"Ah, it's time for class! I've got to go!" Tsukushi exclaimed, standing up.
"Thanks for
the food!"
"I'll walk you," he said quietly, putting away his violin.
Huh?
Three pairs of eyes stared at Hanazawa Rui.
"Let's go. You don't want to be late, do you?"
"Ah, yes! Bye now!"
Looking at the retreating backs of Tsukushi and Rui, Soujirou remarked,
"He's changed."
"Yeah. He'd never played his violin in front of people before. It's the first time that he's ever played before us."
"Come to think of it, there's a slight change in him ever since he and Tsukushi came back from New York.....i wonder what happened between the two of them when she went to look for Tsukasa..."
Joining his friend, Akira laid back on the grass.
"And he even punched Tsukasa, who would have been hurt, if not for Tsukushi shielding him."
"Our Rui has changed. He is no longer indifferent about other people's affairs. He is starting to open up and reach out."
**********************
"YO! Tsukushi!" a cheerful voice rang out.
She looked up from where she was arranging the cakes and saw Akira and Hanazawa Rui.
"Still so hardworking, eh? Hey, we'll be going to my family's country villa tomorrow morning. Pack your things, alright?"
"I can't go."
"Why not? Everything's been arranged. You don't have to worry about anything."
"Tomorrow's Monday, which means that it's a school day, you idiot," she rolled her eyes.
"Oh, that," he waved his hand dismissively. "I've already applied a week's leave for all of us. And don't worry about your work; I've spoken to your boss. He is more than willing to let you take leave."
Before she could interrupt, he continued, "Invite your cute friend along too. See you tomorrow then! I've got to go; a hot lady's waiting for me. Ciao!"
With that, Akira disappeared before Tsukushi could even open her mouth.
"ARRGH!! Just like him to do that!" she fumed silently.
"You'll be coming right?"
She looked over to Hanazawa Rui, who was seated on a chair.
".......i don't know....."
A trip to the countryside does sound very inviting. And she was feeling worn out from work. It'd be good to go away and be refreshed. But there's still the matter of her apartment's rent. If she didn't work for a week, how was she going to pay the rent?
"If you are worrying about your apartment's rent, don't. I've already spoken to the landlord. He'll extend the dateline," Hanazawa Rui broke in, correctly reading her thoughts.
^Flashback^
"Why don't we just pay the rent for her, Rui?" asked Soujirou.
"She wouldn't like it. She'd be unhappy if we did that. Tsukushi is not one who likes people doing things for her without telling her."
^End of flashback^
"I'll go."
**********************
"You don't have to keep me company, you know. I am fine," Tsukushi said, as they left the bakery shop.
"It's ok; I have nothing to do anyway, since I've already taken my 15 hours of sleep. Besides, it was entertaining, seeing your funny facial expressions."
"HANAZAWA RUI!! Are you making fun of me?" she exclaimed, pretending to be mad.
But the smile tugging at her lips, gave her away.
It had been nerve-wrecking for her to work while he was watching. It was like being stared at by a predator.
"Which is silly, Tsukushi!" she told herself. "Hanazawa Rui is so tame, just – just like a rabbit!"
(Tsukushi imagining Hanazawa Rui with long rabbit ears and nibbling on a carrot).
She started grinning.
"What's so funny?" He asked, amused with her ever changing expressions.
"Erm.......haha....it's nothing..." She laughed weakly. "Hey, where are we? This isn't my house," she asked, as the car rolled to a stop, before a quaint old house.
"Come along and see for yourself," Rui told her as the chauffeur the door.
It turned out to be a restaurant.
"Surprised, eh?" Hanazawa Rui smiled at her shocked expression. "I discovered this place not long ago. I like it here, it's quiet."
As the kimono clad receptionist led them to a table, Tsukushi took the chance to look around.
What she saw took her breath away.
The whole place was lit up by beautifully painted paper lamps, which gave the room an unearthly glow. Soft music danced in the air. Painted on the walls, were sceneries and people of different eras. The floor was covered by a thick carpet, with a simple Oriental design. The tables and chairs were made of wood, painted over with lacquer, yet without appearing to be artificial. Each chair was intricately carved and a bright blue silk cushion covered the seat. On a closer look, there was even a poem carved on the table!
In the autumn fields
mingled with the pampas grass
flowers are blooming
should my love too, spring forth
or shall we never meet?
- Anonymous
"I can see that you like this place," Hanazawa Rui remarked as he pulled out a chair for her.
"Thanks. This place is simply wonderful, Hanazawa Rui!" she exclaimed, excitedly.
"Isn't it tiring for you to call me by my full name every time? Call me Rui."
"Ah, yes. Rui – Rui," she said nervously.
(Rui's eyes lit up and he smiled)
**********************
They sat in companionable silence while waiting for their food to arrive.
"Ah, I feel so relaxed here. This place is like a place disconnected from the complex world outside," she sneaked a peek at Rui.
His chin was propped up by his right hand. His eyes had a faraway look, as though he's lost in his own thoughts. The soft muted light lent a golden glow to his face, accentuating his high cheek bones, making him seem more beautiful than ever. Unreachable.
"Unreachable? Why would he be unreachable? He is right here, in front of me," she thought. "Yeah? But in a few months, when he graduates, he'll be gone," An unpleasant voice taunted her. "Gone........he'll be gone, back into his own world. And where does that leave me??" Feeling melancholic, she sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"Hanazawa Rui – Rui, you'll be graduating soon. What will you be doing after that?"
He frowned at her sudden change of subject, but decided to answer her.
"I don't have to do anything. Everything has been planned for me, from the day I was born, from which school I'll go to, to which type of girl I'll marry. I don't have to lift a finger. Just stay put and be a good, little puppet."
His words were bitter.
Awkward silence reigned.
Tsukushi did not speak, for she had nothing to say, no words to comfort him. Because, that would all be lies. But, how her heart ached for him!
**********************
(Their food had arrived)
"Wow...this is good! You really do know where to go for good food, Hanazawa Rui!"
"What about you, Tsukushi?" he asked, "What will you want to do after graduation?"
The sudden question threw her off. "Me? I – I don't know...when I first came into Eitoku High, my only goal was to avoid trouble and just let the remaining two years pass quickly. But...now that I know you guys, that goal's gone...Hmm...I'll most probably work...got to earn money and support my family. My parents are always hoping that I'll marry someone rich, so that our family will not have to suffer in poverty anymore. But, I dislike it. Everything that I have or want to have, I want to use my own hands to earn them. In this way, I'll learn to treasure all that I have, for they did not come by easily."
Noticing that Rui was looking at her intently, she broke off, embarrassed.
"I'm sorry for babbling like that...hope that I didn't bore you with all these...Hanaza – Rui..." she said awkwardly, still not used to calling him by his name.
"No...I am envious of you. Remember, back in New York, when we helped the restaurant owner to clean the floors? When I held the 2 dollar note in my hand, for the first time, I felt that I've done something constructive, that I am not just an ornament..I'd never forget that day."
"Me too...how could I ever forget the sight of Hanazawa Rui washing floors??" she teased.
As she thought about the time they were in New York, Hanazawa Rui's words, resurfaced.
^Flashback^
"Akira, Soujirou and I laughed together about the troubles you would have here, but I couldn't get you out of my mind and was on a plane a couple of hours later.....I don't really understand it myself either.........Why did I do that? Maybe it's love??"
"...I do have someone I like.... (He eyed Tsukushi out of the corner of his eye, with a smile)
".... remember when we saw Shizuka in Canada? That was when it ended. I know that people say that feelings can fade over time, but I think it was more that I didn't get the difference between adoration and love...."
".. when you weren't around I felt lonely."
"When you started dating Tsukasa and we officially became "just friends". It was like... a hole had opened up, somewhere inside of me..."
^End of flashback^
As she remembered these words, she shifted uncomfortably on her seat.
"Stop this fanciful thinking, Tsukushi!!" she scolded herself, "That was so long ago, he'd probably forgotten about it..." Yet, her treacherous heart can't help, but beat faster, when Hanazawa Rui's serious face came into mind.
Oblivious to Rui's careful scrutiny, Tsukushi appeared to be lost in thought.
**********************
"Good night, Hana – ah, Ru-Rui! Thank you for the meal and the ride home!"
"It's nothing much...you don't have to always thank me...Tsukushi?"
"Yes?"
"Remember what I said to you in New York? I had been serious about it and till now, I
still am, if not more so."
**********************
the food!"
"I'll walk you," he said quietly, putting away his violin.
Huh?
Three pairs of eyes stared at Hanazawa Rui.
"Let's go. You don't want to be late, do you?"
"Ah, yes! Bye now!"
Looking at the retreating backs of Tsukushi and Rui, Soujirou remarked,
"He's changed."
"Yeah. He'd never played his violin in front of people before. It's the first time that he's ever played before us."
"Come to think of it, there's a slight change in him ever since he and Tsukushi came back from New York.....i wonder what happened between the two of them when she went to look for Tsukasa..."
Joining his friend, Akira laid back on the grass.
"And he even punched Tsukasa, who would have been hurt, if not for Tsukushi shielding him."
"Our Rui has changed. He is no longer indifferent about other people's affairs. He is starting to open up and reach out."
**********************
"YO! Tsukushi!" a cheerful voice rang out.
She looked up from where she was arranging the cakes and saw Akira and Hanazawa Rui.
"Still so hardworking, eh? Hey, we'll be going to my family's country villa tomorrow morning. Pack your things, alright?"
"I can't go."
"Why not? Everything's been arranged. You don't have to worry about anything."
"Tomorrow's Monday, which means that it's a school day, you idiot," she rolled her eyes.
"Oh, that," he waved his hand dismissively. "I've already applied a week's leave for all of us. And don't worry about your work; I've spoken to your boss. He is more than willing to let you take leave."
Before she could interrupt, he continued, "Invite your cute friend along too. See you tomorrow then! I've got to go; a hot lady's waiting for me. Ciao!"
With that, Akira disappeared before Tsukushi could even open her mouth.
"ARRGH!! Just like him to do that!" she fumed silently.
"You'll be coming right?"
She looked over to Hanazawa Rui, who was seated on a chair.
".......i don't know....."
A trip to the countryside does sound very inviting. And she was feeling worn out from work. It'd be good to go away and be refreshed. But there's still the matter of her apartment's rent. If she didn't work for a week, how was she going to pay the rent?
"If you are worrying about your apartment's rent, don't. I've already spoken to the landlord. He'll extend the dateline," Hanazawa Rui broke in, correctly reading her thoughts.
^Flashback^
"Why don't we just pay the rent for her, Rui?" asked Soujirou.
"She wouldn't like it. She'd be unhappy if we did that. Tsukushi is not one who likes people doing things for her without telling her."
^End of flashback^
"I'll go."
**********************
"You don't have to keep me company, you know. I am fine," Tsukushi said, as they left the bakery shop.
"It's ok; I have nothing to do anyway, since I've already taken my 15 hours of sleep. Besides, it was entertaining, seeing your funny facial expressions."
"HANAZAWA RUI!! Are you making fun of me?" she exclaimed, pretending to be mad.
But the smile tugging at her lips, gave her away.
It had been nerve-wrecking for her to work while he was watching. It was like being stared at by a predator.
"Which is silly, Tsukushi!" she told herself. "Hanazawa Rui is so tame, just – just like a rabbit!"
(Tsukushi imagining Hanazawa Rui with long rabbit ears and nibbling on a carrot).
She started grinning.
"What's so funny?" He asked, amused with her ever changing expressions.
"Erm.......haha....it's nothing..." She laughed weakly. "Hey, where are we? This isn't my house," she asked, as the car rolled to a stop, before a quaint old house.
"Come along and see for yourself," Rui told her as the chauffeur the door.
It turned out to be a restaurant.
"Surprised, eh?" Hanazawa Rui smiled at her shocked expression. "I discovered this place not long ago. I like it here, it's quiet."
As the kimono clad receptionist led them to a table, Tsukushi took the chance to look around.
What she saw took her breath away.
The whole place was lit up by beautifully painted paper lamps, which gave the room an unearthly glow. Soft music danced in the air. Painted on the walls, were sceneries and people of different eras. The floor was covered by a thick carpet, with a simple Oriental design. The tables and chairs were made of wood, painted over with lacquer, yet without appearing to be artificial. Each chair was intricately carved and a bright blue silk cushion covered the seat. On a closer look, there was even a poem carved on the table!
In the autumn fields
mingled with the pampas grass
flowers are blooming
should my love too, spring forth
or shall we never meet?
- Anonymous
"I can see that you like this place," Hanazawa Rui remarked as he pulled out a chair for her.
"Thanks. This place is simply wonderful, Hanazawa Rui!" she exclaimed, excitedly.
"Isn't it tiring for you to call me by my full name every time? Call me Rui."
"Ah, yes. Rui – Rui," she said nervously.
(Rui's eyes lit up and he smiled)
**********************
They sat in companionable silence while waiting for their food to arrive.
"Ah, I feel so relaxed here. This place is like a place disconnected from the complex world outside," she sneaked a peek at Rui.
His chin was propped up by his right hand. His eyes had a faraway look, as though he's lost in his own thoughts. The soft muted light lent a golden glow to his face, accentuating his high cheek bones, making him seem more beautiful than ever. Unreachable.
"Unreachable? Why would he be unreachable? He is right here, in front of me," she thought. "Yeah? But in a few months, when he graduates, he'll be gone," An unpleasant voice taunted her. "Gone........he'll be gone, back into his own world. And where does that leave me??" Feeling melancholic, she sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"Hanazawa Rui – Rui, you'll be graduating soon. What will you be doing after that?"
He frowned at her sudden change of subject, but decided to answer her.
"I don't have to do anything. Everything has been planned for me, from the day I was born, from which school I'll go to, to which type of girl I'll marry. I don't have to lift a finger. Just stay put and be a good, little puppet."
His words were bitter.
Awkward silence reigned.
Tsukushi did not speak, for she had nothing to say, no words to comfort him. Because, that would all be lies. But, how her heart ached for him!
**********************
(Their food had arrived)
"Wow...this is good! You really do know where to go for good food, Hanazawa Rui!"
"What about you, Tsukushi?" he asked, "What will you want to do after graduation?"
The sudden question threw her off. "Me? I – I don't know...when I first came into Eitoku High, my only goal was to avoid trouble and just let the remaining two years pass quickly. But...now that I know you guys, that goal's gone...Hmm...I'll most probably work...got to earn money and support my family. My parents are always hoping that I'll marry someone rich, so that our family will not have to suffer in poverty anymore. But, I dislike it. Everything that I have or want to have, I want to use my own hands to earn them. In this way, I'll learn to treasure all that I have, for they did not come by easily."
Noticing that Rui was looking at her intently, she broke off, embarrassed.
"I'm sorry for babbling like that...hope that I didn't bore you with all these...Hanaza – Rui..." she said awkwardly, still not used to calling him by his name.
"No...I am envious of you. Remember, back in New York, when we helped the restaurant owner to clean the floors? When I held the 2 dollar note in my hand, for the first time, I felt that I've done something constructive, that I am not just an ornament..I'd never forget that day."
"Me too...how could I ever forget the sight of Hanazawa Rui washing floors??" she teased.
As she thought about the time they were in New York, Hanazawa Rui's words, resurfaced.
^Flashback^
"Akira, Soujirou and I laughed together about the troubles you would have here, but I couldn't get you out of my mind and was on a plane a couple of hours later.....I don't really understand it myself either.........Why did I do that? Maybe it's love??"
"...I do have someone I like.... (He eyed Tsukushi out of the corner of his eye, with a smile)
".... remember when we saw Shizuka in Canada? That was when it ended. I know that people say that feelings can fade over time, but I think it was more that I didn't get the difference between adoration and love...."
".. when you weren't around I felt lonely."
"When you started dating Tsukasa and we officially became "just friends". It was like... a hole had opened up, somewhere inside of me..."
^End of flashback^
As she remembered these words, she shifted uncomfortably on her seat.
"Stop this fanciful thinking, Tsukushi!!" she scolded herself, "That was so long ago, he'd probably forgotten about it..." Yet, her treacherous heart can't help, but beat faster, when Hanazawa Rui's serious face came into mind.
Oblivious to Rui's careful scrutiny, Tsukushi appeared to be lost in thought.
**********************
"Good night, Hana – ah, Ru-Rui! Thank you for the meal and the ride home!"
"It's nothing much...you don't have to always thank me...Tsukushi?"
"Yes?"
"Remember what I said to you in New York? I had been serious about it and till now, I
still am, if not more so."
**********************