Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 7 - The Present (Part 1) A New Beginning

It's been a year since all of that happened. I sigh as I look out the window, admiring the view from my new cabin. I've even got my own secretary now. It's hard to believe how far I've come in life.

Glancing at my phone, it's him—my fiancé.

Ruby: Hello?

Megumi: Hi, Sweetheart! How's it going?

Ruby: Hi, Megumi! Just starting my day.

Megumi: Well, I hope you have a great day ahead. I called because I wanted to ask if you'd like to join me for an office dinner tonight. My boss is hosting a party to celebrate my recent promotion, and I'd love for you to come along.

Ruby: Oh? pauses, considering

Megumi: You still there?

Ruby: Yes, I'll come with you.

Megumi: Great! See you tonight, I'll pick you up at 6:00. Love you!

Ruby: Sure thing! Bye!

Megumi: Oh, and don't forget to call your parents. They've been trying to reach you and haven't been able to get through.

Ruby: sighs Yeah, I'll get back to them when I can.

Megumi: Alright! Bye for now. hangs up

I sit back in my chair, looking at the missed calls from my parents.

It's because of them that I'm so unhappy. If they hadn't interfered. tears start to well up

The day passes quickly, and soon I'm waiting outside for Megumi to pick me up.

I see a black car pull up in front of me, and Megumi steps out. I watch him ascend the stairs to greet me.

Megumi: Don't you look stunning. He gives me a peck on the cheek, then takes my bag and coat before leading me towards the car.

Ruby: Thank you, Megumi! You don't have to carry my things.

Flashes of Togame doing the same gesture flood my mind. He was always so considerate. Lost in thought, I stand by the stairs as Megumi calls out to get my attention.

Megumi: Hey! Let's go, Ruby. He checks his watch. We're running late. Hurry up, dreamer. He opens the car door for me.

Ruby: Oh, sorry! I'm coming. I quickly get in.

Megumi: Phew, it's cold, isn't it? Hope you're not freezing. Here, take my gloves. He starts to take them off to offer them to me.

Ruby: I gently place my hand on his. I'm fine, really. I smile.

Megumi: Smiles back. If you say so. Anyway, about tonight...

I zone out again, thoughts drifting back to Togame. Why can't I stop thinking about him? He's in the past, and whatever happened, there was a reason behind it. I shouldn't fight against life. I don't have the strength anymore. I've given up once again.

We arrive at a massive hotel, and Megumi helps me out of the car. Immediately, he's surrounded by colleagues, and I slip away from the crowd.

Megumi: Ruby! Darling, come here.

I freeze at his endearment—the only other person who called me that was Togame. Why must it be so hard? I turn and walk towards Megumi. He puts his arm around my waist and introduces me to his coworkers.