Ch. 43 - Misaki : Quarrel.

A few days had past, other than going to school to fulfill her studies. The rest of the day we're only spent alone inside her room, wondering if her loneliness would ever wear off. Laying downcast on her bed, checking her phone for any new messages.

"None."

She muttered.

The whole place is quite, her room a bit messy than usual, her sadness has weighed her down. Masahiko visited earlier and gave her his usual cooking, however, he was looking less enthusiastic and very tired when he arrive. Worried, she asked if he's doing fine. Masahiko promptly replied with his usual excuses, saying he's too busy and just have alot of things to do. He is always quite and whenever he talked, its always about his training as a chef and the exhaustion that he feels. If he ever had time as he usually leaves just a few minutes after delivering her food. The same happened in the past days, Misaki felt that Masahiko is starting to lose interest with her. And it worsens her already shattered spirit. To her, Masahiko seems to be more preoccupied with something else that he already forgot about her, he choses to get tired at something else to the point that they no longer have time for each other. Her tears started to fall, as she wasn't able to endure the loneliness any further.

Meanwhile, Masahiko believes that his beloved Misaki would understand his choices. He told Misaki multiple times that he would do everything to get things to settle down quickly, so they would be able to get together without any form of hindrance. He was able to bear it as he knows it wasn't just for him, but for her too. Little did he know, Misaki's impatience and frustration, would urge her to find happiness else where. At the university she attends in, another guy had already been carefully watching Misaki, taking notice of her condition and wanting to take advantage of her vulnerability.

She goes to school as usual, feeling down and lonely. Irritated by his ignorance, she decided to sat down at the benches overlooking the university soccer field. Green field, blue sky, white clouds, happy couples hanging out in the vicinity, and groups of friends having fun. And I, all by myself. I got a bit irritated as I was all by myself, when I first started attending college, I always receive alot of invitations and many people were trying to befriend me. But as soon as I knew it would deprive me of my time, I rejected all of it. Chosing to give all of my time to Masahiko, wanting to be close to him for the longest time possible. The thought of being alone never crossed my mind as I knew, and I trusted him that he would always keep me company. Now it seems like he has forgotten about it, he chose to give his attention to something else, I miss the good old days. I told him before, that it didn't matter whether we're poor and struggling as long as we had each other.

As Misaki was deep in her thoughts, she was suddenly approached by an athlete, one of the members of the university's track team. Appearing in front of her in his paramount splendor.

"Oh hey! I never thought I'd see you here~".

The athlete confidently said, this isn't the first time he encountered her.

"Are you here to see me play?"

He chuckles as he spins a ball on his hand, trying to flex and flirt with her.

*Sigh*

Hasegawa Toru, the arrogant and narcissistic player of the football team. Also, a well known playboy in the university. Misaki thought on her head. Hasegawa, had tried several times to flirt and hit in with her since the first day. Despite using his charming appearance and athletic prowess, Misaki remained unmoved and only see Masahiko as the only one for her. She always manage to brush him off and ignore him whenever he tries again.

"Im just looking around."

She muttered in frustration.

As she was about to leave, the guy chased on her.

"Hey, wait up! I just wanna talk."

He catch up to Misaki and walk with her through the corridors. Despite being ignored, he persists and keeps on talking. Misaki, feeling lonely and wasn't in the mood, wasn't able to put up the same cold attitude in the same degree before when she turn him down several times. This is the first he even managed to stick up to her for more than ten minutes.

Not willing to be viewed as a very salty, entitled person, went along and exchange words with him, he's not exactly the person she wanted to be around with, but at least she has someone to talk to. Although she wasn't too friendly, she kept giving him the cold shoulder.

"You know, when I first saw you I mistaken you for someone else~ hahaha."

He told her.

Misaki remained silent.

"But you're definitely cuter~."

Being hit on by a guy other than Masahiko, she turned to him about to say something harsh. But as she turned and their eyes locked at each other, he smiled at her and for a brief moment, she felt the resemblance of Masahiko's sweetness on him.

Blushed, she looked away. Trying to hide her flattered face.

"Oh, my bad! I shouldn't be flirting with you, you already have a boyfriend, right?"

Trying to sound humble and putting on a fake facade of being a respectable and kind guy. But his intentions are straightforwardly vile.

"No, its okay. You didn't mean it."

She told him, denying it but secretly enjoyed it.

Hasegawa proceeds to ask her to spend time with him sometimes, wanting to know her better

Coming back to her senses, and not wanting to get close to any person of the opposite gender other than her Masahiko. She turned down the offer and politely told him that she was not interested. She quickly left and heads towards her next class, feeling awkward, she walk with her head down. Not wanting him to see her blushing face, an expression only reserve for her beloved. Hasegawa, seeing how easily fluttered Misaki was, smirked to know his approach is working. Later that day, Misaki was more anxious than usual. And her longing for Masahiko intensifies as she wished for him to wrap her in his loving arms, preoccupying her thoughts with him and therefore not fall for any man. She kept texting him, saying random things to get his attention, she wasn't able to calm herself down. She heard someone knocking on her door, as she opens her door, she was delighted to see her beloved Masahiko on the door. All looking fresh a d wearing clean clothes, she look at him gracefully and hug him really tight.

"Misaki, what's wrong?"

Masahiko worriedly ask.

"I just miss you, I thought you forgot about me because you've always been busy."

She told her beloved.

Masahiko embraced her and kiss her on the forehead.

"You look different today."

Misaki says as she looks at him wearing such stylish and modish outfit, she place her hand on his face, curious as it looked brighter than usual and felt the smooth sensation of his skin as she rubs it.

"Oh, I decided to get ready for a special occasion~."

Masahiko replied.

"What is it?"

She asked, wondering what could be it, knowing both their birthdays are still far away. He then showed her two dark colored ticket with glittering gold trimmings and writings. Misaki, recognizing the tickets held in his hand, rejoice and cheered wonderfully. Masahiko couldn't help but feel happy and smile seeing Misaki respond in such a positive way. Masahiko sat down at her living room as she prepares herself for their most special date yet. Two hours past and when she exited her room, wearing an elegant red dress, Masahiko was astonished on how pretty she looks.

"You look gorgeous my darling..."

Masahiko mumbled.

"Ohhhh~ Thank you~."

He held her hand and took the taxi Masahiko called earlier and went to the fancy restaurant they've dreamed of visiting ever since they were kids.

We sat down in a table overlooking the city below us, shining brightly with lights as the darkening night sky engulfs the scene. As we enjoy to dine at some freshly cooked red snapper, a group of musicians played a romantic melody. Casting a lovely atmosphere around us.

"Hey, remember when we were kids, when we always pass this place we imitate the movement of the service workers here whenever we play?"

She giggled as she recalls on our fond memories.

"Yeah! I remember those times, also, do you remember how much were curious to enter this place, that we actually fall in line and when we tried to enter the receptionist said 'Come back when you two are older'? Now we're finally inside it."

He told Misaki.

"Oh wow, how time flies!"

She responded, it was such a precious moment, to finally able to bring her to something we'd always wanted to go. To see her elegance and beauty glazed through my own eyes, to be by her side.

I love her so much.

Suddenly, the musicians played a familiar tone, Misaki caught up to it and she sang the lyrics of the song from memory, she stares at me lovingly as her lips sang the lyrics with her alluring, angelic voice.

I can't help but blush and in that moment, I felt the whole world stop, I was stunned and astonished by her sweet charisma.

"Oh~ Your face looks so red~."

She teasingly said.

"Eh?...well, you look gorgeous that's all."

I told her as I look away, scratching the back pf my head in embarrassment. She then reach for my hand and holds it.

"You flatter me."

We hold hands and appreciate this blissful moment with all its grandeur aspects, this is like a once in a lifetime experience, especially how limited our times are. For the whole moment I couldn't feel anything as I was captivated by her beauty, all my worries wore off as I see her enjoy herself. To see her in this point in our lives, such precious things that was given and remained with me. I was grateful that someone like her was with me.

Misaki feels the solid and concentrated gaze of him for her, she felt so happy to be his center of attention after weeks of separation from each other. Despite the fact he is struggling, he still works hard to passionately fulfill his words and promises, his words to take me somewhere breathtaking, his promises to make me happy. Even though, I dont need such extravagant materials and fancy dates, as long as I am with him, his dedication and commitment is admirable and priceless. That's what I love about him.

After they finished eating, they went to the establishments balconies providing view to the restaurants own magnificent garden, admiring the enchanting scene of the blooming flowers and green leaves. Building up his encourage and looking for the right moment, Masahiko was nervous to bring it up to Misaki. He feels uneasy, he looked blankly at the scene looking troubled, not able to relax and enjoy the view with her beloved. It didn't take long before Misaki notice his overwrought look.

"What's wrong, is something bothering you?"

She gently asked.

Thinking this is his chance, he took a deep breath and look at her straight in the eye in all honesty.

"Misaki, remember our promise to not leave each other?"

He nervously responded.

"Yes, we made that promise as kids, we got separated because of fate. But at the end, looking at ourselves right now, we some how fulfill it~."

She happily replied, thinking about it made her chuckle.

"Yeah, but I have to tell you something..."

Masahiko nervously murmured.

Misaki gaze at him and judging by how he looks, she felt something disturbing and prepares for the worst.

"I might not be able to abide to it."

He told her.

"My father had found a place in Fujisawa to build his own restaurant, and asked me to work by his side as his apprentice chef."

Misaki looked at him, he didn't sound happy about it. She sense something was off.

"...And did you agree?"

Masahiko could only nod in respond, also aware of the consequence and bear concerns.

Misaki looked at him with no words to express her feelings of being undesired and her insecurities.

"But Misaki, let me explain-"

"No need."

Misaki cuts him off.

"We swore not to leave each others side, why would you leave? I thought we have everything planned out?"

She told him in a weary voice.

"But babe, its not just for me. I am doing it for us, so I can save up for our future!"

He argued, but she wasn't paying attention to his words and aimlessly looks downward.

"...Misaki, listen to me! Look at me, I wasn't able to attend college, I wouldn't be able to find another opportunity to work like this anywhere if I stay here."

He told her, not realizing he raised his voice at her. Causing Misaki to even feel more spiteful and neglected.

"Babe! I promised you that I would help you once I graduated! I was already job hunting and eager to look for a job, that way I could sustain you and myself, possibly even get you to study in college! I dont mind if I have to carry any burden as long as its for you, for us. All I asked is for you to stay by my side."

She shouted at him, causing a commotion and drawing some bystanders attention towards them.

They calmed down for a moment before Misaki spoke again.

"Misaki, that's so easy for you to say. You've already started something but I haven't, I dont know where to start here either. But there with my father, I could make a start, I was already promised all I would need to start the foundation of my new career. I dont want you to provide for me, because imagine the amount of humiliation and criticisms I would receive when they see that you're the one providing for me."

He told her, reasoning with his pride and own image.

"So you would rather care about what others might think of us? You would rather appease what others might think instead of the person who trusted and love you the most? How about how I would feel? Did you think about that? Does my own opinion doesn't matter?"

Masahiko wasn't able to think of a proper response to tell her. He could only stare blankly at her silently.

"Im guessing you already packed your things, im guessing you are ready to leave as soon as you told me, right?"

She audaciously asked him.

Being unable to respond and not keep eye contact with her, she knew what she said is true. And she wouldn't be able to change his mind or alter the course he picked.

"But dont worry, I wont force you if that's what you want, but I wanted to make sure you knew that im against it."

She told him, Masahiko places his hands on either side of her body. As he drew his body closer to hug her, she places her hands between their chest, preventing him from fully embracing her.

She was upset because he didn't inform her about it and just went on with his own accord. Ever since he returned they've always been together, they did everything together, they planned on staying together, Masahiko had supported and cherish her the best he can and she was able to fill the empty void in Misaki's heart. She didn't know what to do now that he will be leaving. Even though they were supposed to be enjoying this rare evening, Misaki spent the rest of their time being inconsolable and frustratedly sulking at Masahiko. She went home crying, unable to accept the revelation that her beloved would move away beyond her grasp.