I have absolutely no idea how long I sat on that swing, staring at the
clear black sky, decorated with stars which sparkled like diamonds million
of miles away. In the city, it was rare to see such clear sky and the
sounds you hear are always buzzing with excitement, here you can hear the
crickets singing their goodnight songs and if you listen carefully, the
flowers whispering to one another. There were no sounds of loud music or
the car engine or even people laughing. What we have here is calming
silence. I inhaled deeply. Even the air was fresh, unlike the slightly
polluted ones we have in the city.
Deciding I had enough of fresh air, I walked slowly back to my room. I stopped in front of Rui's closed door, fighting the urge to wake him up so I could see him for one last time before I go to sleep. Under his door, I saw it was dark, meaning he was already fast asleep. Feeling slightly disappointed, I trudged back to my own room and slid my door shut. The thing with traditional Japanese houses, the wall that separated the rooms was quite thin making every sound you make noticeable. Tiptoeing towards the wall that separated my room and Rui's I leaned against it, hoping to hear any sound of movement he made. Unfortunately, I didn't. After a few minutes, I gave up and climb into my warm bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.
I woke up the next morning with the sun shinning brightly into my room. Sitting up, I stretched and yawn contentedly. Honestly, I haven't had a sleep as satisfying as this for a long time. I quickly washed up and hurried out of my room, anxious to see the beautiful scenery again.
"Good morning." Rui's voice came from behind me as I shut my door, almost making me jump out from my skin.
"YOU SCARED ME!" I exclaimed, putting my hands to my heart and felt it thumping so rapidly. "Don't you ever make any sound when you move?" I asked angrily.
Rui didn't answer my question, as usual. "Breakfast is ready." he said, before turning towards the kitchen.
There's another thing you should know about Hanazawa Rui. Of course, the most important of it all was never to come between him and his beloved sleep. The second is never ever stop him from eating. Food is the next most essential thing to him and you should really see the way he eats. It will amaze you. I remember the first time I sat down with F4 for a proper meal. At that time, Tsukasa was busy piling food onto my plate as I protested. Akira and Soujiro were just smiling in amusement, quietly biting into their own food, knowing too well not to say anything to avoid any further beating from Tsukasa. Rui was eating his food, oblivious to everyone or anything around him except for that plate of spaghetti in front of him. In a matter of seconds, it disappeared and I saw him reach for another plate of fried rice. Then, it was French toast and waffles. And once that was gone, he finished up another plate of fries and some of Akira's sandwich. Mind you, that wasn't enough.because he ordered some crepes for dessert. Rui never had a liking for sweet things; therefore he would pass on things like ice- cream and cakes.
Honestly, I sat there speechless as I stared at him in amazement as he finished all those food. When he was done with his last bite of crepe, he looked at me and asked me if I was going to finish my food which of course I said I wasn't. I pushed my plate towards him and he helped me finished them. Obviously, Tsukasa was extremely unhappy about it but one kick to his shin shut him up instantly.
"Here, have a seat." Rui pointed to the thrown pillows on the floor as he disappeared into the kitchen only to appear with a tray laden with food.
"Wow! Are we eating for 2 people or are you feeding an army which I don't know off?" I teased as I took in the amount of food he placed on the table.
Rui shrugged his shoulders and smiled, sitting down comfortably in front of me. "Well, I woke up early and had nothing to do so I decided to cook, and once I started, I just can't seem to stop." He explained, shocking me into silence.
Rui.cooked? As in Hanazawa Rui, using his own hands to fry those eggs, pancakes and the many things on the table?
He reached forwards and with one finger, he pushed my jaws up, closing my mouth. "Careful, a fly might just fly right in." he teased.
I rubbed my eyes with my hands. Maybe I was dreaming, so I pinched myself. Ouch! Okay, so I wasn't dreaming.
"Since when did you know how to cook?" I asked as he started to put an egg on my plate. Unlike Tsukasa, Rui does things in moderation and does not go overboard. Thank goodness.
"I don't know really." Rui answered, frowning slightly, trying to remember. "I've always loved food, I just remembered whenever I was hungry in the middle of the night and didn't want to wake my maids up, and I'll cook something for myself."
I took a bite and my eyes widened.
"What? Did I put too much salt?" Rui asked, taking a bite of his own egg.
"No, it's really delicious!" I exclaimed, smiling at him.
"Thanks eat more then. You're really skinny." He said, placing another egg on my plate.
We ate in comfortable silence, both enjoying the company and the food. Once again, I couldn't help thinking how Tsukasa and Rui were so different and yet could be such great friends. Knowing Tsukasa, if he had woken up hungry in the middle of the night, he'll make sure the whole household wakes up with him and insist the maids and cooks whip something up for him. Rui was different. He was considerate and independent. Almost like me.
Soon, the food disappeared and what was left were empty plates and satisfied stomachs. Never in a million years, had I eaten this much.
"Here, let me do the dishes." I said, clearing the table. "It's only fair since you cooked us the delicious meal."
"It's alright, let me help." Rui insisted, taking a few plates of my hands. "We can do it together."
I nodded and we both headed towards the kitchen. Since there weren't many plates, I soaped the dishes while he rinsed it. Amazingly, I felt really comfortable working with Rui side by side. I tried to imagine Tsukasa washing the dishes but instead, an image of him breaking it came into my mind and I unconsciously started to giggle.
"What are you giggling about?" Rui asked looking half amused.
"Nothing.." I passed him a plate and started to giggle harder.
"Makino Tsukushi, are you laughing at me?" Rui narrowed his eyes at me and flicked some water at me.
"Hey!" I protested, and scooped some water in my hands and threw it at him. At first he stared at me shocked, as if not expecting that. Then I saw that mischievous in his eyes, and before I could react, he picked up a glass and scooped the water and threw it at me, drenching my shirt. He was laughing at me now but Makino Tsukushi shall prevail!
We started to throw water at each other, our laughter echoing through the entire house. Soon, we were both drenched from head to toe and I forgot who decided to give up first, but it didn't matter. I was truly happy.
Both of us were leaning against the kitchen wall exhausted from trying to outdo one another. It wasn't until I sneezed, Rui ushered me to my room to change. I obediently listened to him and when I changed into some dry clothes, I found Rui sitting in the living room, staring into space.
"What are you thinking?" I asked, walking up to him and sitting on the floor next to him.
"Nothing...just wondering about some stuff." He said, moving aside to give me more space.
"I like it here...."I told him, closing my eyes contentedly. "It's so relaxing and comfortable. Thanks for bringing me here Rui."
"You shouldn't make it a habit."
"What do you mean?"
"Saying 'Thank you' to me as if we were strangers."
"It's called manners." I defended myself as I glared at Rui who was looking as if he was about to doze off any moment. "But really, thank you for everything Rui. Not only for bringing me here, but for everything." I added softly.
He looked at me and nodded his understanding. "I told you before, I'll always be here for you Tsukushi...always..." he took my hands and held it tight. I didn't know why, but I started to cry.
"Tsukushi, don't cry..you're making that your habit. Where's the Tsukushi with the weed spirit?" He asked and I buried my face in his shoulders.
"I don't know Rui, I don't know.."I wailed. I seriously don't know why I was crying. Maybe it was the sincerity and his sweetness.
"Shhh..it's alright.."He stroked my back and I felt his cheeks on my head.
I stopped crying and looked up at him. For a moment, he stared into my eyes and as if there was an invisible force pulling me to him, I leaned forward and closed my eyes as I felt his lips touched mine. In that instant, I felt as if I've died and gone to heaven. At the back of my mind, I knew it was so wrong. So wrong to kiss him but why on earth did it felt so right? Why on earth did I feel as if I belonged to him? Kissing Tsukasa was never like this. Like his personality, his kisses were strong and possessively rough. Rui was different; he was soft, passionate and sweet.
Before I could faint from the bliss I was in, Rui pulled away abruptly. "Sorry Tsukushi. That shouldn't have happened." He said, standing up and looking away from me. Those words were like daggers in my heart. "I'll be at the hot springs."
He left me sitting in the same position we were in, shocked, dazed and confused. What had happened? I don't know. I really don't.
Deciding I had enough of fresh air, I walked slowly back to my room. I stopped in front of Rui's closed door, fighting the urge to wake him up so I could see him for one last time before I go to sleep. Under his door, I saw it was dark, meaning he was already fast asleep. Feeling slightly disappointed, I trudged back to my own room and slid my door shut. The thing with traditional Japanese houses, the wall that separated the rooms was quite thin making every sound you make noticeable. Tiptoeing towards the wall that separated my room and Rui's I leaned against it, hoping to hear any sound of movement he made. Unfortunately, I didn't. After a few minutes, I gave up and climb into my warm bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.
I woke up the next morning with the sun shinning brightly into my room. Sitting up, I stretched and yawn contentedly. Honestly, I haven't had a sleep as satisfying as this for a long time. I quickly washed up and hurried out of my room, anxious to see the beautiful scenery again.
"Good morning." Rui's voice came from behind me as I shut my door, almost making me jump out from my skin.
"YOU SCARED ME!" I exclaimed, putting my hands to my heart and felt it thumping so rapidly. "Don't you ever make any sound when you move?" I asked angrily.
Rui didn't answer my question, as usual. "Breakfast is ready." he said, before turning towards the kitchen.
There's another thing you should know about Hanazawa Rui. Of course, the most important of it all was never to come between him and his beloved sleep. The second is never ever stop him from eating. Food is the next most essential thing to him and you should really see the way he eats. It will amaze you. I remember the first time I sat down with F4 for a proper meal. At that time, Tsukasa was busy piling food onto my plate as I protested. Akira and Soujiro were just smiling in amusement, quietly biting into their own food, knowing too well not to say anything to avoid any further beating from Tsukasa. Rui was eating his food, oblivious to everyone or anything around him except for that plate of spaghetti in front of him. In a matter of seconds, it disappeared and I saw him reach for another plate of fried rice. Then, it was French toast and waffles. And once that was gone, he finished up another plate of fries and some of Akira's sandwich. Mind you, that wasn't enough.because he ordered some crepes for dessert. Rui never had a liking for sweet things; therefore he would pass on things like ice- cream and cakes.
Honestly, I sat there speechless as I stared at him in amazement as he finished all those food. When he was done with his last bite of crepe, he looked at me and asked me if I was going to finish my food which of course I said I wasn't. I pushed my plate towards him and he helped me finished them. Obviously, Tsukasa was extremely unhappy about it but one kick to his shin shut him up instantly.
"Here, have a seat." Rui pointed to the thrown pillows on the floor as he disappeared into the kitchen only to appear with a tray laden with food.
"Wow! Are we eating for 2 people or are you feeding an army which I don't know off?" I teased as I took in the amount of food he placed on the table.
Rui shrugged his shoulders and smiled, sitting down comfortably in front of me. "Well, I woke up early and had nothing to do so I decided to cook, and once I started, I just can't seem to stop." He explained, shocking me into silence.
Rui.cooked? As in Hanazawa Rui, using his own hands to fry those eggs, pancakes and the many things on the table?
He reached forwards and with one finger, he pushed my jaws up, closing my mouth. "Careful, a fly might just fly right in." he teased.
I rubbed my eyes with my hands. Maybe I was dreaming, so I pinched myself. Ouch! Okay, so I wasn't dreaming.
"Since when did you know how to cook?" I asked as he started to put an egg on my plate. Unlike Tsukasa, Rui does things in moderation and does not go overboard. Thank goodness.
"I don't know really." Rui answered, frowning slightly, trying to remember. "I've always loved food, I just remembered whenever I was hungry in the middle of the night and didn't want to wake my maids up, and I'll cook something for myself."
I took a bite and my eyes widened.
"What? Did I put too much salt?" Rui asked, taking a bite of his own egg.
"No, it's really delicious!" I exclaimed, smiling at him.
"Thanks eat more then. You're really skinny." He said, placing another egg on my plate.
We ate in comfortable silence, both enjoying the company and the food. Once again, I couldn't help thinking how Tsukasa and Rui were so different and yet could be such great friends. Knowing Tsukasa, if he had woken up hungry in the middle of the night, he'll make sure the whole household wakes up with him and insist the maids and cooks whip something up for him. Rui was different. He was considerate and independent. Almost like me.
Soon, the food disappeared and what was left were empty plates and satisfied stomachs. Never in a million years, had I eaten this much.
"Here, let me do the dishes." I said, clearing the table. "It's only fair since you cooked us the delicious meal."
"It's alright, let me help." Rui insisted, taking a few plates of my hands. "We can do it together."
I nodded and we both headed towards the kitchen. Since there weren't many plates, I soaped the dishes while he rinsed it. Amazingly, I felt really comfortable working with Rui side by side. I tried to imagine Tsukasa washing the dishes but instead, an image of him breaking it came into my mind and I unconsciously started to giggle.
"What are you giggling about?" Rui asked looking half amused.
"Nothing.." I passed him a plate and started to giggle harder.
"Makino Tsukushi, are you laughing at me?" Rui narrowed his eyes at me and flicked some water at me.
"Hey!" I protested, and scooped some water in my hands and threw it at him. At first he stared at me shocked, as if not expecting that. Then I saw that mischievous in his eyes, and before I could react, he picked up a glass and scooped the water and threw it at me, drenching my shirt. He was laughing at me now but Makino Tsukushi shall prevail!
We started to throw water at each other, our laughter echoing through the entire house. Soon, we were both drenched from head to toe and I forgot who decided to give up first, but it didn't matter. I was truly happy.
Both of us were leaning against the kitchen wall exhausted from trying to outdo one another. It wasn't until I sneezed, Rui ushered me to my room to change. I obediently listened to him and when I changed into some dry clothes, I found Rui sitting in the living room, staring into space.
"What are you thinking?" I asked, walking up to him and sitting on the floor next to him.
"Nothing...just wondering about some stuff." He said, moving aside to give me more space.
"I like it here...."I told him, closing my eyes contentedly. "It's so relaxing and comfortable. Thanks for bringing me here Rui."
"You shouldn't make it a habit."
"What do you mean?"
"Saying 'Thank you' to me as if we were strangers."
"It's called manners." I defended myself as I glared at Rui who was looking as if he was about to doze off any moment. "But really, thank you for everything Rui. Not only for bringing me here, but for everything." I added softly.
He looked at me and nodded his understanding. "I told you before, I'll always be here for you Tsukushi...always..." he took my hands and held it tight. I didn't know why, but I started to cry.
"Tsukushi, don't cry..you're making that your habit. Where's the Tsukushi with the weed spirit?" He asked and I buried my face in his shoulders.
"I don't know Rui, I don't know.."I wailed. I seriously don't know why I was crying. Maybe it was the sincerity and his sweetness.
"Shhh..it's alright.."He stroked my back and I felt his cheeks on my head.
I stopped crying and looked up at him. For a moment, he stared into my eyes and as if there was an invisible force pulling me to him, I leaned forward and closed my eyes as I felt his lips touched mine. In that instant, I felt as if I've died and gone to heaven. At the back of my mind, I knew it was so wrong. So wrong to kiss him but why on earth did it felt so right? Why on earth did I feel as if I belonged to him? Kissing Tsukasa was never like this. Like his personality, his kisses were strong and possessively rough. Rui was different; he was soft, passionate and sweet.
Before I could faint from the bliss I was in, Rui pulled away abruptly. "Sorry Tsukushi. That shouldn't have happened." He said, standing up and looking away from me. Those words were like daggers in my heart. "I'll be at the hot springs."
He left me sitting in the same position we were in, shocked, dazed and confused. What had happened? I don't know. I really don't.