Chapter 39

Yesterday was a chaotic day that left my emotions somewhat unsettled. After a long and exhausting day at work, Seiya decided to surprise me by helping me move out of my small apartment. He had already rented a van and asked his brothers, Yaten and Taiki, for assistance.

Right from the start, Seiya and Yaten engaged in some heated arguments. It was both amusing and tiring to watch them settle their disagreements in their typical lively manner. Mina, on the other hand, still hadn't gotten used to it and kept trying to intervene and smooth things over, to no avail. Taiki just shook his head in annoyance each time. He had long given up on commenting and settled for rolling his eyes whenever he walked past them.

Once the last boxes were packed, I took out my keychain and turned the key in the apartment door lock. I had already spoken to the landlord over the phone, and he told me to simply drop the termination notice and the key into his mailbox. It felt strange to let go of my key at that moment, as if I were closing a chapter of my life and starting a new one. A sense of uncertainty mixed with excitement and anticipation for the new life I would begin with Seiya. It was a farewell to my past, to the memories and experiences I had in that apartment. I felt the connection to that place slowly loosen, and a slight melancholy washed over me. But as I turned around and looked into Seiya's loving eyes, I felt the joy and happiness outweigh my worries. It was a moment of certainty that together we could overcome any challenge.

Today was Rei's farewell ceremony. I stood in the bathroom, getting ready. I smoothed out my black dress once again and took one last look in the mirror. Seiya wasn't thrilled about me accompanying Mamoru, but since Minako and Motoki were also going, he relented. I didn't tell anyone about the kiss between Mamoru and me, not even Minako. I decided to dismiss it as a one-time slip, something that would never happen again. The four of us met in front of the temple where the farewell ceremony would take place. Minako, whose energy was usually infectious, seemed subdued, and her smile appeared forced. "Usagi, you look beautiful!" she said softly and embraced me gently, holding a beautiful bouquet of white chrysanthemums and lilies in her arms. "You have to tell me all about the Philippines later," she whispered in my ear. Motoki gallantly offered me his arm and added, "May I have this dance, Usa?" I glanced at Mamoru, who just looked at me with empty, sad eyes. The silence between us spoke volumes.

"Thank you, Toki, but I think I'll go with him," I said to Motoki. I couldn't let him go with Mina; something in me resisted. It would be wrong. As I linked my arm with Mamoru's, I sensed some of his tension easing.

Then we ascended the numerous steps leading up to the temple. There, we were greeted by the solemn atmosphere and the sound of prayers. The traditional Japanese farewell ceremony was in full swing. As Rei had grown up in this temple, everyone living here was considered her family. The grief reflected in people's eyes intensified my feeling of loss and despair. It seemed like she had many friends, all of whom had come to pay their final respects. The entire temple grounds were filled with people conversing in hushed voices, trying to share their pain over the loss.

We found a quiet corner in the temple and participated in the ceremony. The sounds of prayers and chants surrounded us like a somber veil filling the air. Each tone felt like an echo of unfulfilled hopes and dreams buried with Rei. The rituals were profound and symbolic, all serving the purpose of guiding Rei's soul to the afterlife. Every gesture, every bow was filled with deep respect and immeasurable sorrow. The atmosphere was simultaneously sad and filled with gratitude for the precious moments shared with her by all those present. After the ceremony, we had the opportunity to say our personal goodbyes to Rei. It felt strange as Mamoru stood up and extended his hand to me. We walked together toward the open casket.

I had mixed feelings when I saw her lying there. We only knew each other briefly. I had actually only seen her once, but she was the one I owed for Mamoru still being alive. That he was standing here next to me, and for that, I will be forever grateful to her. Mamoru held something in his hand. At first, I thought it was a note, but when he carefully slid it under Rei's hands, I recognized it as an ultrasound image. He had lost so much more than just his childhood friend. That realization struck me in that moment. He had the chance to become a father and start a family right in front of him. I tightened my grip on his upper arm to signal my support. His features were marked by pain, but he fought not to lose composure. He didn't want to cry, to show weakness. It wasn't proper. But I could sense the broken soul behind his facade. After the casket with her body was taken to the crematorium, everyone gathered for a communal meal where traditional dishes and drinks were served. It was a moment of togetherness, of laughter and tears at the same time. Some shared stories of Rei and exchanged memories to keep her alive in their own unique way. The farewell ceremony lasted until early evening, and I didn't leave Mamoru's side.

It was the first time in a long while that we felt close to each other, and forgotten feelings tried to resurface. No, stop, I couldn't do that to Seiya. Not again. Minako and Motoki had said their goodbyes a while ago. Mamoru and I stood outside on the grand staircase leading down to the city.

"Thank you for coming with me," he said, taking a step towards me. I raised my hand and placed it on his chest as a sign for him to keep his distance. "Mamo, I want to ask you for something." He looked down at me, questioning. "The kiss from the other day, can you please keep that to yourself? I don't want Seiya to get upset again... because it meant nothing." Mamoru exhaled and closed his eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded slightly. "Fine by me."

What happened between the two men when I was talking with Motoki in the kitchen? My curiosity wouldn't let go. They both acted so strangely when it came to each other. I had to get to the bottom of it. Maybe Mamoru would be more talkative than Seiya.

"Mamo? What happened between you and Seiya when I was having my conversation with Motoki? Why did you hit him?" It was dark, but a definite smirk formed on Mamoru's lips. "Because he deserved it, and the rest is between him and me. If he hasn't told you, then I won't either." "Who says he hasn't told me?" "Bunny, if he had told you, you wouldn't be interrogating me right now. The answer is: No."

Angry, I stuck my tongue out at him, which made him laugh.

"Can I walk you home?" he asked, changing the subject, taking my hand in his. I looked down at the small white pebbles on the side of the path and shook my head. "No, I think it's better if I go alone."

Afraid of becoming weak again, I started running and left him standing there. It wasn't until I had traversed the seemingly endless staircase that I dared to stop briefly. Hesitantly, I glanced over my shoulder. He hadn't followed me. Had he also felt the strange vibrations between us? On one hand, I was relieved that he wasn't behind me, but from a small corner deep within me, sadness emerged. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and flinched.

"Easy there, moon face. It's just me," Haruka said soothingly. "Oh, Haruka. Don't ever do that again. You really scared me." "And that's why I'm taking you home now. You shouldn't be walking alone this late at night." She winked at me and gently pushed me forward to get me moving. "Um... Haruka... I moved yesterday..." "I know, or do you think I'm blind? If I hadn't seen those boxes yesterday, I'd definitely be in the wrong job. And Prince would give me hell if I missed something that important."

Diamond. It had been almost a week since I returned from the Philippines. Since then, I hadn't heard a word from him. Come on, Usagi, get those stupid feelings under control, I admonished myself.

"How... how is he doing? Is he back in Tokyo?" I couldn't help it. I just wanted to know how he was doing. Haruka amusingly raised the corners of her mouth. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"

When she said that, my heart sank. I stopped and looked around. I really thought he would emerge from behind a bush or appear from one of the side streets, but nothing happened. It was just Haruka and me here.

"What's wrong, moon face? Why are you stopping? It's just three more streets. Pick up the pace, it's cold." "I just thought, based on what you said, that he might be somewhere around here. It would have been typical of him to just show up," I said somewhat embarrassed. Haruka turned around and walked backward so she could see me. "If you want to talk to him, there's this really great invention. It's called a telephone. You should give it a try sometime."

Was she actually encouraging me to call him? "I know what a telephone is. Thanks," I grumbled.

I had no idea what was going on with me right now. First, the kiss and this strange tension between me and Mamoru, and now Diamond was already back in my head. Yet I wanted to focus on my life with Seiya. Fortunately, for the rest of the way, Haruka stuck to small talk. "Thanks for accompanying me," I said as I bid her farewell when we reached our destination.