House Of Roses

Chapter 3

Like Tzuyu's typical morning, she decides to pay Maria a visit. From afar she saw one figure stood idly in front of Maria. She didn't expect anyone to be there earlier from her when she always been there first and alone. The closer she gets, smiles voluntarily knowing one of the person she adores the most is now next to her.

It has been awhile after their first encounter. Tzuyu couldn't forget the moment she saw Mina for the first time. Everything is still fresh inside of her head.

"Morning Mina"

"Morning, you're early today..."

"Yeah, just my usual routine paying a visit..."

"A visit? You mean Maria?"

"Yeah... she's like a vitamin to me. I just need a booster before starting my day"

"Aww... Maria must be flattered"

"Aren't you?"

"Me? Why?"

"You created her right?"

"Yeah I did..." Tzuyu could sense sadness by the way Mina answered her question.

"You look displeased? Im sorry if my question is uncomfortable. But I just want to let you know I adore this piece of sculpture in front of me right now. She boost up my motivation and inspiration. She's like muse to my art"

Mina didn't know her little piece of artwork could influence this girl so much. She is flattered.

"No it's ok! I'm fine. It just whenever I look at her, something is off..."

"But to me she's perfect! What makes you think like that?"

"When I created her I put everything I had into her. Time, energy, health and almost everything I could give since my Grande Soeur entrust me to create school's symbolic sculpture. I was so into her and I didn't know it would cost me something that I couldn't return back... I...."

Mina choked. She couldn't continue but to let her tears falling down on her cheeks. Tzuyu feel guilty for triggering her emotions. She didn't know what and how to responds but she thought Mina's tears are wonderful just like diamond. Without knowing, her hands reached for the latter's cheek and she wipes away her tears.

Mina was taken aback but she didn't reject Tzuyu's gesture. She feel safe and warm when the latter cup her face and tears suddenly stop.

"Are you ok now?" Tzuyu retract her hands and give Mina her handkerchief.

"Thank you... I am better now"

"I'm so sorry for pushing you into something I didn't wish for"

"It's Ok... sometimes I feel like to letting it out"

"Then I won't ask you about Maria again... I'm deeply sorry senior. Is there something I can do to redeem myself?"

"No it's fine really. I'm ok now"

"No! Please... I feel horrible if I let this out without nothing. I feel like a jerk"

"You're fine Tzuyu... nothing is wrong. It just I'm quite sensitive right now"

"But at least let me do you a favor once please... I don't think Maria would forgive me either for leaving this matter"

Defeated by Tzuyu's aggressive plea, Mina couldn't help it but to accept.

"Fine... then I might need your help with something"

"Really!!! Now tell me what to do. I'm up for anything!"