Clumsy at Love
Chapter 36: Mysteries and Miseries
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma
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"Why did you bring her?" Ukyo demanded once they were finally out of Akane's sight. Ranma knew that she had been seething ever since she saw Akane with him, along with luggage, back at Narita Airport.
"Ranma, this is business. It's not a field trip, spring break, or a holiday vacation. We're engaged in a critical business transaction with the US government, and there's a lot at stake. You can't afford to make a single mistake, or else ~"
He had to interrupt her. "Relax, Ukyo. Of course, I understand the significance of the project that I personally designed and the level of responsibility that accompanies it. Everything will go smoothly. You just need to trust the process," he explained.
"Why did you have to bring her along, Ranma?" she asked as they were about to turn into the hallway that led to where they had left Akane waiting. The unmistakable tone of resentment in her voice caused him to halt and finally meet her gaze. This was the reason why she had insisted on coming with him instead of waiting at the lounge with Akane. It was also the very reason he had been fervently avoiding being alone with her.
He smiled to lighten the mood. "Because I need her by my side? You see, I just can't be without her anymore," he said, attempting to make it a half-joke for Ukyo. However, if he were truly honest with himself, it was the complete truth.
"You're crazy," she scoffed. "Let me remind you, in case you forget... whatever you two have had only existed because of a contract. She hates you, and you know that for a fact."
"Ukyo, must you be so harsh?" he grumbled. "Honestly, how could I ever forget that fact? What we share, her feelings for me, and the limited time I have left in her life. That's precisely why I brought her along. I must seize every chance to be with her. And this... this is an opportunity."
"I also want to offer her a glimpse of the world I experienced while I was away, all while keeping her safe at my side. I'm uncertain about what's been transpiring in Kuno's mind. So ~ " He clucked his tongue, disappointed in himself as he heard his own self-centered motives. "Are you content now?"
Ukyo shook her head, her eyes reflecting not just the disappointment he had felt, but even more than that.
Ranma sighed and smiled apologetically. "I know I might seem crazy to you right now... You might not get it, but someday, you will when you experience love yourself. Hmn, we've left her alone for a while. You go ahead. I'll see you on Monday at the meeting, okay? Take care on your way home." He patted her head, then left in a hurry, not noticing the tears on Ukyo's face.
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It has been two weeks since they arrived in New York. She could say that she's had a wonderful stay so far. Ranma had taken her to various places - she had witnessed the sunset during a cruise around the Statue of Liberty and marveled at the breathtaking view from the 102nd-floor observatory deck of the Empire State Building. Even though she wasn't fond of shopping, she found pleasure in evening walks around Times Square. They had also indulged in meals at several expensive, Michelin-starred restaurants.
He had additionally shown her Columbia University and Stanford University, where he had completed his degree and MBA studies. Finally, as a grand finale, he had brought her to a neighborhood where astonishingly everyone seemed to adore him. "What a show-off," she snorted.
After spending three full days with her, Ranma informed her that he would be occupied in the upcoming days. He apologized and pre-emptively requested her understanding if she ever felt neglected, a notion she found quite silly.
The days passed quickly, just as he had predicted. She hadn't seen him much, and sometimes she felt like she missed him.
Strangely, being neglected didn't trouble her. What truly concerned her was his absurdly busy schedule from morning till night, including weekends. Lately, she observed the toll of exhaustion and sleep deprivation on his handsome face. It frustrated her that she couldn't say a word about it.
What on earth has he been up to? Wasn't he suspended from work? So, what exactly has been keeping him so busy?
Suddenly, the door swung open, catching her off guard. Glancing at her phone, she realized it was almost dawn. It was too late for her to make a move now.
"Hey, did I wake you up?" Ranma inquired upon noticing her seated in the dimly lit living room.
God, what have you been doing? She wanted to ask but didn't want to sound like a nosy fake wife. Instead, she simply shook her head in response.
He set down his suitcase and settled onto the couch next to her. "Or... you haven't slept yet?" He prodded, casting her a suspicious glance.
"My stomach grumbled and woke me," she fibbed. "I was actually planning to cook noodles when you came in. Are you hungry? I could make food for both of us." It was something she could do for him, after all.
"I'd be up for that," he agreed right away. She stood up and went to the kitchen. His heavy steps followed her, and he plopped back into a dining chair.
"Are you really not waiting for me? Could it be that... you've missed me?" he teased.
"Sure, in your dreams," she muttered.
He heard her but switched the topic. "How have you been lately?" he asked.
"I'm good. I've been jogging in various parks every morning and exploring museums in the afternoons. But I've mostly been at the New York Public Library. It's become my little haven these days," she said with a sigh of contentment.
She couldn't believe she was falling in love with his place all over again! His Manhattan apartment was so convenient with access to everything she needed - the subway, parks, groceries, and, most importantly, the library. Yes, the library!
He chuckled. "I knew you would find that."
"And what about you?" she asked, trying to sound casual as she stole a quick glance at him.
He paused, then exhaled with a rugged tone. "I guess I'm doing fine too."
No, he's not! He's clearly going through something. Only a fool would think he's doing fine. What is it, idiot? she wanted to scream at him.
"Hey, can I ask you for a favor?"
"Huh?" Anything. She thought. "Sure."
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For the third consecutive night, Ranma had brought her to another one of these bothersome parties. Over the past few days, she had made an effort to accommodate him, his friends, and colleagues. Whenever he engaged in conversation with his friends, she stood by his side, smiling, pretending to comprehend whatever they were discussing. She worked on being understanding in every little way. If he left her alone somewhere, she waited patiently. She even tried to look and act like the woman of his preference, even though deep down, she recognized her failure. It was undeniably draining, yet she believed it was somewhat worth it. He was worth it. Even without words, she sensed that he was also giving his best for her.
Her focus wavered as she spotted a unsteady woman near the pool. Was that Ukyo? She hadn't seen her since they parted ways at the New York airport. And why wasn't she joining their group if she was here?
"Hey there," she greeted as she quietly approached the stunning woman in the red dress, who was fixated on the empty pool.
Ukyo turned, her nostrils flaring and her eyes glaring at her..
"Uh ~" Her expression caught her off guard, and suddenly she was at a loss for words.
"Can you just leave me alone?" she huffed, then turned her back on her when she couldn't find the right words.
"Ukyo ~" She called out as Ukyo started to walk away.
The furious woman suddenly halted, turned, and screamed in her face, "Don't you dare say my name!"
"Wha ~ I ~" She stammered, struggling to find the right words.
"This is all your fault," she cried, tears streaming down her face. "Why Ranma is trying to throw everything away."
She shook her head, unable to comprehend. "You're destroying his dream. You're ruining his future. You're destroying his EVERYTHING!" Her own words left her even more bewildered.
"I don't understand ~ " What did she do wrong? What about Ranma?
"Of course, you won't ~"
"What are you two doing out here in the cold?" Ranma interrupted, wrapping a protective arm around Akane. His gaze settled on Ukyo's puffy eyes, questioning. However, the woman just glared at him before striding away.
His gaze then shifted to her, clearly taken aback. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
"What happened? What did I do?" she demanded, her tone sharp.
She watched his figure until he reached Ukyo, until they were both out of her sight.
Her gaze followed him until he found Ukyo, until they were out of her sight together.
What was unfolding behind her back? She needed to comprehend the kind of turmoil Ranma was facing. Why did he feel the need to lie and conceal things? How did it relate to her? And Ukyo, she had been an enigma since they met at Narita airport. Ukyo had been giving her cold stares and treating her distantly, and she needed to fathom why.