IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Thirteen

In rare moments, Ryu found herself contemplating what it would be like if she could somehow erase all her memories, permanently.

Ryu often wondered if she would have led a normal life if her memories were erased. Would she have a family of her own, settled down and gotten married? It was a futile thought, though, because it was an impossibility. These musings occasionally crept into her mind when she was out running errands, particularly when she encountered couples of all ages in town.

Ryu's life since her past had been marked by a lack of romantic experiences. Her cursed state had left her isolated, even from those of the opposite gender. This solitude had become a habit of self-preservation, driven by her need to avoid the complications of erasing memories. Her gut instinct, shaped by this constant awareness of impermanence, had caused her to avoid relying on others or anything at all, for fear of temporary attachments.

Even her life with Kazuma and Kyo hadn't been immune to her recurring thoughts of impermanence. Her negative mindset had shaped false realities, convincing her that one day she would wake up and they would be gone. Although her bonds with them had been strong, her mindset remained unchanged.

Ryu's connections with Shigure, Ayame, and Hatori had not altered her outlook either; each of them had been unable to change her ingrained mindset.

But the moment Ryu held Himawari in her arms and heard her first cries, her perspective changed. This little life created by her became the catalyst that instilled in her the belief that nothing was temporary if she chose not to make it so. She only needed to keep trying, and the effort alone was enough, regardless of the outcome.

Ryu quietly smiled to herself, taking a last glance at the content couple seated on a nearby bench. Her hand moved to her chest, but unlike usual, there was no hint of envy. It was a small step towards her growth, and the thrill she felt when considering her progress was undeniable.

Ryu's thoughts were interrupted by a young female teen's voice. She turned to see a group of teens engaged in animated conversation.

"No way, why don't you go!" one of the teens exclaimed, their voices loud and eager.

"Are you kidding me?! I could never" Ryu fully snapped out of her thoughts with a jolt as the two girls nearby squealed loudly. She discreetly turned to see them blushing and eyeing someone across the way. Her curiosity piqued, she followed their gaze through the bustling crowd. There, she spotted a young man peering intently at a bulletin board displaying a town map.

"He has such great style!" One of the girls gushed, her shrill squeals practically making Ryu wince. Despite their obvious fascination, the girls made no attempt to approach the guy.

"I know! I wonder what he's doing over there. Doesn't he know where he's going?" The motherly side of Ryu kicked in as she watched the young man exhibit signs of confusion. His constant foot tapping and head scratching had clearly left him feeling overwhelmed. Acting on instinct, Ryu walked over to offer her assistance without much hesitation.

As Ryu approached, she overheard someone making a remark—"He looks like an owner of a bar." A soft chuckle escaped her lips. Having gotten closer, she now had a clearer view of the teen's face, and his youth was immediately obvious in his young features.

"Let's go talk to him! Maybe he'll go out with us!" One of the girls enthusiastically suggested. Ryu couldn't help but sigh in disbelief, unable to fathom their fascination with a stranger. But then again, she had never quite fit the mold of a typical teenager herself. During her teen years, she had spent most of her time defending those who tormented her for various reasons. The end result was always a barrage of insults that often escalated into verbal or physical altercations.

Ryu tried to follow the teen's gaze on the map, but she couldn't quite figure out what area he was searching for. Instead, she simply inquired, "Is there a specific place you're looking for?"

Her amusement grew when the teen seemed disoriented, as if he had momentarily forgotten what he was doing. While observing his thought process, she unwittingly chuckled at his behavior. However, before she knew it, someone rushing through the crowded streets accidentally bumped into her, causing her to lose balance and stumble toward the teen.

In a split second, Ryu realized she wouldn't be able to stop herself from falling, and the teen, equally slow to react, was too late to prevent it. A shared panic set in as they each quickly tried to distance themselves and assess their bodies.

As Ryu studied the teen's face, her expression grew pale with realization. The features that hinted at the cursed Sohma bloodline were unmistakable, and his natural hair color, though unusual for others, confirmed its authenticity.

Ryu's whisper was directed more to herself than anyone else, as she wrestled with her nerves. "You're a Sohma," she murmured. Only Kyo, Kazuma, and Akito were aware of her secret, and she desperately wanted to keep it that way. She dreaded the possibility of it being discovered, as it could lead to revealing what she had done. While not a certainty, the thought still loomed in her mind, and she couldn't shake off the anxiety that came with it.

The young man studied her intently, attempting to place her face to a name, yet his frustration grew as he drew a blank. He prided himself on knowing every member of the Zodiac, being close to Akito. Confidence in his knowledge led him to dismiss the idea of any secret member. Despite this bold assumption, Ryu exhibited no Sohma characteristics, leaving him to discard the possibility.

The teen's eyes narrowed as he looked at her with suspicion.

"Who are you?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity and wariness.

Ryu elaborated, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation. "I am Kazuma's adopted daughter and Kyo's sister... My name is Ryu Shimizu." She rummaged through her bag, searching for something to write on. The teen observed her closely as she pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled hastily on it. "Since we both seem to have something to discuss, I'll answer your questions later... You can either come to the dojo or call me." She handed him the note.

Ryu was filled with unease as one of her fears materialized before her. She could feel the stress mounting, and she knew she wouldn't be able to suppress it for much longer. The last thing she wanted was to transform in public, so she hastily made a swift exit. In her mind, she silently apologized to the teen, knowing that her sudden departure might not make the best impression, but also recognizing the necessity of it.

She ran as fast as her feet could carry her, her steps echoing in the empty streets, and a lump formed in her throat. The air felt heavy, her heartbeat thud with panic, and her mind raced with worry. She clenched her fists, feeling a surge of emotions.

The sound of footsteps was carried by the wind behind her, and fear gripped her heart, making her quicken her pace.