An update! How long has it been since? Argh, I'm terribly sorry for the slow update…

At this point in time, I really need to re-read the previous chapters to maintain consistency, not to mention some loose ends will be revisited and eventually tied up.

Oh, and happy birthday to Vanessa! We're both September-girls!

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 Seventeen: Bared Intentions


The morning came like it always did. Sayuri glanced at the two vacant seats beside her and gave a disheartened sigh. "Sousuke," she called to the old man standing behind her. "Otousama and okaasama aren't going to join me for breakfast?" The old servant looked at her quite worrisome before finally answering, "Er… no, ojousama. They left early for a business venture. They give you their regards though."

"Their regards…" she echoed faintly. "That's all I've ever heard from them lately…"

"Ojousama?"

"Never mind." With a click of her fork, she pushed the plate away and lifted herself from her seat. "I'm done eating. The food was delicious, Sousuke. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have any appetite."

Before Sousuke could utter a remark, the young girl had picked her things and left the room. He stared at the barely-touched breakfast plate and sighed. Lately, the young lady had eaten less and less, and she always seemed distant at home. He wondered if she was like this at school as well. He worried over her health; perhaps she was worried about something. Or perhaps it's the same reason again…

In this huge house adorned with lavishness and fancy, everything felt cold and distant.

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Sayuri didn't get past the gate when she caught sight of someone waiting for her there. She grinned and made a courteous bow. "Good morning," she greeted. "What brings you to my humble abode, Ookusa-senpai? And on a school day too…" Miho frowned, not liking the delightful grin on the younger girl's face. "There's something I want to ask you," she said without hesitation. "Have you spoken with Wataru recently?"

"Wataru?" the young girl echoed. "Oh, you mean Fujii-kun! And…? What's it to you if we've spoken?"

"I strongly suggest that you leave him alone."

"Why?" Sayuri innocently asked. "It's not like I've done anything to him. I've already laid off the death threats and pranks as you asked of me. But simply talking? What's wrong in striking a conversation?"

"Depends on what's being talked…"

"……"

"'Even though we walk on the same pavement… the both of us are worlds apart.' That's a line that you're famous for, Hongo."

Sayuri frowned and whipped her head away. Clicking her heels, she started walking away from the older girl. But Miho quickly caught up with her and walked on the same stride as her. "Well?" she continued. "You said that to him, didn't you? That's the line you'd always use when you reject love confessions. Word for word… I don't know what the circumstance was, but you're the only one who could've possibly injected that idea into Wataru's head!"

"Really, senpai!" Sayuri came to an abrupt stop, her frown deepening than before. "I have no idea what you're talking about. And even if I did say such a thing, it's not my fault if he decides to pick up something I randomly said." She was about to walk away again when Miho's words stopped her in her tracks.

"I know about the arranged marriage. I ran into your father. He told me about it."

"Otousama did…?" she trailed off, as if the information was new to her. "Otousama spoke with you but not with me… Hmph! It figures… That's what he always does, anyway. Consult with others but never with the person in question…"

"Anyway," Miho interfered with her rant. "He told me about this engagement of yours to one Asaka Masanobu—the guy who made the love-declaration to Wataru."

"……"

"That's why you're causing trouble for Wataru, aren't you? Because you're jealous that the guy you're engaged with is in love with someone else."

"Not just anyone else, a guy for crying out loud!" Sayuri snapped, flailing her hands in the air for effect. "Can you believe it? A guy in love with another guy? I didn't believe it at first, but now it's just insane! Not to mention disgusting… That kind of rep is bad for Masanobu-sama."

"Still… that's low of you," Miho murmured, her eyes containing a glint of caution and danger. "To use a ploy like that is unbelievably low even for someone like you. You truly act like a spoiled brat to get whatever you want."

"All I want…" the younger girl remarked, spitting her words out. "All I want is for Masanobu-sama to see me as the young woman I am, and not that snotty little girl he once saw playing around the daffodils."

"Then why didn't you just approach him instead and of using this round-about way through Wataru?"

"I already did that! But it didn't work. That's why I'm focusing on Fujii-kun."

"Sayuri…"

"But I'm really impressed, Ookusa-senpai," Sayuri smirked, her eyes twinkling with delight. "I've never known you to be so protective and caring towards a guy before. In fact, no one's ever seen you take a fancy to any guy before that's why everyone thought you were a lesbian or something."

"……"

"You must really love Fujii then?"

Miho unconsciously flinched at the emphasis of the word 'love'. She had no argument to that since it was basically true. She had always harbored a deep crush on Kazuki Yuichi who happened to be her aunt's neighbor. She took personal joy and pride knowing that she alone—amongst the many girls in school—could see a secret side of their beloved idol. That crush of hers was the main reason she never looked at other men before. But, somehow, her feelings for Kazuki had been lifted and transferred to someone else.

"Honestly, though, I don't know what you see in him," Sayuri continued. "Fujii doesn't look much. He looks like the kind of guy who can't even last in his relationships. Perhaps he treats all women like little girls who still like to play with their dolls…"

"Eh?" At that time, Miho had been clenching her fists with every negative remark uttered about Wataru. But when she heard Sayuri's last statement, it caused her to perk with interest, as if a spark had been lit inside her head, and the cogwheels began to turn. "Sayuri… could it be that you…"

"Hm?"

It couldn't be what she was thinking, right? Miho was definitely sure it couldn't be what she was thinking. But… what if… even the slightest offset…

"What you really want… is…?"

The wind suddenly begin to pick up pace, blowing against their ears and muffling all sound. But even so, Sayuri heard her loud and clear. And when she did, her eyes widened with astonishment for a fraction of second before they narrowed to an icy glare; and her face lit up with a red shade either from anger or from embarrassment.

"Th—That's just absurd, senpai!" With that, she stomped off very much annoyed, leaving Miho behind to gaze at her retreating back with a contemplative flicker in her eyes.

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What am I doing here?

…Was the only thing in Wataru's mind as he sat opposite the elder man with a cup of black coffee steaming in front of him. Asaka had his elbows resting on the table with his chin resting on his hand, a wide grin plastered on his lips. Wataru felt uneasy being the subject of that amused gaze. He momentarily wondered how it came to be for him to be sitting in the old coffee shop as if he and Asaka were out on a date.

He remembered having an uneventful day—nothing in particular happened in school, aside from Kawamura's constant whining about how Mitsuki bailed early on him the other day (something that had started from the boy's bedroom, all the way 'till morning then in school and up to the time the dismissal bell rang). He also recalled stopping by the apartment complex his family lived in, but was undecided whether to go up or not. He was about to make up his mind when he saw Asaka approaching. In a panic, he quickly hauled the elder man away. He didn't know what he was thinking at the time, but he did know that he didn't want to let Asaka find out about his home-problems. All he wanted was to keep the elder man away from his home, but he ended up being dragged to the café the old couple ran.

Wataru reached out for his cup, and blew it gently to cool the searing liquid. He took in tiny gulps, careful not to burn his tongue, all the while his eyes never left the elder man's face. Asaka's eyes twinkled with amusement, and spoke, "Is anything wrong, Wataru-kun? You seem to be on guard for something." The young boy shrugged and settled the cup back down on the hard surface. He narrowed his eyes as he answered, "Just being careful…"

Realizing what he was referring to, Asaka couldn't help but laugh—especially when he saw the boy's face change into a red color of embarrassment. "There's no need to treat me like a predator," he chuckled. "I am quite serious with you, you know. I truly intend to court you and make you happy."

"Somehow, I doubt that…" Wataru gave a half-smile. His reaction wasn't at all lively, which caused Asaka to scowl. When he had seen the boy at the apartment complex, he thought that something was wrong, but now he was more than certain that something was definitely not right. "Is there anything wrong, Wataru-kun?" the elder man asked. "You don't seem your usual self."

"It… It's nothing…"

"If there's anything I can do…"

"It's fine, Asaka-san… Really…"

Asaka sighed, and his expression turned into a grave one. He gazed at Wataru with eyes of utmost seriousness and intensity, so much so that the young boy felt like he was drowning in them. The way he was being stared at made Wataru feel like his entire soul was being bared to that handsome man, and that there was nothing he could hide. It was the same feeling he had when he first saw Asaka.

…The feeling of strong uncertainty…

"I told you before, haven't I, Wataru-kun?" the older man continued. "I want to know more about you. I want to know things that even Kazuki-kun doesn't know yet. And because of that, I want to know everything there is about you."

"…Asaka-san…"

"I'm always happy whenever you talk with me about your troubles. It makes me feel relieved that there is always something I can do to help you with—to be a part in your world. So please don't hesitate to tell me anything."

"……"

"After all, I am your Hero of Justice. And I intend to be for much longer."

"Asaka-san…" Wataru stifled a chuckle. He couldn't explain it, but that was the effect that Asaka had on him all the time. No matter how depressed he was, the older man seemed to know just the right words to uplift his spirits. Having been told such sincere words, he couldn't find any reason to not confide in him. So Wataru ended up telling him about his dilemma at home—about how his parents found out and how he is now currently bunking in with his friend.

"I see," Asaka uttered the moment Wataru had finished. "So you can't go home at the moment because of your parents."

"Yeah… And I kind of feel bad intruding on Kawamura like this. His family is nice, and they've allowed for me to stay without asking any questions, but I feel like I'm being too much of a bother."

"Well, you know, Wataru-kun," the elder man added after a moment's contemplation. "You could always bunk in with me instead."

"……"

"It's not a problem. I live on my own, but there's enough living space for two people. I can drive you to school or you could take the train. It isn't really that long a distance. What do you say?"

"……"

"You don't want to, do you?"

"I'd be much safer sleeping at a park bench," came the sarcastic remark.

Asaka chuckled and waved his hand nonchalantly. "Don't be like that, Wataru-kun," he said. "I promise you I won't do a thing. I won't force you like I did last time." Wataru wrinkled his nose and crossed his arms in disbelief. "That time…" the man continued. "I just felt like doing something childish."

"Childish…?"

"You see, I… sort of knew that Kazuki-kun was there," he explained. "Although I really did initially come on to you, I was still aware of Kazuki-kun's presence, and thought of doing something he'd really hate me for."

"That is childish," Wataru nodded his head in agreement. "And it's really unlike you, Asaka-san."

"Well, you know. I just wanted to show Kazuki-kun that I am indeed serious in stealing you away."

When a statement like that is spoken with a straight, serious and honest face, what kind of remark or rebuttal could anyone come up with? Wataru felt the air tense around him again and the room grew hot, which was weird considering the coffee shop maintained a certain temperature—not too warm and not too cold.

Probably noticing the slight discomfort the boy was feeling, Asaka quickly introduced a new topic for them to venture. "You know, Wataru-kun," he spoke. "The Renovation club is thinking of holding a Christmas Party. We've been going through a list of venues, but I think it'd be nice if we had the party here, right?" Wataru perked at the notion, and titled his head in question. "Here?" he asked. "You mean here at this café?"

"Why not? It has a good atmosphere, plus a lot of good history too."

History… That's right… This place was where he and Kazuki often rendezvoused back when they were both still in high school. It continued to be their meeting place even after Kazuki graduated and entered college. It was also the same place where he had met Asaka for the first time. This place… had a lot of memories for him.

"Sure," he finally answered. "Why not? I think it's a great idea. I'm sure the old folks would also love a little liveliness in here."

"Does that mean you'll come as well?"

"Eh? But I'm not…" Technically, Wataru isn't a member of Asaka's circle. He just often dropped by because of Kazuki. But definitely Kazuki would be there because he's part of the club… that is if he's not too busy with Mizuho or anything else. Wouldn't it be awkward if Wataru was to go?

"Please come, Wataru-kun," Asaka spoke with a gentle tone in his voice. "I would really love it if you come. Everyone thinks so too. You're our 'kohai'."

He extended his hand and gently patted Wataru on the head. Afterwards, he let his hand slide down the side of the young boy's head until he reached his cheek. Instantly, Wataru felt his temperature rise. He didn't know if he was blushing or if it was the heat from the elder man's hands. But the way the man had smiled at him and affectionately caressed his cheek made Wataru's heart skip a beat.

He couldn't control this reaction, but it didn't stop from thinking… speculating… If he had met Asaka first… would he still fall in love with Kazuki…? Or would Asaka be the proud owner of his heart…?

He opened his mouth to utter a few words, but no sound came out—rather, there wasn't a chance to speak, as a loud voice called from behind Asaka, and dainty feminine arms wrapped themselves around him, trapping him in an embrace.

"Masanobu-sama!" came the familiar shrilly voice.

Asaka frowned at the young girl's intrusion, and immediately pried himself from her clutches. When he finally detached himself, he looked at her with a stern expression flickering in his eyes. "Hongo," he said. "What on earth are you doing here?" Deep inside, he wanted to add 'Why interrupt us at a good moment?'

Sayuri contemplated the elder man's expression for a moment, before finally answering. "I should ask you the same, Masanobu-sama. Why are you out with him as if you're on a date? You're engaged to me." Then she turned her focus to Wataru, and gave a slight grin. "You weren't seducing him, were you, Fujii-kun?"

"I wasn't doing anything of the kind!" the young boy retorted, a bit perturbed at the accusation. He had nothing against Sayuri personally. And lately, they seem to get along just the two of them. But the moment relationships get involved, particularly the arranged marriage with Asaka, everything suddenly turns into a television soap opera.

"Really?" the girl mused. "But weren't you blushing just a while ago? Or was it just the lighting?"

"…Okay, I admit it!" he exclaimed, really upset at the usual pattern of banter. "I can't deny that I find Asaka-san rather attractive. But he and I are not in a relationship of that kind. We're just friends. That's all there is, and nothing more."

Sayuri blinked, not knowing how to respond to such a declaration. So she did the next best thing, she chose to ignore it. Instead, she turned her attention back to Asaka and do what she had initially went there for. "Never mind," she uttered. "Masanobu-sama, Shiori-obaasama has called the both of us."

"Eh… My grandmother did…?"

"Yes, she says it's rather important that she speaks to us now."

Asaka frowned. What could his grandmother have to say now? Surely, it would be either about family business or the whole arranged marriage again. Lately, that's been the only reason why they've spoken. He glanced back to Wataru, clearly not having any interest in leaving the boy alone. But Wataru smiled and nodded his head, as if giving his approval for the elder man to leave.

Asaka gave a small smile, truly glad that Wataru was somehow attracted to him. But he still felt disappointed that his efforts in wooing the boy haven't borne any fruit. With a sigh, he picked himself up from his seat, and ignored the way Sayuri immediately latched on to his arm. With a final glance to his young companion, he left the building.

Once again, Wataru was left to ponder over his own thoughts. He didn't get far in the exploration of his own reverie when he heard the tinkle of the doorbell, signaling the arrival of another customer. Just out of curiosity, Wataru turned to look at who had entered, but the moment he did, his eyes widened with surprise.

"Kazuki…?"

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The moment he had heard his name mentioned, Kazuki turned his gaze over to the young man. A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes. It was something of longing, surprise and relief. Wataru wasn't sure what emotion he saw, but it was there. And that he couldn't ignore.

Kazuki gave a wave to the old couple by the register. Afterwards, he strode over to where Wataru was seated. "Hey," he said. "Mind if I take a seat?" Wataru shrugged his shoulders, and the elder boy took that as approval. He pulled back the chair to take a seat, and in doing so, he revealed his right hand where a particular shining silver ornament was resting. Wataru lowered his eyes, not wanting to look at it. It pained him to even look at the ring—the ring that he had once worn. It was like the feeling he had a year ago when he had discarded his ring then Kazuki had come searching for him the very next day, still flaunting the ring on his right middle finger.

"What're you doing here?" Wataru asked, trying to divert his attention from the ring. Kazuki rested his palms on the wooden table then answered, "Who knows? Maybe I wanted to see you really badly, and I took a gamble that you might be here…"

"Right…" Wataru drawled. He heard Kazuki sigh, but he still would not raise his eyes. An unbearable silence reigned over them, and it made Wataru feel uncomfortable. Across him, the elder boy still held a contemplative look in his eyes, as if he was searching for the right words to say. Kazuki opened his mouth to say something, but no sound came out, so he closed it again and drummed his fingers lightly on the table. Wataru began to fidget. Where did this strong uneasiness derive from?

"That girl…" Kazuki finally spoke. "Who was that girl dangling from Asaka's arm?"

"You mean Sayuri?" the younger boy answered. "She's that stubborn fiancé that he has for that arranged marriage."

"Ah… She's really pretty," the elder boy said, humming a light tune. "Why doesn't Asaka want to marry her?"

"Who knows?"

"I take it then you're still going on with the charade."

"You're stalling," Wataru narrowed his eyes. "You're beating around the bush, Kazuki. That isn't like you. Just say what you want to say."

"I'm just trying to play it carefully," he reasoned. "Lately, we've been doing nothing but getting into arguments that lead to even bigger arguments. So I figured I should cool my head off and wait for the storm to die down before attempting another voyage."

"Wow," Wataru drawled. "What a nice figure of speech you used." He crossed his arms and leaned back on to the back-rest of his seat. Even though Kazuki had appeared before him, he was still quite irritated that the man seemed to be ignoring one very important and crucial detail. "So that means you can't keep your cool around me, huh?"

"When can I ever?"

"But you keep your cool around Mizuho-san."

"Mizuho…?" Kazuki perked in curiosity. "Wataru… are you… jealous of Mizuho…?"

"Wha—?" the young boy reeled back, flushed in embarrassment. "What… No! I… I mean… w-why should I…?"

Kazuki grinned and snickered at his companion's attempts at denial. "I kind of like it, though," his words stopped Wataru mid-rant. "You… jealous of Mizuho… I like it. Know why? Because it tells me that you're so madly and deeply in love with me." For the second time, Wataru felt his heart skip a beat, and the burning of his face just went a degree hotter. Seeing his reaction, Kazuki extended his hand to gently touch the young boy's cheek. Wataru stiffened, but upon seeing the ring shimmering on the elder man's hand, he quickly pulled away, setting a distance between them.

"Stop!" he declared. "This… it's just too much. I… we… already broke up. I'm serious about it. I've even gotten rid of the ring!"

"Ring?" The word echoed in Kazuki's head. "What ring?"

"What do you mean 'what ring'? You know what ring!"

"No, I don't!"

Wataru scowled. Is this for real? Was Kazuki actually playing dumb? "I don't believe this!" he huffed. "You're acting as if you don't know. The ring! What else could it be?"

Kazuki frowned and formed a confused expression on his face. "That's why I'm asking what ring? What? The one you returned me? I could just give it to you again. I'm even wearing it."

Unbelievable! "I'm leaving!" Wataru shouted, and lifted himself from his seat. He gathered his things together and made a move to leave the café. He barely made it to the door when he felt a strong hand grab his wrist, turning him around to face the opposite way. "I don't get it," Kazuki said, his face contorted with confusion and amazement. "What is going on?"

"I have nothing to say to you," Wataru said. If Kazuki was going to act and play dumb about everything, so be it. He wasn't going to fall for any of those tricks. He tugged his hand back, attempting to retrieve it, but the older boy tightened his hold on it instead. "The other day," he spoke. "The other day, you told me that you loved me. If so… then why are you running away from me?"

Wataru raised his eyes and finally met Kazuki's, and there he saw the sadness and desperation—something he wouldn't normally see reflected in the confident man's eyes. "B-Because…" he said, stammering at his words. "Both you and I have conflicts and issues that need to be resolved. And it's not going to go away by merely holding on to each other, Kazuki."

"……"

"…Now, let go of my hand…"

Very reluctantly, Kazuki released his hold on the younger man's hand. He didn't utter another word as the bell on the door frame tinkled, signaling it being opened and closed. He just stood there, counting the seconds tick by, slowly feeling the warmth of Wataru's wrist dissipate from his hand.

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There was a strong and heavy atmosphere surrounding the room. Asaka knew that the moment his grandmother had summoned for him, it automatically meant trouble. Even now as she sat down in seiza-style, pouring some tea into the porcelain cups, she held a very intimidating aura. As the cup was handed to him, he accepted it with no question, placed the edge near his lips and took in a tiny sip. He set the cup back down, and waited for the old woman to say something. When she didn't, he opened the topic instead.

"Obaasan," he said. "Why did you ask me here today? You even sent Hongo here to pick me up."

Shiori smiled and answered, "Don't you think this is enough, Masanobu? This game of pretend-lovers with Fujii-kun… I already know it's a charade. Isn't it about time that it's put to an end?"

"Game?" her grandson echoed. "I beg your pardon, obaasan, but I've already put an end to this charade long ago."

"Really? Am I to believe then that you'll marry Sayuri?" Across the room, Sayuri beamed happily at the thought.

"No, that's not the case," his statement caused both women to startle with surprise. "I have no intentions of marrying Hongo because the one I love is Wataru."

"The one you love, you say?" Shiori echoed. "Really, Masanobu, do you know what you are saying?"

"I know perfectly well what I'm saying, obaasan," he continued with a voice filled with defiance and confidence. "I love Wataru. I have since the moment I first met him. These feelings of mine maybe one-sided at the moment, but I have every intention of courting him. I'm sorry if this displeases you and the family, but that's what I've decided to do."

"……"

"I love Wataru, and I'll do what it takes to make him mine, even if I have to go down on my hands and knees and beg for him to love me, I will.

"You'd throw away your own pride, grandson?"

"I will. Because I love him… And for me, that's all that really matters."

Shiori stared at him blankly for a few seconds before releasing a breath of sigh, and taking a sip from her cup of tea. "Really, Masanobu," she said. "You've fallen in love quite hard. I think so much more intense than what you felt for Yuina."

"……"

"If she was alive, would you still fall in love with Fujii-kun?"

"It doesn't matter. There's no need for me to ponder the 'what-if's'. The point remains that I love Wataru. He is in the present, and that's where I want to be. I no longer want to be chained to the past, obaasan. I want to move on… with this new love I've discovered."

A small smile appeared on Shiori's wrinkled face, and she let out a laugh. "Masanobu…" she uttered. "You truly are so much in love. And Fujii-kun seems to be giving you a run for your money. I don't think I've ever seen you struggle so much to get someone's attention—not even with Yuina! Oh, very well…"

"Obaasan…?"

"Hm… You know, Masanobu, you were always confident about everything—looks, personality, all of it. You never had any trouble at all getting what you want. But with Fujii-kun, you seem so challenged that you lose your composure, which is a first for you. Now, you fully understand what it means to struggle to obtain the person you love."

"……"

"I thought that by setting up this arranged marriage for you, you'd be able to learn those values. I thought it'd also help you cope with Yuina's loss, and in time, teach you to love Sayuri. But, I guess it back-fired, huh?"

"Obaasan…"

"Even without my guidance, you've already discovered those things yourself. That being the case, I guess it's the only appropriate thing to do. I won't have my grandson enter a loveless marriage. And so, I hereby cancel the marriage."

"What?" Both Asaka and Sayuri chorused, astonished at the news.

Asaka found it hard to believe, but seeing the assuring smile on his grandmother's face brought him immense joy. He could practically feel his heart leap with happiness! It was a great feeling indeed. But Sayuri, on the other hand, was beginning to seethe with anger.

"No way," she uttered. "There's just no way I could…" She clenched her fists together in aggravation. She wanted to say something in her defense, to say that the cancellation was a big mistake, and yet, the sight of Masanobu's broad smile caused an unbearable ache in her chest. When was the last time she had seen him so happy? He was… He was happy that their engagement has been called off!

Not bearing the pain of humiliation and rejection, she left and stormed out of the Asaka household. She didn't look back as she held back the tears that threatened to stream down her face.

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Kazuki was nearing his home when he decided to cut through the park like he always did. His head was downcast as he was seriously pondering over a few things. But what really boggled him was Wataru's mention of the ring. What ring? It couldn't be the one Wataru had given him. He had lost that in New York—attributed to one moment's ignorance and probably stupidity. And the ring he had originally given Wataru was now returned to him. So what else could it be?

He wrinkled his brows and shook his head in frustration. Nothing was making sense at all! He needed a hot bath and something strong to drink to clear his head. All this distress was giving him a terrible head ache.

He was by the playground when he caught sight of a familiar figure seated on the bench. Her figure outlined by her woolen coat, and a small book rested in between her gloved hands. Kazuki gave an amused snicker, and approached her. "Mizuho," he said. "What're you doing here? Shouldn't you be inside?" The elder woman gave a small smile as she looked up to meet his gaze. "Just a bit longer, Yuichi," she answered. "The weather's actually nice." He gave grunt in response, and averted his eyes. His response gave Mizuho the impression that something was distressing her young patron. She closed the small book she was reading then patted the vacant space next to her. "Won't you take a seat, Yuichi? It beats standing."

Kazuki contemplated for a moment, before propping himself on to the empty seat. A few moments of silence passed by before Mizuho opened the topic. "What's wrong, Yuichi? What's bothering you?" Kazuki didn't respond immediately, but stared at the hydrangea bushes that were now devoid of flowers and leaves—just a shrub of sticks and twigs. "I wonder," he answered with a sigh, almost as if he was talking to himself. "Why isn't it enough to just love a person? I don't know… I'm just so confused… Is this some sort of irony or something?" It would figure that he—the subject of most female affection—would be troubled in achieving his own love. It truly was a cruel twist of irony.

Mizuho gave a small chuckle. "I see. So you were trying to get back your lover, huh? The fact that you're here moping tells me you failed."

"Yeah, but I'm not giving up," Kazuki scoffed. "I'll just have to try harder until that person takes me back."

"…You're really so in love, Yuichi," the elder woman uttered. "But don't push too hard that you'd strain yourself."

"……"

"…Or, if it's really impossible… we could always pick up from where we left off…"

"…!"

The last statement sounded like an after-thought, but nevertheless, the message had been conveyed. Kazuki visibly stiffened and his eyes opened wide with amazement. How was he to respond to that? Caught in his thoughts, he didn't notice the warm hand that had come upon his own. When he did notice, he flinched and was about to shrug it off, but the hand that had grasped his was trembling—trembling so much that he lost the heart to remove it. Instead, he looked at her with a questioning gaze that demanded for answers.

Mizuho turned to face him and softly gave her reply. "I do love you, Yuichi. After all this time, I'm still madly in love with you. I know I was the one who suggested that we break up, but it was I who couldn't move on. It was I who couldn't let go of the past. So, if it's possible, I want to try 'us' again."

"…Mizuho, I…" he faltered in his answer.

"Do you still love me, Yuichi?" she gazed at him with pleading eyes, and her voice carried every hope and dream to it. "Do you still love me? Even for a tiny a bit…?"

Kazuki stared into those black orbs, seeing the sincerity and the passion burning within it. But at the same, he couldn't 'see' it properly. He couldn't… What he wanted was… He slowly detached himself from Mizuho's grasp and lifted himself from the bench. "Sorry…" he said as he staggered backwards. "I… I can't answer… not like this…"

He turned and went inside the house. As he did, he felt a distinct heat emanating from his hand. It was the hand where Mizuho had held him—his right hand. It was the same heat he had felt before when she touched his cheek. However, the burning sensation he was feeling didn't come from that place of contact.

He clutched his chest as he felt it, realizing more clearly now. That fire and heat came from…

The silver ring on his finger had turned hot, and was burning his flesh.


To be continued…

Help! My interest is waning again! Hurry! Lift my spirits and encourage me to write more and faster again!

Also, feel free to point out any loose ends that need tying up.

Next chapter: The Untouched Ring. Everything had a beginning. What invisible bond did bring those two together? Was it a coincidence? Or a matter of fate?

Please review!

P.S. Yes, my birthday is in September. The person(s) who guess right gets to have the next chapter dedicated to them!