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ct.10
 Y oure kidding, right?, Misato jerked on her feet dropping her
book on the ground.
Please, dont do that..., I begged her to sit down again. I had reached
her in the garden, I knew that she had a little time to study before practice
and I would have gone later to the cooking class just to talk to her about
that thorny matter.
You cant go to the hot spring with those two!, she got upset. Find
an excuse with your mother, please!
You know I cant. Weve been planning this trip together for a year
But why with Asakawa?, she nervously passed her hand through her
hair.
I already told you why, my mother and Ritsuko have been friends
since high school, they made plans together, I tried to explain.
I know, but this has nothing to do with us!, she bit her lips.
Misato, dont you trust me?, I looked her in the eyes.
I didnt say that, its just..., she avoided my glance. I dont trust Asa-
kawa
Well then, you could come with us, what do you think?
As soon as she heard those words, she lifted her head all of a sudden
with a disoriented expression:
We cant do that. Asakawa and I will only find excuses to fight, you
know that!, she replied huffy.
Rei made me a promise and shes keeping it, as you can see. Shes also
stopped coming to the shop, I said, opening my arms jaded. What else
can I do?
Find an excuse and dont go?, she insisted, then she gathered her
book and started to leave.
Wait, I grabbed her by an arm.
Im sorry, I need to think. Ill call you tonight, she said in a whisper
and lengthened her stride towards the building.
When I came back to the class, the cooking course had just begun. I
greeted with courtesy and wore the apron.
Hey, what happened?, Yukino asked me right away worried.

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 You see..., I hesitated.
I told her everything while we were preparing the frosting for the sweets,
which were cooking in the oven. My best friend sighed in my place:
What a mess, she exclaimed. I would come with you to the hot
springs to referee if I could, but sadly I really cant
I can totally see you doing that, I let slip an ironic laugh.
Seriously, these two are getting me a little tired. I cant see you in this
state anymore!, she cried out while whipping energetically the egg white
with the whisk.
Just go slower, or youll make them collapse
No, you will collapse if those two wont come to an agreement!, she
snorted.
Actually, since I talked to her, Rei stepped aside
You think so? Im not so sure, Yukino shrugged.
I could..., I blabbered. I could ask her to invite Nishie-san..., I mulled.
What?, Yukino jolted. I dont know if youre a sadist, a masochist
or both. Youll be eating your heart out, you know that really well!, she
gesticulated.
I will either way, I blatantly sighed. I might as well find the most
painless solution, I concluded and started to brush the freshly baked
sweets with the frosting we had made before.
I wrote a message to Rei before leaving the class, asking her if we could
talk; shortly after she replied that she would have waited for me at the
school gate.
I eventually convinced myself that it was the right call. I was sure that
I would have managed a way to make my mother and Ritsuko accept the
presence of two others schoolmates. Maybe I had been too impulsive, but
I wanted to solve the problem right away: I was not in the mood to fight
with Misato over her jealousy for Rei anymore. Moreover, I was concer-
ned thinking at myself being alone with her in the same room...
Its better to see her with another girl at this point!, I bit my lower lip
lengthening my stride towards the entrance. Rei was already there wai-
ting, she was leaning against the fencing wall.

234
 Hi Miyuki, she widened her lips in a smile and my heart skipped a
beat.
I need to talk to you, I lowered my eyes and told her everything I had
in mind all at once.
Do you want me to invite Nishie-san?, she asked puzzled.
Yes, it would be nice if she comes too. There will be Misato too and at
least... You know, we would be all together and...
Wouldnt I be the third wheel?, she glance at me changing expression.
Well, I didnt mean that, I avoided her look again feeling uncomfor-
table.
I got it, Rei cut it short, going back to her unfriendly attitude. Ill ask
her
Thank you, I paused. Im sorry I didnt reply your text the other
day, at that point, I lift my head again crossing her emotionless eyes.
You dont have to explain anything, she replied aloof. See you to-
morrow, she ended leaving.
I clenched a hand to my chest and headed to the gym:
Its the right decision!, I repeated to myself holding back my tears.
Since when I became so sensitive I cry for every silly thing? Stop it now,
Miyuki!, I reproached myself standing in front of the entrance of the
gym. Shortly after, I saw Misato going out together with her dear childho-
od friend.
Miyuki!, she reached me. Thank you for waiting for me she smiled
happy.
See you tomorrow, said Yamato raising a hand, then he walked away fast.
Can I walk a little way with you?, I asked her coming up beside her.
Sure, but... is something wrong?, she took my hand. Its about what
we said before, isnt it? Im sorry, its just that I didnt know how to process
the whole thing, try to understand
I found the solution, I said at that point.
What do you mean?
I talked with Rei, I told her to invite Nishie-san too, from third class A
Nishie-san... isnt she part of the student council?

235
 Yup, its her
And what does she have to do with Asakawa?
Actually... theyre close. These past few days they were together all the
time
Thats great!, Misato sighed in relief, then she went back to be herself.
Im sorry, I shouldnt rejoice like that, should I?
No, you shouldnt, I squinted at her. I can relate, though
Thanks... Miyuki, she pulled me to her. Did you do all of this for
me?
I did because its seemed the right thing to do. Look, there wont be
any problem with your parents, right? We already met after all, they even
invited me for lunch, I smiled at her.
What do you mean?, asked Misato, puzzled.
Well, you will come with us, wont you? If therell be Nishie-san, you
and Rei wont have any chance to fight
Misatos face changed expression.
Miyuki... I... wont be able to come, she got gloomy.
Why? You told me you didnt have anything to do during summer
vacations, I stepped in front of her, unbelieving. You dont want me to
be alone with them, do you?
I told you that the best solution would have been not to go, she insi-
sted, letting go my hand.
May I know whats gotten into you now? You were so happy a moment
ago!, I started to get nervous.
Well, knowing you wont be alone with Asakawa reassures me, ob-
viously!, she replied.
Ah, sure! So Ill have to spend four days with them without you? Can
you explain me why?
Theres nothing to explain!, Misato snapped, leaving me speechless.
Im sorry but today we really cant understand each other
Okay, I breathed. Are you hiding me something?, I hit the mark,
making her turn pale in the face all of a sudden. Very well, it seems like I
guessed right, I narrowed my eyes. Misato didnt reply and I came closer

236
of one step, meeting her eyes. Take all the time you want to and when
youll be ready, just give me a call, I turned away and left. She didnt even
try to stop me.
I came back home discouraged. I didnt expect that Misato would react
like that.
Miyuki, are you back?, I heard my mothers voice calling me.
Yes, its me
Take a bath immediately, then come to eat, ok?
Ok, fine, I replied apathetic going up the stairs to my room. I fell on
the bed for a moment with my arms opened: I didnt know what to think
anymore.
When I entered the dining room, my mother was already waiting for
me at the table:
Did Dad go out tonight too?, I asked starting to put the dinner on the
dishes.
Yeah, he said that he had a bowling tournament
A bowling tournament, uh?, I rolled my eyes. We barely moved
here and hes...
Dont say anything else, please, my mother stopped me. Hes the
same as always, you know that, she turned toward me with resignation.
Once hell be over with this umpteenth crush, hell be back his usual self
Yeah, but, for how long?, I looked at her feeling sorry. Arent you
tired of this whole situation?
Sweetheart, at this point, I dont care anymore. Youre grown up now
and the bakery is going fine even without him, she shrugged. In a few
days well leave to go to the hot springs, I just want to think about that
now, she smiled at me.
Yes, youre right, I returned the smile holding my real state of mind
back: Id never ruined my mothers vacation just because my girlfriend
was jealous, especially considering the delicate moment she was going
through...
Misato didnt call me that night and she avoided me at school the day
after. I let her have her space; I wouldnt have forced her to talk to me if

237
she didnt want to. The one who did surprise me, instead, was Rei, who
arranged to meet me on the roof to talk to me:
I asked Nishie-san if she wanted to join us, she said clinging on the
fence with a hand.
Uh, yeah, I went week in the knees. What did she tell you?
She was happy that I asked her that, she looked down with empty
eyes. She didnt expect that
G-Good!, I blabbered feeling agitated, against my will. So, is she
coming?
No, unfortunately, she cant, she came away from the fence and rea-
ched me. She has to go to Nagoya with her parents; theyve been set that
for a while
U-uh...
I found another solution to your problem, though, she glared at me.
Ill tell my mother I wont go, she started off catching me unprepared.
Which reason will you use?, I asked holding her look, which was
distant like it used to be.
You dont have to worry about that, she ended passing me by.
Rei, wait, I called her.
We have nothing to discuss, she said while having her back to me,
and at that point my instinct prevailed: I run towards the door and got in
front of her.
This is not fair!, I cried out. I dont want you to give up on your va-
cations because of a whim
A whim?, she looked at me perplexed. I understand Fujiwaras re-
action, trust me
Thank you, I felt my heart warming up. I dont, though, I left her
astonished.
So, what do you want me to do?
Come with us and, please, forgive me for causing you trouble asking
you to invite someone else
No problem, Im telling you, Nishie was happy about that, she said a
bit embarrassed.

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 She likes you, came out of my mouth. She must have thought thats
mutual
Rei didnt reply.
Is everything ok with her?, I hazarded, instantly regretting that stu-
pid question.
Do you want to be my confidant?, she laughed.
Were childhood friends, after all... arent we?, I strove to say, caged in
that role that I had built with my own hands by then.
Shes a good girl, she replied narrowing her eyes. A person who
must be treated well, just like you said
Well, then, I started to feel the usual ache to my stomach.
Miyuki, Im only helping her with the student council work. Dont get
strange ideas, please, she immediately clarified.
Of course... and then... you know, its none of my business, I replied
nervous.
Ive gotta go back now, Rei cut it short. Take care, she bowed and
shut the door on her back, leaving me there by myself, captured once
again by that blue sky that you can admire from up there.
I let myself steal my childhood friends favorite angle: I went up to the
terrace and laid down looking up with my arms crossed under my head.
Creamy white clouds chased, intersected and distanced one another, ine-
vitably remembering me my relationships with the people closer to me.
I received a message from Misato that afternoon:
Please, forgive my behavior yesterday, I know I was wrong. If its ok
with you we can meet on Saturday when you finish at work
On Saturday? Well leave for the hot springs the day after!, I cried
out loud drawing my classmates attention, while they were cleaning the
classroom. She decided not to come, then, I put my phone back in the
bag, disappointed by her attitude. Therere still four days left, doesnt she
care to see me before?, I wondered while I was finishing to set the tables.
Hey, disputed princess, Yukino reached me. Shall we go home to-
gether?, she asked winking at me.
Sure, you have a perfect timing as usual

240
 During the way home, I brought my best friend up-to-date about the
latest news, and she thought that Misatos behavior was strange, too.
Surely the captain is busy with her studies and trainings, but...
I know her at this point. Theres something bothering her and she
doesnt know how to tell me
Like the story about the cookies?, Yukino asked thoughtful.
Yes... I guess so
You know, Miyuki-chan, if I told you that I dont like the captain Id be
lying..., she paused. Shes beautiful, charming and shes always kind with
everyone
Thats true, I smiled at her. The last one is one of her finer points
But... I dont know If I could bear all of this change of mind like you
do, she got nervous. You know, you put aside your feelings for Asakawa,
you reassured her, you constantly prove her how much you care... Thats
annoying
Oh, yeah, it is indeed, I sighed. What would you do?
Well, Id probably slap her around, she started off bringing her bag
on her back.
Shes too tall
Id find the way, trust me, she snorted making me laugh. I hope she
has a good reason to act like that, she ended stopping in front of the gate
of my house.
I hope that, too, for her sake
You know what?, she mellowed in the face. The class rep is chan-
ging. Shes become more cheerful and kind. Falling in love with you did
her good, she winked at me making me blush.
Please, dont say such things, I avoided her look.
Hey, Miyuki!, she messed with my hair. Im rooting for you, in all
circumstances, just remember that!
How can I forget?, I met her eyes again. Youre the best friend anyo-
ne can have, I clenched her hand between mine feeling more relieved.
Yukino always knew how to comfort me. I put aside the torment of that
last period, I focused on my studies and on the cooking, and I promised

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to myself not to wonder about anything anymore until Saturday. As I had
imagined Misato kept in touch only by texts and at school we briefly met
just twice. And also in that occasion, I took the initiative to greet her.
I didnt expect anything different from her in any case, but I, like Yuki-
no, wished that the attitude of the girl with whom I decided to be together
with had a reason, because I was starting to feel tired about all of that. I
waited so much for that mythical Saturday afternoon that when I met with
Misato alone my mood was unbelievably serene.
Shall we go out?, she said with a serious face.
Sure, give me just a moment to change, I untied the apron. If you
want you can pick something here in the shop in the meantime
No, thanks. Ill wait you outside, she said going out of the shop. I
quickly fixed myself up and followed her. Shall we go to the gardens?,
she led the way.
Alright, I went beside her. Im happy to see you again, I said lo-
oking at her profile.
Me too
You do? You couldnt tell, I sighed. You look so... gloomy, I tried to
provoke her, but it wouldnt do. Misato gave a hint of a smile, then she got
serious again.
There, here is quiet enough, she signed me to sit on the bench and I
obeyed.
Misato turned her back on me for a moment taking some time, then
she turned toward me clearly anxious. That day she was wearing a white
shirt, the shorts and a pair of nice ankle boots, an elegant jewel was going
down her neck.
Youre very pretty dressed like this, I said trying to break the ice again
and put her at ease.
Thank you, youre adorable, too, the captain finally smiled at me.
Do you really think that?, I crossed my legs. You didnt even take
my hand during all the way here, I pretended to be offended.
Miyuki, do you remember about that girl I talked you about?, she
suddenly started off ignoring what I had just said.

243
 Yes, of course, I straightened up on a sudden, finally realizing what
was awaiting me.
Well, at this point I have to talk about that with you, she squinted her
eyes.
Why now?, I started to feel nervous.
Youll go to the hot springs with Asakawa tomorrow, she came closer
meeting my eyes. Will Nishie-san be there with you too?
No, she wont
I see, she said between her teeth.
Honestly, Misato, can you tell me whats happening? What does that
girl have to do with this?, I started to lose my patience.
Im getting there..., she took a pause, passing nervously a hand throu-
gh her hair. I hope you wont judge me for what Im about to tell you,
she said. The girl Rei and I fought over, it wasnt really a girl..., she said
without looking at me.
You mean that... you fought over a boy?, I asked puzzled.
No, what I meant is that... last year I didnt have a relationship with
someone the same age as us, but with an adult woman, she finally raised
her eyes on me.
But, then..., I looked at her confused. What does Rei has to do with
you if..., I suddenly froze and a flash passed through my mind: the day of
the aggression, Misatos expression and her desperate kiss in the infirmary
after calling to the Asakawas, then again in the bakery, embarrassed in
front of Ritsuko like Id never seen her before.
N-No, it cant be..., I felt my lungs gasping for air. The mysterious
girl is... Reis mother?!, I jolted in shock.
Yes... its her, she bit her lips. Ritsuko Hino Asakawa, she confessed
remaining stiff on her place.
I brought a hand on my mouth by instinct, feeling suddenly nauseous,
and then I fell down sitting back as if I was drained of all my energy.
I... loved her
Did you seriously fall in love with her?, I asked unbelieving.
I know that she could be my mother, but thats how things went...

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245
 I stood there looking at her for a long moment: all of a sudden I was
seeing Misato in a new light.
How did you two met? Youve never been friends with Rei, as long as
I know..., I tried to understand that farfetched story.
No, indeed. At the beginning, I didnt know she was the mother of a
schoolmate. Asakawa was already popular back in first year, but I wasnt
so close with her, she held tight her arms on her chest. After an injury
during a match I started to do physical therapy in a very popular center,
where the best physiotherapist of the area worked. There I met Ritsuko,
she explained. We often saw each other, we had the same schedule and
we did the same exercises because she also had some problems with her
arm and her shoulder due to a sprain
So, did you get closer?
Yes, but our relationship began when we saw each other after a while.
I ended my therapy; my elbow was as good as new. One day I was passing
by the center to say hello and she was there, she was ending the last cycle
of therapy. I was fascinated, looking at her, and in that moment I thought
how good was seeing her so often... I missed her, she got embarrassed.
So, without thinking twice, I took courage and I invited her to grab some
coffee. She agreed
But didnt she know that you attended high school?
No, she tormented her lips again. I took advantage of the fact that
thanks to my height I always look older that I really am.... I made her be-
lieve I was attending the last year of university
Whats this... a soap opera?, I cried out, bewildered.
In a way, she dimly laughed.
Did you know she was married?
Misato didnt answer.
You only wanted to have fun, then?, I provoked her.
No, its not!, she got agitated. When I realized I was in love with her,
I did all my best to convince her about my feelings. Maybe it was crazy of
me, but I really wanted something more. I didnt care if we had to hide to
meet or if we had to go to a hotel, I...

246
 Oh God, Misato, please!, I interrupted her. I dont want to know
the details!, I covered my eyes with a hand feeling a strong sensation of
denial to the thought of Ritsuko and Misato together.
Im sorry, her voice trembled.
Ignoring the difference in age between you two, Ritsuko was marri-
ed... how could that happen?
An arranged marriage doesnt bring happiness. Ritsuko and her hu-
sband had separate love lives. They agreed only for appearances and I
think he wouldnt care much if it wasnt for... , she stopped.
For..?, I pressed.
For your dear childhood friend, she concluded bitter.
So, thats why? Rei caught you?, I felt my heart constricting.
Yes..., she let her arms fall along her bust. One day she called me
aside at school and she ordered me to let her mother alone. If I didnt she
would have told everything and... at that point my life was shattered, she
squeezed her eyes suffering. Ritsuko risked more than she could allow
herself
Of course, you were still underage... there could have been serious
consequences, I felt my throat dry. How long did your story last?
Several months. Until Asakawa got in the way
So, this is why you feel so much resentment for Rei?, I asked her in
astonishment. Well, dont you realize you had an affair with her mother?
It was cruel!, she got riled up.
Cruel?, I stood up going closer to her, at that point. If I was her I
would have done even worse, you know?, I looked at her with blame.
Worse than a blackmail?, she faced me.
Did you see how I beat those boys who attacked Rei up?
Misato stood quiet.
Everyone reacts differently. Rei threatened you, I would have probably
put you in the hospital!, I stared at her with my fists clenched.
I knew you would have despised me for this. Maybe I shouldnt have
told you, but Im sure Asakawa would have played this card once she got
to be alone with you

247
 Rei never mentioned anything about that. I really believed your ver-
sion, I replied. Its not the fact that you had an affair with Ritsuko, but...
why did you have to discredit Rei?
I didnt do that. I only told the truth, she upheld.
No, you didnt! You told me that Rei stole your girlfriend just to have
fun with her and then throw her away after using her! Its not quite the
same thing
Maybe you misinterpreted me, Misato got angry. Asakawa got in
the way and threatened me! I had to end it with Ritsuko for her sake and
my heart was torn apart... It was awful!
I was paralyzed by her reaction. It was clear how that wound was still
opened in her heart.
Youre still in love with her?
The captain changed her expression:
Miyuki..., she took my hand. Ritsuko was important to me, I cannot
deny it. Even now, when I see her I feel strong emotions... but that is the
past. Youre my present, she said in a solemn tone.
Forgive me, I moved back. At this point, I need some time, I lowe-
red my eyes feeling overwhelmed by too many opposite feelings.
Are you breaking up with me?, she worried. Is it so serious for you
the fact that I had an affair with a married woman?, she asked showing a
bit of grudge.
No, its not that, I turned toward her, firm. Why did you hide this
from me until now and laid a non-existent blame on Rei?
Asakawa doesnt consider anybodys feelings without worrying about
the consequences; shes selfish and doesnt care if the people around her
suffer! This doesnt seem to matter for you though, does it?
Maybe youre right, the Rei of some month ago reflect very well your
description but at least, when I look her in the face, I know who Im dea-
ling with, I replied.
Do you think shes changed and that she doesnt have skeletons in her
closet?, she hissed, gloomy in the face. She will let you down more than
I did, youll see it, she concluded with a tone that sounded like a threat.

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 I dont want to make any comparisons between you two, I took con-
trol of the discussion. The point is that you lied to me and every time we
have a problem, instead of immediately resolving it, we go for days!, I felt
my blood rushing to my head. I dont know if you realize that we are still
at the beginning of our relationship, but if you act like this starting from
now... I wonder what will happen when well have to face more serious
issues!, I got upset leaving her without a chance to reply.
We stood in silence for several minutes, both with our head down and
our thousand-yard stare. Sadness had swallowed us up and it seemed like
it was impossible to come up again from that state, but in the end Misato
spoke again:
Lets do this, these days youll have the time to clear head, she tried to
take my hand and this time I let her. Ill do the same. You made me notice
some sides of my personality that you dont like. I also need to understand
how to figure things out with myself, she breathed. Miyuki, I dont want
to lose you , she said in a whisper while her eyes were watering.
Fine, lets do this, I said, feeling a huge necessity to cry. I need to go
back now
Okay, Ill stay here a bit more, if you dont mind, she turned the other
way.
I walked away. I felt an ache to my stomach for every step I made. I still
couldnt believe that: Misato and Ritsuko, Rei who knew their story.
I wonder how she felt..., I thought, weighed down by feelings of guilt
for judging her without knowing how things really were. When I arrived
in the pastry shop, I started working fast until closing hour.
Miyuki, you can go now, my mother called me back when she saw
me so focused on cleaning the shop window.
Im almost done, I replied without even turning.
Miyuki-san, I can do that if you want, Sakura stepped in, and she was
worried about me, too.
No, dont worry, I got this, I insisted.
One hour later I was finishing to set the tables, the shop was closed and
I was alone in the room.

250
 Well then, do you want to stop now or what?, my mother came close
to me with a tray with two hot steamy bowl of ramen.
Oh, Mom, thank you. Actually Im starting to be hungry, I smiled at
her wiping my forehead with my hand.
Did you already packed your bags? Ritsuko will come early in the
morning tomorrow
I know, I finally sat down. Shall we eat here?
Why not? Its just the two of us, she winked.
Your dad didnt show up the whole day
Yeah, she shrugged. The important thing is that he doesnt skip his
shift starting tomorrow
No, he wont, I got nervous, thinking about what was like his new conquest.
Miyuki, sweetheart... is there something bothering you?
No, why?
Im your mother. I know things
Mh..., I lowered my head starting to eat. Its very good!, I exclaimed.
Got it, you dont want to talk about it, she looked for my eyes. Is it
about Misato-san?
Well, in a way, I beat around the bush. I dont want to think about it
for now
Could it be that she got jealous because Rei-chan is going to be there
too?, she insisted.
Mom, please!, I got nervous. I dont feel like talking about it
Ok, ok, she sighed. I could give you some good advice, just in case
Is this fun for you?, I frowned.
No, not at all, but I was your age, too. At that time I wouldve appre-
ciated someone older than me who couldve given me some good advice
Did you?, I stared at her while her face softened more and more.
I dont know what happened, but I think that If you really love each
other all the problems will naturally solve, eventually, she winked.
Yes, itll be that way, I smiled, I was happy to always have her on my
side. I managed to relax and once in my bedroom I calmly prepared the
suitcase.

251
 I wonder if Rei has already everything ready, I thought to myself, glan-
cing at the clock. What if she decides not to come at the last minute?, I felt
my stomach tensing up. I immediately picked my phone and wrote her a text:
Hi, have you already packed your things for tomorrow?
I waited some minutes, then her reply arrived:
Actually not... are you ready to go to relax to the hot springs?
Yes, its all ready. I brought some change, the beauty case and a book
that I bought some time ago. The first thing I want to do as soon as we
arrive is talking to you about something, though
What is it?
I cant write it by text. Can we talk face to face tomorrow?
Its fine, but... is everything ok?
Yes, it is, youll understand
Alright, see you tomorrow, then
I closed the conversation. That night I tossed and turned in my bed. I coul-
dnt get out of my head what Misato told me that afternoon, and the thought
of how much I hurt Rei without knowing it tormented me even more:
Ive been cruel, I mulled over, squeezing Tora-chan to my chest. Fi-
nally, the sunrise came and I found myself wobbling to the car, because of
the barely two hours of sleep.
Good morning, Miyuki-chan, Ritsuko smiled at me. Is everything
fine? Your little face looks so tired, she commented.
Yes, I didnt get much sleep, I yawned, trying to put the bag in the
trunk of the Asakawas family car.
Wait, I help you, Rei came to my rescue.
Thank you
Youre welcome, she got in the car right after, without even looking
at me in the face.
Thats a good start..., I sighed, following her and sitting on the back
seat next to her.
Fine, girls, lets go!, exclaimed Ritsuko, happy as a child. What Mi-
sato told me the day before was even more incredible to me for seeing
her like that, while joking with my mother and making puns. In the end,

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without even realizing it, I fell deeply asleep. When I opened my eyes, we
were almost arrived. My head was leaning on Reis shoulder.
Oh, Im sorry, I moved back, still half asleep.
Miyuki-chan, did you rest a bit?, asked Ritsuko looking through the
rearview mirror.
Yes, Im sorry, I really passed out. What did I miss?
Just a few gossips among women, right, Eriko?
Yeah, my mother laughed. The poor Rei-chan, though, stood still
the whole time to make you be comfortable and to not wake you up, she
kindly reproved me.
Re-Really?, I jolted, falling into embarrassment. I apologize, I tur-
ned toward Rei.
Its nothing, she narrowed her eyes without paying me attention.
She got this cold... since that day, I leaned against the seatback of the
car, looking out of the window. Much more than I expected, I bit my
lower lip, feeling an abyss opening inside my chest: why was I feeling so
bad? After all, wasnt I the one who pulled her away?
This is the girls room, the owner opened the door putting our lugga-
ge near the closet. Rei and I let slip a simultaneous jolt.
But... Its a double room, I stared the large bed, overlooked by robins
egg blue walls.
Yes, as I explained to your mother, we dont have single rooms. As an al-
ternative to double rooms we have only some mini rooms with futons, said
the middle-aged man, looking at us puzzled. Do you want one of those?
Nonsense!, Ritsuko stepped in. I got that at your age, each one of
you wants her own space, but honestly, isnt it a bit exaggerate for two old
childhood friends?
Of course, its just that..., I spoke again. The room is so big and bri-
ght that I was amazed. Thats all, I tried to minimize.
Uh, that explains it, exclaimed Ritsuko, patting my mothers shoulder.
Come, Eriko, lets go to get ready, I want to take a nice bath right away be-
fore going to have lunch, she walked away happy as a child during a school
trip. My mother followed her after looking at me one last time.

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 The door shut.
We can change room if you want, said Rei, examining my expression.
No, I dont want to change the room. Here is fine, I fell back on the
bed.
We stood for several minutes in silence, and then Rei reached her lug-
gage:
Is it okay for you if I take this part of the wardrobe?
Sure, put your things anywhere you like, I said opening my arms and
with my eyes on the white roof.
If you didnt send me that text last night... I wouldnt have come,
started off Rei, while she was organizing her clothes one the shelves and
on the crutches.
I know, thats why I sent it
Really?, she was surprised. What did you want to talk about?, she
kept on organizing her things giving me her back.
Misato told me that she had an affair with your mother, I said sitting
back on the bed.
Rei froze:
What do you want to know?
I would like to know this story from your point of view, I asked fee-
ling a new sensation rising.
Whats the point in that?, she finally turned towards me, revealing
her impatient look.
Its important to me
I dont know the details but... I dont believe that Fujiwara is still in
love with my mother, she replied frozen in front of the closet.
I dont want you to tell me if Misato and Ritsuko are still into each
other, I hurried to point out. I want to know how did you find it out and
if its true that you threatened Misato
Rei widened her eyes, then she get to her usual cold expression back:
Yes, its true. I did threaten her, she admitted.
Is there a reason? I mean, beyond the fact that you were rightly hurt
by her behavior, I asked, leaving Rei surprised again.

256
 My mother... had some affairs in the past, she lowered her head for a
moment. But with Fujiwara was different
Different?
Yes, I think that she was really into her and that the thing got out of
her hands, she continued. Ive found that out while she was arguing
with my father
What?, I jolted.
Yeah... my father found out that Fujiwara came to school with me and
he asked to my mother to put an end to that relationship, she took a bre-
ath. He was worried that she could have ruined her reputation because
of an affair with a minor
Of course, a scandal like that couldve turned against your fathers
company
You mean... companies
Companies?, I looked at her puzzled.
My mother, too, is the head of an important corporation, the one ow-
ned by the Hinos
I didnt know that..., I brought a hand on my chest. So you got in the
way to avoid the worst?
My mother didnt know anything about the real age of Fujiwara.
When I heard the conversation between my parents, she looked seriou-
sly shocked about that revelation, she explained. She probably wouldve
quit with her either way, but...
Did you wanted to step in to make things faster?
Yes, she acknowledged, lowering her eyes and showing her feelings of
guilt. I told Fujiwara that if she didnt left my mother immediately, I wouldve
told everything and that the consequences wouldve been devastating
After saying her to back off, what happened?, I pressed.
Fujiwara took badly the hit, but after a week she came back to tell me
that she did what I asked. She told my mother that she had a crush on a
schoolmate
You did it for your mother..., I went near her. No one can blame you
for that

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 Actually, you know well that Fujiwara doesnt agree, she crossed my
eyes, uncomfortable. Trust me; Im sorry for what youve been through.
Shes only one year older than we are and, if I were she, I would have fall
apart for sure. Falling in love with an adult, married woman... an impossi-
ble love
Maybe you should talk to her, I proposed.
I dont think it would do. You know it, some feelings are always com-
plicated, she said with an ironic smile.
Yeah, this is one of the first things that you said to me, I felt like drag-
ged back to that day when we kissed for the first time. Do you still think
that?
Ill always do, she replied serious. That doesnt mean that in some
cases it isnt worth fighting, she concluded, catching me out of guard.
Rei, I.... Im sorry, I blabbered, mortified. I didnt know how things
were and...
You couldnt know, she interrupted me. Thats why you dont have
to apologize, she ended.
Alright, I looked away, feeling guilty anyway.
Fine, she gave me a tepid smile. Ill go get changed, she walked
past me and entered the bathroom of the suite. Again, that empty feeling
took over me: it all seemed terribly unlikely to me.
I pulled the curtains, losing myself in the nice view you could catch a
glimpse of: the canopy of trees barely moving, the sun caressing the hills
on the horizon and, under the window, a huge hot spring obtained from
the rocks, everything remembered an oasis of peace in every way. My he-
art, though, was in a turmoil, like every time I was near her.

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 Orange Cream
di Scarlett Bell
with drawings by Aeryn Sun
English translation by Sakura21 from micettescans.blogfree.net
Quality check by Kitsune
TO BE CONTINUED...
All rights reserved to the author. Every reproduction prohibited.
Please support the project by reading the chapters on the blog and by
subscribing to the facebook page.

www.orangecreamyurimanganovel.blogspot.it

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