship? "A chance meeting at school, actually. We've been going to the same school for a long time, just in different grades. We happened upon each other not long ago though, so there is still much I do not know about her."
"She is so amazing, don't you think?" Mei responded, a new light of adoration in her young eyes. "So strong and her motions are so fluid. Look how she moved with those nunchucks, never faltering. I've never seen her injure herself with them either. Most come out with an injury or two to start with, but not her."
"You seem to admire her a great deal." Sachiko acknowledged, once again captivated by Yumi's dance of weaponry.
"Very much."
They watched the testing continue and before they knew it an hour had gone by and a cheer from the Senseis rang out around Yumi.
"What happened?" Sachiko asked, a look of uncertainty on her face.
Mei had jumped up and was bounding down the stands. "She did it! She's been accepted as a 5th dan black belt!"
As Mei raced across the dojo to join in the celebration, Sachiko remained on the stands. A 5th dan? As they had talked, Mei had explained the levels of mastery and to think that Yumi was a 5th dan at her age and size was incredible.
After a time of cheers, the crowd around Yumi seemed to quiet. Sachiko could hear what was unmistakably sobs coming from the group. Still, she didn't move. There was a reason Yumi had not clued her into this part of her life, so as she sat watching Sachiko had decided not to interfere. She would wait until she saw Yumi leave and depart unseen.
Sachiko watched as Yumi accepted a new black belt with the markings of her new dan status. She was then surrounded by those tearfully hugging her before she finally broke off and padded her way to the locker room.
It was only then that Mei returned to the stands, red-eyed and looking altogether anguished. "What is it, Ito-san?" Sachiko asked, somewhat shocked at the difference in the girl's demeanor.
"Fukuzawa-sama, she- she just-" Sobbing, Mei could barely get out the words. Instead of finishing, she grabbed Sachiko's hand and pulled her down the stands, apologizing as they made their way to the locker room.
"Ito-san, no, I don't think this is a good idea. I shouldn't-"
The girl didn't listen though, forcing her to follow her into the women's locker room. Mei let go of her hand just before the younger girl rounded a row of lockers, so Sachiko took the opportunity to stop and just listen.
"Mei-chan?" Yumi's voice was clear and strong, showing no hint of tearful emotion. What could be wrong with Mei then?
"Fuk-Fukuzawa-sama, why?" Sachiko heard the younger girl run a short distance before she collided with something. A padded "thump" indicated she had run directly into Yumi.
"Mei-chan… Why the tears? Didn't I explain why to the group?" Yumi's voice was placating, as she tried to calm her kohai down. "I have responsibilities I can't ignore any longer. The only reason I stayed this long was that I promised my Sensei that I would complete my 5th dan training. Today marks that goal completed, so I have to take my leave from the dojo."
"No, please don't! Can't you still come even though you're busy? Even once a week! What will I do without you?"
Mei's sobs sounded off the locker room walls, echoing and piercing Sachiko's heart with every wail. Making a move to quietly leave the locker room she stopped cold when she heard Yumi call out.
"Onee-sama?"
Looking up, Sachiko noticed what she hadn't before. A mirror in the corner of the ceiling put her in plain view of Yumi, however, distorted the image might have appeared. Stepping out from behind the lockers, Sachiko turned to find a shocked Yumi staring back at her. The younger girl had obviously taken a quick shower and was wrapped in nothing but a towel with hair still dripping wet. To add to the scene, she was desperately trying to keep the towel in place as Mei clung to her like a koala bear.
"Hello, Yumi." Sachiko smiled awkwardly, averting her gaze as the towel slipped suddenly.
"Mei-chan! Honestly, let go! This is indecent!" And just like that, Yumi's senpai persona vanished to be replaced with the Yumi Sachiko knew and adored. Bordering on hysteria, Yumi forced the younger girl back, though this spurred a new onslaught of tears. Kneeling in front of Mei, hiding herself a moment from Sachiko, Yumi tightened the towel and then met the younger girl's eyes. "I will explain, okay. Give me a few minutes to get changed and get a drink, alright?" Nodding, Mei's eyes lit up. Bounding from one foot to the other she inched back towards the door. "I'll go get you a drink. I know your favorite!" With that, she blew past Sachiko and was out the door.
Still kneeling, Yumi glanced at Sachiko nervously, though Sachiko was still staring at the wall. Jumping to her feet, Yumi opened her locker door which effectively hid most of her frame from Sachiko's point of view. Only when she had her panties on and her bra in hand did she release the towel's hold around her chest.
While Yumi busied herself avoiding looking in Sachiko's direction and hoping her Onee-sama was still averting her gaze, Sachiko was doing quite the opposite. After seeing her during the testing, Sachiko could now honestly, truly appreciate the beauty that was Yumi's body. She looked slim and delicate, but Sachiko had seen the toned muscles, sculpted to perfection thanks to the sleeveless gi she had worn. Even now, half-hidden by the locker door, Sachiko admired the toned muscles of her calves and legs.
When without warning Yumi dropped the towel, Sachiko was also able to see the toned back and shoulders of her petite soeur. My petite soeur! What am I doing ogling her like this? It's unseemly!
With that realization, she turned fully to the wall and leaned her burning face against the cool stone. A short time later she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Yumi smiling up at her, a water bottle in hand. She was now dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt with a small puppy on the shoulder. "Here. You look… overheated. It's kind of humid in this place, isn't it?"
Sachiko nodded and accepted the bottle gratefully, quickly bringing it to her lips for a long sip. "Thank you. I didn't realize how thirsty I was. What about you? You were out there for a long- I mean- I" Sachiko stopped, realizing she had yet to explain to Yumi how she had come to be here.
Leaning her shoulder into the wall, Yumi looked to her feet as she replied. "Yeah, about that… uh, Onee-sama… How long were you out there? I mean- Well, I guess I wanna ask how you knew I was here in the first place? This is a hole in the wall, so I know you didn't chance upon it."
Knowing she couldn't avoid the confession, Sachiko nodded her head. "You're right. There was nothing "chance" about this. The truth is I followed you from school."
Yumi's eyes grew wide. "Are you serious? You trailed me through the alleys?" Her voice was intense and more irritated than Sachiko had thought possible for the younger girl.
"Yes. How else was I going to figure out where you were disappearing to?" Sachiko responded, a sharp edge to her voice.
"You could have asked! Anyway, Onee-sama- wait! That was you following me in the alley!?" Yumi shot straight off the wall she was leaning against, suddenly very agitated. "Yes, why is that so hard for you to handle?"
"Hard for me to handle?" Yumi growled softly. "You don't walk the streets or alleys of Tokyo very much do you?" It was a rhetorical question, so she didn't bother waiting for a response. "Didn't you wonder why I was walking so quickly? You never take your time in the alleys. You keep moving and you get where you need to go quickly. You can't linger behind corners like that! It's far too easy for someone to come up and grab you."
Sachiko hadn't realized the danger of the alleys at all. She had merely thought of following Yumi and avoiding the trash underfoot. Now that she heard Yumi's concerns she felt her face grow pale.
"Onee-sama?" Yumi's concern was evident as Sachiko felt herself growing unsteady. "Hold on! Come here, Onee-sama. Sit down." Yumi led Sachiko to a wooden bench and gently guided her to take a seat.
"Thank you, Yumi." Sachiko mumbled as she waited for her blood pressure to rise again. "I never would have imagined you going anywhere dangerous or I would have thought twice about following you in the first place."
Yumi nodded, as though understanding what she meant.
"But Yumi, if it's so dangerous, why do you come here?" Sachiko asked, an eyebrow raised in interest.
"Well, it's really not dangerous for me to come here." Yumi rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment. "You see, I can protect myself. Also, I used to approach from a different direction, avoiding most of the alleys."
"Why did you go that way today?"
"Since becoming… busier lately I have been arriving at the dojo later. That path gets me there at least fifteen minutes sooner." Yumi turned from her as she spoke. Sachiko watched as she took out a black duffle bag and began unpacking her locker.
"Busier?" Sachiko asked under her breath, eyeing Yumi's stiff back as she worked. "Don't you mean when you became my petite soeur?"
Yumi paused in motion for the briefest of moments before continuing as if she hadn't heard the question. "I've been coming here since I was four years old. Yuki wanted to try Karate and so my parents brought us both for a trial period. In the end, Yuki didn't like it, but they found I was a natural and officially enrolled me in the dojo. When I started at Lillian my parents agreed that it would be best if I didn't reveal my participation in the dojo. They felt as though it would be looked down on by many of my peers and teachers."
"Looked down on?"
Yumi turned then and smiled at Sachiko in response, though the smile never reached her eyes. "You know, seen as violent and naturally pegged as a troublemaker. So, while they let me continue with the dojo, it was all skirts and hair ribbons otherwise. It worked didn't it?"
Sachiko, confused by the question, repeated it, "It worked? What worked?"
"Well, tell me, Onee-sama, what was your first impression of me? My appearance I mean." She leaned against the lockers then, crossing her arms as if waiting for the inevitable.
"I remember thinking your scarf was sloppy." Sachiko responded with little thought.
Sighing heavily, Yumi shook her head and rejected the response. "No, that doesn't count. You didn't even realize that was me at the time. Try again."
"Okay, well… When I ran into you in the mansion and really saw you for the first time I thought you were dainty, gentle, poorly spoken, and maybe a bit uncouth but definitely compassionate with a good heart." Sachiko's response was long and thoughtful, true to what she had felt in the moment that day in the rose mansion.
"And now?" Yumi asked, visibly stiffening as she waited for her new assessment.
"And now what?" Sachiko responded, her color had returned to her cheeks.
"Has today's display changed your view of me?" Sachiko studied Yumi's eyes. It was obvious she was expecting the worst.
"Yes, it has, actually."
Hanging her head, Yumi softly spoke. "I thought so. I mean, I expected it. After all, throwing kicks and punches isn't exactly ladylike."
Sachiko rose from her seat and approached Yumi. When she was a mere few inches from her, she used the tip of her finger to raise Yumi's head until their eyes met. "No, not ladylike in the slightest. But do you think Kendo is ladylike?" She was alluding to Rei's involvement in the Kendo club at school.
Yumi instantly shook her head. "That's completely different. Kendo is a martial art of strategy and elegance. There is nothing that can be seen as barbaric or truly violent about Kendo. I mean, her protective gear alone separates Rei-sama from me."
"You have a point." Sachiko acknowledged, nodding her head in agreement. "And if you had told me about this before I may have shared your view on it, but…"
Yumi's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Sachiko's face. "But?"
"What I viewed out there tonight was… well, there was nothing barbaric about it. It was beautiful." The truth was all Sachiko spoke and she hoped her honesty was conveyed in her words.
"R-Really, Onee-sama?" Yumi asked softly, a gentle hope building behind her big brown eyes.
Sachiko nodded. "You asked me what my impression is of you now and if it changed. Well, it did change because of this. Not only do I think you are everything I said before, but I also see you as graceful, fierce, determined, driven," She slowly raised her hand to caress Yumi's soft round cheek. "Stunning."
Both girls blushed, though neither made to move away from each other until a loud BANG! came from the doorway. Sachiko only had time to take two steps away from Yumi before Mei came racing around the locker, sports drink in hand. "Sorry, it took me so long, Fukuzawa-senpai!"
Still flushed, Yumi accepted the drink and then dropped into a sitting position on the floor with her back against the lockers to Sachiko's momentary surprise. Opening the bottle, Yumi motioned to the bench once more, indicating Sachiko should take a seat. "Mei-chan, sit down before you knock something over." Yumi laughed, pulling the younger girl to the floor next to her.
Mei giggled as she clung to Yumi's arm until she noticed the half-packed duffle at their feet.
"Senpai, why are you leaving us? Don't you… Don't you care for me any longer?" Mei asked quietly, though this time there were no tears on her cheeks.
"What kind of question is that, Mei-chan?" Yumi asked, making sure to keep her eyes squarely on the younger girl, though Sachiko knew she felt her eyes on her. It both touched Sachiko's heart and hurt slightly to see Yumi so familiar with the younger girl. This must be how it feels when your petite soeur finds their own little sister.
Yumi playfully pinched Mei's nose and smiled as she giggled once more. "You know you've been dear to me for a long time, Mei-chan. Just because I leave here and quit Karate doesn't mean that will change."
"But she's more dear to you, isn't she?" Mei's voice was barely a whisper as she eyed Sachiko, who sat with her stark emotionless expression firmly affixed to her face.
Yumi's eyes darted between Sachiko and Mei, her response more than a little hesitant. "Mei-chan, you have four siblings right? Three brothers and a little sister?" The younger girl nodded. "Can you tell me which of your siblings you love the most?"
Mei's eyes narrowed in thought for a few moments before she shook her head. "I couldn't possibly choose one, Senpai. I love them all!"
"Exactly. And you have different things you love about each of them, right?" Again, the younger girl nodded affirmatively. "The same goes for me and this situation. You and Ogasawara-sama mean the world to me. You both are special to me in your own ways." She glanced up and Sachiko met her gaze. "The love I have for each of you is different and can't be compared."
Sachiko felt her face grow hot once more and she instinctively reached for the water bottle again.
"I think I understand." Mei still spoke quietly, but now she no longer looked as though she were in pain. "But she does have something to do with you quitting, doesn't she?"
Yumi's smile was broad and endearing as she pulled the younger girl into a tight embrace. "It's because of decisions I have made. My own choices have led me to this point where I needed to choose what I would invest myself in. I have loved Karate for more than ten years now. It will forever be with me and be part of who I am. But," One again, Sachiko's eyes met Yumi's, this time from over the youngest girl's head. She could only see Yumi's eyes, but the message displayed there, a message intended only for her, was loud and clear. "But I've found something else to love now. You may not understand now, but I'll still be around when you do, okay? Call or email anytime."
"You promise?" The sadness in Mei's voice was pitiful, but Yumi didn't chastise her as Sachiko knew she herself might have. Instead, she curled her arms around the younger girl and rested her head against Mei's.
"I swear it, Mei."
Having waited for Yumi to finish saying her goodbyes, Sachiko stepped out the doors into the alleyway, her petite soeur securely at her side. Looking up to see the night sky, Sachiko was shocked at the time. "Well, this isn't exactly how I thought this day was going to go."
"Oh, Onee-sama? And how did you think spying on me would go?" Yumi asked, amusement evident in her voice.
Sachiko flinched at the reminder of her depraved actions. "Can we possibly forget that part of the day? Maybe, act as though it was a mere coincidence that brought me here?"
"I think not." Yumi's response was instantaneous.
"Whu? I thought my soeur would be a bit more accommodating for me in this instance." Sachiko pouted as she made to move toward the direction from which they had originally arrived. An instant later, a strong hand gripped her own, stopping her progress down the alley. "Yumi?"
Yumi was shaking her head. "Not that way. We'll take the longer, safer route tonight."
"I thought you could defend yourself?" Sachiko asked with a smile, willingly allowing herself to be led in the opposite direction. Feeling the warm strength of Yumi's hand in hers seemed to drive the chill out of the air.
"I can, but…"
"But?" Sachiko pressed. Seeing a faint blush starting to spread to Yumi's exposed neck, Sachiko decided to press. "I mean, after what I saw in there you could probably handle any low life that tries anything."
"Yes, but… I would never risk you in that way. Plus, if I don't have to fight, I choose not to. So taking the long way home is always the better option. Anyway, I don't want you to see me in a fight like that." Yumi spoke sincerely, but Sachiko couldn't help but feel the briefest instance of disappointment.
I honestly wouldn't mind seeing her standing up to a thug. It might be kinda… hot. Sachiko gripped Yumi's hand tighter as the thought invaded her mind. Since the day the younger woman accepted Sachiko's rosary, she had grown so close to Yumi. There had been trials and misunderstandings.
There was a love between them already, a sisterly love. Right? Sachiko thought about it as they walked, though she couldn't deny she had been having thoughts about Yumi that went far beyond sisterly affection. Even now, their closeness as they walked was exciting for Sachiko. She felt her heart race a bit every time Yumi's hand tightened on hers. Every time Yumi changed direction and pulled her along in silence, she had to hold back a grin. Instead, she forced her face to stay her normal serious expression.
"Why?" She suddenly asked as she could see the end of the alleyway ahead.
"Why what, Onee-sama?" She sounded curious but didn't stop her forward movement.
"Why are you quitting Karate?"
"As I said before to Mei-chan, I found something else." Yumi spoke soft, though brusquely.
"If you mean the council, you could do both you know? Look at Rei-chan. She does both Kendo and the council work." Sachiko tried to reason it out so as to give Yumi the encouragement she felt she needed. The last thing Sachiko wanted was to be the cause of Yumi letting go of a passion of hers.
They reached the end of the alley, yet Yumi stopped a few paces from the busy street and turned to face Sachiko. "That's just it; I don't wish to divide my focus or attention any longer."
"Is that the only reason?" Sachiko asked a firmness in her words indicating that she wanted the truth, no matter what it entailed.
"No, it's not." Yumi seemed nervous as she began her response, casting a furtive glance back toward the darkness of the alley as if wishing to disappear there.
"Yumi, kindly explain."
With an exaggerated sigh, Yumi met her Onee-sama's gaze once more. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to wait for an answer would you?" Sachiko's glare was enough of an answer. "Alright then. The honest answer? When I first met you I was in awe. When you claimed me as your petite soeur I was shocked. The reasons for my denial were not as straightforward as everyone assumes. Yes, I didn't want to become your petite soeur under the wrong circumstances, but I also honestly believed you deserved a better sister than I could be." Sachiko opened her mouth to interject, but Yumi intensified her grip on her hand, effectively cutting her words off.
"Karate had a part to play in that mentality. I've always been seen as fragile and helpless, but most don't know the abilities I have. I prefer it that way. Honestly, if I walked around the high school with a picture of myself in my gi standing in front of my trophies you would never have taken a second look at me. If it were known upon my entering the council room that day I honestly doubt the Rosas would have approved of your choice. If you had known who I really was, you probably wouldn't have given me a second thought despite the Cinderella situation." Yumi's voice was strong, clear, yet held a twinge of sadness as she spoke.
Sachiko didn't like hearing that sadness, but couldn't find the words to deny Yumi's accusations. In all honesty, she didn't know how she would have reacted back then. Most likely it would have been less favorable than she wanted to admit.
"I don't mind your karate skills or the time you spend practicing it either." Sachiko whispered in response. "We each deserve our own lives, do we not?"
Yumi nodded, but her response took Sachiko's breath away. "Yes, and I've decided to spend my time at your side instead."
"Yumi?"
"I decided this the moment I accepted your rosary, Onee-sama." Yumi's eyes glimmered with sincerity, lamplight reflecting in her chocolate orbs. "The only reason I had to delay was that I had a promise I needed to keep for my Sensei. That now completed, I plan on devoting myself fully to you and the council."
Touched by her words, Sachiko stepped closer and brought her free hand to Yumi's cheek. She studied those sincere eyes, reveling in the emotion that was clearly written there. "Why devote yourself to me like this and sacrifice this long-time pursuit of yours?" The council she understood, but she wanted to know the reason for staying by her side in particular.
"Didn't I explain this before?" Yumi spoke quietly under her breath, looking at the passing traffic to avoid meeting her gaze.
"What do you mean?" Sachiko was obviously confused.
Shaking her head, as if surrendering to fate, Yumi brought the back of Sachiko's hand to her lips, kissing it tenderly. Their eyes meeting over Sachiko's hand, Yumi spoke again, her lips brushing her Onee-sama's delicate skin. "It's because I have found something other than Karate to love."
Sachiko read so much in those chocolate eyes, but was she imagining the affection she saw there? Not knowing how to respond to such a kiss, Sachiko merely let herself smile gingerly as she said, "As long as you won't regret it, I'm glad."
"How could I regret being with my Onee-sama?" Yumi smiled genuinely, as she lowered Sachiko's hand from her lips.
"There's the bus, Onee-sama." Once more Yumi gripped Sachiko's hand tightly and pulled her on the street.
A stab of disappointment hit Sachiko as they entered the flow of human traffic. If only we could have stayed in our own little world for a little while longer. She could still feel the press of Yumi's warm soft lips against her hand and the thought occurred to her. How would those lips feel against mine?
A/N - Hey y'all! I hope everyone enjoyed this one. It's a little story that's been rolling around my head for a while. I could continue with it and make it a multi-chapter story, but that will depend on what y'all think of the story thus far. If you like it and wanna read more about this particular story arc, please let me know! For now, enjoy the one-shot, and have a blessed day!