Tanabata Lovers 2

Several days had passed, yet Kazuya’s and Hanaki’s relationship remained the same. Cold, and unpleasant. Although they had officiated their marriage days ago.

What should I do? Kazuya and my relationship has not developed a single bit. He’s not even interested in me. I have no sex appeal at all. I dare not wear revealing clothes, though I have some. But I usually cover the revealed parts with shawl, cardigan, or jacket. If we divorce, father’s company will be in danger.

At the same time, Yuri called Hanaki.
“Hanaki?”
“Yes mother!”Immediately, Hanaki opened the door.
“Mother..”Hanaki paid attention to Yuri. She dressed up very gorgeously, unlike her mother who always dressed simply but captivating.
“Let’s talk inside.”Yuri entered the room and headed for the sofa.
“W.. What is it, mother?”
“Your relationship with Kazuya. Has there been any development?”
“Huh? I…”
“I mean, judging by Kazuya’s behavior, I don’t think you two will get along easily.”
“That…”

I don’t think that there will be a time when Kazuya and I will get along.

“How about you send lunch to him everyday? Of course, it must be your cooking. Just tell him that it is my order.”
“Uhm.. O..kay.”
“Then it’s settled! Go down and prepare the lunch now. By the time you finish cooking, go to his office immediately and it must be lunch time already.”
“Okay, mother.”Hanaki went down with Yuri, and entered the kitchen.
“From now on, Kazuya’s lunch will be taken care by Hanaki. She’s still new to this kitchen. Guide her to what Kazuya cannot and do not eat. Understand?”
“Yes, Lady!”Said all the chefs. After Hanaki had done with the cooking, she realized that Kazuya was allergic to prawns, and squids, hated onions, carrots, and lettuce. But as long as the scents were faint, he wouldn’t notice. Hygiene and freshness were the utmost important elements. These explained why his meals had always been different from the others.
“It is all done. Nothing is left out.”Said Hanaki.
“Let’s go, Young Lady.“Said the man who fetched Hanaki to Fujisawa house back then. He was assigned to be Hanaki’s chauffeur.
“Yes.”
10 minutes later, Hanaki arrived at Fujisawa Corporation Headquarter. It was so big and grand that Hanaki didn’t blink her eyes for seconds.
“We have arrived Young Lady, at Young Master Kazuya’s office. He’s still working inside. I’ll be waiting here.”Said that man. They had arrived at the entrance of Kazuya’s office. Hanaki walked in, and saw Kazuya’s beautiful and sexy secretary working outside. Hanaki felt inferior compared to her.
“Excuse me…”Said Hanaki.
“Yes? May I help you?”
“Err.. I want to meet your boss.”
“Have you made an appointment?”
“No, but..”
“Then sorry. Please come again next time, after you have made an appointment.”Said the secretary, looking down on Hanaki.
“But, I came to deliver Kazuya’s lunch.”
“What? Who are you?! How could you call him Kazuya so casually like that?! And in what position are you to deliver Kazuya’s lunch?!”
“I..”
“You shameless! You dress so unpleasantly like that, do you think Kazuya will like you? You have to at least have a body like me to attract him. Now get lost pauper!”
Suddenly, Kazuya’s office door was opened.
“What’s all the noise, Miya?”
“Ah.. Kazuya. This woman, she said that she wanted to meet you, but without an appointment! Moreover, she insulted me!”

W.. What? When did I insulted her? Why did she called Kazuya ‘Kazuya’ so intimately? Is she the woman Kazuya wanted to marry?

“Just let her in, would you? Stop making ruckus all the time.”
“But who is s..”
“She is my new wife! Happy now?! Enough?!”
“W.. What? Ka..”
“Come in.”Said Kazuya to Hanaki. Hanaki walked slowly. A big, grand, and comfortable leather seat of a director captured Hanaki’s attention, followed by a set of european-style sofa with gold-colored frames. The window took up one wall of Kazuya’s office, decorated by peach-colored curtains. Hanaki stood in front of Kazuya’s desk after closing the door.
“Why are you here?”
“I… Lunch..”
“If it’s what you cooked, throw it away. I eat only our chefs’ dishes.”
“Mo.. Mother asked me to send this to you.”Kazuya looked at Hanaki in suspicion, and took the lunch.
“I..”
“What are you doing now? Go out.”
“Y.. Yes. Then..”Hanaki went out, closed the door. When she was about to leave, Miya stopped her.
“So you are the one huh? You shameless.”
“…”
“I’m Miya, Kazuya’s secretary, cousin and his fiancée-to-be. And here are you, ruining our upcoming marriage! You bitch, I’m going to take him back! Kazuya is mine! Don’t you dare touch him!”
“But I..”
“I eavesdropped your conversation with Kazuya. You are not getting well, aren’t you? Just wait. Kazuya likes me. He’ll definitely choose me over you!”
“Young Lady, the car is ready. Good afternoon, Lady Miya.”
“Good afternoon.”Said Miya, smiling beautifully.
“I excuse myself.”Said Hanaki, and walked away.

That woman, Miya is so beautiful and tall. Furthermore, she seems to be very capable. On the other hand, I am very plain-looking and small. My complimentary part is only of my capability to do houseworks, but it’s useless in Fujisawa household, which has plenty of servants. Of course Kazuya will choose Miya over me.

But before Hanaki entered the car, she was stopped by Kaze, who called her at the right time.
“Hanaki!”Hanaki turned around, and smiled.
“Kaze..”
“Are you going home?”
“Yes.”
“Have you taken your lunch?”
“No.”
“How about we eat together? There’s a japanese restaurant nearby.”
“Uhm.. Okay.”
“I’ll drive you home later. So.. Kusumoto-san, you can go back now. If mother asks, tell her that Hanaki is with me.”Said Kaze to Hanaki’s chauffeur.
“Yes, Young Master Kaze.”After Kusumoto drove away, Kaze gestured his secretary, a sweet woman, Kasumi, to come.
“Prepare my car. I’m going to have lunch with Hanaki.”
Soon later, Kaze and Hanaki were already alone in Kaze’s grey and shiny Maserati. Its fine slender body and structure distracted some drivers and pedestrians from their activities.
“Kaze.. Y.. You said it’s nearby..”
“Yeah. It is. There, do you see it? The one with the high wooden fence.”
“Oh, yes.”
Their arrival was welcomed warmly by a beautiful woman dressed in edo-style.
“Welcome Young Master Kaze, and..”
“Hanaki. Brother’s new wife.”
“Welcome Young Lady Hanaki.”

How come she knows Kaze’s name?

That woman guided them to a private room, which was located at the innermost of the restaurant, and was lavishly decorated by two Koi and Sakura paintings, an antique cup. The other wall-high traditional door was opened, facing directly to pine trees, a pond of koi fishes, foot path made of rocks, and lastly tall and fresh bamboos as fences.
“This room can only be used by our family, so in other words, owner.”Explained Kazuya.

What? This beautifully designed and classy restaurant is owned by Fujisawa Corp?! No wonder that woman just now knows Kaze’s name.

“I.. I just knew it.”A few women dressed in edo-style came, bringing two menus for Hanaki and Kaze to order from.
“There comes the menu. What do you want to order?”
“I’m fine with anything. What about you decide for me? You must know the best.”
“Then I’ll leave it to the chefs. Let the chefs recommend the best for us.”
“Yes, Young Master Kaze.”
The group of waitresses left the room after bowing.
“So… How is your sweater? Has there been any progression?”
“Oh. Yes, somehow. What about your shawl?”
“I did only a little. I barely manage to find some time to knit. That’s why..”
“It’s okay. If you want, I can knit it for you. I don’t mind.”
“No no no. I must knit it myself. I don’t usually receive help from other people.”
“But..”
Suddenly the same group of waitresses came again, serving Hanaki and Kaze a sumptuous meal. There were so many plates of food that they barely finished them. Though Hanaki thought of it as a waste, but to maintain the Fujisawa family’s reputation, she didn’t have the food to be packed and taken away, which she usually did.

Some of the food were barely touched, I could have sent them to orphanage, but…

“Let’s go Hanaki. I’ll send you home.”
“Yes.”

They were now alone in Kaze’s car again. Hanaki felt uncomfortable being alone with him, and pretended to be attracted by the view of the city she had recently moved in.
“We’ve arrived.”
“Y.. Yes. Thanks a lot.”Said Hanaki, nodding her head as she open the door. She bowed, and the door was closed by a servant nearby. Hanaki watched the car driving away, and disappeared.

I might as well continue knitting.

Hanaki was sitting at the backyard knitting again. She breathed in the air deeply, and coughed.

As I thought, the air of city is really polluted. I miss my hometown. The fresh air and the greenery are all very refreshing. Unlike this busy city, my hometown was rather relaxing, though I could still hear the honks of cars on main road. But… One day, my hometown will be the same as this city. Everything is changing, including my life…

“Young Lady! Please go inside immediately. It is starting to rain.”Said a servant carrying an umbrella for Hanaki.
“Oh.. Really it is.. Let me take my things first.”Hanaki grabbed her knitting-kit and went inside with that servant.
“Young lady! Here’s the towel!”
“Young lady! What do you prefer? Hot chocolate or hot green tea?”
“Young lady! The bath is ready. Please take your time.”
“I… Yes.. Thanks for the towel and.. I would like green tea. Yes, I.. Right away.”Hanaki looked at the time, and it was already 19:00p.m.

How did the time pass so quickly? I was still knitting about three hours ago and yet.. It feels like thirty minutes ago.

Hanaki dried herself with the towel, and sipped her green tea in. Then she headed for her room, took her changing clothes and went to the bathroom.

There are too many servants in this house. I’m unable to relax at all. They are everywhere, not allowing me to do any housework. What am I here for? To marry? To be a wife? No more?

Suddenly, Hanaki heard Kazuya banging on the door.
“Hey! Are you inside?! Come out immediately! You don’t own this bathroom! Hey!”
“Y.. Yes! Right away!”
Grabbing her towel and clothes instinctively, Hanaki was done in seconds and opened the door immediately, with her hair still dripping. Kazuya took a look at Hanaki. Her hair was still dripping wet, emitting a sexy aura. Her tiny figure compared to Kazuya’s was very tempting to be held. Kazuya swallowed his desire and turned away.
“Get out of this room.”
“I.. But..”
“IMMEDIATELY!”
Hanaki ran for the door, but bumped into Kazuya and fell down. Her knee-high dress was lifted. Kazuya aimed for her towel and covered it.
“Go out of my sight. NOW!”Hanaki ran out of the room and closed it gently. She still carried that scared-looks with her, right when Kaze appeared. Hanaki covered her mouth, and cried softly, out of fear.

What did I do? Why? Is it wrong? To take my time bathing? Or perhaps he found out about the lunch? Which was it?

“Hanaki? What’s wrong?”
“I.. I don’t know.”
“What happened?”
“I… I don’t know as.. Well..”
“Why? Here, come to my room first. Quick.”Grabbing her slender arms, Kaze brought Hanaki to his room.
“Here’s water. Now tell me what happened.”
“…”
“Hanaki?”
“Just now…” “I.. I don’t know what happened.”
“It’s okay, tell me. I’ll help you.”
“Kazuya… He was… Shouting at me.. I.. Don’t know why… Maybe because I.. Used the bathroom? I don’t know..”
“Follow me.”
Kaze grabbed Hanaki’s hands again, this time heading for Kazuya’s room. After knocking for a while without an answer, Kaze barged in.
“Brother.”
“Kaze? What are you doing? You…”Asked
Kazuya who had just got out of the bath. He noticed Hanaki’s presence, and looked away. Somehow annoyed, Kaze approached Kazuya and punched him in his shoulder, hardly.
“What the heck, Kaze?!”
“What the heck? Shouldn’t that be my question?”
“What?”
“Why did you shout at Hanaki? She’s your wife!”
“I…”
“You’re being hard on her. She has just come and is not adapted to the new environment yet. As a husband, you should guide and support her!”
“Have you forgotten Kaze? That I am never willing to marry her. Have I ever proposed to her? Never! Do I like her? No. I hate her. So much that I can throw out this instance!”
“You.. Son of a..!”Kaze punched Kazuya again, and they eventually fought.
“No.. I.. Stop it Ka..”
“Get lost!”Shouted Kazuya as he shoved Hanaki away. Hanaki fell down and felt a sudden pain in her chest.
“Hanaki?! What’s wrong?!”
“My heart.. Medicine.. Bag..”
Kaze reached out for Hanaki’s bag and water immediately, while Kazuya stayed where he was, though wearing a panicking expression. His pride had glued his feet to the floor.
“I’m fine now. Thank you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Thanks, Kaze.”
“Kaze, leave for a while. I need to talk to her.”Kaze helped Hanaki to sit on the sofa, and left.
“Are you fine now?”
“…”
“What disease have you caught?”
“…heart.”
“Curable?”
“I.. Incurable.”
Asked Kazuya while stretched out his hand for Hanaki’s shoulder, as he felt a slight worry for her. But Hanaki flinched, and moved away.

She’s scared of me, and hate me now. It must have been my fault. She’s… A lot different from any other women I have met. She’s.. Somehow pure… Innocent… But the fact that I despise her for ruining my life, is undeniable.

Kazuya once again stretched his hand out, and patted Hanaki’s shoulder. Hanaki still squirmed away, though a little late this time. Kazuya could see drops of pure transparent tears rolling down Hanaki’s face, while she pressed her hand against her chest. Kazuya got a glass of water and put it before Hanaki, and in the moment of awkwardness, Kazuya went down to have dinner, while Hanaki followed later on. They spent the rest of the night silently.

“Hey Kaze! I heard that you’ve got a sister-in-law? How is she? Some hot chick?”
“Stop that Ryuuji. She’s illegible now. You have Fumiko now, haven’t you?”Asked Kaze. He was having lunch with his bestfriend, Sasaki Ryuuji.
“Aaah.. We broke up. She cheated on me. Well, never mind! I myself cannot count women I had met when we were still dating. Put that aside, what’s her name? I mean maiden name, of your sister-in-law.”Asked Ryuuji randomly, while he wasn’t interested at all. Who would care about a married woman’s name?
“Nishiyama Hanaki. She’s.. Of course beautiful. But too bad. She’s brother’s woman.”
“Wait.. What? Nishiyama.. Hanaki?”
“Yes. Why?”
“No.. I just.. Happened to know someone, with the same name, when I was still in high school. But she moved away.”
“Your crush? Was she?”
“My first love, to be precise. Gentle, kind, beautiful, very caring, and she had a heart disease. The whole school knew it.”
“And she always wore one piece dresses? No?”
“How do you know?”
“It’s Hanaki. Few days ago she had a heart attack.”
“…”Ryuuji thought deeply, his first love was married.
“This world is so small. I’m happy for you, Ryuuji, to be able to meet your love again but unfortunately, she’s taken.”
“Can I meet her?”

To be continued...