Chapter Four: Respecting & Roaring
The following Wednesday evening Kazuya and Chizuru prepared to meet their families once again only this time inviting Ruka to join them. The three of them had decided to push her introduction up a week feeling they needed to remove this like a bandage in one pull. Arriving in her girlfriend persona at Kazuya's door the two left and walked towards the stairs when he felt his hand being taken by Chizuru and looked over stating that wasn't necessary tonight. Embarrassed and feeling a little scared she asked if she could do it tonight until they got to the door. Kazuya smiled and took her hand started to walk with him down the stairs to a taxi waiting for them confessing he wanted to do that since he saw her. Chizuru shot a small smile showing a little comfort and held it the entire ride to the local steak and sushi restaurant. Meeting Ruka at the front door the three of them walked in together to the shocked looks of Kazuya's grandmother, his parents, and Chizuru's grandmother with her suitor.
Sitting down the entire table all looked toward them with the obvious question. Gathering all his courage he took Chizuru's hand under the table feeling he needed whatever possible confidence holding her hand could provide and took a deep breath.
Kazuya started,"We need to tell you all something, and it isn't easy, but Chizuru and I aren't romantically together anymore. We wanted to tell you before, but couldn't stand the thought of making everyone here unhappy and-"
"What?! Chizuru is this true?! Grandmother Inochense asked.
"Kazuya! What happened between the two of you?! You looked so happy together," Grandmother Kinoshita lamented.
Kazuya froze with tears in his eyes on the verge of crying.
Chizuru feeling equally scared felt she must be part of this and said, "I am sorry, but it is true. We couldn't bring it up ourselves. We know you both care deeply for us and l...we...just were reluctant to bring it up. We just couldn't bear the thought-"
"Did you cheat on her Kazuya?! What could cause you two to break up?! You shared the room at the spa and seemed so happy! What happened Chizuru?! Did he cheat on you?! What could ever make you ever want to not be with 'my angel' Chizuru? Who is this with you? Isn't she the girl from New Year's? What is she doing here?!" Grandmother Kinoshita began to cry.
Kazuya started to get up to console his grandmother when she indicated he should stay down. Kazuya's parents were dumbfounded.
Grandmother Inochense asked already in tears, "Chizuru did you hurt him by lying? You have been joining us for dinner for so long. What happened Kazuya?! Did she say she was 'too busy' to date you since she was 'so busy acting'? She used that excuse once before on another guy. Did you make him feel his time was intruding on your acting career? Who is this girl? We met her before. Who is she?!"
Chizuru started to get up to attempt to console her grandmother when she too was told to sit down.
Both grandmothers said they thought highly of the two of them and loved their being together. Kazuya's parents just shook their heads saying they too loved Chizuru and wondered what happened.
Chizuru had started to cry and Kazuya was very close to it as he held Chizuru close while they both were shaking.
Ruka shook her head sadly and said, "May I say something to all of you?"
Both grandmothers stopped crying and nodded and Grandmother Kinoshita said to go ahead while Kazuya's parents also nodded.
Ruka stood up as she looked at Chizuru and Kazuya and gave a supportive smile before saying, "My name is Ruka Sarashina and I am Kazuya's girlfriend. We all met about six months ago on new year's day. I joined you for lunch over a misunderstanding. I had read a text draft on Kazuya's phone thinking it was intended for me. Kazuya was scared as he wanted to introduce me then, but just felt it wasn't a good idea knowing it's be a horrible way to start the new year. Chizuru here is an angel, the sweetest woman I know, and she wanted to protect everyone's feelings. Both of them did. It hurt them both knowing they were leading you on, but they couldn't stand the thought of hurting you. During the last five months Kazuya asked me to keep the news of us dating quiet. He is so sweet. He begged me feeling he could, both of them could, gradually tell you that they were only close friends now feeling their schedules weren't allowing for much time and they're happier as friends."
Ruka paused looking at everyone's faces showing a mixture of acceptance and a growing calm.
Continuing Ruka said, "They got wrapped up in each other's lives by seeing the two of you so happy. Neither could stand the thought of making you unhappy, but they knew they had to come forward at some point. Summer is here, everything is bright and beautiful and they felt...we all felt...it was the time. Please. Please don't be angry with them. If anything be angry with me since I know this is all sudden. I won't ask you for your love today, I just ask for a chance Grandmother Kinoshita. I ask you, Mr. & Mrs. Kinoshita, to allow me the chance to earn your honor and welcome." Ruka bowed.
Kazuya and Chizuru were shocked and felt Ruka was amazing. Both felt she had a future in acting with a strong ability to improv.
Ruka sat down as both grandmothers dried their eyes and said they were sorry they'd caused them both to carry such a burden. Grandmother Ichinose said she was sorry to have made her think that her happiness should take precedent over hers at any time. She the looked to Kazuya and said she feels he is a respectable young man and however misguided his actions were she still thought highly of him even if she was disappointed at the truth. Both grandmothers said Ruka showed amazing patience and understanding feeling she is surely someone who must hold Kazuya in high regard.
Looking towards Chizuru Grandmother Kinoshita said she was a wonderful and charming person. She went onto say her feelings and desires to not hurt her will always make her think highly of her. Kazuya's grandmother then looked at Kazuya with firm eyes and apologized to him and the table stating that while she wishes he could have come forward earlier, and was angry he didn't, she appreciated what was going on. She admitted that her family's lack of confidence towards him likely contributed to this whole situation, but felt great hope that he came forward however difficult and saddening it was.
Chizuru looked towards Ruka and said to the table, "Ruka here is a good...a great...person who showed us a lot of patience and forgiveness. It is because of Kazuya's patience and caring of everyone's feelings, often above his own, that she really likes him."
Smiling Chizuru took both of her hands and rubbed Ruka's shoulders with a genuine smile making the whole table smile. Ruka smiled as Chizuru stopped and put her hands back at her side.
Kazuya cleared his throat saying, "I am grateful for the chance to have been with Chizuru as I felt it helped me grow and mature. It wasn't easy, but my friends feel I have grown. Chizuru thinks I have and I am lucky now to have Ruka at my side to continue on this path. I am no longer the scared and jumpy person I was before. Ruka brings me a calm and confidence since she is happy to be with me for who I am. I am sorry for causing grief, but know that with Ruka I am feeling joy, a joy I wish to share."
Kazuya held Ruka's shoulders and pulled her closer with a genuine smile. Ruka quietly smiled and turned a deep shade of red. Kazuya's parents quietly swooned and mother wiped away a tear. Kazuya's grandmother smiled and offered to pay for her dinner. However, Ruka said she worked an extra few hours and wished to treat everyone since all showed patience, understanding, and forgiveness. She remarked this is a group of people who bring her honor and she wished to show it. Everyone got quiet and nodded.
Ruka attempted to lighten the mood by saying that it was Chizuru who introduced her to Kazuya wishing to still see him happy. She said she was in one of her literature classes.
"Oh right. Ruka here loves romance novels," Chizuru quickly said happy that there would be no path leading back to a story of two rental dates intertwining.
"I have some friends who I could introduce her to, but I want to find one worthy of her first," Ruka said smiling while Chizuru blushed just a little.
Kazuya's heartbeat went from a level ready to make pass out to a calm. He knew he had two very special women in his life and must make sure to show them each how important they truly are.
After parting from dinner Kazuya offered to accompany Ruka back to her place in a taxi paying for the ride. Ruka smiled and said it was appreciated, but felt Chizuru and he should return to their units as friends in a calm for one final night. Chizuru, without hesitation, hugged her thanking her and shed a single tear. Releasing the hug Chizuru smiled again saying she knows she will take good care of Kazuya. Ruka hugged Kazuya hard feeling her pulse rise as she whispered in a joking voice, "Just make sure to go back to your unit once you get home and not anywhere else." Once Ruka's taxi rolled up Chizuru quickly paid for her ride and gave the driver a nice gratuity feeling it was the least she could do.
Once back at their units Chizuru and Kazuya gave each other a civil nod and said goodnight. Just before turning in they noticed each had a small tear in their eyes and came back outside. Following a warm hug they gazed at the stars for a while feeling while it was hard, saddening, and scary there was a freedom now that it was over. They both felt it was like being off a leash in that it was both freeing and scary, but more freeing. After a final embrace they said goodnight each feeling better and were prepared to face the next day together in spirit.
The next morning Kazuya set out to head to work where he saw Ruka smile as happy as ever as he arrived. Getting ready for her break she smiled very conservatively and nodded. Heading toward the break room to grab his uniform Ruka came in with a tight hug.
"I know that wasn't easy last night, but I am proud of you. I am proud of both of you and glad to have been there for you however I can. Please pass on my thanks and appreciation for the challenges Chizuru faced too. Chizuru, by way by of her client, sent us four IMAX tickets. I figure we could see an action movie if you like." Ruka said as she looked at the floor moving her foot embarrassed almost feeling like an eleven-year old girl asking a guy out.
"How about we go for a summer blockbuster later? Are there any romance movies playing?" Kazuya asked with a genuine interest. Ruka smiled and hugged him hard again and said they'd go Friday.
Thursday night the gang all met for drinks and Mami was quite shocked and suspicious of who this new woman was with Kazuya. Kobi and Kuri, having learned of the "night of explanation", welcomed the new couple as they sat. The girls in the group asked where Mizuhara was and Kazuya said they'd actually broken up a while back, agreeing they were closer as friends, as she was getting too busy with rehearsals to stay together. The girls all sympathized and when asked who the cute girl was at his side he revealed she was his new girlfriend.
"Everybody: This is Ruka Sarashina, my new girlfriend. Mizuhara and she actually were in the same literature course and seeing us together led her to ask about me. Mizurhara then revealed, honestly, we were just friends and made an intro for us and I was taken with her kindness and spirit," Kazuya said with a happy smile causing Ruka to blush and say she was glad to meet everyone.
Introductions were made by each of the group with the girls all saying Ruka's blue ribbon was cute saying it fit her well.
Mami didn't buy any of it for a moment and asked Ruka what she knew of her new boyfriend figuring she was a rental. Mami set out to embarrass Kazuya and go for it a second time being jealous of him seemingly having a new girlfriend while she was stuck with a boring guy she was "giving" a second chance.
Mami envisioned Ruka as a rental and began, "So 'Ruka' what do you know of Kazuya? I imagine you're having trouble with his-"
"What do I know of him? He's a guy who makes me feel safe in a world of scummy guys and even scummier women. I am glad to be done with my high school group of petty girls and immature guys. I am sure you know all about that kind of thing right Mami? What do I know of him? I've only been dating him for a while, but I know he loves aquariums, action movies, peppermint tea, and even classical music. I also know he is a caring guy who holds me close in the face of life's woes, Ruka said smiling.
The girls at the table swooned saying Kazuya is all that for sure and more.
Mami sneered at seeing her ex seemingly happy and said,"Uh huh what about his other side? Surely you've learned of it or maybe you're not worthy of knowing-"
"I know a whole lot about you. I know you're Kazuya's ex and I can't believe he wasted a second with you. Clearly you're a better liar than he described. I can't believe, or maybe I can having learned more about you, what you did in the past when Mizuhara was here. I may be a little smaller than you, but I could take you outside and pound you into the ground. Seriously what kind of person are you? Petty? Cruel? Insecure? All of the above? If half, no a quarter, of what I heard about you is true I would welcome the chance to show you how tough I am...I'll make Mizuhara look like a pacifist-mouse,"Ruka said as she glared at her.
The boys all gasped and Kuri and Kobi both pulled their chairs a little back scared. The girls smiled just a little seeing this new girl with Kazuya who burned with the intensity of the sun. Mami was scared on the inside, but attempted to bluff.
Mami sneered with an exceptionally smug smile and said,"Wow...this kitty has claws. I wasn't challenging you, I was merely saying Kazuya has another 'side' shall we say. Beneath this kind and innocent self you see is a mon-"
"Monster? A 'monster' of a guy with his passion and desires? I do know this...and welcome it. I can sense it inside him. Clearly not all women, and by that I mean you, can handle it. Just takes the right kind of woman I guess. When the time is right I know it will be amazing. Sorry Kazuya, but I have a six-sense these things as you know, so you best make sure not to disappoint. Not all women can handle something like that, not all are deserving, and a number of them make the mistake of not giving it a shot. I heard you're a quitter who has a shall we say 'short attention span' or 'reluctance' to give things a try," Ruka said with equally smug eyes.
Mami got offended and looked angry as stood up now actively challenging little Ruka to go outside.
Ruka didn't blink and told her with clear eyes showing confidence, "I suggest you sit down. I'll strangle you with that tacky aqua hoodie in front of your friends. If you want to really take the chance I'll follow you, but I don't wish to fight. Sit down."
The group's females told Mami not to pursue a fight. When asked why they said it wasn't worth fighting over noting she was the instigator and should show some maturity. Mami shot her friends an angry glance figuring they'd support her. Kuri and Kobi smiled and Kobi told Ruka he's glad he's not on her bad side. Kuri shot her a very supportive smile and nod. Ruka nodded back showing her appreciation. Kazuya held Ruka's hand under the table and smiled at her. The rest of the time at the bar was civil and Mami even apologized later to smiles and laughter. Ruka didn't buy it for a moment already knowing Mami's nature and "fake-ass" smile and she was right. At the end of the night punctuating Mami's anger she saw Kazuya open and hold the door for Ruka and it wasn't even his doing it so much it was just his doing it without giving it a second thought. There was no eagerness for a smile from her, no great expectations, just done with both exchanging a smile, a genuine action. Mami was angry as she left to go outside and call for a taxi.
Friday morning Ruka and Kazuya met at the local deli Ruka bought the blueberry muffin and the owner came to the counter smiling.
"Hey, 'Blueberry'! You back for another muffin? This must be 'him.' I have heard a few things about you," the deli owner said.
"Oh, like what?" Kazuya said almost nervously.
"Just good things. So what can I get you guys? You want something off the grille?" the deli owner asked.
Kazuya ordered a light morning dish, grabbed some Ocari, and Ruka pointed to a blueberry muffin wrapped in plastic from a large basket of baked goods. The owner took a muffin and placed it in a bag and threw in a second smaller one, handed Ruka a waxed paper bag, and didn't charge Kazuya for the second muffin stating he is happy that she brought her boyfriend the owner thanked them and said to bring their friends next time.
Taking their breakfast to go they walked back to Kazuya's campus when a roar was heard coming from the other side of the lawn. A local "gang" of freshman had all bought some motorcycles had been known to drive with extreme recklessness all over the grounds. Campus security was often trying to catch them and the school had posted signs about not being allowed on campus, but that wasn't having any effect.
"What the hell are those?!" Ruka asked as she grabbed Kazuya and clung to him.
"Those...those are 'rat bikes'...driven by vermin. They are these motorcycles that are rebuilt with more powerful components at times, scraps they could find scrounging junkyards, and overall unsafe and unsightly. It is like they get a thrill of seeing how far they can push them without them falling apart. I call them 'brat bikes.' If you ever hear them coming find somewhere safe. I don't trust any of them," Kazuya said angrily shaking his head.
Ruka nodded and they enjoyed their breakfast together before parting ways with Kazuya heading off to grab a shift at work. Holding hands Kazuya walked her to the bus station and waited with her saying he looks forward to a "summer romance" movie with her later. Ruka smiled and gave a tight hug before getting on the bus.
In early afternoon Mami sat in her room holding her pillow sitting on her bed angrily. Again fuming at situation and now seeing Kazuya with another woman she again wondered if she too was a rental. She pondered looking her up on social media when her father knocked on the door.
Mami rolled her eyes and said, "Yes?"
Opening the door Mami knew it was her father as her brother rarely knocks and lately only when "you know who" is here.
Mami's father began, "I am sorry you're not taking well to your situation, but it is a good one and you should embrace it as very few-"
"Very few have such 'have such a chance'?! Dad! I hate this! I hate you! Why do you do this?! I can't believe it! You and your never-ending desire for business! I will not be 'sold off' into an arranged marriage! I am not your 'bargaining chip'! I am not your 'key' to better business or political aspirations! You make me feel like a pawn!" Mami fumed angry and red in the face.
"Young lady watch your mouth! I'll remind you that you neither have the money to move out just yet or afford your own education! If you move out you'll have little chance at any scholarship when they find out who you are and you likely don't have enough money to start paying rent especially without work! You're under my roof and you'll follow my rules. Your brother? Your brother have no sense or ability to function in business. He wants to be a 'writer'-trying to make it with newspapers or online columns. He can't do anything besides his 'fan-fiction' level of writing, which isn't good enough. It is a level which if he is lucky will land him a teaching position if he's really lucky a non-profit work at best. He'll likely just go into some boring work while you go onto better. You'll be forced to support him when your mother and I pass without much help. These are difficult times! I don't want all my family's money spent before my body is cold in the ground! I have faith in your dear Mami. You could continue to keep this kingdom and grow it. I have faith in you," Mami's father said with honest eyes.
Mami said in a calmer voice, "Thanks. Thank you very much. I want to study business. I do. I want to forge ahead and build on the family's businesses, but I don't want to be 'sold' into some marriage, an arranged marriage, like I am some kind of dowry. I don't like the arrogant and hateful Persians you have set me up with in the past, the spoiled European scumbag you wanted me to date two months ago, and now this guy who's father has large share in 'a major carmaker.' Please. Please, donate your money to charity or such. Sell the business assets off. Leave the money in a trust and appoint an administrator. Let them dole out money for my worthless brother and I will live off my share and make my own empire. Please!"
"Where did you learn such terms?" Mami's father asked.
"I have been studying them dad. I want to do this on my own. There are nice people I've met in the past. My last real boyfriend was nice. He was genuinely nice guy. His family owns a liquor store and he will someday run it. I will make you a deal. I will and I stand by it: When the current guy I am with fails to build a true relationship, and I know he will since I see him looking at other women all the time, I will give you one final chance. If the guy you 'encourage' me to date turns into a genuine romance that's great, but if he fails you either set up a trust fund or trust me to find my own man. Deal?"
Mami's father thought and looked at her proud of her ideas for a chance. Being combative was nothing new, but he saw in her a new side of her. He asked what made her change her ways she simply stated she has seen some people recently move on and try to improve and she feels she must do the same. Mami's father reminded her she could have anything she wants, live a life of luxury and more, if she marries one of the men he's introduced her to in the past...but found hope in his daughter's offer. At least with a trust-fund he knew his money wouldn't be gone quickly after he passed.
Shortly after her discussion with her father she decided to see if she could find Ruka on social media and smiled when she found her on Sapphire Girls.
That evening at the movies Kazuya felt a happy Ruka clinging to his arm in a calm fashion as they watched the latest rom-com. They laughed at the funny parts, swooned at the tender parts, and got angry at the antagonist: a vindictive ex girlfriend with blonde hair. Ruka, with some apprehension, took a piece of popcorn to feed to Kazuya. Unlike being guilt-fed into nomming on a crepe Kazuya smiled and accepted it from her hand making her smile and Kazuya did the same. They pulled each other a little closer enjoying their time while unbeknownst to them Mami watched them with gritted teeth from the row behind as she sat with her current "boyfriend." At the end of the movie the two left back into the lobby when they ran into Mami with her boyfriend. Figuring it was a second chance to embarrass Kazuya and that she is merely a skilled rental Mami decided to try again.
Walking right up to them Mami looked towards her boyfriend and then to Ruka saying, "Hey Ruka! Hey Kazuya. I know these two through my friends. Next time we'll have to 'double-date'."
Kazuya and Ruka shrugged and said it was a nice idea and Ruka asked, "What kind of movies do you like? We were thinking of seeing an action-movie next week at the local IMAX theatre. Mizuhara got us-"
"Oh yes...'Mizuhara' got you tickets right. Kazuya and she go way back. Isn't that right Kazuya? She was with you almost a year. I am sure she has many connections around town and can get you gifts huh?" Mami asked.
Mami's boyfriend looked at Kazuya confused and Kazuya just rolled his eyes.
Ruka looked at Mami saying,"Mami? What are you talking about? Mizuhara is just Kazuya's friend. They dated for a year and are close friends. Kazuya's helped her with things and she shows her appreciation sometimes with a gift."
Kazuya knew Mami too well and knew what was going on and gave her an angry look at her attempts to instigate a battle of words. Kazuya didn't take the bait. Mami's boyfriend looked on bewildered as she looked at him indicating he should listen.
"You see...'Mizuhara' was a 'rental girlfriend'...and I think Ruka here is his latest one. Kazuya has trouble finding women. Once I left him for you he hasn't been the same. I see him here...with this new 'girlfriend' at the table. She's so cute, but I doubt she's for real. Let's find out," Mami said.
Mami's boyfriend looked at her and said, "Mami...it's really not our business. I don't care and I don't see why you'd care. Come on, let's get something-"
"Oh it's 'my business'...this girl is wasting his time and money. He will never find someone real...and as good as me...until he stops renting. You're going back to his place later right? Do you know where he lives? Rentals aren't allowed to know are they? I doubt-" Mami said.
Ruka looked at her strangely and narrowed her eyes before rattling off the address. She noted the nearby stores and that they planned on getting a snack from a local deli
Mami looked on angrily and before she could say a word Ruka took the whole conversation as insulting and a challenge. This time she didn't show restraint.
"Mami here is a player. She claims to be a good person, but she's better off where you tossed your empty popcorn buckets. Ask her to name your favorite movie, food, one hobby, and anything close to where you live," Ruka said with determined eyes and glanced towards Mami's boyfriend.
Mami's boyfriend turned towards her curious and was furious when she couldn't name a single thing. He then rattled off a bunch of stuff about her. The boyfriend started walking away towards his car and before Mami could run after him Ruka grabbed Mami's arm.
Looking her angrily in the eye Ruka said, "Hold on. We're not done here! I am giving you one warning, just one: Stay away from Kazuya. I know you're going to attempt to take him back. I know it. You have been given your one warning. I will not be forgiving, I will show no quarter. Go...go after your 'boyfriend.' It's Friday night, taxis are busy, and you'd have to wait a long time for one now if you miss your ride. Love hotels are to the right out of the theatre Mami. Better show him you care."
Mami looked angry, shocked, and narrowed her eyes saying, "This isn't over!"
Ruka said, "I am sure it's not, but remember: You've been warned."