Author's Note: I apologize for the tardiness but I was having great difficulty pinning down Ryoutarou's character. I must also apologize for my premature rating change announcement in the last chapter. I didn't realize there were so many things that I had to cover in between. And once again, my sincerest gratitude for my Editor Priestess of Groove, who was working overtime to get this chapter done for us.
Disclaimer: I do not own La Corda D'Oro in any way or form.
Recommend: For best viewing pleasure, set you width to 1/2 (Top Right Hand Corner)
Chapter 5
The passenger cart swaying gently as it traveled over the tracks was mind-numbing. The scenery that flew by before his eyes was a welcome contrast to his earlier gloom– the prospect of seeing Tsukimori Len again.
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Hino's heartbreaking confession before the ambulance left had shocked him to the core, not because it was unexpected - he had long suspected that Hino harbored feelings for Tsukimori—but the level of intensity and desperation of them was almost frightening. The image of her accusing, fire-spitting stares that had caused him to yield still haunted him to this day.
He went to the hospital right after he gave his statements to the police. He wanted to explain his action to her in front of the ambulance, he wanted to apologize, he wanted to let her know that he was sorry that he didn't try his best to prevent this tragedy. If the only way to deserve her forgiveness was for him to condemn himself in her memory then he would gladly do so. But the sight of a grief-stricken Hino comforted by an equally pained Hamai Misa caused him to halt in his steps. His own bruised pride seemed so minuscule before the two women.
He turned away unwillingly, not sure if it was fear or cowardice that induced his withdraws.
Tsukimori's father answered the door a few days later when he rang the doorbell at two o'clock in the morning. He was unable to repress the guilt that was eating away at his heart. His every waking moment was tormented by the memory of a battered Tsukimori (Len) and a heart broken Hino. His every dream was plagued by something much worst.
"Tsuchiura-san…desu-ka?" Mr. Tsukimori asked uncertainly through the dim lights.
And that alone was enough to open the floodgate of emotions that had penned up inside of him for three days. Ryoutarou dropped to his knees on the hard, cold stone pathway, his voice were raw with emotions in which he croaked through clenched teeth.
"Mr. Tsukimori, it was all my fault!" He detailed his perspective of the event on that dreadful day. How his failure had caused Len to be in his current predicament. How he let it all went down by not trying hard enough to reach him and Hino in time. He dared not ask for forgiveness but retribution, he knew what was expected of man such as himself.
"So you were the one that wanted so badly to claim responsibility for the accident?" Mr. Tsukimori said with a slight hint of amusement, "One of the detectives had told me about you."
"No, sir, it was the truth, I didn't…" Ryoutarou tried to explain. He did not want sympathy, especially coming from the family.
"Are you good at math, Tsuchiura-san?" The man asked suddenly.
"Huh?!" The question caught Ryoutarou off guard, "Eh…I was all right with it…sir?" Ryoutarou hesitated, not comprehending.
"Come on in, then, I gathered that we were both unable to sleep at the moment." Mr. Tsukimori opened the door wider and invited him in.
"Tea or coffee?" The man offered, in which Ryoutarou shook his head in refusal.
"Here is something that might alleviate your opinion of the event." Len's father snatched up two sheets of papers from a stack splayed across the dining table and handed it over to him.
Ryoutarou browsed through with unsteady fingers. One said "Accident Report – Metropolitan Police." The other had a heading "Incidental Investigative Report" with an overhead map of the intersection attached to it.
"You should be able to locate your name corresponding to a number on page one in the Investigative Report."
Ryoutarou flipped the page. He was number four.
"And I believed Len was number eight, here is a ruler," Len's father handed the said device to him.
"Now if you measure the distance from where you and Len were to the point where the accident took place, well, go ahead." His father motioned.
Ryoutarou laid the map down on the table. He did exactly what he was told, he measured the distance with the ruler on their respective numbers. His tired brain unwillingly recalled that day yet again. He couldn't stop the slight shiver emanating from his body, and his heart palpitated against his chest. Was it the tremors of fear or vibrations of hope?
"What?!" His head shot up in surprise from the map and fixed onto the man.
Mr. Tsukimori nodded in confirmation. "If my memory serves me correctly, Len was almost half the distance closer to the intersection than you."
"Thirty-eight meters…" Ryoutarou mouthed. His vision was becoming blurry, as tears of relief flooded his eyes.
"The world's fastest runner in a sixty meter dash ran six point nine-six seconds. How fast can you run?" Len's father asked evenly.
"But it seemed almost the same…" Tears were trickling down and he wiped at them angrily.
"Because he was at an oblique angle from where you were," he said in reply. "Len was there in time to save Kahoko (the use of Hino's given name didn't escape Ryoutarou's notice) because he was the closest person who acted. It had nothing to do with whether or not you gave it your best or been able to run fast enough."
"The numbers didn't lie. You did all you could under the circumstances." Mr. Tsukimori smiled faintly at him. That caused Ryoutarou to lower his head in embarrassment after finally learning the truth. All of his self-loathing was for naught.
"You are a good man, Tsuchiura-san," Len's father commented after a few moments and handed him a tissue; Ryoutarou wiped at his face hastily. "Not many people are willing to take responsibility, let alone of an event of this scale."
Ryoutarou's eyes wandered back to the Accident Report, and a particular phrase caught his attention – "…apparent mechanical failure with the acceleration unit…"
"Len being in the hospital has nothing to do with your effort. It was because he chose to be there." Mr. Tsukimori concluded, echoing what his wife was saying to Kahoko.
Ryoutarou excused himself roughly an hour later, feeling more drained than anything. The next morning, he woke up before the alarm clock sounded, still exhausted but relieved. He was finally able to breathe normally. The pang of guilt that had constricting his heart every morning had dissipated.
His thoughts inadvertently swirled back to Hino Kahoko.
Hino's optimistic and uplifting approach to life had attracted him from day one. He was evermore grateful for her having brought him back to the realm of music once more.
She was always there to encourage him in his moments of doubt and insecurity. She had become an important part of his life in his pursuit for his one true passion – piano. He had told Sakimoto (his ex-girlfriend) at the amusement park that he liked Hino; he didn't say it because he disliked Sakimoto. But the more time he spent with Hino, the more he treasured her presence beside him. The sweet melodies made by their numerous duets had further cemented his belief.
The day after the third Musical Selection, Ryoutarou decided that he had to make his feelings known to her. But fate, it seemed, did not agree with him.
His first attempt was botched before it even got started. His mouth clipped shut at the brilliant smile that Hino shined at him, and standing next to her was an annoyed looking Tsukimori. She asked if he would like to accompany them to the local book store to purchase some violin scores. Of course his pride would not let Hino be alone with that self-centered egoist, so he went along.
Tsukimori didn't object when he told him that he would walk Hino home. Ryoutarou watched her bounced in joy all the way to the bus stop with her new scores in hands, telling him how excited she was to try them out with "Tsukimori-kun" at tomorrow's practice.
After weeks of self-doubt and indecisions, he mustered his courage and was determined to make his confession. One day after the announcement of the Final Musical Selection, he met her on the way to the practice room. He remembered his heart beating wildly against his chest while they exchanged pleasantries. When she inquired about Sakimoto's relationship with him, he steeled his nerve and told her that he was no longer with Sakimoto. His fingers were inches away from cupping her stunning face in his palm when Tsukimori's-again!-duet partner burst out from the adjacent room, livid with the comment made by the egoist. The moment was broken when Hino went after him trying to calm him down for Tsukimori—again!
It was probably destiny, he reflected. His third attempt was supposed to take place four days ago, when Tsukimori threw himself in front of the run-away car in place of Hino. Ryoutarou had fully intended to confess to Hino regardless of whoever was around. But instead he watched in anguish as Hino tore her heart out for her unlikely savior.
He had barely come to terms with his feelings for Hino and her feelings for Tsukimori, after ridding his own pointless guilt, but it didn't make it hurt any less.
The only thing that he needed to do was to find Hino. He had to explain himself for the actions he took that day. If he couldn't be her lover, at least he still wanted to be her friend.
She hadn't gone to school since the accident, and her classmates told him that she had petitioned for personal leave since. After some runarounds he had finally learned from her mother that she was at the hospital the whole time. The unmistakable worry was evident through the headset.
"Tsuchiura-san, please try to talk to her. I know that you have helped Kahoko in the past, but neither I nor her sister can get her to talk to us. She closed herself off to everyone. Please, if you can just have her talk to anyone, that would be enough. She needs to take care of herself. I know Tsukimori-kun just went through a second procedure a few days ago, but…" Her mother went on just like any worried mother would.
He mumbled something in agreement when she finished and rushed to the hospital.
When he was looking through the windows into each room at Intensive Care Ward after having been directed several times, one of the nurses tapped him on the shoulder.
"How may I help you young man? Only members of the immediate family are allowed in here." She eyed him suspiciously.
"Eh…I was looking for Tsukimori Len, actually I was looking for Hino Kahoko," he stammered, like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. "She should be with him…em…I brought something from home for her."
Ryoutarou's heart was pummeling against his chest; he didn't want to be turned back. He had to make it right.
"Tsukimori-san is in room seven; his fiancé is in there with him…"
Fiancé?! That can't be right! Surely he would know something about that! But then again, no one had seen her for almost two weeks.He couldn't help but sneer at the thought.
The nurse was about to ask him more questions when the intercom overhead blared, "Nurse Goshima, please report to the director's office. Goshima-san, please report to the director's office." Her head whipped around and he eyed her name tag. Sure enough, "Goshima" was typed there in white letters. He let off an inaudible sigh.
The nurse turned and fixed him with a cold stare and point to a room a few paces from where they were. "Please wait in there until I come for you."
He nodded his understanding and headed to that direction; as soon as she turned the corner he made a dash for room seven.
There! He quickened his pace when he heard talking around the corner. He barged into the room and instantly wished that it had a lock on it. Instead he reeled against the door as it shut with a muted "click."
Ryoutarou thought he had seen Tsukimori at his worst on the day of the accident, but nothing had prepared him for what he was gaping at right now.
He wished he hadn't look. Tsukimori WAS the center of the attention here. His already light complex was so pale that he looked almost transparent. It seemed that the white hospital sheet that partially covered his body had more color than him. There were tubes in his mouth, his hose, and some went underneath the sheet with yellow and red liquid flowing through them – he didn't even want to know what those were.
And there were wires, too. So many wires. Some were tapped at his temples and chest, while others crisscrossed from one limb to another. All the wires led to the machines surrounding him. His chest rose and fell in time to one of the machines behind his head that had a squeegee pump in it. Half a dozen other machines beeped while displaying some sort of numbers and moving lines that were starting to make him dizzy.
He released the breath that he didn't know he was holding and approached the foot of the bed. Hino had her back to the door. She didn't even turn when the door clicked shut.
He looked down and saw their joined hands. The same hand that used to slap him high fives when they played a perfect duet, the hand that would pat him encouragingly when he was feeling down, the same hand that he wanted to clutch tightly in both of his, close to his heart. It was now entwined in the hand of the man on the bed, lying so still and quiet.
In the depth of his soul he saw her for the first time. Not the blissful and indecisive girl that went around brightening everyone's spirit, but a woman who stood vigilant by her comatose lover.
His eyes wandered back to their clasped hands, and he knew without a shadow of the doubt that this was where she belonged. But in the process, she had also digressed into this guilt ridden, grief-striving woman that he no longer recognized.
She was a ghost of her former self. Her eyes were hollowed, and her cheeks had sunken in the same manner that reflected on Tsukimori's. Her skin lost its usual fairness; the once vibrant hair was muggy and greasy.
His heart was breaking for her at the sight. He didn't want to let go. He didn't want to admit that anyone other then him would have a place in her heart or even deserved to be there to put her into such a disheveled state. But he knew the truth now: he never stood a chance. If he didn't change his way now, he would never be able to make peace with her and himself.
"I love you, Kahoko." He blurted out, "I have been in love with you for quite some times."
If Kahoko was startled, she didn't show it, but slowly she cast her eyes toward him.
"I respect your feeling for Tuskimori…" Ryoutarou was struggling for words, "but…I…I am telling you this now…because…because I felt that I owe it to myself and…" He lowered his gaze for the floor, realizing how embarrassing it was for the three of them.
"Arigatou, Tsuchiura-kun."
After what seemed like a life time of silence, her gentle voice caused him to look up with dread. He did not want her to pity him for his awkward confession, but on the other hand, deep inside his heart, he feverishly hoped that she would return his love.
The gaze that she graced him was without pity or sympathy, but rather a sense of understanding and acceptance.
"You have always been wonderful to me, Tsuchiura-kun." Their eyes locked for an instant. He nodded his understandingly.
"I am glad that you have told me," she continued, "but I can not return your feelings."
She returned her gaze to Tsukimori's still form, her thumbs stroke ever more tenderly at their jointed hands.
"I had unknowingly given my heart to this person, even before the accident." Her features saddened another notch. "My only regret was that I didn't have enough courage to realize it sooner to tell him that. And I will wait for him to return it back to me, for as long as it takes. If staying by his side is price of redemption, then I would gladly pay it." Although her tone was soft the determination was easily distinguishable.
After a brief moment of pause, he heard Kahoko said, "Please don't be mad with him, it wasn't his fault. If I was able to sort out these feelings sooner, maybe…"
"Hino, wait just a second," He interrupted.
He took a deep breath and sighed, "I can never be mad at you nor Tsukimori. I have to admit that I was surprised when you made your confession that day." He was glad to see that elicited a slight flush on her face. "But I also realize that your love for him goes much deeper than anyone could have imagined, myself included. So I can not be mad in the face of true love, especially when it comes to you, Hino." He scratched his hair as if embarrassment.
"But that doesn't mean that you have to have to bear all the weight on your shoulder all by yourself." His voice turned serious.
"When was the last time that you got a decent nights sleep? What about your last meal? Obviously you haven't been taking good care of yourself. I know you probably heard it so many times from everyone, but caring for Tsukimori does not mean that you have to be in the same state that he is in. I am not asking you not to be here, I know you want to. I would too if I was in your place. But think what would happen if he wakes up and sees you the way that you are now. It would pain him more knowing that he was partially responsible for it!"
Kahoko sat unmoving; her eyes never left Len's prone form.
"Look, Hino, I have been looking after you for so long and you know that I would not do or say anything that would betray your trust. I know how difficult it was to deal with guilt; I was lucky enough that I have exercised my demons. You have us to help you, myself, Hihara-senpai, Nao, Mio, all of us will be there to help you through this difficult time. Plus…It would be rude if I stopped caring for you now, right?" He couldn't help teasing her but not without sincerity.
He saw the corner of her mouth quirk upward and felt a smile tugging at his own.
"You are never alone, Kahoko, remember that," he reminded her.
"Thank you for everything, Tsuchiura-kun. Thank you for reminding me," Kahoko replied earnestly with a half smile, but a smile none the less.
"Is he gonna be all right?" He asked, turning the conversation back to her beloved, hoping to get her to open up to him.
"He has undergone a hip reconstruction surgery a few days ago," she began, her features turned a shade darker. "But a complication developed midway through the procedure. The doctors and nurses worked so hard to resolve the issue, but he was there for more than fourteen hours. They had to put him on life support again because he was so weak." Her expression started to crumble. She buried her face in her palms, not wanting him to witness her despair.
Ryoutarou's mending heart was coming apart for her again. He watched her shoulders shudder in agony but couldn't bring himself to fold her into his embrace. He did not want to antagonize her more with his own selfishness by adding more burdens to her already ravaged emotions.
He placed his palm carefully on her arm and squeezed lightly, "Hino, if you love him this much, and if you have such devotion and faith for his recovery, you have to be strong for the both of you."
If my feeling is not enough to sway you…then I guess nothing will. He chided mentally.
Hino raised her head slowly. The pain in her eyes almost made him avert his own but the answer that she gave him was reassuring. "Hai." She told him with conviction, eyes unwavering. That was when Ryoutarou's heart truly made peace with himself and his feelings for Hino.
"So…What is this fiancé thingy I've been hearing about?" He teased good-naturedly attempting to lighten the mood.
Kahoko's face instantly flushed at his mentioned of "fiancé" and stammered, "It was Misa-san's doing, she said it would be easier instead of explaining everything to everyone." She couldn't help but lower her gaze to the floor in embarrassment.
Ryoutarou had to chuckle at that. For some reason, he knew that it would be Hamai-san's doing. He did not want to pursuit the subject; he didn't know for sure if he wanted to know the answer.
After an uncomfortable silence, Ryoutarou figured that it was about time to make his exit.
"Now I have to get out of here before they take me away in shackles," he joked and ducked through the door.
He despised Tsukimori that day not because of what he did. Ryoutarou was grateful for what Len had done for saving Kahoko's life. No, he despised Len because he was the one who made Kahoko the way she was today, however indirectly.
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The passenger cart was turning into a gentle curve around this side of the lake that caused Kahoko's knee (he still called her Hino) to bump into his. He couldn't help but sneaked another glance off to his left at a soft humming Hino that was so drastically different from few months ago.
Gone was the helplessness and the desperation that used to mar her face constantly since the accident. For many, she seemed more at ease, happier even. She was still not the same from before the accident, but it was an enormous improvement from just after.
Ever since Len was transfered from Taiden Medical Center to a private nursing home outside the city, Kahoko's demeanor had changed for the better.
Amou-san had organized a celebration gathering Tsukimori's last day at the hospital. All Hino's close friends were there: Nao, Mio, Hihara, Shimizu and Fuyumi. Even Kanazawa-sensei made a showing.
Ryoutarou had a duet practice with one of the Music ED student for a charity exhibition the next day, so he could not attend with the group. But he did promise Hino that he would be there to visit.
By the time he entered the room it was well past five o'clock in the afternoon and he was greeted by the most surreal and loving scene he had ever witnessed.
Kahoko was scrubbing down a bare chest Tsukimori with a towel in hand. Her movements were measured and affectionate. She would murmur something only meant for him to hear and yet Ryoutarou knew it would be things that he would only hear in his dreams.
He knew this was wrong. He knew he was intruding on a moment only meant to be shared between lovers, but he just couldn't take his eyes off Kahoko. The setting sun further enhanced her beautiful shaped features. The memory of his confession to her was still fresh in his mind. It might have been a wishful thinking if she could direct that tenderness at him for just an instance. Then he would die a happy man.
He did catch the last few sentences she was whispering to him, "…you will love the new place, Len. I went with Okaa-sama last week and it was absolutely beautiful."
By then her toweled hand was already at his abdomen and before she could move it lower, Ryoutarou cleared his throat to make his presence known.
Kahoko's movements froze for perhaps a second and she immediately reddened in embarrassment knowing that it was him.
"Go…gomenasai, Tsuchiura-kin. I…I should have closed the door before…eh…before…this." She stuttered badly, trying to recover from the surprise.
"Do you do 'this' often?" Ryoutarou couldn't stop the question from leaving his lips. He hoped desperately that it didn't sound bitter.
"Ah…Ahno…not…not too often, Okaa…no, Hamai-san usually is the one who does it. But since she was out of the country for a week…" She lowered her head, too flustered to continue. But she managed to cover up Len with a light sheet.
Ryoutarou forced a smile while biting down his own bitterness. "Don't worry about it, Hino. It was me you're talking to here. Sorry I was late, but I think we will do good at tomorrow's exhibition. Are you ready for your piece?"
Kahoko was grateful for the change of subject. "Hai, Osaki-senpai had fine-tuned my recitals in many areas. I think I'll make a positive contribution as well." She smiled sweetly.
That too might be another part of the reason why her demeanor had changed for the better. She practiced violin much more vigorously than before. She would sometimes immerse herself for hours practicing only one piece. Not surprisingly, she insisted on playing with Len's violin. "Maybe it would give him a good enough reason to wake up and scold me," she told him once.
They had both laughed at that.
"Well, it is getting late and I am sure you could use the rest. Tomorrow will be a big day for the both of you. You are going straight to the nursing home after the exhibition, right?"
"Hai," she nodded. "There is not much stuff to move. Just making sure that everything goes smoothly, since Otou-sama had to go in and out as well."
The fiancé thing still bothered him a great deal; he was still trying to get used to his feeling for Hino, Ryoutarou concluded internally. "I'll see you tomorrow and don't be late," he mocked.
"Good night, Tsuchiura-kun, and thank you so much for coming." She bowed, her face still red from earlier.
Ryoutarou waved his hand in return and left the room.
He slumped against the bench right outside the entrance. His body as well as his spirit deflated as soon as he was out of her sight.
He had anticipated the outcome even before stepping into that room, but the magnitude of finality finally hit him. The heels of his palms dig into his eyes accompanied by a lingering sigh.
"Tsuchiura-kun? Are you alright?" A familiar male voice asked from above.
It was Kobayashi-sensei. And for no better reason then to vent his much needed frustration at that moment, he told him everything.
The physician was silent during the entire narration but he told Ryoutarou in an emotional tone at the end.
"Tsuchiura-kun. When you are in love, the other person simply becomes your entire universe. That individual could be the nicest person or the worst villain and yet your love for them would never diminish. If they are hurt for whatever reason, you would not be able to eat or sleep until they have gotten better and that was the way Hino-san was." He eyed him with a sideway glance.
"And since Hino-san already made her choice, it would be unwise to keep your feelings unchecked. It will most likely end up hurting everyone involved if you don't. It is going to be hard, but sometimes you must learn how to let go." The doctor sighed, turning his gaze to look off in the distance.
Ryoutarou nodded. He already realized it, he just didn't want to admit it.
"You can still love her, in your own way: watch over her and make sure that she receives the happiness that she so well deserves." The physician had told him.
And that was exactly what he had been doing.
The train automated system announced their destination and Ryoutarou helped Kahoko out of her seat, while picking up the pot of sunflowers he had taken from her earlier.
"Tsuchiura-kun, you really don't have to do that. I could have managed…" Kahoko said apologetically.
"No buts, Hino," he interrupted, "If I knew you could handle it by yourself I wouldn't have to spend six hundred yen for the ticket."
"Oh, I will pay you back for sure," Hino said, trying to dig into her bag, while trying hang onto her violin.
"Hino, I was kidding. I don't mind the money, and I am doing it because I wanted to help." He laughed.
But she didn't pout like he expected, instead, she handed out two five hundred yen coins to him and said, "I owe you guys enough favors. I don't know if I can ever pay them back."
Shit! Ryoutarou wanted to slap himself in the face. Nice going, you ass, now look at what you have done!
He accepted them wordlessly, but before he pocketed the change he looked up at her, "You can start paying them back to us, once he wakes up, and you can make him work for it."
And that garnered a smile from her. "Yeah, that would be very nice." She answered.
Before her mood could turn sour again, he quickly ushered her toward the entrance, "Now, Ms. Tour Guide, please lead the way and show us the path to our sleeping prince charming."
"Aha, Hino-san, it is so nice to see you again. All the patients are anticipating your arrival. Your last performance was absolutely flawless! I can't wait to hear you play again tonight," the staff/nurse greeted her excitedly as she entered through the double French door.
"Oh, and this is…?"
"Ah gomen, this is my schoolmate, Tsuchiura-kun. He was just helping me with my things." She turned to Ryoutarou. "This is Nagi-san, and she is in charge of the reception area."
Ryoutarou dipped his head in greeting and followed Kahoko through the lobby. Along the way, she was greeted by more than a dozen staff and patients. She certainly was popular.
"So…Ms. Tour Guide, I didn't know that you're the pop star at this place," he said.
"Tsuchiura-kun, please stop mocking me. I was simply playing for Len and everyone seems to be enjoying it as well. It has sorta turned into a weekly activity," she explained with a slight flush.
Before he could voice his defense, Kahoko suddenly stop and turned. "We're here."
Ryoutarou noticed the name tag on the door frame, "Tsukimori."
She knocked on the door twice, waited a few moments before entering.
"Tadaima," she announced when she entered.
He grinded his jaw as jealousy coursed through his body. He was having a difficult time accepting that Kahoko regarded this as her home.
It was a little bigger than a typical single room apartment with all the necessary vanities. The only exception was the hospital bed situated by the window instead of a mattress or tatami. Everything else was not too different from a regular apartment: it had a small living room, kitchen and bath. All one needed to live comfortably.
The view, also, was so stunning even his brooding could not tarnish its beauty. The setting sun over the horizon smeared the skyline into a purple hue, which in turn made a sharp and beautiful contrast overlooking the countryside.
He was momentarily taken aback by the scenery, but his eyes followed Kahoko's movement to the side of the bed. The setting sunlight outlined her perfectly shaped features, her long eyelashes and those luscious, slightly pouty lips.
Ryoutarou watched in dumbfound fascination as she brushed her long locks behind one ear, leaned down and placed a tender kiss over Tsukimori's right brow where the scar was. He did avert his gaze at the last moment out of respect for Kahoko, the moment too intimate for anyone but them to share.
She was saying something to Tsukimori now that he purposely tuned out. As he approached the balcony, he noticed the rows of sakura trees outside the building. What a picturesque place this would be in autumn, he thought numbly.
"This place must be expensive," he said to no one in particular.
"Eh-hmm." She sounded so far away. "But it was all covered by T-Motor, so that's a good thing."
"Oh no," Kahoko suddenly said, "I forgot to sign in at the lobby. Tsuchiura-kun, please make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back." With that she ran out of the room.
Ryoutarou sighted inwardly and he approach Tsukimori's prone form. He looked so much better then the last time that he saw him. There were no more tubes and less wires on him but he was still silent and unmoving.
"You are a lucky bastard, Tsukimori. You have such a wonderful woman that loves you with all her heart. If you don't wake up soon and return her love. I will do everything in my power to take her away from you," he vowed to his still from.
He excused himself as soon as Kahoko returned from the lobby, citing something about not wanting to miss his soccer practice early tomorrow morning.
He left with a heavy heart, wondering how he was going to keep his promise if Tsukimori never woke from his slumber.
--
Vocabulary:
Okaa-sama: Mother (Formal)
Otou-sama: Father (Formal)
Gomenasai: I am sorry
Tadaima: I am home
Author's Note 2: I will be changing the rating from T to M in Chapter 6 (Hopeful I didn't miscalculate again :P), you have been warned :)