IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Seven

Kyo Sohma is known as one of the most stubborn individuals Ryu has ever encountered. Since she returned, he has been diligently avoiding her as though she were the plague.

Kyo Sohma's stubborn nature was only outshined by his inclination to act on his instincts, just like the other Zodiac members. As a person with the cat spirit, he had an innate ability to hide, making it incredibly difficult to find him. His hiding skills were a prominent aspect of his personality, and he loved to avoid social situations by disappearing into the shadows, leaving his friends and family wondering where he had gone.

"No luck finding Kyo again today, eh?" Ryu jumped in surprise when Shigure emerged from his room with a sly grin. She paused for a moment, feeling dejected, and then threw herself onto the deck of the house, laying down carelessly on the floor. Staring up at the ceiling, she took a minute to collect her thoughts and accept her disappointment once more.

While Kyo may have every reason to run away, she can't help but acknowledge that his actions are the result of her own decisions. She left him without considering his feelings, and now she must accept the consequences.

"I understand that Kyo may not be interested in receiving my apologies right now, but leaving things unsettled like this is not an option for me. I have to find a way to fix this situation, whatever it takes." She confessed to him.

Shigure paused, holding his pen in his fingers for a moment, before placing it back down on his desk. "Perhaps Kyo doesn't see your apologies as genuine, but rather as an obligation. Maybe he feels that you are only doing it to ease your own guilt, rather than because you truly regret your actions."

Ryu winced at his words, her expression one of both pain and determination. "As his older sister, however unofficial it may be, I feel responsible for making things right. Knowing where I went wrong, I cannot let this situation remain unresolved. Even if he screams or hates me, I want Kyo to know that I love him, and that I have never once stopped, no matter how much time passes."

"You might as well be as stubborn as he is," Shigure stated as he walked over to where she was sitting. "And with Tohru around, you know he'll eventually give in," he continued. Ryu furrowed her brows at his words, but did not bother to argue. Though she had not yet had the chance to meet Tohru, the teen's positive influence over Kyo was undeniable.

"Tohru? But didn't she return—

"You stupid rat! You always got to say unnecessary things!"

"I wouldn't have to say these things, if you didn't say idiotic ones."

"Argh!! You piss me off!"

Ryu, hearing the loud voices approaching, shifted her body to see Kyo and Yuki coming up the path. Immediately her eyes were drawn to the girl following behind them, her smile as radiant as ever. But before she could rush over, Shigure grabbed her arm, pulling her with him towards the entrance of the house.

"Hey what are you—

"He won't run this time, I promise," Shigure stated firmly, sensing her hesitation. It took Ryu a moment to process his words, realizing that Kazuma's suggestion to gather at Shigure's house seemed orchestrated to force them into a situation where Kyo had no choice but to face her.

Kyo, his face set in a frown, looked up and saw Ryu waving at him with a smile. His initial instinct was to bolt, but he realized that his plans to avoid her had been thwarted by Tohru's innocent suggestion to cook lunch for everyone. Knowing that he couldn't leave without causing a scene, he grumbled and reluctantly followed the others into the house, his body tense and his expression still one of irritation.

"Congratulations!" Shigure interrupted, breaking the growing tension between Ryu and Kyo with a mischievous smirk. "You have successfully reclaimed the 'princess'," he continued, a hint of amusement in his voice, knowing he had played a part in orchestrating this encounter.

"You—" Kyo retorted, shooting Shigure an exasperated look. "You always manage to say the most irritating things!"

"You mean 'rescued,'" Yuki corrected with a deadpan expression, his gaze fixed on Shigure.

Tohru mumbled in a demure tone, her head lowered in polite bashfulness. "That...I have...returned."

"If you have any issues from now on, just let me know and I'll take care of them," Shigure stated firmly, his voice brooking no argument.

"No, no I've already troubled you enough."

Shigure chuckled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "As long as you continue to cook and clean, we'll be able to keep living just as we did before."

"You're terrible," Ryu muttered, taking a step forward as her eyes met Tohru's. A smile graced her lips as she introduced herself, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Ryu Shimizu."

"Pleased to meet you," Tohru replied, bowing her head politely. "I'm Tohru Honda," she repeated, her smile warm and genuine.

As Ryu and Tohru began to engage in polite conversation, Kyo seized the opportunity to discreetly slip away. However, he was thwarted by Yuki, who had anticipated his attempt to escape and was part of the plan to prevent him from leaving.

"Ms. Shimizu, would you do us the honor of joining us for lunch?" Yuki addressed her with a polite smile, while simultaneously gripping Kyo's arm in a vice-like grip, making it impossible for him to wriggle free.

"Excellent!" Shigure beamed, handing off Tohru's belongings to Ryu and Kyo. "Why don't you two help Tohru carry her things to her room?" he suggested, his gaze flickering with mischief.

"What?" Kyo protested, his annoyance evident as he and Ryu were left alone at the entrance. Tohru didn't even have a chance to react before she was whisked away by Yuki and Shigure, leaving the two of them standing there in baffled silence.

The pair stood in uncomfortable silence, acknowledging their predicament. With a resigned sigh, both Kyo and Ryu headed up the stairs to place Tohru's belongings in her room.

After placing Tohru's belongings in her room, Kyo and Ryu found themselves standing in an awkward silence, each trying to figure out what to do next. Neither wanted to be the first to speak, but the uncomfortable atmosphere made it clear that something had to be said.

Finally, Ryu broke the silence, clearing her throat to grab Kyo's attention. "Um... I guess we should head back downstairs?" she suggested, glancing over at him.

Kyo grumbled under his breath but nodded, his shoulders still tense. He was obviously still upset at the situation, but he didn't seem inclined to cause a scene.

Without another word, they headed back towards the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. As they descended, they could hear the sounds of conversation coming from the living room, signaling that the others were already gathered there.