RIVALRY

CHAPTER 13

Chapter 13: The Dance of RegretPresent – An Unexpected Invitation

A few weeks later, Akihiko was reviewing his latest research notes when his phone buzzed with an unexpected message. It was from Sayuri. He smiled softly, already anticipating a casual note or a suggestion to meet up. But when he opened it, the message made his heart skip a beat.

"Do you want to go to a gala with me?"

Akihiko stared at the screen. A gala? He hadn't been to one of those in ages. The event was tied to a prestigious scientific organization, a place where professionals like them mingled, made connections, and exchanged ideas. But there was something personal about this invitation. The thought of attending something so formal with Sayuri sparked a nervous excitement.

He quickly typed out a reply. "I'd love to."

A couple of days later, as he stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his bowtie for what felt like the hundredth time, he wondered if he'd made the right choice. It wasn't just the gala itself; it was the significance behind it. This felt different from their usual meetings. There was something undeniably romantic about being invited to an event like this.

The doorbell rang, and Akihiko hurried to answer. When he opened the door, his breath caught in his throat.

Sayuri stood there, radiant in an elegant evening gown that hugged her figure in all the right places. Her hair was pinned up in a way that emphasized the delicate curve of her neck, and she smiled at him, her eyes sparkling.

"You look amazing," he said, his voice softer than he intended.

"So do you," she replied, giving him a once-over. "Shall we?"

Flashback – The Missed Chance

Years ago, during their final year at university, there had been a similar event—a celebratory gala for top students in their field. Akihiko had considered asking Sayuri to go with him, but he had hesitated, unsure of how she would react. In the end, they had both attended separately, exchanging nothing more than a few polite words during the evening.

He had watched her from across the room, dancing with others, laughing with their classmates, and had regretted his decision to remain distant. That night had ended with them walking back to their dorms in silence, the opportunity slipping through his fingers.

Now, as they arrived at the gala together, Akihiko felt as though he had been given a second chance.

Present – A Night to Remember

The gala was in full swing by the time they arrived. The grand ballroom was filled with elegant decorations, chandeliers casting a soft glow over the crowd. Scientists, professors, and students mingled, dressed in their finest attire. The atmosphere buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses.

Akihiko and Sayuri made their way through the room, exchanging pleasantries with colleagues and acquaintances. But no matter who they spoke to, Akihiko found his attention constantly drifting back to Sayuri.

At one point in the evening, after they had been seated for the formal dinner, Sayuri turned to him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know, I never took you for the type to enjoy these events."

Akihiko chuckled. "Honestly, I don't. But I'm glad I came."

She smiled at him, her hand brushing lightly against his arm. "Me too."

As the night progressed, a band began playing soft music, and the floor opened for dancing. Akihiko watched as couples made their way to the center, swaying gently to the music.

Sayuri caught his gaze and tilted her head, a teasing smile on her lips. "Care to dance?"

Akihiko felt a momentary flash of panic. He wasn't exactly the best dancer, and he wasn't sure he wanted to embarrass himself in front of her. But the look in her eyes was impossible to resist.

He nodded, standing and offering her his hand. "Let's give it a try."

They stepped onto the dance floor, and Akihiko hesitated for a moment before placing his hand on her waist. She rested her hand on his shoulder, and they began to move in time with the music.

At first, it was awkward—he stumbled slightly, unsure of his steps—but after a few moments, they found their rhythm. The rest of the room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, lost in the music.

"I'm impressed," Sayuri said with a grin as they spun slowly across the floor. "You're better at this than I expected."

"Don't get too excited," Akihiko laughed. "I'm barely holding it together."

But despite his self-deprecating words, Akihiko found himself relaxing, enjoying the feel of her in his arms and the quiet intimacy of the moment.

Flashback – The Dance That Never Happened

During that university gala, Akihiko had watched from the sidelines as Sayuri danced with another student. He had wanted to ask her for a dance, but pride had held him back. He had convinced himself that he didn't care, that it didn't matter.

But as the evening had worn on and he saw her laughing with someone else, a pang of regret had settled in his chest. He had missed his chance then, but tonight, he wouldn't make the same mistake.

Present – A Confession

As the song came to an end, Akihiko and Sayuri slowed to a stop, still holding onto each other. For a brief moment, neither of them moved, their gazes locked in a silent exchange.

"I'm glad we came together," Sayuri said softly, her voice barely audible above the fading music.

"So am I," Akihiko replied, his heart racing. He felt the weight of everything he had wanted to say to her over the years—the regret, the unspoken feelings, the missed opportunities.

Before he could stop himself, the words slipped out. "Sayuri, there's something I need to tell you."

She looked at him expectantly, her eyes softening. "What is it?"

Akihiko hesitated, the moment stretching out between them. He could feel the weight of years of rivalry and tension lifting, replaced by something new, something fragile but hopeful.

"I've loved you for a long time," he finally admitted, his voice steady despite the nerves that bubbled beneath the surface. "I just didn't realize it until it was too late. But now, I don't want to waste any more time."

Sayuri's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, Akihiko feared he had misread the situation, that he had said too much.

But then she smiled—a soft, genuine smile that made his heart leap. "I've always known, Akihiko. And I've been waiting for you to figure it out."

Relief washed over him, and before he could say anything else, Sayuri leaned in and kissed him—softly, gently, but with all the unspoken words they had kept hidden for so long.