Title: Don't Say Goodbye...

Chapter 3 : A Rival Arrives

Ukkiya barely saw Ruriko in the next few weeks.  She was either too busy or too tired to hang out with him.  If he didn’t know any better, he would think she was avoiding him.  But the rest of the gang hadn’t seen much of her either.  He missed her a lot but he knew it was better that way.  At least he could get used to the idea of not seeing her a lot more quickly. 

“Have you seen Ruriko lately?”  Ukkiya asked Kaoru while they were having ice cream one day. 

Kaoru shook her head.  “Nope.  Faye called her last night but her mom told Faye that she wasn’t home from the embassy yet.  I think it has something to do with her visa.”

Ukkiya nodded thoughtfully.  “I see.”

Kaoru was looking at him curiously.  “Why do you ask?  Haven’t you been seeing her?”

Ukkiya shook his head.  “I haven’t really seen her since she told me she was going to Harvard.”

“Do you miss her?” Kaoru asked.

Ukkiya looked taken-aback by the question.  Then he laughed easily.  “Rurippe?  Nah,” he lied. 

Kaoru looked searchingly at his face.  She wasn’t fooled by the easy smile on his face.  She knew Ukkiya missed Ruriko more than he cared to admit.  And with that knowledge, she felt a little tug at her heart. 

She liked Ukkiya a lot and she wanted to be more than just friends with him.  But she’s not blind.  She saw the way Ukkiya looks at Ruriko when Ruriko wasn’t looking.  It was a look full of love, longing, and tenderness that Kaoru wished it was directed at her instead.  And Ruriko… it was obvious she cared for him too.  Underneath all the bickering and fighting was a love reserved only for each other.

A wistful smile touched her lips.  At first, she had been too stubborn to see the bond between the two.  She had gone after Ukkiya and tried to make him fall for her instead.  But her efforts were in vain.  It was a lost cause really.  Though Ukkiya cared deeply for her, she knew it could never reach beyond the bounds of friendship.   He was much too in love with Ruriko to take an interest in any other girl.

“Kaoru-chan, are you still there?” Ukkiya asked, waving a hand in front of her dazed face.

Ukkiya’s voice cut Kaoru’s reverie short.  She smiled sheepishly.  “Yup, sorry I kinda spaced out.  I was just thinking.”

Ukkiya looked at Kaoru’s face curiously.  She was really pretty, in a pixie type of way, with her big dark eyes, pert nose and short hair.  And she was so nice and friendly.  He knew Kaoru liked him.  But though he found her attractive, he could never look at her that way.  Sure, she was pretty and nice enough.  But she was not Ruriko…

Ruriko… the girl he loved for so long… the girl who filled his heart with a kind of happiness only she could give… the girl he might never again see after this summer vacation…

“What were you thinking about?” he asked Kaoru, trying to block thoughts of Ruriko from his mind.

“Nothing much,” Kaoru replied.  “Just things…” she finished lamely.

“Oh.”

“I’m just wondering,” Kaoru ventured out.  “Since Ruriko is leaving soon…”

Ukkiya felt his throat tightening at her words.  He hoped she wouldn’t ask him for what he could never give her.

“… Would you mind helping me throw a surprise farewell party for her?” Kaoru finished.

It took Ukkiya moments before he could summon a reaction.  Kaoru merely wanted to ask for his help, not for him to be his boyfriend!  He sighed in relief, his heartbeat returning to its normal rate.

Kaoru was looking at him expectantly.  “Well?”

Ukkiya smiled.  “That’s a great idea.  What would you like me to do?” he asked enthusiastically.

For the next hour, the two of them planned the party.  Kaoru was in charge of the invitations and the decorations, while he was in charge of the food and the task of bringing Ruriko to the party.  They planned to ask Reiko if they could have the party at her place, but knowing Reiko, the answer would probably be yes.  They agreed to meet up later to go over at Reiko’s house to ask her.

It was close to sunset when the two of them were through with the plans.  As they went on their separate ways, Ukkiya waved goodbye and called over his shoulder,  “Don’t forget to let the others know about the party!  I’m sure they’ll want to help out too!”

Kaoru waved back.  “Don’t worry, I will!  See you later!”

Ukkiya turned and started walking towards his home.  But on impulse, he suddenly turned and headed towards the schoolgrounds.  The sun would set in a few minutes and he wanted to catch a glimpse of it.  His heart was racing as he climbed the steps that led to the rooftop.  He had a feeling he will find something there although he had no idea what.

When he reached the doorway of the rooftop, his racing heart reached a crescendo at what he saw.  A dark-haired girl was sitting on the railing, her back to him, her legs hanging daintily over the edge.  The afternoon breeze was blowing her silky, long brown hair, together with the yellow ribbon tied around it.  Ruriko. 

A smile broke from his face.  He walked over to where she was sitting and plopped down beside her.  “Oi, Rurippe!” he greeted cheerfully.

Ruriko turned to look at him.  Surprise flickered in her expressive brown eyes, then she smiled at him.  “Oh hi Ukkiya-kun,” she greeted back.

Ukkiya looked intently at her face, taking in every detail: her lively eyes and the way it sparkled whenever she smiled, her pert nose, her rosebud lips and her flawless porcelain skin.  He was going to miss looking at her lovely face after she’s gone.  Without conscious thought, his hand rose up and cupped her cheek, his finger rubbing against its softness.  Ruriko looked startled but she didn’t do or say anything about his action.  “How are you Rurippe?  I haven’t seen you for quite some time” he asked, his voice slightly husky.

Ruriko felt her heart slamming inside her ribcage.  Ukkiya’s callused palm felt good against her cheek.  Was this guy really Ukkiya Shun whom she had known since childhood?  The Ukkiya she knew was always carefree and he had never looked at her that way.  But he had called her Rurippe so it must be him.  “I’m fine, Ukkiya-kun,” she managed to say, her voice just quavering slightly.  “I’m sorry I haven’t had the time to see you.  I’ve been really busy, you know.”

Ukkiya’s hand dropped from her cheek and he looked away.  “I know.  So you really are going away, huh?  I mean, it’s definite already?” he asked staring over the view of the city in front of them.

Ruriko nodded.  “Yup.  It’s really definite.  I’m leaving in about a week,” she confirmed.

“In… a …week?” Ukkiya stammered out.  “But that’s so soon.  Can’t you stay here at least until summer vacation is over?”

Ruriko shook her head delicately  “’Fraid not.  I have to get to the States soon.  I have to settle in before classes start.”

For a moment, Ukkiya’s gray eyes looked sad.  But the look was gone in the next instant.  “In a week?” he exclaimed again.  “I never thought I was that close to being free of the sniveler at last!”   He closed his eyes tightly, bracing himself for the punch he knew would soon follow his remark.

Well, that’s the Ukkiya I know, Ruriko thought dryly, not bothering to respond to his insult.

When an attack didn’t immediately come, Ukkiya opened his eyes and looked at Ruriko’s profile, his eyes puzzled.  She didn’t even react…

Suddenly, Ruriko gasped in delight, her eyes lighting up.  “Wow!  It’s beautiful!”

Ukkiya turned at where she was looking and a smile crept on his face.  The sun was already setting, painting the sky with an array of warm shades of pink, red, yellow, and orange.  “It is beautiful,” he agreed quietly.  But not nearly as beautiful as you… He moved closer to her and his arm brushed hers lightly.  He felt as though he had been scorched by the sun from the brief contact.  He looked at Ruriko and he could almost swear she was blushing but it was impossible to tell because of the warm glow the setting sun cast over everything. 

When the last streaks of the sunset left the sky, Ruriko smiled at Ukkiya.  “This place offers the best view of the sunset.  I’m afraid I won’t be able to find another one like it in the States,” she confided.

“That’s why you come here to watch the sunset everyday,” Ukkiya guessed.

Ruriko look startled by his conjecture.  “How did you know that?” she demanded.  “Have you been following me around?” she asked accusingly.

Ukkiya rolled his eyes heavenward.  “Cool it, Rurippe!”

“Don’t call me Rurippe!” Ruriko said through clenched teeth.  “I have a name.  It’s Ruriko, in case you don’t know.”

Ukkiya threw his hands up in mock surrender.  “Okay!  Okay!  Sorry, Ruriko!” he said, emphasizing her name.  “I haven’t been following you.  Wherever did you get that idea?  I know you Ruriko.  Remember I’ve known you since we were little.  I know you’re a real softie at heart, a sentimental fool.”

Ruriko blushed to the roots of her hair.  “Shut up, Ukkiya-kun!” she muttered darkly.

“I was right, wasn’t I?” Ukkiya asked smugly.

“Whatever,” Ruriko replied nonchalantly, getting down from her place on the ledge.  Ukkiya followed suit.  “It’s getting dark.  I have to get home.  We’re having company for dinner.”

“I’ll walk you home,” Ukkiya offered as they descended down the stairs.

“There’s no need.  I know my home is out of your way.” Ruriko replied.

“It’s no trouble, really,” Ukkiya insisted.

Ruriko just shrugged and they walked home in silence.

When they reached her door, Ruriko turned to face Ukkiya.  She smiled shyly at him.  “Would you like to come in?  Have dinner with us.  I’m sure mom would love to have you.”

“I’d like that,” Ukkiya replied smiling back.  Then a thought crossed his mind.  “Oh no!” he groaned out, slapping his forehead in distress.

“What is it?” Ruriko asked, alarmed.

“I’m sorry, Rurip… I mean, Ruri-chan.  I can’t have dinner with you tonight.  I have to meet Kaoru-chan later,” Ukkiya replied apologetically.  “Some other time?” he asked hopefully.

Ruriko felt a stab at her heart at the mention of Kaoru’s name but she forced a smile.  “Yeah sure.  I understand.  See you soon, ok?”  She stepped inside the house and closed the door quietly behind her.  Once inside the house, she rushed to her room and flopped facedown on her bed.  The tears she had been holding back streamed freely down her cheeks.  When her tears were spent, she sat up and composed herself.  She knew her mom would be knocking at her door in a few minutes to call her for dinner and she had to look at least presentable.  She wiped the last traces of tears from her face and went to her bathroom to splash cold water on her face. 

The knock came on her door just as she was pulling a red dress over head.  “Ruriko, come down for dinner.  Our guests are already here,” her mom called from outside her door.

“I’m coming, mom!” Ruriko called back.  She fastened a matching red ribbon around her head and checked her appearance on her vanity mirror.  Satisfied, she went down to join her family at the living room.

“My daughter is here at least,” Mr. Ikusawa announced she appeared at the doorway.  “Come in,” he beckoned to her.  “Come meet the Yukis.”

Ruriko nodded and stepped into the room.  All their guests stood up and she bowed politely at them.  “This is my daughter, Ruriko,” her father introduced proudly.  “Ruriko, meet Mr. And Mrs. Yuki and their son Kyosuke.  Kyosuke will also be studying in Harvard this schoolyear,” he added, glancing meaningfully at Mrs. Ikusawa.

“I’m pleased to meet all of you,” Ruriko said politely, smiling at Mr. And Mrs. Yuki.  When she glanced at the young man standing beside Mrs. Yuki, her eyes almost popped out of their sockets.  Kyosuke Yuki had to be the most handsome person she had ever seen.  He had brown hair that flopped over his soft blue eyes and an easy smile that made her heart leap inside her chest.  He was a lot taller than she was, the top of her head barely reaching his shoulders.  She had to look up… a long way up to meet his gaze.

Kyosuke smiled at her.  “I’m pleased to meet you Ruriko-san.” 

Ruriko returned his smile with a sincere one of her own.  “I’m pleased to meet you too, Kyosuke-san.”

“So you’re going to Harvard too, huh?” Kyosuke inquired.

Ruriko nodded politely.  “I’m leaving next week,” she replied.

Kyosuke looked surprised.  “That soon?  I won’t be leaving until the end of the summer.  I want to spend more time with her friends before I leave for the States.”

“There’s nothing left for me here,” Ruriko muttered to herself, her eyes darkening a bit.

“Come again?”

She forced the dark look from her face.  She smiled at Kyosuke, though this time her smile was forced.  “I said, I’m just excited to see the States that’s why I can’t wait to leave.”

Kyosuke just shrugged.  Mrs. Ikusawa cleared her throat and announced that dinner is waiting for them.  They all filed out of the living room and headed to the dining room. 

Dinner was an enjoyable affair.  The food was good and Kyosuke related some stories that had everyone laughing most of the time.  This guy has a good sense of humor, Ruriko observed quietly.  By the time the dishes had been cleared, her parents complained of stitches on their sides from laughing so hard.   Ruriko was wiping tears of mirth from her eyes herself.  She had never had this much of a good time in a long time. 

After dinner, the Ikusawas walked the Yukis to their car to say their farewells.  Ruriko hung back awkwardly behind her parents, watching Kyosuke walk to the car. 

Suddenly Kyosuke turned to look at her and waved goodbye.  “Bye, Ruriko-san!  I hope to see you again!” he called out smiling.

Ruriko smiled and waved back.  “Bye, Kyosuke-san!”

Kyosuke waved one last time before getting into the backseat of the waiting car.  Then they drove away.

Mrs. Ikusawa was watching her daughter closely.  “Kyosuke seems like a nice boy,” she commented meaningfully.

Ruriko blushed ever so slightly.  “Yes, he is,” she agreed dutifully.

Her mom winked conspiringly at her.  “If you’re looking for a boyfriend, I think he’s available,” she whispered.

“Oh mom!” Ruriko groaned out.  “I like Kyosuke-san but not that way.  I mean, he’s nice and all but I can’t really think of him as my boyfriend,” she whispered back.

Mr. Ikusawa watched the bantering between his wife and daughter with an amused expression on his face.  “Oi, the two of you.  Get on inside.  It’s getting late.”  He ushered the two inside their house then locked the door behind him.  They said their goodnights then went on to their own rooms.