Chapter 55

I continued to sit at the table and began scribbling on a piece of paper in front of me, while my thoughts relentlessly revolved around the conversation with Kaori. The words she had said earlier still echoed in my mind.

"He preferred to share me rather than never see me again..." The words seemed to burn into my mind, and he had actually done it, without a single discussion. Mamoru and Seiya. Diamond had never exposed me, even though he had numerous opportunities to do so.

I felt the truth in Kaori's words. The fear I had seen in his eyes back in Osaka was real. He was afraid for my safety, hence the bracelet first and then Haruka. Even at the hospital, he had shown up, even though he hadn't been in Japan at that time.

I began jotting down more bullet points on the paper, organizing my thoughts and feelings. I would definitely need another conversation with Kaori. The longer I stared at my notes, the clearer it became to me that Kaori might be right. In his own strange, twisted way, he actually seemed to feel something for me. Whether it was love, I couldn't say, but in hindsight, I realized he had always been there. Always there when I needed him.

The evening of the Winter Gala... when Seiya... I would have frozen to death for sure if he hadn't found me. When Yaten went to the press, he reacted so quickly and got me out of the reporters' line of fire that I could hardly comprehend it. Damn, he even took me to the Philippines to ensure my safety. All these actions must mean something, right? Was he doing it just to ease his conscience about Saphir?

"You don't mean nothing to me." was the most emotional thing he had ever said to me. But it was far from an "I love you." Doubt and confusion spread through me like a thunderstorm. How could a man, who was in his right mind, willingly share a woman he supposedly loved with not one but two other men, without any objections? It made no sense. Either Kunzite was right and he was just an idiot, or he genuinely didn't care. I could believe either right now.

Even when I told him I had chosen Seiya, there were no visible emotions... Well, he did throw me into the water, and then we had damn good sex. But there was no sorrow he showed, no anger... just that rigid poker face that I was currently cursing. If there were really feelings there, then why had he been ignoring me for five months? Why didn't he even turn around and look at me at the funeral?

I slammed the pen on the tabletop. None of this made sense. Yes, he watched over me whenever he could, but otherwise, it was always his fun and himself at the forefront.

I would definitely not take on the burden that he felt bad because of me. I took a deep breath and tried to reorganize my confusing emotions again. I had to figure out what I really wanted and how I would proceed with this situation. But I also needed answers.

I pulled out my phone and hesitated for a moment. Call Diamond. I pressed the buttons on the phone and waited as it rang. Twice, then I ended up on the familiar voicemail again. Another futile attempt. Next attempt: Call Haruka.

"Oh, Moonface. Is your guest gone already?" Haruka's voice sounded on the other end of the line.

"What was that, Haruka? You can't just show up in my apartment with her!"

"Why shouldn't I be able to? If anything, she's your only chance to get close to the Boss. You should be grateful rather than angry," she replied calmly.

"Don't tell me how to feel..." I retorted, although I didn't know exactly what I felt and what I really wanted. Ah, everything had become so complicated.

"I forwarded her number to you. Is there anything else?"

"No, but warn me next time if you're bringing surprise guests."

"Alright, then maybe see you later."

I stared at the screen, a new contact: Kaori Prince. I debated back and forth whether I should text her already and if so, what to say. I started a message, only to delete it again. Late in the evening, a message from her popped up.

Usagi, we would like to invite you for dinner on Tuesday. Kunzite & Kaori

As if anyone would believe Kunzite would actually invite me. That was probably just the second phase of their elaborate plan. Barely a few hours had passed, and she was already planning ahead. I didn't feel particularly motivated as I thought about the upcoming dinner at the Prince family's house. On the other hand, I had nothing to lose, and I had two nights until Tuesday to sleep on everything. So, I agreed for now; I could still cancel due to illness if need be.

Tuesday came faster than expected. I stood in the hallway and looked down at myself one more time. With a light, dark green summer dress, I couldn't go wrong. Impatience grew within me with every passing minute.

Haruka drove me to their estate, which was located slightly outside of Tokyo. Less than half an hour later, we reached our destination. The villa before which we stopped was smaller than Diamond's father's, but still breathtakingly beautiful. I felt a bit uncertain as I approached the door and rang the bell. For a brief moment, I considered turning around and leaving. After all, Haruka was still outside in the driveway; she had promised to wait. But before I could make a decision, the door opened, and Kaori greeted me with a laugh.

"Usagi, how lovely that you've come," she warmly welcomed me and invited me inside.

"Thank you for the invitation," I said politely, handing her the small bouquet of flowers I had quickly picked up on the way. I would have felt awkward showing up empty-handed.

"Come, let's go to the dining room. The other two will surely be here soon."

Both, so she could only mean Kunzite and Diamond. The nervous flutter in my stomach intensified just by thinking about him. I nodded to Kaori and followed her. It was immediately evident that a woman who loved comfort was at home here. Unlike the large Prince villa, which was packed from top to bottom with art objects, there was a different atmosphere here. We sat down at the impressively set table and were served the first aperitif.

"Kaori, do you really think this is a good idea?" I asked her directly.

"Yes, the two of them just don't know what's good for them. Sometimes you have to force them into happiness. Don't be afraid, Usagi. Once you see each other, the rest will fall into place on its own."

I swallowed hard. "I hope you're right. There are actually a few things that still need to be clarified..." I probably should have packed my list for such a conversation, but it was too late now.

Kaori gently took my hand, and a mischievous grin greeted me. "Then we'll finally thaw this ice cube a bit! By the way, did he give you the gift back in the Philippines?"

My features slipped, and confusion spread within me. What gift was she talking about? I shook my head as I reviewed our time together in the Philippines. Although I didn't know what gift she meant, I felt deep inside that it was what he had thrown into the sea.

"Typical!" Kaori hissed quietly.

"What... what was it?" I asked curiously.

"No, I can't tell you... he should do that himself. Please ask him about it when he's here."

We had just emptied our first glass of wine when the door swung open, and Kunzite entered. Kaori immediately jumped up and rushed towards him.

"Hello, my dearest. Where did you leave your better half?" she joked, planting a fleeting kiss on his cheek.

"He sensed that you were up to something and made a run for it," he replied dryly. His gaze scanned the room and eventually settled on me. "And as I see, he was even right."

"Can you at least try to call him back?"

"Kaori, we've talked about this several times. He's old enough, and we have to respect his decisions. So no, I won't call him back."

I sat frozen at the table, listening to their conversation. He wouldn't come.

"And what if he makes a mistake?" Kaori continued undeterred.

"Then it's his mistake, and he'll live with it. Stop meddling."

I finally regained control over my body, hesitated as I stood up, and approached them. They stood facing each other, and sparks were practically flying between their eyes. I knew these looks all too well from Diamond. It was time for me to leave before they attacked each other.

"I... I won't keep you any longer. Thank you, Kaori, for trying."

"Believe me, I won't give up that easily," she said, winking at me and receiving a light hit on the upper arm from Kunzite.

"Ow, cut that out. Usagi, do you still want to stay for dinner?"

I shook my head somewhat dejectedly and made my way back to the car. Haruka was still standing there; she had been waiting in the car the entire time. Without a word, I sat in the passenger seat, and she drove off. The silence between us was palpable.

Hardly had we left the long driveway behind us when I suddenly felt a wave of restlessness. Something wasn't right. My gaze fell on a car parked on the side of a dirt road, and my heart skipped a beat. That was definitely Massaru's car!

"Stop, Haruka! Immediately!" I yelled with urgency.

However, she seemed to ignore my words and instead pressed the accelerator.

"I said stop!" I shouted at her.

"I'm sorry, but orders are orders. I'll take you straight home," she replied coolly. Her gaze remained fixed on the road, ignoring my pleas, and I could only resign myself to my fate.

I sank deeply into the seat and stared out the window as the landscape flew past me.