MEI AIHARA'S POINT OF VIEW

CHAPTER 28

YUZU POV

- Sigh... how long has it been?.. days are just passing for me now... I've been just busy studying, I promised her I'll do my best and be in the same university as her... sigh.. Mei... I really miss you... so much that it is killing me.. I really wanna talk to you... I told you before that I will help you  free yourself from the shackle your family has put upon you... but how? I can't think of ways now...

While Yuzu is studying and listening to her playlist on her phone, Sara calls...

"Hello? Yuzu? Its Sara! Sorry for calling you out of the blue."

"No, its alright. How have you been?"

"Great! Me and Nina changed a bit! Are you alright?"

"Yeah, so what is it?"

"Well, you see! We're wondering if it would be alright to stay over at your house?"

"Sure, I have to ask my mom first, but I'm sure it'll  be fine."

"Really? Nina! She said its okay!"

"Then I'll get back to you once I get the okay."

"Thank you Yuzu. By the way, is Mei doing well?"

"Um, yeah, Mei is probably doing fine. Well a lot of things happened so, she's living with her grandpa now"

"Ah so that's why you weren't sure. Hmm, so I won't get to meet her? I see.. that's unfortunate."

YUZU POV

- is Mei doing okay? Its true that they can't meet each other. But telling Sara the real reason would only make her worry.

Yuzu fetch Sara and Nina at the train station and they went home. Yuzu introduced her friends to her Mom and have dinner together. After dinner and taking a bath, Yuzu fix their beddings to prepare to sleep. At this moment, Sara took the opportunity to ask Yuzu about Mei, because she felt that there is something bothering Yuzu and her mom regarding Mei.

"Hey Yuzu, can I ask you something? I know that its hard to answer but I will still ask you. Did something happen between you and Mei? You told me before on the phone but I know that's not the whole story."

"I-its nothing. We're just temporarily apart. More importantly, about the Yuzubocchi event.."

"Wait a minute Yuzu! I'll tell you a story, please listen to me. I initially wanted to make this a secret between just Mei and I, but after seeing you today, I think I should let you know. Actually, when we were at Kyoto Tower during the school trip, I tried asking Mei if it was okay for me to kiss her. And Mei indeed tried to fulfill my wish. But I decided to tease her by asking a mean question: "You've never thought about wanting to kiss me, have you?" I asked. Mei remained silent while looking down. After some time, she finally replied: "The truth is that I'm not allowed to ask for anything". Her answer completely did not match what I asked her when I confessed. I realized that, Mei must have been going through a lot. So, I decided to stop asking. Mei looked really sad when she told me that. Althouogh I couldn't ask her why back then..."

YUZU POV

- Mei, why didn't you tell me... I can understand that we weren't lovers back then, when you are with Sara... but when we became  lovers, I wish you let me carry some of your burdens... or should I have noticed it when we were together?... I'm sorry Mei, I think I was not able to really understand you... or maybe I have noticed it and prefer to ignore it.. I really don't know anymore... what should I do now... (holding back tears)

As Sara continues, "Yuzu, the you right now and the Mei from back then, you share the same sad expression."

YUZU POV

- Having the same expression as Mei's? I was supposed to replace Mei's sadness with happiness. Did I really look that unhappy?

"Even though we might not be able to help much, but for you to take the first step from here. Wouldn't it be easier to talk about it if its with us?", Sara tries to assure Yuzu that it is okay to share her load with her and Nina.

"Mei, in order to inherit Aihara Academy, she is being forced to marry her fiance. She left the house to prepare."

"So thats what happened..."

"I, I am serious about wanting to make her happy. From now on, I'll always be by her side, and we will do eveything that would make her happy. But, if Mei has decided to pursue her goals, and if she needs to end our moments together to achieve that... I... really love her... so I don't want to be in her way... but... I don't know what to do anymore..."

"Thanks for telling us Yuzu."

Sara and Nina tried their best to comfort Yuzu as Yuzu can't stop herself from crying, until they all fell asleep.

A brand new morning came to Yuzu...

YUZU POV

- I am relieved... thanks Sara and Nina... clouds are no longer upon me.. I can think clearly now... I have to think of a way to bring Mei back to my side again...