IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Thirty Two

After a few days, Ryu and Himawari decided to return home, feeling most at ease and comfortable there. Despite Kazuma's reassurances that they should stay longer, they ultimately knew that being at home provided them with a sense of familiarity and security.

Ayame offered to drive Ryu and Himawari home, and they spent a leisurely half a day together. Initially, Ryu was hesitant at his request but ultimately agreed when Himawari expressed excitement to join. Surprisingly, this decision stood in contrast to Ryu's reservations, given their conversation the previous day when they had first encountered Ayame.

...

Himawari headed over to a tree located across from the cottage and took a seat beneath it. Ryu observed her before joining her, contemplating what to say or ask, unsure if it was appropriate.

As they sat in silence for a while, Ryu brought one knee to her chest and rested her face against it. Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she broke the silence, "So, do you want to talk about what happened back there?"

Himawari fidgeted with her thumbs, a mixture of uncertainty and confusion in her voice, "I...I just don't know how...how to behave..."

Ryu responded, her voice gentle, "How to behave, you mean? What do you mean by that?"

Himawari affirmed and continued twirling her thumbs nervously, expressing her concerns, "Meeting Uncle Gure, Uncle Tori, and even Uncle Yuki...it feels completely different from meeting my Papa. I'm worried that he might not want to be my father."

Ryu's eyes widened in surprise at Himawari's words. She knew she couldn't directly contradict her by saying she was wrong, as she couldn't speak on Ayame's behalf. Although he had listened intently to her confession earlier, saying he wouldn't want that would be presumptuous of her. After all, he had only recently become aware of Himawari's existence.

Ryu gently explained, "I can't speak for Ayame, sweetie, I truly can't. He has a choice, and it's perfectly normal to feel scared in this situation. All I can do here is support any choice that's made."

Himawari nodded, her voice determined, "I know, Mama...and thank you. If my Papa doesn't want me...I want you to know that I am strong. I'll be able to handle it."

Ryu placed her hands gently on Himawari's, assuring her, "You shouldn't have to bear such a burden alone, but I'm sure you'd do it anyway. You have quite a few Uncles here for you, and they all care about you. However, I wouldn't trust Uncle Shigure too quickly; he can be a bit troublesome."

Himawari chuckled, her face brightening, "Uncle Gure is certainly weird, but there's something about him that reminds me of you, Mama."

Ryu laughed playfully, exaggerating mock offense, "Now, Hima, what did I do to warrant such a jab?

Himawari observed intently, noting with insight, "Uncle Gure always puts on a happy facade, but his smiles are often insincere. Much like you, Mama. I don't understand why he does it, but I know you do it to conceal your sadness and worries."

Ryu laughed softly and leaned her head against Himawari's from the side, acknowledging, "I suppose we do share that trait, though for different reasons. It's undeniable, nonetheless."

With a smile, Himawari replied, "I hope to see more of your genuine smiles; they're quite beautiful."

Ryu pressed a kiss on her head, expressing sincere gratitude, "I'll do my best. Thank you for opening up to me."

...

The peacefulness and privacy of the cottage were disrupted as Ryu and Himawari returned. Upon their return, they found the house teeming with activity. The presence of the teens made it challenging for Himawari and Ayame to spend any meaningful time together, further complicating the already delicate situation.

As the evening progressed, Himawari opted to retire early, joining Tohru for a cozy sleepover. Meanwhile, Ryu ended up sharing a room with Kyo, an unintentional pairing resulting from inadvertently sleeping in Hatori's room earlier.

The next day leading to the current events, Ryu announced that she and Himawari had to return home as they had further plans for the remainder of the holiday with Kazuma. In response, Ayame kindly offered to drive them back, as he was already available to do so.

Ayame confidently proposed a lunch outing before departing, and despite the initial awkwardness at the café, Ryu skillfully facilitated conversation, focusing on his shop. Ayame exercised restraint, consciously avoiding any topics related to the true purpose of the gathering. Himawari's curiosity was piqued when she inquired about whether he had ever created extravagant outfits for notable individuals, sparking a more engaging discussion.

Despite his carefree disposition, which often led him to speak without thought, Ayame was mindful of what he divulged, careful not to mention anything inappropriate. He was well aware of the potential consequences if he carelessly said the wrong thing. Ryu was not the only one who would reprimand him; Hatori, Kyo, Yuki, and perhaps even Shigure would undoubtedly admonish him as well.

Upon reaching the dojo, Himawari eagerly darted ahead, determined to see Kazuma and ensure that he had tended to the garden as she had requested.

Ryu leaned on the car, flashing a smile and remarked, "You did wonderfully, I must say. I truly believe that your efforts with Yuki are making a difference."

Ayame turned to her with a blink, his expression thoughtful, "Do you really think so?"

Ryu turned to face Ayame directly and spoke gently, "Listen, if it's more manageable, I suggest concentrating on your efforts with Yuki, considering you've already been making progress in that area. It's not that I doubt your ability to handle both issues simultaneously; Rather, I believe becoming a parent unexpectedly requires time to adapt. Focusing on one matter at a time may be more constructive."

Ayame chuckled lightly and confessed, "I'm glad you've reached that decision. I won't run anymore, even if my memory was erased. My words about Kana and her finding happiness, despite the pain Hatori endures, are moot. I have contributed to bringing someone into the world—my own child—something I never thought possible, given our circumstances. My emotions are a mix of fear and joy, knowing that the curse hasn't stolen away something so precious as this."

"Ayame..." Ryu voiced, her voice quivering as tears welled up in her eyes. Turning away to hide her emotions, she managed to utter, "Thank you...thank you for not rejecting her."

Ayame's hand gently patted her head, a silent acknowledgement of her gratitude. He found himself at a loss for words, but the gesture was enough to convey his understanding.