"Rui, what are we doing here?" I demanded, stopping in my tracks.
Rui turned to look at me, under the moonlight, his face was expressionless but handsome. "Facing reality." He answered me as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
I glanced at the huge mansion behind him and I sighed. "Yeah, but.."
"I'm here Tsukushi..don't worry.."Rui told me gently, taking my hands in his.
It was then I knew no matter what, as long as Hanazawa Rui was by my side, I'll be alright. I gave him a small smile and straighten my shoulders. "You're right.it's time for me to face them." I said with determination and earned myself a smile from him which would have sent many girls swooning.
Together, we walked into the Domyouji's mansion hand in hand. The butler led us to one of the lavishly decorated living room. Being in Tsukasa's house brought back memories which I wanted so much to forget. As if sensing my discomfort, Rui gently squeezed my hands.
The minute we stepped into the room, my eyes fell on Tsukasa who was talking to a girl whom I recognized as Okawahara Shigeru, his fiancé. They seemed to be talking intimately, his head bent down towards her, whispering into her ears as she giggled. I looked away quickly and saw Rui glancing down at me.
His eyes seemed to tell me that I'll be alright, but my heart wasn't too sure. It's true that the pain I felt isn't as painful as before, in fact I felt more uncomfortable than hurt. Maybe he was right, I am getting over Tsukasa.
"Tsukushi!!!" Akira's cheerful voice called from the other end of the room, attracting everyone's attention. I saw him almost hopping over and gave me a big hug, surprising me. "My favorite hard working virgin!" He exclaimed and I threw him a deadly look which he ignored.
"Tsukushi! Rui!" Soujiro appeared behind Akira giving a pat on Rui's shoulders. "What took you so long?" he asked.
Rui didn't reply, but instead shrugged his shoulders. "Tsukushi.where have you been? We missed you."Soujiro told me with sincerity.
"I've been working."
Akira slung a careless arm around Rui's shoulder and started to drag him towards the couch. As I felt Rui's hands slip away from mind, I began to panic. It was as if, I was loosing my wall and my support. I started to follow Rui but suddenly, Tsukasa stood in front of me with his fiancé by his side.
"Tsukushi.where have you been?" he asked as I looked into those familiar brown eyes of his.
"Urm."
"Never mind, meet Okawahara Shigeru.."Tsukasa pointed to the girl standing next to him who had a friendly smile on her face.
I've seen her on TV and the magazines and if she was pretty there, she was beautiful in real life. I stared at her mesmerized until I felt Soujiro nudge me lightly from behind only did I noticed her outstretched hands.
"Oh, I'm sorry...nice to meet you..I'm Makino Tsukushi..but you can call me Tsukushi.."I stammered and shook her hands.
"I know who you are, I've heard tons about you from these four guys. Call me Shigeru."She gave a twinkling laugh and I saw Tsukasa wrap one arm around her slim waist.
I quickly looked away and my eyes caught Rui's who was looking at me and I gave him a small nod to tell him I'm alright.
"Come, let's leave these guys to catch up and you and I can have a girl to girl talk." Shigeru said, locking her arms with mine and dragging me towards the balcony.
Not a good idea. This was where Tsukasa showed me the meteor shower. I closed my eyes to push the memory out from my mind and opened it to see Shigeru looking up at the sky with a blissful smile on her face. The smile of a woman in love, and I've a very good idea who the person she was in love with.
"I envy you Tsukushi."she suddenly said and I was honestly surprised. She was envious of me?
I guess my expression showed my surprise and she laughed. "Akira and Soujiro was right, you are really an adorable person."
"Are we talking about the same Akira and Soujiro here?" I asked and she laughed again.
"You know why I envy you?" She asked and I shook my head.
"The day I was introduced to Tsukasa, we instantly clicked. He told me about his 3 best friends and I knew how important they were to him. Then he mentioned you and I wondered what role you played in his life. Although he can't remember you, he told me there was something inside him that told him you were as important as the other 3 or maybe more." Shigeru started to explain.
"When I met Akira, Soujiro and Rui, my feeling was confirmed. There was nothing more important to Tsukasa then these 3 guys. In fact, I knew that in his life, I'll probably come in second and they will always be first to him. Almost instantly, they started to talk about you, Tsukushi." She turned to look at me and sat down next to me. "I can see it in their eyes you held a special place in each of their hearts. Even though Rui didn't say much, and was cold to me, the mention of your name brought a gentle softness in his eyes. Up till today, he hasn't said more than 10 words to me."
"Don't blame Rui please, he's like this. He'll talk."I started to stand up for Rui, trying to explain his behavior but she shook her head.
"It's alright, I understand. Tsukasa explained it to me."
We fell into comfortable silence, my heart suddenly at peace. I didn't know why but I somehow knew that if anyone could bring happiness to Tsukasa, it would be her. Now I knew what they meant when they said that if you loving someone are about seeing them happy.
"Sorry if I talked and babbled too much, I don't have many friends."Shigeru said softly.
"It's alright.you didn't talk too much." I said patting her hands.
"I've a feeling we'll be great friends!" She exclaimed suddenly, grabbing me and hugging me. "I got an idea.can you help me with my wedding arrangements?"
I looked at her speechless. "Please Tsukushi? I don't know who to ask and you know Tsukasa better than I do.." She begged.
"Alright.I will."I finally gave in and instantly hated myself for being so soft and easily influenced.
Shigeru let out a happy laugh and thanked me profusely as if I offered her 1 million dollars instead of my help. I couldn't help but laugh at this girl who reminded me a lot about someone I knew very well. Myself. That was the reason why I can't help liking her.
"Tsukushi?" Rui suddenly appeared at the door and we both looked up. "Are you ready to leave?" he asked and I nodded, standing up.
"So soon?" Shigeru tugged at my hands looking disappointed.
"It is late and she needs to rest." Rui answered for me and she pouted slightly letting my hands go reluctantly.
"Alright...goodnight Tsukushi.."She said and I smiled.
"Good night Shigeru."
Rui held the door open for me as I walked out and closed it behind him. "Tsukushi.."
"Hmmm?"
"Tsukasa wants to have a word with us.."
"Now?" I asked, my eyes growing bigger and felt my heart skipped a beat.
Rui nodded and took my hands and led me towards the study room. We walked into the room and I saw Akira and Soujiro sitting side by side on a couch while Tsukasa leaned casually against the table.
"Come, sit.."Tsukasa pointed to the love seat. Rui and I dropped down next to each other.
Tsukasa took a deep breathe and started to talk. "I don't know why, but these past few days, I've been having flashes of the past." As he said those words, he looked at me and I paled drastically.
"It's like a jigsaw puzzle and I can't seem to put two and two together. Rui, I remembered how you protected Tsukushi when she was red tagged and it got me mad. But I still can't remember how Tsukushi became one of our best friends." Tsukasa had a frown on his face and I suddenly felt Rui's hands on mine. I looked down at his hands holding mine and only then did I realize I was shaking.
"Anyway, whatever it is, I want to tell you guys that I won't go looking for the past but instead let it come to me naturally. If I remember, I remember.if I don't.then.I don't."
Akira suddenly stood up. "Tsukasa, how can you have that attitude? Don't you know how important Tsukushi."
"Akira. Enough." Rui said loudly and sternly. Akira stopped talking and sat down reluctantly knowing not to argue with Rui.
"Whatever it is, Shigeru is now my fiancé and soon to be wife in about 2 months. I hope you guys will be my best man.."Tsukasa continued as we all kept silent. "I know that although you've been trying very hard to befriend Shigeru, I can still sense hostility from all of you, especially Rui." He looked at Rui who stared back without flinching or blinking.
"I don't know why, but I think I've fallen in love with Shigeru.."Tsukasa broke eye contact with Rui and looked at me. "Tsukushi, I'm so sorry I can't remember you. No matter what Rui, Akira and Soujiro have been telling me about how much I used to love you, I still can't remember..I hope you understand that now my heart belongs to Shigeru and not you anymore..and I really hope we can be the best of friends."
I heard a gasp and realized it came from me. Akira and Soujiro threw me a worried glance. This time Rui stood up, pulling me up to my feet.
"Tsukasa."I called his name and let go of Rui's hand. I walked slowly towards Tsukasa and stood in front of him. "Congratulations." I said, sticking my hands out. "I wish you and Shigeru happiness and don't worry..I'll always be your friend."
Although it hurt me a lot to say it, I felt better. This was what letting go really meant. Tsukasa stared at me for a long time when he suddenly hugged me. The tears that threatened to spill now started to flow down my cheeks.
"Thank you Tsukushi......."he said softly and I hugged him tighter. It felt so good to be in his arms again, to hug and smell that familiar musky smell of his after shave. Even if it was the last time, I was happy.
I pulled away from Tsukasa and I saw him frown a little but he shook his head slightly and gave me a big smile.
Rui walked towards me and took my hand. "I think we should leave now." he said to me and I nodded. "I'll call you guys tomorrow..."he called over his shoulders to his 3 friends.
I waved good bye to Akira who had an unhappy frown on his forehead. "Call me Tsukushi!" he said and I nodded.
Soujiro on the other hand was giving me a sad smile.
Rui turned to look at me, under the moonlight, his face was expressionless but handsome. "Facing reality." He answered me as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
I glanced at the huge mansion behind him and I sighed. "Yeah, but.."
"I'm here Tsukushi..don't worry.."Rui told me gently, taking my hands in his.
It was then I knew no matter what, as long as Hanazawa Rui was by my side, I'll be alright. I gave him a small smile and straighten my shoulders. "You're right.it's time for me to face them." I said with determination and earned myself a smile from him which would have sent many girls swooning.
Together, we walked into the Domyouji's mansion hand in hand. The butler led us to one of the lavishly decorated living room. Being in Tsukasa's house brought back memories which I wanted so much to forget. As if sensing my discomfort, Rui gently squeezed my hands.
The minute we stepped into the room, my eyes fell on Tsukasa who was talking to a girl whom I recognized as Okawahara Shigeru, his fiancé. They seemed to be talking intimately, his head bent down towards her, whispering into her ears as she giggled. I looked away quickly and saw Rui glancing down at me.
His eyes seemed to tell me that I'll be alright, but my heart wasn't too sure. It's true that the pain I felt isn't as painful as before, in fact I felt more uncomfortable than hurt. Maybe he was right, I am getting over Tsukasa.
"Tsukushi!!!" Akira's cheerful voice called from the other end of the room, attracting everyone's attention. I saw him almost hopping over and gave me a big hug, surprising me. "My favorite hard working virgin!" He exclaimed and I threw him a deadly look which he ignored.
"Tsukushi! Rui!" Soujiro appeared behind Akira giving a pat on Rui's shoulders. "What took you so long?" he asked.
Rui didn't reply, but instead shrugged his shoulders. "Tsukushi.where have you been? We missed you."Soujiro told me with sincerity.
"I've been working."
Akira slung a careless arm around Rui's shoulder and started to drag him towards the couch. As I felt Rui's hands slip away from mind, I began to panic. It was as if, I was loosing my wall and my support. I started to follow Rui but suddenly, Tsukasa stood in front of me with his fiancé by his side.
"Tsukushi.where have you been?" he asked as I looked into those familiar brown eyes of his.
"Urm."
"Never mind, meet Okawahara Shigeru.."Tsukasa pointed to the girl standing next to him who had a friendly smile on her face.
I've seen her on TV and the magazines and if she was pretty there, she was beautiful in real life. I stared at her mesmerized until I felt Soujiro nudge me lightly from behind only did I noticed her outstretched hands.
"Oh, I'm sorry...nice to meet you..I'm Makino Tsukushi..but you can call me Tsukushi.."I stammered and shook her hands.
"I know who you are, I've heard tons about you from these four guys. Call me Shigeru."She gave a twinkling laugh and I saw Tsukasa wrap one arm around her slim waist.
I quickly looked away and my eyes caught Rui's who was looking at me and I gave him a small nod to tell him I'm alright.
"Come, let's leave these guys to catch up and you and I can have a girl to girl talk." Shigeru said, locking her arms with mine and dragging me towards the balcony.
Not a good idea. This was where Tsukasa showed me the meteor shower. I closed my eyes to push the memory out from my mind and opened it to see Shigeru looking up at the sky with a blissful smile on her face. The smile of a woman in love, and I've a very good idea who the person she was in love with.
"I envy you Tsukushi."she suddenly said and I was honestly surprised. She was envious of me?
I guess my expression showed my surprise and she laughed. "Akira and Soujiro was right, you are really an adorable person."
"Are we talking about the same Akira and Soujiro here?" I asked and she laughed again.
"You know why I envy you?" She asked and I shook my head.
"The day I was introduced to Tsukasa, we instantly clicked. He told me about his 3 best friends and I knew how important they were to him. Then he mentioned you and I wondered what role you played in his life. Although he can't remember you, he told me there was something inside him that told him you were as important as the other 3 or maybe more." Shigeru started to explain.
"When I met Akira, Soujiro and Rui, my feeling was confirmed. There was nothing more important to Tsukasa then these 3 guys. In fact, I knew that in his life, I'll probably come in second and they will always be first to him. Almost instantly, they started to talk about you, Tsukushi." She turned to look at me and sat down next to me. "I can see it in their eyes you held a special place in each of their hearts. Even though Rui didn't say much, and was cold to me, the mention of your name brought a gentle softness in his eyes. Up till today, he hasn't said more than 10 words to me."
"Don't blame Rui please, he's like this. He'll talk."I started to stand up for Rui, trying to explain his behavior but she shook her head.
"It's alright, I understand. Tsukasa explained it to me."
We fell into comfortable silence, my heart suddenly at peace. I didn't know why but I somehow knew that if anyone could bring happiness to Tsukasa, it would be her. Now I knew what they meant when they said that if you loving someone are about seeing them happy.
"Sorry if I talked and babbled too much, I don't have many friends."Shigeru said softly.
"It's alright.you didn't talk too much." I said patting her hands.
"I've a feeling we'll be great friends!" She exclaimed suddenly, grabbing me and hugging me. "I got an idea.can you help me with my wedding arrangements?"
I looked at her speechless. "Please Tsukushi? I don't know who to ask and you know Tsukasa better than I do.." She begged.
"Alright.I will."I finally gave in and instantly hated myself for being so soft and easily influenced.
Shigeru let out a happy laugh and thanked me profusely as if I offered her 1 million dollars instead of my help. I couldn't help but laugh at this girl who reminded me a lot about someone I knew very well. Myself. That was the reason why I can't help liking her.
"Tsukushi?" Rui suddenly appeared at the door and we both looked up. "Are you ready to leave?" he asked and I nodded, standing up.
"So soon?" Shigeru tugged at my hands looking disappointed.
"It is late and she needs to rest." Rui answered for me and she pouted slightly letting my hands go reluctantly.
"Alright...goodnight Tsukushi.."She said and I smiled.
"Good night Shigeru."
Rui held the door open for me as I walked out and closed it behind him. "Tsukushi.."
"Hmmm?"
"Tsukasa wants to have a word with us.."
"Now?" I asked, my eyes growing bigger and felt my heart skipped a beat.
Rui nodded and took my hands and led me towards the study room. We walked into the room and I saw Akira and Soujiro sitting side by side on a couch while Tsukasa leaned casually against the table.
"Come, sit.."Tsukasa pointed to the love seat. Rui and I dropped down next to each other.
Tsukasa took a deep breathe and started to talk. "I don't know why, but these past few days, I've been having flashes of the past." As he said those words, he looked at me and I paled drastically.
"It's like a jigsaw puzzle and I can't seem to put two and two together. Rui, I remembered how you protected Tsukushi when she was red tagged and it got me mad. But I still can't remember how Tsukushi became one of our best friends." Tsukasa had a frown on his face and I suddenly felt Rui's hands on mine. I looked down at his hands holding mine and only then did I realize I was shaking.
"Anyway, whatever it is, I want to tell you guys that I won't go looking for the past but instead let it come to me naturally. If I remember, I remember.if I don't.then.I don't."
Akira suddenly stood up. "Tsukasa, how can you have that attitude? Don't you know how important Tsukushi."
"Akira. Enough." Rui said loudly and sternly. Akira stopped talking and sat down reluctantly knowing not to argue with Rui.
"Whatever it is, Shigeru is now my fiancé and soon to be wife in about 2 months. I hope you guys will be my best man.."Tsukasa continued as we all kept silent. "I know that although you've been trying very hard to befriend Shigeru, I can still sense hostility from all of you, especially Rui." He looked at Rui who stared back without flinching or blinking.
"I don't know why, but I think I've fallen in love with Shigeru.."Tsukasa broke eye contact with Rui and looked at me. "Tsukushi, I'm so sorry I can't remember you. No matter what Rui, Akira and Soujiro have been telling me about how much I used to love you, I still can't remember..I hope you understand that now my heart belongs to Shigeru and not you anymore..and I really hope we can be the best of friends."
I heard a gasp and realized it came from me. Akira and Soujiro threw me a worried glance. This time Rui stood up, pulling me up to my feet.
"Tsukasa."I called his name and let go of Rui's hand. I walked slowly towards Tsukasa and stood in front of him. "Congratulations." I said, sticking my hands out. "I wish you and Shigeru happiness and don't worry..I'll always be your friend."
Although it hurt me a lot to say it, I felt better. This was what letting go really meant. Tsukasa stared at me for a long time when he suddenly hugged me. The tears that threatened to spill now started to flow down my cheeks.
"Thank you Tsukushi......."he said softly and I hugged him tighter. It felt so good to be in his arms again, to hug and smell that familiar musky smell of his after shave. Even if it was the last time, I was happy.
I pulled away from Tsukasa and I saw him frown a little but he shook his head slightly and gave me a big smile.
Rui walked towards me and took my hand. "I think we should leave now." he said to me and I nodded. "I'll call you guys tomorrow..."he called over his shoulders to his 3 friends.
I waved good bye to Akira who had an unhappy frown on his forehead. "Call me Tsukushi!" he said and I nodded.
Soujiro on the other hand was giving me a sad smile.