Finding Juliet [VERY slow updates]

Act X

I packed my things early in the morning.

60 ice shows for this summer, can you believe it? It would probably be exhausting, but since it's for Sendai, all of it would be worth it. The ice shows will only be held on weekends, so I guess I can train over the weekdays.

I went to the rink to make my final good byes to my friends. Ranmaru, the twins, and the others were waiting for me in the lobby. Except Kenae.

"I can't believe you're leaving too soon.." Haruki sighed as Ranmaru nod in agreement.

"Well, you better bring us some souvenirs if you have the time to come back." Ranmaru grinned and patted me in the shoulder, making me reciprocate the smile.

"Of course," I looked over their shoulders to see if Kenae is around somewhere. "I won't forget all of you, even though we haven't really known each other for a long time."

I don't know why, but it bothers me that Ken isn't here. Was she still mad about "nothing"? Or is it because of an issue with her father? Their talk last night must be pretty serious..

"I wonder where's Ken." Harumi checked her watch. "I know it's early, but I'm pretty sure we told her about this last meeting."

I chuckled and shook my head, gripping onto my backpack tight. "Maybe she overslept. It's fine though. Just tell her to take care and be less grumpy."

The gang laughed and waved at me before I went to coach Syoichiro's car. He's gonna drive me and mom to the train station.

After I closed and locked the door, coach spoke. "Kenae wasn't there?"

"Yup." I exhaled, putting my black bag on my lap. "I wonder."

The car started to move. I stared at the window for a few minutes, thinking where the hell is Kenae Arisawa, if we'll be able to contact each other again, or if last night will be our very last conversation. And then I dozed off.

▪▪▪▪▪▪

"We're here." Mom's voice woke me up. Ugh, my neck hurts because of the way my head was rested as I sleep. I rotated it to exercise it before proceeding outside.

The place is very crowded. Well, of course, it's a train station. I think we're heading to Nagoya for my first ice show.

I heard the lady announce that the train would be here soon. I gripped onto my baggage tightly. Where did Ken go? A sigh was emitted from my mouth.

"Hanyu boy!"

Am I really disappointed with her not bidding me good bye that I hear her voice?

"Hanyu boy!!"

It's getting louder and louder and--

"Ouch!" A hand smacked my head from behind. I swirled around to see the culprit, which shocked me.

"I kept yelling your name and all you did was stare at the tracks, are you serious!?"

"..Ken?"

"Who else, idiot." Ken rolled her eyes and looked at my mom. Her expression changed into a brighter one. "Hello, Mrs. Hanyu!"

I stood there with wide eyes. Ken stood in front of me with her bag and skates. She frowned at me like she always do, crinkling her nose a bit. She snapped her fingers in front of me so I flinched.

"Why are you here? Sending me off? You should've done it earlier.." I said gloomily. A part of me is still disappointed that she didn't show up, I must admit.

"No, I'm.. going with you." She replied, which was almost a whisper.

"Oh.." I said, looking down. After a few seconds, her words sank in.

Wait, what?

"You're going with me?" I blinked and repeated her words.

Kenae snorted and crossed her arms. "I've decided to.. err, help you with the funds for your hometown. Besides, I wanna try something new. I've never went to 60 ice shows in one summer."

I looked at her and chuckled slightly. She uttered a "What?" that halted my laugh.

"I'm glad. Thank you, Ken." I smiled, and for a second I thought I saw her face redden up before she turned away.

Behind her, I noticed a familiar man holding a few more bags. I think I saw him somewhere..

"Oh, by the way, Nishio's here with me." Ken pointed at the man. I remember, he's the family driver. Mr. Kuriyama, was it? Maybe he's also a body guard.

"And another by the way, the train's arriving, let's go."

▪▪▪▪▪▪

"Do they know about this?"

"Hm?"

The train moved. Luckily, we found seats. Except for Mr. Kuriyama who has to stand.

"Ranmaru and the others." I continued.

"Oh," Ken shook her head, "They don't. This is kind of a last-minute decision, so I didn't tell them."

"I see." I spoke. "Should we call them now?"

"No!" Kenae shouted, which startled me. "N-No, it's fine. Don't worry about it." She stated in a rather softer voice.

I looked upwards to Mr. Kuriyama, who returned the gaze and shrugged. Why won't Kenae let the gang know? Is this some sort of a secret mission?

There was dead air for a few seconds. "Ah," I started again. "How about your dad?"

An exchange of looks happened between Ken and Mr. Nishio. "That.." Ken chuckled, "Yes, he knows. He's out for a business trip anyway." She showed me a reassuring grin, which made me smile back.

"I see. That's great then. You're gonna enjoy the ice shows, I bet!"

...

"So, Ken went with Yuzu?"

I snickered. Ah.

"Without telling me?"

"Ranmaru," Haruki sighed. "You know Ken has always been like that. Making decisions all by herself, and also deciding not to inform us."

"Ken seems to be closer to Yuzuru than me, then," I smiled at Haruki. "Don't you think?"

Too close, Yuzuru.
~
Ahhh. Of course, the mainstream love triangle trope. Lol I just realized Ken is pretty much like Yurio (if you've watched Yuri!!! On Ice)