(11)

Deep into the night, a dim shadow cloudy as the fog and white as the snow slowly treaded the mist and came forward among the shrubbery, gradually growing clearer and clearer…..

Large bright eyes, flowing brown hair with slight curls, fair and transparent skin, a snow-white gown sweeping the ground, simple yet elegant, the soft creases displayed her slender waist, the silk scarf around her neck gently swayed, the ample and waving bottom glided with her light steps – such an otherworldly sight resembled an illusory dream, yet the gentle smile on her lips revealed too much affection. Though without stylish garments, expensive jewelry and embellishing make-up, she was still a breathtaking perfection. The grace and eminence amid her movements were nonetheless beguiling.

"Shizuka!" Rui was greatly surprised. The woman before him was actually Shizuka! The Shizuka whom he thought he'd never see again.

Toudou Shizuka, of course it was her. The lights in the garden suddenly brightened as the others walked out. Soujiro laughed:

"Surprised, Rui? Your sixth sense works rather well. No wonder I couldn't find you - you were already waiting here. So, you won't be leaving tomorrow?"

All admiring eyes automatically turned to Shizuka. This was Shizuka. Even in the simplest of clothes, she was still the center of attention, the image of perfection. Tsukushi quietly observed Rui and Shizuka standing beside the bushes – they were an exceptional match, both possessing an identical flawless elegance. Shizuka-san returned. Did Rui's happiness also return? Stealthily watching his slightly joyous expression, her heart lightly throbbed with pain. What am I thinking about? Shizuka-san is back I should be happy for Rui. Besides, I'm already engaged to Doumyouji. How can I have these strange thoughts? Tsukushi shook her head to brush aside these feelings.

"Shizuka, welcome back!" F4 gathered for a warm greeting.

"Thanks. Did I miss an exciting scene? Soujiro, Tsukasa, you seem very happy." Shizuka greeted them one after the other and attentively noticed the extraordinary joy on their faces.

"That's because tonight…….they're engaged!" Akira laughingly informed Shizuka in a loud voice. Everyone laughed together.

"Really!" Shizuka grinned with surprise, "Then I really shouldn't have been late. Congratulations."

Shizuka looked at Tsukushi and sincerely smiled,

"Long time no see, Tsukushi. Congratulations."

Tsukushi gazed at the stunning Shizuka and said in a daze,

"Shizuka-san, long time no see."

Doumyouji also welcomed Shizuka's return in smiles – perhaps her coming back will foster another turn of events.

Shizuka recovered from the welcoming grins and fixed her eyes on the silent Rui. Rui's eyes bypassed Tsukushi's hesitant face as he gazed at Shizuka's ever beautiful and graceful face. Shizuka, she was still so outstanding and perfect. Apart for several years, she was all the more mature and confident. Was she still his Shizuka? No. She had said that she was Toudou Shizuka, not Toudou Corp.'s Shizuka, not anyone's Shizuka. Perhaps to him, she will always be someone seen from a faraway distance.

"Rui, Tsukushi and I were just engaged." Doumyouji solemnly stated as he watched Rui, as if making a declaration.

"I know. I wish you every happiness." Rui, however, looked to Tsukushi and gave his blessings.

"Music. Let's dance. Tonight belongs to happiness, to joy. Any catching up will have to wait until tomorrow." Soujiro gave a reconciling smile as he took Yuki into his arms and started to dance. The soft and captivating melody streamed in the air. Tsukushi was pulled onto the dance floor by Doumyouji. The two's dance steps were surprisingly harmonious, yet her eyes involuntarily turned to the two who stood face to face in silence.

"Shizuka's back. Rui is always like this. Whenever he's happy, his mood turns sour." Doumyouji laughed as he observed the distant couple, unintentionally bringing Tsukushi out of the viewing range.

"Aren't you going to invite me to dance?" Shizuka gently reminded him.

Rui gracefully held onto her slender waist and glided onto the dance floor. The fluster of reencounter has not yet dissipated. Accompanied by the soothing music, an ocean blue reflecting a snow white, a fairytale scene was formed. The two's harmonious and elegant dance steps drew the attention of many.

Yuki said in spellbound:

"What a perfect couple. I had this feeling when I first watched them dance together. Hanazawa Rui and Toudou Shizuka, I've never seen a pair as elegant near perfection as they are, Soujiro."

Soujiro lovingly looked at her in amusement,

"You envy Rui and Shizuka? We're also a matching pair, silly girl."

"You're laughing at me. I just think that Toudou Shizuka is very beautiful and can't help but want to be like her." Yuki blushed.

"You're perfect in my eyes. You don't need to envy anyone or be like Shizuka. I love who's standing in front of me. Everything about you is perfect." Soujiro looked into her eyes and stated sincerely.

"Thank you, Soujiro. I'm really happy." Yuki leaned in close and sighed contentedly, "I've never been so happy."

Holding her tightly, Soujiro exclaimed in a low voice:

"You know something? Sometimes perfection isn't happiness. Don't you think Rui and Shizuka appear too ideal? Unreal, like a fairytale. I wonder what Rui will do now that Shizuka is back again…"

Yuki paused a little and looked to the couple in worry.

"Rui, I saw coverage on Hanazawa Corp when I was in France. You've really grown up." Shizuka watchfully gazed at him. Such a gentle and concerned look, it was Shizuka's gaze.

"Shizuka, how's France?" All the worry and concern couldn't be expressed due to a faint distance. Only these meaningless exchanges were repeated. Shizuka, who's been deeply rooted in his heart, whom he genuinely missed, she's back. In a night like this, Shizuka returned.

Tsukushi saw Rui's eyes. The tenderness that ran in those crystal eyes caused her heart to twinge with pain. Rui was her angel, but Shizuka was Rui's goddess. Tsukushi's face dimmed. Her choice was correct, right? Doumyouji was her best shelter. Will Shizuka-san be Rui's happiness?

What will tomorrow be like, who knows?

(12)

The morning's first ray of sunlight shined on the leaving guests.

"You still don't like to talk," Shizuka looked at Rui, who drove in silence, his expression without a trace of disturbance, "You turned Hanazawa Corp into your own style. Compared to three years ago, you've become determined and at ease, truly the soul of a multi-national corporation. I'm really happy for you, Rui!"

"Tsukasa said you were very busy."

"Yep. I'm back this time for a charity fundraising. There's also another case." Shizuka smilingly said.

Rui quietly observed her brilliant and elegant smile, her kind and intimate eyes. Is Shizuka really back? Is she really happy for my supposed success? Rui watched the familiar Shizuka, yet a feeling of distance crept into his heart. Just like a childhood dream slowly fading, Shizuka was still so remote and unreachable.

Doumyouji Residence

"If my memory doesn't serve me wrong, our agreement didn't expire yet." Doumyouji Kaede turned around with a sneer, staring at Tsukushi.

"Yes, I did break our original agreement."

"Then you understand what will be the consequences?" Doumyouji Kaede's smile turned bright, "I will not allow the Doumyoujis's only heir to be so hastily engaged, especially in this fashion! It's a joke! Even if Tsukasa is immature and stubborn, he still can't do something like this without consulting my and his father's opinions! As for you, Miss Tsukushi, I think I have been more than sympathetic and considerate. You're the one who didn't cherish the opportunity. I will not let you become the laughingstock of the Doumyouji family!"

"I'm sorry. We should've asked for your consent about the engagement, but -----"

"Don't say 'sorry', and there are no buts!" Doumyouji Kaede coldly interrupted her, "Starting today, our agreement is worthless! As for Tsukasa, whatever he does this time will no longer threaten me. If he doesn't care about the Doumyoujis' reputation, then I won't have to show him any more consideration. I would like see how far a penniless Tsukasa, without the Doumyouji family, will travel with you."

Accompanied by the sound of rapid steps and the bodyguard falling to the floor,

"Why are you bothering Tsukushi again? The engagement is my decision. I will decide my life! You're my mother but you can't decide for me."

"Tsukasa, what tone are you taking with me? Is this the kind of manner that Doumyouji Tsukasa should be exhibiting? How far will you degrade with this woman? How are you fit to be the heir of Doumyouji family this way?" Doumyouji Kaede grimaced slightly as she watched a determined Doumyouji barge in.

"Don't insult Tsukushi, even if you're my mother. The Doumyouji heir? Is that so precious?" Doumyouji was furious, "Doumyouji Corp, Doumyouji family – other than business, career, money, status, what's left in your heart? Doumyouji family, this is family? How is it different from a grave!"

"You----" Doumyouji Kaede's face twitched but quickly returned to normal, "If you don't care a bit, then ---"

"I wanted to leave this goddamn place a long time ago! You don't have to make me! Tsukushi, let's go." Doumyouji didn't wait for her to finish and dragged Tsukushi toward the door.

"Doumyouji, wait a second. This isn't right. We did do something wrong. She's your mother. If you want to say something…hey, Doumyouji, listen to me….." Tsukushi persuaded him as she half-struggled.

"Okay, you have guts. But let me warn you, once you walk out of this door, you will be out of everything. What can you do without the Doumyouji name?"

"I won't starve to death. I will make something out of myself. Just wait and see."

"Oh really? All right. If that day comes, then I will personally welcome you back and administer your wedding." Doumyouji Kaede's eyes actually sparkled with a slight grin.

"That won't be necessary. I said I will decide my own life." Doumyouji finished speaking and marched to the door with Tsukushi in his arms.

That palace-like mansion gradually disappeared out of sight.

"Doumyouji, are you sure you want to do this?" Tsukushi looked at his angry face with worry, "She's your mother after all. Are you really not going to speak for the rest of your lives? And Tsubaki-san will be worried when she finds out."

Doumyouji hugged her.

"When I have you, I don't care about the rest. You are enough. You won't leave me, right?"

"Doumyouji…." Watching his fervent eyes, (He said I am enough. Am I really that important? What will you do if I disappoint you one day? This responsibility is so heavy, as if Doumyouji's future is entirely in my hands. Will I still be able to stand with him on an equal footing? If I lost that independence, how will I face my life with you from now on?) Tsukushi's heart was grave.

How will F3 respond to something like this? It's only been one day since the engagement, yet there was such a sudden turn of events. (I didn't mean for this to happen, but all opposition was trapped at the lips, just like moments ago I suddenly lost the nerve to argue with the 'Queen'. I really don't want Doumyouji to lose everything because of me. Even though I don't care about the Doumyouji fortune, that was Doumyouji's entire world. Not only Doumyouji Corp's enormous wealth, but also his family and his parents. Perhaps he didn't care, but there are some things that he was born with, things that he can't eliminate from his life. Doumyouji, how can he adjust to the life of a normal person? He's Doumyouji!)

(13)

The ones who rushed over at the news were Akira and Rui.

"What happened? Something's wrong with Soujiro this morning too. We can't get in touch with Soujirou and Yuki, just heard that he rushed to Canada today by plane. And then you guys too. Where's Tsukasa?"

"Tsukasa's mother is back?" Rui asked, "What did she say?"

"Doumyouji broke off with her over the engagement last night. He just went to sleep…." Tsukushi glanced at the bedroom in worry and paused, "Akira, what did you just say about Soujirou?"

"Broke off? What do you mean, that idiot left home? How can the 'Queen' allow you guys to openly oppose her? Her veins must have been popping out, right?" Akira jokingly asked, not realizing the seriousness of the situation.

"Akira, stop joking around." Rui gave him a solemn look and asked Tsukushi, "What are you guys going to do?"

Tsukushi shook her head. She was very confused. She had no idea what the future will look like.

"Hey, Rui, why are your faces like that? So he left home, what's the big deal? We're F4. We're not going to let Tsukasa and Tsukushi live on the streets. Plus Tsukasa is Doumyoujis' only heir. The 'Queen' won't do anything drastic to him."

"Akira, Doumyouji didn't just leave home. He's no loner Doumyouji Corporation's successor." Tsukushi told him clearly, "From the moment he walked out of that door…"

"Tsukushi, you mean…." Akira now understood.

"Tsukasa gave up everything." Rui quietly stated.

"Oh God. You're not serious. How did it get to this? Just because you two are engaged, the 'Queen' let Tsukasa leave? How is this possible? He's her only son." Akira was in disbelief.

Tsukushi was silent. Recalling everything about last night, guilt clouded her entire consciousness. She didn't want this. No matter how much she disliked Doumyouji Kadede's arrogance, she's still Doumyouji's mother.

Rui suddenly said:

"Akira, you better go to the airport and stop Soujirou."

Akira stared at Rui in astonishment.

"Yuki might still be in Taiwan." Rui was calm and confident.

Akira couldn't help but be surprised, but immediately understood. Rui meant…he exchanged a look with Rui and hurried out. Tsukushi quickly asked:

"Did something happen to Yuki? Did she and Soujirou also…"

Rui gave her a comforting smile:

"Don't worry. Soujirou won't let anything happen to Yuki."

Tsukushi was a bit relieved when she heard this. Although it's only been two days, her feelings were as different as day and night. She sat on the sofa with her eyebrows in a knot. Even now she found it hard to believe. She's always worked hard to maintain an equal status with Doumyouji, not wanting him to sacrifice anything for her. The situation now made her think that the balance that she had fought so hard to maintain was lost. Will Doumyouji's future be ruined in her hands? He's Doumyouji! How can his world tolerate to be ordinary?

"Don't give yourself so much pressure. Tsukasa did this for love, not to be your burden, do you understand?"

Rui turned around in front of the window and said to her with a smile. That gentle look miraculously soothed a heart in turmoil. Hanazawa Rui, such a warm sensation.

Tsukushi suddenly remembered something and hesitatingly said:

"I'm sorry. Because of me….where is Shizuka-san? I'm fine now. Go spend time with her…."

Rui's eyes dimmed and stood silent as he looked to the window. Tsukushi was a little uneasy. What's up with Rui? He seemed angry – because I mentioned Shizuka-san? He originally planned to leave but stayed due to her return, so Shizuka-san still occupied the deepest place in his heart. Yet he was angry. She could sense his frustration.

Today's sun was different from usual, wasn't it?

Tsukushi watched Doumyouji, who had risen early, happily eat the breakfast that she made for him. It was the same as when they were at Eitoku. His childlike smiling face was proud and content. Tsukushi's heart, however, could not lighten up as the smiles on her face did. What was there to do today? She must go to the store. What about Doumyouji? He didn't have to go to work anymore, what will he do? Tsukushi almost carved the egg in front of her into a puddle.

"What a great day. It's been a long time since I had days off. Are you going to the store?" Doumyouji asked with a grin and Tsukushi nodded, "Then I'll go find Rui and the rest for some chat. You can come when you're done."

Tsukushi paused a bit and nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. Perhaps Rui and the others can give Doumyouji some advice. Where will they go from here? If it were just her, she would undoubtedly work hard to maintain her life, thinking happy thoughts while leading an ordinary existence. But Doumyouji – she had no right to decide his life. F4, maybe they can help him.

(14)

"Mother, what do you want?" The beautiful and straightforward Doumyouji Tsubaki rushed back from the U.S. overnight, "You've forced Tsukasa out of the house. What exactly is most important to you in this family?"

"I already said I won't allow anyone to ruin the Doumyouji family reputation!"

"Reputation? Money and status again. Are they really that important to you? More important than Tsukasa's happiness? You're our mother!"

"I am your mother, that's why I won't allow Tsukasa to act according to his urges. And another thing, I've already given them a chance."

"If you insist on severing ties with Tsukasa, then you don't have to care about me either. I'm going to see Tsukasa and Tsukushi."

"You stop right there!" Doumyouji Kaede gave her a cold stare, "You once said, 'Life has endless possibilities', correct?"

"Endless possibilities? What do you mean?" Tsubaki stirred a little and looked at her undisturbed countenance, "Do you mean…."

"This is an opportunity," Doumyouji Kaede looked to the view outside the window, a light flickering in her eyes, "An opportunity to let every one of them to understand themselves. It's time Tsukasa grew up!"

Watching her figure disappearing out of the door, Tsubaki was perplexed. She meant….Tsukushi and Tsukasa, weren't you already certain of each other? Perhaps…a troubled look flashed across her beautiful and elegant face.

"Rui, how come it's only you?" Doumyouji walked into the outdoor café and noticed Rui sitting alone.

"Akira went to Canada to see Soujirou."

"Canada? Something happened to Soujirou and Yuki too?" Doumyouji grimaced, "It's his father, isn't it? He's just like that old woman, chi-gu-bu-hua! (Old and Obstinate)"

"It's shi-gu-bu-hua. Tsukasa, what do you plan to do next?" Rui frowned slightly and looked at his assured face with concern. Tsukasa, did he really know what road to take in the future?

"Aiya, whatever. What do you mean 'plan to do'? No matter what, I'm not going to let that old woman triumph, and I won't give up Tsukushi. She's dreaming if she wants to separate us. So what if I don't have Doumyouji Corp? I don't care about some stupid corporation!"

Doumyouji was indignant.

"Doumyouji Tsukasa will be better off with out her. She'll see! I'm telling you, you guys can't help me. I will conquer the world with my own hands!"

Rui's frown deepened as he observed Doumyouji's overconfident expression with worry. Tsukasa, he was too naïve. He'll have to realize that even with F3's help, there's no guarantee that they will win, much less on his own. Knowing Doumyouji Kaede's tactics, she won't allow him any standing in the business world. If Tsukasa don't see the situation as it is, he doesn't have any winning pledge. Tsukushi's anxious and uncertain face emerged before his eyes. His expression calmed down:

"Tsukasa, you have to be more than prepared. I think you know your mother's ways better than anyone else." Doumyouji looked at Rui's solemn face as he looked away to the distant, "Get this – the moment you walked out of the house, Tsukushi, just like you, has no way of turning back."

Doumyouji was baffled. The worry and concern in Rui's eyes were evident and sincere.

"Rui, did you really stay for Shizuka?"

"Just postponed."

"What? You're still leaving? But Shizuka's back. Is Japan really that great?" Doumyoui was surprised. Rui, what were you thinking? Shizuka has always been the most important person in his heart.

"Tsukasa, Tsukushi is really worried about you. Try to communicate with her. It's the world of a commoner after all." Tsukasa entering Tsukushi's world wasn't an easy thing to do. It was completely foreign to him. Perhaps everything he learned before won't be of any use there.

"You're still very concerned about Tsukushi." Doumyouji misinterpreted his meaning.

"Did you forget you promised me to take good care of her?" Rui's eyes were clear and candid.

Doumyouji was silent. He has never forgotten Rui's assured expression as he was leaving, as if turning over a responsibility. The same expression showed after three years. He nodded:

"Yes, I promised you. I'll live up to it."

Rui sighed with relief and smiled. Looking at the brilliant blue sky, he said to himself – Tsukushi, Tsukasa, if God is testing you, I promise this is the last time.

"Tsubaki-san, when did you get back?" Tsukushi saw the hasty Doumyouji Tsubaki in surprise.

"Sis, what're you doing back?"

"Tsukasa, Tsukushi, how are you? I heard from Akira that you were engaged."

"Yeah. Did you see her?" Doumyouji's faced darkened, "You can tell her I won't give in. If she wants you to persuade me, don't even bother. Sis, don't interfere with me."

"What kind of garbage are you saying? You're my only little brother. Are you itching for a beating? How can I stand on the sideline after something this big popped up?" Tsubaki yelled with impatience.

"Tsubaki-san, you don't have to worry about us. We can take care of ourselves. Plus…" Tsukushi glanced at Doumyouji, "It's all my fault, Doumyouji breaking off with his family and you leaving work to fly back."

"Tsukushi!" Tsubaki noticed her guilty look. This wasn't like her. When she stood up to Mother before, that frank and courageous Tsukushi didn't have this expression. Tsubaki was really starting to worry. Tsukushi shouldn't feel this guilty. To be able to be with the one you love no matter how grand the obstacles, to face them with strength and smiles, to strengthen as she went, that was Tsukushi! Maybe this really was an opportunity – Tsubaki reflected to herself.

"Sis, you can go back. I'll protect Tsukushi. I'm Doumyouji Tsukasa!" Doumyouji patted his chest with confidence.

"I trust you." Seeing Tsukasa's smile, as if rid of all restraint, Tsubaki cautioned them with a grin. Even though she had many worries, she returned to the U.S. the next day. It was really time that Tsukasa grew up and faced the world by himself.