Chapter Five:…Affections Unwrapped…
Tomaru was hanging on Ueda's every word. He tightened his grip on her hands--every time he tried to speak his feelings, Ueda continued to see flashbacks of his persocom and the life he had spent with her. Although he had truly loved her…he knew that one day, he would need to move on…one day was today…
His face was serious, "Tomaru, you're such a wonderful person…you've done so much for me…and I like being around you."
She listened intently, feeling Ueda's hands get warm, "Manager Ueda, I only do it because you inspire me to! I think you're a great boss--a great friend. I'm here for you whenever you need me."
"I know that…but now I need you for something more than filling in a few hours at work…Tomaru, I like you…a lot…and the more I see you, the more I like you."
"You…you like me…"
"What I'm trying to say is," Ueda paused, noticing Tomaru direct her eyes away from him. He continued, "…I'm falling for you, Tomaru."
They were both silent. Tomaru was deep in thought. She rubbed her thumb against Ueda's nervous hands, unsure of what to tell him. Tears began to form in the corners of her blue eyes, as her heart got heavy.
Ueda looked at her, "Tomaru, are you alright?"
She threw her arms around him, setting her tear-stained face on his chest--her body lightly pressing against his. Suddenly, Ueda felt a warm feeling inside. He began to remember something he told Chii a while back…
Ueda Flashback Mode - -
He had just plopped Chii down in front of him after she had happily hugged Ueda for giving her a job.
"You shouldn't do that," he said, slightly flushed.
"Do what?" Chii asked inquisitively, tilting her head to the side.
"You know, throw your arms around someone like that."
Chii was puzzled, "Throwing your arms around someone is bad?"
Ueda smiled kindly, knowing that Chii was still learning. He replied, "Well…I guess that depends on who it is you're throwing them around."
Chii leaned in, wondering the reason. She asked again, "What kind of person…can Chii hold on to?"
Ueda paused, pondering the right way to say the answer. "Wh-what kind?…" he repeated, then blushed heavily, "Someone you like, I suppose."
End Ueda Flashback Mode- -
Ueda, in turn, put his arms around Tomaru's petite body. Seconds passed, and Tomaru pulled herself away from him.
"Manager Ueda…I-I'm sorry…I don't know how I feel about you…you're so kind to me, but I'm not sure if I can do this…" she said between small sobs.
Ueda stood up, watching her step out of his apartment, "Tomaru, wait! I…"
She smiled through her tears, leaning against the doorframe, "…see you at work tomorrow."
The door closed. Ueda dropped himself back onto the sofa, burying his face in his hands, Why did I ever think she'd go for someone like me…