The Way Home ~ Part Two *** DECEPTIONS ***

Tsukushi held onto the long brown bar at the front of her mirror. Stretching down, she did her Pilates. She swung back and her long hair grazed the polished wooded floor. A knock on the glass door sounded and Minu stepped in.

”Tsukushi, you’ve just recovered. You best rest in your room,” Minu said reproachfully.

”Mum, I know. I need to practice this dance routine before the recital.”

Minu sighed and sat down on the Oriental rug. Tsukushi joined her.

”You know, things would have been much easier if you talked to F4. Especially Doumyouji and Hanazawa-san,”

”I don’t think I’m ready,” Tsukushi said before leaving the ballet room.

Minu sighed. It always happened when she tried to bring up the subject of Rui and Tsukasa. She always closed off.
********************************************************************************************
Tsukushi lay on her four poster, thinking deeply. It had been a week since she was discharged. No one knew about it except for Minu. But they’ll find out soon, she thought bitterly.

She recalled the words Rui had uttered to her when she was in the hospital. She knew Rui had been feeling like that since two years ago. She just didn’t know he would carry his feelings for that long. She thought, She did love Rui. A lot. But she also loved Tsukasa. Or was she over him? She was still confused. She never knew who to choose last time or what to do. It looked like she still didn’t.
********************************************************************************************
Tsukasa paced down the hallway of Eitoku when he caught sight of Tsukushi.
”What are you doing here?” Tsukasa asked.

”Oh!” said a startled Tsukushi.
”I am continuing my studies,” She said briefly before picking up her bag. “I’ve to go.”

Tsukasa had let her slip out of his grip many times before. He wasn’t going to make the same mistake again.

He grabbed hold of her slender arm.
She started at his firm grip, then, she raised her eyes.

”What have I done to make you so- so afraid of me?”

”Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not afraid of you.” She replied coolly.
Everytime Tsukasa tried to engage her into a conversation, it turned out bad. He always had to provoke her.

”Tsukushi! What is wrong with you?”

”What’s wrong? Nothing. Tsukasa, I’m really freaked out. You and Rui keep pestering me!” Tsukushi spat out. “I’m really busy.”

”Tsukushi,” Tsukasa cut in. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”

Tsukushi ran away before she could cry in front of him.

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

“So, what did she do?” Akira pestered.

”I don’t know! She just kept saying we kept on pestering her!” grunted a frustrated Tsukasa.

Rui sat in a corner of the chaise lounge, brooding. His dark eyes seemed to hold a secret no one in the room was worthy to be told.

”Rui, are you with-holding any info from us?” Soujiro said jokingly.

”Huh?” Rui said, startled.

”You sure are,” said Akira under his breath.

”No, why should I?” Rui said, regained his composure.

”I just don’t know why she won’t talk to me. Or even you all!” said Tsukasa.

”Guys, I better tell you,” Akira started nervously. “I’ve spoken to Tsukushi.”
He gained an audience as soon as those words slipped out of his mouth.

”She- she’s not sure about her feelings for both of you. Both,” he said as he saw Tsukasa narrow his eyes.

”I’m not sure if she has any feelings for Rui, but, she told me she’s not ready for another relationship.” Akira said bluntly.

“I can’t put my finger on something. Why would Tsukushi come to you to tell you this? No offence but, she normally doesn’t speak to you bout these sensitive issues,” pondered Soujiro.

”Oh, she has to have her reasons,” Tsukasa said calmly.

Only Rui could see the hurt behind his eyes. She came back and now she felt something for another? She wasn’t clear about her feelings for him? And now, she didn’t tell him anything. It was like she closed off from the world of F4’s.
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Tsukushi walked along the sandy beach, white sundress fluttering in the wind. She turned towards a sea gull eating a piece of white bread. She stared out at the sea. Since when had her life ever been so peaceful, so serene? She started reminiscing about the days she had in Eitoku, London and of course Japan. Who had given her love, who had brought her joy, who had been there for her? Of course, Tsukasa loved her. She did. But in a way she herself couldn’t comprehend. Rui had given her joy, a happiness she didn’t get from Tsukasa or anyone else. Rui, her salvation. Her friend. Did she love him? She didn’t know. But she knew, her heart stirred of mixed emotions for him. Him. And Tsukasa. So why had it been so difficult to tell them she didn’t love them? Because she knew it wasn’t true. She stepped towards the cool water and took off her sandals. She stepped into the water and looked ahead. Her teacher once taught her, look out for one who will be there. Who was that one? Rui, or Tsukasa? Both loved her dearly. Tsukasa, pompous and loud, loved her with an undying passion. Rui, quiet and introverted, loved her as much, but in a more gentle way. His words blazed with emotion when he spoke to her. Tsukasa was more of an action guy. Both really loved her. The problem was, who did she love?
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Tsukasa:

How long had it been when she needed me so? How long had it been when she came running to me? Not when she was sad, though. More like Rui to be the one she ran to when she had problems. I can never understand the special “friendship” she and Rui share. I know Rui has feelings for Tsukushi. But the truth that she likes Rui hurts me. I know I wasn’t good to her. That will never change. There seems to be a rift between us. It’s like there’s a glass wall between us. Where has the warmth and the love gone? Probably the time I lost my memory. I still cannot believe she left me. I knew I was rude but couldn’t she have waited? It’s like everytime we talk she ends up walking away. She doesn’t look at me straight in the eyes. Truth to be told, I felt a twinge of jealousy when Akira told us he spoke to her. I know Akira treats Tsukushi like a sister but aren’t I supposed to be the one she loved? Now that Rui has entered the situation, it has become more difficult understand. But I know one thing. Tsukushi’s feelings for me have changed. For better or for worse, I do not know.
********************************************************************************************

Tsukushi was about to step out of her house when the phone rang.
She picked it up.

“Hello?”

”Tsukushi? Do you want to meet for coffee or something?” Rui said after a pause.

”Give me a minute. Let’s meet at Vaguhn then,”

”Ok.”

*
Tsukushi stepped into the Italian café and turned to a voice.

”Tsukushi.”

”Rui, sorry to keep you waiting.”

Rui waved his hand. “It’s okay. I just wanted to have a chat. We haven’t talked for a long time,” he chuckled softly.

”I’m sorry,” Tsukushi felt a guilty feeling creep into her. Stop! She thought. You didn’t do anything wrong! She took a seat.

”No, I should apologize. We should have given you time. I suppose you didn’t like us hindering you, huh, “

”No! It’s not that! It’s just-“

”Tsukushi, I don’t want to fight. I just want to have a talk.“ Rui cut in softly. “Like we used to have in the past.” He added.

“I’m- I just feel so awkward.” Tsukushi felt like pouring everything out. Rui always made her feel like that. “It’s like there’s always a wall between F4 and I. it’s like the friendship we once shared is….. Is changed.”

”You shut us out of your life first….. You know,”

”I was just confused. I didn’t know what to do. I still don’t,” a tear slid down her cheeks.

Rui stretched out his long fingers and wiped the tears.

Tsukushi looked at him, as though stunned by this gesture.

”I promised to always be there for you. I still am.”

”Rui,” she said softly as Rui took her into his arms.

He shook his head soundly.
*
They were strolling along the dark coast of the beach. A gust of wind blew by and Tsukushi shivered. Rui saw that and took off his jean jacket and drapped it over her frame. She smiled at him gratefully.

They walked to a rock where they sat down. Staring out to the waters, it was very peaceful.

”Have you ever wondered how it would have been like if I didn’t go to London?” Tsukushi asked.

”No, I find it a waste of time. We should be thinking of the future not what could have happened.”

Tsukushi smiled and stretched out a hand to ruffle his hair. And there on the rock, they sat till the sun rose.
********************************************************************************************
Melissa stepped into the Makino abode when she saw Tsukushi reading a book.

” ‘lo,”

”Oh, hi!” Tsukushi greeted.

”Kin just called. She wants to discuss with you about the choreographer. She said that she didn’t want you to do it. She said your schedule was full.”

”Oh,” Tsukushi groaned. “All that reading down the drain!”

Melissa smirked.

”Well, you’ll have to make do with pleasing me!”

Tsukushi shrugged and gave a soft smile.

”Are you keeping something from me?” Melissa pressed.

”Rui and I had a wonderful time last night!” Tsukushi couldn’t stop herself from spilling out what had happened the night before.

”Rui? Rui and you? Not that Tsukasa chap?” Melissa asked.

”Yea, Rui. Did you have to bring Tsukasa up? It’s like his every where. I don’t need that.”

”You look so happy!” Melissa said, changing the subject.

”I guess. Rui and I had a heart to heart convo.”

”Well, it’s good to understand your friends better,” Melissa agreed.

*
”Tsukushi,” Soujiro’s voice rang out.

She turned around and saw F4 standing behind her.

”Hi,” she said nervously. “What are you doing here?”

”Just shopping,” Rui answered. He flashed a smile. Tsukushi returned it.

Tsukasa’s eyes flashed as he watched the two interact.

“I’m sorry, but I have to meet Mel for lunch, please excuse me,” Tsukushi said politely.

”Makino, you are so formal!” Akira teased.

Tsukushi flushed. “Well, I really have to get going.”

”Melissa won’t mind if we tag along, won’t she?” quipped Soujiro.

“N-no, I guess not. “ Tsukushi said, taken aback.

”Good.” Akira said as he pulled Tsukushi into the navy BMW by the sidewalk.
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F4, Melissa and Tsukushi were seated around the square table in Vaguhn. Melissa looked at the five people seated around her. She grinned nervously and studied them. Doumyouji Tsukasa the most conspicuous with his jet black curly hair, Mimasaka Akira with his curled long hair and wide smile, Nishikado Soujiro with his black hair and mischievous grin, Hanazawa Rui the handsomest with an expressionless face and ever-bewitching eyes. Last of all, her best friend: Makino Tsukushi with her tight-set lips.

”Starr, you didn’t tell me they were coming,” whisper Melissa into Tsukushi’s ear.

”I don’t know, they just came,” said Tsukushi, teeth gritted. “Just pretend to be normal. Yea, normal.”

She then raised her hand and signaled the waiter.

”Braised chicken,” she said.

”I want one too, extra lemon,” Melissa added.

”I want a steak, well-done, sirloin.” Hanazawa Rui spoke up.

Tsukushi looked at him in amazement. Rui never ate steak last time. Rui returned her amazed look with a small smile.

Seeing that Rui had ordered, Akira, Soujiro and Tsukasa placed their orders too.
Another moment of silence filled the table as their food was prepared.

”This is getting kinda boring,” Rui said bluntly.

”Rui, speak for yourself. You’re not even talking,” Tsukushi said.

”Let’s just… forget it. Talk.” Akira said nervously.

After a few minutes of very uncomfortable silence, Tsukushi’s and Rui’s food came.

”Mmhmm, this is delicious,” Tsukushi said as she put a piece of chicken in her dainty mouth.

Rui took one look at her and use his fork to take a piece of chicken from Tsukushi’s plate.

”Hey!” Tsukushi said indignantly.

Rui shrugged and said, “The way you were eating it made my mouth water.”

”So? You’re not to have it!” Tsukushi said as she cut a piece of steak from opposite Rui. Rui laughed as he watched Tsukushi eat his steak.

Silence filled the rest of the table as they watched this unique interaction.

Suddenly, Soujiro burst out laughing.
”You two,” he said in between spurts of laughter.

Tsukasa’s eyes flashed again as he saw his ex-lover and best friend laugh. He wanted to be the one there.

Tsukushi suddenly flushed as she noticed she and Rui held the attention of the whole table.

She started eating, trying not to care about the rest of the people.

”Wow,” Melissa murmured. “I didn’t know you where that close to Rui!”

”I’m not!” Tsukushi hissed.

”Tsukushi,” Akira said after a moment of stillness. “So, have we reached a truce?”

”Yea, I think,” Tsukushi said as she scrunched up her nose.

Every one started laughing.

********************************************************************************************
The group was walking by the seaside. It was early that evening. Fading sunrays etched the sky.

They watched the sun go down and the birds fly home.

”Tsukushi, it’s been a long time since we went out like this,” Rui said.

”Yea. We should do more of this,” Soujiro agreed.

”Mmm,” Tsukushi agreed.

”Watching the sunlight fade like this brings back memories don’t you think?” Rui said more to Tsukushi than to the group.

”Yea, it does,” and she smiled at Rui. Rui took her hand and said,”I’ll bring you somewhere.”
He started running, pulling Tsukushi along. Despite F4’s shouting, they carried on running. They ran till they reached a small alcove, hidden from any human’s prying eyes.
*
”What are they doing now?!” Tsukasa asked angrily.

”Chill, they are just friends, remember?” Akira placed a soothing hand on Tsukasa’s back.

Tsukasa shrugged of his hand and walked away.
*
It’s beautiful,” Tsukushi breathed in awe as she looked at the crystal waters running through the bay.

”I used to come here when I was young. I came with Shizuka then,” Rui added softly.

Tsukushi looked at Rui at the mention of Shizuka.

”Shizuka didn’t mean for that to happen, she just fell sick. There was nothing she could do.” Tsukushi said.

”I know. I just feel weird. Like what would I do if it happened to you,”

”It won’t.”

Just then, Rui put a hand around her shoulder.

”I just want you to know, you can tell me anything. Even though you might not love me, I’ll be there for you,”

”Rui,” Tsukushi breathed softly.

She could see the hurt he had been through all this while.

”Rui,” she said again. “I need time to think. But I love you. A lot. Really.”

Rui just smiled softly. “It’s okay, I’m your guardian angel, remember?”
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-Prelude of the fight-

Rui and Tsukushi were walking back to the seaside when they saw F3 and Melissa sitting around Akira who was playing the guitar.

”Hi,’ Tsukushi said tentatively.

Melissa looked up in surprise.

”I was beginning to think you ran off somewhere,” she said sarcastically.

”No need to blow up, right?” Tsukushi snapped.

”Urm, I think we better head back… It’s getting kinda late…” Akira intervened.

“Yea, we’d better head home,” Soujiro said nervously.

Tsukushi stepped into Akira’s BMW before anyone could object. Akira shrugged helplessly. Rui took one look at the furious Tsukushi and stepped into the front seat.

Tsukasa watched all these in anger and he too, headed for Akira’s car.

”Hey! So it’s only me and Melissa?” Soujiro cried out as Melissa glared daggers at the BMW driving away.


*
 

The Big Fight

“So,” Soujiro tried to make conversation as he shifted out of the parking lot. “you’re very close to Tsukushi?”

”hmmh.” Grunted Melissa in reply. ”You’re very close to her, aren’t you?” she asked in mild interest.

Soujiro laughed. “I’m not secretly in love with her if you’re thinking that! I treat her as my sister. A very

dear sister,” he added.

”Oh? F4 seems very close to her,” Melissa brooded.

”Hmm, actually, Rui is the one that shares the most special relationship with her…”

”What ‘bout Tsukasa?” Melissa asked.

“He… he like Rui loves Tsukushi… But it looks like… I don’t know,” he shrugged uncomfortably. Melissa was probing into things which were complicated. Complicated and hurtful.

”How bout Akira?” Melissa prodded.

“He! He treats Tsukushi the way I do. We’ve known here since our days in Eitoku. It’s like this special bonding between us. But Rui is much more closer to her than any of us.”

”Why?” Melissa asked as casually as she could.

”I don’t know, at first when Tsukushi entered the scenes at Eitoku, Tsukasa –in his childish ways- played many pranks on her. Tsukushi, though much stronger than she looks, is actually kinda vulnerable if you see it. Rui was actually so cold to her. But I guess something weird happened and changed it all…”

”Toudou Shizuka was Rui’s girlfriend?” Melissa asked.

”Shizuka? You know about her?” Soujiro asked. He was getting more wary. Not way any of F4 could’ve told her about Shizuka. She was asking too many personal questions.

She shrugged.

”She’s dying.” Soujiro said, voice cracking.

”I know that,” Melissa said softly.

”She was one of Tsukushi’s closest friend?”

”No. Yes… as a matter of fact, both,” Soujiro didn’t want to go into details with a girl he had just met.

Melissa glanced at him half-suspicious, half-curious.

”So,” She said again. “F4 is very close to Tsukushi, huh. Who is closest to her?”

That girl was so obvious, Soujiro thought.

”Urm, Rui definitely.”

He saw Melissa’s eyes narrow in the dimly-lit surroundings. He didn’t like what was happening. Chill, Melissa’s Tsukushi’s best pal, remember? He chided himself. Yea, chill was what he needed to do.


**

Tsukushi rubbed her temples as she stood up. She, Rui and Tsukasa decided to bunk at Akira’s mansion to pass the day. Everytime she took a sneak at Tsukasa, he always seemed to have that anger on his face… But whenever she glanced at Rui, she’d always see a mysterious stare and gentleness in his eye.

And she would always be contented. Did she love him? She rubbed her temples again. No, I’m not gonna answer that. So stop asking, she mentally scolded herself. She walked to the enormous guest kitchen, opened the fridge and took out a can of chilled Sprite. She then softly trotted to Akira’s TV room. She started watching a Japanese singing competition. She was absorbed into the show and didn’t see Tsukasa entering the room. She shivered as the air-con adjusted itself.

”Cold?” A voice asked.

Tsukushi jumped up, startled.

”Tsukasa!”

He then took of his outer coat and draped it across Tsukushi’s shoulders.

”Thank you,” she smiled, half-nervous, half-grateful.

"Don’t mind me. I just came here to sit.” Tsukasa said, seeing her unease.

”Um, okay.”

After an hour of watching the program, she stood up and gave a smile to Tsukasa. She pulled off his coat and handed it back to him.

”I have an announcement to make,” Tsukushi started as everyone entered the living room.

”I am going back to Eitoku.”

”You’re gonna teach?” Akira asked incredulously.

”No! I’d like to continue my studies.” Tsukushi laughed.

”Really? No way!” Akira said.

”Yea… In that case, we could enroll with you…” Tsukasa said.

Tsukushi gave a raised eyebrow.

”You all have time? I mean, I’d sure like you all to come… but aren’t you schedules already full?”

”You know, we could make room for you. It’s not like we spend every moment of our life staring into the mirror,” Rui said sarcastically as he threw a careless glance at Akira. A mild look of irritation crossed his face.

”Great, I’ll go call my father now,” Tsukasa said as he walked into the conference room.

”Call his father? For what?” Tsukushi asked.

”Doumyouji Kinei is very influential. Oh! I see what you mean. Haven’t you forgot? Kinei is the owner of Eitoku!” Rui said, frowning.

“Oh!.. I see. It kinda slipped my mind.”

”mmhm,”

”Rui, I just received a phone call from Soujiro. He says to meet him at 8 by The Bay at 2.” Akira’s voice rang out.

”Soujiro? I wonder what he wants.” Tsukushi said as she glanced at Rui. A cloud of suspicion hung around his face. She wondered what that was about.

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

Tsukushi sat in Tsukasa’s BMW. She started squirming. Why had she made that rash decision to go back to Eitoku? She thought. Akira, along with Rui and Soujiro were sitting at the back. Playing a game of Truth or Dare. Well, Rui wasn’t exactly playing. He was like… sitting and laughing at the outrageous things the two guys dared each other to do. Akira let out a shriek of wild laughter as Soujiro confessed with an embarrassed grin that he still love Yuuki. At the sound of her name, Tsukushi turned.

”That reminds me… When is Yuuki coming back?”

”Huh? Oh. She said that term holidays were coming. She plans to stop schooling at Brown. She wants to study at Eitoku,” Soujiro said before turning back to his game.

Tsukushi turned and caught sight of a grimace on Rui’s lips. She glanced at him quizzically. “Rui?”

”Oh. Nothing. I just thought I saw Shizuka’s husband, Jason.”

Tsukushi smile on her face dropped as she heard Shizuka’s name.

”We haven’t visited her in a long time…” She broke off.

”Yea,” Akira said, looking up. “We should at least do something for her before… you know,” he said, not wanting to continue.

“Shut up.” Rui said before looking out of the window.

The entire car fell silent.
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Rmd me to include Mel in the story. It just seems so nice wifout her.
Vanness – Ni Bu Ai Wo
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The entire hallway of Eitoku Gakuen fell silent as they saw a familiar Group of four cruising through. A girl was standing with the last person.

”F4!” A voice cried out.

Makino Tsukushi turned to face a boy with an excitable face.

“Kazuya!” She cried. “It’s been a long time.” She said as she hugged the skinny boy.

All at once, the whole hallway exploded with murmurings. “F4! They’re F4! That must be Makino Tsukushi!”. “F4! I wonder what they’re doing.”

”Kazuya, yo,” greeted Akira.

”Hi! We’re back!” Shouted Soujiro. A few girls started swooning. Tsukushi shook her head and turned to Rui.

”It’s festive huh?” she murmured softly, nudging him in his ribs. He gave a soft chuckle.

“Get out of the way!” boomed the voice of Tsukasa.

Just to make his point, Tsukasa kicked a file lying infront of him.

The whole hall parted in two. It was like the sea Moses parted.

”Tsukasa! Get real. Doesn’t mean your father’s in charge means you can throw your weight around!” Hissed Tsukushi.

Akira and Soujiro laughed. Rui’s lips curled in the faintest shadow of a smile. Tsukasa’s eyes bulged. But he said nothing. He didn’t want to ruin Tsukushi’s day.

”Makino-sempai,” a voice greeted her. She looked around and saw Doumyouji Tsubaki waving to her. She heard a groan from Tsukasa. The entire hallway turned to the two girls. They exchanged hugs. “It’s been a long while..” Tsubaki sighed. Then, she turned to face Tsukasa.

”Still throwing your money around, huh…”

“Stop!” yelled an outraged Tsukasa. “First Tsukushi. Then you.”

Akira started to make punches in the air which made Tsukasa even madder. The crew was back in Eitoku. Things were starting to look up…
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Tsukushi set down her 7250 on the rosewood table. She picked up her handbag and headed for the door. Melissa had just called to ask her to go for a spin. Her voice had sounded awfully strained. Tsukushi walked out of the house before anything bad could enter her mind.
*
Driving on the highway, Melissa said, “Tsukushi, I quitted Autumn.”

”You what?!” Tsukushi asked disbelievingly.

Melissa shrugged and said, “I didn’t wanna work there.”

”Yea right,” smirked Tsukushi.

”It’s true!” snapped Melissa as she turned to face Tsukushi.

”Melissa!!!!” Shrieked Tsukushi. Melissa’s Audi spun out of control. It spun off the freeway to the railing. The car lunged forward, sending Tsukushi to the floor. It hurled off the white box and swung around. It hit a moving truck square. Tsukushi let out a cry as she twisted her leg. The joint was turning a shade of purple. She turned to face an unconscious Melissa. She gasped as she saw Melissa’s right arm. It was bent in a position so awkward. Her face was pale and her forehead was damp with perspiration. Her head had a dull purple smudge.

Tsukushi took a deep breath as she searched her bag for her cell.

”I can’t believe I left it at home!” she moaned in sheer panic. She then, painstakingly, reached over to Melissa’s bag.
*
Rui was sitting on a chair outside the emergency room. Tsukushi and Melissa had been admitted to the hospital and hour ago. He was informed immediately by Minu who also called Tsukasa, Akira and Soujiro who were on their way. Rui’s heart was beating very fast. Tsukushi had been in a very bad condition when she was admitted. He didn’t bother about Melissa as he was too worried for Tsukushi.

Minu came back to the lounge, face creased with lines of worry.

”Melissa-chan is in very bad condition. The sensei is still trying to rouse her. Her arm muscles have been so badly severed that she has to go for therapy to use them again. Her spine was injured. Very badly. She has a very small chance of surviving.” Minu said wearily.

”Well,” Rui said. “Just be thankful Tsukushi didn’t get hers broken.”

Minu nodded as she slumped into a nearby chair.
*
”Rui! How is Tsukushi?” asked Akira.

”I don’t know. The doctor has been there for an hour or so.” Rui said sighing.

”What happened?” Asked Tsukasa anxiously.

”I’m not quite sure but… Tsukushi and Melissa were found in the Audi unconscious. Their car was badly dented. The fender came off. Melissa’s in extremely bad condition. Tsukushi…” he hesitated. “She’s injured real bad…”

”Where’s Soujiro?”

”Yuuki just touched down. He went to pick her.”

”Does she know bout the accident?” Rui asked.

”Yea, Soujiro told her on his cell.”
*
The red light blinked once. A doctor stepped out.

”You must be Makino-chan’s friends. She had her left leg’s tendon severed. It is very dangerous. If not give proper care, her leg will be paralyzed. Also, she has sustained injuries in her upper back. That also needs to be seen too. But other than that, she’s fine. You’ll just have to wait till she regains consciousness. Melissa…. She went into cardiac arrest. She might lose her memory… She was hit real hard on the head. ” The doctor said.

”Thanks,” Akira said, giving the doctor a nod.

”Akira! Where’s Tsukushi?” Yuuki dashed into the hallway.

”Yuuki,” he said, giving her a fast hug. “Tsukushi… she’s injured badly. But she’ll live…”

Yuuki turned towards Tsukasa and Rui.

”What are you all waiting for? Let’s see her!” she said.

Rui stood up and walked towards the reception.

After a few minutes, he came back. “Room 515. Private ward.”
********************************************************************************************

Rui and co. stepped into the 3C ward. The blue curtains were pulled back and autumn sunlight flooded the room. Tsukushi was lying on a super-single. Her reddish-brown hair was fanned around her slim face. A thick blanket was draped across her. Rui caught sight of a brace on Tsukushi’s back.

”Eeek!” Yuuki breathed softly.

Rui put a finger to his lips. He then walked to Tsukushi’s bedside and said, “Could I have a few moments with Tsukushi. Please,” he added.

Yuuki nodded silently and pushed Akira and Soujiro out of the ward. Tsukasa stared wordlessly at Tsukushi before stepping out of the ward himself.

”Tsukushi,” Rui said softly, stroking her forehead.

”You have to get better. You have to promise me.” With that, he took her hand. He cradled it for awhile.

”You have to be strong.”

As Rui saw Tsukushi, small and thin, his heart slammed against his ribcage. She was so weak. Injured. So badly. He wanted to do something for her. But he didn’t know what to. He leaned over and kissed her soundly.

”For you.”

And he walked out.
*

As he cruised along the streets, Rui caught sight of a pet shop. He wanted to get Tsukushi something but he didn’t know what. Then, he stopped. Tsukushi had no time to take car of herself, much less a pet. He then stepped into Girl Things. He knew a lot of people were staring. Since when did Hanazawa Rui ever step into “Girl Things”? He didn’t give a damn. He soon caught sight of what he wanted and handed a gold credit card to a young sales-lady.

”Buying it for your girl?” she asked wistfully.

Rui just raised his eyebrow and signed the receipt.
*

Tsukasa

I stepped into the ward. Full of apprehension, I sat down beside Tsukushi, not knowing what to do.

”Tsukushi,” I said softly. “It’s Tsukasa.”

”I’ve been wanting to tell you this. But you’ve never given me a chance.”

Then he paused. Then he glanced at her again and took a deep breath.

“I still love you. I really do.” Then, he leaned over and kissed Tsukushi on the forehead. With that, he left.
*
/I was floating in space./
/all of a sudden, I felt an imprint on my head./
/then, quiet./
/I drifted off./
/I heard someone talking./
/I couldn’t make out the words./
/then, I felt another touch, by the mouth, on my head./
/wasn’t the same person./
/this lips were…/
/different./
/the first one was warm./
/tender./
/full of love./
/this, was also full of love./
/there was a dry tinge to this one./
/warm. Yes./
/both were warm./

As Tsukushi sat up in bed, she felt a wet handkerchief fall to the ground. She curiously bent to pick it.

”Aah!” she cried softly. Her leg hurt like crazy.

”Ow, darn it.” She said as she looked at the handkerchief. There was a name embroidered on the hem.

”Ohara Kishi,” she said softly. Kishi. This word was familiar. The she recalled. Yuuki’s sister! That meant Yuuki had came. She was half-tempted to jump out of bed but her bad leg made her wince, so, she intercommed the reception.

Awhile later, a nurse arrived.

”Ah, you are much better now, Makino-chan,” she said. “You friends all visited you just now.”

”My friends? Who?”

”I’m not sure… but I recognized two of them, Hanazawa Rui and Doumyouji Tsukasa.” The nurse said. “Wow. The two most eligible bachelors. Your friends.” She chuckled softly. Then, she stopped.

”How do you know them?”

Tsukushi squirmed.

”They’re my close friends.” She said, hesitating.

”Hmm, well, I have to take out your splint.” Then, she made a face. “It’s gonna be super painful. Bear with it.”

After several minutes of agonized pain, there was a scar on Tsukushi’s left leg.

”Don’t worry, sweetheart, it ain’t permanent.” The nurse said with a shrug.

Tsukushi smiled grimly as the nurse left the room.
*
Tsukushi

Rui and the rest came… Yuuki has come…. I really want to meet her. I’ve missed her so much.
*
As Yuuki entered the ward, she peeped at the figure lying still on the four-poster. “Tsukushi?”

Tsukushi stirred.

”Yuuki?”

”Sorry to wake you… I was just anxious… how are you?”

”Hm,” said Tsukushi smiling. “It’s only a small injury. I’ll be able to work.”

”You,” said Yuuki reproachfully.

”Melissa! Where is she?” cut in Tsukushi.

”Melissa?” Yuuki asked, hurt.

”She was hurt very badly! I have to see her!” Tsukushi struggled to get out of bed.

”Tsukushi. You are not going anywhere. You cannot walk. Didn’t the doctor tell you anything? You’re not supposed to walk. Or else, you could lose your legs.”

”Fine! Just ask the nurse to bring a wheelchair.” Tsukushi cried. “Please.”

Yuuki could barely conceal her hurt as she left the room.
*

Melissa was lying on her bed reading her book when Tsukushi and Yuuki entered.

”Melissa!” Tsukushi cried. “Are you hurt bad?”

”You’re… Tsukushi?”

”Yes!” Tsukushi could feel her heart sinking. Something was wrong. Very wrong.
*
”Tell me the truth.”

”Well,” the doctor hesitated.

”She was hit very hard on the head. But I’m not sure it is not her whole memory that is gone. She knew your name didn’t she?”

”But.” Tsukushi stuttered. How was she going to tell the doctor how hurt she felt?

”Is there anything we can do?”

Sighing, the doctor said, “Her case of amnesia is very complicated. It’s like… if her brain allows her, she’ll know it. If not, there’s no way to recover lost memories. I’m sorry.”

Massaging her temples, Tsukushi wheeled out of the office.

”How?” Yuuki asked.

”There’s nothing we can do. Yuuki, can you do me a favor? Please call Rui and the rest to inform them of the situation… I need some time alone,” Said Tsukushi as she wheeled out.

Yuuki stared sadly as her best but depressed friend left.

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