Haunted

Chapter 5: Farewell

“Tetsuha, are you sure about this?” Shuichi asked, for the sixth time when they finally arrived at Yuki’s home.

“Relax, Shuichi. Stop being so tense.” he comforted and straightened his jacket.
Shuichi actually rode with him on his motorbike until they got here. And it was kind’a fun in all honesty. With his hair blowing with the wind, it really looked like they were in a photo-shoot.

“So, do you think I look good?” Shuichi asked, combing his hair with his fingers, thinking at the same time if he got some dirt on his face since he refused to wear a helmet.
Shuichi stepped in front of Tetsuha so that he can be ‘scanned’.

“You look fine,” Tetsuha chuckled and gave him a slight push on the shoulder, “don’t be nervous about it. It’s just a small party.” He assured and pushed Shuichi towards.


Shuichi, for the first time, wore a plain, neat straight cut pants (because usually his pants were rugged, torn apart and distorted—for the cool rugged effect, of course), matched with a red shirt inside and a black blazer to complete the whole outfit. And he wore the black leather shoes he bought yesterday just for this occasion.
“You think he’ll be mad if he sees me?” Shuichi asked, feeling sweaty all of a sudden.

“Who?”

“Yuki!”

“Ah…course not, why would he?”

“Because he doesn’t know I’m coming on the first place.”

“So?”

“‘So?’’ He might kick me out if his apartment once he realizes I’m here.”

Shuichi grew troubled by the second and thought he had gone too far. He might regret this later. Knowing Yuki Eiri, he can be very unpredictable.
Come to think about it, Yuki Eiri was the most unpredictable person he’d ever met.
He was more unpredictable than the weather.
And he was more likely more unpredictable than most women, Shuichi thought.

“Shuichi, look, it’s going to be okay. I’m saying this because I was the one who invited you, not my brother. So the fault goes to me—”

“That’s the other problem, you’ll get into trouble because of me, and we both know that your father didn’t have a nice first impression on me as well.” Shuichi said, reminding Tetsuha the first time he got here in Yuki’s home. Unbelievable, but true, Shindou Shuichi wore a yellow sundress with disgusting thick makeup all over, just to impress Yuki’s father—and to pretend he was a girl.

“Okay, okay…I get the point, no need for reminiscing…let’s just get inside.”
Tetsuha actually shuddered at the faint memory of Shuichi’s absurd get-up.

When they finally came inside, there was nobody there. Shuichi finally loosened up a bit. But when Tetsuha told him the parties usually happen at the other side of their house, he felt tensed all of a sudden.
And his intuition was correct.

“Holy cow….” Shuichi’s eyes narrowed and almost fainted on the floor.

The whole place was swarming with people. Rich, important and beautiful people to be exact. If Shuichi wasn’t wrong, he just saw three famous and powerful politicians talking on the other corner. The other ones were famous models and wrestlers who were drinking and talking. The other guests looked equally elegant and sophisticated as well, and Shuichi thought he was like a bug, ready to be squashed any moment by these ‘big-timers’.
Shuichi stared down on his clothing. If he was going to start comparing his looks to all the people around him, he looked like a peasant lost in an upperclassman’s crowd.

“Tetsuha-san…small party, eh?” Shuichi slowly turned his head up to Tetsuha who had several water droplets hanging on his head.
“Gome!” Tetsuha pleaded for mercy, since Shuichi’s face looked so shadowed, “I didn’t know father would invite so many people!”
Tetsuha tried to ask for forgiveness while Shuichi thought he was about to get claustrophobic.
“Tetsuha, what the hell am I gonna do? Oh God…” Shuichi mumbled exasperatingly and slumped his back.

“Tetsuha!”

Shuichi’s back straightened up when he heard that familiar voice.
“Mika!” Tetsuha called back.
Shuichi inhaled deeply and prepared himself for another battle with Ms. LM (a.k.a. Loud Mouth).

“Well Shuichi,” here it goes, Shuichi thought. Taking a deep breath and met eyes with his contender.
Mika just gave him the eye-scanner-from-head-to-toe look, and devilishly smiled at him, “I’m surprised to see you here…are you in need of directions? You must be in the wrong house.” She argued.

“Tetsuha,” she turned her head to her brother and began smoothly, “would you please accompany Mr. Shindou Shuichi out of the house and tell him the correct directions to his destina—”

“I invited him over. He’s my guest.” Tesuha simply said and shrugged off his shoulders.

Shuichi wanted to run away and stay out of this place if he could, but he can’t, and he won’t. Because of he did, he just lost a challenge.

“Very well.” Mika said haughtily, looking nauseated at the sight of Shindou Shuichi, “Father will hear about this, you just wait.” She threatened and turned around with the flip of her hair.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll cover you up.” Tetsuha said and pulled Shuichi further inside.

As the party went on, Shuichi just stayed on one corner and took himself a glass of wine. He was too embarrassed to mingle with other people, those rich, eloquent people, to be exact.
The whole place was filled with clattering utensils and buzzing sounds from gentlemen and refined laughter from ladies across the hall.
This place was like ‘the land of the famous’. It was almost too embarrassing to be there. (Like Shuichi’s not a rock star).

A while ago, one of the visitors thought he was a chauffeur! How humiliating.
And then something caught Shuichi’s eye.

It was Yuki…

And he was surrounded by models!!!

“That Yuki!” Shuichi gasped, placed down his drink and started to confront his lover.

“Stop right there.” A voice behind him spoke. An old raspy voice.

Yuki’s father. The thought came as fast as lightning and Shuichi hated the part when he’s suppose to turn around and try to say something nice

“…uh, hello, grandpa.” Shuichi said, trying to sound pleasant.

“Hmph!” the old man exclaimed and went closer to Shuichi.

He was also inspecting Shuichi from head to toe, just like his daughter.
Birds of the same feather, flock together, Shuichi thought to himself due to the irritating ‘scanning procedures’.
“Your party is very nice, sir.” Shuichi tried to divert the old man’s attention to his face, instead of his clothing.
“Of course it is. You have noticed that elite ladies and gentlemen in our society had come in here. I don’t understand why you still have the guts to stay around, especially in those trashy clothes.” The old man pointed and took a sip from his drink.

If this old man were only ten years younger, Shuichi could have kicked his ass right away.

“Happy anniversary, to you and your wife by the way.” Shuichi greeted, bowed and smiled
“My wife’s dead.”
Yuki’s father bitterly stated which caused Shuichi to be stunt.
He didn’t know how he should react to that, such personal matters should not opened anyway.
Shuichi wouldn’t have said if Yuki only told him

“G-gomenasiai,” Shuichi stuttered and bowed to the old man once more, “I didn’t know about that—condolence!” Shuichi kept his head down because he knew, deep inside, (he had that ‘gut feeling’) this night was going to be the most humiliating night of his entire life.


“Brother,” Tetsuha spoke behind Yuki. Yuki nodded to the models and excused himself.
“What do you want?” Yuki drawled out frustratingly and took a sip from his wine.
Those models were completely annoying, Yuki thought. If they weren’t so sexy, he wouldn’t have entertained them.

“I was just wondering…have you told Shuichi yet? I mean, about your…condition.” Tetsuha evaded the truth and spoke softly, looking at his glass, too nervous to see his brother’s expression.
“No. I haven’t and I won’t.” Yuki passively replied, “Why did you even bring that brat here?” Yuki asked, looking at Shuichi who seemed to be having a hard time talking to his father.
He already saw the boy the moment he stepped into the visitor’s area. Who could miss that vibrant hair color anyway?

“I wanted somebody to accompany me, is that a problem?” Tetsuha expertly rebutted, as if he had done so many arguments with excusable reasons that in turn gave him an escape,

“Why didn’t you just take one of your girlfriends?”

“Why are you so concerned?” he scoffed,
Yuki shook his head and took another wine from the waiter who was passing by.

“Don’t tell me you’re jealous.” Tetsuha teased and chuckled.

“Take him home,” Yuki ordered, watching the boy from afar, “he won’t last five minutes in here.” Yuki took out a cigarette from his left pocket and tried to find his lighter on the other.

“He’s trying to stay,” Tetsuha gently argued, taking out his own lighter from his jacket and lighted his brother’s cigarette, “for you.”

“I don’t like this conversation, go over there and see to the guests. I’ll do this myself.” Yuki didn’t argue any further and went off.


“Shuichi… isn’t that your name?” the old man asked.

Good thing he hasn’t lost his memory yet, Shuichi grunted in his thoughts.

“Yes, sir.”

“The news has been saying that you and my son are having an affair for quite some time now.”

Okay, so this isn’t really going to be as easy as I expected, Shuichi thought.

“Yes, that’s true.”

“If so, why didn’t you know anything about my wife’s death?”

I don’t know, maybe because your stupid son never mentioned anything to me, Shuichi thought sarcastically.

“Yuki’s a very quiet person…he tends to keep his personal background to himself…” Shuichi cleverly answered which made the old man smile.

“Is that so? Well then you’re no different from my son’s other toys. The only difference is that you lasted one full year with him and the others lasted, what, weeks, months?…” the old man said finished his drink and starightened his tuxedo.

“What are you trying to prove?” Shuichi calmly asked, trying to hide his shadowed face.

“What I’m trying to say here is, stay away from my son. You’re doing him no good.” the old man spoke and placed a hand on Shuichi’s shoulder, “I’m not trying to sound harsh, but don’t you see? He’s not for you. And you can think about it likewise.”

“What’s going on, father?”

Shuichi’s head slowly turned around and saw Yuki behind him.

He couldn’t be more handsome than he was right now.
He was wearing some navy blue pants, matched with a green open collar long sleeves. No blazer, no jacket, but just a simple sexy look from Yuki Eiri.

“Yuki…” Shuichi whispered and had to pinch his self to stop from gawking at him in front of so many people.

“Yuki, my boy,” the old man proudly started, “I was just telling your ‘lover’ here about your real outlook from this whole ‘relationship’ the media says.” The old man looked at Yuki for a straight answer.

“What about it?” Yuki replied, unmoved.
Shuichi couldn’t be more relieved than ever.

“Well, one thing for sure, I told this boy that he should stay away as soon as possible. Don’t you think? We all know that your relationship with this ‘punk star’ won’t do any good on your reputation…and certainly his” The old man spoke, taking Shuichi’s side, trying to make it look like he wasn’t the bad guy.

Shuichi was waiting for Yuki to say something.
To rebut.
But his lips were tied shut

“I mean,” the old man continued, “you are a novelist, and that is a very respectable position. You do romantic novels about man and woman. But your relationship with the same sex is going to ruin that wonderful reputation of yours that you have worked so hard for.” the old man waved, “and you, young man.” Turning his gaze to Shuichi, “Being together with a person who is completely your opposite won’t do you good. Your fans might enjoy it, but deep inside, if you’ll try to analyze it, they’re just laughing at you. They’re ‘entertained’ by this bizarre circus you boys are trying to play. But play’s over. You must move on and go separate ways.” He insisted,
“Besides,” Yuki’s father gently added, looking at his own son now, “there are plenty of girls out there, waiting for you, why, I even have a list of elite young women who are possible candidates to be your future bride…”

Each word that came out from that old fart’s mouth couldn’t have hurt more than anything in this world.
The words were like darts, shooting through the air directly to Shuichi’s chest.
One by one, piercing him, torturing him, non-stop.
And what was Yuki doing?
Nothing.
He just stood there, calmly staring at his champagne with his other hand on his pocket.

If I were being stabbed to death right now, would you even care to look at me? Shuichi thought to himself and felt he was about to cry.

“Father,” Mika suddenly approached, “is there something wrong?”

What the hell…? Shuichi thought. Is this some kind of ambush?! Are you all trying to take me down?!—Ganging up on me?!

“Dear, come here.” The old man called and Mika went beside him, “tell this boy that he should leave your brother alone. My words and explanation isn’t just enough for him to understand.” He explained.

“Shuichi, why don’t you just leave right now?” Mika advised, “I’ll be happy to escort you outside. This place isn’t just right for you,” she decided, “you don’t belong here. And I suggest when you come back at my brother’s condominium, pack your bags and be off.” Mika chuckled, raising her brows like she was just telling a joke.

“I mean let’s face it,” Mika added and leaned at Shuichi’s face, “you’re nothing but a sexual object to Yuki Eiri, right brother?” she turned her head towards Yuki’s direction and searched for his approval.

There was complete silence for a while. Nobody moved. Mika and Yuki’s father were a bit tensed, thinking their own family might abandon them in this complicated situation. His answere was going to be the verdict. It was going to set everything straight once and for all, but Yuki was absolutely, positively normal and relaxed about this.

“Wasn’t that obvious yet?”

For a second, Shuichi went numb. His whole body was frozen. His eyes narrowed and his jaw dropped.

What did you just say? Shuichi thought, This is a joke right? Is this some sort of twisted game your playing?
Shuichi thought he was going to be sick. He thought he was going to throw everything he ate for the past week.
Most of all, he thought he was going to die right then and there.
How could he? Is that what Shuichi really is to him? A sexual object to provide pleasure for him whenever and wherever he wants?

This isn’t funny, and this sure isn’t a game. This is real, Shuichi thought.
What’s going on in here?!

Shuichi wanted to run. He just had to escape from this awful cursed place.

This is not real, this is not real, this is not real…Shuichi kept repeating the words again and again in his mind while he walked as fast as he could through the thick nauseating crowd, trying to pretend that if he kept chanting these words he would forget about this whole thing and everything would be back to normal.


“Shindou Shuichi, am I right?” Shuichi stopped short when he heard that voice spoke.

This voice…I heard this before…

Shuichi slowly tipped his head up and was astounded.

Suddenly something was flashing back…

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

“Sister, don’t leave me…” the little girl said and gripped her beautiful sister’s hand.
Shuichi was here again. In his dreams.
He saw that charming woman again.
And he was in the little girl’s body like he always was in his dreams,
Only this time, he was able to see the beautiful woman’s face clearer.

She was like a goddess…

She had the most beautiful green eyes on land, and her body was so voluptuous that she was as fit as a supermodel.
And her hair.
It was the darkest shade of black he had ever seen. Like the captivating dark pit just right outside this house.
It was so shiny and…if you stare too long at it, you might fell into a spell.
A sweet, tormenting spell.

There was something more…

Her fragrance…she smelled like…like…lavender.

“I’m not going anywhere, little one…” that soft, warm voice spoke and touched the little girl’s face.

“Why is mama crying?” the little girl asked.

“Mama’s just scared, but she’ll be fine…we’ll be fine too…”
This time, Shuichi was looking into those emerald eyes of that pretty woman.

“Don’t leave me, okay?” the little girl insisted again, and then, the woman smiled at her leaning over to kiss her on the forehead.
“We are sisters. I was made to protect you, and I’ll always will. I will never leave you, and even if I am not by your side, be strong. You are a Tokigawa, and as a Tokigawa, you should be brave and you should be a conqueror, never be afraid of anything…I am always at your service and at your side,” the woman whispered,

“I love you, my angel…”

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

And then everything came back as they were…


“Mr. Shindou Shuichi… are you okay?” the voice spoke again. Suddenly, Shuichi snapped out of his dreams.

He blinked and stared at the face in front of him.

“You…” Shuichi began in a faint tone.
“Are you okay?” The woman asked and chuckled, “you must be dazed by their wine.”

It was she. The beautiful woman in her dreams. The one with the emerald eyes.
The one who smelled like lavender.

Is right in front of him.

“Am I…dead?” Shuichi asked, too stunt to think well.

“What?”

“Are you an angel? … I-I saw you in my dreams… it was you…”

The woman just smiled at him. And then she laughed. A soft, gentle melodic laugh.

Shuichi remembered something again.
The dream he had when the little girl in his dreams was having a picnic with her family.
This woman’s laughter…it sounded the same…the same laughter he heard in his dreams…
Perhaps…before…from a long, long time ago…

“I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself to you,” the woman apologized. She stood up straight, held her chin high and spoke,
“My name is Serena Tokigawa, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shindou Shuichi. “

Tokigawa?

The woman in his dreams…were it possible? … Could she be?

No it can’t be…but they were so alike! And they smell the same, too!

“Oh, g-gome!” Shuichi bowed and scratched his head, “I completely forgot what was happening to me. Oh God…Oh God…”

Reality seemed to absorb Shuichi back. A minute ago, he was feeling warm and protected by an unknown thing.
The next he feels like crap that had been stepped on by that lousy bitch, Mika, and that old fart, who Yuki so call ‘father’.

Yuki…Shuichi thought…THAT SONOFABASTARD!

“Mr. Shuichi, are you alright?” Serena asked and laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder who was trying to hide his tears.

“No, no, I’m fine, thank you…my eyes are just—hurts.” Shuichi immediately turned around to see if anybody was looking, and to make his condition worse, the evil old bag was walking this way, only without the evil son and the evil witch—or maybe he should just say bitch.

“Ah! Ms. Tokigawa!” Yuki’s father exclaimed and came nearer to them, “I am unanimously glad that you made it here!” he proclaimed, “how was your flight from New York?” the old fart asked.
What a leech, Shuichi thought.
Serena looked at the old man, in a cold distant acquainted way.

“It was fine.” She coldly answered, “But I am glad to be able to see to this party of yours…and I am also surprised to see such a young fellow out here.” Serena turned to her shoulder and smiled warmly at Shuichi.

The old man was puzzled because he never saw Serena Tokigawa smile at anyone like that before, only to her sisters perhaps, but never to an acquaintance, especially to ratty clothed stranger.

“If you are uncomfortable around this…man, I will see to his disposal right away—”

“You will do no such thing!” the outrage of Serena Tokigawa was both susprising to Shiuichi and Yuki’s father.
Shuichi didn’t understand why the woman was trying to protect him
The old man was completely unable to figure what was happening and why Serena Tokigawa was acting this way.

“He’s my friend, and I don’t want anybody to show any sort of disrespect towards him, old man. Have I made myself clear?”

Everybody was already looking at them, probably because of Serena Tokigawa’s low pitched and modulated voice—or maybe because of her strong personality that caught everyone’s eyes.

Her every cmment, every word was like an order and verdict to everybody. It was like she has the highest position among all of them, and respect is just one of the things that were reacquired in front of her presence.

“Very well…ha-have you eaten, Serena?—”
“Do not address me so informal, sir” Serena Tokigawa said in a bitter calm voice, “I prefer my complete name, or my surname.” She gave Yuki’s father a murderous look.
Shuichi could only watch in amazement.

“Go-gomenasai!” the old man cried and bowed, “I’ll see to your food right away!”
Yuki’s father turned around as quickly as he could, trying to hide from his embarrassment.

“So, can I call you Shuichi?” Serena asked and gave Shuichi a broad radiant smile.

“Sure…” Shuichi said and scratched his head.

“Aren’t you that famous rock star? Your band…it’s BAD LUCK right?” the woman asked and Shuichi blushed.

“Yes, it is.” Shuichi replied and blushed thoroughly, “I’m glad that someone who’s so important and doughty like you could still have time to listen to my kind of music!”
Serena Tokigawa laughed. A rich gleeful laugh.
Her eyes sparkled whenever she smiled. Shuichi noticed her lips—long and slender, like candidate for the Ms. Universe pageantry,
Shuichi finally recognized her outstanding outfit.
She wore a body hugging soft white gown, covered with crystals. It had a deep V-shape neckline and her diamond drop earring complimented the whole look. He hair was worn down, though parted at the side, and she had a small pearly white purse and a sort of glassy sandals that Shuichi had never seen before.

In short, the lady was a walking goddess.
Pity she had to walk on this filthy place owned by a filthy old man, Shuichi thought.

Serena sighed. She waited so long for this moment. She wanted to hug her, embrace her until she couldn’t breath.
But this wasn’t the right time. She needed to find the perfect moment to tell Sakura the truth, and that would be when all of them are complete and all of them are together.
Perhaps tomorrow, they can do that.
In the garden—wherever, just as long as the sisters are complete and they have the privacy.
This place isn’t just right.

And how come my little angel was crying? Serena thought.

That old man must’ve said something cruel to her sister…that old succumb!
He thinks he’s so powerful, why, he’s just a tiny spec in this society, an old worn-out hog who’s not worth looking at.
And what was he thinking? Serena thought, putting up a wedding anniversary party when the wife is already dead.
Well maybe the old man misses her wife, but does he have to do it this way?
He sure is the butt of every joke now, Serena thought.
She just heard a couple of old bags at the other corner, joking about the old man’s ridiculous party.

Serena sighed and shook her head.
“What a waste.” Serena muttered and Shuichi turned to look at her.

“What?” Shuichi asked, startled.

Serena shook her head, “Nothing.” she smiled, “Let’s take a walk at the garden.” she suggested and offered her arm.

Shuichi laughed and hooked his arm around hers and off they went outside,

“This sure is kind’a silly…I should be the one who’s offering you the hand.” Shuichi felt embarrassed, but Serena simply chuckled.
He really liked the company of this woman.
She was sweet and incredibly warm, he felt the warmth so many times now this evening…
And in his dreams…
He had to ask her about this…
But she might laugh, but then again, she’s not that kind of sort.

They both went to the garden, even though the whole place was still overloaded with snow.
The Christmas season was almost over, but it was still stinging cold.
It was really sad that Shuichi had to celebrate the season this way…
Without Yuki, he means…


“You know…somehow I pity that old man,” Shuichi pointed out and walked along the snowy ground of the garden with Serena, “I mean…I know he’s mean and everything, but I’m surprised he put up a party for his wife.” he acknowledged thoughtfully,
“I know…” Serena replied, “I was thinking of the same way…although it’s absurd to celebrate a wedding anniversary when one partner is dead, I mean, a formal party to be exact, “ she said, agreeing with Shuichi’s opinion,

“But I guess that’s what people do when they miss their loved ones,” Serena’s voice softened and this time it was filled with tenderness.

“They want to be with their dead loved ones again, and celebrating anniversaries is one way to go…” she added and stopped under a Sakura tree.

Even though the tree’s flowers had fallen out, it still had that beauty.

That sweet, innocent beauty.

“Do you like the Sakura tree?” Serena suddenly asked when she caught Shuichi looking at the tree.
“Oh yes,” Shuichi said and blushed, “it’s a pretty tree—actually it’s my favorite tree.” Shuichi said, blushing thoroughly.

“I always liked it since I was small boy…I liked collecting the Sakura flowers and making small crowns out of it…you must be thinking I’m weird for saying all of this…coming from a guy, I mean” Shuichi said and was completely flushed.

Sakura…this is your name, my angel…your true name…

Serena just smiled at him and covered her arms, as though she was supporting herself, as if she was contented with something—or maybe she was just cold.

“Do you wanna use my blazer? It’s really getting chilly. I think we should get inside.” Shuichi offered and took off his blazer when Serena stopped her.

“No, don’t do that. Put it back on, you might get a cold.” Serena warned.

“But your…” Shuichi stopped short and blushed deeply. He was referring to Serena’s outfit. It was very bearing, and Shuichi was sure that her gown was thin enough to get somebody a helluva fever.

Serena just laughed at Shuichi’s obvious thoughts.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Shindou Shuichi. I’ll be just fine…I’ve spent so many cold winters with more revealing clothes and yet I’m still intact and the same. Don’t look so surprised, no mad season can bring me down.” She said, calming his thoughts.

Shuichi didn’t know if the woman was speaking metaphorically or literally, but she sure has a strong mind and body.

“Not even the snow can bring me down…”

Shuichi noticed that Serena Tokigawa was not looking at him anymore. Instead, her attention was directed to a man who stood a few feet away from them.

It was Yuki.

He was standing there, at the snow, watching them.
And then he turned around and walked away.

Could have Serena been referring to Yuki when she mentioned about the snow?

For surely, ‘Yuki’ in English translation was snow.

“Yuki!” Shuichi shouted, but Serena got hold of his arm.

“Darling, do you know that man?” Serena asked with a concerned look.

“…yes I do…I’m actually living with him…” Shuichi shook his head and looked away.

“Is that so?” Serena said, without looking astounded.

“You don’t find that surprising?” Shuichi asked, all puzzled.

“No.”

“…it’s just that, most people find it strange when two same sexes sleep together…but you’re not that kind of person, are you?” Shuichi asked admiringly with a smile.

“No.” Serena assured, hiding her true feelings towards the man named Yuki Eiri.

Of course she’s not against homosexual relationships, especially man-to-man. It’s perfectly normal…well, to open-minded people, of course.

But it will always depend upon the persons involved in this kind of relationships.

For instance Yuki Eiri.

He’s not the perfect man for Shuichi.

He’s not even good enough.

He’ll be gone soon, and Serena wouldn’t want Sakura to be hurt.

“Shuichi, do you know that your name’s counterpart is called Sakura?” Serena asked trivially and stared at the Sakura tree beside them
“Really?” Shuichi askedin bewilderment, looking upon the tree as well.

“Yes…it’s a beautiful name isn’t it?”

There was a long pause in their conversation, and then Shuichi answered,

“Definitely.”

Serena turned around and placed her hands on Shuichi’s shoulder.

“Would you like to accompany me and my sisters in our house tomorrow? You see, we came in from London. My sisters and I are looking for company…do you think you can make yourself available for us? We really are in dire of a lively company.” She teased.

Shuichi was surprised by Seena’s sudden invitation, but he nodded. If it weren’t for Serena, he couldn’t have survived this whole situation. He owed her, and this was the least he could do.

“I’d love to.” Shuichi accepted, “what time?”

“How about…lunch time? We can have a picnic in our garden, we’re at Haiko subdivision, just a few blocks away from Hudaiko.” Serena answered.

“Well then, I guess we can call this a date.” Shuichi beamed,

“A group date, to be exact.” Serena added and they both laughed.

God, she reminds me of mother, Serena thought.

“Tell me,” Shuichi spoke, “are your sisters as pretty as you are?” Shuichi teased.

“Prettier.” Serena replied and folded her arms.

“Cool! Would you mind if I decided to court one of your sisters one day?” Shuichi asked and Serena smiled.

“Not at all.” She said and they both got inside the house now.

“Mr. Shindou Shuichi, can I ask you something?” she started again,

“Yes?”

“You told me a while ago that you are currently living with a man by the name of Yuki Eiri. It seems to me that this man is being…rather distant from you…and then you asked if you could date one of my sisters…” she paused and then she continued,
“Is my inclination about the two of you correct?”
Serena was asking the obvious. She wanted to know if they were still together.

Which was totally good news for her if it were true.

“Actually…” Shuichi closed his eyes and took a deep breath, “we just broke-up recently.”

Shuichi looked away and assured his statement with a confident nod,

“We’re over.”