Chapter 5 The Years Before…Part 3


Ayame started to clear the store. He gave all the creations to the modelswho modeled them. The only one who left any piece behind was Tohru. She didn't know that she was allowed to keep any of them. He folded them neatly into a pile. His eyes closed as he thought of her in the white gown again.

'Bye, Boss', Mine yelled over her shoulder as she went out of the shop to meet her fiancée, Jin.

'Bye.' Ayame waved. He was clearing the front of the shop. He walked into the inner room and sat on the couch with a sigh. The harrowing day was over. He closed his eyes and allowed some calm to overtake him.

Tohru watched as he rested. A small frown formed on her forehead. When did she start to watch him like that? Lately, she found herself watching Ayame, almost every moment she can, taking in his beautiful face and graceful body. She was in awe with his talents, thankful for his generosity. For the first time today, she saw him angry. She knew he was more than a silly façade that he displayed to the world. She liked all of it.

Tohru absently shook her head. What was she thinking? Ayame was out of her league. She smiled. The Sohmas were out of her league. They took her in kindness and here she was day-dreaming about one of their sons – the best, in her opinion. It was enough that they gave her a place to stay, encouraged her during her high school years and gave her a job. She had achieved more than her mother had expected of her. She mentally shook herself out of her daydreams.

'Bye, Ayame.'

He jumped and turned around. Tohru had changed into her street clothes and was ready to leave.

'Tohru-kun. I thought you left.'

'I had tea with Mine before she left and had just changed out of your clothes.' She blushed a little. Ayame smiled, wondering if she was thinking about how she looked while modeling.

'Beautiful.' The word came out before he could stop it. Her eyes widened in question.

Ayame was shocked himself, but recovered quickly. He smiled and shook his head. 'Do you want something to eat?'

Tohru nodded. They locked up the shop and headed to Ayame's favourite dumpling restaurant. On the way, Ayame slipped into his old self, teasing and chatting up a storm.

'Mine's wedding is next week, isn't it?'

'Yes,' Tohru answered while tackling her dessert.

'Are you going with Yuki?' Ayame asked. Somehow, he couldn't look at her while waiting for her to answer.

'No, Yuki said he might be late due to his work at the university and since I am the bridesmaid, I would have to be there early.'

'You are the bridesmaid?'

'Hai. Didn't you know?'

'Mine must have told me. But it has been so busy at the shop, it must have slipped my mind. So I guess I'll see you there early then.'

Ayame walked Tohru back, they walked in silence. Each lost in their thoughts.

'Tohru…, ' Ayame started as he turned around to face her. Tohru, absorbed in her thoughts, did not notice that he had stopped and walked right into him. She instinctively used her hands to stop herself…POOF