Author's Note: well, firstly I'm so sorry for taking a long time to complete each chapter and that each chapter is well not long at all. Thank you all for reading and giving me comments. Flames are welcome too! Haha... anyway, let's get started.

Chapter 8:

'Good morning, Tsukushi,' Rui said after a quick peck on my right cheek. As usual, I blushed. This is the second day since I've moved into Rui's apartment. Watching Rui walking from the dinning room to the kitchen, I can't help but feel blessed. Yes, blessed by God for he gave me such a wonderful boyfriend.

'Breakfast for today is ham and egg' Rui announced, carrying the food out. 'You'll have to finish it all up even though it might not taste nice.' I looked at Rui and smiled. Tsukasa would never prepare breakfast for me given his personality. Wait, this is not the time to think of Tsukasa. I should be contented with Rui and not think about some other guy. Tsukushi, how could you think about Tsukasa when Rui is treating you so well?!

'A penny for your thought?' Rui asked, seeing that I was stoning.

'Nothing,' I replied, feeling a little guilty, 'guess I didn't sleep well last night.'

'If you have any problems, don't hesitate to tell me okay?' I nodded. Why didn't Rui treat me better right from the start? If he did that, I would seriously reject Tsukasa and I won't be in such a problematic stage now. How am I going to work with Tsukasa now?

(In the office)

'Tsukushi, have you made up your mind yet?' Tsukasa asked as soon as he saw me stepped into the office. I looked him and I can't but feel sorry for him. I have made up my mind. Rui and I have been together for so long and now he treats me better than before. It is only right that I remain faithful to him.

'Tsukasa, I have made up my mind and lets talk it out during lunch,' I replied and I continued to walk to my desk.

(During lunch)

'So Tsukushi, what's your decision?' Tsukasa asked with uncertainty. I could almost hear his voice tremble with fear, waiting for my answer.

I told a deep breath and sighed. I know not how to tell him. I hate to disappoint him but it is only fair that I make that choice as soon as possible. My heart tells me that Tsukasa is the one but my mind tells me that I should be loyal to Rui and I loved Rui before, I could do it again.

'Tsukasa, I've been pondering over the question of who did I love more for the past few weeks. It's a hard decision for me to make for I love the both of you. I'm sorry Tsukasa, I choose to be with Rui.'

Tsukasa looked up and gave me a sad smile. 'I knew you would choose Rui. The only reason I lost to him is that I known you too late, too late to win you over. Tsukushi, I want you to know. My only wish is for you to be happy. I will never give up on you till the day the both of you get married. I will follow you no matter where you go, even till the end of the world. Trust me, I would give you everything that I have.' I looked into Tsukasa's eyes and I could tell that he was serious about what he said. I was shocked, I never thought that I meant so much to him. I would rather he hate me than to have said such words to me. His words touched my heart and my mind started thinking if I had made the right decision.

'I will follow you no matter where you go, even till the end of the world. Trust me, I would give you everything that I have.' Tsukasa's words kept flashing in my mind. I knew I would be happy if I have chosen Tsukasa but it is too late now, too late for regrets. What has done cannot be undone.

'Tsukushi, are you sure you are all right?' Rui's words brought me back to reality. 'What happened to you? You have been in this state since I came back. Is there anything wrong?'

'Nothing. I'm just tired. I want to go home.' I can't shop with Rui when I am thinking of Tsukasa. I thought all these troubles would end the moment I made up mind to be with Rui, but heaven played a trick on me. I'm still wondering if I should leave Rui for Tsukasa.

(The next evening)

'Tsukushi, I have got something to tell you,' Rui said as we did our routine walk at the park.

'Yes?' I asked without much enthusiasm, my mind and my heart is still with Tsukasa and I knew that I have made the wrong choice by staying. I longed to be with Tsukasa.

'I am leaving for America 3 days later and I do not know when I am going to be back. So, let's break up.' Did I hear wrongly?! Rui is breaking up with me! This is a dream come true for me, I mean I can be with Tsukasa without feeling guilty and bad for Rui since he wants to break up with me.

'Rui, are you joking?' I asked, feeling both happy and sad as well.

'I am serious. Tsukushi, I don't want a long distance relationship. It is too tiring for me.'

'Okay, Rui. If it makes you happy, I will break up with you. But I want to let you know that, I feel terrible breaking up with you,' I said as I gave him a final kiss on his lips and leave him in the park.

Author's Note: Will Tsukushi finally find her happiness with Tsukasa? Find out in the next chapter of Silence!