One for Three

Chapter 30

I spent the rest of Sunday in bed; I couldn't handle any more trouble. Now it was Monday evening, and Mamoru would pick me up in an hour. I had already changed my outfit three times, still unable to find the perfect one. It needed to be stylish but not give him false hope. Currently, I was wearing an elegant red long-sleeved dress that was modestly high-necked. I decided to focus on applying my makeup first and, if there was still time, rummage through the closet. I was nervous, but in a peculiar way. I was actually looking forward to seeing Mamoru, even though I knew that tonight I would finally end it.

I had spent a long time contemplating my situation yesterday. It was the right decision to make a clean break with Mamoru today. Then the only thing left to resolve would be the Diamond-Sapphire issue, and I could finally start anew with Seiya. Nothing would stand in our way then. Our happiness was within reach.

The doorbell rang, and I wasn't ready yet. He was early again. I swung the door open and was almost back in the bathroom. Mamoru entered, holding a small bouquet of flowers, with a familiar playful smile on his lips. He used to flash that smile at me so often when he had to wait for me.

"Some things never change," he teased me slightly. "Take your time getting ready, I'll put the flowers in water."

What was this all about now? He was clearly falling back into old patterns, with his teasing and the flowers. But he just wanted to be friends... It was even his suggestion... Damn it, Mamoru, don't make it any harder for me now. I picked up the pace in the bathroom. I didn't want to keep him waiting unnecessarily longer. When I emerged again, Mamoru already had my coat in hand and helped me put it on. "You look beautiful, Bunny." "Thank you, you too."

There was a tense atmosphere; neither of us knew exactly how to interact with each other. Throughout the entire journey to the restaurant, neither of us said a word. Mamoru had reserved a table at our favorite place. Even our old regular spot because I loved the view from here. You could see the entire city from here, and often, our own problems seemed so small. Oh dear, I was getting sentimental. It looked exactly the same as our last visit, almost two years ago.

The waiter brought us the menus and poured a lovely red wine. "Bunny..." he began thoughtfully. "Yes, Mamo?"

Suddenly, his eyes looked so burdened, as if something was weighing heavily on his soul. Something he had kept hidden from me until now. I had known him for half my life, so I noticed it immediately.

"Bunny..." he started again and then let out a sharp breath. He raised the wine glass to his lips, as if buying time. But why?

"Please, just speak up... What's wrong? What's troubling you?"

"I think it's time for me to tell you about my time in America..." he said thoughtfully, his gaze deliberately avoiding mine. He couldn't even look me in the eyes. The little discomfort that resided in my stomach like a pebble suddenly grew. It was the first time since he returned that he voluntarily wanted to talk about America. I reached out my hand towards his and gently stroked his fingers, prompting him to finally look at me.

"I... I don't even know where to begin," he said, withdrawing his hand from my touch and running it through his hair. I gave him a reassuring smile. "Just start."

He took a deep breath and continued contemplating. I allowed him the time he needed. I could tell that it took a lot of courage for him to open up about this topic.

"I've known Rei for ages. Since she facilitated contact for me in America, she thought she should be present at least during the initial consultation... However, after we took a look at the potential side effects, she decided to wait until after the first few treatments before leaving again... In fact, the first treatments were the worst, from cold sweats to fever... vomiting..." He paused and looked out the window.