Hello! Here's the next chapter.
animelubber: Thank you very much for all your comments, I hope that you enjoy the remainder of the story!
Disclaimer: Fruits Basket and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.
Chapter 4: Graduation
I look at my reflection in the mirror in the bathroom and steady myself by placing my hands on the sides of the sink. I have to remain calm. I can't make her more upset than she is already, she tried her very best. It is we who failed, placing such a burden upon her shoulders. I stand tall as I realize that today we're celebrating Tohru-san's achievement, we should all be happy for her. Finding courage in this thought, I exit the bathroom and head to the front door. When I arrive, Kyo is already there, and appears surprisingly calm; perhaps he has come to the same conclusion as I. Neither of us speaks a word, but watch expectantly for Tohru-san to arrive. Within a short time, we see her slowly approaching, her feet almost dragging. I try to avoid staring, I am so shocked. I have never seen her like this before. After what seems like an eternity, she stops walking. I watch in sorrow as she stands before Kyo and I, her head drooped forward and tears flowing endlessly from her eyes.
Her face downcast, she says, "I'm so sorry, Yuki-kun, Kyo-kun, I – I couldn't do it after all, I couldn't find the way to break the curse. I'm nothing more than a failure, Ka-san."
Looking upset, Kyo says, "Tohru."
She glances up at him and he takes hold of her hand.
With a kind look, he says, "Please, never think that way, and, Tohru, your mother certainly wouldn't either, I'm sure she's so proud of you."
I take hold of her other hand and say, "Tohru-san, you've done so much for us. We are so fortunate to know you, and to have someone care so much about each of us."
She lifts her head and smiles through her tears as she says, "Thank you, Kyo-kun, Yuki-kun."
We move our hands from hers and Kyo takes out his handkerchief from his pocket and holds it before her. She looks up at him in surprise, and he smiles quietly in return.
She takes hold of it and wipes her eyes as she says, "Thank you, Kyo-kun."
He nods his head in response.
As she finishes, I lean towards her slightly and say, "Shall we go?"
"All right," she answers.
Kyo and I step so that we are either side of her and he takes hold of her right hand, while I take hold of her left. Together, we have the strength to go forward.
When we arrive at the gate to our school, Kyo and I let go of her hands and Hanajima-san and Uotoni-san appear soon after. While Kyo and I stand slightly back, Hanajima-san and Uotoni-san approach Tohru-san, Uotoni-san grinning broadly and Hanajima-san with her usual expression.
"Oi, Tohru, congrats," Uotoni-san says.
"Congratulations, Tohru-kun," Hanajima-san adds.
"Thank you, and congratulations to you, too, Uo-chan, Hana-chan."
"Ah, Kyoko-san must be so proud today."
"Yes, I'm sure that's true, she always wanted this for Tohru-kun."
"I – I hope so."
Uotoni-san places her arm across Tohru-san's back and says, "Of course!"
Her expression slightly changed, Hanajima-san says, "Tohru-kun, is something wrong?"
Uotoni-san, surprised, looks at Tohru-san as well.
Startled, Tohru-san smiles quickly and says, "No, I - I'm just nervous."
"I see," Hanajima-san responds, not appearing convinced.
Wanting to relieve some of the tension, I glance at everyone and say, "Shall we be going?"
They all agree and we begin to walk to the auditorium, Tohru-san between Uotoni-san and Hanajima-san, and Kyo and I trailing.
We wish each other congratulations again before walking to our assigned seats. As the president of the Student Council, I sit with the other third-year members of the council in the front row. I scan the graduates, and smile at Tohru-san when I spot her, she waves in response. I am about to focus my attention once more on the stage when I feel eyes upon me, I slowly look to the crowd and see him there, staring at me with his icy eyes and smug grin. I quickly look away, but feel foolish after having done so, will I never be able to stand up to him? Knowing my responsibilities in the ceremony, I try my best to concentrate.
Eventually, it is my turn to speak, so I stand up and walk to the podium. I look out at the crowd once more and think about my speech, how meaningless it is, and detached from reality. The knowledge that I will be able to spend this evening with Tohru-san is the only thing that provides me with the courage to begin.
After I finish, I return to my seat for the remainder of the ceremony. As it ends, I stand once more and start to walk back to Tohru-san's seat when Hatori steps in front of me.
"Hatori?" I ask, confused.
"Yuki, we're going now."
Slightly annoyed, I say, "I know that, I was going to find Tohru-san so we can go back home together."
"It seems you don't understand."
Aggrivated by his intrusion, I decide to ignore him and start to walk towards her, smiling as she notices me approaching. However, I am shocked when Hatori puts his arm up to stop me.
"What are you doing?" I say angrily.
"Yuki, you're not going back to Shigure's home, we're going to the estate."