(4)
Doumyouji Tsukasa and Hanazawa Rui sat side by side in the pub. Everyone's attention was grabbed by the two's exceptional appearances. Two shades, one dark and one fair; two impressions, one cool and another warm; yet the two together was strangely harmonious. Doumyouji finished the red wine in his hand and appeared defensive when he saw Rui's smiling face.
"Hey! Why do you have that expression when you see me and Tsukushi fighting? I'm warning you, don't get any ideas. Get away from her or be careful that I'll hit you!"
Rui refilled Doumyouji's glass with lack of concern. Doumyouji let out a laugh.
"Seriously though, it's been almost four years. You still won't come back to Taiwan. What, you want to withdraw from F4? Soujiro and Akira are really troublesome, sickeningly mentioning you every couple of days. Don't say that I didn't warn you. If you continue to stay in this dense place and refuse to come back, I'll make that bourgeois son your replacement. He still hasn't given up yet."
"Really?"
"Hey! What is that supposed to mean? I'm serious!"
Doumyouji raised his voice. Rui gracefully tapped his glass.
"Cheers."
Seeing the look of awareness in Rui'e eyes, Doumyouji couldn't help but smile – Everyone knew that F4 is F4; no one can take the place of anyone.
"How's Akira?"
"Him? Couldn't escape it. His mother snatched him into the company. According to him, everyday at work is either signing or stamping. Everyday is 'le' wu sheng qu (boring and tedious)." Seeing Rui's slight disturbance, he went on, "Yes, I know. It's 'liao' wu sheng qu. It's so weird. Which idiot made the rule that one word has two pronunciations?"
"Weird? Is it? Even people will do different things in different situations."
Rui calmly stated. His attention grew far away. Doumyouji didn't notice and carried on:
"Soujiro, that guy, wasn't he who said everyday that 'Every woman's stock period is only one week'? And in the end he's the one who faithfully settled down. Because of him and Yuki, Tsukushi almost followed him to Canada to protect her. That woman, I can't figure her out! Always worried about someone else!"
Rui smiled.
"Tsukushi is still Tsukushi."
"And you?" Doumyouji grew serious and didn't attempt to hide his concern, "Good? I know everything's fine with the company, but what about other things?"
"Good, though sometimes I can't get fifteen hours of sleep."
Doumyouji couldn't help but laugh at this trifling response. He studied Rui for a while and in habit gave him a light punch.
"Punk!"
Rui turned to face him. Though Doumyouji was still somewhat childishly immature and overbearing, he couldn't conceal his honest and sincere concern. The warmth of friendship surrounded them. They raised their cups in accordance, emptied the glass, and smiled when their eyes met.
When the morning's first ray of sunlight shined through, the two returned after a night of drinking. Doumyouji returned to his room to sleep. Due to a phone call from work, Hanazawa Rui was about to leave the house when he saw Tsukushi descending the stairwell.
"Morning. Sleep well?"
"Fine. Are you coming or going?" Tsukushi looked at him and asked in puzzlement.
"Both. Oh, if you need anything, tell the housekeeper." Rui was in a hurry to get to the garage. Tsukushi put down the glass of water in her hand.
"Rui, you're driving by yourself? I'll go with you. How can you drive like this?" She took the keys from his hand before he had time to protest.
"Tsukushi……"
On the car, Rui began to grow drowsy and sleepy. Watching his sluggish and lethargic countenance due to an entire night's out, Tsukushi couldn't help but grumble.
"It's all Doumyouji's fault!" That idiot. He went back to sleep.
"No." Rui smiled and reminded her, "Turn right here and left at that corner, then straight ahead."
"Oh." She was a little worried, "Are you sure you're fine? You don't look too well."
Rui shook his head. Suddenly noticing a tall building not far off, Tsukushi exclaimed:
"Rui, is that Hanazawa Headquarters? Such an elegant scenery, is this really for coming to work? More like going on vacation. Hey, Rui…..."
There was no reply. Tsukushi turned around and found him asleep. This guy………
Slowing down the as she drove into the parking lot, Tsukushi hesitated as to whether to wake him when a crowd gathered and opened the car door. Suddenly awake, Rui descended the car and entered the building in the group's accompaniment as people reported various matters along the way. Observing his thin and slender figure in the pack from a distance, Tsukushi had difficulty believing that the quiet and despondent Rui governed and regulated this large corporation. There was a sense of alienation. Tsukushi became a little dazed as she prepared to leave.
"Tsukushi."
She recovered and saw that not far off, Rui had stopped and was heading toward her as he passed through the crowd. He smiled.
"Want to come in?"
"No, that's okay. I'll get in your way. I'll drive back by myself."
"Do you still remember the route?"
The mass was studying her with curiosity. Tsukushi was stumped and tried to remember. First straight, then left, then another turn...then…….she massaged her head in embarrassment.
"Come on. It won't be long." Rui subtly stated. She intuitively followed.
"Oh, all right."
She moved out of the way so the employees can finish their reports. She silently observed Rui's complexion. He still seemed sleepy – can he work like this? However, when everyone was done accounting the complex information and proposals, Rui was able to pinpoint the essentials in one sentence. Is this Hanazawa Rui? – The person who solemnly sat on that balcony in silence and daydreamed? Tsukushi was baffled. Compared with their initial encounter, Rui now gave her a feeling of unfamiliarity. Though still apathetic and secluded, the composed acumen contained in the silence wasn't the same.
The busy office was like a battlefield – everyone paced back and forth as Rui carelessly arranged businesses and made clear cut decisions. Though his face remained impassive and unperturbed, it was obvious that he was the driving force behind the entire group. Such a Rui presented Tsukushi with an odd sensation, as if he who retained in the image of perfection in her mind no longer held a feeling of vagueness and uncertainty.
Three hours later, when Rui was done working, he noticed that Tsukushi was gone. When he found her, he saw that she was actually helping out in the secretarial office! Rui couldn't help but laugh – it was so like Tsukushi. Even in such a short amount of time, she was able to find something to do at Hanazawa Corp. The secretary became a bit apprehensive when he perceived Rui.
"You're working like you're fighting a war. I can merely help to type." Tsukushi explained.
"We can go."
The morning sunlight shone on the face and produced a warm idleness. Tsukushi rolled down the window to observe the passing streets. A shade of brilliance surrounded the air. Spring was here.
"Rui, are you sure you don't want me to drive?" Tsukushi kindly asked.
"I'm worried that you'll drive it onto the sidewalk." Rui teased.
"Hey, Hanazawa Rui! Did you forget who drove you here in the first place?" Tsukushi glared at him, "The sidewalk, yeah right! How about the sea?"
"The sea….." Rui whispered. His smiles dwindled and the car changed direction.
"Where are we going?" It seemed a bit different now than on the way over, "Rui, are you sure you don't need to get some sleep? You didn't close your eyes at all last night."
Rui gave her a deep look and kept silent.
By the sea, the damp and brackish ocean breeze blew across their faces. Tsukushi looked in bewilderment at the quiet Rui that stood by the freezing water. He gazed at the vast ocean in silence as the wind tangled his brown hair.
"Hanazawa Rui, you're really weird, you know that? Last time you took me kite-flying in the rain and now to the beach in this freezing weather!"
"Really?"
"But still, what a gorgeous sea! I didn't think the ocean could be so beautiful in the winter. It seems so long ago since I've been to the beach." Tsukushi spoke without worries and stretched herself. Standing against the wind, she looked on as the white waves rolled up in decks and oscillated on the beach, approaching and receding, leaving behind numerous sets of bubbles and ripples.
"A friend of mine liked the ocean. She said that sailing on the sea was the best experience. She came with me to get my sailing license for my high school graduation gift. She promised to sail with me yet the next day she left alone for the other side of the ocean." Rui looked into the distance. The blurry clouds merged with the moist fog and fashioned into a web of reverie under the bright early sunshine. He lowered his head and smiled at Tsukushi.
"Sorry. I'm telling you these irrelevant things again."
Observing his melancholy expression from the side, a stream of tenderness welled up in her heart.
"Not at all. Even though I can't do anything to help, I've heard people say that keeping everything to yourself is like bearing a sack on your shoulders – the load becomes heavier and heavier by the minute, until finally you can't find your original destination. So I'm very happy that you're now willing to talk." She laughed heartily, "Such good weather, let's go chase the waves! Come on!"
She pulled on him as she ran toward the sea, suddenly assuming the urge to rid him of the sorrow under his eyes. Her cheerful smiles against the warm sun were impinged upon him. He instinctively grinned – what a lively and spirited girl. Her smiles were still that vivid and radiant. Watching the wavering water, a trace of craftiness passed in his eyes. He suddenly exclaimed:
"Look! A blue sea bird!"
Tsukushi turned back – there was really a blue bird! The shining blue feathers faced the sun, making the wings appear as if they had been dotted by jewels. Not far away, several unknown sea birds lightly tapped the water and flew away with the surf. She gazed at the water before her in keenness and suddenly felt an icy chill – Oh God! The waves that arrived wetted her shoes and the rim of her pants. She clumsily ran away in hurry and saw the teasing grin at the brim of Rui's lips.
"Hanazawa Rui! You did it on purpose!" She stared at him in anger.
"Hey, you were the one who dazed off." He held an innocent expression on his face.
"Don't you dare to deny it!" She raised her feet and pushed Rui in frustration but saw his unrestrained laughter when she raised her head. What a luminous and dazzling smile, innocent like a child! It was the first time that those marble eyes did not contain any sadness, crystal-like and untainted by impurities. She gazed at him until the smile suddenly disappeared. Tsukushi uncomfortably averted her attention.
"Look, there's a seagull over there! On that side." Her heart involuntarily jumped. At this moment, Rui seemed incredibly intimate and easy within reach. Rui's eyes lightly wandered across her face. An estranged seagull stood in solitude on the beach not far away from them. Its pure white feathers bathed in the sunlight and its neck craned toward the sky, seemingly in hope of something.
"Is it waiting for something? I've heard that seagulls travel in packs. Why is this one here alone?" Tsukushed looked at the seagull, perplexed.
"Perhaps it also had an engagement." Rui thoughtfully stated. His forlornness returned.
"Rui, it flew away!" Tsukushi exclaimed in surprise and chased it. The seagull doted by the beach in circles several times before finally heading off toward the sky. Rui's eyes dimmed. Really? It also departed.
"Look, Rui!" Tsukushi smiled in surprise, "It left us a souvenir!"
A feather floated adrift in the air. Tsukushi ran over and grasped the feather that fell before her. The white feather was smooth and velvet. She showed it to Rui.
"It's pretty, isn't it?" She inserted the feather into his pocket, "Keep it for me. It will be a beautiful remembrance!"
Rui's transparent eyes were distant and vague. Her innocent smiles drifted a bit. He slowly turned away and softly said:
"It's time to go."
Giving the vast ocean a last glance, Tsukushi was somewhat disenchanted – she heard Rui's silent sighs. The instant the seagull flew away, the heart lightly throbbed with pain.
Why can't you be happy? Rui.
(5)
Back inside the warm house, shedding the wet shoes and drinking a hot cup of coffee, the body that was blown stiff by the ocean winds recovered a great deal. Tsukushi was still somewhat bedazzled when she remembered the morning spent at the beach. The housekeeper said that Doumyouji had just gone out. She felt a little apologetic – since her arrival in Japan, she seemed to be overly concerned for Rui. Seeing the sorrow and vulnerability in his eyes, she couldn't help but worry. Perhaps it was because the concern has been suppressed for too long. Someone knocked on the door.
"Come in."
The servants carried in one bag after another and placed them in front of her. She asked in confusion:
"Sorry to bother you, but what are you doing?"
The people didn't respond and left in order after putting the things down. Seeing the last person to enter the room, she said:
"Doumyouji, it's you?"
"Stupid, who will give gifts to you other than me?" He seemed have forgotten yesterday's argument and appeared to be in a good mood. Even his hair fell smoothly on the side.
"I still didn't ask you, where did you go the entire morning?"
Tsukushi hesitated and stuttered.
"I…..nowhere….just wandered nearby." She felt a little guilty at the last sentence.
"Nearby? Isn't this a high-class neighborhood for the rich? Can you wander around here?" Doumyouji took her words to be true and casually asked. He didn't wait for an answer and smiled, "Oh well, it doesn't matter. Hurry and look at these. Do you like them? I bought them."
"What is it?" Tsukushi walked over in puzzlement. Inside the bags were various winter attire – sweaters, scarf, hats, even gloves.
"You bought them for me?"
"What are you, stupid? Of course they're for you. Who else can wear them?" Doumyouji impatiently took out the clothes and put them on the sofa, "Try them on. We can get others if they don't fit, since you weren't there when I bought them."
"Wait a minute, Doumyouji. Is there something wrong with you again? Do I not have my own clothes? Even if I didn't, I can buy them myself. How many times have I told you? Don't be so smug just because you have money!" Tsukushi's defensiveness instinctively surfaced.
"This woman, you're really dense, you know that!" Doumyouji yelled in anger, "You think this is Taiwan? Even though it's spring, it's still really cold! What use are those deficient clothes of yours? Do you know you look really dumb when you have a cold? Plus you're my girlfriend! What, are you still trying to find excuses to wear Rui's clothes?"
"Doumyouji……." Tsukushi forgot to dispute him and stared at his handsome and somewhat childish countenance. His was an honest and sincere gaze of affection. He loved with his entire being and did not withhold anything, not even a space to take a tiny step backward. Every time she felt that the arguing was no longer tolerable, that his wealth and status burdened and stifled her, that she had to consider whether to carry on this relationship or not, this tender gaze made her falter and succumb to his affection. She was moved. A weed like her, was she really worth such deep and unconditional devotion?
"Hey, what are you doing? Come here." Doumyouji pulled her over, "In a minute I'll take you to eat Japanese food. You change first and I'll go get Rui. Really, that guy. We came back together last night. How long does he plan to sleep?" He set out to find him as he spoke.
"Doumyouji, don't go! Rui, he just….What I mean is, it's not a good idea to disturb him in his sleep." Rui just went back to his room. If Doumyouji went to bother him…..
Doumyouji stopped at her words. She looked at him in bewilderment. Why does he look so happy for no reason?
"Hey, this is rare." Doumyouji laughed as a look of smugness passed in his eyes, "You're so very touched that I bought you these clothes, huh? If you want to be alone with me, just say so. You're right. Why should I go get Rui to be an unnecessary addition? All right, I'll wait for you downstairs. Come down when you're done changing." He laughed as he left, a pleased grin at the corner of his mouth.
"Hey, you pig! What are you thinking of?" Tsukushi looked after his departing figure. He was mistaken, that conceited idiot! Yet why was she so nervous and anxious?
"Excuse my intrusion, Miss Tsukushi." The housekeeper entered and put down an elegant gift-box, "Master asked me to give this to Miss Tsukushi."
He politely bowed when he finished and withdrew from the room. Rui sent this – what's with them? Is today a day for presents? Tsukushi doubtfully opened the box – it was a pair of stylish and dainty brown boots! Looking at the couch full of clothes and the pair of shoes beside them, Tsukushi fell into a trance.
The rest of the night was spent without fighting as she observed the gladness and contentment on Doumyouji's face. The argument yesterday seemed to have never existed. Doumyouji's handsomeness and charisma were not inferior to Hanazawa Rui's. His concern and care for her were also attentive and thorough, yet why could she not stop worrying about Rui? Tsukushi thought her own behavior absurd. She loved Doumyouji, right? She was happy and touched to be surrounded by his all-embracing love, but why was there a speck of unfulfilled emptiness? Her feelings toward Rui, were they really just concern and worry? If so, why was she able to so clearly discern Rui's loneliness and despair by the sea? His sighs and smiles seemed to have been imprinted on her mind and continuously floated in her head…………
"Doumyouji, do you have a sailing license?"
"Sailing license? Yeah, why? What sort of weird ideas are going through your head again? You don't want to sail in this weather, do you?" Doumyouji looked at her in surprise, "The weather in Japan is not suitable. Maybe in Taiwan."
"No, it's not that. F4 attended the same classes as you were growing up, right? Did you get the licenses together too?"
"Of course, we're F4!" Doumyouji considered for a minute, "Although I think Rui was the first one to get it. Us three went to take the test after we found out about it. We thought it was odd that Rui suddenly wanted to get a sailing license. Soujiro was seasick over and over again. Bu when we wanted to celebrate his passing the exam, Rui suddenly disappeared. That's why Soujiro and Akira keep saying that Rui's strange."
Remembering his childhood memories, Doumyouji gently smiled.
"Oh, I see." Tsukushi remained deep in thought. Rui's distressing tone as he spoke about sailing that morning echoed in her ears.
"Why are you suddenly asking about these things? Do you want to get a sailing license? I'll lend you my boat to practice." Doumyouji offered enthusiastically, noticing her distracted expression.
"No."
Doumyouji looked on with bafflement as she turned to leave. He followed her.
"Hey, what's wrong with you? This woman, you're really troublesome, you know that? Every single time it's like this. Wait a minute! You're walking in the wrong direction. The Jacuzzi is that way, Tsukushi……….."
"I'm going back." Tsukushi replied with lack of interest.
Beside the ocean blue curtains, a pair of clear and melancholy eyes silently observed the stars. Hanazawa Rui. He wasn't sleeping. Taking out his violin, he skillfully tuned the strings and opened the score sheets. The melodious and sorrowful music streamed in the air. By the half open window, freezing winds gust into the room without barriers. He didn't seem to perceive the invading chills. His eyes carelessly bypassed the scores. The tune of the violin masked all noise and sounds. Keeping everything to yourself is like bearing a sack on your shoulders – the load becomes heavier and heavier by the minute, until finally you can't find your original destination. Really? Tsukushi, kind and warmhearted girl, you never once withheld your care and concern. Keeping a distance is perhaps the best way to repay you and guard your happiness. Yet that concern was like the warm sunbeams. The winter in Japan was truly freezing……
Rui was completely absorbed by the music. Throughout the night, he never once flipped through the score book. The beautiful and poignant melody permeated the entire room. The instant that seagull flew away, a corner at the bottom of the heart silently fell……..
"Miss Tsukushi, leave these things to us. How can we ask you do them?" The housekeeper awkwardly watched Tsukushi busily working in the kitchen. What a strange girl.
"It's okay. I don't have anything else to do. Besides, my sudden arrival gave you guys a lot of trouble." Tsukushi smilingly said to the nervous housekeeper, "Oh yeah, I don't know what they like to eat, but I made some spring rolls. Would you like to try? Of course it's nothing compared to your professional chef."
"Really? I can try it?" The housekeeper gladly took one, "Not at all, it's delicious. Very authentic taste. To tell you the truth, because I had to follow Master these past few years, it's been some time since I've been back to Taiwan. I was very happy that you and Mr. Doumyouji came. It's been much more active around here."
"Yes, Rui is rather quiet." Tsukushi murmured to herself. Even the housekeeper was homesick but Rui still hasn't gone back. Was it really not lonely in Japan? Why was it that she felt his silence now contained more sorrow than there had been three years ago?
"Miss Tsukushi?"
Tsukushi regained her focus.
"Oh, sorry. Do you think you can call Doumyouji and Rui down for breakfast?" She asked in smiles.
"Huh?" The housekeeper froze a little, "Oh…Of-Of course."
Watching the housekeeper's stiff expression, strained yet helpless since he has just eaten her cooking, Tsukushi secretly grinned and let out a sigh of relief – waking up the rich young masters wasn't a pleasing task!
Doumyouji stood by the stairs with his eyes half-open and sleepily mumbled:
"This woman, you're really bothersome! What are you up to again? It's really early!"
"Come eat breakfast!" Tsukushi pulled him down, "Come on. You know, you're not only an idiot in a pig, but also a lazy pig in an idiot."
"Hey, it's only morning and you're abusing me." Doumyouji glanced at her unhappily but smiled in smugness when he saw the breakfast on the table, "You made it, Tsukushi? You especially made breakfast for me? Only a couple of clothes and you're this happy? If I'd known, I would've bought you clothes for all four seasons. We can go in the afternoon."
Tsukushi looked at him in helplessness. Where did his mind go this time?
"What are you talking about, Doumyouji? Don't pompously make your own decisions." She looked behind him, "Hey, how come it's only you? Where's Rui?"
"Don't know. Probably sleeping." Doumyouji complained as he tasted Tsukushi's 'signature' sausages, "Rui, this guy, I still don't understand how he can sleep for so long. Doesn't he know that it's wasteful? You know, someday we'll go to sleep and never wake up again. He sleeps so much right now. What's he going to do then?"
Tsukushi was initially a bit worried, even though she didn't know what she was fretting over. Now she couldn't help but laugh at Doumyouji speaking as if he were an expert.
"Doumyouji, what nonsense are you talking about? I think I'll go up to call him. He's slept for almost twenty hours!" She was about to ascend the stairs when the housekeeper walked down.
"Miss Tsukushi, I must tell you, Master is not in his room."
"Not in the room." Tsukushi muttered, "He went to work so early."
Doumyouji noticed Tsukushi's trance when he was done with breakfast. He smirked and quietly dangled his fork in front of her. Suddenly, he released his grip and the fork fell on her plate with a "Dang!" Tsukushi was startled and reclaimed her attention. She glared at his snickering face:
"Doumyouji, you pig! You're really dumb!"
"Hey, do you know you look very stupid when you daze off? Can't figure out what's in that head of yours all day long." Doumyouji laughed at her angry expression, "Tsukushi, let's go to the Jacuzzi today."
"No." Tsukushi ignored him, "Hey, what are you doing? I said no! Let go, Doumyouji!"
The breakfast so passed in Doumyouji's good mood.
Doumyouji drove the car into Hanazawa Residence. Inside the car, Tsukushi saw a strange middle-aged man standing outside the elegant courtyard. He was clothed in shabby garments and his arm was enclosed in a bulky casket. When he perceived the car, he chased behind it for a few treads but was barred outside the gate due to his limping steps.
"Doumyouji, did you see the person by the gate? He's really odd." Tsukushi asked, "Should we go question him? He seems to have been standing for a long time and his legs aren't working very well."
The gate was now hidden by the bamboo shoots. Tsukushi saw the look of desperation on the person's face. Her sympathy and curiosity were roused.
"Dumb woman, can you not be so nosy?" Doumyouji parked the car without paying much attention, "Still, the Japanese are rarely this ill-mannered. But Rui doesn't like other people interfering. He can deal with his own affairs. Why are you so worried? Besides, we're going back in a few days. Don't you need to look after your store?"
Tsukushi was a bit stumped. Yes, it was time to go back to Taiwan. What about Rui? Since that day at the beach, she hasn't seen him in three days. Was he really that busy?
"Master, you're back." The housekeeper warmly received Rui.
"Rui, you're back?" Tsukushi looked to the door in surprise.
Rui appeared exhausted and sat down after greeting Doumyouji. The housekeeper reverently said:
"Master, would you like to rest first or have the afternoon tea? Also, there's a gentleman out by the gates who's been waiting for the whole day. He said it's something about compensation for his injuries. It seemed that his situation at home is rather difficult. I told him to go to the Human Resources Department but he insisted on waiting for you outside."
Rui's expression darkened. He lightly said:
"I got it."
"Rui, he's been standing for a long time and it seems like an emergency. And he's injured." Tsukushi couldn't understand how Rui could still remain calm and undisturbed like so. The compensation money may be crucial to that person. Rui glimpsed at Tsukushi and coldly said to the housekeeper:
"Tell him I won't be giving him any money. See if he wants to leave now or take the matter to an attorney."
Tsukushi was stunned as she watched him turn and walk up the stairs. Rui's expression was so bleak and alienated as he spoke. Was he still the same Hanazawa Rui who had said 'Other people's business is none of my concern.' on that balcony as he was handing her a handkerchief?
"Hanazawa Rui! Hold on." An aching disbelief overtook Tsukushi as she cried, "How can you be like this? He waited an entire day for you while he was wounded. It's too cruel to say something like that without even seeing him! Mr. Lee, ask him to come in."
The housekeeper remained motionless, unsure on what to do. Tsukushi angrily said:
"Fine. You won't go, I'll go myself."
Rui quietly observed her overwrought expression. Her sense of justice has once again fired up. Doumyouji held her back:
"Tsukushi, Rui knows what he's doing. Stop hassling."
Tsukushi gave him a kick and broke free.
"Go away! Hanazawa Rui, I never thought you were this sort of person. Money is everything? You're no different from that pig Doumyouji! So much for taking you to be my most trusted friend, I –" She watched his yet still impassive face in fury. How could he be like this? In the past, the delicate and fragile heart under his remote exterior touched and pained her but now, such callousness – That's not the Rui in her heart! A sour and bitter feeling surged inside her. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Hey, what do you mean no different from me? This woman, you're really asking for it! Rui is the person you trust the most, what about me? You better make it clear!" Doumyouji turned to face her, his eyebrows tied into a knot higher than Mount Fuji. Rui watched the two's stand-off and slowly ascended the stairwell. Tsukushi was in no mood to argue. She shoved Doumyouji aside and ran to the gate – that person was gone. She looked to the second floor window – the ocean blue curtain quietly draped.
Doumyouji entered her room and noticed the bed full of clothes. He questioned in surprise:
"What's wrong with you? Are you throwing out the clothes I gave you?"
Tsukushi paid no attention to him and laboriously pulled out the suitcase.
"What are you doing?"
"Duh! Don't see I'm packing? I'm going back. I can't stay here for another minute! Are you coming or staying here with your buddy, you pal!" She started throwing the clothes into the suitcase.
"What is this? Haven't you always been very lenient towards Rui? Why is your reaction so extreme this time over a stranger?" Doumyouji was confused. She didn't even know the whole story. Her temper was a little over the top, "Besides, we've already told Rui that we're going to his ski lodge tomorrow. Haven't you always wanted to learn?"
"Who said I wanted to go to some ski lodge! You can go by yourself if you want to. I'm going to get some fresh air. Don't follow me." She threw down the mess of clothes and ran for the rooftop. Passing by the study room on the third floor, she accidentally overheard:
"I'm very sorry. It is our fault and oversight to have let him intrude upon your home. About the compensation, the attorney and I have already met with him." Compensation? Is it that guy today? Tsukushi unwittingly stopped.
"According to the law, we may file a suit against Mr. Yoshii for deliberately injuring himself in order to acquire compensation fees. The amount is quite large. It was obviously done on purpose. I'm certain that we can win the case." He sounded like a lawyer. Purposely injured? Then she just –
"His son is ill?" Rui asked.
"Yes, Sir. It appears that he did something like this for his son's medical fees."
"Donate some money in the name of a charity."
"Sir?" The surprised voice paused then respectfully complied, "Yes, I'll get to it right away. Should we also give up suing then?"
"Mr. Fang, please get ready."
"You mean we'll be going to court?" Silence ensued, "Yes sir, I'll start the preparations."
"We'll take our leave then. Is there anything else, Sir?"
"Purchase two plane tickets back to Taiwan and send it to Mr. Doumyouji's room." Rui lightly replied.
Moving aside to watch the employee and attorney leave, Tsukushi stared at the closed door and suddenly lost the courage to open it. She was Tsukushi the weed, right? If she was wrong, she should then apologize. But why didn't Rui explain and defend himself? He was even prepared to let her carry the misunderstanding back to Taiwan. Was it disdain? She hadn't trusted the Rui that she knew in her heart but had instead accused and condemned him. Tsukushi was deeply bothered.
At night, on top of the roof, she didn't feel cold yet needed the coldness to calm down and think. Since she came to Japan, a lot of things have startled and confused her. Due to the pining and longing, in order to run away and escape the burdens, she listened to the voice in her heart and followed it here. I thought that the unexplained concern would then be relieved but my heart is more anxious now than ever. I even lost my temper to Rui today – the dream-like Rui whom one couldn't help but want to shield and care for, the Rui that I greatly esteemed and cherished in my heart. What is wrong with me? Why do I care so much?
"This late, isn't it cold?" A soft murmur sounded, as if afraid to frighten her.
Tsukushi was nevertheless startled:
"Rui!...What are you doing here? Oh, about today…..I'm sorry…..I actually……" Watching his passive countenance, she found it a bit difficult to go on, "In the afternoon, I accidentally overheard outside the study room……"
Giving her a glance, he casually draped his coat over her shoulders.
"It's been some time since I've seen you mad. The weed's explosive power is still quite threatening and intimidating." He smiled as he spoke.
Tsukushi's awkwardness and discomfort were brushed away by his gentle grin. She smiled too and stood by him peacefully. As the tension and uneasiness in the heart vanished, the surrounding air seemed to have become faint and buoyant. On top of the cold balcony, under the dark and obscure night sky, the two's side by side figure appeared exceedingly tranquil and at ease. How wonderful it was to have him beside her. Tsukushi looked to him and hesitated whether to ask or not.
"Do you want to say something?"
"No, it's nothing, only……Rui, if you're donating money, why sue?" Tsukushi couldn't figure it out.
"I despise this kind of thing." Rui gently stated.
He despises this kind of thing? – Deception and fraud? Acting according to his own concept of good and bad, just like the time he had saved her – Hanazawa Rui, what an odd person. But perhaps he was right. Everyone should take responsibility for his own actions, regardless of the reasons and motives behind them. Tsukushi felt that she was beginning to understand Rui. Though he always behaved apathetically, as if he didn't care for a thing in the world, he had a kind and sensitive heart.
"Rui, I'm sorry. I take back what I've said in the afternoon." Tsukushi stated in sincerity.
"Really? Even that I'm your most trusted friend?" Rui smiled.
"Hanazawa Rui!" Tsukushi knocked on him out of embarrassment. What is this!
Rui looked at her with a grin, his eyes bearing unbounded approval and admiration. This honest and candid girl never pretended. She would gallantly speak out for a stranger in distress, yet would also sincerely apologize for her own rashness. She was energetic and vivacious. How he envied her, always able to breathe freely and live fully. Widelia - perhaps this resilient beauty was the most extraordinary thing in the world.
Such a gentle smile, my heart……Hanazawa Rui, that breathtaking smile!