Disclaimer: I do not own Hana Yori Dango.
Chapter 15: Lunch Out
It was Tsukushi's lunch break. and since she wasn't that hungry, she decided to go around the mall for some window shopping. She could just grab a sandwich and a soda later on at one of the vending machines scattered about before her lunch break was over. She was outside a jewelry shop, admiring the array of rings, necklaces, and bracelets on the display window when she felt someone stand beside her.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Tsukushi looked up and saw Rui smiling down at her. "Rui! What are you doing here?"
"I had to buy something here at the mall. Since I was in the area, I passed by the record bar to check on how things are going there. They told me you'd just left for your lunch break, so I thought I'd go around and look for you."
"Why?"
"I wanted to invite you out for lunch," he said simply.
"You want to take me out for lunch?"
"Well, if that's okay with you," he grinned sheepishly. "I want to make up for what happened last night. I can't help but feel responsible that you ended up in a locked basement with Tsukasa."
"Pssh," she waved a hand dismissively. "We both know that Akira and Jiro are the real culprits. Now those two owe me big time."
"Well, I'd still like it if you'd have lunch with me today. It's no fun eating alone. So what do you say, huh? C'mon, I'm starving. I know this great Italian joint nearby."
"Oh, okay. How can I say no when you're giving me that puppy dog look?" Tsukushi grinned. "Besides, I'm not one to turn down a free lunch," she chuckled.
"Let's go then," he said as he pulled her by the wrist and led her to Giuseppe's, a posh Italian restaurant located inside the mall.
======================
Tsukasa was in a good mood as he walked into the record store he co- owned with his three friends. Notwithstanding the lock-up last night with Tsukushi, yesterday's rehearsal ended on a pretty good note. Although she admitted she was still nervous about their upcoming gig at Frenzy this coming weekend, she had made less mistakes than she had earlier. He himself had been more patient, especially now that there was none of the earlier animosity they had towards each other.
"Doumyouji-san! Good afternoon sir," Haru, the store's manager, greeted his boss deferentially.
"Hey, Haru," Tsukasa nodded in acknowledgment. "How are things today?"
"Everything's fine sir. That new shipment of cd's we're expecting today is due to arrive any minute now. Did you come to check on that, sir?"
"Um, no, not really. I trust you can see to that matter without any problems," he replied absently as he looked around the store. "Where's Tsukushi?"
"Oh, she's on her lunch break sir. She should be back in about 45 minutes or so."
"Oh," Tsukasa was somewhat disappointed. He had wanted to invite her out for lunch.
"Doumyouji Tsukasa! I was hoping I'd bump into you today!" a husky feminine voice called from behind him.
Tsukasa turned around to see who it was. He cringed inwardly when he recognized Okawahara Shigeru, the sales manager of one of the local record labels, flashing him that trademark smile which caused him to think of her secretly as "Monkey Girl." Not that she looked like a monkey. She was quite pretty, in fact, although she was not his type. She was tall and slender, and looked very much like a fashion model. She had this smile though, that was so wide that even her gums showed. It reminded him of a chimpanzee smiling. Hence the name Monkey Girl.
"Shigeru," he pasted a saccharine smile on his face. "What brings you here?"
"Oh, we just came to deliver that new shipment of cd's you ordered," she said, motioning to the two men behind her who were carrying several boxes. Haru immediately approached them and directed them towards the rear of the store, where the stockroom was located.
"So," Shigeru turned to face him again. "May I invite you out for lunch?" Before he could answer, she wagged a finger in front of his face. "And this time I won't take no for an answer."
Tsukasa knew Shigeru had the hots for him. It showed in the way she talked to him and kept trying to invite him out for lunch, coffee, drinks, or dinner. She was also too 'touchy-feely' whenever she spoke to him, always looping her arm through his, or laying a hand on his arm oh-so- suggestively. That's why he tried to avoid her whenever he could, leaving Akira, Soujiro or Rui to meet her whenever they had to transact any business with her company. So far he had managed to turn her down politely, but it looked like there was no way out now. Oh well, he thought, might as well accept her invitation. Maybe that'll buy me a few months' respite from her constant invitations.
"Sure," he replied.
"Great!" she clapped her hands in glee, delighted that he had finally accepted after so many months of giving her the brush-off. "Let's go to Giuseppe's," she said excitedly as she looped her arm through his and led him out of the store. "I'm craving for some of their angel hair pasta."
=====================
"This is a nice place," Tsukushi remarked as she admired the restaurant's sleek modern interiors. They were seated at one of the few vacant tables, waiting for their food to come.
"It is," Rui replied, glancing at the surroundings he knew so well. "The food's great too. This was one of Shizuka's favorite restaurants."
"You really miss her, don't you?" Tsukushi asked when she saw the reminiscent look in his eyes.
Rui sighed. Yes, he really missed her. They had kept in constant touch with each other via e-mails and phone calls, but it just wasn't the same without her physical presence.
When he didn't answer, Tsukushi spoke again. "I'm curious though. Why didn't you just go with her to the States? I mean, it's so obvious you want to be with her."
"I've thought about doing just that. I thought about it long and hard. But in the end I decided against it. She went there to follow her dream. My being there might just hinder her from fulfilling it. I want her to focus all her attention on her music while she's in the States, 'cause that's what she went there for. If I'd gone with her, she would have to divide her attention between her studies and me. I don't want that. I guess I'm just hoping that at the end of her one year there, she'd know exactly what she wants. A career in music in the States or a life here with me. It's a decision I want her to make on her own. My presence there might unduly pressure her to choose a life here with me. Am I making any sense?" he asked as he gave an awkward smile.
Tsukushi nodded thoughtfully. She admired his unselfishness, putting aside his own need for the sake of the woman he loves. "I think she's a very lucky woman to have someone as understanding as you. I hope she knows that, and makes the right decision when her year is up." She patted the hands he had clasped together atop the table.
"Rui! What a nice surprise, you're here too! Mind if we join you?" Shigeru gushed as she dragged a reluctant Tsukasa to the table occupied by Rui and Tsukushi.
Tsukasa was feeling very relieved when he spotted Rui seconds earlier upon entering the restaurant. If he could persuade Rui to join them for lunch, he wouldn't have to endure Monkey Girl's company by himself. But then he noticed that Rui had company, a woman who had her back to them. When he saw the woman place a hand on top of Rui's hands in a seemingly intimate gesture, he began having second thoughts about asking him to join them. He didn't want to intrude on Rui and his date. It was too late though, because Shigeru had already spotted them and before he could stop her, she had managed to drag him to Rui's table.
Tsukushi turned her head to see who the new arrivals were. The surprise on her face was mirrored by Tsukasa's own when he saw who Rui's 'date' was.
"Tsukushi?!"
"Tsukasa! Um, what are you doing here?" It was a good thing she was seated because she felt her knees turn weak as she took in the sight of him. He was dressed casually in faded blue jeans and a plain black crewneck shirt, which, though simple, still managed to show off his well- toned form.
"Uh. . . we're here to have lunch," an uncomfortable Tsukasa replied.
"Oh." Only then did she notice the sophisticated woman who had her arm linked possessively through his. Oh, she thought again. Throughout the short time she had known him, she had never heard that he had a girlfriend. Well, duh. Just shows how much she knows. Or how much she doesn't know. The woman beside him exuded poise and self-assurance. She reminded Tsukushi of those supermodels who would strut their stuff confidently down the runway. She was garbed in an expensive navy pantsuit, with matching purse and shoes. Tsukushi glanced down at her own attire. She was clad as usual in her torn jeans and a simple logo t-shirt. She couldn't help but feel so. . . plain, all of a sudden.
"Shigeru," Rui's voice broke into her thoughts as he acknowledged the new arrivals. "Of course you and Tsukasa can join us." He rose from his seat and signaled a passing waiter to add two more place settings. Rui moved to the seat on Tsukushi's left while Shigeru took the one on her right. This left the seat directly across Tsukushi for Tsukasa. When they were all seated, Rui introduced the two women to each other. Tsukasa still seemed too shell-shocked to speak.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Tsukushi," Shigeru said perkily as she extended a well-manicured hand towards Tsukushi.
"Same here," she answered in a soft voice.
"Tsukushi's our new female vocalist," Rui said.
"What happened to Shizuka?"
"She left a few weeks ago for the States."
"She did? Oh. . . so Tsukushi's her replacement in the band then," Shigeru nodded in understanding.
Seems like she's Shizuka's replacement in Rui's heart as well, Tsukasa thought morosely as he observed the conversation between Shigeru and Rui. Like him, Tsukushi was content to merely listen. To avoid having to look at Tsukasa, she busied herself with studying the intricate patterns on the table cloth.
Their food arrived, and for a while they ate in silence, until Shigeru started talking again, this time about business. Tsukushi zoned out of the conversation while her three companions talked shop.
So he has a girlfriend. Well, duh! He's cute, he's talented, he's financially stable. Why wouldn't he have a girlfriend? Besides, his personal life is none of my business. He's my band mate, and my employer (well, one of my employers). Nothing more.
"Tsukushi, would you like some coffee?" Rui was asking.
"Huh?"
"Coffee?"
"Um, no, thank you." She checked her watch and saw that her lunch break was over. "Ooh, look at the time. I should be getting back to the store or Haru will be worried. You guys carry on. I'll just go ahead," she said as took her purse from the table and rose from her seat. "Um, it was nice to meet you Shigeru."
"I'll walk you back," Rui said and stood up as well.
"Oh, no, no, it's okay. I'll be fine. You stay on here."
"Tsukushi, I insist," Rui's tone brooked no argument. They said their goodbyes to Tsukasa and Shigeru and walked out of the restaurant after Rui had settled their bill.
"Thanks for lunch," Tsukushi smiled as they were walking towards the direction of the record store.
"You're welcome. You were kinda spaced out there for a while. Anything wrong?"
"No, no, nothing's wrong. I was just thinking of the gig on Saturday. I'm just worried I might not be ready," she fibbed.
He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't stress. I have confidence in you. You're gonna do great."
She flashed him a grateful smile. They lapsed into a comfortable silence after that.
"So. . . I didn't know Tsukasa had a girlfriend," she lowered her gaze to the ground as she spoke.
"He doesn't," Rui responded in his usual deadpan manner.
"He doesn't? What about Shigeru? They were looking very cozy back there. . ."
"Shigeru?" he stopped walking, prompting Tsukushi to stop as well and look up to meet his questioning look. To her surprise, the usually emotionless Hanazawa Rui exploded in loud laughter.
"What? What did I say?" she asked, dumbfounded.
Rui had to wait until his laughter subsided before he could manage a reply. "Better not let Tsukasa hear that you assumed he and Shigeru were a couple, unless you want him to declare war on you again." They started to walk again.
"I don't understand."
"Shigeru's made no secret of the fact that she wants Tsukasa, ever since we met her. Unfortunately for her, she ain't Tsukasa's type. I don't know how she got Tsukasa to go out to lunch with her, but I am positive Tsukasa wasn't the one who invited her out."
"You mean. . . they're not dating?" Tsukushi tried to fight the smile that was slowly forming on her lips even as she kept her gaze down.
"Not unless hell has frozen over." He narrowed his eyes as he turned to face her. "Why the sudden interest in Tsukasa's love life?"
"I'm not interested in his love life!" Tsukushi said defensively. "Why would I be interested in his love life?" Her voice had become a little too loud and her face was steadily deepening into a scarlet shade.
Rui shrugged nonchalantly. "If you say so. . . well, you're here."
Tsukushi raised her eyes from the ground and saw that they were already outside the record store.
"Thanks again for lunch. I'll see you in a couple of hours at Akira's, okay?"
"Yup. See you later." Rui walked away once he saw that Tsukushi had already entered the store.
**********************
A/N: This chapter was partly inspired by the outdoor café scene in MG1, which was one of my favorite scenes in the series. I don't think Shigeru will be playing a major role in the story. Just a guest appearance in this chapter. Um, I don't remember anymore why Tsukasa started calling her 'Monkey Girl' so I just made something up. I'm not really sure why I came up with this chapter. Maybe it's because I miss watching Meteor Garden so much. Or maybe *sheepish grin* I haven't thought of anything to write up yet for the gig, lol. Having another case of writer's block, so please be patient.
Sailor Angie: Angie! You know I always look forward to your reviews. They never fail to lift my spirits up. So you haven't watched Meteor Garden yet? I suggest you try to get hold of a copy. I myself haven't read the manga nor watched the anime (everything I know about HYD I got from the internet). But I fell in love with Meteor Garden. . . it's why I got into reading and writing fanfics in the first place. As for my profile on the author's page, lol, I don't really know what to write. What do you want to know about me? You can e-mail me if you want (my e-mail address is posted on the author's page).
Lian: LOL. That's quite an imagination you have there. Sorry the last chapter didn't turn out the way you envisioned it. Didn't want to have things moving too fast.
XxSwtDreamerxX1: Hey! Remember you were wondering who else among the manga characters I'd put in the story? What did you think about Shigeru's guest appearance in this chappie?
Toinks: Hi girl! It's nice to know you're still reading this. I miss reading your comments.
Invisible Rain: Thanks! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Yup, we don't want things moving too fast, but I'm doing my best to get the romance started.
cherub girl: Newbie? Hi and welcome aboard! Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you like what you've read so far.
Kalena: Hi and welcome, new reader! Thanks for checking this fic out. Hope you keep on reading.
And to the silent readers (if I have any), thanks to you as well. ^_^
Thanks for your continued support of this fic. I really, really appreciate it. Hope you keep those reviews coming. I love hearing from you guys. See you all next chapter. Take care.
Chapter 15: Lunch Out
It was Tsukushi's lunch break. and since she wasn't that hungry, she decided to go around the mall for some window shopping. She could just grab a sandwich and a soda later on at one of the vending machines scattered about before her lunch break was over. She was outside a jewelry shop, admiring the array of rings, necklaces, and bracelets on the display window when she felt someone stand beside her.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Tsukushi looked up and saw Rui smiling down at her. "Rui! What are you doing here?"
"I had to buy something here at the mall. Since I was in the area, I passed by the record bar to check on how things are going there. They told me you'd just left for your lunch break, so I thought I'd go around and look for you."
"Why?"
"I wanted to invite you out for lunch," he said simply.
"You want to take me out for lunch?"
"Well, if that's okay with you," he grinned sheepishly. "I want to make up for what happened last night. I can't help but feel responsible that you ended up in a locked basement with Tsukasa."
"Pssh," she waved a hand dismissively. "We both know that Akira and Jiro are the real culprits. Now those two owe me big time."
"Well, I'd still like it if you'd have lunch with me today. It's no fun eating alone. So what do you say, huh? C'mon, I'm starving. I know this great Italian joint nearby."
"Oh, okay. How can I say no when you're giving me that puppy dog look?" Tsukushi grinned. "Besides, I'm not one to turn down a free lunch," she chuckled.
"Let's go then," he said as he pulled her by the wrist and led her to Giuseppe's, a posh Italian restaurant located inside the mall.
======================
Tsukasa was in a good mood as he walked into the record store he co- owned with his three friends. Notwithstanding the lock-up last night with Tsukushi, yesterday's rehearsal ended on a pretty good note. Although she admitted she was still nervous about their upcoming gig at Frenzy this coming weekend, she had made less mistakes than she had earlier. He himself had been more patient, especially now that there was none of the earlier animosity they had towards each other.
"Doumyouji-san! Good afternoon sir," Haru, the store's manager, greeted his boss deferentially.
"Hey, Haru," Tsukasa nodded in acknowledgment. "How are things today?"
"Everything's fine sir. That new shipment of cd's we're expecting today is due to arrive any minute now. Did you come to check on that, sir?"
"Um, no, not really. I trust you can see to that matter without any problems," he replied absently as he looked around the store. "Where's Tsukushi?"
"Oh, she's on her lunch break sir. She should be back in about 45 minutes or so."
"Oh," Tsukasa was somewhat disappointed. He had wanted to invite her out for lunch.
"Doumyouji Tsukasa! I was hoping I'd bump into you today!" a husky feminine voice called from behind him.
Tsukasa turned around to see who it was. He cringed inwardly when he recognized Okawahara Shigeru, the sales manager of one of the local record labels, flashing him that trademark smile which caused him to think of her secretly as "Monkey Girl." Not that she looked like a monkey. She was quite pretty, in fact, although she was not his type. She was tall and slender, and looked very much like a fashion model. She had this smile though, that was so wide that even her gums showed. It reminded him of a chimpanzee smiling. Hence the name Monkey Girl.
"Shigeru," he pasted a saccharine smile on his face. "What brings you here?"
"Oh, we just came to deliver that new shipment of cd's you ordered," she said, motioning to the two men behind her who were carrying several boxes. Haru immediately approached them and directed them towards the rear of the store, where the stockroom was located.
"So," Shigeru turned to face him again. "May I invite you out for lunch?" Before he could answer, she wagged a finger in front of his face. "And this time I won't take no for an answer."
Tsukasa knew Shigeru had the hots for him. It showed in the way she talked to him and kept trying to invite him out for lunch, coffee, drinks, or dinner. She was also too 'touchy-feely' whenever she spoke to him, always looping her arm through his, or laying a hand on his arm oh-so- suggestively. That's why he tried to avoid her whenever he could, leaving Akira, Soujiro or Rui to meet her whenever they had to transact any business with her company. So far he had managed to turn her down politely, but it looked like there was no way out now. Oh well, he thought, might as well accept her invitation. Maybe that'll buy me a few months' respite from her constant invitations.
"Sure," he replied.
"Great!" she clapped her hands in glee, delighted that he had finally accepted after so many months of giving her the brush-off. "Let's go to Giuseppe's," she said excitedly as she looped her arm through his and led him out of the store. "I'm craving for some of their angel hair pasta."
=====================
"This is a nice place," Tsukushi remarked as she admired the restaurant's sleek modern interiors. They were seated at one of the few vacant tables, waiting for their food to come.
"It is," Rui replied, glancing at the surroundings he knew so well. "The food's great too. This was one of Shizuka's favorite restaurants."
"You really miss her, don't you?" Tsukushi asked when she saw the reminiscent look in his eyes.
Rui sighed. Yes, he really missed her. They had kept in constant touch with each other via e-mails and phone calls, but it just wasn't the same without her physical presence.
When he didn't answer, Tsukushi spoke again. "I'm curious though. Why didn't you just go with her to the States? I mean, it's so obvious you want to be with her."
"I've thought about doing just that. I thought about it long and hard. But in the end I decided against it. She went there to follow her dream. My being there might just hinder her from fulfilling it. I want her to focus all her attention on her music while she's in the States, 'cause that's what she went there for. If I'd gone with her, she would have to divide her attention between her studies and me. I don't want that. I guess I'm just hoping that at the end of her one year there, she'd know exactly what she wants. A career in music in the States or a life here with me. It's a decision I want her to make on her own. My presence there might unduly pressure her to choose a life here with me. Am I making any sense?" he asked as he gave an awkward smile.
Tsukushi nodded thoughtfully. She admired his unselfishness, putting aside his own need for the sake of the woman he loves. "I think she's a very lucky woman to have someone as understanding as you. I hope she knows that, and makes the right decision when her year is up." She patted the hands he had clasped together atop the table.
"Rui! What a nice surprise, you're here too! Mind if we join you?" Shigeru gushed as she dragged a reluctant Tsukasa to the table occupied by Rui and Tsukushi.
Tsukasa was feeling very relieved when he spotted Rui seconds earlier upon entering the restaurant. If he could persuade Rui to join them for lunch, he wouldn't have to endure Monkey Girl's company by himself. But then he noticed that Rui had company, a woman who had her back to them. When he saw the woman place a hand on top of Rui's hands in a seemingly intimate gesture, he began having second thoughts about asking him to join them. He didn't want to intrude on Rui and his date. It was too late though, because Shigeru had already spotted them and before he could stop her, she had managed to drag him to Rui's table.
Tsukushi turned her head to see who the new arrivals were. The surprise on her face was mirrored by Tsukasa's own when he saw who Rui's 'date' was.
"Tsukushi?!"
"Tsukasa! Um, what are you doing here?" It was a good thing she was seated because she felt her knees turn weak as she took in the sight of him. He was dressed casually in faded blue jeans and a plain black crewneck shirt, which, though simple, still managed to show off his well- toned form.
"Uh. . . we're here to have lunch," an uncomfortable Tsukasa replied.
"Oh." Only then did she notice the sophisticated woman who had her arm linked possessively through his. Oh, she thought again. Throughout the short time she had known him, she had never heard that he had a girlfriend. Well, duh. Just shows how much she knows. Or how much she doesn't know. The woman beside him exuded poise and self-assurance. She reminded Tsukushi of those supermodels who would strut their stuff confidently down the runway. She was garbed in an expensive navy pantsuit, with matching purse and shoes. Tsukushi glanced down at her own attire. She was clad as usual in her torn jeans and a simple logo t-shirt. She couldn't help but feel so. . . plain, all of a sudden.
"Shigeru," Rui's voice broke into her thoughts as he acknowledged the new arrivals. "Of course you and Tsukasa can join us." He rose from his seat and signaled a passing waiter to add two more place settings. Rui moved to the seat on Tsukushi's left while Shigeru took the one on her right. This left the seat directly across Tsukushi for Tsukasa. When they were all seated, Rui introduced the two women to each other. Tsukasa still seemed too shell-shocked to speak.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Tsukushi," Shigeru said perkily as she extended a well-manicured hand towards Tsukushi.
"Same here," she answered in a soft voice.
"Tsukushi's our new female vocalist," Rui said.
"What happened to Shizuka?"
"She left a few weeks ago for the States."
"She did? Oh. . . so Tsukushi's her replacement in the band then," Shigeru nodded in understanding.
Seems like she's Shizuka's replacement in Rui's heart as well, Tsukasa thought morosely as he observed the conversation between Shigeru and Rui. Like him, Tsukushi was content to merely listen. To avoid having to look at Tsukasa, she busied herself with studying the intricate patterns on the table cloth.
Their food arrived, and for a while they ate in silence, until Shigeru started talking again, this time about business. Tsukushi zoned out of the conversation while her three companions talked shop.
So he has a girlfriend. Well, duh! He's cute, he's talented, he's financially stable. Why wouldn't he have a girlfriend? Besides, his personal life is none of my business. He's my band mate, and my employer (well, one of my employers). Nothing more.
"Tsukushi, would you like some coffee?" Rui was asking.
"Huh?"
"Coffee?"
"Um, no, thank you." She checked her watch and saw that her lunch break was over. "Ooh, look at the time. I should be getting back to the store or Haru will be worried. You guys carry on. I'll just go ahead," she said as took her purse from the table and rose from her seat. "Um, it was nice to meet you Shigeru."
"I'll walk you back," Rui said and stood up as well.
"Oh, no, no, it's okay. I'll be fine. You stay on here."
"Tsukushi, I insist," Rui's tone brooked no argument. They said their goodbyes to Tsukasa and Shigeru and walked out of the restaurant after Rui had settled their bill.
"Thanks for lunch," Tsukushi smiled as they were walking towards the direction of the record store.
"You're welcome. You were kinda spaced out there for a while. Anything wrong?"
"No, no, nothing's wrong. I was just thinking of the gig on Saturday. I'm just worried I might not be ready," she fibbed.
He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't stress. I have confidence in you. You're gonna do great."
She flashed him a grateful smile. They lapsed into a comfortable silence after that.
"So. . . I didn't know Tsukasa had a girlfriend," she lowered her gaze to the ground as she spoke.
"He doesn't," Rui responded in his usual deadpan manner.
"He doesn't? What about Shigeru? They were looking very cozy back there. . ."
"Shigeru?" he stopped walking, prompting Tsukushi to stop as well and look up to meet his questioning look. To her surprise, the usually emotionless Hanazawa Rui exploded in loud laughter.
"What? What did I say?" she asked, dumbfounded.
Rui had to wait until his laughter subsided before he could manage a reply. "Better not let Tsukasa hear that you assumed he and Shigeru were a couple, unless you want him to declare war on you again." They started to walk again.
"I don't understand."
"Shigeru's made no secret of the fact that she wants Tsukasa, ever since we met her. Unfortunately for her, she ain't Tsukasa's type. I don't know how she got Tsukasa to go out to lunch with her, but I am positive Tsukasa wasn't the one who invited her out."
"You mean. . . they're not dating?" Tsukushi tried to fight the smile that was slowly forming on her lips even as she kept her gaze down.
"Not unless hell has frozen over." He narrowed his eyes as he turned to face her. "Why the sudden interest in Tsukasa's love life?"
"I'm not interested in his love life!" Tsukushi said defensively. "Why would I be interested in his love life?" Her voice had become a little too loud and her face was steadily deepening into a scarlet shade.
Rui shrugged nonchalantly. "If you say so. . . well, you're here."
Tsukushi raised her eyes from the ground and saw that they were already outside the record store.
"Thanks again for lunch. I'll see you in a couple of hours at Akira's, okay?"
"Yup. See you later." Rui walked away once he saw that Tsukushi had already entered the store.
**********************
A/N: This chapter was partly inspired by the outdoor café scene in MG1, which was one of my favorite scenes in the series. I don't think Shigeru will be playing a major role in the story. Just a guest appearance in this chapter. Um, I don't remember anymore why Tsukasa started calling her 'Monkey Girl' so I just made something up. I'm not really sure why I came up with this chapter. Maybe it's because I miss watching Meteor Garden so much. Or maybe *sheepish grin* I haven't thought of anything to write up yet for the gig, lol. Having another case of writer's block, so please be patient.
Sailor Angie: Angie! You know I always look forward to your reviews. They never fail to lift my spirits up. So you haven't watched Meteor Garden yet? I suggest you try to get hold of a copy. I myself haven't read the manga nor watched the anime (everything I know about HYD I got from the internet). But I fell in love with Meteor Garden. . . it's why I got into reading and writing fanfics in the first place. As for my profile on the author's page, lol, I don't really know what to write. What do you want to know about me? You can e-mail me if you want (my e-mail address is posted on the author's page).
Lian: LOL. That's quite an imagination you have there. Sorry the last chapter didn't turn out the way you envisioned it. Didn't want to have things moving too fast.
XxSwtDreamerxX1: Hey! Remember you were wondering who else among the manga characters I'd put in the story? What did you think about Shigeru's guest appearance in this chappie?
Toinks: Hi girl! It's nice to know you're still reading this. I miss reading your comments.
Invisible Rain: Thanks! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Yup, we don't want things moving too fast, but I'm doing my best to get the romance started.
cherub girl: Newbie? Hi and welcome aboard! Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you like what you've read so far.
Kalena: Hi and welcome, new reader! Thanks for checking this fic out. Hope you keep on reading.
And to the silent readers (if I have any), thanks to you as well. ^_^
Thanks for your continued support of this fic. I really, really appreciate it. Hope you keep those reviews coming. I love hearing from you guys. See you all next chapter. Take care.