The Way Home ~ Part One *** DECEPTIONS ***

Tsukushi stood staring out of the room window of her study into the lush surroundings. Her mind reeled as she recalled the recent happenings.

*Get out of here! I’ve you a thousand and one times, I don’t know you!!!!!!!* Tsukasa
*Kushi, don’t worry, Tsukasa’ll remember. Just give him time.* Rui
*Get out. Do not bother my son. Don’t ever come back* Doumyouji Kaede

Recalling the words Tsukasa uttered that night sent a knife plunging through her heart. A lone tear crept down her porcelain cheeks. Her face just oozing with radiant happiness just last month was replaced by a haunted expression. Tsukushi barely ate, spoke and now, she never cried again. She had wasted buckets of tears, starved herself for what? For a guy who never remembered her, who shouted at her, who didn’t give her a second look or thought when she stepped into the private room in the S.S Anne Hospital just a week ago? It didn’t seem worthful.

She lifted a thin arm to wipe the tears that came pouring. A look of determination crept onto her face. With or without Tsukasa, she had to go on living. She looked into her vanity mirror. She sighed. She took up her brush and brushed the tangle hair into a ponytail. She had stopped using the cosmetics since Tsukasa’s accident. She picked up the LancomE bottle, uncapped it and smeared a drop onto her damp hair. Then, she picked up her blush and dusted some onto her face. Time to wow the world, she thought bitterly.

If Tsukushi ever wanted a reaction – a big one -, she got it.

”Tsukushi! Wha- Are you okay?” Makino Minu asked her daughter as she trudged down the spiral staircase dressed in a sleeveless top and cropped jeans.

”Mom,” Tsukushi gave a small smile. “ I’m fine. Really. I am.”

She grabbed her school bag and headed past her mother after giving her a peck on the cheek.

Minu too shocked by what she had seen, lifted her hands in response. Was the bitter and depressed daughter she had grown used to changing? For the better? She kept her fingers crossed.
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She got out of her Porshe and walked towards a mat under the shady branches of the redwood tree.

”Hi,” she said, trying to keep her voice as upbeat as possible.

”Tsukushi!” Akira and Soujiro said in unison.

” You’ve decided to come back huh?” Rui said in an ever-expressionless tone.

Tsukushi nodded and flinched as the fourth figure and member of F4 turned. Was she ready to meet him?

Tsukasa turned and faced Tsukushi. His one-time love whom he had now completely forgotten. His brown stony eyes never left her light brown ones. He studied his face. There was no warmth, no love that she had just seen on it a month ago. The stabbing incident had removed it all. The assassin was put behind bars but there was nothing to do about the lost memories. Tsukasa nodded at her and turned back to the paperback that he had been reading before her intrusion.

Tsukushi felt a hand clamp over her heart. Tears threatened to spill over that minute. She turned her gaze to Hanazawa Rui who had been observing her reaction since she had set foot on the campus. He gave her a reassuring smile as though he was telling her to be strong from within. She returned his warm smile with a watery one. He mouthed the words “Emergency Stairway” before walking off . She smiled slightly as she recalled the fond memories the duo shared since she enrolled in Eitoku Gakuen, the prestigious school. Being rich, she fit in all right. But she had gotten on the bad side of Doumyouji Tsukasa and received a red tag. It was Rui, who was so cold to her at first, who helped her cope during that time. But then, wasn’t it Tsukasa who gave her love? The man whom said she was so important to him that without her, it was without air? The man whom now was so absorbed into another world who completely forgot about his first and most important love? She massaged her head and walked off in the direction of the Emergency Stairway leaving Akira and Soujiiro with their mouths hung open and Tsukasa still absorbed in his book.
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”Rui,” Tsukushi said to the lone figure in the secluded area of the Emergency Stairwell.

”Kushi, I don’t think it’s not his fault he can’t remember you. You should give him a chance.” Rui said softly.

”You have never been yelled at for trying to help someone recall his memory, you have never been screamed to mind your own business!” Tsukushi said, voice rising. She rarely got angry but this was one to many times they discussed the sensitive topic about Tsukasa’s amnesia.

”Tsukushi, get a grip. Flaring up isn’t gonna get you anywhere!” Rui said, shaking her frail shoulders.

”You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just that…. “she broke off tears flowing freely down her cheekbones.

Rui sighed inaudibly and folded her petite frame into his thin but firm embrace. How many times had this happen? Three? Four? Or even five? Her shoulder, her rock, her solace. Rui had loved Tsukushi since the night when he had kissed her. The night she comforted him. She’s my best friend’s girlfriend, he reminded himself.

There, she lay in his embrace until Rui fell asleep. She gently removed his head from her bony shoulders and onto a bench. She decided what she had to do. She whipped out her 7210 and snapped a picture of Rui. Then, she took out his cell and wrote:

Dearest Rui,

My solace for the past few months. I think you know the problems I have been going through and I think the best solution is to leave for a period of time until we all cool down. Call it running away, hiding but I feel so trapped that if I don’t leave, I would suffocate. I need time to think, Rui. We have all matured into sensible older teens and it’s time we think about the consequences to our rash actions.

By leaving, I certainly hope everyone will lead easier lives. You too, Rui. You will now and forever have a special place in my heart. Never will you be forgotten. My rock, you’ve been there once, and always. Do not look for me. I will come back when I think the time is right. But never forget, look into the stars and you know I’m there.

Love,
Tsukushi.

********************************************************************************************

Two years later.
Tsukushi

Being abroad for a year wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. I was studying in the London University. I could have gotten into Oxford with my brains and statures but I felt compelled to go to a public university where competition was hotter. I took up a modeling job just a month ago. The pay was good and the hours were flexible. I was becoming quite famous all over London. Because of some ridiculous reasons that my name was “weedy”, my manager and best friend, Melissa White, give me a stage name, Rikku Starr. Starr was my English name in London. After 2 years of constant English practicing, I could speak English without an accent surpassing even Melissa. Boy, you should have seen her face when I aced the Essay competition.
I looked out of my dorm into the woods which surrounded the campus. Many teenagers my age where frolicking under the sun. No stress at all. Exams had been taken and all students where give a month’s break. Despite other people’s apparent joy, I didn’t feel that great. I was homesick after being 2 years away from Japan, Tokyo.
Sure, my parents visited me with news about Tokyo. It turned out that Tsukasa had regained his memories and was doing his best to try and find me. Rui apparently had attended a teaching course. My parents were tactful enough to not leak out my location to any people. Yuuki was an exception though, she had actually visited me once on my birthday. She was still that lovely and sweet girl I had grown to like immensely. She was careful to keep this secret from Soujiro though he had questioned her many times.
I find that although life in London is not as stressful as in Tokyo, it’s my home, my heart and my compound. I feel that my love for Tsukasa has cooled down greatly but I still love Rui the way he is. It turned out as some rumours said, Tsukasa was “obsessed” with me and Rui promised to work harder to show me results of his hard work when I got back. How I miss my home. Sighing, I took out my 7210 and looked at the snapshot I took of Rui when he was sleeping on the day I left. How I miss my friends too.
A knock came from my dorm door.

”Starr! Get your lazy bum down here and join us for ice-skating!” shrieked Melissa from outside my door. I sighed and switched off my cell and got out my skates.
********************************************************************************************

The plane had just landed in Tokyo. Tsukushi reluctantly opened her eyes and stretched before hauling her hand-carry back off the compartment.

"Earth to Starr," Melissa's voice twinkled.

"Beat me will ya. I need to sleep." Tsukushi yawned. "And it's Tsukushi here kay?"

"Whatever. You are too paranoid ¡'bout the Tsukasa or whatever." Melissa muttered.

They stepped off the plane into a big hallway. They stepped towards the conveyer belt and hauled their even heavier bags off.

"Of all places in the world, Kin had to pick a place where I left my past behind." Tsukushi said softly. Kin was the owner of the world-known modeling agency, Autumn.

"Kushi," Melissa started.

"Mel. Kushi is what a very good friend of mine called me last time. Please. Tsukushi or Starr whatever. "

"Kay. I just don't know why you're so temperamental," muttered Melissa.

The stepped towards the immigration point and handed their passports in.

********************************************************************************************
"Though, you'd have to admit. Kin is pretty generous," Melissa said in awe as they looked around the plush surroundings of the Maple.
Kin had indeed picked an extremely costly hotel for them. A glass of coke cost $5 there. But, you'd have to admit. Kin was rich enough to splurge on her employees.
A bellboy took their luggage to their suite on the 20th floor. They tipped him and started unpacking.

"Oh ya. Forgot to tell you. Kin said you'd have a choice of staying in Japan to work or going back to London. She's opening a branch here. "
"Um, well, I'm not quite sure. I'll decided later. Anyway, wanna do sight-seeing? I could be your tour guide."
"Really?" Melissa gushed. "That's so cool!!"
Tsukushi just grinned.

********************************************************************************************
"Hey, wanna stop by Genki Sushi to try some? It's kinda good, you know. You'd have to get use to the Japanese taste if I decide to live here." Tsukushi teased.

"The taste is just so¡K fishy?" Melissa made a pout. "Besides, there's always Burger King and Mac's. So why bother adapting?"

Tsukushi sighed for the umpteen time as her friend made another dig at Japan's most special food.
********************************************************************************************
It was five hours since they left their hotel for a tour round Japan. The sun was scorching and threatened to give everyone a sunburn.

Carrying many heavy bags of clothes and accessories, Tsukushi and Melissa walked down the aisle of the road with much difficulty.

"Aahhh!" Melissa screamed as she tripped over a battered toy car. Bags went flying everywhere.

"Miss, do you need any help?"

Tsukushi looked up at the sound of the voice.

"Hanazawa Rui?"

"Tsukushi? Wow. I never thought I'd see someone who abandoned us two years ago would come back so rich and famous. Your photos are everywhere."  Rui reply sarcastically.

"I'm-I'm sorry. I am really busy. I have to go." Tsukushi rushed.

She was about to pull Melissa who already got onto her feet when someone suddenly gripped her arm.

She was about to say "Rui, cut that out!" when she saw a very familiar figure. In fact, two other familiar figures where right behind them.

"Tsukasa," she breathed.

********************************************************************************************
 

Tsukushi

I stared at the firm hand that held my small one. Tsukasa. How long had it been. He finally recalled me. After all the hurt he had caused me, after all the suffering I went through, never had he once said he was sorry.

”Tsukushi, I remember.” He said, looking in my eyes.

I didn’t know what happened but I wrenched my hands free from his iron grip and raced off in the direction of the Maple notwithstanding of the cries of Akira and Soujiro. I didn’t look back but I could feel two pairs of eyes boring into my back. Before I knew it, my face was covered in hot tears. I attracted many passers-by but I didn’t care. I know that although I was finally free of Tsukasa’s grasp, I had a small wound inside of me. If only two years was time long enough to heal that wound.

********************************************************************************************

Rui

The moment she looked up, I could see that over the years, how she matured. Her face was oozing with radiance and I happiness I never knew she possessed. For a moment I stood there mesmerized until Tsukasa spoiled it all. She took of I the direction of the Maple. We just stood there staring blankly until Akira said, “She’s grown much, much more prettier.”

”What did you expect? She’s a model.” Soujiro countered.

Despite their efforts to lighten the somber mood, Tsukasa stood staring at the direction Tsukushi took.

Tsukushi had come back to Tokyo. To home. I remembered her as my 2nd love, the one I cherished since Shizuka. But, had she changed? There was something in her eyes I couldn’t read. Defiance? I didn’t know. For the first time, I was stumped.

********************************************************************************************

Tsukushi

”God! Tsukushi, you are so weak. “I berated myself for the fifth time. I promised myself to get over my former life as Makino Tsukushi and changed to Starr. Despite my countless attempts to visualize Tsukasa as my love, my life, I couldn’t.
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. Melissa stepped inside with a bewildered look.

”What happened back there?” she asked.

”Sorry. I just lost control. “

”So those were the F4,” she muttered softly.

”Don’t worry. I’ll get over it. “ I forced a smile onto my tear-streaked face.

And I vowed too. I knew what I felt towards Tsukasa had changed. But the feeling was still there. What about Rui? I vowed at all costs to stay away from the foursome. They were too hurting.

********************************************************************************************

Tsukasa picked up the phone in his room.

”Listen. All info on Makino Tsukushi is to be gathered for me by 5 pm. Including her life in London.”
********************************************************************************************
Tsukushi nibbled at her toast. She hardly slept last night. Her photo shoot, which was supposed to end at 8, ended at 12 because a fellow model failed to turn up. Her dark eye bags were very visible so she was advised by Kin to take a day off. She put on her Sunday best and called her chauffeur to pick her up. Life of the rich, she thought. She told him to drop her off at the Lido. He nodded and left. How long had it been since she roamed the streets of Tokyo, her real home? Sighing, she headed into a deli.

”Place for one,” she told a waiter.

She was taken to a table at the back of the deli where she ordered her meal.

”Surprised to see you here, Tsukushi,” a voice said.

Tsukushi looked up into a very familiar pair of dark eyes.

”Hanazawa Rui, is it any of your business?”

”I suppose it is. The message you left two years ago clearly stated so.”

An awkward silence filled the corner.

”I-“ Tsukushi started.

”What have you been doing this past years?” Rui cut in. “Why didn’t you come back earlier? Many of us have missed you.”

“I told you I would come back when I was ready,” Tsukushi muttered. “what business was it of yours anyway?”

Rui shook his head. Tsukushi was no more of the vulnerable girl he knew. She was much more independent and solitary. He didn’t like this change.

************************************************************************
The meeting at the deli the day before didn’t go very well. Tsukushi left shortly after the confrontation when Melissa called her to attend a meeting. Tsukushi sighed. Rui had clearly stated that day that he was displeased by her actions and attitude. Who is he anyway? She said, feeling anger building. She had worked so hard to be the accomplished person she was now and she was never going to let anyone take it away. She picked up her bag and was about to leave her suite when the phone rang. She set down the bag and answered the phone.

”Tsukushi,” an all too familiar voice greeted her.

”How did you get my number? I told the reception not to list me.” Tsukushi replied, voice quivering.

”My mother owns the Maple. Anyway, I just wanted to know how you were doing.” The voice from the other end said.

”Tsukasa, it is no business of yours to find me, much less question about my private life!” Tsukushi said, voice rising.

”You loved me,” he said.

”That was before you shunned me and tossed me aside!”

”I had an accident. Why don’t you understand? Can’t you be more reasonable? At least now I remember.”

”Forget it. Just forget it,” she said before slamming down the phone.

She sat down on the foot of the queen-sized bed and put her hand on her chest. No, she thought, I’m not going to let Tsukasa control my life again. Never.
************************************************************************
“She majored in English there,” Akira said, glancing up from the thin stack of records.

Akira, Tsukasa, Soujiro and Rui were at Tsukasa’s study skimming through the reports on Tsukushi.

”Rikku Starr,” Soujiro mused. “She really has matured.

Rui wanted to tell them about the meeting in the deli but decided against it. He didn’t want to risk hurting her. He didn’t even know if she got over the hurt.

The study was filled with companionable silence before Rui spoke.

”Tsukasa, you should leave her alone. She will come when she is ready.”

Tsukasa looked like his was going to protest but hurriedly decided against it. Given a bit of time, Tsukushi was sure to be running back to him. He prayed that what he said was going to be true.
********************************************************************************************
”Dear Mother,
it has been awhile since I came to look for you in Tokyo. Are you, otousan and Susumu well? I completed my finals and am now back in Tokyo to secure a deal. Kin has advised me to continue working here. She is looking forward to open a branch of Autumn here.

I will be going to visit you at the end of this week. Don’t worry about my health. I am fine.

Love,
Tsukushi"

********************************************************************************************
 

Searching for a choreographic book in the Japan Public Library, Tsukushi sat down and lifted her hands in exasperation. She started cursing softly. It had been a day or two since she slept peacefully. Kin had called to tell her to find a new choreographer but because it was all of a sudden, she had little idea where to begin. She took out a pad and pencil and started jotting notes.
Suddenly, she heard a cough. She jumped in surprise.

”Nishikado! What are YOU doing here?”

”Makino, you forget easily.”

What followed was an uncomfortable exchange about each other’s lives.

”Tsukushi. Tsukasa’s kinda lost it. He needs you. You have to come back!”

”Right, so I wasn’t lost when he lost he’s memory?!” replied Tsukushi icily.
”To think I waited a month for nothing. Now he regains his memory, he wants me to go back running to his open arms? Huh,” she scorned, shaking her head.

”Yes,” Soujiro replied softly. “He’s actually waiting for you to run back to him like you did last time. He loves you a great deal.”

Tsukushi sat quietly in the chair long after Soujiro had gone. She had avoided saying anything else to avoid confrontation. If there was one thing in the world Tsukushi couldn’t take was confrontation.
********************************************************************************************
 

" I saw her in the JPL. “ Soujiro interrupted Akira’s endless chatter about his newest conquest.
Tsukasa dropped the glass of wine he was holding and it smashed into a few pieces. The housekeeper looked on disapprovingly as it did.

”When?” he managed to utter.

”I was working on a project when I saw her copying notes on choreographing.”

”She’s a model and now she’s gonna be a dancer?” Akira asked disbelievingly.

Soujiro just shrugged.

”Did she say anything?” Rui asked.

”Um, not so much about her life but just that she came back to secure a deal or something.” Soujiro replied. “Look guys, I’m not sure. She just talked about what she was doing. There’s no reason to panic. No reason at all.” ********************************************************************************************

Rui was walking to his car pondering on the days happening. Tsukushi had definitely become more independent. Sovereign too. She now walked with a grace she never had, talked with an air of confidence she never aired and look beautiful with a spirit she never possessed before. It looked like the change was pleasant but Rui frowned. There’s something I cannot put my hand on. Tsukushi didn’t look in the eyes of Tsukasa when had grabbed her. He mused. It definitely was something to think about.
*
Rui’s hand phone rang.

” Hanazawa Rui,” he greeted.

”Rui,” Said a voice he never wanted to hear. “Rui, I am back. Can you pick me up? I am at the Japan Airport.”

”What do you want with me?”

”It was a misunderstanding. Please, listen to me!” Shizuka pleaded.

”What is there to explain? I saw you slap Tsukushi in the hallway.” Rui said with a dead calm.

”No, Rui. It was be – “

”You not only did that. You even told her I wanted her out of my life and out of Eitoku. You even pretended to be her friend.”

”Rui!” Shizuka now desperate. “I just loved you. I really did!”

Before Rui could reply, Shizuka said,” You have misunderstood me again. I am married.”

 ********************************************************************************************

Shizuka looked across the table.
”I know you might not believe me. But I am really married.”

”To whom?”

She looked away before saying, “ Jason Win. “

”The Eurasian business man? I should have known.”

”Rui, you know I didn’t plan for it to be like this. You know me best. My parents deliberately arranged it to jump start my career!” Shizuka said practically in tears.

”I-“

”Don’t worry. I’ll not bother you. I just thought I’d say hi.” With that, she grabbed her Gucci purse and ran off.

Rui sat in the plushy chair of VS and thought about what Shizuka said. Although one part of his heart sympathized with Shizuka but another part suspected her. He was sure there was something she wasn’t telling him.

********************************************************************************************

Tsukasa was walking back to his mansion when he bumped into a familiar English lady.

”Melissa!” Tsukasa called.

”Tsukasa. “

”Um, would you like to go to Vaguhn for coffee?” Tsukasa proposed.

She nodded her head in consent.

They settled down in a posh coffee house. No one knew what to do.

”Melissa, how has Tsukushi been?”

”Tsukasa, Tsukushi has been doing very well this year.”

”Tell me how you met?”

”Well, she was studying in London. I was studying there and working in Autumn, the modeling agency. She happened to have the same free period as me and we started hanging out. I recommended her a job in Autumn so, the rest is history.”

”Oh,”

”I am sorry,” Melissa looked at her watch. “I have to go and meet Tsukushi for dinner.”

”Do- Do you mind If I come?”

”I’m not sure if Tsukushi will mind but it’s not a prob with me,” Melissa said, taken aback by his blunt request.

The duo set off in Tsukasa’s BMW.
*
”Tsukushi,” Melissa hesitated.

Tsukushi looked up at the sound of intrusion.

”Melissa, I was just bout to dial your cell!” Tsukushi said before she stopped short.

”What are you doing here?”

”He asked if he could join us for dinner so I agreed.” Melissa said meekly.

”Melissa, could you excuse us?” Tsukushi said, teeth gritted.

Melissa hurried out of the private room in a jiffy. She recognized the tone of Tsukushi’s voice. It meant that she could blow up any moment.
*
”What is wrong with you? I just followed her to talk to you!” Tsukasa said calmly.

”What’s wrong? Ask yourself. I have already told you not to interfere with my life or anything that revolves around it.”

”Didn’t you miss me?” Tsukasa voiced softly.

”I’ll be honest with you. Of course I thought about you. Who could stop thinking about someone who hurt them? Someone who just – just- Forget it. Forget it. Just stop disturbing me.”

”We are your friends you know,” A voice interrupted the quarrel.

Tsukushi turned and came face to face with a grim-looking Akira. Behind him were Soujiro and Rui.

”What are you doing here?”

”We were celebrating Soujiro’s promotion,” Answered Rui.

”We are your friends you know,” Akira repeated. “Tsukushi, we’ve always been your friends. Shouldn’t you tell us if you have problems?”

”Oh great. So now F4 gangs up against me?” she laughed sarcastically.

”Get real, Tsukushi. Stop putting on a mask. We-“

”Will you stop bothering me? I don’t need constant reminders from you!” Tsukushi said before running down the hallway, tears streaming from her face.

Soujiro looked at the retreating figure in disbelief.

”Did we say something wrongly?”

”No, she is just hiding,” Rui said in his mind.

********************************************************************************************

Rui was about to enter his house when he saw a white envelope sticking out of the blank and silver mailbox addressed to him. He took out the letter and headed to his room.

”Dear Rui,

I know you haven’t forgiven me for doing those spiteful things to
Tsukushi. I was just jealous of the attention you gave her. I used to be the only one in your heart but Tsukushi has replaced me. I can tell you really love her. Anyway, I feel that because we used to be the best of friends, I should tell you this. I am suffering from an unknown cancer. It is spreading fast. I know I probably sound pathetic now. But Rui, what I need is support from all my friends and relatives. Especially you. I know what’s probably running through your mind. There is no cure for my cancer. It is rare and only one in a million get it. I must be one of those unlucky ones. I wrote you this letter to tell you I am sorry for everything I’ve done to hurt you and Tsukushi. I really liked Tsukushi and treated her as a sister. But once I saw you gaze at her, I was blinded by jealousy and rage. Also, I need another favour from you. Please tell Tsukushi I am sorry. Very sorry. If you think I am too cowardly, so be it but I do not think I have the strength to face her. Rui, I have loved you and I still do. I know that our past “love” has cooled down to a sibling relationship. At least I know you feel that way. I know that as long as Tsukushi is around, no one can take her place. Just like that time I was irreplaceable in your heart. I guess Tsukushi’s a really great girl. You and Tsukasa have both fallen over heels in love. If you do want to see me, I pray you do, please come to my house. I have a compromise to my doctor that I’ll live my last days happily and I can die at home. I know you are probably chiding me for such negative thoughts but I know my end is coming. Rui, once again, thank you. I will always treasure the bond we shared a long time ago.

Love always,
Shizuka.

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Tsukushi had called up Akira to talk to him.

”Akira. Maybe you find my behaviour is uncalled for. But I am feeling very stressed right now. Don’t say anything. If you do, I’m scared I’ll lose my confidence. I come back and all of a sudden I have to face a forgotten memory. It’s not that I hate you guys. It’s just that I do not know how to face you all. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a heart-to-heart talk to you guys. A long time. And I don’t know what I’m feeling to Tsukasa. Or even Rui.” Tsukushi heard a sharp intake of breath. “I know you probably think I just treated Rui as a brother. I’m not sure. I just feel weird whenever I talk to him or Tsukasa. You’re also wondering why I called you. It’s because I guess you can take things better than Tsukasa can. Rui can too but I don’t know how to face him. “Tsukushi paused as she took a breather.

”Wow, I didn’t know that,” Akira replied.

”Well, now you do,”

”You’ve never told us the pain you were feeling. I guess you must have thought it was very visible huh. I guess you’re not ready to begin another relationship with Tsukasa or even start one with Rui. But we’ll be there for you. We will.

 ********************************************************************************************

Rui was pondering over Shizuka’s letter. It clearly stated that Shizuka was dying. In his heart, he knew the pain Shizuka was going through. She had cancer and still had to deal with Rui’s wrath. He wanted to tell Tsukushi what Shizuka had wrote but know it was like finding a needle in a haystack when you wanted to contact her. Rui knew that Tsukushi never took Shizuka’s digs at heart. But even if she did, she would be quick to forgive. She was that kind. Tsukushi definitely had to visit Shizuka, Rui decided. He dialed Tsukushi’s cell.
*
Tsukushi was waiting outside the Maple when she saw Rui’s navy BMW cruising towards the entrance. She hesitated before entering the luxurious car.

”I’m not gonna eat you you know,” Rui chuckled.

” At least Tsukushi came,” Replied a quiet voice.

Tsukushi turned around to see Tsukasa staring at her. Akira was looking out of the window while Soujiro was messaging someone.

”Um, so, Soujiro, how’s Yuuki? I heard she was studying in Brown Boarding School.” Tsukushi made an attempt to start a conversation.

”Huh?” Soujiro was taken aback by Tsukushi’s initiative to start a conversation. He had thought Tsukushi would remain silent throughout the whole trip. “Well, Yuuki told me to tell you she was fine if I met you.”

”Oh,” Tsukushi nodded.

For the rest of the journey, everyone was silent partly because of the anticipation of seeing Shizuka again, partly because the unbelieving fact that Shizuka was dying and partly because Tsukushi was traveling with them.
*
Shizuka was sleeping when Rui and co. entered the huge bedroom. Her normally silky hair was damp and clammy. Her face was as pale as her pillow. She was stick thin and her skin looked as though they had lost their life and radiance. Tsukushi nearly cried out loud when she saw Shizuka. The girl she dearly loved as a sister until a misunderstanding cropped up. The girl who was Rui’s first love lay on the king-sized bed, unmoved and unheard by their actions.

”My God, she’s so thin!” Tsukasa said tactlessly.

”Tsukasa, she’s sick. Really sick, so shut up already.” Rui said, staring at the almost lifeless body on the bed. A thin comforter was draped over her petite frame. Tsukushi took one look at Rui and knew what he was feeling. Pity, sorrow and regret. She motioned for Akira, Tsukasa and Soujiro to leave the room for awhile as she prayed for Shizuka with Rui.

After muttering the last verse, Rui said, “ Shizuka told me to tell you she regretted what she did to you.”

”I know. I have long since forgiven her. It pains me to see her in this state.”

”Me too. Me too. “Rui said. ********************************************************************************************
 

Tsukushi headed towards a huge mansion. The words “Makino” was inscribed on the mansion’s gates. She smiled. She pressed the buzzer and a guard came running out.

”Miss! You’re finally back!” said the guard excitedly. He opened the tall gates and let Tsukushi in. Tsukushi walked up the driveway, taking in all the lovely surroundings she had missed in London. She stepped next to a fountain. The words “Tsukuye” were carved there. She immediately knew something was wrong. She dashed into the mansion. She saw Makino Minu, her mother lying down on the futon, eyes wide.

”Tsukushi! You’re back!” she jumped from the setting and rushed up to hug Tsukushi.

”Mom, is there something you’d like to tell me?”

”Tsukushi, your father passed away last year. He suffered a stroke and couldn’t breathe.” Minu said, tears trickling down.

Tsukushi could feel her lips bleeding. She slowly let go of her mother and ran out of the compound, her face pale. She crossed three streets into Eitoku.
*
”Rui, I’m scared.” Tsukushi called out.

”Why,”

”You knew my father was dead. You didn’t tell me!” she said accusingly, feeling hot tears trickle down her smooth face.

”Oh no,” she heard a whisper. “She told you? I’ll be right there.”

He hung up the phone and dashed towards Eitoku amidst the cries of F4 who were at his house.
*
”Tsukushi!” Rui said as he rushed into the Emergency Stairway.
He saw a figure curled up in the darkness.

He reached over and hugged her.

”Why didn’t you tell me?” she said, voice breaking.

”We didn’t want to hurt you,”

He patted her head, and kissed her softly on the head. The independence was gone and replaced was vulnerability.
*
Behind the pillar, F3 witnessed the whole scene. Tsukasa was seething with jealousy. Akira and Soujiro whistled softly.
********************************************************************************************
Tsukushi woke up to find herself one a white king-sized bed. She was home. The place she left two years ago. Minu walked into the room, leaving the door ajar.

”Tsukushi,” Minu called.

”Wha-what am I doing here?”

”Hanazawa-san sent you here after you fell asleep.”

”I’m sorry. I really have to go back to the Maple. I have contracts to be signed and work to be done.”

”Are you avoiding me?”

”No! It’s just, I’m very busy.” Tsukushi struggled to answer her mother. “I’m sorry. It must have been hard on you. With Reiko abroad and me so distant, and with father’s death,” Tsukushi’s voice cracked.

”No, I’m sorry.”

”I promise, I’ll be back. Really.”
********************************************************************************************
Tsukushi was walking down the aisle with a skin-tight leggings and a mesh top. She was posing for the camera when suddenly an iron-vent came crashing down, right onto her. An assistant screamed and before she knew it, she blacked out.
*
”She was not seriously injured but her injuries have to be tended to. She is still unconscious so I suggest you wait patiently till she arouses. “Said a doctor who supervised Tsukushi’s operation.
Makino Minu nodded her head. She waited till the doctor left and took out her cellphone. She informed Rui of Tsukushi’s happenings. She knew that Rui had a soft spot for Tsukushi and was concerned of her daily life.
*
”Tsukushi, I’ve been wanting to wait till the right time to tell you this. You’ve probably guessed it. I started liking you from the day I saw you. I guess that like slowly changed to love. I don’t know. Maybe it was from the night you consoled me. Maybe, we’ll never know. I know that the Tsukushi I know has changed. Changed a lot. You’ve become more… more independent. Not that you used to be dependent. You were always there to light our days. Tsukasa has missed you a lot. I’m sure you miss him. But I think there’s something you’re not telling me. Something even I cannot comprehend. Get well soon. Your friends are with you.” Rui said to Tsukushi as she lay on the hospital bed. He kissed her forehead softly and put his head down to rest.
*
Tsukasa

I received a call from Tsukushi’s mother just now. Tsukushi was admitted to a hospital. I was on my way to see her. I stopped by the reception and got Tsukushi’s room number. I was about to step inside when a saw a slender figure resting his head on the bed. Rui! What was her doing here? I was filled with emotions I couldn’t interpret. But I knew I was jealous. I wanted to be the one there. I wanted to be the one who was next to her. In the end, I was the one who always drove her running to Rui. Always.

Chapter Two                      Review chapter.               

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