IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Forty Nine

Dragon and Kazuma retreated to another room together, both appreciating the moment of quiet. The two sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the brief respite.

Tohru and Kyo entered the room for a brief moment, carrying two cups of tea, which they served to the adults. Before the duo left, Dragon couldn't resist giving Kyo a playful glance as Tohru attended to Kazuma, earning a glare from Kyo. He quickly grabbed Tohru's hand and dragged her out of the room, trying to avoid any further trouble.

"I think you shouldn't tease him so relentlessly," Kazuma remarked, sipping his tea slowly.

Dragon shrugged and took a sip of her own tea, replying, "Sensei, even without me around, Ryu would do the same. Although, she'd probably do it in a more restrained manner. But, seriously, how can I resist? That girl is just endearingly lovable. I can totally understand why Akito seems to have a soft spot for her."

Kazuma let out a dry chuckle, muttering under his breath, "I wouldn't exactly say he likes her...he seems more interested in watching her fail..."

Dragon's expression turned pensive as she tapped her finger on the table. "I wouldn't put it past him," she admitted, her mouth twisting into a disapproving frown. "That wretched god..."

Kazuma addressed Dragon by the name she had given him to use in this form, his voice measured and thoughtful. "Dragon..."

He paused, carefully considering his words before continuing, "What do you hope to achieve by allowing Tohru to become aware of your current...predicament?"

"Tohru Honda..." Dragon mused, a hint of determination in her voice. "That girl...I trust that she has the potential to break the cycle that this god has set in motion. After witnessing how she opened Kyo's heart, I truly believe she may be the one who can put an end to this seemingly never-ending cycle."

Dragon's actions grew intense as she forcefully shattered the circle she had been drawing with the water from her tea. Kazuma flinched at the sudden movement, but she quickly offered him an apologetic glance before turning her gaze inward.

"For now," she spoke firmly, "I will do everything in my power to aid this girl...for Ryu, Himawari, and him."

"Him?" Kazuma repeated, momentarily taken aback. But realization dawned on him, and he exhaled deeply, his thoughts racing.

"Right...yes...him." In that moment, he remembered the core reason why Dragon was bound to Ryu—her pursuit of his freedom.

The adoptive father's fist clenched beneath the table, a silent display of the weight he carried. He was the solitary soul privy to the entire story, while Kyo knew only fragments. Ryu, meanwhile, remained blissfully unaware. When would she learn the truth? Would anger consume her? Would she ever forgive Kazuma or even Kyo for having kept it a secret?