IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Twenty Seven

Ryu was thrown off by the streets of Kaibara at night. She rarely ventured out at night, and the prospect of getting lost had never crossed her mind. After all, she had grown up in the small town and was certain she would never end up in such a predicament.

However, her confidence had led her astray. Taking impromptu turns down unfamiliar streets, she found herself in an uncharted part of town, surrounded by an abundance of greenery that somewhat comforted her, reminiscent of Shigure's home.

In most cases, being surrounded by nature might be considered dangerous. However, Ryu's familiarity with the curse and the Sohma family reassured her. Animals only became aggressive when they felt threatened, but if they sensed no danger, they remained peaceful and docile.

Ryu shifted her grip on Himawari, who was now peacefully sleeping on her back, grateful that her daughter hadn't woken up. She didn't want her daughter to worry about their current predicament. Carefully, so as not to disturb her, Ryu held her daughter firmly, hoping to find her way home or at least come across a nearby residence that could guide them back.

Thankfully, Himawari was a heavy sleeper, and it took a considerable effort for Ryu and Kazuma to wake her up, even with their voices raised. Stepping on a branch or any other sounds didn't seem to disrupt her deep slumber.

As they followed the human-made path illuminated by the bright moon, Ryu kept her gaze fixed ahead, ensuring not to trip over roots or holes in the earth. She was particularly cautious not to fall with Himawari asleep on her back. The thought of dropping her daughter in this unfamiliar terrain filled her with anxiety.

Ryu felt a surge of relief as she spotted a cottage in the distance, the tension in her legs finally subsiding. The sight of lights in some of the rooms reassured her that someone was likely inside.

She approached the front door and, using one hand to hold Himawari, knocked on the door. Sensing her arm was nearing its limit, she returned her hand to its place, keeping a firm hold on her sleeping daughter.

Ryu stood patiently, listening intently for any signs of life within the cottage. After a couple of minutes, she heard footsteps approaching, and a sigh of relief escaped her lips. Turning her head up, she smiled as the door slowly creaked open.

Ryu spoke quickly, her words frantic, "Hello, sorry for intruding, but you see, my daughter and—"

She stopped suddenly, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes widened in surprise. Standing before her was none other than Shigure.

"Ryu?" Shigure's surprised voice brought her back to the moment. For a fleeting moment, she had mistakenly believed she was somehow at Shigure's house, but the reality was different. She was in a different location entirely.

"Shigure?" Ryu gasped, her eyes widening as he eyed the child soundly sleeping on her back.

"So, this is the other secret," Shigure smirked, his arms crossed. "Interesting," he added with a curious glimmer in his eyes.