Game Over

STAGE TWENTY-SEVEN >> Unfairly Likeable

This is a work of fiction. All of the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this story are all products of the author's imagination used in fictitious manner. Any resemblance to an actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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The exchange and the messages were brief and Yuki has to admit that he was a little adamant about his decision to meet up with a stranger. A stranger who happens to know his name and number. Frowning slightly, he mull over his decision but then find out that he already replied, even settling on the location of the meeting place. On whether he will regret this decision or not...well, that was another story to tell later.

As he was about to head out, preoccupied with the stranger and organizing his things, he barely noticed the figure standing right behind watching him with sad eyes.

"You look like you're in a hurry," Akihiro's voice startled him, approaching slowly, he walked to where Yuki was with hands in his pockets.

Yuki wasn't prepared for this. They had an agreement that Akihiro will give him the space that he needed. But Akihiro wasn't known as someone patient either, and it took a lot of courage on his part not to even give him a look. But Yuki has his reason why he asked for space. He wouldn't deny that he still has feelings for the man, and he probably would still end up choosing him. However, what he went through and experienced after being honest with his feelings back then was muddled with all the memories of the aftermath. And even if Akihiro already apologized, and explained his side of the story, he still couldn't help but doubt his feelings. The fear of going through the same pain and humiliation was too much for his weary soul.

And forgiveness does take time...

"I'm meeting someone."

The expression on Akihiro's face was plain to see but he just nodded and accepted that he has no right to inquire. "Be careful," was all he could say.

Yuki looked at him too for a long moment, giving him one of those stoical-and-bear-it smiles that were clearly associated with misery. He didn't respond and walked away before the man could ask again. Somehow, ignoring that tiny squeeze in his chest.

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A lot of foreigners often imagine Tokyo as an existing jungle filled with skyscrapers, extensive urban centers, and commercial buildings. In fact, no one would suspect that there were quite a number of beautiful parks in the city hiding behind the bustling metropolis.

There was one described as the central park of Tokyo that was located in the Shinjuku area, known to many as the busiest and loudest district, and it was Yuki's favorite. This park consists of three types of Japanese traditional landscapes including large ponds, lawns, bridges, and more. And it was also very popular for its Sakura trees viewing every spring and autumn.

Yuki arrived first, sitting by the bench savoring the changes in the weather. Autumn was often regarded as the end of the growing season during which the temperatures gradually decrease. It was only fairly normal to feel the cool breeze that wafted through the surroundings.

He waited patiently, looking around the park and watching people pass him by, the majority of them were students if not office workers. This was a little further from his office but he prefers it this way, to avoid meeting familiar faces.

"I'm sorry for making you wait. I have to finish my work so they wouldn't suspect..."

Hearing that feminine yet strong voice made Yuki turn to the source and his mouth partly open when he finally saw the person.