AN: Hi! I hope you all had a lovely New Year and here's to a great year ahead! Thanks for your lovely comments as always :)
the frustrated writer : Yay a new reader! Thanks so much for your encouraging comments !!! I'm so glad you like POV and façade as well :). Actually, I thought the themes of façade are more mature than POV. You have a very interesting pen name! I think it describes very well what we've all often felt!
just a teen: Thanks so much for the information and your kind comments! I'll go check it up (I suspect I may have incorporated it in this chapter) !!
twilightstarz : I'm so glad that you aren't falling asleep at the repetitiveness! Sometimes I find it boring myself so I try to incorporate something innovative in each chapter but it is hard for certain parts of the manga where it is extremely detailed and yet the scenes are crucial to the story ;) Thanks so much for your lovely comments and I hope you had a wonderful break too!
Kaio: Ah, my weekly update in place again! I hope you didn't have to wait too long. I actually kind of wrote this chapter twice :) There's no way I'll forget about you all – writing is quite stress relieving at times ;) And thanks so much for always motivating me !!!
kensingtonkid: From what I understand, Tsukushi at this point in time really loves only Tsukasa though she admitted the extent of her "love" definitely can in no way match up to his. I think the problem about Rui is that he's pretty reluctant to commit to anyone partly because his past experiences have made it hard for him to trust anyone enough. And his career isn't exactly "safe" too. Thanks so much for your encouraging comments!
Blue: Wow, thanks so much for your kind compliments !!! It motivates me to continue to strive to do better!
jestina: Thanks so much !!!! I think the reason for Tsukasa leaving New York and refusing to go back to Japan was because his mother got the spies to "capture" him and then threatened him with Tsukushi, so he had no choice but to obey her. She's a real tyrant isn't she?
Nana-chan: You are right!!! Rui did tell Tsukushi that he loved her in the manga – I read a translation (was doing some research) that highlighted exactly what you said. I like what you said about utopia and having a Rui … … I totally agree with you! I hope you'll like this follow up chapter as well. It's actually much longer than usual coz I wanted to try to incorporate everything in it :)
:: Stacey ::. : That's very true. Tsukushi has somehow gotten under Rui's skin – no one else had been able to except for Shizuka. However, they were "comrades in arms" unlike Tsukushi. I think Rui admires Tsukushi's qualities and he (through his own experience) understands how difficult it is to keep up a stiff front especially when she is actually very vulnerable beneath her prickly exterior.
Trevtrev: I hope this chapter update is fast enough !!!
Chapter 30 – New York (Part II)
Throughout our tour of New York, I noticed that Tsukushi was giving me surreptitious glances, trying but failing to be discreet. She was unusually silent and her expression was rather thoughtful. I, on the other hand, put on an extraordinarily cheerful front and was much more talkative than usual.
"Thanks, Rui," she suddenly blurted out of the blue after my comments about certain famous landmarks in New York sent her off into peals of laughter. "… … Every time when I'm hurting and when I need someone very badly, you've are always there for me … … surrounding me, protecting me, never intrusive or stifling … … You've been so kind to me. So please, don't say that you … …" she paused before continuing gently. "… don't crack jokes about what you feel about me … I can't lose you and I'm too tired … … it makes me want to run away … … to escape from everything and most of all from here … …."
I listened to her outburst in silence, then "alright."
"Huh?"
"You feel like escaping from here? Let's escape back to Japan. We'll go home together," I smiled at her stunned expression, hiding the pain I felt at her confession. Retribution. It was my turn to experience what she must have felt when I had coldly and persistently pushed her away. Sometimes I wonder at the cruel games played by fate. Why did I have to be taken by surprise at the strength of my feelings for her only when she has fallen for my best friend? Or was it a self-preservation mechanism that only allowed me to be honest with myself only when she was no longer available, because everyone who loved me will be removed from me in the cruelest ways?
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When we finally returned to the apartment more than twenty-four hours later, Tsukushi went straight to her room to take a nap as she was exhausted from the cleaning we had to do at the restaurant. I proceeded straight to my study to think over the events that had taken place over the past twenty-four hours. If I had not witnessed it with my own eyes, I would have passed off the idea of Tsukushi forging a friendship with the famous Mr William Hunt (i.e. the CEO of the company that the Doumyouji's wished to merge with) through offering him her hotdog lunch as being completely ludicrous. Even more amazingly, the dear forgiving girl actually tried to help both Mr Hunt and Mrs Doumyouji resolve their differences in an endearingly naïve manner that I would not have recommended even to my worst enemy. I have to agree that it was probably the first step to a potential reconciliation, but it was highly unlikely that the merger would take place unless … …
I leaned back and closed my eyes as I mentally scanned through the information that I had previously read in the detective's reports, recalling the bits that were related to Mrs Doumyouji's actions. The information was unfortunately not extensive. With a sigh, I turned to my laptop. After a few attempts, I had hacked into both companies' network and retrieved all information classified and otherwise regarding the merger. I shook my head, disgusted at the relative ease with which I had obtained the highly confidential information. It was really quite disgraceful that I only required an hour or so. However, it was true that I had been taught by the very best. And yes, what I was doing was illegal but well, they had to catch me first.
After spending some time processing the information, I realized that the Doumyoujis had something to offer the other company that would result in synergistic benefits for both companies. In fact, it was so glaring that I was rather surprised the Doumyoujis had not picked it up in the first place. Then again, they did not have access to the confidential information from Mr Hunt's company unlike me. My fingers flew over the keyboard as I quickly came up with a succinct report. Now, the problem left was how I would be able to convince Mrs Doumyouji without destroying the protective shell that I had been hiding behind for years … …
"Mrs Doumyouji, this is Rui speaking."
"Rui, this is unexpected. What can I do for the Hanazawas?" She stressed the last word, subtly indicating that she would entertain no nonsense from me and that she was only accepting my call because she did not want to offend my parents.
"I have some information that will greatly increase the chances of success of your merger with Mr Hunt's company."
"Indeed?" I could tell from her scathing tone that she did not believe me. I did not blame her.
"Yes, I received on the behalf of my father a report from our New York branch." There was a short silence. I knew she would buy this excuse because all our families have been training their children to take over their business. Effectively, I was not really lying but simply misleading her to the fact that my father had been training me more extensively than he really had been.
"And you would be willing to share the information with us … …" She deliberately left the end of her sentence hanging.
"… … if you promise me something," I winced at the unprofessional words that I intentionally used in completing her sentence, but I had to keep up with my pretense.
"Yes?"
"Grant Tsukushi one thing that she asks for."
"No," her voice was flat.
"Mrs Doumyouji, don't forget how she helped to reduce the animosity between Mr Hunt and yourself just now. You owe her." I almost added "and you need this merger badly" but I managed to bite my tongue. It certainly would not help my case if I aggravated her or made her suspicious by appearing to be overly well informed.
There was a short silence, then she said in a decisive tone, "only if the merger pulls through."
"Deal. I will e-mail the report to you immediately. And please don't mention this to anyone including my father, although I may need you to confirm this to Tsukushi sometime." I decided to add the last sentence in order to convincingly play the role of a teenager acting without parental approval in an attempt to win the girl of his dreams.
"I agree. Goodbye, Rui."
"Thank you and goodbye, Mrs Doumyouji." I remained polite to the last. Then I glanced at my watch and went to wake Tsukushi in time for her to pack her luggage.
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We had just checked in our luggage when we found ourselves staring at the formidable Mrs Kaeda Doumyouji in person.
"I'm not here to send you off. Your intervention just now was most uncalled for and embarrassing to say the least." Her narrowed eyes were splinters of ice as she stared at an extremely pale Tsukushi.
"Excuse me m'am, but I'm afraid we do not understand your meaning." I was coldly polite. All the gratitude that I had felt at her keeping to her side of the bargain was fast disappearing. She looked mildly surprised to be addressed by me.
"Hanazawa san, it is beneath you to be found in the company of such people. Think of the detriment to your family's reputation." I heard the thinly veiled warning in her voice and understood the deeper meaning underlying her words.
"Mrs Doumyouji, I think you should know by now that my family's reputation is the least of my concerns. Anyways, my parents don't appear to be bothered at all."
"Really?" Her tone was disdainful as she looked down her nose at me and smiled scornfully. "Well, it's good to know that there's going to be one less competitor in the market that I need to worry about."
"Stop insulting Hanazawa Rui!" Tsukushi burst out as her hands clenched into fists. "Just say what you want to say and go back please!" Her eyes were practically spitting fire as she glared at Mrs Doumyouji. I was immensely touched although my face remained expressionless as I moved protectively to her side, watching Mrs Doumyouji closely in case she decided to retaliate against Tsukushi.
"I refuse to be indebted to you so I will grant you one request. Say it, please." I secretly heaved a sigh of relief – so the merger was indeed a success. Tsukushi hesitated for a moment. Was she going to ask for the freedom to be with Tsukasa? My heart was pounding when she finally spoke, "Tsukasa has made a promise to me … … I want him to keep that promise. Please tell him that, and he'll understand what I mean."
"I will relay the message," was her only reply before she spun around and stalked out of the airport.
"Why didn't you ask for Tsukasa's freedom to make his own decisions?" I could not help asking, a little disappointed at how little she had asked for.
"It was his decision to stay. I respect his decision." She said quietly. Then, "I know you'll tell me this is not necessary but … … thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so sooooooo much."
I could not stop a smile from appearing on my face, "it's not necessary." Then I bent forward and brushed my lips lightly against her forehead. I quickly changed the subject as she blushed madly. "Isn't it strange how our fates are always similarly linked with airports? First, I was down and you supported me … … now it's your turn to be down and mine to support you. Karma indeed … …" Her beautiful smile appeared, lighting up her face. "Well, we need to go." She nodded obediently and we turned towards the gates. I crashed into her a moment later as she suddenly stopped walking and stared ahead, disbelief clearly written on her deathly pale face. I lifted my eyes and found myself staring at a most familiar scowling face.
"Tsukasa." Tsukushi breathed.
"What are you two doing?" The jealousy in his voice was palpable.
"I'm taking Tsukushi home." I said.
"Obviously, I can see that we are in an airport. I'm referring to just now … …" he almost snarled. Oh shit, he saw me kissing Tsukushi. "Rui, what on earth do you think you're doing?" He glared at me. I quickly glanced at Tsukushi's pale, shaken face and my blood started boiling with anger and (although I hate to admit) a certain degree of jealously. I had had enough of his unreasonable demands. What right did he have to expect Tsukushi and me to jump and obey his every whim and fancy? Especially after he had broken her heart and left me to pick up the pieces. I literally lost my head as anger took over and I said certain things that I regretted later.
"I love Tsukushi," I said as I glared back at him. "I never said anything because I wanted thing to work out between you both, because you're my best friend. But you've gone … …" His fist crashed into my face just as Tsukushi yipped. Enraged, I punched him back just as hard.
"What are you doing?" He had the audacity to roar at me.
"No, what the hell are YOU doing?" My throat was actually a little sore from yelling so loudly and I lowered my voice a little. "How could you have treated Tsukushi the way you did?" And put the blame on me, I added mentally. "You left her alone to wander in a foreign country and she can't even speak English… … well not much at least," I amended. "And you dared to claim that you are protecting her? In that case, I would prefer that you never protect anyone who I care for!" The guilt in his eyes and the sad yet loving look that Tsukushi cast in his direction stopped my tirade.
"Tsukushi," I said quietly as I continued to stare at Tsukasa. "It's your decision whether you want to stay or not." Instead of answering me, she bent down to retrieve a book that had fallen from her bag. She opened the book and I saw her touching the two pressed roses carefully before sliding them deeper between the pages. The sight of the roses brought back memories of that unforgettable morning.
*Flashback*
"Urm … … Rui, can I ask you something personal?" Tsukushi was mopping the floor hard.
"Yeah?"
"About what you said about Shizuka just now … …"
"Yes, we broke up in France." I saw her eyes widen in shock. "I guess we were too young, or at least I was. I treasured our friendship so I clung onto her … … I was in love with the notion of being in love and could not differentiate between admiration and love … … "
"… … You were something different altogether … … your passion for life, your fire, courage, energy and determination … … You were never afraid to show the world what you felt be it happiness, anger, fear, sadness. You made me realize that I existed, but had never lived … …"
"At first, I thought you were a real pain – you managed to catch my attention alright … … then slowly, little by little things started to change … … I noticed the way you cared about everyone, your kindness, generosity and your loyalty … … suddenly, the stairway was strangely quiet and empty where you weren't around and then I finally realized that I missed your presence … … when I came back from France, you were already going out with Tsukasa and I knew you wanted some form of closure when you asked me if I knew that you loved me before … … suddenly, I found myself unable to face you because I knew you did not need to know about my altered feelings towards you … …" My cheeks were burning when I gathered up sufficient courage to look at her. I suspected that my heart was in my eyes but for once, just for once I was sick of pretending to be an emotionless block. Tsukushi's cheeks were flushed when she returned my gaze with those unusually bright eyes. Her lips moved slightly but no words were formed … …
"Hey, the first money I've ever earned by myself in my life!" I told Tsukushi as I waved the two one-dollar bills that the manager given us for "doing such a good job". Yeah, did I ever mention that I was working for J on a pro-bona basis? Of course they covered all traveling, living and miscellaneous expenses and gave me an allowance when working on assignments, but I was not paid any fixed salary. I was quite happy to work for them for free because there was no way that I needed the money anyway … …
"Ah, your memorable first earnings. Take good care of the two dollars." Tsukushi said with a perfectly straight face. Even I could not tell if she was being sarcastic.
"Wait here for me," I was up and running the moment as an idea flashed in my head. "For you." I panted out five minutes later as I held out two red roses to her with a slightly embarrassed smile. "That's all I could get for two dollars I'm afraid, but I wanted to get you a little memento … …" Her eyes filled with tears and a smile trembled on her lips as she took the flowers from my hand and touched them with gentle fingers.
"They are beautiful … … thank you, Rui … …" I was nearly
thrown off balance when she suddenly flung her free arm around my neck, taking
care to make sure that the roses were not crushed. Then my arms wrapped around her like bands of steel and I held
her tightly to me with her head tucked under my chin. We were both blushing when Tsukushi finally disengaged herself
from my arms … …
*End of Flashback*