Café perfection

Chapter 3

I know I said to her id visit in the morning, but I didn't. Nor did I the next day or the day after that. In fact, I decided to never see her again. I would have stuck to my laurels, but I would have gone crazy first. I needed to see what was now mine. If there was any possibility we could be together, I was going to take it.

I walked with consuming urgency to her apartment building. Again, I ignored the elevator and bounded up the stairs. Unlike last time, she wasn't waiting for my arrival. My knocking was answered by the violinist. "Chang-san, come in. How are you?" "Fine," I answered gruffly. She led me to the same couch Haruka and I shared those tender moments together. "Tea?" she asked politely. "Yes," I commented, trying my best to remember my manners. She left to retrieve the liquid.

The dark lighting of the other night did not do justice to the room. It was much larger than I remembered. It shimmered and was elegant and beautiful. It suited Haruka and the violinist.

She came back carrying a silver tray, kettle, and cups. As she poured my cup I decided to voice my inner questions. "Where's Haruka?" The violinist handed me the cup and pursed her lips as if she was considering how to answer me. "You know, has you contacted Haruka sooner you wouldn't have had to come all the way here and wasted your time." I growled. I knew that, she didn't have to point out my mistakes.

"Calm down," she sighed, "Haruka's on her way to a race in Africa. Her flight should be leaving in about two hours. Honestly, you just missed her." I got up to leave, but got up to face her, "Why would Haruka go all the way to Africa just to watch a race?"

If she had any less reserve, I'm sure she would have rolled her eyes. "Don't you know anything about your would be lover, Chang-san?" "No," I replied with resignation. "Oh," she caught on to my sorrow, "Well, Haruka has a passion for racing, she's not watching she's racing." I stood there contemplating this but was brought to by the violinist resting a hand on my shoulder. "You'll miss her if you don't hurry, Chang-san." I nodded my thanks and ran to the exit.

This time of the day it would take me at least an hour to get to the airport. I hailed a cab and ordered the driver accordingly. It was then I had to curse myself. I knew she was going to Africa, but where in Africa? And what gate? Ugh! I sat scowling in the back the whole way to the airport.

When I arrived there, I played witness to the chaotic scurrying of those preparing for their trips. Hah! I was in luck! There were only two gates for Africa, one going to Nigeria and the other to Cairo. I ran the thirty-odd gates to the one leaving for Nigeria. I suppose I used up all my luck narrowing down the gates. If this was the right one, she was nowhere in sight. The other was only thirteen gates down. Not wasting time, I ran the length again, dodging families with too many children, seniors complaining, and lovers content on spending time together. I reached the gate…

…and she was there. Standing with a petite blonde and a tall, raven-haired man, she looked more glorious than ever. Seeing her there, I didn't know what to do. I was moments from fleeing when I heard that name, "Fei-kun?"

It took me a while to realize she was the one to say it. I found myself moving numbly to her and the two others. She turned to them, "this is Chang Wufei. Wufei, this is Mamoru Chiba and Usagi Tsukino." They gave me knowing smiles and nodded to me in acknowledgement.

"Ruka-chan," the blonde began, "Your flight should be boarding soon. I think Mamo-chan and I will go now. Good luck!" She threw her arms around Haruka's neck and hugged her. The man shook her hand in turn and wished warmly towards her victory. Hand in hand the couple walked away leaving us alone in the crowd.

I stepped closer to her and she entwined her fingers into mine. We stood like that for a long while, just experiencing the feel of each other's hand in our own. Then the loud speaker switched on, "The 4:15 flight to Cairo is now boarding first class. Thank you." "That's me," she whispered.

We started walking towards the line of people boarding. "How long will you be gone?" "A week or so." I thought this over. "You know, I don't live in Japan permanently." She looked at me surprised, "No, I didn't know that. I guess we know very little about each other." "Yes," I responded sadly. I could tell she was thinking because she chewed her bottom lip softly. "Do you still have that card I gave you?" "Yes." "Good, tomorrow at noon, call me please." I didn't understand her meaning, "Why?" "Promise me you will, Wufei, on your honor and whatever you feel for me." She stood there looking at me. She looked so small and unsure of herself.

I leaned into her and kissed those lips I've come to love. Breathing lightly I replied, "I promise." She smiled for the first time that I had seen since that day in front of her apartment. "Good, we could spend this upcoming week getting to know each other, eh?" She wrapped her arms around my neck. "And if I'm still in Japan you can come home to me." I wrapped my arms around her waist. "And if you're somewhere else, I will go to you," she smiled softly.

"No matter what?" I asked. "No matter what, Fei-kun." We kissed once more and she left to board. The next day I kept my promise.