Thanks, everyone, for the comments.
mishi & nana_chan: yeay!! camping... i love marshmallows~!!!
keira_aoi: the story is twisting my gut too!!

CHAPTER 4: Torn

Jun sat in his room, looking at the box that Sayuri had given him. The emptiness inside of him has been filled up with just a simple kiss from the girl that he loved. The sparkle in her eyes when she looked up at him had melt his heart. The words that came out of her mouth after kiss stunned him, they seemed unbelievable.

"Matte, Jun-kun..." she whispered. He lifted his head from her shoulder and looked at her. She paused. Jun continued looking at her, he could not resist and tried to steal a kiss from her. But she pulled away, placing her hand on his shoulder. Jun was shocked. "Gomen..."

"Nande?" Jun whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. His deep voice made her weak in the knees. He wrapped his arms around her and tried to pull her closer. But she resisted. "Doshite?" he asked, sounded upset.

"Gomen... this isn't..." her voice trailed off the moment their eyes met. Slowly, she shook her head, as if trying to wake herself from a dream and continued, "I can't... gomen..." She pushed him away and started walking out. Jun caught her hand.

"Sayuri... chotto..." Jun called. "Don't do this..."

"I didn't meant for it to be this way... it has been way too long."

"I've missed you..." Jun said softly. Sayuri turned and looked at his face. The frown on his face upset her. She cupped his face and pulled it closer to hers. Her lips brushed against his. Jun knew what the kiss meant. It was the kind of kiss that Sayuri gave whenever she's leaving... a goodbye kiss. "Sayuri..." his heart ached when he said her name.

"Friends..." she said. "Just friends..."

Jun were still deep in his thoughts. He could not believe what she said. He continued staring at the box. After a moment, he pulled the box closer to him and lifted the lid open. He started taking things out one at a time. The first was a frame with his picture in it. The picture was taken way back when he was younger. Sayuri 'stole' it from his bedroom when they first started seeing each other. Underneath the picture, there was a small leather pouch. He unzipped it and let the inside slipped out. A silver necklace slided out. A key-shaped pendant fell into his palm. "A key to my heart..." he said to Sayuri, on the day he gave the necklace to her. "I am giving it to you, so that you'll always have it.". Next to the leather pouch was a small blue box. He opened the lid and saw a simple ring in it. There was a few more things inside the box - among them were his shirt that Sayuri always wore whenever she sleeps and also Jun's old pair of glasses. At the bottom of the box, there was an envelope. A letter slid out.

Jun-kun,

I filled this box with the things that you once left at my place, and also some things that do not belong to me anymore.
I am returning the picture and your shirt that I love.
Along with all the things, I am returning 'the key to your heart'. And also the ring that you gave me on my birthday. They are no longer mine to keep.
Ja... sayonara, Jun-kun.

All my love,
Sayuri

His heart ached. He took one last look at the stuff that Sayuri returned to him. The key-shaped pendant that once hung around her neck, the ring that she always wore on her finger... the shirt that she wore everytime after they made love... "They don't matter anymore!" he screamed out loud. What he wanted was her... just Sayuri. Not the things that reminded him of her. Not bits and pieces of memories that tortured him everyday.

He placed everything back into the box and pushed it under his bed. He stood up and walked to his kitchen. He took a bottle of red wine from the fridge, uncorked it and poured himself a glass. He sat at the kitchen counter. His eyes fell onto a piece of paper that laid in front of him. A phone number was scribbled on it. Sayuri's. He got the number from her aunt. As he sipped the wine, he dwelled whether or not to give her a call.

-----------------------------------------

"Ah.. yokata!" Sayuri exclaimed with relief. She looked at the stacked of papers in front of her. Ellie, who was sitting in front of the television, turned around and looked at her in confusion. Noticing this, Sayuri explained, "I got the paper works done. The only thing left is to put a down payment and then the shop is mine!"

"Ah... that's why you looked so happy," Ellied said. She smiled. It was the first time that Ellie got to see a smile on Sayuri's face after so long. After meeting Matsumoto Jun, Sayuri hardly smiled. She had concentrated on buying the shop lot that she had been showing off to Ellie the first day she arrived. "And the money for the down payment?"

"Got it... From the villa that I sold in LA and also from my dad's estate," Sayuri replied.

"You sold the estate? Are you for real???"

"Yea... I am not going back there... why do you think I am staying in the apartment?"

"For the same reasons why you gave up the villa in LA..." Ellie replied. She could never understand her best friend. A daughter of one of the wealthiest man in Japan, one of the richest heiress in the world, gave up the lifestyle of the rich and famous for a life on the streets. She could afford all the expensive things in the world, she could wear all the glitters and sparkles, yet her favourite shopping place is the flea market and bargain shops. "Sayuri... I think I want to learn Japanese language..."

"Eh?" Sayuri was surprised. "Why?"

"I am staying..." she replied.

"Staying?"

"Yup... I am not going back to LA... I've decided to stay with you. And besides, there is no way that I am going to leave you here, all alone."

"But... your parents? Your family?"

"They'll understand. So, what do you say?"

Sayuri was lost for words. After so long, she was finally not alone. The emptiness in her heart was slowly slipping away. The fact that she was not going to be alone warmed her heart.

---------------------------------------------------------

He woke up with a terrible headache. The sweet smell of cinnamon filled his nostrils. He tried to get up and get out of bed, but couldn't. The throbbing in his head were rigorous. He tossed and turned on his bed. A slender figure walked into his room. "Ah.. you're awake. Finally..." a sweet voice was heard. He moaned. "Jun..." her soft hand fondled his cheeks and planted a kiss on it. "Honey... come, time to get up..." He turned around and blinked a couple of times before opening his eyes. Karina's face became cleared. "I've prepared a bath for you. Do you want to have it now?" Jun stayed silent. As the duvet slipped down to his torso, and the cold breeze brushed against him, he realised that he was almost naked, wearing only a pair of black boxers. "You spilled red wine on your shirt and pants, I took them off. Sakurai-san helped to lift you to your bed," Karina said.

"Sho-kun?" Jun wondered.

"Yes. He came with me. He has been calling you. But you did not pick up. He got worried, so he came over. We met in the elevator up," she replied. "I used the spare key to get it, I hope you don't mind. I knocked, you didn't answer. We got worried... so..."

"Ma... it's okay."

"Now that you're awake, do you want to tell me what happened that made you drink in the middle of the afternoon?" she asked. Jun just shook his head, trying to avoid from answering the question. "Jun... I know something is wrong... can't you just-"

"I'm going to have my bath now," Jun cut her in. He got out of bed and walked straight to the bath. Karina fell silent. She could not understand what was happening.

"Jun-kun..." she called after him. Jun turned around. There was something in his eyes that she never seen before.

"Kar... I am fine. Please... don't ask me again." He turned around again and walked into the bath. Hurt by his words, Karina's eyes were watery. Hot tears filled in. Without another word, she just walked out of the room and left the apartment.

When he got out of the bath, he put on his clothes and walked out of his room. The dining table was set. Dinner was served. A beef steak with black pepper sauce and fresh garden salad was placed on it. A champagne bottle was cooled in the ice bucket. Three candles burned on the table. He looked around, trying to find Karina. "Kar?" he called out her name in the empty apartment. There wasn't a reply. Realising her absence, he stood in silence, filled with guilt. He grabbed the phone and dialled her number. There was no answer. "Come on, pick up!" he grumbled.

A knock on the door surprised him. He rushed to open it. "Kar?" he called as he swung the door opened. It wasn't Karina at the door. Jun was stunned. A tearful young lady stood in his hallway, all dress in white, face covered with tear stains. "Sayuri?"

Uwa~ I really enjoy this story! : D It's so interesting!! I see you're from Melaka~ XDDD I'm from KL but... oh well. Hello~ XDDD

Waiting for your next update! : D

i just couldn't wait to post the next chapter haha. the ideas are just running through my head. hope you guys will continue loving this.
p/s: i am writing this while waiting for maou ep 6 to finish downloading. so sorry if this chapter is a bit draggy...

shodrive: ah, you're from kl... yoroshiku onegaishimasu~!!!

CHAPTER 5: The Truth

"Jun-kun..." she mumbled. Too soft, that Jun could barely hear her. She looked up at his face and out of the blue flung herself into his arms and buried her face into his shoulders. Her sobs continued. Seeing her in a mess, Jun did not hesitate to let her in. He gestured her into his living room and asked her to have a seat. Her eyes caught sight of the table, set for two. Her steps stopped. "Ah... are you expecting someone?" she asked, sounded guilty. Jun looked at the table and his thoughts got back to Karina. Torn between wanting to call her and wanting to console the crying Sayuri.

"Iie... have a seat. I'll get you something to drink," Jun replied. He went straight to the kitchen and pour Sayuri a glass of cold water. Before he walked back, he glanced at his phone. After a few seconds, he shrugged off the thought of calling Karina and walked towards Sayuri. His steps stopped halfway when he saw her lying on the couch, sound asleep. Her tear-stained face looked much calmer than before. Jun's heart skipped a beat. It has been so long since he last seen her sleeping. He placed the glass on the coffee table and went into his room. He looked for a more comfortable pillow and a blanket for Sayuri.

She was curled up in a foetus position when he got back. He gently lifted her head and placed the pillow underneath it. He unfolded the blanket and covered her body. He sat near her and looked at her face. What happened to you..? Jun wondered. He brushed his hand against her cheek and stood up. Quietly he walked to the kitchen and picked up the phone, dialling Karina's number.

After three calls, Karina still did not pick up her phone. He sat at the dinner table and stared at the cold untouched dinner that Karina had prepared for them. Guilt surrounded him. Why did I have to hurt her? He wondered silently. He knew that it was his fault, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it. Karina was... sweet and loving. She was just concern. You didn't have to be so harsh on her... He scold himself. He picked up his cellphone and hit redial. Karina still did not pick up. In the end, he resorted to text messaging. He hated the idea of apologising through text messages. He preferred to say it. But there was no other way.

Kar... I am sorry. I know you meant well. And I should have just told you... Please call me, as soon as you get this message.

He sat in silence. Thinking of what he should do. He turned around and saw Sayuri in his living room, sleeping. Suddenly, he was panic-strickenned. If Karina walks in, and sees Sayuri here, I am dead... DEAD!!! His thoughts went wild. He was not sure what Karina would say if she saw Sayuri, but he sure did not want to find out. He continued thinking.

"Jun-kun?" a familiar voice broke his chains of thoughts. He turned around and saw Sayuri. She has woken up. "Gomen... I am not supposed to be here..."

"Iie... daijoubu," Jun lied. He knew that it would not be fine if Karina suddenly walked in. He walked over, towards her. Sayuri started to fold the blanket that was covering her. "Do you want to talk about it?" Jun asked.

Sayuri paused for awhile and then shook her head. "Nope... I am okay now."

"Are you sure?"

"I-I.. err... yea. Daijoubu. I just didn't... ah... never mind. Everything's fine now."

Jun was not convinced. If there was one thing that he learned from Sayuri during their relationship, it would the fact that Sayuri never liked to share her problems with others and that she loved to keep them to herself. Sayuri got up and bowed at Jun, which surprised him. "Hontou ni, arigatou. I know that I shouldn't have come. Especially after what had happened... but, I just need someone to talk to..."

"You know, you can talk to me, right?" Jun said.

She shook her head. "Ma... daijoubu desu..." she replied. Jun came closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. She felt at ease in his hug. She buried her head in his shoulder. She missed his hugs, the scent of his cologne and warmness of his chest.

"You always wanted a hug everytime you're in trouble. I thought that - "

The sentence was not finished. The apartment door swung open. A young lady in jeans and white tee walked in. But her steps were stopped when she saw another young lady in her boyfriend's arms. "Nani kore?" she asked, fumed with anger.

Sayuri was shocked by her presence and Jun quickly let go of Sayuri. "Dare anata wa?" Karina asked Sayuri, who was still in shock. "What are you doing in my boyfriend's apartment? And why are you hugging him???" Karina looked as if she was about to hit Sayuri. Jun got between Sayuri and Karina. He grabbed Karina by the wrist and dragged her into his room. "Let go of me!" she screamed.

"Kar... it's not what it seems..." Jun spoke. Karina glared at him. "The girl's name is Sayuri. We have been friends since we were kids."

"Tomodachi?" she asked.

"Hai... tomodachi..." Jun bit his lips as he said the words.

"Just friends? Then why are you hugging her?"

"She was in tears. And there wasn't really anything else I could do..."

Karina fell silent. Jun looked at her, heart filled with mixed emotions. He was not sure what he was supposed to say. A tiny white lie was told. "Ma... if she's your friend, and she's in trouble... I supposed I could help... I am a girl after all..." Karina said. She looked up at Jun and gave him a kiss on his cheek. She turned around and walked out of the room. Jun tagged behind her.

However, the living room was empty. Sayuri was gone. Only a note was left on the coffee table. Jun quickly picked it up and read it. Sorry to cause you trouble with your girlfriend. Thank you so much. Sayuri.

-----------------------------------------------------

"He has a girlfriend???" Ellie exclaimed as she placed the books on the shelf. Sayuri nodded. "But... but he kissed you?!?"

Sayuri did not say anything. They were at the store that Sayuri just bought. A cafe was what she dreamed of. A cafe where people could read books off the shelves, enjoying a cup of dark coffee and eating freshly baked pastries while talking to their friends. Ellie had agreed to be her partner. The truth was, she needed Ellie. Ellie was the only one who could manage the cafe. As for Sayuri, the kitchen was the place where she wants to be. She wanted to bake.

"Sayuri! Are you listening?"

Sayuri nodded. "I didn't know he has a girlfriend. He didn't say anything about her either. But we are not together. I told him that we're just friends."

Ellie knew that there wasn't a point in arguing with Sayuri anymore and decided to just drop the subject. "Have you decided on the menu yet?" Ellie changed the subject.

"Ah... I've given it a thought. There are still some things that need me to think more... I'll try to decide by the end of this week," Sayuri replied. Ellie nodded. "Do you have the resumes for the new workers? You can handle the waiters and barristas right? I just need the resumes of the chefs..."

"Yea... there are plenty. You'll be surprise..." Ellie said with a smile.

The cafe took them two weeks to finish arranging. New equipments were brought in. New coat of paint was applied. Waiters and barristas were hired. They opened in another week. The only part that was left was hiring an assitant dolce chef. Sayuri had been dwelling on a few, but she still couldn't decide on who. She sat at one of the tables reading the resumes. Out of 50 applicants, she interviewed 30 of them. There were 10 that she loved, but she was only hiring 2. She has decided on one, but contemplating on the other empty place. Out of the blue, the bell on the cafe door rang as someone opened the door. A tall young lady walked in. Sayuri was about to tell her that they are not open again when she saw the lady's face.

"Ah.. anata..." her voice trailed off.

WAHHH!!!!!

*throws marshmellows at screen*



poor Sayuri-chan...poor poor Sayuri-chan

(i'm at a loss for words at present so ^that is all i can manage at the moment)

till your next update

*camps out with marshmellows AND tissues*

Iya! I feel more sorry for Karina! Jun, make up your mind!!!! LOL. Poor girls.
*roasts some marshmallows*

WAH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karina!!! Sayuri!!! Jun!!!

I feel bad for Karina, obviously Jun is staying with her not out of love... but out of a sense of obligation to her feelings... right??? I wonder why Sayuri went to his apartment even when she just ended their past...

I love how the two women are so different, Karina is so open while Sayuri is so mysterious...

Update, onegaishimasu!!! This story has me hooked. XD

nana_chan: i made u cry... :(
mishi: roast some for me!!!
keira_aoi: ah... that's what u think, eh? hurmmm....

CHAPTER 6: The Other Side of Her

"Ah... Konnichiwa..." she greeted Sayuri with a smile. Sayuri was stunned, she was the last person Sayuri expected to walk through the door. "We weren't properly introduced before. Watashi wa Yamada Karina desu. Jun said that your name is Sayuri." The smile on Karina's face did not fade.

"Hai. Watanabe Sayuri desu," she replied, returning the smile. "We are not open yet, unfortunately."

"Ah... iie. I am here for an interview. I didn't send my resume before, but I just thought I should come and pray that you'd let me have a walk-in interview," Karina explained. Sayuri was surprised. She gave Karina a hard look and tried to find the right words to say. "Chotto... you're the...?" Karina asked.

"I am the owner and the chef here," Sayuri replied. She kept looking at Karina, top to toe. "What position are you planning to apply for? We've hired enough waiters and barristas. The only position left is the assistant chef.

"Hai.. that's what I am applying!" Karina said. Her eyes suddenly sparkled up, filled with excitement.

Looking at the excited young lady in front of her, Sayuri smiled and said, "Ma... there is nothing wrong with a late entry. Do you have your resume with you?" Karina nodded and searched her bag. She took out a brown folder and handed it to Sayuri. "Well, have a seat." Karina sat down, and Sayuri took the seat across the table from her. She flipped through the resume. Karina's work experience amazed her. "You've worked in an Italian restaurant?"

"Hai..." Karina replied. "I was the head chef."

"Head chef?" Karina nodded. "Ah, subarashii. So, why are you here? I am sure that being the head chef at one of the best Italian restaurants in Tokyo is the best. Why are you demoting yourself?" Sayuri was confused. Even though she was not a fan of Italian food, she was more into Japanese cuisine, being a head chef at any restaurant would be the best thing that could happen to her.

"Italian food is amazing. But, I want to study desserts and pastries." Karina went on and on about her love for sweets. Sayuri felt like she was listening to herself talking. Karina shared her love for desserts and pastries, her love for dolce.

The interview when on for half an hour. But Sayuri was still undecided. Having someone as experienced and well trained in the kitchen is an advantage to her kitchen, but a part of her pushed the thought of hiring Karina out of her mind. In the end, after wrestling with the two thoughts, Sayuri spoke. "I am totally amazed by your resume and I can see how much dolce means to you. If I do hire you, you do realise that the pay would be much less that what you're making now?"

"It's not the money that I am after..." Karina mumbled, Sayuri who could barely hear the words just ignored her.

"Hai... I think that's all for it. I'll give you a call when we have decided."

---------------------------------------------------

Jun tried calling Karina. He has dialed her number twice, but there was no answer. He sat in silence in the van, and watched the rest of his band member goofing around. Nino was concentrating on his DS but the rest were busy playing janken and giving out punishments. Jun decided not to join the craziness. They were heading to the studio for the new single's recording and also briefing for the coming tour.

Karina just started her new job. It has been almost a week. He thought that the change of job would mean that she would be less busy that she had been, but he was clearly wrong. Unlike working at the Italian restaurant, which was only opened from 4 pm to 1 am, the new job started at 8.30 am and finished at 8.00 pm. She has breaks, but she rarely took them. But Karina hardly talked about her work. She was more interested in what he was doing. Jun sighed deeply.

In a blink of an eye, his thoughts turned to Sayuri. It has been almost a month since he last seen or heard from her. He still did not know what happened on the night that she came to his apartment in tears. But he knew that her silence must be from the unexpected meeting with Karina. She must be furious with me... I should have just been honest with her, I should have just told her about Karina...

"Oi, Matsujun!!" Aiba's voice rang in his ears, breaking his chains of thoughts. Jun looked up to see that they had arrived at the studio, and that the rest of the band members had got out of the van. He laughed at his silliness and joined them.

As they walked into the building, Sho, who was walking next to him, asked, "Daijoubu desu ka?" Jun turned and looked at Sho. Surprised. "You looked troubled. You're more quiet. And I was just wondering if things are okay... you know, with Sayuri? And Karina-san?"

Jun looked at Sho, who was so concern about him. Jun just shook his head. "I am okay. Don't worry... I must be a little tired. The drama shooting is really driving me nuts... hahaha.." Jun replied.

"Ah.. sou ka?" Sho said. Satisfied with Jun's answer, Sho quit asking any more questions.

--------------------------------------

"You'll be surprised at how much we're making...!!" Ellie said as she sat next to Sayuri at the coffee table. The cafe was empty. As usual, the cafe closed early on a Sunday. The barristas - Daisuke-kun and Yuu-san, bid them goodbye and left. The waiters too, one by one took their leave, glad to finally have the night off. Ellie was busy updating the cafe's account book and calculating the week's profits. Sayuri smiled as she watched her friend.

The cafe door swung opened. A tall handsome young man walked in. Ellie stopped calculating. Sayuri was too shocked to say anything. But, a waiter, who was still there, mopping the floor, said, "Ah... sumimasen. We're closed. Today's Sunday. The cafe closes at 5 pm." The man did not say anything. His eyes were fixed on Sayuri. He was the last person that Sayuri wished to see.

"Sayuri..." Jun mumbled, he too was surprised to see her there. "I was... err..."

"Yamada-san left about half an hour ago," Ellie said, fluently in Japanese. She was still furious with Jun. Jun looked at her, he was lost for words.

"I... err..." Jun stuttered.

"El, could we have a moment please?" Sayuri asked her best friend. Then she turned to the waiter and asked him to leave. Ellie made a huge fuss before she walked to the kitchen. Sayuri asked Jun to have a seat. "I take it that Karina did not tell you that she's working with me..."

"Nope. She didn't... You own this cafe?" Jun asked.

"Hai.. this is mine," Sayuri replied, feeling so proud of the place. She stood up and walked towards the coffee machine. "I'll make you a cup of coffee. And would you like some tiramisu? Or some blueberry pie?"

"Err..." Jun's voice trailed off. Sayuri walked back towards the table holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a slice of blueberry pie in the other. She placed both in front of Jun.

"Douzo..." Jun picked up the cup and took a sip. The warm drink made its way down his throat, warming his body up. He took a spoonful of the pie and at it. The taste however surprised him. He was expecting the same taste that he always had whenever Karina served him blueberry pie, but this time it was different. It was way too different. The sweetness was different. And the pie just sort of melt in his mouth. It was soft. "Is there something wrong?" Sayuri asked when she noticed Jun's face.

"Er... iie... The pie's just different," Jun replied. He took another bite from the pie.

"It's not delicious?" Sayuri was surprised.

"Eh? No, no... umai!!! Just different..."

"Different?"

"Hai... Karina's pie is different. I supposed she found a new recipe. This one is way better than the one she baked before..."

Ellie who walked out of the kitchen to take her log book under the cash register, heard Jun's comments. "That's because it wasn't her who baked this pie... She's the assistant chef, not the head chef, her recipes are not put to use her... The one who baked the pie is sitting right in front of you..." Ellie said quickly, before Sayuri could stopped her.

Jun's eyes opened wide. "You... baked this?" Sayuri just smiled and nodded slowly. "But, I thought you hated the kitchen..."

"I do... but I love desserts and pastries." Sayuri replied.

Jun could just continue to stare at her. The girl sitting in front of him had changed. It was so hard for him to believe that she was the same girl who used to sit in his kitchen, watching him cook and threw out complains about why they should cook. He looked at his half eaten pie and turned back to Sayuri. She was still smiling.

"Ah... sou ka...?" Jun said. "Look... I think I owe you an explanation."

"Eh? Nani?"

"About Karina..."

"Ah, forget about it. It has been five years anyway. I cannot expect you to wait for me, and not date anyone else, can I?" Sayuri said.

"Demo..."

"Jun-kun, it's okay," she said. But there was something in her voice, a hint of sadness, anger and a little of jealousy. "Besides... we're just friends... right?"

Just friends... Her words etched a deep wound in his heart. He continued eating his pie in silence.

Sugoi!!!

Both of them end up working together. And in something where Sayuri has the advantage, aha, poor Karina... I love the fact that Jun always gets affected whenever Sayuri uses the "just friends" phrase... I feel like his tension will build until he finally snaps.... Ooooh!!!!

This is such a good story... And you update so fast so... arigatou!!!

I just wanted to comment on how intriguing your story is with the mystery of she left Jun and the love triangle. It's great how made both girls so likeable.

wow what a sudden turn of events!!! lol they're working together lol cant' wait to read what happens next XD

What a wonderful update. It seems like Jun should be with Sayuri but I don't want Karina hurt *sigh* Hmm, I wonder if Karina suspects anything but it seems like Jun never told her anything about Sayuri eh.

*hands bahiyahnor some marshmallows* Wait! You're not camping with us!

waah!!..PLEASE UPDATE MORE!!


i really like your fic!...SUBARASHII!!


jun-kun is sailing in two rivers ne?..oooooh....thats bad! sugarfie!!

if i we're him?, i will just follow my heart!

i think jun still loves sayuri ne?

but then, his still inlove with karina(i guess?!)

or he's just feeling guilty?!


aaahhhh!!!..i'm confused!!...

demo...for me, sayuri is better than karina(no offense, thats just my opinion!)

hehehe...

KEEP IT UP NE!!!

keira_aoi: thanks for your comments!!!
phw: thanks for reading... im glad that you love it...
rosevic87: please continue reading... you're up for more surprises..
mishi: awww... i want some marshmallows too...
nana_chan: yea... i wrote that too... seems like all my fics made u cry...
kristyndavid: ahh... u seemed to think that way.. eh? hurmm...

CHAPTER 7: Uncovering the Truth

Sayuri put on the soft pink gloss and looked at herself in the mirror. After more than five years, she was going out on a date. She stared at the reflection in the mirror. Who is this girl in the mirror? She thought. Ellie helped her to pick out the dress to wear and the shoes to match. She chose a white dress and a pair of strappy stilletos for the date, but Sayuri felt odd. The reflection was not her - the one who was always comfortable in faded jeans and t-shirt. The door to the restroom opened. Karina walked in.

"Ah... kireii!!" she exclaimed. Sayuri did not say anything. Karina continued complimenting her. "Ah... ja, otsukaresama deshita..."

"Ah, otsukare," Sayuri replied. She grabbed her purse from the sink top and started to walk out of the door. But she paused and turned around. "Take the night off, will you?"

"Eh?" Karina was surprised with Sayuri's sudden remark.

"I heard that you would normally stay over till late at night, studying the recipes. So, take tonight off, will you?" Sayuri asked with a smile. "Go out, have fun... we'll be very busy next week, so you might not be able to have a night off for a long time. Ja... oyasuminasai..." She gave Karina a nod and walked out, leaving Karina in awe.

Ellie was at the cash register when Sayuri walked out of the staff room. The waiters were busy cleaning up and the barristas were cleaning their work station. Ellie looked up upon hearing Sayuri's stilletos clicking against the wooden floor. The rest of her staff looked up too. "Ah... how beautiful, okami-san..." one of the waiters said, he said with a smile. Sayuri blushed a little. Ellie gave her a hug and wished her good luck.

"Don't scare the guy away... and give him a chance... okay?" Ellie said to her. Sayuri let out a small chuckle. She understood that Ellie was just trying to keep a look out for her. "What's with that chuckle? It has been way too long since you last went on a date. And you haven't completely got over the last guy you were with, so... I know what might happen."

"Hai... hai.." Sayuri replied. "Ja... ittekimasu!"

-------------------------------------------------------

"Hai? Moshi-moshi?" Jun said as he answered his phone. Trickles of sweat formed on his forehead. The dance rehearsal had just ended. Ohno was talking to the choreographer, discussing about his dance solo, where else the rest of the guys had went straight to hit the showers. Jun wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"Jun-kun~!" Karina's voice was heard from the other end of the line. She sounded happy. "Are you busy at the moment?"

"Err... my dance rehearsal just ended. Nan desu ka?"

"Ah, perfect. I was thinking of getting some dinner, do you want to come over?" Karina asked, hopefully. Sudden rush of guilt ran through his body. He knew that it has been a busy month for both of them. Three months have passed since Karina started working at the cafe, she has never been busier than she had ever been before, and the rehearsals for Arashi's upcoming tours just started, making it impossible for the two of them to spend any time together. "But I supposed you must be so tired..." Karina added, after Jun did not say anything.

"Ahh... iie..." Jun quickly replied. He was extremely tired. But he did not want to let her down. "Why not we go out? There's this new place that I want to try," Jun added, thinking of the new restaurant that his friends had been talking about. "But, if you feel that..."

"Iie... that sounds nice too," Karina replied, but she sounded less excited.

"Ja... I'll see you soon, then."

"Hai."

------------------------------------

The restaurant was classy. Sayuri looked at the menu and tried to decide what she would like for dinner. Her date was ordering the wine. He looked so elegant in his suit and tie. She never thought she would ever go out with someone like him. Jun hardly go out in a suit and tie, he was just like her, prefer to dress in casual wear. Sayuri tried to push the thought of Jun out of her head. There's a man sitting in front of you, one who is crazy about you... and, you're on a date with him. Stop thinking about another man! She told herself.

Morimoto Ryou. A young businessman. She met him at her father's funeral a few months ago. Her aunts were the ones who played cupid between them. After putting it off for months, she decided to just let him take her out for dinner and see how things would turn out. So far, things did not go according to what she expected, although she silently thanked Ellie for picking out the perfect dress for the date, and she was glad that she did not decide to wear just jeans and tee.

"Watanabe-sama... have you decided?" Morimoto-san said, snapping her back to reality.

"Ah.. there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Sayuri..." she replied, feeling a little shy. He just smiled.

"Hai, Sayuri.. have you decided?"

"Hai... I'll have the lobster please..."

The dinner went on very well. Morimoto-san was filled so many lively stories. He enlightened her with his jokes. Sayuri found the she was enjoying herself. In a lot of ways, Morimoto-san managed to make her smile and laugh throughout the whole night.

-------------------------------------

Jun got out of the car and joined Karina. Jun pulled his cap down to cover his face and grabbed Karina's hand. They walked hand in hand into a bar where the rest of his bandmates were waiting. They called him for a drink while he was having dinner with Karina. He agreed to come when they were done.

A girl was singing on the stage when he walked in. She was singing one of Jun's favourite songs, which made him turn his gaze and watched her. A girl in a white dress was holding the mic. Her voice filled the air. Jun was stunned. Karina nearly ran into him when he suddenly stopped. "Jun-kun?" Karina called him. She was shocked. When she noticed that Jun was watching the singer on stage, she decided to watch too.

As the song ended, the crowd in the bar burst into a round of applause. She was amazing Jun watched her singing until she got off stage. As he was about to approach her, he saw her walking towards a man dressed in a suit and tie, who gave a kiss on the cheek when she was in front of him. His steps stopped. He felt a tug on his hand, it was then he realised that he had totally forgotten Karina's presence. "Ah, gomen... I-I... let's go and find Aiba-chan..." Jun said to her.

Karina frowned. She was a little jealous with the way Jun was watching Sayuri, and she caught the jealous look on his face when the other man planted a kiss on Sayuri's cheek. But she decided to just keep quiet, it has been awhile since they last spend some time together, so she did not want the night to be wasted on arguments and fights.

Arashi were sitting not far from the stage. They found the four guys less than five minutes later. After ordering a round of drinks, Karina found herself in the middle of Arashi's tour talks. "I still need to practice that last part again..." Sho said, talking about the choreography for one of the songs that they would be performing for the upcoming concert. The talk continued for half an hour. Jun hardly paid any attention to her, but she was used to it.

Ohno was the first to take his leave, saying that he has some work to catch up on at home. Bidding his bandmates and Karina goodbye, he left. Jun, Nino and Aiba who were already drunk, went to the sing a few songs, leaving Karina alone with Sho. "You don't drink much, do you, Sho-kun?" Karina asked, trying to make a conversation.

"Ah... hai. I am the designated driver for tonight... I'll be driving Nino and Aiba..." Sho replied. "And, I have work tomorrow, I hate to wake up with a hangover."

"Ah, sou ka...?" Karina fell silent again. Sho sat and laughed at his friends. Suddenly, she decided to ask Sho about some things that had been bothering her lately. "Erm... Sho-kun?"

"Nani ka?" His eyes were still fixed on his bandmates.

"I know that this is weird, I just thought that you might be able to tell me..." This time, he turned and looked at Karina. "Anou... who is Sayuri?"

"Eh?" Sho was shocked to hear her question. "I thought you're working with her..."

"Yes... what I mean was, who is Sayuri, to Jun-kun?" Karina rephrased her question.

"Ah... she was Jun's girlfriend..." Sho replied almost immediately before he even thought about the answer. When he realised it, he knew it was too late to say anything. Karina was flabbergasted. "Ah... that was five years ago..."

After being persuaded by Karina, Sho decided to just lay out the truth to her, eventhough he knew that it would cause so much trouble with Jun soon. He battled with his rationality, thinking that Karina deserved to know the truth. He set out to tell her the whole story... except the part when she left Jun... Sho never knew why... or how.

They've known each other since they were small. Their parents were friends. Jun's mother practically raised Sayuri, after the death of Sayuri's mother. They had been best friends. It is very hard to find one without the other. But the first love bloomed after Jun joined the entertainment industry.

They said that the heart grow fonder with distance. Jun started missing her and longed for the days that he'd be back to meet her. They started seeing each other, and it was hard to separate them. The relationship stopped when Sayuri left on that one fated day...

Hearing the story from Sho, made Karina slightly uncomfortable. She sat in the chair, in silence, thinking of what had just been told...

--------------------------------------------------

He woke up with a bad hangover. On his best side table, were his glasses and a note from Karina. Jun read it and just left it on the table. He stood up and went to the kitchen to drink a glass of water. As usual, he started thinking as he sipped his drink. The first thought that came to his mind was that fated day.

The first drop of rain surprised him. Quickly, he grabbed her hand and started running for shelter shelter. Her hair was already soaking when they found a place. Her clothes were plastered to her body like a second skin. Her body started to shiver. Jun took out his jacket and wrapped it around her, he pulled her closer to him. His lips were so close to her ears.

"Sayuri..." he whispered her name.

"Nani?" she asked in between her chatterings.

Jun smiled. He looked at her face and cupped her chin. He pulled her lips closer to himself. He kissed her... a kiss that was enough to make Sayuri melt in the knees. "I love you..." he whispered in her ears.

Jun never got to know the reply to his words. Sayuri left him the next day...