Clumsy at Love
Chapter 37: I love you... Goodbye
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma
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She had to do it. She reassured herself once again.
The events from last night prevented her from getting any sleep.
What were they hiding? Did Ranma get her pregnant or something? Numerous thoughts raced through her mind, and she desperately wished to extract the truth from that fool. However, she had to restrain herself, as she suspected he would continue to lie.
"Miss, Cafe Manhattan," called out the taxi driver, snapping her out of her reverie.
"Ah, thank you," she said, quickly opening the car door with her chilly hands.
She found it odd that Ukyo had reached out and asked to meet up, especially after the open hostility she had shown last night. It was daunting and nerve-wracking, but she needed to understand what was going on with Ranma. She also saw this as a chance to mend their relationship, which is why she agreed to come here.
She spotted Ukyo right away as she entered the cafe. Ukyo was seated in the far corner, looking sober now. She thought to herself and let out a sigh of relief.
"Hi," she greeted.
"Hey. Please sit down." Ukyo asked.
Thank God, she's calmed as well. She thought to herself as she took the seat in front of her.
"I want to apologize for my behavior last night. I was drunk, and ~" She began but then paused midsentence.
"Can I just drop the pretense and get straight to the point?" she suddenly asked. "I'm sorry, I'm on edge right now."
"Just tell me what you want to say, in whatever way feels right," she urged.
"The truth is... I don't like you. Not now, not ever. Right from the beginning. I tried my hardest to be civil, you know, for Ranma's sake... But I couldn't suppress the feelings of dislike. I'm sorry."
"I think that's normal ~" she stammered. "There's always someone or a couple of people we just don't like, even if we can't explain why." She managed to respond,
though taken aback by Ukyo's honesty.
"That's true, but I've come to understand my reason now. Maybe deep down, I always feared that one day you were gonna ruin Ranma."
"The thing is... Ranma forbade me from talking to you, from saying anything to you... But I'm breaking that rule now and taking a chance," Ukyo confessed.
"You can put the blame on me. Please, continue... I want to hear the truth," she urged, even though her heart was racing in her chest.
What could be worse than hearing "I hate you" to your face? No, she wouldn't retreat like the coward she had often been.
"You see, Ranma has made up his mind to stay here in New York and live life on his terms. He didn't intend to go back to your country or inherit his family's wealth. But his parents cornered him, freezing all his accounts where a small community depends on him. They left him with no alternative. They've stated they'll only release his funds if he returns home, takes over the company, and gets married."
Ha! Is that it? Do you think I didn't already know? She wanted to blurt out but held her tongue.
"... And then he learned about your father's business troubles and how he was willing to marry one of his daughters to any rich man who could rescue the company. That's his breaking point."
"No, that's not it." She countered, but Ukyo continued as if she hadn't spoken.
"When Ranma left, he was on the brink of realizing his long-awaited dream, but he abandoned it all. Do you know why he's here now and what's keeping him so occupied, if you've noticed? It's because the US government has greenlit his innovative energy-saving design for an alternate electricity supply system. And they're assigning him to co-lead the project management team."
That revelation took her by surprise. Honestly, she had no clue. But if it was true, that was truly incredible. It's a huge life achievement she never thought could happen to someone she knew. Yet, it had happened to Ranma. Hah, he truly is remarkable. She felt so proud of him that it brought tears to her eyes.
So, he had such an incredible dream, huh? And it's actually coming true...
But why did he feel the need to keep it a secret from her? He could have shared it. She would have been thrilled to celebrate with him. But he didn't. What's worse, this woman in front of her knew this information about him when she, as his wife, didn't. Her heart ached with pain.
"And you know what's even crazier about all of this? He's turning down the opportunity and giving away all the credit like it's not a significant thing."
That statement pulled her out of her self-pity and refocused her on the present. "No, he didn't!" She blurted out.
"At first, I couldn't believe it myself... but yesterday, I got confirmation that he's truly sacrificing his dreams and aspirations... No, in essence, his entire life," Ukyo explained.
"That idiot…" She muttered.
"I heard he confessed his feelings for you. Do you believe him?" Ukyo inquired.
She had a dreadful feeling about Ukyo bringing up the topic at this moment.
"I've known Ranma for many years now. I've witnessed his transformation into the incredible person he is today. I've heard your name, the story behind your name, and how you're linked to his greatest life regret. I've seen him attempt countless ways to reconnect with you, to earn the forgiveness that has haunted him for years, even in his sleep. Despite being worlds apart, you were always on his mind. He received updates about you, about how you were doing, and much of it troubled him. He was eagerly anticipating meeting you again. And when it finally happened, he saw what you've become, and blamed himself.
"He said you lost yourself, your dreams, and your ambitions because of him. He became consumed with the idea of reviving you - the bold, brave, and bright Akane he used to know, as he often said. He has a promising future here, but he's willing to discard it all for what? Because of guilt? Because of pity?" Ukyo recounted.
She flinched.
"I did everything in my power to persuade him, but he wouldn't heed a word I said. I hate to confess it, but I think only you have the ability to sway his decision. Please, let him go, Akane. You're wrecking him. I heard he's faced severe consequences for punching a business partner's son, who was once his closest friend, all because of you." Ukyo revealed.
She shook her head. "That's not because of me." She protested.
"That's what he told you. But it's because of you. And that might actually jeopardize his future as the CEO of the Saotome Group of Companies."
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Ranma squeezed her hand, attempting to get her attention for what felt like the hundredth time that evening.
Why hadn't he told her anything at all?
Why hadn't he opened up about his impending dreams and achievements? Honestly, she would have wholeheartedly celebrated with him. She wanted to stand by him and be a part of the circle that witnessed his growth. She yearned to be the one who motivated him, just as he had inspired her. But why did she have to be the cause for him to relinquish it all?
"You've been really quiet today. Are you alright?" He asked, his hand gently grazing her face. She nodded in reply, mustering a smile. He studied her for a moment before turning his focus back to his friends.
He badly wants her forgiveness, huh?
But he had already earned it when he acknowledged his error and felt remorse. And how could she remain angry with him after all he had done for her family? When he consistently acted in her best interest? Honestly, he hadn't just secured her forgiveness; he had also gained her trust, respect, and more.
Her train of thought derailed as she heard her name being called..
"I bet Akane's curious about how Ranma's been living his life here in San Francisco," one of his friend mused. Her eyes blinked in response. It was indeed intriguing, but unfortunately, she was in the dark. So, yeah... she definitely wanted to hear about it.
"Now, now ~" Ranma interjected, attempting to divert the direction the conversation was taking.
"His daily routine here basically revolved around four things: eating, studying, working out, and then sleeping from daybreak till dawn."
"My parents would kill me if I let them down, so..." He tried to explain.
"All this time, we assumed he was gay because he seemed so uninterested in girls!" His friend chimed in, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
"I'm a married man now, so that ridiculous notion has been proven wrong," he retorted.
"I recall him putting on quite a show for some, and mind you, these were women of high caliber," his friend reminisced.
"Ugh! Why are we even discussing this?" Ranma groaned, looking slightly irritated now.
"He's a master at pretending, and we only realized he was putting on a façade when he met fantastic Ukyo. With her, he couldn't pretend. He was so taken with her that Ukyo managed to influence him into joining her outreach programs and motivating him to create remarkable projects."
"I told you, she's like a little sister to me," he whispered, making sure she didn't get any wrong ideas.
What about me? What do I mean to you? Have you truly loved me? That's the only question that's been bothering and causing her pain since this morning, after meeting Ukyo.
She's desperate to know if his confession is genuine or just an act? Is it part of his "Revive Akane" plan? Oh, God... he didn't have to go that far.
A tear slipped from her eye, and she hastily wiped it away with the back of her hand. Unfortunately, someone at the table had already noticed.
"Akane? Are you crying?" The voice of the person who asked the question was tinged with guilt as they shared the story. "I'm sorry, I was just ~ "
"Uh, no..." She fibbed. "Excuse me, bathroom," she said, standing up and quickly turning away from them before making her escape.
It wasn't until it was too late that she realized Ranma had followed her. "Akane, wait..." he called out again when she didn't stop in the lobby.
"Akane, please..." he pleaded as he finally caught up with her. "I'm sorry about that. You know the truth, right? She's just like a kid sis..." His words trailed off when he noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks. "What happened?" he asked, deeply concerned.
"I just want to go home. I'm tired, Ranma... I'm so tired of going to these darn parties every night," she pleaded.
She felt Ranma's grip loosen, interpreting it as him letting her go. "I'm sorry," she mumbled before turning and walking away.
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Akane had long disappeared, yet he remained rooted in the same spot where she had left him.
His body was too weary to chase after her and confront the inevitable. Perhaps the two weeks of relentless work and sleep deprivation had finally taken their toll. His mind was in disarray, occupied with the projects he left behind, his infuriated parents, his let-down best friend, and the abandonment of his long-cherished aspirations. He had picked Akane for a definite reason, yet somehow he couldn't shake off the unsettling emotions that burdened his heart.
He was about to head back inside when he spotted Ukyo standing not far away. Something about her gaze stirred an intensely uneasy feeling in his heart.
And then an image of Akane from earlier flashed in his mind. Her rigid expression, her total silence, her absent-mindedness, and her perturbed body language all replayed in his thoughts.
Had Ukyo spoken to Akane? And told her unnecessary things?
Completely disregarding all his dilemmas, he rushed to his car and drove back home.
Despite his exhaustion, he knew he had to talk to her. He wasn't sure what Ukyo had told her, but he needed to clarify things. He didn't want another misunderstanding to come between them. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her again. He wanted to remain in her life beyond the contract, even if it meant being a part of her less significant circle of friends.
And then it hit him, the rest didn't matter, not at all.
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Upon arriving home, the first thing Akane did was grab her luggage and gather all her belongings.
She couldn't comprehend why she had accompanied him to the party when she could have stayed at his place to read and sleep. No, she couldn't grasp why she was still here instead of heading home after hearing what Ukyo had told her.
The answer is short and simple: she wanted to be with Ranma so desperately, even if it meant jeopardizing his future. Deep down, she still clung to the hope that his feelings for her were genuine and not just out of guilt or pity... Damn, she hadn't realized until now how self-centered and selfish she could be.
But dwelling on the past or someone else's feelings wouldn't make any sense; those are things no one can control. All she could do was mend what had been broken and truly move forward. She sighed, picked up her phone, and texted Ukyo.
Akane: Once I've done what I need to do, and everything is resolved, will you continue taking care of Ranma like you did before?
Ukyo: Yes, once you step back and leave him for good.
Akane: How long have you been in love with him?
Ukyo: I've loved him since the beginning. My love for him grew as I got to know his heart. It deepened when he shared everything about you. I love him wholeheartedly, even if it means I've become a villain for his sake.
Akane: That's good to know.
Her body tensed as she heard the door open and then close.
Ranma's gaze fixated on the luggage before her. "Why? What did I do wrong?" he inquired.
"I just want to go home," she declared.
"Why so suddenly? I believe there might be a misunderstanding," he replied.
"No," she shook her head. "There's no misunderstanding. I just really wanna go home. Right now."
"Ukyo must have told you something that she should not..."
"Like your dreams and ambitions that don't concern me? Perhaps. But I don't care. I've never cared about you or anything related to you,"
"I know... but I'm still hoping you'll stay." he pleaded.
For what reason? She badly wanted to know but she shook her head. "No, I shouldn't have boarded that plane. I should have pretended to have a stomachache the day we departed. I regret coming here with you. I'm tired of trying to keep up with you, of staying here with you."
"Can't you please bear with me a little longer? I promise this will all be over in a week or two," he pleaded.
"No!" She spluttered in panic.
"The truth is... I want to be alone. I need time for myself, to do what I want, and go wherever I please without any obligations. This trip has made me realize how tired I am of this fake marriage, of our pretense, and of just... being around you."
She's officially became the world's biggest liar ever. She thought herself.
She watched his body slump, his shoulders sagging, as he fell into complete silence.
"I'm sorry..." she added, her heart aching with the weight of her words. "You don't need to give me a ride, I'll just take a cab to the airport." With that, she stood up and gathered her luggage.
She's doing the right thing. She convinced herself. Hurting him is the only way.
"Can't you think outside yourself? Can you consider a bit of my feelings?" His voice broke. "I love you, I do. I really do."
"Do you? Did you really? Are you sure that's not pity or guilt?" She couldn't help but ask, then shook her head. "Never mind. That doesn't matter anyway because I don't love you back." She badly wanted to know but wouldn't want to risk anything.
"I don't care!" He shouted, startling her. "I can live with that, I'll just work hard to make you love me back. As long as you don't hate me, that's fine with me."
"Well, that's a shame because I do hate you."
"Why are you doing this?" He asked suspisiously.
"Because... I want to go home. I don't want to be with you. It would be best if you were with Ukyo. You're perfect together, a match made in heaven, I imagined."
"Is this what it's all about? I've told you time and time again that she's ~ "
"She's your guardian angel? Your inspiration? She helped you realize your dreams. She's always there for you, doing everything she could for you. You could tell her everything, anything... She's your everything, not me."
"Stop putting words into my mouth. How could you decide that for me? You don't feel what I feel. You only believe what you want to believe."
"That's right, I'm pessimistic, I'm selfish, self-centered and conceited. I ~ I'm intolerable." I dont deserve someone like you. "Keep that in mind, okay?" She added while turning around. Hate me, please, for your sake.
"Goodbye. Goodbye forever. You broke the contract first. You told Ukyo about it." She said, then took off before letting her tears finally fall on her cheeks.