Chapter 17 - Confusion, Love & Union
Yuki stared unbelievingly at him. "Did I hear him wrongly?" thought Yuki as she choked a "Huh? Permanently?" Sojiro realised his mistake. "Er...I mean, on a regular basis," he corrected. "What was I thinking?" thought Sojiro, "Don't tell me I'm becoming more like Tsukasa in language usage?!" Yuki pulled her hand away and retreated. Sojiro frowned when her hand was withdrawn and looked at her confused. "Why?" asked Yuki, her eyes shifted to the ground. Sojiro searched his mind for an answer as his eyes remained locked at her. He's usually quick at coming up with answers but this time, his brain had failed him. Silence.
"If you can't answer," said Yuki and she paused, uncertain of which direction she should spear the conversation. Sojiro waited. Yuki turned away from him and ran off with tears streaming down. Her sudden departure took Sojiro by surprise. "Yuki," he called, "Wait!"
Yuki ran with all her might. She did not know how far she had gone nor did she care where. Her only thought was to get away from Sojiro. The words 'he can't be serious, he's a rich man's son, he's a playboy' kept running through her mind. She had wanted to start anew and had convinced herself that he'll never see anything in her and even if he did, he'll never be serious with her because he was a rich man's son and a playboy according to Tsukushi. He looked her up three weeks ago and hadn't turned up until now. She was hopeful three weeks ago and had gradually given up. His sudden appearance threw her off balance. His sudden request was unthinkable.
Sojiro stared blankly at the pavement ahead in which the girl had disappeared. His mind was completely disarrayed. He wondered if he had done something awful or worst, insulted Yuki unwittingly. His thoughts returned to her question. "How come I can't think of a reason? Why did my mind go blank?" muttered Sojiro softly.
************
Tsukushi peered into Tsukasa's room through the bathroom door. "Hm, where is he?" wondered Tsukushi, looking around the room, "He's always going wherever he wants to without informing me but I have to inform him wherever I'm going. This is so damn unfair!" Tsukushi sighed and turned to go when papers fluttering in the evening wind at Tsukasa's table caught her eyes. She walked over and her eyes widen with amazement.
The introduction 'A comparison of the Keynesian model with other Classical models' was written at the front cover with the owner's name on it - Doumyoji Tsukasa. Tsukushi flipped through the papers and was amazed at the essay done. It was written neatly in a comprehensible explanation with diagrams drawn in various colours and each page neatly numbered. Tsukushi was speechless. "Wow, this is amazing," thought Tsukushi, "I didn't think he could write this well."
"Did you find something interesting?" asked a voice. Startled, Tsukushi dropped the pile of papers. Tsukasa frowned and said annoyingly, "Clear up the mess before you return to your room." Tsukushi turned around and glared hard before retorting, "Why can't you knock when you enter? You gave me such a fright!"
"Don't see why I have to knock when I'm entering my own room," replied Tsukasa, flopping onto his bed. Tsukushi realised her mistake and turned red with embarrassment. "So, what were you looking at?" asked Tsukasa nonchalantly, his eyes narrowing at the pile of papers on the floor. "Er...I..." began Tsukushi but she was cut off by him. "I guess you've read my essay," he said, sitting up. Tsukushi nodded shyly and quickly proceed to gather the papers on the floor.
Tsukasa got out of his bed and helped her. When it had all been gathered and placed according to the page number, Tsukushi cleared her throat and asked, "Er...this is a very good piece of essay you've written. I never knew you could write so well in English." Tsukasa sat on the chair and smirked. "There are many things you don't know about me yet," he replied, placing his head on his palm and looking sideways at her.
The moonlight from the window shone on his face and Tsukushi realised for the first time how handsome Tsukasa looked. She felt her face burned. "Er...I'd better go back to my room now and complete my essay," she stammered. Tsukasa caught hold of her and pulled her onto his lap. Circling his hands around her waist and tightening it, he rested his chin on her shoulder. "Dou...Doumyoji..." stammered a nervous Tsukushi, trying to free herself. "Stay a while," Tsukasa whispered.
Although it's not the first time he had held her this way, Tsukushi's heart still races at his touch. "Dou...Doumyoji," stuttered Tsukushi, "I...I need..." Tsukasa frowned. "Can't you remain silent for a while?" he asked irritatingly. Tsukushi turned around with an angry face and before she could utter a word, Tsukasa had placed his lips tightly on hers. "Erm...Dou...erm..." muttered Tsukushi in between kisses, struggling to pull away. Tsukasa tighten his grip on her waist, neck and lips. He knew it was only a matter of time before she gave up struggling and she did.
The lovers remained locked in embrace and passionate kiss under the moonlight. Pulling away, breathless, the couple stared into each other's eyes. To them, the world was non-existence for they had each other. To them, the cares of the world were illusions for they were real. Tsukasa tucked her hair behind her ear. "You're so beautiful," he whispered and kissed her forehead. Tsukushi smiled.
************
"Shigeru!" called her mother, ascending the stairs. "I'm coming," she replied, jumping one legged as she tried to slip her right foot into her shoe and then, the other. "I can't believe this child of mine," muttered her mother, approaching her room, "Every time we've got a function, she has to keep us waiting." Shigeru opened the door just as her mother was about to do the same. "Gosh!" exclaimed her mother. Shigeru smiled sheepishly and replied, "Sorry, mother. Did I scare you?" Her mother sighed, hands on her chest. "Any more of this and I might just not make it for your wedding!" replied her mother.
Shigeru threw her hands around her mother and hugged her. "I'm sure you're stronger than that, mother," she chirped, "You'll see me in my wedding gown." Her mother shook her head and smiled. "We have to go," she said. Dressed in her baby blue chiffon bustier dress with a coat thrown over, Shigeru followed her mother down the stairs to the waiting limousine. "By the way, mother, where are we going?" asked Shigeru.
Her mother smiled and replied, "You'll know when we get there." Shigeru shrugged. She smelled something fishy but allowed her parents to go ahead with whatever plan they might have. After all, she knew that they would never be able to force her to do anything against her wishes.
************
Yuki tossed in bed. She had skipped dinner on the pretext of not feeling well and hid in her room since then. She is lost - lost in thoughts, lost in confusion, lost in everything. She wished Sojiro had not appeared today at the shop. She was ready to lose that first love and move on. "How I wish Tsukushi was here," muttered Yuki.
Sitting up and looking out the window, Yuki wondered where Sojiro was now - he could be at the club now, forgetting all about her, enjoying himself; or he could be at home, moping over the rejection; or he could be out on the streets, looking for her. At that thought, she straightened up. "He could be looking for me..." she uttered, sliding from her bed and grabbing her coat. Yuki ran down the stairs and out of the house.
"Yuki!" called her mother, shocked at her sudden exit, "Where are you going? It's already so late..." Yuki had already disappeared into the night.
************
The Okawahara family arrived at the Prince Hotel. Shigeru noticed that the lobby was not crowded as it usually was when there's a big function. "Mother," said Shigeru, "Are you sure this is the correct place?" Reiji smiled at his daughter and replied, "This is the place, my dear. It's a private function, not some huge event."
"I see," replied his daughter, scanning around the lobby as she followed her parents. They came to a Chinese restaurant and the waiter greeted them. "Welcome, Okawahara-san," he said and bowed, "The room is ready and the guests have arrived. Please follow me." Reiji nodded in acknowledgement and entered the restaurant with his wife and daughter following close behind.
They were led through a door and into a hallway, which opened up to private rooms. The waiter knocked on the door, which had a phoenix symbol and opened it. Reiji entered the room first, followed by Yumiko and then, Shigeru. "Sorry for being late," apologised Reiji as he bowed. Shigeru was curious about the guests and when her father moved aside, she gasped.
************
Sojiro sat on a bench in the park and leaned back. He had not gone very far from the dango shop. This was a park situated across the road from it. And yet, he had no idea how he got there and why he had gone there. He had no idea how long he had been there nor noticed the slight drizzle.
"Hi," greeted a female. Sojiro looked up and was surprised to see Yuki. "May I join you?" she asked. He nodded and shifted to make room for her. "Er...Yuki," began Sojiro but was interrupted by her. "I'm sorry," she apologised, "I shouldn't have ran out on you. That was really rude, wasn't it?" Yuki smiled nervously. Sojiro shook his head, wondering how she knew where he was and what was she doing back here. They sat in silence.
"Well, I came to apologise and since I've done so," said Yuki finally, standing up and turning to go, "I've to go home now. I did run out of my house without informing my parents where I was going." Sojiro caught hold of her hand. "Wait," he said, "I need to say something."
"Sure," replied Yuki, with her back facing him. "I must also apologise," he said, "I'm sorry for not considering your feelings." Yuki shook her head. "It's all right. I'm been thinking too," she replied as she turned around with a smile, "I'm in love...or rather I think I'm in love with you. It's too early to tell. The feeling might just diminish in time. But I don't mind...I mean, we can see each other whenever you want."
"I..." began Sojiro. "Let's start out as friends," suggested Yuki quickly, "That way, we have no pressure and we can take that time to assess our own feelings." Sojiro hesitated before nodding with a smile. "So, shall we meet this Sunday at the café?" he asked. Yuki agreed. Sojiro looked at his watch and then, back at Yuki. "Well, I guess I should take you home now," he said, "Your mother's going to be worried."
Yuki stared unbelievingly at him. "Did I hear him wrongly?" thought Yuki as she choked a "Huh? Permanently?" Sojiro realised his mistake. "Er...I mean, on a regular basis," he corrected. "What was I thinking?" thought Sojiro, "Don't tell me I'm becoming more like Tsukasa in language usage?!" Yuki pulled her hand away and retreated. Sojiro frowned when her hand was withdrawn and looked at her confused. "Why?" asked Yuki, her eyes shifted to the ground. Sojiro searched his mind for an answer as his eyes remained locked at her. He's usually quick at coming up with answers but this time, his brain had failed him. Silence.
"If you can't answer," said Yuki and she paused, uncertain of which direction she should spear the conversation. Sojiro waited. Yuki turned away from him and ran off with tears streaming down. Her sudden departure took Sojiro by surprise. "Yuki," he called, "Wait!"
Yuki ran with all her might. She did not know how far she had gone nor did she care where. Her only thought was to get away from Sojiro. The words 'he can't be serious, he's a rich man's son, he's a playboy' kept running through her mind. She had wanted to start anew and had convinced herself that he'll never see anything in her and even if he did, he'll never be serious with her because he was a rich man's son and a playboy according to Tsukushi. He looked her up three weeks ago and hadn't turned up until now. She was hopeful three weeks ago and had gradually given up. His sudden appearance threw her off balance. His sudden request was unthinkable.
Sojiro stared blankly at the pavement ahead in which the girl had disappeared. His mind was completely disarrayed. He wondered if he had done something awful or worst, insulted Yuki unwittingly. His thoughts returned to her question. "How come I can't think of a reason? Why did my mind go blank?" muttered Sojiro softly.
************
Tsukushi peered into Tsukasa's room through the bathroom door. "Hm, where is he?" wondered Tsukushi, looking around the room, "He's always going wherever he wants to without informing me but I have to inform him wherever I'm going. This is so damn unfair!" Tsukushi sighed and turned to go when papers fluttering in the evening wind at Tsukasa's table caught her eyes. She walked over and her eyes widen with amazement.
The introduction 'A comparison of the Keynesian model with other Classical models' was written at the front cover with the owner's name on it - Doumyoji Tsukasa. Tsukushi flipped through the papers and was amazed at the essay done. It was written neatly in a comprehensible explanation with diagrams drawn in various colours and each page neatly numbered. Tsukushi was speechless. "Wow, this is amazing," thought Tsukushi, "I didn't think he could write this well."
"Did you find something interesting?" asked a voice. Startled, Tsukushi dropped the pile of papers. Tsukasa frowned and said annoyingly, "Clear up the mess before you return to your room." Tsukushi turned around and glared hard before retorting, "Why can't you knock when you enter? You gave me such a fright!"
"Don't see why I have to knock when I'm entering my own room," replied Tsukasa, flopping onto his bed. Tsukushi realised her mistake and turned red with embarrassment. "So, what were you looking at?" asked Tsukasa nonchalantly, his eyes narrowing at the pile of papers on the floor. "Er...I..." began Tsukushi but she was cut off by him. "I guess you've read my essay," he said, sitting up. Tsukushi nodded shyly and quickly proceed to gather the papers on the floor.
Tsukasa got out of his bed and helped her. When it had all been gathered and placed according to the page number, Tsukushi cleared her throat and asked, "Er...this is a very good piece of essay you've written. I never knew you could write so well in English." Tsukasa sat on the chair and smirked. "There are many things you don't know about me yet," he replied, placing his head on his palm and looking sideways at her.
The moonlight from the window shone on his face and Tsukushi realised for the first time how handsome Tsukasa looked. She felt her face burned. "Er...I'd better go back to my room now and complete my essay," she stammered. Tsukasa caught hold of her and pulled her onto his lap. Circling his hands around her waist and tightening it, he rested his chin on her shoulder. "Dou...Doumyoji..." stammered a nervous Tsukushi, trying to free herself. "Stay a while," Tsukasa whispered.
Although it's not the first time he had held her this way, Tsukushi's heart still races at his touch. "Dou...Doumyoji," stuttered Tsukushi, "I...I need..." Tsukasa frowned. "Can't you remain silent for a while?" he asked irritatingly. Tsukushi turned around with an angry face and before she could utter a word, Tsukasa had placed his lips tightly on hers. "Erm...Dou...erm..." muttered Tsukushi in between kisses, struggling to pull away. Tsukasa tighten his grip on her waist, neck and lips. He knew it was only a matter of time before she gave up struggling and she did.
The lovers remained locked in embrace and passionate kiss under the moonlight. Pulling away, breathless, the couple stared into each other's eyes. To them, the world was non-existence for they had each other. To them, the cares of the world were illusions for they were real. Tsukasa tucked her hair behind her ear. "You're so beautiful," he whispered and kissed her forehead. Tsukushi smiled.
************
"Shigeru!" called her mother, ascending the stairs. "I'm coming," she replied, jumping one legged as she tried to slip her right foot into her shoe and then, the other. "I can't believe this child of mine," muttered her mother, approaching her room, "Every time we've got a function, she has to keep us waiting." Shigeru opened the door just as her mother was about to do the same. "Gosh!" exclaimed her mother. Shigeru smiled sheepishly and replied, "Sorry, mother. Did I scare you?" Her mother sighed, hands on her chest. "Any more of this and I might just not make it for your wedding!" replied her mother.
Shigeru threw her hands around her mother and hugged her. "I'm sure you're stronger than that, mother," she chirped, "You'll see me in my wedding gown." Her mother shook her head and smiled. "We have to go," she said. Dressed in her baby blue chiffon bustier dress with a coat thrown over, Shigeru followed her mother down the stairs to the waiting limousine. "By the way, mother, where are we going?" asked Shigeru.
Her mother smiled and replied, "You'll know when we get there." Shigeru shrugged. She smelled something fishy but allowed her parents to go ahead with whatever plan they might have. After all, she knew that they would never be able to force her to do anything against her wishes.
************
Yuki tossed in bed. She had skipped dinner on the pretext of not feeling well and hid in her room since then. She is lost - lost in thoughts, lost in confusion, lost in everything. She wished Sojiro had not appeared today at the shop. She was ready to lose that first love and move on. "How I wish Tsukushi was here," muttered Yuki.
Sitting up and looking out the window, Yuki wondered where Sojiro was now - he could be at the club now, forgetting all about her, enjoying himself; or he could be at home, moping over the rejection; or he could be out on the streets, looking for her. At that thought, she straightened up. "He could be looking for me..." she uttered, sliding from her bed and grabbing her coat. Yuki ran down the stairs and out of the house.
"Yuki!" called her mother, shocked at her sudden exit, "Where are you going? It's already so late..." Yuki had already disappeared into the night.
************
The Okawahara family arrived at the Prince Hotel. Shigeru noticed that the lobby was not crowded as it usually was when there's a big function. "Mother," said Shigeru, "Are you sure this is the correct place?" Reiji smiled at his daughter and replied, "This is the place, my dear. It's a private function, not some huge event."
"I see," replied his daughter, scanning around the lobby as she followed her parents. They came to a Chinese restaurant and the waiter greeted them. "Welcome, Okawahara-san," he said and bowed, "The room is ready and the guests have arrived. Please follow me." Reiji nodded in acknowledgement and entered the restaurant with his wife and daughter following close behind.
They were led through a door and into a hallway, which opened up to private rooms. The waiter knocked on the door, which had a phoenix symbol and opened it. Reiji entered the room first, followed by Yumiko and then, Shigeru. "Sorry for being late," apologised Reiji as he bowed. Shigeru was curious about the guests and when her father moved aside, she gasped.
************
Sojiro sat on a bench in the park and leaned back. He had not gone very far from the dango shop. This was a park situated across the road from it. And yet, he had no idea how he got there and why he had gone there. He had no idea how long he had been there nor noticed the slight drizzle.
"Hi," greeted a female. Sojiro looked up and was surprised to see Yuki. "May I join you?" she asked. He nodded and shifted to make room for her. "Er...Yuki," began Sojiro but was interrupted by her. "I'm sorry," she apologised, "I shouldn't have ran out on you. That was really rude, wasn't it?" Yuki smiled nervously. Sojiro shook his head, wondering how she knew where he was and what was she doing back here. They sat in silence.
"Well, I came to apologise and since I've done so," said Yuki finally, standing up and turning to go, "I've to go home now. I did run out of my house without informing my parents where I was going." Sojiro caught hold of her hand. "Wait," he said, "I need to say something."
"Sure," replied Yuki, with her back facing him. "I must also apologise," he said, "I'm sorry for not considering your feelings." Yuki shook her head. "It's all right. I'm been thinking too," she replied as she turned around with a smile, "I'm in love...or rather I think I'm in love with you. It's too early to tell. The feeling might just diminish in time. But I don't mind...I mean, we can see each other whenever you want."
"I..." began Sojiro. "Let's start out as friends," suggested Yuki quickly, "That way, we have no pressure and we can take that time to assess our own feelings." Sojiro hesitated before nodding with a smile. "So, shall we meet this Sunday at the café?" he asked. Yuki agreed. Sojiro looked at his watch and then, back at Yuki. "Well, I guess I should take you home now," he said, "Your mother's going to be worried."