IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Forty

As Kyo retreated to take a bath, both Ryu and Shigure were summoned by Kazuma to have a conversation with him. Making the most of Kyo's absence, Kazuma seized the opportunity to finally unveil the reason behind his unexpected visit.

However, amidst the casual dinner, Ryu and Shigure couldn't shake off an air of unease and suspicion. Kazuma appeared increasingly tense through the rest of the evening, his demeanor betraying his efforts to maintain a veneer of calm.

Kazuma's unexpected visit following months of evasion and his decision to arrive during the rainy season, when Kyo was at his most vulnerable, added to the sense of uncertainty.

Ryu's anxiousness escalated, and unlike Kazuma, who had the advantage of familiarity from his time with his grandfather, this situation felt strangely unknown to her. She didn't comprehend why Kazuma had chosen this particular moment, but it seemed there was a valid reason for her being kept in the dark about the facts.

Ryu grasped the fact that there were specific boundaries to her understanding, as an outsider to the Sohma family, there were things she couldn't fully grasp. It was a clear realization that no matter how much time had passed, her knowledge was limited to a certain extent. Even with her past experiences and relationships with the Sohma family, there were aspects of the family's dynamics and history that she would never be privy to as an outsider.

Ryu leaned against the railing beside Shigure, who stood next to Kazuma. Kazuma declared, "Tonight, I will be removing 'that'..." His intention was clear — he would take off Kyo's Juzu beads, a symbol that all Sohmas cursed by the cat must wear.

Shigure responded, "That might stir up some trouble."

Kazuma sighed and stated, "That is why I would like to preemptively offer my apologies..."

Shigure considered Kazuma's words and asked, "Don't worry about it, but why have you chosen now to take this action?"

Kazuma spoke quietly as he gazed down at the ground floor, his words slow and thoughtful. "When I saw his face today, I thought that perhaps...she might be able to touch his heart, and allow him to accept himself... This is the most effective way to test my theory. This moment is the right time to do it."

Ryu pushed herself away from the railing and looked up at Kazuma, seeking reassurance. "And what if it's not?" she asked. Kazuma didn't provide a clear response, his silence revealing his own doubts and uncertainty.

Shigure continued to tap his finger on his arm as he spoke, "There are no guarantees that this will work, though. Even if she accepts him, there's a chance Kyo might reject her, and that could completely destroy him. He might never smile again. Are you really willing to take that risk?"

Kazuma shut his eyes as Shigure's and Ryu's words resonated loudly in his ears. He was prepared to take the gamble, for this was an opportunity unlikely to present itself again. It was a dangerous endeavor, but one Kazuma was determined to embark upon.

Kazuma offered one final glance to Shigure and Ryu, but his gaze lingered slightly longer on Ryu. He didn't feel the need to apologize to her, since he had already fortified himself for what lay ahead.

As Kazuma exited the room, Shigure posed a question to Ryu, "While Tohru's response is uncertain and may change the situation, how do you think Kyo will react when Himawari sees him?"

Ryu responded, her tone thoughtful, "I understand your concern, but Himawari's reaction might not be Kyo's primary focus. When that realization does come, his mindset may be vastly different, especially if things go well with Tohru."

Shigure inquired, a curious expression on his face as he asked, "So, do you have faith in Tohru's ability to handle it?"

Ryu considered the question, contemplating how much confidence she truly had in Tohru. It seemed that many people had faith in the young girl, which made Shigure wonder if Tohru was indeed someone capable of bringing about significant changes.

Shigure listened intently as Ryu spoke, her words carrying a hint of unease. "I wish I could confidently say that everything will go smoothly, but I'm far from certain how things will play out," she admitted.

"Tohru is resilient, there's no doubt about that," she added, fidgeting with her hair as rain began to fall from the clouds above. "But even I find myself questioning what the night may hold."

Ryu closed her eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath to steady herself before walking out of the room and making her way downstairs.

When she reached the living room, she spotted Himawari sitting quietly by herself, watching television. There were no major obstacles preventing Ryu from simply gathering Himawari and leaving the house. However, if she chose to leave, it would undeniably put a significant strain on her relationship with Kyo, as running away was not an ideal solution.

Ryu walked over to where Himawari sat and enveloped her in an embrace, seemingly joining her in watching the television. However, despite the images flickering on the screen, the sounds were drowned out by the incessant pattering of rain outside, rendering them inaudible to Ryu.

They stayed like that for a few moments, and both Ryu and Himawari watched as Tohru approached, umbrella in hand. Tohru gave them a nod before opening the door to the outdoors. Ryu held onto Himawari's arm as they observed Kyo and Kazuma standing outside, soaked in the rain.

Himawari's confusion was apparent as she observed Kyo and Kazuma outside, but she didn't get the chance to voice her questions. Kazuma's booming voice filled the air, cutting through the rain as he approached Kyo.

Kazuma grasped Kyo's arm, his words resolute. "You said you hate it here, but deep down, we both know that's not true," he said. "You're just trying to escape, trying to avoid facing the truth."

"That place, the one described as being 'warm' — it's slowly healing you, but you're scared to let others see the real you," Kazuma continued. "You're terrified of what will happen and what you might lose if they find out about your true form."

Kyo vehemently shook his head, attempting to free his arm from Kazuma's firm grasp. "No..." he protested, his voice filled with a hint of desperation.

Kyo's eyes widened in realization as he heard footsteps approaching from behind Kazuma. His heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation. Kazuma, with a determined expression, slowly slid his hand towards the beads on Kyo's wrist.

Kazuma's voice carried a sense of finality as he spoke, "I will guide you through to the end, and if you do lose, I will still hold your hand as you run away." He then posed a question that cut deep, "Tell me, Kyo, were you truly born to endure a miserable life?"

Kazuma's question hung in the air, leaving a pregnant silence as the rain continued to fall. Kyo could only watch, his heart pounding, as Kazuma's hand reached the beads on his wrist. The moment seemed to stretch on forever, time slowing to a crawl.

Ryu and Himawari watched the scene with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the tension between Kazuma and Kyo. The rain continued to fall, the sound of raindrops hitting the leaves and the ground the only thing that broke the pregnant silence.

Kazuma's hand clenched the beads around Kyo's wrist tightly. In a swift and firm motion, he yanked them off with a harsh tug.

The beads made a dull clacking noise as they were forcefully removed, causing Himawari to shrink back behind Ryu instinctively. Ryu's eyes widened, and her grip on Himawari tightened as the atmosphere grew more tense.

Kyo's voice thundered through the air with a powerful cry, "DON'T LOOK AT ME !!!"

As his words echoed, Kyo's body began to convulse and transform.

The transformation was sudden and intense, as his muscles and bones contorted and shifted, his form growing larger and changing before everyone's eyes.