Chapter 20

The following days passed by in a blur: working, talking on the phone with Seiya and Mamoru, Minako visiting on two evenings, and Diamond demanding a few nights as well. It was Monday evening, October 16th. Mamoru would be back tomorrow. This knowledge triggered multiple emotions within me simultaneously. I felt somewhat anxious about how our relationship might have changed, relieved to finally have him back near me, tense because I didn't know his secret, and yet, the thought of being in his arms again made my heart race.

Diamond had bid farewell yesterday, but where was he going? ... I had no idea. He only said that he would be away for some time and that he would contact me once he returned. But it was fine by me. It meant I could focus on Mamoru during the first few days. I tried to sort out my feelings about him. As mentioned before, it wasn't easy. First and foremost, I was glad to have him back soon. Deep down, I missed him, a lot. At the same time, I was furious. He had kept a mysterious secret from me, one that not even Motoki confided in me. Furthermore, he had left me here alone for 16 months, and the last time we saw each other was over 10 months ago when things started with Seiya. Our recent phone calls had been quite brief. I didn't dare to ask further about his secret, and he seemed somewhat distant. I was truly curious about how things would unfold tomorrow when he stood before me after such a long time.

The next day arrived, and the tension within me grew with each passing minute. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I could barely concentrate at work. To avoid distractions, I left my phone on silent in my handbag. During my lunch break, I briefly took it out, and numerous messages greeted me.

Seiya had sent me some pictures from his concert yesterday. In return, he received a picture of the pile of papers on my desk.

The next one was from Motoki. I could already guess what he wanted.

Hey Usa, do we want to go to the airport together later?

No! How did he even come up with that idea? I hadn't contacted him for over two weeks; he should have noticed that I was mad at him.

Thanks, but no thanks. I will pick up my boyfriend alone!

Minako had sent me two thumbs-up emojis, and I instantly knew what she meant: good luck. Thanks, Mina, I could actually use that. Time passed slowly. After work, I went home to get my car and then headed to the airport. My nervousness increased as I fought through the crowd and finally arrived at the arrival area. I glanced at the information boards. The flight from Seattle had landed half an hour ago. I looked around the large hall, but I couldn't spot him anywhere. There were no further messages on my phone either. Where could he be? Was he still waiting for his luggage? I peered through the large window, behind which the baggage carousels ran. The room was almost empty, but Mamoru was nowhere to be seen. With growing worry, I wondered if something might have happened to him.

My heart started beating faster when I suddenly heard a familiar voice behind me. "Hello, my Bunny."

If it were possible, I would have grinned from ear to ear. Slowly, I turned around, and there he stood. All the sadness and stress were forgotten. I simply threw myself into his arms. I didn't want to argue; I didn't care about the secret he was keeping from me. The only thing that mattered was that he was finally here again. With me. We held each other tightly, and I felt the warmth and security emanating from Mamoru. It felt as if all the problems and doubts vanished in that moment. I buried my face in his chest and simply enjoyed the moment. His strong arms embraced me like a cocoon. Oh, how much I had missed this indescribable feeling. I deeply breathed in his scent and felt tears welling up. I don't know how long we stood there, simply finding solace in each other's embrace. Eventually, he pushed me back slightly, looked deeply into my eyes, and wiped the tears from my cheek with his thumb. There were no words that needed to be spoken right now. Our gazes spoke volumes, and I felt how much Mamoru loved me. How much I still loved him, a feeling that I had almost forgotten.

"Come on, let's go home," he said gently, wrapping his arm around my waist. He wasn't a superstar or a billionaire heir; he was just a doctor walking hand in hand with me, his girlfriend, out of the airport. It was the first time in a long time that I wasn't afraid of being seen with a man, and it felt damn good. There were no fans or paparazzi chasing Mamoru; there was only me.

"Bunny, you still haven't bought a decent car?" Mamoru teased as we stood in front of my pink bubble car. What did all men have against my car? It's mine, it's small, practical, and it runs.

"You can walk too," I replied playfully, and he pulled me into his arms and kissed me on the forehead. "You wouldn't dare." "Do you want to find out?" I missed these playful banter moments with him.

It didn't take long, and I parked in front of his apartment. During the drive, I kept glancing at him from the corner of my eye. He had changed, but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

We entered his apartment, and I immediately felt comfortable and familiar in the familiar surroundings. It was different when he was there. With Motoki, I had felt completely out of place. It was as if he had never been away. Mamoru pulled me into his arms and kissed me gently. The world around us seemed to stand still for a moment.

"Welcome home," I whispered and smiled at him. Finally, I felt our deep connection again. Motoki apparently took care of the furniture setup here. Only the boxes were still neatly packed in a corner. Holding my hand, he gently led me into the bedroom, and I immediately knew what he had in mind. It had been far too long, and he apparently didn't want to waste any more time.

"Phew, that was incredible. Since when have you become so flexible?" he panted and beamed at me.

Oh no... yes, I had been well-trained in that regard because of Diamond, but I couldn't exactly tell him that. "Um... aerobics class with Mina, it seems to have paid off."

"Since when do you voluntarily exercise?" he teased again. He just couldn't help himself today.

"You've only been back for a few hours and you're already making yourself unpopular again, Baka," I said, sticking my tongue out at him. In response, he pulled me back into his arms.

"I love you too, Bunny." We cuddled together for a while longer before he got up.

"Would you like something to drink?" he asked, putting on his boxer shorts, and I enjoyed the view that presented itself to me.

"Yes, please." But as soon as he left the room, a phone started ringing. From the sound, I could tell it wasn't mine. Thank goodness. His phone was on the floor. It seemed to have fallen out of his pocket. Curiously, I picked it up and turned it over.

-Call from Rei Hino- illuminated the display.

Who is Rei Hino? Should I answer? In the past, it was absolutely fine for him if I answered his phone. Likewise, he could always access mine. But now I was reminded that it wasn't the past anymore. If Mamoru were to touch my phone now, all hell would break loose. That's why I had changed my passcode. His phone continued ringing and vibrating in my hand. He had never mentioned this name in my presence. My intuition told me that she had something to do with his secret. I quickly threw on my sweater and put my pants back on. It was enough that I had had these uncomfortable conversations with Diamond, feeling naked all the time. It was much more comfortable for me with clothing. I was itching to unlock his phone and check for messages from this Rei. It took a lot of self-control not to do it. I sat on the edge of the bed, crossed my legs, and placed his phone beside me. I had sincerely hoped that we would have some more time to solidify our relationship before this conversation came up. But the moment had come. Mamoru entered the room and handed me the water bottle. He looked slightly surprised that I had dressed again and then glanced at his phone. I swallowed and gathered my courage.

"Who is Rei Hino?" I asked calmly, even though I was internally extremely agitated. Mamoru's face reflected sheer horror back at me.

"Did you go through my phone?"

"No, she called you. I just turned your phone around, and that name was there. Mamo, I'm asking you one last time: Who is Rei Hino?"

Mamoru looked at me with wide eyes. I could see his mind working. I sensed that he was highly tense, and that tension transferred to me. He was frozen, and I waited for an explanation. The air in the room thickened as Mamoru struggled for words. His gaze wandered between me and his phone. My impatience grew, and I waited for him to break his silence.