Chapter Twenty Seven

The Morning After

Fay was seated across Takeda in the Shinkansen as they waited for it to move. The whole morning had been semi-awkward between them, and she hated it that she felt this way.

Takeda was seated and reading a business magazine quietly. He was flipping through it without saying anything.

Fay sat up, and stretched her arms. Why isn't the train moving? Move, damnit! Move. She looked out the window, and watched as it rain. November is almost over, she thought.

"Fay?"

Fay looked at the source of her name, and realized that it was Takeda who had finally spoken. Before he could answer, the train started moving. Fay took her seat across him, and watched him. "Yes?"

Takeda looked at her seriously. "I'm sorry about last night."

Sorry for what? Kissing me? Or saying those things afterwards? Argh! "Shit happens, Ren. Don't let it bother you."

Takeda gave her a light smile. "But you're mad at me."

Fay chose her words carefully. "I'm not mad. I'm just annoyed at what you did."

Takeda leaned against his chair, "I guess I don't blame you for that," he said quietly.

But why aren't you in a place to have a relationship? She wanted to scream. You flirt with me, touch me and then… Fay held her tongue. Forget it. I'm not that desperate. "Just forget it, Ren."

Fay felt that he wanted to push the subject further, and say something but he chose wisely not to say more. She had questions, and needed answers. The worst part is that your kiss is making me feel even giddier now…

The rest of the hour went silently, and Fay busied herself on her iPad. She was reading forums, browsing online magazines, and flipping through nonsense. She glanced at him, and found him leaning against the chair with his eyes closed.

Fay studied him, and felt her chest tighten. I feel like I did something stupid last night. We had a good friend's relationship, now it'll be too awkward to do anything with him. He knows how I feel. However… Why did you kiss me, Ren? She touched her lips in remembrance, and shuddered. That was some kiss…

Takeda opened his eyes, and stretched his arms. As he moved the magazine on his lap fell to the floor. He sat up straight, and shook the strands of hair lying on his eyes slightly.

Just then, the lady pushing the cart was passing through. Takeda stopped her. "Can I have one black coffee, please?" he asked, and then turned to Fay. "Anything for you?"

Fay shook her head.

Takeda took his coffee, and began sipping it lightly. He made a face at how bitter it was. He leaned down and picked up his backpack, "let's finalize our project, since we have nothing else to do. We still have an hour until we reach." He pulled out his laptop, and stood up. He walked over to Fay's side, and sat in the empty seat next to her.

Too close, Fay thought as his scent engulfed her. He had a fresh scent. The morning shower, his clean laundry clothes on, and a very sexy perfume. The combination of all those odors emitted a yet amazing scent off him that she couldn't resist to breathe in.

They worked together for half an hour, and finalized the presentation that they had to give to their class. Takeda finally shut off the laptop, and looked at Fay.

Fay was dressed lightly for a cold day. A light green mini skirt, with a brown turtleneck. Knee length boots completed her outfit. "Aren't you cold?" he asked.

"No, I'm used to the cold weather. It doesn't bother me." Fay answered.

Takeda nodded, and then turned in his seat to face her. "What did you think of my friends?"

Fay thought for a moment, and then smiled. "Can I say that I thought they were weird?"

Takeda chuckled lightly. "You can say that. I've known Tanaka and Sakamoto since middle school," he explained. "They've been together since then." He leaned back. "I dated Aya once, but then realized she was more fun as a friend than a girlfriend."

That was new to Fay. She hesitated but asked her question. "Does she think so too?"

"It was her suggestion. We got along too well to start dating. Anyway, it's more fun this way." He crossed his arms, and looked outside the window.

"So you expect the same from me?" Fay asked without thinking, and then stopped. Oh… Where did that come from?

If her question surprised Takeda, he didn't show it. Takeda crossed his hands, and leaned forward sitting in a thinking position. "Would that be so bad?"

Fay didn't know what to say, and then realized something. Tell him the truth, Fay. He's been pretty blunt and honest with you this whole time. So it's only fair that you do the same, right? Fay hesitated, but let out a huff in annoyance. "I just wish you never kissed me," she muttered.

Takeda looked at her in surprise, but then went back to his poker face. "I'm sorry for that."

Fay wanted to answer him, but the announcement interrupted her that they will be arriving in two minutes. She remained silent until the train stopped and arrived at Tokyo.

Takeda picked up both of their luggage's, and walked out of the train with her. Fay stretched her legs, and crossed her arms. "I hate sitting for too long," she muttered. "Finally, Tokyo."

"Yes," Takeda answered, looking around. "Is your driver here?"

Fay flipped through her phone. "Let me call him," she said, looking for his number through her contacts. She quickly dialed it, and spoke to him. Finally she hung up, "he'll be here in four minutes. Can we drop you?"

Takeda placed his hands in his pocket. "No need to. I need to walk a bit. Sitting down for too long doesn't help my knee."

Fay nodded. She studied him as he stood there quietly, and felt something. I keep telling myself to forget it, but every day I look at him the memory comes back to me even stronger. His words did hurt. She was about to say something but her phone rang. "It's my driver."

Takeda picked up her bag, and suit bag. "Let me help you," he said.

Fay took it from him, "it's alright. I'm good," she said, grabbing them. "Don't worry." She looked away. Why do I suddenly feel embarrassed looking at him? "By the way, other than that…. I did have fun…" she said quietly. "Your friends were fun to hang out with."

"Yes. It was fun." He agreed.

Fay was still not looking at him. Maybe I should just let it go. "Bye." She walked the other way towards the exit.

"Fay?"

Takeda knocked her forehead lightly. "Don't let anything change, okay?" he asked.

Fay didn't say anything as she walked away. Easy for you to say. You're not the one with the racing heart or false hopes.