Later that evening Tsukushi and Susumu returned to her apartment just in time for the party. Shizuka had out done herself setting up the whole thing, while Kin-san took over the kitchen to whip up some wonderful food. Tsukushi and Susumu hid out in the college library of Eitoku until the crowds had died down.
Returning to the college library brought back so many strange, yet happy memories for Tsukushi. It was because she had spent the last few weeks of her academic career at Eitoku, hiding out at the library. It was the only place where she could study in peace because none of the F4 really set foot in the library. Sakurako kept pestering Tsukushi at the high school library. Furthermore, Tsukushi needed a place to study for the exams that eventually got her to Australia.
Prior to her leaving Japan, Tsukushi was on a first name basis with the librarians who had caught her energetic need for knowledge. One of the librarians, Yuka-san, even gave rides to Tsukushi back to Yuki's house because it wasn't safe for a girl to be wandering around the streets too late at night in Tokyo.
"You are such a geek, Oneesan," said Susumu on their way up on the elevator to Tsukushi's flat.
"What do you mean?" asked Tsukushi.
"Why would anyone be on a first name basis with the librarians?" asked Susumu. The elevator had stopped and the doors slid open.
"It doesn't hurt to be nice to people, Susumu," said Tsukushi as she stepped off the elevator first.
"Yeah, right," said Susumu as he followed her through the door.
"Congratulations on your win today, Susumu-kun," said Shizuka as they came in.
"I almost forgot about this," said Tsukushi.
"I heard you had to run away from the rabid fans," said Kin-san as he did the finishing touches on the meal. It was actually a dinner party. "I'm hoping to try out some new kind of dishes on you guys tonight."
"Maybe you should go on Iron Chief," said Susumu.
Kin-san laughed, "I don't think I can cook anything decent in an hour like those pros."
"Aren't you a professional? You do own a restaurant," said Tsukushi.
"I meant I don't have the experience," said Kin-san.
"Sorry, guys. The traffic was horrid. I had no idea that traffic was so bad in Tokyo. I read about it, but I've never had to experience before," said Sammi as a greeting as she walked through the door with Yuki just behind her.
"What happened?" asked Yuki as she placed a bottle of sake with a box of pastries on the counter. It was for dessert.
"We ran for our lives because of her," said Susumu as he jerked his thumb at his sister. Tsukushi laughed. Susumu went on to explain what happened.
"Actually, I will have to take a flight to Okinawa tomorrow. It's for the pre-production stuff. They have to do a bunch of stuff. You know rehearsals and costume fittings," said Tsukushi. "By the way, Yuki, are you still taking tea ceremony and ikebana classes?"
"Yes," replied Yuki with a nod. "Why?"
"Because I need you to come with me briefly to Okinawa. I need to relearn how to do the tea ceremony, and I don't know anything about ikebana," replied Tsukushi.
"What does that have to do with the movie shoot?" asked Yuki.
"Oh, you guys still don't have any idea what the movie is about, do you?" asked Tsukushi as she looked at the faces around her. The only one who knew was Sammi.
"Well, that should be fairly obvious," said Susumu. Tsukushi gave him a look that shut up him.
"It's called 'The Butterfly Lovers.' It takes place post World War II era in Okinawa after the Americans come and establish their bases. I am playing the daughter of a wealthy merchant who falls in love with an American soldier," said Tsukushi.
"Ah, and if you're going to play the part of a rich girl, then you should know how to do some more traditional Japanese stuff. But, I thought you learned the tea ceremony earlier," said Yuki.
"I did for that stupid beauty pageant," said Tsukushi as she shot Sammi a look that prevent any further questions. It was not one of Tsukushi's fonder memories. "But, I completely forgot. I didn't have to remember how to do the tea ceremony before."
"But, you were part of a theater group. It would seem like something you could put on your stage credits," said Yuki.
"It would, but I find both the tea ceremony and ikebana to be very dull. I have credits for ball room dancing, fencing, and a certification for stage fighting," said Tsukushi.
"Stage fighting, Oneesan?" asked Susumu.
"Your sister's one of the certified stage fighters for the London Theater. It means that she can do her own stage stunts," said Sammi.
"How could you say those things are boring? I like doing those things," said Yuki thoughtfully.
"Well, I've never been a traditional Japanese girl, Yuki. Why do you think I'm so comfortable with Westerns?" said Tsukushi. "Hey, you do want to take a weekend to go to Okinawa, right? You've never been there."
"That's true. The last time I took a plane ride was to Canada. And that was only one time," said Yuki thoughtfully.
"Then, come with me. We'll have fun," said Tsukushi.
"Now that's been settled, let's eat," said Shizuka. There came a knock at the door. "Oh, I almost forgot that Megumi-san was coming," she added as Susumu answered the door.
"What happened to Mariko-chan, Susumu?" asked Tsukushi.
"How should I know?" asked Susumu. Tsukushi pursed her lips. "I think she left with those other girls you were sitting with."
"Oh, her sisters," said Tsukushi. "It's just as well. I didn't really like them that much. By the way, did you know you're very popular with the girls?"
"Ooh," said Kin-san and Yuki teasingly.
"Leave me alone," muttered Susumu.
"I didn't know what to bring. So, I brought extra tea for you," said Hiro with a dazzling smile.
"Thanks. This will come in handy," said Tsukushi. "And I think you already know everyone. Now, where were we, Shizuka?"
"We were about ready to eat. There's a lot to celebrate tonight," said Shizuka.
"What time are you leaving tomorrow?" asked Tsukushi. She was taking a plane with Yuki and Sammi to Okinawa, but they were going to all see Shizuka off at the airport.
"Around the same time as your flight to Okinawa. Around two. I really didn't want to be a burden," said Shizuka.
"You? A burden? Never. I kind of miss just talking to you," said Tsukushi with a smile.
The dinner went by wonderfully. Tsukushi enjoyed it the most. It made her feel safe and happy. She wanted more moments like these. Moments where she could forget about work for a bit and be herself for a little while. Many times she had thought of taking a real hiatus, but there was too much work to be done.
Everyone had split up into different areas. Tsukushi took this time to spend some private time with Shizuka. Back when Tsukushi was living in England, they would make time to meet at least once a month and that was even prior to the launch of their careers. They talked in the study.
"I can't believe I'm actually going to make a movie. I would have never imagined this for myself," said Tsukushi as she shook her head in disbelief. "But, I'm not sure if I can do this."
"I am more worried about the stalker," said Shizuka quietly as she took a sip of the tea that Hiro had brought.
Tsukushi sucked in some air. "I am trying not to be afraid, Shizuka. I have never been the type to let my fears get the better of me."
"Of course not, Tsukushi. It's just that you don't really face what's bothering you. You have a tendency to bear down and work," said Shizuka.
"That's how I was raised," said Tsukushi.
"Speaking of which, I did speak with my parents today. My father was busy, so we couldn't speak for that long. My mother did just visit Ireland recently, so we didn't talk that long either," said Shizuka. "By the way, what about your parents?"
"No, I haven't visited them. I've only had five minute conversations with them," said Tsukushi with a sigh.
"I see. You are really busy, so I suppose they understand," said Shizuka.
"Yes, they understand," said Tsukushi.
"Have you ever seen the inn?"
"No."
Shizuka laughed. "And you were the one who bought it. The first rule about real estate: is to never buy land without seeing it first."
Tsukushi gave her a small smile. "By the way, I saw Rui. He seemed great. I spent the day with him," she said quietly.
"Really? That's good to hear. What about Tsukasa?" asked Shizuka.
"We're back to square one. I just don't want to bother with him anymore. It's too tiring. It's too much work for me," said Tsukushi as she gave Shizuka a strange, sad smile.
"You aren't afraid to take risks when it comes to your career or future, but you're afraid to take a risk when it comes to your heart. When was the last time you went on a date?" asked Shizuka.
"The one with Tsukasa," replied Tsukushi.
"He remembers now. I kept your secret, even though I knew that he missed you," said Shizuka, referring to all the times she had returned to Japan and met with her parents. She had heard from them how Tsukasa had refused to marry anyone. She knew that he had remembered everything.
"I don't think I can go through it again. I don't even know if I love him anymore. I stand to lose everything, including myself. I can't do that," whispered Tsukushi. "I have to protect myself."
Shizuka didn't say anything about that. She had a feeling that Tsukushi couldn't distinguish Tsukasa from the stalker. Tsukushi had a fear of being controlled. It was contrary to her independent, fiery spirit. "You know...I always thought I was close to equal ground with him. But it never happened."
*
Tsukasa was pacing back and forth in his office. It was one of his hobbies. It was already the next morning. He wasn't looking forward the next meeting. It wasn't going to be a pleasant one. He was waiting for word on one of the companies that his mother had acquired a long time ago. Business had been slipping in that firm before. All attempts to prevent it from going under had failed.
In the past, Tsukasa wouldn't have cared about people losing their jobs or not. He had his people come up with the numbers. There was no way around it. His people always wondered why he cared about others so much, especially since his mother didn't care about anyone but money and business acquisitions.
Most of the people in the business world of Tokyo viewed Doumyouji Tsukasa as a paradox: a businessman with heart made of gold that was encased in titanium. He was tough, but deep down inside he cared about the common man. That was something most people didn't expect from him. They didn't know that someone changed his life so drastically. Hardly anyone knew that he was capable of loving someone so much that he was willing to change for them.
"Doumyouji-san, they've arrived," said his secretary.
Tsukasa looked up and nodded. It was one of the things he hated about his job. He walked up to the board room. "We've looked at the numbers. We have no choice, but to sell," said one of his business analysts.
"How much damage will there be?" asked Tsukasa.
"Over five billion yen, but we'll be able to recoup the lost, sir," replied his business analysts.
"That's not what I meant," said Tsukasa. "What's the real damage?"
The head analyst looked at his fellow analysts. "There will be hundreds of jobs. Perhaps a thousand jobs lost, Sir," he replied. "Not all of the numbers have come in yet."
"I see," murmured Tsukasa. "Can we minimize the damage?"
"We can offer jobs into other industries, but it will require having the employees move. However, we may not be able to handle the brunt of it."
"Fine, I see. For the people who have families, offer transfers to other industries. They will have to take a pay cut, but at least they won't lose their benefits. For the people without families, offer them overseas transfers, if not they will have to be laid off. However, keep their names on file," said Tsukasa after some silence. It wasn't a very good decision, but it was the best he could do.
"Very well," said the head analyst.
"I'll be waiting for more numbers to come in," said Tsukasa as he stood up and left the board room. He had other business to attend to in his office.
"I don't understand Doumyouji-sama at all," said one of the analyst out loud.
The head analyst shook his head and smiled. "He is nothing like his mother when it comes to business," said another business analyst.
"That's because he's human. Believe me in the long run it will be good for all of us," said the head analyst, putting a stop to any more gossip. "And another thing, he's like his father."
*
"I'm going to miss you, Shizuka," said Tsukushi as they embraced. "I hope to return and visit you in Ireland soon."
"I think I might come back to Japan before that," said Shizuka with a laugh.
"Next time bring that gorgeous husband and adorable son of yours," said Sammi with a grin.
"I will," promised Shizuka. "Make sure you keep yourself safe, Tsukushi."
"I will," said Tsukushi.
"I hope you have fun in Okinawa. It was nice seeing you, Yuki," said Shizuka as she waved to the girls before going to her gate.
They all waved her goodbye and the announcement was made over the PA system, "Flight 008 to Okinawa in the North Gate will depart in fifteen minutes."
"Let's go before we miss the flight," said Sammi.
They walked up to the gate. Tsukushi saw Ryan McCormick walk up to them. "I was hoping to see you off. By the way, I still haven't completed the arrangements on your living conditions, Miss Ringo. However, the body guards have been properly checked and ready to go," he informed them.
"That's okay. We'll be staying at a hotel suite in Okinawa doing the pre-production," said Sammi quickly.
"I'll take care of everything. Don't you worry," assured Ryan as he flashed them a smile. "Have a good and safe flight."
The three women boarded the flight. Tsukushi felt rather tired from all the activity. She was thinking of catching a short nap during the flight. Tokyo wasn't that far from Okinawa.
"Are you okay?" asked Yuki.
"I'm fine. Just tired. I'm always tired," replied Tsukushi as she gave her a lazy smile.
"Let's just relax for a bit before all the work begins," said Sammi.
Tsukushi looked out the window as soon as they were in the air. It was like floating above the clouds. She longed for a time when she could do just that. To be free from responsibilities and obligations. She looked at her cell phone. She checked her missed calls. She noticed that there was another call from Osaka. Tsukushi fingered the buttons, wondering if she should check the message or not. She knew who had called. She bit her lip.
Tsukushi could handle Doumyouji Tsukasa. Her parents were another story. She pressed the buttons and deleted the message from them.
AN: Where have I been? Well, I've been working on stuff for school. It truly sucks. Tsukushi does have a lot of stage experience along with things that an actress would be smart to know about. For the next few parts we will branch off and take a look at the different lives in this story. Eventually all these lives will collide into one event.
The stalker hasn't been brought up for a while. Don't worry. He's still lurking around and bidding his time. When he strikes, you'll know it.
There will be a few more delays from me. This chapter was actually just a transition more than anything else, so it kind of sucks. The next chapter takes a look into Susumu's life. He will have a confrontation with Tsukasa regarding his sister. The next chapter will be better.
Feel free to bitch and moan about my lousy ability to keep up at http://ayane.blurty.com.
Disclaimer: I don't own Hana Yori Dango. I own this story. ^^