(9)

The sprinkling rain lightly drizzled, a familiar moist and dampness drifted in the air, Taipei's raining season has quietly arrived. Nearly a week has passed since returning from Japan. She walked alone along the street, the ceaseless drizzle floating in a slope, coldness and chills long gone in the winds of early spring. Aimlessly strolling and wandering, her steps gradually paused. Such a familiar place – though the poster was no longer the beautiful and stunning Shizuka-san, that dream-like evening was ever lucid: Rui softly kissing her and gently faring goodnight…..In mystification, Rui seemed like an angel descending the clouds, a light smile that was gentle and pure.

The rooftop was still very quiet. The rescinding rain became a faint fog. Such a relaxing atmosphere – rowdy noises were not detectable. Tsukushi gazed at the overcast horizon and earnestly smiled – for three years, it's always been like this. When her heart was exhausted, when she fought with Doumyouji, when she faced his mother's rebuke and censure, when she felt smothered by life's heavy responsibilities, she unconsciously came here.

The cell phone's continuous buzz shattered the silent peace. Tsukushi pressed receive and instinctively pulled the phone away from her ears.

"Hey, where did you go? I've been looking for you all day, you know that? I went to the store and they said you left a long time ago. Where are you?" Doumyouji heatedly cried, "Akira's waiting for us at the pub. Hurry up, I'll pick you up."

"It's okay. I'll get there by myself."

"Don't talk nonsense. I said I'll pick you up so I'll pick you up. Just tell me where you are." Doumyouji impatiently said.

Tsukushi paused a bit then said:

"I'm coming."

She softly sighed, looked around the empty rooftop, and turned to leave.

"Tsukushi, aren't you working too hard? What are you so busy doing? Tsukasa looked for you the entire afternoon. You weren't at work or at home." Akira worked to patch things up, "Tsukasa, what's with the sulky face? See what Tsukushi wants to drink." He gave Doumyouji a shove as he said this.

"Where have you been? Why didn't you pick up your cell phone? What were you doing?" Doumyouji ignored Akira and pressed Tsukushi with questions. She hasn't been the same since coming back from Japan. Eight times out of ten, he couldn't find her. Remembering her expression as she watched Rui at the airport, Doumyouji's apprehension intensified.

Tsukushi accepted the wine Akira handed her, thanked him, and replied:

"Nothing, I just switched the cell phone to buzz mode."

"Are you an idiot? You knew I was looking for you, what are you switching to buzz mode for? And don't you need to look after the store? That stupid woman across the street is starting up trouble again. I'm telling you, don't tell me anything about honest competition this time. I'll make her suffer a painful death. Otherwise she'll think I'm only scaring her." Doumyouji said as he pulled Tsukushi over.

"Let go, you're hurting me." Tsukushi tore away and rubbed her arm.

"Hey, I'm talking to you, are you listening? What's wrong with you? You don't care two straws about your own business….why are you soaked like this?" Under the opaque light, Doumyouji discovered for the first time that she was slightly wet, "Are you an idiot? Don't you know it's raining?"

"It's only a light rain."

Akira studied her for a minute,

"Hey, Tsukushi, what's with you? Aren't you usually very energized? How come there are no sounds coming from you today? And since when were you ever in the mood to walk in the rain?" He puzzlingly watched her rare composure with a smile. Tsukasa was so troublesome. On a normal day there would've already been shouts and screams, yet the two were surprisingly not down each other's throats today. The two froze at his words, looked at each other, and became strangely uneasy at heart.

A warm afternoon, Doumyouji skeptically watched Tsukushi as she sat on the couch. She fell into a daze as she gazed outside the window, becoming usually quiet. Her face held a calm that unsettled Doumyouji. They've been back for almost a month. Other than working in the store, she didn't get out much and often fell absentminded like so when they were out on a date. The uneasiness in his heart multiplied.

"Doumyouji, is Soujrio and Yuki's flight in the afternoon?"

Doumyouji regained his focus,

"Oh, yeah, Akira said he'll call before he goes to the airport."

"You said that Soujiro won't hurt Yuki but I'm still worried. Soujiro is a playboy. If his bad habits one day reemerge, Yuki won't be able to take it. Plus, will his family accept Yuki?" Tsukushi anxiously frowned.

"Soujiro's serious about Yuki. How can he let the woman he loves be hurt? You don't have to worry. As for his family – Soujiro's sophisticated mother won't give Yuki too much trouble. And his father, Soujiro will be able to take care of it." He knew Soujiro's temperaments and admired Yuki's honesty and courage.

"I see."

Doumyouji stared at her for a while and suddenly made up his mind. Nishikado family's celebration was drawing near. Perhaps this was an opportunity. Tsukushi walked before the window and watched the garden full of the spring's multi-colored shades. But that sky-like elegant blue was missing. Rui, it was time for him to return.

A grand and splendid lobby, distinguished icons, prominent aristocrats, the wealthy, stylish, polished and refined assembled and gathered. Nishikado Corporation's Forty-Year Anniversary Celebration was about to commence. Soujiro kept an eye on the entrance as he greeted the arriving guests. Akira and the rest stayed at Tsukasa's and were preparing to arrive together. Tsukushi was helping Yuki to adjust her gown but remained distracted and looked to the gate through the window.

"Rui, what's up with this guy? He's still not here." Doumyouji complained, "What time did we say? Did he sleep and forget what time it was?"

"Yesterday he said there was a last minute emergency with the company and he'll rush over today. If I had known, I would've sent a helicopter to pick him up." Akira anxiously called his cell phone, "How come I can't get through? Is he already on the plane?"

"Tsukushi, you took the wrong earrings. Those are not a pair." Yuki laughed, "What's with you the whole day? Always distracted, matching the wrong scarf or wearing the wrong shoes. You're more nervous than I am about Soujiro's family celebration. Don't worry, Soujiro will take care of me. I told myself not be afraid and face his family members with courage. Today's a special day for him, I won't let him down. Tsukushi, you'll cheer me on, right?"

Tsukushi watched Yuki's determination and smiled,

"Of course, Yuki, good luck!"

Yuki's face held a sweet smile and expectations of a wonderful future. Tsukushi sincerely grinned, what a brave and confident Yuki. Yuki said she won't let Soujiro down – you said you would come back; will you let everyone down, Rui?

A deafening noise startled everyone in the room; Tsukushi and Yuki ran to the window. A white helicopter landed on the lawn in the courtyard; Doumyouji and Akira already set out to meet it. A familiar thin figure came forward among the ocean-deep darkness – a thin navy coat blown open and drifting with the wind, light brown tresses tangled and caressing his cheeks, eyes crystal clear as the stars…….

"Rui!" Akira stepped up to give him a deep hug, "You're finally here. I would've flown over to snatch you if you didn't come soon."

Doumyouji grabbed Rui's extended hand and gave him a punch in habit,

"Were you going to ditch everybody? Be careful that I'll go to Japan and turn your Hanazawa Corp upside down. What, forget about your friends as long as there's business?" He also gave Rui a hug as he spoke.

Watching the two's grinning faces, Rui also smiled:
"Not late, am I?"

"Rui, you're back!" A breathless inquiry; Rui turned around with a smile. Tsukushi, who had just rushed down the stairs, stood panting at the entrance to the lobby. She half carried her lake-blue gown in her hands, her long hair falling in front of her chest. Though a little cluttered, her joy was noticeably transparent. It has been a long month, Rui was finally back! Watching his graceful poise and fully blue attire, Tsukushi's heart jumped as she gazed at his gentle smile. Akira laughingly observed her and teased:

"Tsukushi, you're this happy that Rui's back? Tsukasa, you're in trouble."

Doumyouji mightily embraced Tsukushi and glared at him:

"Akira, you're itching for some pounding, aren't you?"

Rui looked to the struggling Tsukushi and smilingly said:

"Tsukushi, how've you been?"

"I'm fine. Hey, Doumyouji, let go of me, I can't walk like this." Tsukushi finally broke free of Doumyouji. She studied Rui's weary countenance and asked with worry:

"Are you still that busy? You seem to have gotten thinner."

Rui slightly stirred as he heard this. The concern and worry on her face were visibly apparent, but Tsukasa's anxious unease fell into his eyes at the same time. He remained silent, a loose white scarf flowing in the wind.

"Hanazawa Rui, I'm glad you're back." Yuki enthusiastically greeted him.

"Long time no see, Yuki." Rui politely responded.

"Let's wait to catch up with 'long time no sees'. Soujiro must be out of patience at the hotel. We need to hurry. It's not good to be collectively late." Akira laughingly reminded them.

Everyone adjusted their clothes and drove off.

(10)

Even a prestigious festivity such as this one, this attractive and glamorous group was still the center of attention. Soujiro came forward with a grin, tapped Rui on the shoulder and smilingly embraced him:

"What happened, being late on a day like this? People who sleep too much always spoil things." Having said so, his eyes fell upon Yuki. Her hair was fashioned into adorable curls, the light pink gown aptly fitting her small, delicate, and princess-like figure. The soft fluffs that outlined the dress further demonstrated her graceful charm. He indulgently embraced her and gently smiled:

"Yuki, you're the most beautiful girl here tonight."

Yuki met his gaze and gave him a sweet grin as her eyes sparkled.

"Urgh, how sick. Soujiro, can you not be so disgusting?" Doumyouji gave him a look of intolerable disgust.

"Sick? This is called being in love, all right? I think you're jealous. Watch and learn, okay? You have the nerve to talk about me when you still can't manage Tsukushi. You're really incompetent, you know that?" Soujiro relaxingly teased him.

"Learn what? What do you mean I can't manage Tsu...Hey, why would I be jealous of you? Just take care of your celebration, all right? So much nonsense, Yuki, this guy's really annoying."

Rui smiling watched their teasing and noticed Tsukushi's quietness.

"What are you thinking of, Tsukushi?"

Tsukushi was startled and smiled.

"No, nothing. I'm just not used to these situations." Avoiding his mellow yet perceptive gaze, she became a bit dazed as her glance fell on Doumyouji's childish face. These last few days have been a muddle. When the sentiment of longing became the joy of encounter, the balance was disrupted. She thought that longing was natural and won't hurt anyone, but the thrill and delight that flooded her heart as he emerged from the dark night were more than what she could endure. She was afraid to face Douymouji's infinite concern and terrified to meet Rui's crystal eyes, like now...

"How long are you staying this time? You haven't been back for a long time."

Rui shook his head with a smile.

"Who knows? Maybe I'll go back tomorrow morning." Taiwan's air still held that familiar dampness. He wondered if Eitoku's rooftop remained unchanged?

"That soon?" She was surprised. A month's wait for one evening? His return was only for this ceremony and would sustain for merely one night? This grand yet boisterous scene was really worth his traveling thus far? Perhaps F4's friendship was the only thing he greatly valued. Tsukushi's head fell in silence; an inexplicable yet heavy disappointment overwhelmed her heart.

"Tsukushi, why are you just standing there?" Akira patted her shoulders and laughed, "Not dancing with Tsukasa? Or is it that you want to dance with me?" He extended his hand and fixed his eyes on her.

"Sure." Tsukushi recovered. Akira gallantly led her down the dance floor, not forgetting to give Doumyouji a smug glimpse. Rui was already pulled away by Soujiro's father.

In the middle of the dance floor, Soujiro gracefully held on to Yuki; every pause, every turn, every expression, and every glance was harmonious and affectionate. They completely and deeply possessed each other's souls. Soujiro finally had her sincere belief and trust. Yuki was right. Under Soujiro's frivolous exterior was a true affection and Yuki bravely held on to it. She understood and trusted Soujiro more than anyone else. This was love's power, able to allow such a timid and fragile Yuki to have the enormous courage of giving all of her love to a man like Soujiro.

Tsukushi glimpsed at Doumyouji raising his wineglass by the dinner table. Doumyouji Kaede's words three years ago unexpectedly echoed in her ears: I give you five years. I won't interfere or censure your actions during these five years. If you and Tsukasa still undoubtedly belong to each other as you are today after five years, leaving no room for others to divide or separate you, I'll give you my blessings! That assured and confident tone, that piercing and cold gaze she still remembered – it was either a contemptuous disdain or a discerning insight. Those eyes startled her; it was because of them that she ignored Doumyouji's protests and agreed to this seemingly senseless 'five year contract'.

Doumyouji, he clings to his original choice, determinedly walking towards me, surrounding me with his committed love. To have such deep and complete love, I'm the happiest girl in the world, aren't I? But why were there so many quarrels these three years? Is my love complete?The wind blew open the distant curtains, navy blue garments falling into her eyes. Hanazawa Rui – he's leaving again tomorrow….

"Hey, Tsukushi, what did I do to you? If you don't like dancing with me, just say so. You don't have to be so distracted." Akira laughed above her and explained when he saw her puzzled face, "You've stepped on me several times. Didn't you know that?"

"Oh, sorry."

A hint of thoughtfulness in his eyes, Akira casually asked:

"What's up? Even fighting with Tsukasa didn't make you sad like this. I haven't seen you laugh since we got back from Japan. Today should be a happy day. Not only is Soujiro officially inheriting Nishikado Corp, Rui is back. F4 is together again."

"But…Rui's going away again tomorrow." Tsukushi murmured.

"Rui's leaving tomorrow? What are you taking about?" Akira lugged her away in surprise, "Come, let's go find him. What's he doing? Did we only want him to come back for this one night? Soujiro was right. His head's gone damaged from sleeping too much!"

Tsukushi didn't expect such a huge reaction and let him drag her to the balcony. Doumyouji quickly put down his wine glass and came to them to find out what had happened.

"Rui, let me ask you, are you really going back to Japan tomorrow?"

"What about it?"

"What's wrong with you? Let's forget the fact that you haven't come back in three years. You're finally back but you're leaving after one night. Are you really part of F4? Don't tell me you have something that you must take care of back in Japan. Give me a reason!" Akira appeared to be truly angry.

Rui looked at Tsukushi and Tsukasa somewhat surprised and then softly said:

"Sooner or later, is there a difference?"

Everyone was stumped. There wasn't any difference? No…Sooner or later, Rui was bound to leave.

"Why do you have to go to Japan? Taiwan is your real home. You don't miss your home, your friends, or Eitoku? Hanazawa Corp can operate in Taiwan too. Why must you leave? Is business really that important to you? Taiwan really has nothing worth staying for?" Everyone turned back in shock. It was Tsukushi. The same agitated expression as they were saying goodbye to Shizuka and Rui at the airport a few years back. The same tone, same gaze, same tears, and same concern…..

Rui's eyes dimmed as a trace of perplexed agony flickered. He fell silent.

"I have an announcement to make," The quiet group turned to look at the President of Nishikado Corp on stage. He was loudly making a pronouncement, "Starting from today, my son will be taking over the position of President of Nishikado Corporation. I want to thank everyone for their support of Nishikado family for the past forty years. Next, let's welcome the new President to say something…"

Under the spotlight, a handsome Soujiro gracefully walked on stage and elegantly nodded to the crowd. After a few words of polite gestures, he solemnly declared:

"Tonight is a special night for me. I will replace my father in continuing the grandeur of Nishikado family. My best friends have reunited here. I am very happy. In addition, the most important thing is that I want to introduce to everyone the most important person in my life." He passed through the crowd and slowly raised Yuki's hand as he smiled brightly, "She's Yuki, the girl I love and the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Everybody present is my witness – today is also our engagement party!"

Everyone was astonished. Paying no attention to others' stares, Soujiro only gazed at Yuki:

"Yuki, will you marry me?"

Yuki blossomed a most beautiful smile, her delicate face dazzling, slightly nodding her head as she answered with resolve:

"I will."

Time seemed to have stopped for an instant, followed by thundering applause. Watching the embracing couple, the guests present smilingly gave their congratulations with surprise and pleasure. The tremendous enthusiasm masked Soujiro's father's strained face. F4 came forward with astonishment and delight and surrounded the two whose faces radiated a blissful glow.

"Soujiro, you are something else. Even we didn't know! This is rather shocking news."

"Soujiro, Yuki, congratulations."

"Now 'Flat Tsukushi' can finally let go and not bother me from now on. Soujiro, Yuki, I'm very happy for you. You have my blessings."

"All right, Soujiro and Yuki are engaged. Shouldn't someone else take a hint? Don't drag on for three more years. No one will want to be the best man by then." The mocking tone made everyone laugh.

"Did I ask for your opinion? You talk too much, Akira." Watching Tsukushi as she held on to Yuki and congratulated her, he suddenly stated with seriousness:

"Tsukushi, let's get engaged."

When these words came out, everyone stood stupefied and pinned to the floor. What day was today? There were too many shocks. Tsukushi stared incredulously at Doumyouji's firm and sincere expression. What was he saying? He's talking about an…engagement?

"Whoa! Tsukasa, nice! This is what it means to be F4's leader." Akira hollered loudly, "Tsukushi, what are you dazing about? Hurry up and nod your head. How many times do you want Tsukasa to beg?"

"Tsukushi, Tsukushi, what are you thinking about? Doumyouji is proposing to you. Hurry and say yes. This way we can be engaged on the same day. It'd be so beautiful." Yuki urged in a low voice.

Bypassing everyone's peeks, Tsukushi saw the lake-deep ponder in those crystal eyes. She absentmindedly yet candidly replied:

"Doumyouji, I……I'm still not ready……."

"What do you have to be ready for? Three years and you're still not ready?" Doumyouji's eyebrows turned into a knot as he glared at her hesitant stuttering, "Is it….that you don't want to marry me?"

Tsukushi awkwardly looked into his fervent and hopeful eyes and didn't know how to express herself:

"It's not that I don't want to. I just think now is not the tim……"

"Not that you don't want to? Then you do? This woman, you're really…..then everything's OK. Everyone heard it, Tsukushi agreed, right? Soujiro, I've decided, let's be engaged together!" Doumyouji didn't wait for her to finish to ask the crowd to be their witness. Without asking, he placed a ring on her finger and excitedly spun her in circles, "Tsukushi and I are engaged!"

The entire lobby echoed with his thrilled and eager shouts. The thin figure in the corner quietly vanished into the night.

"Hey, Doumyouji, wait a minute….I said wait, I didn't finish speaking…Hey, I want to say….what are you……" A mass of people came forward and congratulating voices masked all of her objections. No one wanted to listen to her. Doumyouji! Wasn't this idiot a bit too arrogant? Engagement! How can he make a decision all by himself? Buried in praise and admiration, Tsukushi didn't know what to say as she watched Doumyouji's pleased smiles.

"Tsukasa, Tsukushi must be very happy. She doesn't even know how to talk anymore. I think she must've turned numb." Akira teased.

Soujiro followed:

"This is so great. Doumyouji Corp and Nishikado Corp must set up a party that'll last three days and three nights to celebrate this day. Rui can't run away. I have a surprise for you. Where's Rui?"

Voices of congratulations echoing in her ears, her heart was in complete upheaval, without any hints or clues. It was only upon Soujiro's question that she looked to the balcony in surprised awareness – only the curtains gently flowed with the passing breeze. Her heart tensed as her eyes swept across every corner in the lobby, searching for that pair of crystal eyes. Not here, not there, not anywhere. He was like a trace of vanished smoke, almost as if he's never been here. Parting the crowd, she instinctively charged out, merely desiring to grab that shade of ocean blue.

"Tsukushi!" Doumyouji held her back with force, "Where are you going now? You want to stir up trouble again?"

Stiffly pausing her steps, facing his passionate yet perplexed gaze, Tsukushi stuttered,

"I….I was only….."

Wasn't Doumyouji the person I want to spend my life with? The Doumyouji who, without any doubts, once told her behind that door that "If giving up was possible, I would've given up the first time." The Doumyouji who continued to love her deeply through their non-stop quarrels of the past three years. Was I going to dishearten such a man? Glancing at the curtains that floated with the wind beside the empty balcony, she heard the soft yet clear shatter of a broken heart. Meeting Doumyouji's determined eyes, this pair of eyes was not clear as water but passionate as fire. Remembering Doumyouji Kaede's words – perhaps she was being too paranoid.

Boundless raindrops drizzled in the air; roses' fragrance fell on everyone's shoulders. Gazing at the riveting petals drifting under the magnificently splendid lights, everyone smilingly cheered and applauded. The couples who've just announced their engagements were encircled in the center, a rosemary scent surrounding them. The band accordingly performed merry and lively tunes, the initially esteemed anniversary celebration thus turning into an engagement ceremony, full of the festive happiness of love and youth. Tsukushi lowered her head in uncertainty. Her engagement was unexpectedly sudden and dramatic. Rui's previously stated reason for returning surprisingly came true, yet he didn't keep his promise….

The clamor and commotion in the lobby flowed out with the music. Absorbing the joyous atmosphere, today was an extraordinary day. Standing alone in the wind, gazing at the starless sky, his nearly transparent eyes, profound and vague, reflected a light sorrow; one trace and then dark as the night. Raising his wineglass and facing the laughter-filled room, he smiled:

"I wish you every happiness, Tsukushi." She will be happy, won't she?

"She's happy, Rui, What about you?" A gentle voice carrying a deep concern, arriving through the night fog as if a heavenly melody.

This voice! Rui jumped and turned around in disbelief.