She told them her
parents wanted her to attend an elite school in London. While everyone around
them was shocked by the news, Ryuu remained calm and collected. Hikari panicked
and tried to convince her to stay but she was determined, ‘Staying here would
only remind me of the pain’ were her exact words to Hikari.
Akira decided to throw
a barbeque farewell party for Ayano in the northern islands, oblivious to the
reason of her sudden departure. She was busy grilling Tadashi for finishing all
the snacks she provided for the trip. Yahiro and Sakura were also invited to
join them. Sakura spent most of her time chasing all over after Jun on the
cruise while Megumi and Yahiro sunbathe on the deck. Ayano and Ryuu were as
usual, silent and far apart from each other. Jun would constantly seek refuge
in Ryuu until his alternate ego appeared, Akira kept Ayano occupied with their agenda
for the evening.
Kei’s family villa is
located few miles off the prefecture, on an island. He decided to lend it to
them because it was the best place to get fresh seafood for the barbeque. They
cruise they were on was also a contribution from him.
He noticed Hikari
looking troubled every since the day he talked to Ryuu about telling Ayano the
truth. Approaching her with a glass of champagne, he whispered in her ears, ‘What’s
wrong, Hikari?’
Goosebumps rose from
her arms and she screamed, ‘Kei?! Why did you do that for?’. He laughed, ‘I saw
you staring into the water on the edge of the boat, I thought you’d jump any
time’. Hikari let her flushed face return to normal and took a sip from the
flute of champagne Kei handed her.
‘I was thinking about
Ryuu and Ayano-chan,’ she sighed and proceeded to stare below the cruise. The
water lapped noisily at the boards. ‘What about them?’ Kei asked and leaned at
the rails, watching Hikari.
‘I just wish we could
do something for them before she leaves’.
‘We can,’ Kei winked at
her.
Since Akira was the
organizer, she gets to allocate the jobs to everyone. As the best cooks, she
and Ryuu will prepare the food while labored jobs are distributed equally
between the rest.
The night went on
without a problem and it was time for their bonfire. Akira sent everyone out in
pairs to collect firewood, Hikari told her their plans for Ryuu and Ayano.
‘Well then Ryuu! You
shall go with Ayano,’ Akira grinned at them. Ayano was horrified and started
finding for excuses. Akira replied her coolly, ‘The rest are already paired up.
I’m with Tadashi, Megumi and Yahiro, Sakura and Jun, Kei and Hikari. So it’s
just you two left’. Speechless, Ayano and Ryuu watched them go off to different
directions of the woods for their task.