Over the next few days, she avoided him whenever she could. He wanted to talk to her but whenever he came near, she found excuses to leave. During tea time, she’ll sit furthest away and refused to make eye contact. Everyone felt uncomfortable of the tense atmosphere between them but Ayano couldn’t help it. She was also tired of this.
Ryuu stared at the stretch of field, feeling tired. He knew it wasn’t easy to talk to her after all these years. The hurt in her eyes is still crystal clear.
He recalled one of those many times when his father set him up on a blind date with the daughters of various rich families.
‘How many times are you going to turn down my offer?’ his father’s stern voice would boom through the phone as if he was shouting near him.
‘It’s still too early father,’ he’ll always reply. His father would always respond with a loud sigh and repeat the same words, ‘It’s never too early. Don’t forget, you’re my only son. One day this company will be yours. Start acting like a man and take responsibility for it.’ Then he’ll always add, ‘It’s your fault you let her go’. Those words still rings in his ears as a constant reminder of his failure.
He shut his eyes, remembering a distant memory of them sitting in a marigold field watching the clouds roll by slowly like cotton candies on a conveyer belt. She calls it cloud sushi and then she and Lily will chased each other across the field. Ayano will hold out her hands and call him.
‘Ryuu’
His name sounded like a melody when she called him. He remembered her sweet smile beckoning him to come to her. Those were the times when everything was perfect.
‘Ryuu!’ Ayano called out once more and Ryuu snapped out of his day dreams. His heart stopped when he realized that it wasn’t a dream that she was calling him again. He turned to face her and she looked away.
‘May I speak to you for a moment?’
‘Ah.. s..sure,’ he stuttered.
‘Not here,’ she turned towards the woods.
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