Sorry for the title change. When I was writing this chapter, I realized that it was too long (even for my standards). So I decided to break it into two chapters instead. I was thinking of posting them at the same time, but figured you guys would want an update soon. So I went ahead and posted the first half instead. I'll be posting the other one once it's done.

Disclaimer: ONLY THE RING FINGER KNOWS does not belong to me. All elements below belong to Kannagi Satoru and its proper copyrights. The only things I do own are my original characters.

Note: These are not, I repeat, these are NOT the actual events of the fourth novel. This is what I guess you could call an alternate storyline. Please do not rely on this fic for information about the fourth novel or on any of the books, although I will be borrowing some scenes and events that took place there.


THE UNTOUCHED RING

Chapter Twelve: Talks and Discussions


Kazuki could feel the light peeking into his eyelids. He groaned as he turned to the side, avoiding the direct path of the sunlight. He stretched an arm out, expecting to grab on to something, but instead was met with blank space. He opened his eyes into narrow slits, carefully adjusting his sight into focus, and quickly jolted up as soon as realization dawned on him.

He was alone in bed.

Without getting up, he could tell that he was alone in his apartment. There was no sound coming from the bathroom, and there was obviously no one in the kitchen. He surveyed the area and, true to his suspicion, Wataru's things were already gone, like he wasn't even there the night before. It was very seldom that he would wake up later than Wataru, but it was never like the younger boy to leave without telling him first. When he felt the side of the bed that Wataru had occupied, it was already cold and void of warmth.

Meaning, the young boy had already gotten up and left some time ago.

Kazuki grumbled and ran a hand through his soft blonde locks, apparently aggravated at the recent events. He felt disgusted at the fact he let jealousy take control over his actions that night. Wataru was probably upset about it as well.

Furrowing his brows, he squinted as he began to remember what had occurred the previous night…

Kazuki settled back on the sheets, out of breath and incredibly spent. He glanced at Wataru who had his back to him. A look of melancholy revealed itself on his face, and he stretched out an arm to wrap around the younger boy. He pulled him closer so that his chest met with the young boy's back. He snuggled his head at the place where Wataru's neck met with his shoulder, and lovingly kissed the dampened flesh.

His actions did not elicit a reaction from the young boy. He wasn't even sure if he was awake or not. There were still a lot of things he needed to say, but he felt that no words could ever surmise what he was feeling at the moment. In the course of their heated love-making, Wataru had refrained from participating at all. By that, he meant that Wataru had not grasped him or reached out to him. He even struggled to hold back his voice!

Never restrain his voice…

That was one of the promises he had the young boy make during their first intimate contact. Ever since then, that promise had always been kept—except for that night. Heck, the boy had his back turned to him, which is something he never did!

When that thought entered his mind, Kazuki couldn't help but feel pained and saddened. It felt as if his lover was rejecting him all throughout their intercourse. With a strained and almost desperate voice, he whispered gently, "I love you…" For a moment, he thought he felt Wataru's body go rigid, but then it immediately went back to its relaxed manner, so he dismissed it as just his imagination.

He softened his hold on the young boy, feeling sleep starting to overtake him as well. But even so, he continued to ponder on what can be done to fix this whole mess. Then, a thought struck him. Wataru had always been uneasy whenever the topic shifted to Mizuho. Could it be possible that the young boy was jealous of Mizuho the same way he (Kazuki) was jealous of Asaka? Or perhaps even more?

"…Mizuho…" he mumbled out loud, as he felt his eyes droop down.

It's possible that Wataru was feeling conscious about Mizuho. If that were the case, then Kazuki would have to do something to ensure that his heart, despite all the conflict happening, did indeed still belonged to one person, and one person alone.

As he drifted off into a deep sleep, he became unaware of the person silently weeping in his arms—caused by a terrible misunderstanding on both their parts.

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Wataru yawned drowsily; tears forming at the rim of his eyes. He hadn't been able to sleep properly that night, so he left Kazuki's apartment early in the morning (barely even dawn) and staggered straight for his home. He had just flopped down on the bed—ready to get some sleep—when he's cell phone rang loudly, stirring him awake. He grunted and felt for his phone, tripping once or twice over his own feet. He blinked and tried to focus at the number flashing on the LCD. It wasn't anyone he knew, so he pressed 'cancel' and hopped back to bed for some sleep.

A few seconds ticked by and the ringing sound repeated. Wataru glared at it with all his might. He reached out, grabbed it, canceled the call again, and slumped his head back on the pillow. No sooner had he closed his eyes did the ringing resume. Finally, with aggravation, he opened his cell and shouted, "Hello?!"

"Ah, what a grumpy greeting… So early in the morning too…"

"Eh…?" Wataru gaped. The voice sounded so familiar. He knew it—the owner of the voice. He knew it very well. But never did he imagine a phone call from that person. "No way…" he uttered into the receiver, while shaking his head disbelievingly. "H-How did you get this number, Sayuri-san?"

"Not that hard," came the nonchalant reply. "I have many ways. I can be rather sneaky, you know…"

Tell me about it, he mentally berated. "So, what can I do for you on this lovely weekend morning?"

"Can we meet? There're some things we need to discuss."

"Eh?"

"Eight o'clock. In front of the station. I'll be waiting."

After that, the phone was hung up, and Wataru was left with an empty dial tone at his ear. Lately, it seems that people have been calling him out because of many things that "needed to be discussed." He didn't mind a few explanations, but he was seriously losing sleep over this. "Oh, well," he shrugged. "There go my plans of staying in bed until noon."

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The moment he stepped out of the door, he instantly felt the cold air against his face. It chilled him and made him shiver a bit. He raised the neckline of his jacket and adjusted his scarf a bit, battling out the cold. The rendezvous at the station wasn't far away. He could make it in ten to fifteen minutes. But he really couldn't understand why Sayuri would call him out again (or how she got his number), but knowing the girl's streak, it was probably Asaka-related matter.

That girl is really head over heels in love with him. How can she cope with unrequited feelings?

Unrequited…

Isn't that what he was feeling at the moment? Was there a certain chance that perhaps he was the only one truly in love in his relationship with Kazuki? But that couldn't be. After all, if Kazuki had been after a replacement right from the beginning, wouldn't he have gone after a woman instead? But then again, the idea of finding a replacement is that the person resembles the other to a certain degree. Didn't Shohei tell him that he resembled Mizuho?

(And Asaka did tell him he also resembled Yuina in certain ways. Perhaps it's the same reason…)

"Argh! This is frustrating!!" he raked his hair with his hands in aggravation. Thinking about it too much was making his head spin. And, at the moment, he was sleep-deprived, which means he probably couldn't understand any of it.

As he was walking, he couldn't help but notice a little girl standing in the middle of the passing commuters. She was wearing huge overcoat lined with fur. She had short, very curly, bright golden hair tucked behind her ears. Her emerald eyes shimmered with curiosity, and she bit her small hands covered with mittens anxiously. She kept on looking at the people passing her by, as if wanting to ask something, but when she opened her mouth, her voice sounded constrained. She was truly very cute and petite, but at the same time seemed lost and disorientated. Because of this, Wataru couldn't just ignore her and, instead, approached her.

"Hello?" he greeted, and leaned down to her level. "What's the matter, little girl? Where's your mommy? Are you lost?"

The little girl looked up at him, seemingly terrified, and answered nervously, "Ha…Hallo…"

"Eh?" Wataru blanched. It was obvious the young girl was a foreigner, but he didn't expect her to be from a country whose language he didn't know. What… She's not American… By her appearance, I'd say she's probably European. But which country? Not England, that's for sure… "Um… So… are you lost…?"

The little girl continued to look at him nervously. Tears were already beginning to form at her eyes. The moment Wataru noticed this, he began to panic and look around desperately for anything that he could use to communicate. Darn it… Where's a translator when you need one?! A small sob came from the small girl, and he immediately turned his attention back to her. "Ah! Don't cry," he shuddered. "Listen, why don't we go the police station together? Maybe your mommy's waiting for you there…" Naturally, the girl wouldn't understand, even as he tried to utter a few English words. "Ano… Sutoppu… Do notto… kura—i…" Apparently, that aggravated her even more, and she finally burst into tears.

Wataru gave a heavy sigh as he ran out of options. He glanced around probably looking for help, but no one stopped to even give him a glance. He returned his attention to the small girl, sobbing and rubbing her eyes. He couldn't help but feel an ounce of pity for her as he tried to visualize himself in her little shoes.

She must me really scared, he thought. He reached out his hand and lightly patted her head in affection. The timid gesture caught the little girl's attention, as she peeked from behind her hands, and gazed at the elder man standing before. The moment she did, she saw the soft and gentle smile that had spread across the older boy's lips. "It's okay," Wataru spoke in a sweet and gentle voice, continuing to pat her lightly. "It's going to be okay. So don't cry anymore, okay?"

Despite the language barrier between them, the sobs of the little girl somehow mellowed down until it absolutely stopped. She calmed down, mesmerized by those big black eyes, and eventually, gave out a small smile.

"That's really impressive," a voice called out from behind them. Wataru looked around and saw Sayuri standing at the side with her arms crossed and an amused grin on her face. "You were able to calm her down like that. Really good…"

"Sayuri-san…"

"I'll take it from here," she said, and stooped down to the little girl, extending her hand in the process. "Hallo," she greeted and conversed with her in a language that Wataru definitely didn't know. As she did so, Wataru noticed how the girl's expression turned to that of relief, and then she immediately beamed happily. Wataru, himself, couldn't stop smiling. "Let's go," Sayuri broke his thoughts. "I told her we'd accompany her all the way to the police station. If her parents are looking for her, it's probable that they'll be there filing for a missing person's report."

"Uh, right…" he drawled, and got up, patting some non-existent dust away. As he was about to turn and walk away, he noticed the little girl looking up at him with curious emerald eyes. He tilted his head in confusion, but she approached him and grabbed one of his hands. Afterwards, another smile graced her features. "She seems to like you," Sayuri said. "Considering that she didn't understand a word you said to her, she must've sensed that you were trying to cheer her up. And now she's taken a liking to you."

"Is that right?" he asked, then looked down at the little girl. He too smiled, and returned the gentle hold on his hand. "Then let's go to the police station." And the three of them went off, the small girl bouncing and skipping the entire way.

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Kazuki looked out the window with a blank gaze as Mizuho finished her check-up. He had been silent the whole time, and only spoke when spoken to. But even then he kept his sentences brief and straight to the point. The anxiety welling up inside him was so obvious, that his companion couldn't help but inquire about it. "Is something the matter, Yuichi?" Mizuho asked, with a rather concerned look on her face. "You've been down all morning. Is something bothering you?"

"No, nothing," came the nonchalant reply. "Just had a bad morning…"

"Bad morning?" the doctor cut in. "How can you have a bad morning when you have an absolute beauty for a girlfriend?"

"Girlfriend?" they chorused. Kazuki brightened with embarrassment, and uttered, "Uh… no. She's not my…girlfriend…" He mumbled the last part lowly, as if he was denying it half-heartedly. The doctor snickered at them with an all-knowing tone present in his voice. The scrutiny caused the two to turn a light shade of red, and avert their eyes from one another. "Can we…" Kazuki spoke, recovering himself. "Can we get back on the topic?"

"Ah, yes," the old man chuckled, and studied his charts. "Well, there's nothing much to report, other than she's doing fine as usual. But she mustn't get too excited or worked up or anything like that. If she gets too excited, the heart tends to beat increasingly fast. Considering the delicate stage she's still in, it's best if she continues refraining from too strenuous activities. It's also not wise to upset her too much. Well, it's the usual…"

"That's good," Kazuki spoke. "It's great that you're doing well on your recovery, Mizuho."

"That's thanks to you, Yuichi," she replied. "You're so nice to me. You even take care of me so well. Suddenly I feel like the pampered girlfriend."

"Yeah… Come to think of it… I did spoil you quite a lot back then."

"Yuichi…"

The boy's response to her statement surprised her a bit. Ever since they were reunited in America, and got back to Japan, the topic of their past relationship seemed very taboo. It was as if the boy was avoiding it on purpose. That action had always puzzled her, but now that he was responding, perhaps it was good progress.

"Well, if that's all," the doctor said. "I'll have the young lady come again by the end of the week. But if complications arise before then, please do not hesitate to bring her here."

"Understood," Kazuki acknowledged, and helped Mizuho get up, dressing her in her overcoat. With a word of the thanks, the both of them left the room, leaving the doctor to muse on his thoughts.

"What a nice couple…"

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The chilly air greeted them outside, and Mizuho couldn't help but shudder a bit. At the slightest indication of her discomfort, Kazuki immediately turned to her with a look of concern. "You okay?" he asked. She nodded her head and assured him she was fine. "You sure?" he continued. "Do you want to go home for today?"

"Eh? But it's a weekend. You have no classes, and it's your day-off from part-time. Also, the Renovation club you're in isn't going to meet today, right? Why don't we go somewhere then?"

"Is it okay?"

"Oh, c'mon Yuichi! I'm not a child that needs constant pampering, you know. Besides, it's been a long time since we actually went somewhere together. How about the shopping district? Or probably the amusement park?"

"Weren't you listening to the doctor?" he huffed. "He said for you to refrain from strenuous activities. Also, you're not supposed to get too excited or too upset."

"That certainly robbed me of fun," she sighed. "Can't we at least walk around town then?"

Kazuki sighed and conceded. Even after nearly two years, things were still the same. He still couldn't say 'no' to her, nor could he disagree with anything she says. He was absolutely still wrapped around her finger. But then a soft chuckle escaped his lips. That's what's amazing about her, he mused. After all, it's not everyday that the great Kazuki Yuichi would bend himself to someone.

As they made their way, Mizuho glanced at Kazuki for a moment, taking in his features. Things definitely hadn't changed. He was still far taller than her, not to mention he still carried a mature, adult aura with him. Yuichi is incredibly handsome, no doubt about that. He was also charming in both presence and in work. There's nothing absolutely disagreeable with him. In fact, if she didn't know any better, she'd say that he had gotten even more handsome in the time that they parted.

"Mizuho?' Kazuki questioned, noticing her gaze. "Is there something on my face?"

"No, nothing," she turned her face away, a bit flushed and burning red in color. A few more moments of silence passed, and she carefully grasped the younger man's arm. Kazuki didn't seem perturbed about it, so she inched closer to him, leaning her head on his shoulder.

The sight of them—two beautiful people—together brought about stares and whispers from everyone that came their way; each of them marveling at the beautiful couple.

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Wataru waved back at the little girl, as she was waving goodbye at him, happily reunited with her mother. Wataru smiled happily and gave a light chuckle. Sayuri observed his features closely, glancing to and fro between him and the little girl. "You look really happy," she said. Wataru shrugged and replied, "Shouldn't I be? Her mother was also very happy to see her again." Sayuri sighed and tugged him by the arm, leading him away.

"Where are we going?" he couldn't help but ask. He remembered once being dragged away by her before. Her grip hadn't changed. It still seemed delicate. But this time, there was a bit of strength in it. "Sayuri-san?"

Sayuri glanced back at him and tightened her hold, urging him to hurry in her pace. "I wanted to discuss something with you," she answered. "Let's go some place where we can be alone. Fortunately, though, I found the perfect place—one that rarely gets customers."

"Huh?"

"Come on, Fujii-kun! Stop dilly-dallying and hurry up!"

The next thing Wataru knew, he was standing in front of a very familiar coffee shop that looked old and out-of-date. It wasn't particularly eye-catching, and had a classic style to it. It wasn't one of those modern cafés that people their age would most likely frequent.

"This place…" he drawled.

"Like it?" Sayuri beamed. "It's awesome, actually! It might not look like it, but the atmosphere is really nice. Makes me feel quite relaxed." She pushed the door open, urging him inside. And as they entered, he could clearly hear the small jingle of the door bell.

The place was deserted as always—extremely rare to be filled with customers. The old couple running the place looked up from the counter where they sat, and they immediately beamed brightly. "Well, well," the old man chuckled. "It's been a while, hasn't it, oniisan?" Wataru smiled uneasily and nodded. The last time he'd been inside that café was the day after he'd discovered Mizuho's postcard to Kazuki, which he kept hidden. Somehow, everything led back to that very day.

"Eh? You've been here before, Fujii-kun?" Sayuri asked quite curiously.

The old woman also gave a smile and answered, "Yes, he's a regular here. He and three other men often come here. But he is often accompanied by that particular boy—the one who graduated from Ryokuyo."

"Eeeeeh…. Is that so…? In that case, Fujii-kun, since you're a regular here, I'll have you treat me to some of their delicious black tea!"

"Huh?!" Wataru gaped. "Sayuri-san…" Before he could mouth out another protest, the young girl had skipped off to the table near the window. Wataru sighed and turned back to the old couple, smiling and chuckling at them. He turned a bit red then said, "I guess it'll be two black teas please."

"Of course," the old man spoke, and hastily went about to do it.

Not too long later, two fresh cups of steaming hot black tea was delivered to their table, carrying an aroma of richness. Sayuri looked at it expectantly, and gracefully picked it up with both her hands. Taking in the scent, she blew away some of the steam, and drank the hot liquid carefully. After the first sip, she pulled back and exclaimed, "Delicious! I can't believe that a place like this could make such great tea. It's really awesome."

"Right…" Wataru commented and took a sip from his cup.

He remembered in his junior year of high school, he and Kazuki had stumbled upon this old café. It wasn't that far away from school, but it was also not the type of place that youngsters like themselves would frequent. Because of Kazuki's popularity, it was the perfect place for them to meet. It was also in that very same café that Wataru first caught a glimpse of Asaka. Somehow, he could still remember the heated gaze the man exuded the moment their eyes met. It was deep and intense—like the guy was able to see right through his very soul. It was electrifying.

"So," he opened the topic. "You wanted to talk to me about something, Sayuri-san?"

Sayuri took one last sip from her cup, before her features changed to that of seriousness. "It's about Masanobu-sama," she answered, and Wataru mentally sighed—already expecting the answer. "I was on my way to Ryokuyo High the other day, when I heard a commotion going on. Apparently, someone got a love-declaration from someone…"

Wataru flinched at her words, and felt himself decrease in size at the sight of her twinkling eyes. She had an all-knowing gaze that seemed to suck the very life out of him. Looking at her now, he couldn't honestly believe that she was the same girl that had helped him out earlier, talked with the foreigner, and displayed such etiquette and finesse in front of the old couple. It's like she was the different sides of the same coin.

When he was unable to respond, Sayuri continued speaking, "When I heard all that had happened, I had about every intention of running up to both of you and lash out or something. Luckily though, Ookusa-senpai was there and stopped me."

"Ookusa?"

"Ookusa Miho. She goes to your school, right? She was my senpai in junior high. There were certain things she knew about me that others didn't. That's really quite infuriating. But I am glad she restrained me the way she did. Otherwise, my image of being this cool and beautiful student would be gone."

"Eh…?" his curiosity was stirred.

"That's not important," she diverted. "Let's get back to the topic. Masanobu-sama confessed to you in front of an entire crowd and…"

"Can we please not talk about that?" he interrupted; his temper suddenly rising. "I've already spent the entire night last night being interrogated about that love declaration. Also, whenever you call me out it's always to lecture me about how wrong it is to date with Asaka-san. He and I aren't even dating for real! If you called me out just for that kind of talk, then I consider my morning entirely wasted!"

He made a motion to get up, but was stopped by Sayuri's words. "I'm sorry," she immediately spoke, but still maintained her composure. "Regardless of what you think, I didn't call you out to lecture you or anything like that."

"Huh?" he was surprised at the change of rhythm.

"I called you out because I wanted to spend time with you." That statement surprised him again. "When Ookusa-senpai stopped me, she told me not to do anything that could harm you in any way. I was particularly surprised with the protectiveness she showed, especially since she's never even looked at guys before…"

Wataru turned slightly red at the idea of Miho being protective of him. Although he was the type who was sensitive about other people's feelings, he always had a hard time interpreting feelings of love. Such is the case with Miho. He had figured out that the young girl had feelings for Kazuki, but what he did not expect was that the young girl ended up developing feelings for him as well—feelings that probably overweighed what she felt for the elder man (as what Kazuki had told him).

"In any case," Sayuri continued, breaking off his thoughts. "I began to really wonder what type of person you are—being able to have two gorgeous people falling for you."

Wataru sputtered. It is true though, that Miho is extremely popular among the boys. He gave a moment's thought and chuckled uneasily, clearly not knowing how to respond to such a statement, and ended up shifting restlessly or muttering incoherent things. His apprehensive display brought amusement and humor to Sayuri, and she couldn't help but giggle a bit.

The small smile that appeared on her lips caught Wataru's attention. It was the first time he'd actually seen her genuinely laugh with him. And, at that moment, he truly thought she looked beautiful.

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The door of Parfait swung open, and they were immediately greeted with a "Welcome" from a few attendants. From the shelves and glass casings, they could clearly see the wide array and assorted accessories and jewelries ranging from women's wear to men's wear, and even to unisex objects.

"Touko's shop," Mizuho spoke. "It's been such a long time since I last stepped foot in this place. As always, her works are that of excellent caliber." Yuichi grunted in reply, also carefully observing each piece displayed. All of them were made in fine silver, and had wondrous designs. The maker was definitely an artisan, which made Yuichi all the more proud that it's his cousin.

"Yuichi…? And Mizuho as well…!" A voice called out to them. When they turned around, they saw Touko walking in carrying a few boxes. "This is a surprise!" she uttered, handing the boxes to one of her employees. "What brings you two here to my shop?"

"Touko, it's been so long," spoke Mizuho. "Yuichi's taking me around town, and we thought of dropping by to see some of your collections."

"Well, I'm flattered that you thought of doing so. Feel free to look around and pick out anything you might like."

"It'd be my pleasure then. Is that okay, Yuichi?"

"Hm?" the boy responded. "Yeah, sure… Sky's the limit… Pick out anything you want and it'll be my treat."

As Mizuho went to one of the counters to take a look at some of the accessories, Touko couldn't help but glance worriedly at Yuichi. She also didn't miss the fact that the boy seemed to be inattentive and was surveying the area as if looking for someone.

"Everything okay, Yuichi?" she asked out of concern.

"No, it's nothing," he replied. "Is, uh… Is Karin here?"

"No, she didn't come here today. She already told me that she'd be going out with some of her friends today. Why?"

"I was hoping to speak to her about… Wataru…"

He mumbled the last part lowly, but she heard it loud and clear. Giving a sigh, she motioned for Yuichi to follow here where they can talk more privately. She called to Mizuho and her employees and explained that she'll be in the back if they need anything. "Yes, ma'am," said one. Then turning to Yuichi, she continued, "And don't worry, sir. We'll take care of your girlfriend for you." He simply nodded and waved his hand, while Touko gave a frown.

"What's the matter that you want to speak to Karin?" Touko asked the moment they got into her office. "Did something happen between you and Wataru?"

Women are perceptive, Yuichi thought. "Actually, yeah…" he confessed. "I really don't know what's going on, but I can't help but feel it's going downhill for us."

"What do you mean?" Hearing that their relationship wasn't working truly surprised the older woman. After all the drama and heart ache her young cousin went through to get the boy, she didn't think it would come to an abrupt end. She urged the young man to explain to her everything, and he did so—everything that had happened this past week since he returned from America.

When he was done, Touko sat back on her chair with a deep sigh escaping her lips. "That is one major quarrel," she commented. "And that trick Shohei pulled on you—the one about telling Wataru about your, uh… escapade with Mizuho—was really devious. But then again, it is in his character…"

"So…?" he asked in a hopeless tone. "What do you think I should do…?"

Touko tapped her chin, her painted nails gleaming under the fluorescent light. She seemed to be in deep thought before leaning forward and spoke to her cousin in a hushed manner. "You know, Yuichi… I've become quite accustomed to you approaching me and telling me things that you wouldn't tell your parents and brother. You've come to me for advice for certain things as well. And when you and Mizuho got together, I didn't protest. If anything, I was very supportive of you—just as I am supportive of you and Wataru now."

"Touko-san…"

"It was never really a concern for me whether your partner is eight years older than you, or is a younger man. My biggest and greatest concern has always been your happiness. If you're happy then that's all that really matters."

"……"

"But right now, what's going on between you and Wataru… It's really complicated. All of this probably stemmed from a misunderstanding of some kind. But if you're going to fix it then you have to do so now, otherwise it'll become something irreparable."

"I guess you're right…"

"There's that… and also how you treat Mizuho."

"What's that got to do with this?"

Touko sighed, massaging her temples. "Yuichi, I know you may deny this but you have to think truthfully and honestly. There's probably still a part of you deep inside that loves Mizuho."

"…What?"

"I mean, from the way you treat her—the way you're so gentle and kind with her—you treat her like a princess! Just a few minutes ago, my assistant called Mizuho your girlfriend and you brushed it like it was nothing."

"It is nothing."

"Then at least deny it! It's probable that Wataru senses it—that you might still have feelings for her. And that's most likely the reason why he distances himself from you."

"You… You think so…?" he contemplated on the possibility.

"Of course!" she scoffed. "Yuichi, everyone loses confidence in the presence of their lover's ex—especially if that person is like an embodiment of perfection. From what you've told me, I'm guessing Wataru is already questioning his stand in your relationship. And while you're waiting on Mizuho hand and foot, Asaka's chances with Wataru are getting higher and higher." She had only been able to see Asaka during the school festival, which she attended along with Karin. She had to admit, the guy was very attractive.

Yuichi ran a hand though his hair, a troubled expression on his face. Things were absolutely much more complicated than it seemed. "What do you think I should do?"

"Talk to him," she emphasized. "Don't reel in your jealous head. Just hear him out then give your side of the story. Then the both of you will come to an understanding and everything will work out. Just remember the most important thing in a relationship—well, in any relationship."

"……"

"Communication. Got it?"

Yuichi allowed an understanding smile to grace his lips. "Yeah, got it. Thanks, Touko-san."

"Good," the older woman sighed in relief. "So, what are you going to do now, Yuichi?"

"I've been thinking…" he answered after a moment's silence. "I've always thought that things would be fine as long as our feelings remained the same, but if such insecurities arise, then I have no other choice but to reveal it."

"Eh?" Touko was a bit stunned. Yuichi wasn't implying what she thought he was implying… was he?

"…I'll tell my parents about Wataru and me."

"EH??" This time, she jolted out of her seat with a look of pure surprise on her face. "Yu—Yuichi, are you sure about that? I mean, me and Shohei knowing about it is fine, but your parents? Won't they be crushed?"

"Probably. But I'd rather that happened than going through another fit with Wataru."

"So… you… you'll tell them…?"

"Yes… But first, I have to talk with Wataru," he spoke sincerely. "Though I don't really know what happened, something between us has been broken. And I have to mend it first. That's my top priority."

"…Yuichi…"

The door to her office swung open, and in stepped two of her attendants with worried expressions on their faces. "Ma'am," they said. "What happened? We heard a shriek and…"

"It's nothing," she cut them off. "My eyes were playing tricks on me. I thought I saw a mouse scurry by, and Yuichi here assured me it was just my imagination."

The two attendants apparently seemed content with that answer, as they both let out a breath of relief. Yuichi, on the other hand, scoffed and mentally complained. A mouse? That's the best excuse she could come up with? Touko clapped her hands, bringing closure to that argument. She motioned her two attendants out of the room, following them afterwards and leaving her cousin behind.

Once he was alone in the room, Yuichi took a moment to ponder over his thoughts for a moment. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He immediately called up Wataru's number, but somehow wasn't too shocked when he heard the call convert to voicemail.

Is this some sort of revenge…? He grumbled, then left a message after the sound of the beep.

0-n-L-y--t-H-3--R-1-n-G--F-1-n-G-3-r--k-N-0-w-5-z--t-H-3--u-N-T-0-u-c-H-3-d--R-1-n-G

Touko waved goodbye at her favorite cousin as she watched the two of them disappear down the sidewalk. As the figures left her sight, she couldn't stop the worry and concern growing up inside her. Somehow, she felt that none of this was going to be easy.

Yuichi and Mizuho took to the streets again; the chilly air brushing against their skin. They maintained a close distance to one another, so much so that it was practically calling others' attention. It was almost lunch time, but neither of them felt hungry.

Mizuho would spare the young boy a glance every now and then, wondering if she should bring the topic up. She could tell that something was bothering him, but didn't know if it was right to pry. "Yuichi," she finally spoke. "Is everything all right? Is something bothering you?"

"Hm?" he responded as if brought out from a daze. "No… it's nothing. I'm fine…"

Mizuho frowned. "What's wrong with you? You've been acting so strange lately. If there's something bothering you, it's all right to tell me."

"It's nothing. Really…"

"…I wish you would stop pretending, Yuichi. I thought you would've grown in the time we haven't seen each other. But it turns out you're still as childish as can be!"

After her remark, she took off full speed, not seeing the pedestrian light change from green to red. As she stepped on to the street, a red Ferrari came zooming by, honking its horn. Surprised, Mizuho instantly froze on the spot. When she thought she was about to get hit, she felt a hand strongly grab on to her arm, pulling her out of harm's way and into the safety of the taller man's chest.

"Idiot…" she heard him mutter as her face remained buried near where his collarbone should be. "What're you doing charging in like that?" he scolded, pulling her tighter into his embrace. She clutched back to him, feeling her heart pounding and racing like crazy. "I…" she muttered. "I'm sorry…" She gasped out, as the ache in her chest increased.

Yuichi didn't move nor did he make a motion to release her. He kept her firmly in her arms as she slowly calmed down, her heart returning to its normal rhythm.

Time ticked by, and it soon dawned on them that they were hugging each other in public. They were beginning to attract a lot of attention, so they slowly pulled away from one another. When they did, Yuichi saw the older woman's face painted with a reddish tint—flushed with color. "Mizuho," he uttered. "Are you okay…?" His voice was very gentle and caring. Mizuho nodded, feeling her pulse return to normal. The way her heart had pounded earlier, she almost felt like she was going to faint.

"Yuichi," she spoke again, wanting to say something—anything as gratifying thanks for saving her. But as the words were about to leave her lips, the ringing sound of Yuichi's cell phone interrupted her.

"Sorry," he said, and turned his attention to his phone. From the look on his face, he was probably expecting it to be someone important, but disappointment washed over his features the moment he looked at the LCD. Flipping it open, he spoke, "Hello? Yes, it's me, manager."

Manager… she thought. So it's from his part-time…

He gave a few responses to the caller before finally saying, "All right. I will." With that, he hung up and kept the phone away. "Sorry Mizuho," he spoke. "I have to go. The manager asked me to come in today. He said someone important was coming, and he appears to be understaffed."

"But it's your day-off…"

"I'll get paid for over-time, so it's fine. Besides, he assured me I'll get off at least before five."

"O…Okay…"

"How about you? Should I take you home first?"

"N-No!" she exclaimed. "It's fine, Yuichi. I'm not a baby. Go on, everything is just fine."

Yuichi looked at her disbelievingly at first, but then shrugged and gave in. "All right. Take care then. And watch the traffic lights!"

He spared her one final glance before taking off in the opposite direction. Mizuho watched his retreating back as she clutched the place where her heart is, feeling it hasten in pace once again.


To be continued…

Next chapter will be up as soon as it is finished, so please bear with me a bit longer.

A/N: The "oniisan" honorific the old couple uses to refer to Wataru is meant to mean "young man". Parfait is probably the name of Touko's shop since it was the name on the sign that was shown when Karin referred to the store.

Now, back to what I had originally wanted to say… I was amazed that I immediately got 10 reviews within the span of 24 hours that I posted the previous chapter. Not to mention that each time I checked my mail, I was still getting reviews. Plus, I've just exceeded 3000 hits, and I'm almost reaching 4000! I'm practically bouncing with joy!