First of all, I want to apologize to all the wonderful people who take the time to read this story about the delay in my updates. I promise it will not happen again, such a long time between one and another chapter.
After this brief emotional Kodak moment, I bring my new episode, maybe you won't like it a lot because there's not much interaction between Rui and Tsukushi but believe me! It's worth the wait for the next one I'm writing. The truth was I was going to include that part in this chapter, but I thought maybe I would be too long and you wouldn't feel the suspense of knowing what would happen.
Finally, I want to say a big, fat Thank you to reinbowbox, spiel, Randi Monica (thank you so much for waiting!), ZuzuPeng (your word made me cry T_T Your reviews are my fuel!), banzai, Jenny Lie (for being with me since the beginning, thank you), Riley Cullen(Thank you for such detailed reviews, your POV always help me to see my next chapter, I hope you can forgive me the lack of T/R action in this one, I really promise the next one will satisfy you!), nyrac6275 (I'm still waiting for you girl, your fic is one of the best I've read, please don't let it die!), sakurahana123 and last but not least to everyone that have me in any kind of alert…Thank you all!
—Rui
The boy turned to listen to his friend.
—Wait a minute. We have not yet had the time to really talk about what's going on.
—That's true—said Akira—you told us the history of Hawaii and you said you would go until the end with Makino but ... this is very rare. We are all separated again.
Rui stopped heading towards the fire escape, because, amid all his friends did not know that Tsukushi and he kept meeting in that place that looked like a little bubble beyond any reality that surrounded them. He turned and went to one of the vacant lots with plenty of grass where they used to sit and talk.
—All right, say whatever you want to say.
—Stay away from what is not yours. If you understand, that should be enough.
Three heads turned to see the arrival of the leader of the F4.
—I thought you said you did not want to see me again
—Rui...stop this nonsense. Makino is mine.
—I will not argue with you, Tsukasa. I already told you what I think and what I'll do from now on.
—And you think that's enough!? That I'll simply stay watching while you steal my girlfriend!?
—Your girlfriend?—Rui looked at him curiously—I'm sure I heard very well when she broke up with you.
—Bastard! —Tsukasa moved forward to strike and Rui had already taken a defensive instance
—Tsukasa, wait!—Soujiro went to contain him
—Rui, calm down—asked Akira
—What I told you at the airport, I say it again, and this is also for you, Akira, Soujiro; I'm not looking to unite them by a trick, I'm not trying to get Tsukasa jealous and make him react to fight for Tsukushi, I'm not using her to forget something ... I'm just in love with her, and since I got on that plane to New York I was willing to do whatever it took if she accepted me.
—Do you mean that Makino has accepted your feelings? —Asked Akira
—She knows what they are and what I'm willing to do for her. Accept them ... I think I can only say that if at some point I get to have her by my side as my girlfriend.
—Keep dreaming...—Tsukasa snapped.
—I don't think that I have better or worse opportunities than you Tsukasa. Frankly I think we are at 50 and 50 percent chance of getting her heart. After all, she's still in love with you.
A silence followed the words of Rui and Tsukasa was surprised to hear him say that.
—Tsukasa, I hope you're not dumb enough to think that Tsukushi hates you, I think she said it in the hospital, she loves you...
—Yes ... it is true, she said that
—You see, Tsukasa? Said Soujiro—All this fighting is ridiculous, she still...
—...but she also loves me. I can tell you in all honesty that I did everything possible to let her know that I'm completely serious about her, and I am more than sure she is aware of this. She asked for time, Tsukasa, and I'm willing to give it, I hope you are too and you can put aside the nonsense that you usually do kidnapping her and then leaving her abandoned, it appear that it has become a customary for you.
— Kidnapping and abandoning her? Akira asked.
—Yesterday Tsukushi didn't attend classes because you took her against her will to Café à la Carte, and worse, after discussing you left her there...
—She told me she wanted to be alone, well, that's what I did...
—Yes, I know, she told me. —Tsukasa's anger was rising with every second, you know she had to walk from there to school alone?
—What!? She walked all the way from Café à la Carte to here? That must have taken her hours!—said Soujiro
-Yes, it took hours, plus several wounds and blisters.
Both Akira and Soujiro were fighting an uphill battle inside, they had two of their best friends fighting over a girl, but the worst of it was that one of them was clearly damaging her. Tsukasa had always been in love with Tsukushi and they knew it, of course they had been present throughout the development of the relationship, they themselves had seen how much both parts had to go through. However, Tsukasa was used to it, Tsukushi was from another world, and they had observed her suffering: her social status, Tsukasa's mother, the engagement to Shigeru, the coldness of his friend... it was impossible not to feel pity for the girl that in some way or another, had seeped her way into the hearts of the F4.
—Makino will return to you, Tsukasa—Soujiro said after a few seconds—It's just a matter of time. Rui, I'm sorry, but that's what I think, they haven't gone through so much for nothing just to have something like this separating them.
—I respect your decision, Soujiro and yours too, Akira, if you're on that side. No matter what, you are still my best friends and you my brother, Tsukasa.
—No, I'm not going to take sides—said Akira—Sorry, Tsukasa, but you also have to consider the Makino's feelings. What I can say? I feel her like ... part of the family. I don't ... I do not want to see her hurt. Let's say that I'm Switzerland, I'm neutral ... I'm on Makino's side.
Rui looked at his friend and a question lodged in the back of his brain ... was it possible?
—Well, then, those are the facts. I have to go meet with a girl so, I'm leaving first. By the way, this Sunday there will be a presentation of the city community. There will be representatives of the tea ceremony and flower arrangement, obviously my mother made me go. Can you attend? I will need distraction once all that farce is over.
Everyone nodded at his invitation and, giving them a smile, Soujiro left.
—Do what you want, Rui, but ultimately Makino will choose me.
—That's my plan, Tsukasa. What interests me is that Tsukushi is happy, if she ends up being happy with you, I will not regret anything.
Tsukasa wanted to stay angry with Rui, but it was very difficult, after all, he regarded him as his brother too. Without another word, he turned his back and left.
—Well, this sounded too dramatic, I'll go relax a while ... See you later, Rui.
—Wait, Akira. You ... could it be that ... regarding Tsukushi?
—Ha, ha. Couldn't you just not have noticed? It's not exactly as you think, not even close to what you two feel about her. Makino is different, in the midst of all that she knows that I am, she never judged me and the few times I've talked to her alone… is not like other girls that all I think about is how I'm going to seduce them, with her I can be me, even a few minutes ... I don't see her as a potential conquest or something, but I can't deny that she's definitely a girl ... well, a woman worth fighting for.
Rui looked at him impassive.
—Don't worry, Rui. I don't like her in that way, but she is very easy to like. I just want her to be happy, and that she remains part of F4, with you, with Tsukasa or with anyone at the end.
—Thank you, Akira.
—Bah, that's why I do not like these things, too dramatic ... I think there's a new teacher this year, and I heard that her marriage is not going all that well ... maybe I'll offer her some comfort ...
Rui saw his friend as he walked away, the undisputed Don Juan of the F4, Rui knew someday he would also find someone to love. Akira's personality was a façade for many sides, the last thing he wanted was that his family would do to him what they did with Tsukasa.
—I wonder how many rivals I actually have... Tsukushi, Tsukushi ... why did you have to be so ... you?
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Tsukushi spent all day thinking exactly what she was going to tell to Shigeru, so much that, once, she realized that the class was about to end and give way to another and she had not noticed.
If I had known that my brain would not be present today it would have been better to go with her from the start.
When the bell announcing the end of class rang, Tsukushi still didn't know what she would explain to her friend. She was walking down the corridor heading for the exit when she turned and her feet went running to that place that always had a calming effect on her: The emergency staircase.
She entered hurriedly and her eyes sought the person who seemed to be part of the environment, but she found none. She leaned on the railing and closed her eyes, breathed slowly.
—Yosh ... I will not get anything by staying here.—She turned into the yard and shouted—Tsukushi, gambatte!
She turned back to the hallway, not knowing that there was a clear haired boy smiling slightly from down feeling somewhat calmer for having seen her before returning home.
—Tsukushi, gambatte...—Rui said quietly.
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—¡Tsukushi-chaaaaaaaan!
—Hi, Shigeru.
—Come on, come on ... We have to go pick up Yuuki to shopping and also ...
—Shigeru, actually, I wonder if I can talk to you first ... alone.
—Mmm? Yeah, sure ... you want some ice cream?
Twenty minutes later, they were in an ice cream parlor that had flavors that Tsukushi could have never imagined.
—Tell me, Tsukushi, what is it?
—Well, the truth is I need to tell you what happened with Domyouji when I went to see him to New York.
—Oh but if you tell me that yesterday morning.
—No, Shigeru. You didn't get to listen. I need 10 minutes, so please do not ask me anything and just listen to what I want to tell you.
—Ehh ... okay?
Shigeru, Domyouji and I broke up-Tsukushi saw her friend's eyes opened in surprise, but true to her word, she didn't ask anything as she was telling step by step what had happened since he took the plane to New York. A lump formed in her throat when she had to tell her feelings for Rui had awakened again and, for that reason, she had chosen to stay away from both to be clear about who she loved more. She finished her story until Sunday in the dango shop with Yuuki, she chose not to tell her about "Café à la Carte"
—I feel it was fair that you knew this from my mouth, Shigeru, since I know how much you love to Domyouji...
—Tsukushi-chan, I love both of you, and you'll see that you will soon return, this is nothing, this is...
—This is a lot, Shigeru ... I'm tired.
—So… what? Does that mean you'll leave Tsukasa and be with Hanazawa?
—No, it simply means that I'm taking some time alone, I'm not spending time with any of them more than necessary, I want to try to clear my head and take a break without any rich family coming to question what my reasons are for being in love with their son.
—Tsukushi-chan, Tsukasa's mother will not always have power over him, it'll be just be a few years before he takes over the company...
And I'm supposed to take on their abuses until that day? To endure the insolence of Tsukasa, how he "protects" me and my loved ones, in silence? Just a few years? Is that fair to me, Shigeru?
—But Tsukushi, Tsukasa loves you...
—And me too, but I'm hurt and I will not take any more pain. For once in my life I want to think about me, what I feel, what I want, what I need ... am I allowed to do that?
Tsukushi's eyes denoted such pray in them that Shigeru didn't know what to say. They had always been like that, they fought and even refused loving each other, but ultimately got back together, the bond that united them was so strong that there was no way to separate them, she had suffered that in the flesh.
—Tsukushi ...
—Shigeru, you're my friend, and it was fair that you knew all of this after all you, Domyouji and I went through. I'm really sorry but ... my mind is made up. Thanks for the ice cream.
Without another word, Tsukushi left leaving a really confused Shigeru.
This can't be ... Tsukushi and Tsukasa apart? Does that mean that he is now...? No, no! It's horrible that you even meant to think something like that Shigeru. You have to re-join them yes! That's what you have to do.
Tsukushi was walking home, still engrossed in her thoughts, when she felt the tone of her cell.
—Moshi mosh ...?
—Tsukushi-chan
—Hi, Yuuki, how are you?
—Good, good... but, I need to ask you a big, big favor...
—Yeah, sure, tell me. Did something happen?
—Remember that Ryunosuke had invited me to be a celebration about the tea ceremony this weekend?
—Yes
—Well, today I told him yes... the problem is that ...
—... that ...
—... I am really nervous Tsukushi. Ryunosuke is a great guy and I feel comfortable at his side, but when I said I would go with him he said he would like me to see this as a date
—And what do you want me to do?
—Could you go that day?
—No way am I doing the third wheel.
—It's not like that, all I ask you is to go and in case something gets uncomfortable I'll be able to send a message to save me ...
—Yuuki ...
—Please Tsukushi ... After what happened with Nishikado you know I'm healing, but it's not easy. Didn't you tell me if I needed anything I just had to tell you?
Tsukushi understood, her friend had been broken after the incident on the roof and it was true that she was gone for a while when Yuuki was having one of her worst moments.
—Alright, I'll go, but not with you. If you come to need help send me a message and I'll save you.
—Arigato, Tsukushi!
Tsukushi said goodbye to her friend trying to calm her down a bit and assuring that there would be no harm in trying dating again.
Still in the ice cream store, a not very different a conversation was taking place
—It will never work, Shigeru! You're crazy if you think Makino will fall for something like that!
—Do you have any other plan, genius? Just do what I say!
—I will go not because you're ordering me monkey! Soujiro had already asked us to go so if it turns out you go, I'll see you ... (click)
—Ha, hung up without even saying goodbye, Tsukasa wait and see, this plan is foolproof.
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—Tadaima
—Okaerinasai, bocchama.
—Arigato, Sanae-san
—Son!
—I'm home, mother.
Hikari hurried down the stairs to receive her son with a warm hug, that embrace took him totally by surprise, he was not at all accustomed to receive love as often and in that way.
—Did you have a good day at school?
—It was a normal day.
— I trust that Tsukushi is well?
—Physically, she is fine...
—Why the distinction?
—Well... —Rui was not sure whether to comment. He had never spent much time with his mother and now suddenly, overnight, she would be at home every day. He had never developed that bond of trust which had sometimes heard, but the truth was that deep down he knew that the child he was once, was begging to take the hand of her mother, run to those arms in which he wanted to be in all those birthdays and Christmas, he just had to try it, but it was hard— her family is away, her parents and brother are ... traveling, and she is alone, she have always shown that she can stand on her own, but sometimes I worry.
—I see ... but if you like, you can invite her to dinner today and tomorrow. Better yet, why don't you invite her to dinner with us until her family returns?
—Ah...well, Tsukushi works at night, so she always eats dinner at work... — He wasn't lying, the truth was that she worked late and usually ate something with Yuuki on the road, but he obviously couldn't help to worry that she really was taking her three meals a day.
—What a pity ... But promise me that you will invite her to the house again—his mother asked with a smile on his face.
Rui nodded slightly and excused himself to go change. He could not deny that he was glad to see that his mother had liked Tsukushi so well, he also liked the idea to dine with her every day at home, moreover, he would have loved to be able to present her to the whole house as his girlfriend, but something like that was still far away, and all thanks to Tsukasa ... Even if he didn't want to, Rui felt that if he had more time alone with Tsukushi he would have managed to have a much larger space than the one he already harbored in her heart.
—I can only wait... I never thought that something like that will be so difficult.
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Tsukushi spent the rest of her week quite quiet, if to that she deducted Tsukasa's unsuccessful attempts of talking to her: on Wednesday she had to escape through the bathroom window because he had been standing guard outside, on Thursday she had to thank the trio of self-proclaimed queen of the school for camouflaging her departure from the classroom by overwhelming the heir of the Domyouji group and, finally, escaped on Friday last hour of class by having to go to the staff room to present two weeks overdue tasks, thus, Tsukasa stood waiting at the door of the clasroom in vain.
—Frankly, one asks one thing and he does the exact opposite! She grumbled as she walked to the dumpling store. Suddenly, she felt a vibration in her pocket, opened her cell phone and a smile appeared on her face.
Did you comply with all the homework? I hope the notes I mailed have helped you. Let me know if I have to bribe the teacher ... Have you eaten?
Rui
—What do you mean "bribe"? Seriously, I don't know when you say it for real and when you're just joking…
Everything went well, but I'm sooo tired. I hope I can sleep late tomorrow. Don't even think to bribe anyone ¬¬
She thought a bit before answering the last question. The truth was that she had not eaten yet, but didn't want him to worry more than necessary.
I ate, I'm full! How are things with your mom?
She asked because she knew that Rui had never spent time with his parents and Hikari's own history had already confirmed that she was sad to not be able to get close to her child naturally. Tsukushi would've liked to help in some way, but for now she had to admit that the fact of spending that week alone, even if she had missed him, had given her a sense of calm that she had not had in a long time.
If only Doumyouji were also like this…
She suddenly stopped that thought in her head. Was she comparing them? Was she comparing Domyouji with Rui? Another vibration took her out of her reverie.
You know I didn't mean it (well, maybe a little) Try to rest over the weekend. My mother is well; she really liked you. How is your wound? In two weeks you have a checkup right? Don't forget about it, if you need company, let me know.
Tsukushi smiled again with this last message but didn't fail to note that her question had not been answered. As she read the last part of the message she touched her cheek, the truth was that the swelling had gone down completely, all that remained was the purple of her cheek and besides on the edges had begun to yellow. The drugs were really effective and she had been very surprised to get home after the morning in Rui's house and find a new tube of cream.
I never realize when he does that sort of thing.
Tsukushi had to accept, she missed Rui more than allowed to admit, she missed her friend, I missed that calm that seemed to float when was at his side without saying anything, she was often thinking about the days they spent in Hawaii and how amazing it was that whole experience together.
—Tsukushi...Are you okay?—Yuuki asked
—Huh? What?
—It's just that you've been distracted all afternoon...
She sighed deeply and leaned against the window of sweets.
—Something happened with one of them, right?
—Not exactly, well...Domyouji still wants to intercept me every chance he gets and that drives me crazy...
—And with Hanazawa-san?
—With Rui is different, he texted me today to see if everything went well with the presentation of the homework and to ask how my wound was.
—I thought it might've been another matter ...
—Yes...well...It's just that I haven't seen him for several days
—Only three days have passed, Tsukushi.
—Yes I know, but sometimes it seem like it's more.
—Why don't you go see him?
—Because I'm trying to keep my promise and stay away from both for now, it would not be fair to either of them to see the other one more…
—You know, at some point you have to do exactly that right?
—...
—Tsukushi, eventually you'll decide for one of them, and obviously you can't do it unless you spend some time with each of them, preferably separately.
—But if I see Rui now and Domyouji finds out (sigh) the last thing I want is for him to throw some of his tantrums and do something to him or kidnap me again, I thought he would've grown up a bit. At least I can continue texting Rui without problems ... He told me that if I needed company for the doctor visit I should let him know, perhaps I can see him then, only two weeks left...
Yuuki realized that even though she had referred to the two guys fighting for the heart of her friend, she was only talking about one of them: Hanazawa Rui. The rest of the night Yuuki made her questions that seemed to have no significant meaning to try to get a clearer picture of who Tsukushi was more inclined towards. It did not take much research to realize that her friend was missing one of them much more, and it wasn't the heir of the Domyouji group.
If that's what she wants, I'll try to help with everything I can; Domyouji-san may have been his lover but...Hanazawa-san is like a soulmate.
—I think you should ask him to accompany you to the doctor, Tsukushi, after all you told me that he also seemed to know that doctor you would meet here...
On the other side of town, a colored marble eyes young man dropped off the book "The Art of War Sun Tzu" as he felt the vibration of his cell.
My wound is much better, the swelling is gone completely and the color has improved over the edges, I hope to see my skin in its natural tone soon...I accept the offer of the company, the chances are that I die of fear if they have to take out the stitches. I write the address in a few days. Oyasumi nasai.
Tsukushi
A smile had begun to draw on his face since he read the first sentence and the end of the message he let out a sigh of relief from his lips.
I'll see her soon, it's just two weeks. Two weeks...
Rui also had been holding back of going to look for her or passing through his favorite place in the breaks. He only went to the emergency staircase during school hours; times when he knew Tsukushi wouldn't go... He was trying to comply with her request as much as he could but the truth was that sometimes when he saw her leaving the classroom or running to the school gate to get to work, he would fight the urge to run to her and hug her tightly.
—Two weeks ... that's not much, just 15 days...
He turned to lie on his bed and tried to regain interest in the chapter he was reading, but sleep soon overcame him, flooding it with memories of a room in Hawaii...
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Sunday had arrived, Tsukushi left home dressed in black leggings covered by a dark red skirt, a white blouse and a black sweater, nothing to call too much attention in order to follow Yuuki and Ryounosuke from afar.
The celebration was in a large city park, many shops had risen and offered from, sweets to accompany tea, to beautifully hand decorated cups for the ceremony.
—Hmm...According to program the ceremony will be at one, I think I'll be downright bored for about 3 hours...Anyway, anything to help my friend.
Tsukushi noticed that Yuuki and Ryounosuke had already arrived thanks to a message sent to her by her friend, for what she could see far away, everything seemed fine and Yuuki didn't look uncomfortable...For a moment she stood watching them and reminded all the things she once wanted: the boy she liked asked her out and a day earlier, she would take her time choosing what to wear, on the same day, she might come a little late and would find him waiting for her, they will stroll quietly, maybe he'd try to take her hand and, finally, staring into her eyes, he would give her a kiss.
—I think that kind of scenario is no longer possible for me ...
—Talking alone?
Tsukushi almost toppled a table beside her from the shock of the voice that spoke behind her.
—Rui!
The boy had gone to the same ceremony since Soujiro had invited him, never would he have imagined he would meet the person he had dreamed of the whole weekend standing in a dessert booth talking to herself. It was like breathing again after a long time, he had not realized that he had that pressure in the chest until the moment he saw her face again, and he felt much lighter.
—Hello
—What are you doing here? —She asked with a big smile
—It's also good to see you—he answered imitating her smile. He wore cream pants with a white shirt and scarf, and above all a dark brown coat—Soujiro will be present at this ceremony, believe it or not in the midst of all this there are many things of high quality, including the guests.
—The truth is that I am completely out of my area in this, I only came because Yuuki asked me.
—And where is Yuuki?
—Ehhh...well, actually I didn't come with her, she is currently with Narumiya-kun. What happens is that he has asked her to take this as a date and she is a bit nervous, in case something bad happens, I must take action.
—I see...and tell me, would you mind if I join you in your mission?
Tsukushi stared at him for a few seconds, feeling a pleasant warmth traveling through her veins.
—Of course not.
Both began again to follow from far away, from time to time, the couple of friends while watching ceramics, listening exhibitions and tasting desserts; for a moment the two of them could forget everything and just hang out on a weekend.
—For now it seems that all is well between them, don't you think? Rui asked sitting at a table drinking jasmine tea while Tsukushi drank green tea.
—Yes, I haven't received a message so far so she should be happy. That's good; Nishikado left her really damaged...
—I think Soujiro did what he could to keep her away and, in the middle of everything, he is very grateful to her.
—I know, so I'm glad she's trying to get out and meet more people...
—The main tea ceremony will begin soon, Soujiro will be the first. Shall we?
—So soon? But there was three left!
—Well, it's nearly one o'clock
Tsukushi was truly surprised, time seemed to really have flown. She corroborated her watch and saw that Rui was telling the truth. Had she really not realized how long it had been at his side?
—You're right, we better get going.
—Tsukushi-chan?
Both turned at the mention of her name and they could see Shigeru, Tsukasa and Akira.
—Shigeru!
—Tsukushi-chan! I didn't think I'd see you so soon! How come you are here?
—Um...well, I came with...With Yuuki, yes. We came to see and my house is not far away so… to not get bored on a Sunday...
—Well, I'm glad I found you, how are you Hanazawa?
—Very good, thank you. Good to see you, Okawahara-san.
—Rui, if you had confirmed that you were coming we would have picked you up—said Akira
—The truth is that I didn't decide to come until my mother threw me out of the house saying I had to get out more often. It turned out it was a great idea to stop by—this last he mentioned giving a quick look at Tsukushi.
—You should've stayed asleep-Tsukasa said, boiling inside to see them together in that place
—Where is Yuuki? We must go and see Soujiro together
—I think she should be on the other side, we separated a while ago and...
—Ah! There she is! Yuuki-chaaaaaaaaan!—And without another word Shigeru launched into the race to catch the poor Yuuki who almost died of a heart attack to see everyone gathered there. She had no choice but to accompany Shigeru along with Ryounosuke.
—He is your friend, Yuuki?
—Uh, yeah, Ryou-kun...I mean...
—Yuuki-chan, did you call him by name?-Akira said trying to bother her, Yuuki couldn't help but turn red as a tomato. Ryounosuke decided to intervene for good.
—It is a pleasure, my name is Narumiya Ryounosuke.
—You have beautiful eyes! Did you know that?
—Ah ... well, thanks—said the boy somewhat embarrassed
—It seems that almost everyone is here, right?
—Almost everyone?
—Here comes Sakurako!
A girl of short curly hair approached pushing through the crowd, after all this time she had become a close friend of Shigeru and although she didn't admit it out loud, I also liked Tsukushi. But she was very angry because she had found out that those two were no longer together after all they had been through.
—I'm sorry, are we late for Soujiro?
—No, is about to start. Come on, come on! —Shigeru took all the girls and pushed them towards the right place.
—What just happened? —Ryounosuke asked quietly to Akira.
—Shigeru is an unstoppable force of nature, Soujiro and I learned that the hard way. Let's go. Hey, you two, hurry! —Akira had to break the tense atmosphere that seemed to float around two of his best friends. Tsukasa seemed to be throwing daggers from his eyes while Rui was still standing with a vague smile on his face—Come on!
The boys caught up with the girls and while Yuuki was still somewhat still flushed by the comment of Akira and Tsukushi was trying to wriggle out of Shigeru, the latter was plotting her plan
How lucky! After this I was supposed to go to Tsukushi's house to take her to mine and have a party with everyone, but turns out she came today! The only thing wrong with my plan is that Hanazawa is also here...Anyway, it's just a little bump, everything will go according to my plan today...jujujuju!
And suddenly, she hit someone and that caused the interruption of her thoughts
—Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't look where I was...Nishikado?
It turned out that the person against whom she had clashed was Soujiro, dressed in traditional clothes accompanied by a girl of stunning beauty who was holding different flowers, undoubtedly for an arrangement.
—Ah, Shigeru Makino...Yuuki-chan.
—Hello—answered the three. Yuuki couldn't help noticing the girl beside him; she knew the likes of Akira to perfection and knew that in front of her was the epitome of all that Soujiro always looked in his "partners"
—Hey, Soujiro!—called Akira who had arrived with the rest of the boys—shouldn't you be already in the ceremony?
—Yes, I'm going there, they asked me to accompany Nanami because of the…—he interrupted his answer the few seconds it took him to realize that Ryounosuke was also with Akira, Tsukasa and Rui—... flower arrangement.
—Hi, how are you? —Greeted Nanami
—Whoa, Nishikado-san, I didn't know that you were one of the greatest representatives of the tea ceremony, said Ryounosuke as he approached, but Soujiro did not give any response
—We are late, Nanami. See you guys soon.
Rui tried to hide a smile but couldn't, it was so obvious that it seemed incredible that no one else had realized the situation. They moved up to the main event hall, all the spaces for the guests were pillows on the floor to sit formally before the people who would give the show, facing each one of them were Sakura flowers and a cup of tea.
—We invite you to take part in a great Japanese tradition, ladies and gentlemen, please receive the heirs of the house Nishikado and Tanaka, Soujiro and Nanami
The ceremony performed by both youngsters was so beautiful that there was no way to decide who to pay attention. Nanami arranged the flowers one after another with such calmness and beauty that anyone who looked at her remained enraptured; on the other hand, Soujiro performed rapid, fluid movements to prepare his delicious tea.
Yuuki started to remember the first time she'd seen him do that, she had been so hurt and Soujiro had been the one who had helped her find the confidence she needed to get out of the hole she had fallen in. She was really happy to have fallen for him, having fought and cried, it was true that the result was a precipitous decline, but no one could tell she didn't try, that she didn't give her best effort in that love and that she didn't gave nothing in return to the person she loved.
—It's amazing she heard a whisper close to her ear
—Huh?
—I mean I've seen things like this on TV but seeing them live gives you a completely different feeling, don't you think?—Ryounosuke asked as he watched Soujiro sitting, waiting until the organizers finished drinking their tea, all that remained was Nanami finished her precious arrangement.
—Yes, it's my first time seeing a flower arrangement so closely...She looks so beautiful, not just flowers, she has become part of her arrangement—Yuuki thought wistfully that she may never become so beautiful like that girl...but just as that sad idea formed in her mind she felt a hand on her cheek and how it forced her to turn her face. Ryounosuke had placed some Sakura flowers in her hair.
—I think the Yuuki-chan I see in front of me every day is more beautiful than all those flowers, even these Sakura don't compare to you.
Yuuki blushed hard and so did Ryounosuke, he still couldn't believe he had been so bold as to do and say something like that, but was pleasantly rewarded with a small embarrassed smile of the girl he liked. However, while the two of them were in their little bubble, from afar, the heir of the tea empire was feeling again the thorn in the chest that wouldn't let him calm, he felt an unjustified anger and that bothered him even more .
Sudden clapping woke him up and made him realize that Nanami had already finished an arrangement of lilies and foliage. He returned his gaze to its previous place and saw Yuuki clapping very excited while admiring the arrangement, she turned her head and he thought it was to watch him, but she did it to make a comment to the blue-eyed boy at her left. He couldn't wait to leave that place.
—Soujiro was good right? And that girl Nanami seemed to be floating as she placed her flowers —Shigeru said once they had left the hall
—Well, Yuuki-chan liked it very much—commented Ryounosuke
—Did you like it so much that you put those flowers Yuuki? You look beautiful!—Shigeru said, causing the girl to try to hide at removing them and save them in the bag.
—Well, this party is over, buuuuuuuuuuuut, there's another in my house so we're all going!
—What do you mean monkey?
—I had prepared a feast for later and was going to invite Tsukushi and Yuuki alongside the F4, but since we're all here, we can go together right?
—And who says I'm going?
—Come on, Tsukasa, don't be a party pooper, after all I'm sure you have nothing better to do, —said Soujiro behind the group. He had already changed clothes and had Nanami beside him also in casual clothes, which made her look even more beautiful if that was possible.
—I agree with Soujiro, the truth is that I'd get bored at home.
—Perfect! Then it is settled
—Then, Yuuki-chan, see you tomorrow at school—Ryounosuke began to say goodbye, a little disappointed to not be able to walk her home.
—No, wait...I…
—You're also coming! —Exclaimed Shigeru
—Huh?
—You are a friend of Tsukushi and Yuuki right? Then you are also my friend, and you too Nanami-chan, don't you want to come?
—Of course, I appreciate very much your invitation.
—You have a very annoying way to make people do what you want monkey. This whole party is ridiculous
—Tsukushi, are you coming?
—Yeah, sure, why not? —Tsukushi had nothing planned for the day and spend it with Shigeru and Yuki didn't seem bad, furthermore, Yuuki was looking at her with pleading eyes so she won't say no.
—I'm also going—Rui said almost immediately
—Me too! —Tsukasa cried, he hated knowing that those two were going to be together without him being present.
—Then let's go!