There wasn't a happy end

Chapter 7: Raindrops falling

Just like Makoto had said, all of them had things to attend to in the evening. The Rorin went to their headquarters and updated the documents of the people who owned them and as for Fumiko, she went to "Hanamichi" and got ready to serve her clientele.

This peculiar client was a very important Japanese citizen of the diplomatic body who had been living in the city for a month now. He entered "Hanamichi" with five personal guards by his side, an entrepreneur and another man who, Fumiko later realised, tasted everything before letting the foreign man eat.

They were all in one of the most beautiful rooms, the one with a beautiful hand-made tapestry of cherry blossoms and rivers. Fumiko was not serving alone, Chiyo was also there. As a chief Geisha, Chiyo was barely in service thus implying that tonight's guest was a very special and powerful man.

The evening seemed to pass quicker than others maybe because Fumiko really tried her best. Her efforts were not unseen by the diplomatic officer who slowly grew more interested in her, so much that before leaving he asked to speak in private with Chiyo, and so Fumiko was dismissed.

Dawn came and Chiyo called her into the office. The young Geisha was smiling until she came across the weary expression of Chiyo. She had always been a very beautiful woman; her beauty so known and admired that suitors came from across the sea to meet her. Chiyo was the only daughter of a rich merchant and when a very profitable offer was made for her hand her father agreed smiling. Thus Chiyo was shipped to Japan at the age of 16 to marry a very nice and understanding young man. After the marriage she took a Japanese name and her husband was kind enough to teach her the language and the culture. Yet after one year of friendship, he passed away and she was seen as the reason for this dreadful event. Devastated and still in mourning Chiyo left Japan and came back to Joseon finding a job at "Hanamichi". Thanks to her beauty she became famous and her life was much better than she had imagined.

Not long after her 22nd birthday, one chilly night, a small girl was left on the back door and Chiyo decided to keep her because she had always longed for a child. Now that child was an adult and could clearly understand that something was amiss. Fumiko made to ask but she was faced with a plea of narrating what happened on the trip. And so Fumiko told her everything, mentioning how funny Daiksuke was and how pleasantly surprised was to find out that Jeho and Ed were in a relationship. Then filled with excitement she went on to speak about the sea and how eye-catching and magnificent it looked. Fumiko spoke of it all leaving only Makoto out and it didn't go unnoticed.

"Is there a reason why you haven't said anything about Ryū's leader?"

Fumiko blushed. "It's because I don't know what to say." Her gaze fell on the floor. " I know that he is not the kindest of people and that he kills people for a living but, since the first time I saw him I can't take him out of my mind. On the trip he showed me a different version of himself that made my heart beat differently.

His image runs into my head almost every passing minute and no matter how much I try to concentrate on something else he is still there. Since the trip I long even more to see him. Only a day has passed yet I miss him so dearly. In fact last night I couldn't sleep due to the idea of maybe meeting him today. I can't eat properly either, it's like I don't have an appetite and my stomach hurts so much. What is wrong with me?"

Chiyo looked at Fumiko and saw the child she had once been looking up at her pleading for help. At that moment, Chiyo despised herself for what she was about to say because it was about to break every last hope Fumiko had for her and Makoto.

"It is nothing wrong with you, you are in love and under other circumstances I would be really happy for you but know I can't share your happiness as it only complicates things."

Fumiko gave her a puzzled look.

"The man who came yesterday... he took interest in you. He has decided to participate in the Mizuage ceremony with you."

These words struck Fumiko harder than she had expected. She had always known that the day would come yet now she had hoped that somehow Makoto would be the one to help her.

"I don't want to do that."

"It's your duty, Fumiko."

"I am well aware of that but I can't imagine myself with him, even for a night."

"I understand that it is troublesome for you, we all had that moment. Don't forget how beneficial is for you and the Hanamichi, how honourable you must feel for having such a powerful gentleman offering to help you with the ceremony! You cannot say no. All of our fates and honour are with you. I understand your feelings but I am sure Makoto would agree, he understands how important money is."

Chiyo took a step forward trying to comfort her but Fumiko took a step back, annoying her.

"Take some time to brace yourself. He told me that he will come the day after tomorrow. Think rationally." Chiyo said trying to keep her anger at bay. Closing her eyes to tranquilise herself she added, "Better take tomorrow off and go to the hot spring at the mountain to clear your mind. I am sure it will help you see more clearly."

Fumiko despite wanting to scream how unfair it was for her, only nodded and left the office. The rest of the day was spent with a continuous try to hold back the tears which only came free when her face touched the pillow, keeping Makoto's knife near her heart. What hurt her even more was that Chiyo was right, Makoto would have no reason to say no to an offer like this, even if he liked her, but she guess that the latter was not the case.