IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Twenty One

Ryu's heart felt as if it were pounding against her ribcage, a mixture of humiliation and relief washing over her as she realized the surprise gasp was merely from passersby admiring Ayame's shop's attire. She allowed a breath to escape her, feeling simultaneously embarrassed and grateful for the reprieve.

Her journey back home proved mentally exhausting, and for a fleeting moment, Ryu thought she heard Dragon's snicker, as if amused by her internal battle.

Reflecting on her surroundings, Ryu acknowledged the smaller scale of Kaibara compared to what she had imagined. The dangers of voicing her thoughts were ever-present, and she understood the need for caution, delicately navigating until the time was right to unveil the secrets that burdened her.

Days turned into weeks, and Ryu's routine continued. She taught at the dojo, assisted Himawari with her studies, and tended to the growing garden at the dojo. The repetitive nature of her schedule both comforted and somewhat monotonic.

The routine carried on, but an unexpected visit from Hatori added a new element to the mix. It was the first of the scheduled appointments they had agreed upon, transforming him into both Ryu and Himawari's doctor.

Hatori's experience with Himawari's care resembled that of Yuki, both sharing the same susceptible immune system. Yet, a stark contrast emerged—while Yuki had faced a high-stress environment, Himawari's circumstances differed significantly. This divergence likely explained why Himawari was permitted to engage in some physical activities, albeit to a limited extent, such as her studies in the dojo, far more than Yuki could ever manage.

During the examination, Hatori noted that apart from her old scars from years past, Ryu was healthy and fit as any person should be. The only issue she shared with the other Zodiac members, including Hatori himself, was the recurring curse, but overall, she was in good physical condition.

Hatori voiced his concerns about Ryu's workload and methods to manage her anxiety. He advised her to take some time off, stop running, and avoid causing further distress to herself. He suggested that she take a break, relax and give herself some much-needed space to decompress.

As the primary Sohma family doctor, Hatori had accumulated a wealth of knowledge beyond what most in his profession might encounter. Dealing with anxiety-stricken individuals and members of the family, including Ryu, was not a novel experience for him. His extensive exposure to treating anxiety allowed him to effortlessly discern her hidden worries.

Not only was he professionally involved, but Hatori had also known Ryu personally for years, making it easier for him to address the topic with her.

Ryu found herself feeling a sense of longing and desire for Hatori to remain at the dojo when he left. Initially, she dismissed these feelings, not thinking much of them, but as time went on, they grew increasingly harder to ignore.

Despite her uncertainty, Ryu suspected that her newfound longing was somehow tied to the primal urge she had felt months ago when visiting the Sohma estate. The mystery of its sudden resurgence baffled her, and she knew that the only way to unravel this puzzle would be to attempt communication with Dragon and hope for some answers.