Somewhat small A/N: a "blondie" is a cookie bar like a brownie without fudge and is yellowish in color
Chapter Twelve: Redemption
"The name of the company? I don't know the name, I just saw a logo. There was writing under the logo, but it was in English. Sorry Mami," Ruka said.
Mami thought and smiled and quickly called for a cab saying it is was time the two of them got something to eat.
Quickly sitting down in Donny's Mami told Ruka to order whatever she wanted and quickly ordered some drinks along with light fare.
"What's going on? What are you so excited about?" Ruka asked.
"Ruka...we have a chance to make a lot of money. You hold the key to a large opportunity and together we can...we will...have a chance at it. I don't know how much you know about this company or when results will be published, but when news of a successful study breaks it is sure to cause a rise in stock. Together we should take advantage of it!" Mami said with eager eyes.
Ruka said, "I don't care about money. I just want Kazuya back, but I can't..."
"This isn't about 'caring about money.' This is a chance to take something terrible and make it something great. Use the power inside you to bring a good thing to a bad thing," Mami said with glittering eyes.
Ruka looked at her incredulously and said, "Uh huh...really?"
Mami shook her head, "Okay. I will cut the cute act. However, it is true! Look at it this way: Some things you can't change, but some things you can. When you can change something there is always an opportunity. I believe in the idea of simply substituting the word 'problem' with 'opportunity' as it has served me, is serving me now, will serve me well in the future, and that is the guiding belief here. We cannot change the past, but we can take advantage of the present. I am not going to give the whole 'the future is a chance...blah blah blah...the time we have is called 'present' and so on, but know this: There is an opportunity here and we can make it our own large present."
"I don't want any money and besides I am not cut out for stock and trading. How do I know you won't take whatever I know and run with it? Why is this so important to you anyway? Don't you have money? Kazuya told me your family is rich," Ruka said confused.
Mami nodded, "You know more than you think, but it's time you know more about me and this will all make more sense."
Ruka nodded and listened as Mami spoke of her life and father's goals. Mami spoke of how she was willing to take any risk when she considered the reward worth it and since this goal of hers was such a strong one she is willing to take hard chances. Finally she spoke of the impending deadline and how this may be her last chance. Ruka listened intently as Mami went on and started to understand more and more of what she was up against.
"I suppose it would be easy to say you just have 'rich girl problems', but I am not being pushed into possible relationships with guys I don't want to be with and being threatened with things beyond my control. I can't condone what you did in the past, nor actions with Kazuya as of late, but I do understand them. So what is it exactly you plan on doing and how do I fit into you little 'quest for freedom'?" Ruka asked.
"You are more ready than you think as you're asking the right questions. You're being skeptical, but some would call that 'investigating.' You asked how you know I won't steal your information. Simple: We'll open a joint account and I will put up all the money to invest, split proceeds with you 50/50, and all you provide is the name of the company. At the bank I will have the account tied to their investment division and any and all changes must be made with both of us present. That means no accounts can be added thus no money transferred to other accounts, and the only thing which cannot be done without you present is deposit money. This will ensure I cannot take the money and you'd never stand to lose anything without any investment anyway. You're free to add you own money if you wish too," Mami said with honest eyes.
Ruka listened intently and ordered a toasted blueberry muffin along with a cup of tea. Mami decided to try one and ordered the same.
"I dunno. I don't want money. I want to be with Kazuya and I can't be," Ruka said.
"Ruka...what did answer when your friends, family, or teachers asked you wanted to be when you grew up? What do you want to do now?" Mami asked with a smile.
"Well I wanted to be a cardiologist when I was really young. Maybe I could be one, but I love working at Karaoke Village, maybe I'll go into business management so I could run one," Ruka answered with a smile and preponderance.
With a smile Mami continued, "How would you like to have your very own location? Become a franchise owner! It's not about 'wanting' money, but in life everything has a cost! Medical school and business management courses have costs. Who knows? If this goes well maybe you'll own your own karaoke bar and even go to medical school with its earnings."
Ruka smiled, "That sounds cool."
Mami smiled, "It is cool. Listen: I will handle all the investment mechanics of buying and selling the stocks as there may be partner companies. We will split any proceeds and you can always approach me for a withdrawal any time you wish and we'll get together. However, again for all the money and experience with operations you still hold the critical and most valuable piece: information. I need the name of the company," Mami said.
Ruka shook her head,"I already told you: I don't know the name, just the logo. I wish I could help you."
Mami smiled, "I know you said you only know the logo, but we can figure out the name together. You have the most important asset in your head already. Tomorrow morning you and I will get together. We're going to the mall and not for clothing, but to put our plan into action. Tell no one of this endeavor. No one. What does your schedule look like tomorrow?"
Ruka started to genuinely get excited and said, "Tomorrow is Saturday so...I have to at work early to help open and then until mid-afternoon. I would probably be done after banking hours. I'm sorry."
Grabbing her purse Mami asked, "How much would you make tomorrow?"
Ruka was a little taken aback and started to saying, "Well I work seven hours so..."
Mami quickly opened her purse and handed her enough money to cover twice the shift and said, "Text your senpai and say you're feeling ill. Your time is worth more with me than with people singing poorly."
Ruka smiled seeing Mami so driven. Ruka laughed, took the money, and texted her senapi she wasn't feeling well. A minute later he responded saying he hopes she feels better and let him know how she is feels tomorrow night. Mami smiled at seeing her new partner joining into her endeavor. Ruka checked Hirano and it showed her bpm was in her optimal range on the slightly higher end and smiled at that wondering if it was excitement tempered with a newly found control over something.
The following morning Mami met Ruka at the center of the local mall by an information kiosk. Mami looked happy and gave Ruka an enthusiastic smile. Ruka was a little taken aback still seeing Mami with a smile, but greeted her as she saw her take an ornate box out of her backpack. It was a jewelry box and Mami said Ruka is welcome to the box if she wanted it to her shock.
"Where will you keep your jewelry?" Ruka asked.
"I have no need for jewelry at this moment. It serves zero purpose. I can buy any in the future I desire," Mami responded.
Ruka looked up and noticed Mami had taken off her chain with the golden teddy bear and felt her commitment to her goal was quite solid. Mami motioned her towards a boutique jewelry store and entering it politely asked to see the owner. The owner saw Mami and smiled as he walked over to her.
"Ms. Nanami good morning. I am always pleased to see one of my favorite clients," the owner said.
Ruka looked at Mami strangely as he motioned them both to a safe in the corner of the room by the display case's most expensive jewelry. Mami placed her jewelry box on the top of the counter and opened it. Ruka's jaw dropped seeing diamonds, gold rings with and without diamonds, platinum jewelry, gold earrings of various kinds with precious stones, sterling silver earrings, a few pearl necklaces, a necklace of emeralds, a large ruby ring, and more Ruka couldn't even see in the drawers and hidden compartments.
"I'd like to sell it all," Mami said with a serious look.
The owner returned her look with a nod and began doing his examination of the jewelry with magnet-testings, chemical and scratch-tests, and a jeweler's magnifying glasses to verify karats.
Mami motioned Ruka to step away from the display case.
"The reason I am one of his favorite clients is because he always makes a handsome profit off my jewelry. He buys from me at a fair price since I keep it in great condition and it usually sells quickly. Whenever I get rid of one the 'great guys' my father sets me up with I swiftly sell whatever jewelry he left me which I don't like. Today I am turning it all in to add to our efforts." Mami said looking serious while finishing with a smile and a nod.
The owner returned with an certified check for a quite handsome amount and Mami bowed thanking him as he said she is always welcome back. Mami then took Ruka with her to a local bank downtown and asked to see an investment specialist. The branch manager told them to have a seat behind the glass partition of a desk in the corner and while waiting Mami took her check from the jeweler and had it cashed and deposited into her savings account.
Ruka sat with bewilderment as Mami and the investment specialist opened an account not expecting to be in a bank with her ex's ex two days after a breakup. She listened to Mami and the investment agent asking questions as they opened the account, but was in a daze from the highly unlikely recent set of events over the last two days and even last two hours.
"Ruka? Ruka! She's asked your address," Mami said.
Apologizing Ruka snapped out of her daze and gave her address and whatever other information was requested. Finally the two of them received copies of the agreement stating joint ownership and control with restrictions and allowances all exactly as Mami described. Mami then transferred all her available funds to the new investment account and gave a nod. Ruka nodded back with a smile as the investment specialist confirmed the conditions, had them both sign the paperwork, and took copies of photo ID to finishing opening the account.
Ruka was all smiles leaving the bank with Mami as they called for a taxi to Mami's place.
"Excited?" Mami asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I am! This is cool," Ruka responded.
Arriving at Mami's home Ruka was taken to the kitchen and asked to sit. Mami excused herself and told Ruka to think what she wants for lunch later and she'll order out. Ruka started to think and a few minutes later Mami returned with a brand new iPad in its box and told Ruka to set it up with own information.
"You don't want your information on this iPad?" Ruka asked surprised.
"No, it's yours. Consider it a sign-on bonus. It's for research today, but it is yours," Mami smiled.
"N-no I can't accept this. I haven't even helped you find the company name yet," Ruka said a little shocked.
"Then consider it 'a gesture of goodwill' since we are now partners," Mami said with a smile.
"T-Thank you," Ruka said with a smile.
Getting her the WiFi passwords Mami then turned more serious.
Looking at Ruka with eyes of a hunter said, "Okay, you're up. Tell me everything you can remember and we're going to find the company and any connected to it."
Asking for a pen and paper Ruka closed her eyes and attempted to remember handling the prototype PRE in Dr. Humana's office.
Ruka said the logo on the PRE was of a valentine with a lightning bolt doing diagonally inside a triangle. Opening her eyes she did her best sketch and wrote down letters of the English characters. Mami said she was doing great and pulled up the English alphabet online. Sadly the letters only spelled out "MADE IN USA."
"Okay, time to do some searches. Search all the images you can with the keywords, 'heart', 'medical', 'lightning', 'triangle, ' spark', 'company', and we'll see what we can find," Mami said with a serious tone.
Together they combed through image after image and getting a little discouraged Ruka said none of them looked right.
"A lot of these are cartoon drawings, fan-art, or the like," Ruka said.
"Keep. At. It. It's out there. Try putting 'American firm' in there. That may get what we want," Mami said with a measure of sternness.
A moment later Ruka found a small company based in Buffalo, NY called Internal Innovations and jumped saying she was sure that was it. Mami smiled and said she found a very close logo, but the company dealt with "supplements" designed to get the heart moving with more power for "intimacy" if people suffered from low testosterone or had "performance issues" and gave a half-evil look to Ruka causing her to blush.
"Okay. Now what?" Ruka asked.
"Now we confirm this is the right company by researching lines of products, mission statements, officers, collaborations, affiliations, and most importantly loan information," Mami said.
"Why?" Ruka asked.
"Any loan is a good indication that it may have been to pay for the research & development, study, and gear up for production," Mami said as she gave sites to start researching.
"This is pretty cool!" Ruka said as she scrambled to start looking.
Mami smiled at seeing her new partner hard at work knowing this endeavor would be a success. Working in silence they combed through articles and whatever else they could find. After a while lunch arrived and they stopped researching and started to relay everything they'd found when Mami's mother came into the kitchen.
"Mami, you didn't tell me you were having a friend over! Who is this? I would have had lunch prepared for you. You have so few friends. I would have wanted to meet her," Mami's mother said both shocked and smiling.
"Geez mom!" Mami said and looked towards Ruka embarrassed after being shocked at her mother.
Ruka stood up and bowed with a smile before saying,"Greetings, my name is Ruka Sarashina and I am honored to be in your home. Mami has been tutoring me in my introductory business classes. I met her through some common friends and I happily count her among my friends now."
Mami was shocked.
"You have have to understand sweetheart Mami is always dating. She attracts a lot of guys and never seems to have friends visit," Mami's mother said bluntly while happy at seeing a friend of hers in her own home.
Ruka responded, "Not all of us are blessed with any great amount of free time. Many of us are too busy due to circumstances we cannot control."
Mami's mother nodded and said, "Mami, get more friends like Ruka here. She knows more than your other friends."
Ruka looked at Mami again seeing there was more to her than meets the eye. Too often in life we only look at things at one angle and seldom hearing both sides of a story.
Bowing Mami's mother exited the room and said to call upon her if she needed anything.
The moment Mami's mother was out of the room Mami exclaimed ,"Look here! Internal Innovations was founded by three cardiologists, two microelectronics experts, and three engineers, and has venture capitalists funding their work. This has to be right! I found information on the cardiologists and all three have written papers on PPS."
"I found an article showing they were in talks with a manufacturing company which makes pacemakers. This has got to be them!" Ruka said.
"If they have venture capitalists it likely means they're either not profitable yet or the group funding them is very confident of an impending breakthrough," Mami said.
Together they researched further and located the stock with a low value on in the stock market. It was a "penny stock" and was currently trading for $2 USD. Mami logged into a newly created account for their investment account and invested the lion share into Internal Innovations and a smaller amount into the pacemaker-manufacturing company.
An hour later having a mid-afternoon snack and tea Ruka started to open up more about her past. She said she knew Mami wasn't a friend, but thanked her for listening. Mami listened and told her more of her past and asked about the timeline for her procedure.
"Well surgery has been pushed up to tomorrow morning so this is the last meal I'll be eating until tomorrow afternoon. I'm glad we ordered A&W burgers for lunch, they're so big. I imagine they'll start analyzing results soon after they're done," Ruka said.
Mami smiled and said that the news could break as early as Monday. Asking if she was finished Mami noticed Ruka looking off into the yard with a distant stare.
"Ruka? What's wrong?" Mami asked genuinely.
"I want to get gifts for Mizuhara, Sumi, and our-your-group of friends. Everyone has been very nice to me, but I'm not getting money from the study for two weeks when I see my doctor to go over results...not that there's going to be any good news to report beyond the times it worked," Ruka said reservedly.
"What did you want to get? I'll get them for you right now. Consider it an advance or if you prefer payment for your services rendered...your part of the bargain," Mami smiled as she grabbed her purse and grabbed her wallet.
Ruka looked scared and said, "I c-couldn't ask you to do that. I mean-"
"Relax. Don't worry about it, I'm okay with it. You lived up to your end of the deal anyway," Mami said with a genuine smile.
With a small bow at the table Ruka told her of the gifts she wished to purchase for everyone. Mami set out to start purchasing the requested gifts online and Ruka pulled out her phone to call Kuri.
"Kuri how are you?" Ruka asked fearing reprisal figuring Kazuya likely told everyone by now and happily was surprised it all seemed to still be secret.
"I'm good. Gogin's cousin called me last night! Thanks again for giving her my information. We spoke for nearly two hours last night! She seems like such a sweetheart and we're getting tea tomorrow night, I can't wait to meet her," Kuri said clearly smiling over the phone.
"She is someone special. You and Sumi may double-date sometime. Listen, Kuri...I need you to meet with you tonight if I can near campus. I have a surprise for you and the group. Tell no one," Ruka said smiling a little.
In the evening Ruka stopped by the tavern and picked up the gift-certificate Mami purchased online and met Kuri outside.
"Thanks for coming. Here this is for you," Ruka handed him a VISA gift card she bought strangely for the exact amount he paid renting her in the past and the gift certificate for the tavern worth an entire meal for all their friends.
"W-what's this for Ruka?" Kuri asked confused.
"It's for your first date with Gogin's cousin silly. Thanks again so much for being there for me in the past and especially in the hospital waiting room before Mizuhara got there. This is for everyone else being so nice during the time you've known me," Ruka said as she gave Kuri a tight hug.
Kuri started to sense something was wrong and asked if she was okay. Ruka said she was okay and hugged Kuri extra hard figuring it would be the last time she would see him. While releasing the hug Kuri saw a single tear in her eye and asked again if everything was okay. Ruka shook her head and proceeded to tell him everything about their breaking up with the agreement he doesn't reveal he knew anything when Kazuya eventually tells everyone everything.
"I won't say a word, but you know he really loves you right? You should go back to him. He'd welcome you back," Kuri said.
"I can't be like an ex who expects to come strolling back into his life at her whim," Ruka kind of gave a sharp look.
Kuri nodded and said he would tell the group she just gave the gifts before Kazuya let anyone know of the breakup. Kuri said if she changes her mind and wants to reach out or talk to give him a call figuring she deleted Kazuya's number.
Arriving home Ruka printed out Sumi's gifts and Mizuhara's tickets for upcoming productions from a local playhouse and turned in for the night after arranging a time to meet the two of them over breakfast Tuesday morning at Donny's.
Anxiously waiting at a table Ruka saw Mizuhara came in smiling followed by Sumi who also smiled. Ruka stood up and Sumi gave her a hug with a warm smile and Ruka felt her pulse rising from seeing two people she trusted. Mizuhara gave Ruka a warm hug saying it was nice to see her. Sitting down Ruka was all smiles and said she was using the money from her PRE trial to get gifts for those around her and handed each their gifts.
"Oh my god! We're going swimming with the dolphins!? Gogin will love this! Thank you so much," Sumi said smiling widely as she took the tickets.
"Ruka, I can't accept these. These tickets are too much," Mizuhara said with a fair degree of shock.
"Take them. This is a thank-you as much as an appreciation of friendship for both of you being there when I needed each of you the most. I want to let some good of this trial be enjoyed as I don't take any joy from it to be truthful," Ruka said with a half-smile.
After enjoying a light meal with a friendly conversation the three walked to Sumi's subway station.
"See you in the future Sumi. Tell Gogin I say hi," Ruka said with her voice starting to break a little as she hugged Sumi tightly.
Sumi was a little taken aback and pat Ruka on the shoulder and with a sad look sensing something was wrong and said, "I will. I will. Thank you again for the lovely gift. Call...p-please call if you want to visit at the shrine again...or go to Yuuto's...or tea. J-Just call, please."
Sumi released the hug and Ruka gave her a bow with a smile and thanked her. A moment later Sumi ran down the stairs and as Ruka looked back to Mizuhara she saw her look back at her with an icy stare.
Mizuhara looked at Ruka and said,"I may not be on stage yet, but I can spot a bad actor. You had great skill with improv in front of my grandmother and Kazuya's family, but not here. What's going on?"
"It's not your concern," Ruka said with a degree of anger and turned to leave.
"Hold on! We're not done here! Mizuhara said as she grabbed Ruka's wrist.
Ruka looked back on the verge of tears and Mizuhara softened her look.
"No! No...not now! Dammit! Not now!" Ruka said as she felt a double-vibrate as Hirano warned her of a possible PPS episode. Ruka grit her teeth and pulled Mizuhara off the sidewalk and to a bench and sat down taking a deep breath. Ruka took a look at Mizuhara and hugged her hard as she broke down and started crying.
Mizuhara smiled as she hugged Ruka back hard while patting Ruka's shoulder a little and said, "It's okay…let it out. What happened?"
Ruka struggled to say, "Uhh...uhhh...I don't want to burden you, not today. Not now. You have a gift and I want you you to be happy. I'm not sure if I should be telling you anything. I don't feel I should be burdening you-"
"Ruka, I consider you a friend. Sumi tells me you're her new friend and she thinks highly of you. She told me of the nice time you had at the shrine, the deli, and more. I truly hope you consider me a friend too. There's no reason we can't stay friends with you just because you and Kazuya broke up," Mizuhara said as she hugged her.
Ruka suddenly pushed her off and exclaimed, "How did you know we broke up?!"
Mizuhara looked at her with a half-smile and said, "Because you just told me."
Ruka shook her head and said, "I guess I just did."
Mizuhara smiled and took Ruka to a park she knew Kazuya would never visit.
After hearing the entire story Ruka just shrugged.
"I want to be with him, but I can't. My body is broken. Sumi helped me a lot, but I need time and I can't ask Kazuya to wait for me. Please don't let Kazuya know we spoke," Ruka said with a crestfallen look.
"I won't say a word, but he really loves you. You know that right? You should go back to him. He'd welcome you back," Mizuhara said.
Ruka rolled her eyes and said, "I can't be like an ex who expects to come strolling back into his life at her whim."
Mizuhara nodded and said to call her if she wanted to talk anytime and that she looks forward to seeing her the next time she or Kage perform at her support group.
The two gave a final hug and Ruka set out for Karaoke Village and arrived to find out Kazuya's name wasn't on the schedule board. Asking the obvious question her senpai said Kazuya resigned with no given reason. Shaking her head Ruka put on her uniform and worked until the end of her shift at closing time on Tuesday night.
Thursday evening Ruka was crawling into bed when her phone rang as Mami called. Mami was speaking so quickly and excitedly it was incoherent.
"Mami, slow down! Stop! I can't understand you. What's going on?" Ruka said shocked.
"The news broke! We're rich! The stock skyrocketed and our money grew more than 6 times in value! I sold most of it and even keeping some you'll be amazed! Ruka! OMG! Get out of bed! We're going for drinks! I'm sending over an Uber!"
Ruka smiled and said okay and the two spent the evening buying drinks for any cute guy who got either of their attention for the evening. Arriving home by Uber Mami said the two of them would go to the bank on Monday morning as she knew she would have quite a hangover tomorrow. Ruka said they would get together early Monday following morning after being done with her doctor at nine.
The rest of the weekend Ruka went through her normal routines saying nothing to anyone and while happy mainly in shock still wondering how much Mami actually invested and how much was saved.
The following morning Ruka sat in Dr. Human's office at the hospital waiting for him as he came in with a major smile asking how she was feeling.
Ruka gave a small smile and said,"Oh don't worry, I am not in any pain. The paperwork said I should talk to you if I am in any pain and—"
"Ruka, are you ready for some incredible news?" Dr. Humana asked with a huge smile as he handed her the file from her case study.
Under the assigned device number was a large red-stamped box with the word "CONTROL" inside it.
"What are you showing me? What does 'control' mean?! I have no control over anything!" Ruka snapped.
"Ruka, sweetheart...you were part of the 'control group'...the PRE inside you wasn't real. You were part of the study on the side of patients without the device to compare results," Dr. Humana said with a smile.
Ruka dropped the file and felt her hands start shaking as she felt Hirano give a single-vibrate warning.
"W-what?" Ruka asked.
"You were part of the control-group. The PRE inside you never had any electrical components added, it was just the metal-casing during the trial," Dr. Humana answered.
Ruka was looked scared as she said, "N-not real? Not real!? Oh my god! I...I..."
"Sweetheart what's wrong? This is good news. You should be happy," Dr. Humana said confused.
"I felt it though! I could feel it inside me working! How was I able to go through the haunted house at the amusement park?! I stood up to some sorority girls all acting like they were going to take Kazuya from me. What happened!?" Ruka asked scared.
"It was in your mind. The body can do amazing things when we allow it to believe it can. You wouldn't allow yourself to have an episode. You can't eliminate the condition, but you were able to expand your own range a little. I guess you could say it is like you're attempting to stay awake when you're really tired and not allow yourself to fall asleep," Dr. Humana said.
"Did you know mine wasn't real?" Ruka asked shocked.
"Of course not. The surgeons didn't, you didn't, and especially the doctors conducting the study didn't know. A data management company held the only official roster of patients by number of who had a real unit and who had a non-functioning one. They only release it when the study results are being analyzed.
"This...this can't be happening," Ruka said looking scared as she felt Hirano give a double-vibrate warning.
"It's true! The experimental devices show a 85% efficiency rating and with continued R&D it is likely going to go close to 100%! Those in the control-group, like yourself, saw up to a 16% increase in their ranges. That's impressive, but the actual device did much better. You experienced the 'placebo effect'." Dr. Human said smiling.
Ruka started to sweat, looked worried, and said,"Oh no. Oh no! Oh my god..."
Hirano suddenly gave a triple-vibrate warning and Dr. Humana called for a nurse worried a PPS episode was imminent and Nurse Yamada arrived a moment later looking concerned.
Dr. Humana looked worried and said,"Ruka, calm down. What's wrong? This is great news! You have a 95% chance of the device working inside you and its efficiency is improving. You should be—"
"No! You don't understand! I broke up with Kazuya! I told him I was broken. I said my body was getting worse, that I couldn't handle emotions, that I was holding him back, and that I was unfit to be his girlfriend. I told him that I wanted to split up amicably, but he stood his ground saying that he would rather be dumped than give up," Ruka said as she broke down crying.
Dr. Humana looked at nurse Yamada with a nod and left the office. Yamada went over to Ruka and gave her a hug telling her to calm down and they'd talk it through.
Yamada smiled, let go, and said, "Okay, take a deep breath. What happened next?"
Ruka felt herself calm a little and continued, "He was so endearing...I told him I couldn't stay with him, that I couldn't ask him to wait. He said he would wait for me. He told me he would be happy just to hold me, that there were other forms of love, and he said things could improve over time. He plead with me to stay with him and he said I was 'breaking his heart'...and...and I stormed out and called an Uber. I was ready to pass out and Kazuya ran over to me quickly accepting a mutual break-up saying he just wished to wait with me to make sure I didn't have an episode. I turned around, hugged him hard, felt better, told him he was a good man, that I'd always think well of him, and to just think I moved away. He even told me to text him when I got to my 'new home.' He stood with me Yamada! He stood with me after I just 'broke his heart'...he still wanted to be with me. He wanted to make sure I was okay even after hurting him…and he didn't care about his feelings...he only cared about mine."
Ruka listened to herself and lamented giving up when she did and just wished she held out a little longer.
Yamada gave Ruka another hug and said, "It's okay. He's a sweet guy, a rare guy really, and I know the two of you matured together. Obviously he really loves you. You know that right? You should go back to him. He'd welcome you back."
Ruka rolled her eyes and said, "I can't be like an ex who expects to come strolling back into his life at her whim."
Yamada smiled and said, "Relax honey. It'll be okay. Just tell him the truth. He'll welcome you back, he'll be thrilled! After all you could experience a whole new world with him now."
Yamada pushed Ruka shoulder a little with a devilish smile. Ruka laughed a little and smiled as she saw her pulse was back in acceptable range.
"I just don't know if I can face him. I can't just show up a his place unexpected. What if he has a new girl over?" Ruka asked.
Yamada shrugged and said specifics she couldn't handle, but just what needed to be done. A few minutes later Dr. Humana knocked and he was told to come in and finished the follow up and handed her the payment for taking part in the trial. Walking her back to the entrance Yamada gave Ruka her card and said to call if she needed to talk before giving her a tight hug and saying it would be okay and to just tell him the truth.
Arriving at Donny's at nine Ruka was frazzled and worried. Mami saw her at the door and with a smile waved her over. Ruka arrived at the table shaking and Mami looked at her concerned just as the waitress came over. Mami quickly just asked for two waters and give them a few moments.
"What's wrong? You look terrible. You should be happy," Mami said.
"I can't talk about it. I can't...I just can't believe what I learned," Ruka said while shaking.
"You're gonna have to talk to me. I can't have you looking like this going into the bank, they're gonna think I'm coercing you," Mami said ending with a smile.
"I just can't believe what I learned," Ruka said looking down.
"Tell me, get it off your chest. You'll feel better. What happened?" Mami asked.
Ruka took a deep breath and told her of the encounter at the hospital.
"Well there's a simple solution Ruka: Tell him," Mami said.
"Oh like it's that easy!" Ruka snapped.
"I didn't say it was 'easy', I said it was 'simple'," Mami said.
"Why should I listen to you? Everyone is telling me the same thing," Ruka said.
"Why? Because I'm the one truly neutral party you know right now. I have my freedom. I showed my father the account this morning. Ruka...I am free, I am free to pursue love on my own and it won't be with Kazuya. Besides…he has eyes for another."
"Mami, everyone keeps telling me the same thing—that I should tell him the truth, that he loves me, and that I should go back to him. I can't do that. I just can't. What if he is seeing someone else? What if he doesn't want me back? I don't want to get rejected and be brought down."
"Because you feel so good right now?
"At least it's on my own terms."
"Why do people rush to avoid getting hurt when they, in fact, get hurt by not doing anything? I never understood that. I don't buy the whole 'prevention of additional pain' as without risk there is NO REWARD."
"I guess."
"Has he ever said he didn't like being with you in your current form? Has he ever shown disrespect?"
"No."
"Then why aren't you willing to give it another shot? Look, Ruka...it could either work or it couldn't, but if you don't ask to get back together you're assuring a failure. I bet everyone just gave you the 'get back together' line with you due to love. Admittedly I did too, but they meant it on a romantic-level only in all likelihood and things have changed. You can affect a change now. Your limitations aren't there as they were before. Ruka...you're not with Kazuya now, but that isn't a problem, it is an opportunity to show someone you love you're willing to give things another shot as you've had a chance to reconsider and have a whole new ability. You have a present and it's time to make it your own gift for the future. You have the power now."
"You're making love sound like a business. I suppose you're going to say 'Love is like a business' or something."
"No, love is not a business, nor is it like one. Love is a relationship with someone and businesses are built upon relationships too. A relationship needs logic, it needs reasoning otherwise in the case of love it is blind passion and emotion and likely to fail. A company attempting to run on sheer passion and excitement is doomed to fail in most cases. Businesses need logic and rules to operate. Relationships need logic and reason. Therefore is it logical to fear that armed with new abilities and strengths you cannot face a challenge you weren't able to before?"
"I guess not, but Mami...I don't know that I have the strength to do it no matter the logic. I'm scared and not of pain, but even trying really."
"You know what would be worse? Not knowing. You'll regret it more not knowing. Trust me on that last one, trust me. Trust me since I have no vested interest in your romantic life. I am not a friend, but not an enemy either, I am your partner. I am neutral and viewing your desire to be with Kazuya as relationship and you need to view it that way too."
Ruka smiled and nodded and Mami singled for the server and they ordered their breakfast before going to the bank.
As they walked into the bank Mami sent out a text. While finishing a withdrawal together Ruka said she didn't want anything at the moment and Mami gave her some of her withdrawal saying it was hers to celebrate with after talking to Kazuya. Mami's phone chimed with a text she glanced at and smiled.
"What if he says 'no'? Why would I want to celebrate?"
Mami's phone chimed again with a three text notifications as she glanced at it and again smiled.
"It has nothing to do with Kazuya. You'll be celebrating that you gave it a real shot. That in and of itself is worth celebrating…and that he welcomes you back," Mami said as her phone chimed again with a few messages.
Ruka smiled and asked, "What are all these texts coming in? You're not telling everyone about our venture are you? I would have thought you'd say—"
"No, don't worry. I am just having a conversation with the group. Listen Ruka, you told my mother we're friends so as a gesture of a real friendship I'd like to offer you this: When you talk to Kazuya I'll walk at your side right up to him for moral support," Mami said.
Looking on with excited eyes Ruka said, "I, I don't know what to say. Th—t-"
"Thank me after you tell him, but I'm glad you're eager to give it a try. Listen, on Friday let's get dinner at a great steakhouse I know. It's time to celebrate and this occasion is more than just a pina colada. I'll see you Friday night. I've got to get to class and I would keep your new found fortune a secret for now.
Friday evening Ruka arrived at the door to the steakhouse and with Mami at her side entered and at a table in the back sat Kazuya with his group of friends. Ruka looked shocked and told Mami she wasn't ready to talk to him yet.
Unable to be heard over the noise of the restaurant Kazuya and the group didn't see or hear the two of them enter. Ruka grabbed Mami's arm and took her to the parking lot.
Ruka looked at her with a lot of shock and exclaimed, "Mami! I don't know if I am ready to face him! Why didn't you tell me you were..."
Mami gave a small smile and said, "Because then you wouldn't come. Kazuya told everyone what happened on Tuesday night and Kuri used his gift certificate to help cheer him up. I told the group it's time to celebrate something and told everyone I am paying tonight. It's time to talk to him. There's no time like the present. I'm right here, come on."
Ruka shrugged and with Mami walked up to the group at the table with them all of them shocked and ready to ask the obvious question.
Mami gave a little nudge as she froze at the front of the table.
Summoning every bit of courage she had she felt Hirano jump to a triple-vibrate warning a millimeter below the warning to reduce activity.
"Kazuya...I have learned some things. Some amazing things...things you're not gonna believe. They are things which gave me the courage to come here to tell you I love you and want to be together again...if you'll have me," Ruka said closing her eyes and looking away.
Kazuya's friends all looked at Kazuya angrily as he froze.
Mami locked hers eyes with Kazuya as he was shocked to see her.
Kazuya suddenly snapped out of it and looked at Ruka and froze again as he looked at Ruka.
"Ruka-chan?! Ruka...I...I...I need to go to the bathroom!" Kazuya got up to run from the table.
The nearby tables having heard the commotion and seen action all figured out what was happening. Kobi started to get up and Kuri shot him a glance as he went after Kazuya.
Washing his face in the bathroom Kuri burst in and exclaimed, "Kazuya...dude...why aren't you taking her back?! She loves you! Come on! You're being stupid to even give it a second thought. Why—"
Kazuya glared and shouted,"Why?! Kuri...if I take her back it shows I have learned nothing from Mami! It will be like showing I am hung up on an ex again. Again! It shows I am weak and ready to submit to an ex at her whim. What she did hurt! I only agreed to break up since I wanted her to feel good, to feel okay. I felt terrible. For godsakes I was just starting to feel better tonight. It was great to get it off my chest on Tuesday. Thanks again for the treat."
"It wasn't my treat, it was a gift from her! It was a gift from her. Kazuya...she gave gifts to all of us and that includes Sumi and Mizuhara. My new girlfriend, who Ruka set me up with, told me of their gifts too. She's not trying to buy your love or your forgiveness. Do you know why she did it? She liked all of us and wanted us to remember her as a nice former girlfriend and not a vindictive ex. She felt ultimately the best thing she could do in the end was show you how much she cared about the most important people in your life, your friends. She knew she couldn't buy you a gift, but she did something far better—ensuring you have a reason to be happy with your friends together and it comes from the love she had for you...and it seems the love she still has for you. Kazuya, you've got to realize that Ruka's redemption came before we even knew she broke up with you," Kuri said.
Kazuya shook his head,"I don't know, I mean-"
Kuri suddenly punched him hard across the face and yelled, "You idiot! You don't normally get another chance to have someone like her! I would have had Kobi come in here, but I knew Ruka before you and Kobi never knew her."
Kazuya was about to say something when Mami kicked in the door and grabbed Kazuya by the forearm and yanked him back to the entrance and outside into the parking lot.
"What the hell is wrong with you?! Do you know why she came in with me Kazuya?" Mami glared at him angrily.
Kazuya looked at her genuinely confused and asked, "No, why did you?"
"I don't have—no you don't have time to learn everything, but Ruka has spent time with me. Due to her help I no longer am bound by my father's demands. Kazuya...I am free and it is largely thanks to her...and now she's free too. It's time to grow and earn the chance to have more freedom too and it starts with dropping you old feelings and concerns and face a relationship for real. This is the second major lesson you're going to learn in a real relationship: You have to let the past, and mistakes your partner makes in it, go. It's time to move on. The truth can set you free. It means a lot. That and if you don't you're going to show that you never learned the first lesson of a relationship," Mami said.
"What was the first lesson?" Kazuya asked.
"The first lesson? Realize as a couple and recognize that things can be talked out and that one CANNOT give up easily. Ruka didn't give up easily and you didn't either, but now it is time to face the second lesson and let some major event go as there is a fundamental change you're going to face. Ruka has news which will change everything. You've GOT to speak to her. If you don't speak to her you're going to be making a huge mistake and you're never going to get over it wondering what could it be. Now...come on. She's not going to wait much longer. You don't have the time," Mami said looking firmly at him.
Kazuya walked back inside with Mami and Kuri on either side. Ruka's heart had slowed back to acceptable ranges as she was being consoled by Kazuya's female friends. While she was in tears they told her to give Kazuya a few more minutes. Kazuya nodded to his female friends who stopped talking. Ruka rose up and wiped her tears and stood firm ready to face whatever event happened knowing she had given it her shot. The tables nearby got quiet.
Ruka smiled as Kazuya rushed forward and hugged her hard. People who had held their breath started to swoon.
Kazuya kissed Ruka exclaiming, "I love you! Together we can do it. I don't care what—-"
Ruka suddenly put her fingers on Kazuya's lips and motioned him to come closer and whispered something to him as people applauded for the two as they reunited.
Kazuya was in shock and asked her if she was sure. Ruka giggled and clarified exactly what she said.
"I learned Monday morning and I was very scared to come to you. I'll tell you the whole story later, but know that it was Mami who helped me really decide to talk to you," Ruka said while nodding at her.
The table of course wondered what the hell was going on and she just smiled and said that was a topic for another time. Kazuya and Ruka sat down holding each other and smiling.
One month later Ruka went in for the actual operation to get the first-generation PRE attached to her heart. Excited beyond belief she was accompanied by Kazuya to the hospital and, at her request, Mami along with her boyfriend of four weeks by her side. The following morning the three returned happy to hear of the successful procedure and went to Yuuto's deli after Ruka's discharging.
Seeing Mami for the first time Yuuoto smiled, got the group to a table, and took their order. Returning he brought Mami a "blondie" and asked if may call her "Blondie." Mami nodded telling him it was a fitting nickname. While enjoying their meal Mami and Ruka spoke of their possible plans for their investments. Ruka wasn't sure just yet, but liked the idea of owning three of her own Karaoke Village locations. Mami spoke of forming a video production company.
The following evening Ruka's family joined Kazuya's at the steakhouse and the host smiled seeing Kazuya with Ruka at his side remembering their last visit. Ruka broke the news to her parents and Kazuya's of her investments and returns. She told a story of how Mami's father was quite impressed, jealous, regretted her not telling him, but understood it was her risk to take. Ruka went on to say how her father is now ready to listen to any investment advice Mami may have in the future.
On Saturday evening Kazuya sat at home waiting for a "amazing medical moment." He was ready to be shocked no matter what and eagerly opened the door when Ruka arrived. Ruka excused herself to Kazuya's bathroom and exited wearing a pink nurse's uniform complete with stethoscope asking him if his chest still hurt, hopefully healing after it was broken. Kazuya was quite excited and started to say it was a fantasy of his. Ruka said she knew as she laughed.
"What?! How did you know?!" Kazuya yelled shocked.
"You tend to talk in your sleep. You often rode home in a taxi home after seeing your family with a 'little birdie' who let me know one time," Ruka said with a large smile.
After taking Kazuya's pulse Ruka said with a gentle voice,"You wanna do it to me?"
Kazuya smiled and Ruka took off the nurse's lab coat and let out a small gasp as the cold metal made contact just her above her heart.
The sound of Ruka's quickly beating heart filled Kazuya's ears and as looked up smiling.
Ruka smiled back as Kazuya thought, "This is almost more intimate than touching her."
The following afternoon Ruka and Kazuya came back to his apartment to find a gift box with two large speakers and a note congratulating Ruka on her successful operation and that she and Kage want to join them for dinner soon. Ruka laughed and laughed at seeing the larger speakers and Kazuya turned red. Ruka pulled out her phone and called nurse Yamada saying she and her paramedic friend all need to get together for drinks to celebrate her gaining membership to a special club.
A year later while at Ruka's support group meeting Ruka had the community center bring in a large screen TV she donated into the room in which the group met. Tuning the TV into WiFi she brought up YouTube. Kazuya's group of friends, Mizuhara, Sumi, Gogin, Kage, and Mami with her boyfriend all attended at her request. Turning out the lights a video started with the title "Heartwarming Skydive" set to the soundtrack of Gin Blossoms- Follow You Down
A/N: As I did earlier in the story I felt this next scene had to include music. So with that in mind please find a video on YouTube or play an mp3 and read. I think you'll find it really fits. The idea for this song came immediately Ruka said she wants to skydive. You can find the lyrics online if you wish. While I am putting in notes of parts of the video the truth is you can picture it all in your own mind.
The video started with an airplane taking off at a small airport with the sign Shinto Skydiving on the plane. Cutting to inside the plane were several skydivers in suits including Ruka and Kazuya with instructors pointing to the door as they finished gearing up. Ruka and Kazuya smiled at each other as they turned on the Gopro cameras on top of their helmets.
Suddenly white text appeared over the the bottom half of the video:
"The woman in this video suffers from PPS, an increasingly diagnosed condition which prevents people from experiencing anything too exciting as it can trigger a seizure-like response. However, there is hope as she is among the first to be given a new chance at enjoying life due to an electronic device attached to her heart. This is her first time skydiving."
The chief instructor pointed to the door and as it opened gave the "1,2, 3!" sign as Ruka's instructor jumped out with her strapped to his chest. A moment Kazuya's instructor jumped out with him attached to his chest. An instant later the instructor filming the whole scene jumped out too as song reached the point of the lyrics:
"Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down."
Footage continued from the perspective of the instructor's camera as Ruka and Kazuya smiled widely as the wind rushed around them making their suits whip around furiously. Ruka looked beyond amazed as she seemed to be looking any fear in the eye and now free as she flew through the sky. Kazuya had the look of being in bed with Ruka just after their first "research session."
The footage then cut to Kazuya's perspective showing the same moments from the moment the door opened to them both smiling. A few moment later it repeated from Ruka's perspective.
Suddenly it cut to the instructor's perspective the as song reached the point of the lyrics:
"Let's not do the wrong thing and I'll swear it might be fun"
At that moment Kazuya eagerly pointed to his helmet. Ruka looked on as Kazuya grabbed the blue helmet's far side and pulled off a strip of tape.
In solid yellow letters "Marry me!" was printed on the helmet.
Everyone in the room gasped.
Ruka clasped her hands over her chest and with both hands gave thumbs up.
Everyone in the room cheered and applauded.
The song then reached the part of the lyrics:
"Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down"
The video cut again to Ruka's perspective of Kazuya's ripping off the tape. A moment later it was shown from Kazuya's perspective seeing Ruka's reaction.
The instructor's perspective was shown during the guitar solo portion as Kazuya again pointed at his helmet as he briefly did a "1,2,3!" sign and he ripped off a second piece of tape.
In solid yellow letters "#skylife" was printed.
Ruka put up her arm giving a fist-pump and turned her head all around looking at the sky.
A moment later it was shown from Ruka's perspective showing Kazuya ripping off the tape. The video cut again to the perspective of Kazuya's camera seeing Ruka's reaction.
The video then resumed to the instructor's perspective as Kazuya clearly signed "I love you" and a moment later Ruka gestured, "My heart beats for you."
Once again the video then cut perspective of Kazuya's and Ruka's repeating their signing of their feelings.
The rest of the video showed them headed towards the ground from various perspectives and landing and ended with them hugging tightly while staff from the landing site applauded as the video faded to black.
On the black screen yellow letters appeared, "Thanks for watching! We pay for great videos. Click the link below for submission instructions. -Manami Media!"
Ruka turned on the lights with a large smile as everyone in her group came up to them giving hugs and congratulations.
When the room had quieted down Mami's boyfriend went up to the TV and said, "Thanks so much for coming. I haven't had a chance to talk to many of you, but my name is Ashai and I'm boyfriend to the founder of Manami Media and channel administrator. I hope you'll all subscribe for future videos and remember we're always looking to purchase great ones too. You are just over the two millionth view and we posted it last night."
Sumi approached Mami with a little shyness, but Kazuya and Ruka motioned her over with a smile. While smiling and looking happy Sumi said she wants to submit a video from her second time swimming with dolphins and now sea lions too as some were very playful and spent time with them at their side and even moving across their hands as if looking like they wanted to be pet.
Mizuhara asked Ashai, "Do you have an idea for your next video?"
Ashai responded, "Not really, do you?"
Mizuhara, "Yeah. You could have the two of them take their vows in another skydive."
The two of them laughed and Ruka announced everyone was welcome to join them for a surprise celebration at the steakhouse where Ruka broke the news of her recently acquired financial success. Ruka's parents were very happy Ruka planned to just hold onto it putting it into a trust for now and only take some for enjoyment here and there and this night counted as one of those.
Walking back to Kazuya's apartment the two stopped in the center of the quad by the lamppost and gazed into the sky together talking about their skydive together and said they should do it again.
"Thanks for giving me an honest chance after the trial," Ruka said.
"Thanks for taking my undeserving self back. Ha-ha, but seriously thanks for coming back to me to give us a second chance. I love you," Kazuya said.
Ruka smiled and said,"I love you too. My heart raced in the sky, but my heart beats strongest for you...I know that's a little corny, but-"
Kazuya hugged her tightly and said it was great and said no one makes him jitter with joy like she does.
"Hey, you wanna go look to see if we can find the pretzel vendor?" Kazuya asked.
"Yes, that'd be nice, but somehow I get the feeling we'll never see him again," Ruka said smiling.
The end
Thanks for reading. I enjoyed writing this story a lot and it took some thought as the fan-base for Ruka is quite polarized with opinions strong on both sides of whether or not she and Kazuya should be together. I hope to write an epilogue in the future, but for now thanks again for reading.
Remember: We have fears, but know the power is in us to accomplish much as long as we believe we can. When we believe in ourselves sometimes we need to face our fears head on as to do nothing assures a failure and to not know if you'd have succeeded or failed at something will bother you far more than a failure.