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Disclaimer - the main characters and some of the plot ideas of this story belong to Yoshizumi Wataru

Relationship Chart (Chapters 7, 8, & 9)

Chapter 7

"Well, I wouldn't stand for it. Imagine, showing up an hour late and expecting your date to be okay with it."

"I don't know; he's awfully cute."

"He's not that cute. And he has no prospects. Sorry, but he's just not my type."

"And who is your type?"

"Welllll, he's handsome, and rich, and influential, and a true gentleman."

"Too bad Hirokazu-sempai isn't interested in you, isn't it?"

The table of co-eds to Youji's left erupted in fits of giggles and squeals. He glanced at his watch. Only twenty more minutes to go. Twenty more minutes of sitting in a back corner of the bar, desperately wishing to leave so he could go home and be depressed by himself. They were wrong when they said misery loves company.

"Promise me you'll attend, Youji," his sister had said to him on the phone yesterday, "Pretty please, at least for an hour."

"I'm just not in the mood to be social, Emiko."

"But you've been like this for two weeks, ever since you and Chiyako broke up. You need to get out, meet new people and do stuff. The tennis club social would be just the thing, don't you think?"

"I met Chiyako at a tennis club social." Youji said.

"Just go, okay? If you sit home moping, I'll be unhappy. You don't want that, do you?"

So, in the interest of his personal karma, Youji went to the bar where the club was meeting, and sequestered himself back behind the karaoke rooms. It hadn't been too bad until the wallflower gossip brigade had positioned itself next to him, well within hearing range. Currently they were critiquing men, working their way down a list that seemed to encompass all the males in the greater Tokyo area. He scowled and tried to ignore them.

His sister was right. He needed something new, some project or goal. Anything to get his mind off Chiyako. The tennis club was proving a poor distraction. He should check out the other social circles. Wasn't there a hang gliding group on campus?

"Namuki Chiyako?!!"

Yes, he told himself, I have to stop thinking about Chiyako. But the voice had not come from his own musings. Rather, the wallflowers were now talking about his old girlfriend. With only slight pangs of guilt, he focussed on their conversation.

"You're kidding!"

"No honest, I saw her walking with him between classes just this week."

"So?"

"So, they were holding hands. And he had the dopiest grin on his face, like guys get when they're in love."

"I bet he looked sweet. He's so my type."

Who, who? Youji was trying his hardest to look disinterested while his ears strained to catch the conversation. He had known Chiyako was interested in someone else, but who?

"He's not that great."

"Says who? You haven't had a date since semester started."

"I'd rather be dateless than steal a man. You know who Koishikawa-san was dating before Namuki-san? Her roommate, Yamashita Rumi. Yamashita-san and Koishikawa-san had been dating since middle school."

Youji had to fight to keep his face neutral; this new information was unbelievable. He knew Yamashita Rumi from his chemistry and calculus classes. When Youji had first been interested in Chiyako, Yamashita had helped set up the first date. Youji and Chiyako, Yamashita and her boyfriend Koishikawa Jin; it had been the most fun he'd had since coming to university. Youji remembered watching the couple and feeling slightly jealous that Koishikawa had found a girl who was obviously so much in love with him.

"But I heard they broke up."

"Yeah, but only a month ago."

"Are Namuki-san and Yamashita-san still rooming together?"

"Well . . . This is what I heard," the woman's voice dropped low, and Youji leaned slightly closer. "Koishikawa-san and Namuki-san are in the same major, so they knew each other since the start of the school year. All three of them were the best of friends until Yamashita-san came home one day to find the Namuki-san and Koishikawa-san together, in Yamashita-san's futon."

"No!!" The girls squealed. Youji flinched.

"Yeah, she ran out and never came back to the apartment, just left all her clothes and possessions. And the only place she could find to stay was with this girl called Fukutami Yayoi, whose apartment is in the very same building as Koishikawa's. Can you believe it? She's right next door to him." There were gasps all around, including Youji's.

"Oh, if I were Yamashita Rumi I'd - I'd - Oh my god, that's her, isn't it?"

Youji looked up to see a young woman with glasses and long black hair standing by his table. It was indeed Yamashita, and by the fragile look on her blanched face, he guessed she had been standing there for a while.

"Matsuura-san," she addressed him in a trembling voice, "I saw you across the room and, and, and . . ." she trailed off and Youji could see her eyes shimmering.

If she broke down here, before the gossiping harpies, it would only lend credence to their lies. Not a good scene, Youji decided. Fluidly, he jumped to his feet obstructing the gossips' view, and spoke loudly.

"Yamashita-san. A pleasure to see you. I just happened to have a question regarding the chemistry exam next week. Shall we discuss it somewhere quieter?"

From that point on it was a simple thing to maneuver her down the hallway to the private karaoke rooms. The attendant lead them to an unoccupied one and after a tip from Youji agreed to forgo demonstrating the operating instructions and leave them in peace.

Youji sighed and sat down on a chair opposite from the couch where Yamashita was trying to sniffle away the large tears rolling down her face.

"Bet you anything that the management is under the mistaken impression that we've cloistered in here to make out." He said, hoping to break the ice.

Yamashita said nothing. She was staring off into space and Youji wondered if she had even heard him. Or maybe she was just too embarrassed to reply.

"Tell you what," he said, "You just collect yourself. Take all the time you want. I'll wait outside, and if you like I can walk you home. Or not, whatever you want. Okay?"

As Youji stood up to leave, Yamashita spoke.

"It's not true! Matsuura-san, what those girls said wasn't true."

"Umm," he said, slowly sitting down again.

"Jin and Chiyako in my futon. It didn't happen. You mustn't think they'd do something like that, Matsuura-san."

Youji relaxed. It had all been vicious rumors. He should have known better than to put stock in it.

"Of course not." he said, eliciting a relieved smile from Yamashita. "I didn't believe for a moment they were dating."

Yamashita's face fell and she stared at her hands.

"They are dating," she said in a small voice.

Urk. "Since when?"

"Since you and Chiyako broke up, almost two weeks now. But they didn't do it behind my back. I mean, Jin and I had broken up already. And at the time, he didn't plan to date Chiyako, because she was dating you, and he didn't want to hurt me. But, well, then you and Chiyako weren't dating, and it turned out that Chiyako was in love with him, and well . . . He was truthful and up front about all of it. Jin couldn't know, when he called me over, to tell me. He didn't realize that I thought he wanted to get back together."

Youji gave her his "sympathetic understanding male" look, trademark registered. He seemed destined to have pretty girls confide in him, to have them tell him all about some jerk who had trampled all over their hearts while crying buckets because they still loved said jerk and wanted him back. And Youji would nod, listen, and comfort them, all the while holding back his real feelings.

Which was why Chiyako had chosen her roommate's ex-boyfriend over him. Koishikawa, tall and handsome, great smile, and completely insensitive to what Yamashita had been thinking when he called her over to break her heart once again.

As if sensing what he was thinking, Yamashita went on, "He didn't have much choice. Coming over to tell me at my place would probably have been even worse. What with all of Chiyako's stuff there. I knew as soon as I got to his apartment, as soon as I saw his face, that we weren't going to get back together. The way he looked, I thought something had happened back home, to his family or something. And so when he started telling me about being in love with this other girl, I was almost relieved. Until then he told me it was Chiyako, and . . ."

Yamashita got a distant look in her eyes. Youji said nothing. Usually the girl was a puddle of soggy emotions by this point. Could she be in shock? Denial?

"Jin kept talking, appologizing mainly. I wasn't really listening. I stood up and walked out, and that's when I ran into Yayoi."

"Yayoi?" asked Youji.

"Fukutami Yayoi. She lives down the hall from Jin. I'd stayed overnight at her place before. She let me move in, got my stuff from Chiyako's, looked after me…"

"Are you alright now?"

Yamashita shrugged.

"Better, I think. And bored, too. You can only spend so much time feeling sorry for yourself before it gets old. Besides," she gave a forced smile, "no one wants to hang around a depressed person; they aren't any fun. I keep telling myself to get over it, to just move on." Her smile dropped, "but some part of me is being stubborn."

"These things take time, Yamashita-san. Gradually the sadness goes away, bit by bit."

"It's not sadness. It's, it's . . . dread. It's like it's not yet over. Funny, huh?"

"Uh?"

"I mean, Jin and I are broken up. He's happy with Chiyako. Time to move on, to forget it all. But . . ."

Cue the tears, thought a cynical side of Youji. But instead Yamashita managed a small grin, almost mischievous.

"This is going to sound baked, but I remember watching this American cartoon back when I was a child, where the mouse throws a whole china set at the cat. Amazingly, the cat catches all the pieces and stands there, holding them in a contorted, ludicrous, position. And then the mouse throws a stick of dynamite, lit of course." She paused, "why do Americans keep dynamite in their houses? And those weird shaped, black, heavy things?'

"Sorry," she said before he could answer. "Sometimes I get off topic. Anyway, the cat panics and throw all the dishes up in the air to catch the dynamite. The dishes go crashing down one at a time on the cat's head. The poor creature stares at the stick as the string burns its way down. Then there's a pause, like maybe the dynamite was a dud after all, and the cat looks momentarily relieved. Then he explodes.

"I'm the poor cat. When Jin and I broke up, it was like I was balancing all those cups and saucers. Knowing I couldn't hold it all together, but pretending I could all the same. Then Jin threw the bomb, and I let everything go and now it's all smashed and I'm just staring at this orange cylinder in my hand, wondering how much worse it's going to get.

"I'm hoping those girls and their rumor are the exploding dynamite. And that I can just get on with life. But I'm still dreading something awful, something even worse.

"Imagining cartoon cats and mice makes it not so bad. No matter what happens, you know they'll be all right in the next installment. Cartoons can't make you cry. Unless of course you're Jin's roommate.

Youji's sensitive guy mask fell gradually away as he tried to understand exactly what Yamashita had just said. Cats, dynamite, and falling tea sets. Oddly enough, it almost made sense. He was going to ask what Koishikawa's roommate had to do with all this, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

A rather short woman stuck her face in and instantly began to talk.

"There you are, Rumi-chan. I've been looking all over for you. You wouldn't believe the rumor going around."

"Does it involve Jin, Chiyako, and my futon?"

"No, the tennis coach they hired just eloped with a high school student, can you believe it? He is such a babe. Hey, who's this?"

The woman entered the room and looked Youji over.

"This is Matsuura Youji," explained Yamashita, "And Matsuura-san, this is my new roommate Fukutami Yayoi."

"Matsuura, Matsuura." Fukutami said, and then snapped her fingers; "You're the one Chiyako-chan dumped in order to steal Jin-kun away from Rumi-chan."

"Yayoi!" said Yamashita, aghast.

"Sorry, sorry. I've always scored low in the tact department. Let me try again." She paused and gave a small bow. When she spoke again her voice was at least two octaves higher, "It is a pleasure to meet you Matsuura-san. Rumi-chan has told me much about how you were also a victim of the hurricane that is Jin and Chiyako's love. You have my sympathy."

Youji wasn't sure if this introduction was much better. His grandmother would probably have left the room in a huff, but then Youji had long ago stopped judging the world by her standards. He decided Fukutami Yayoi was one of those eccentric folk who were beyond his ability to comprehend, let alone judge.

"Umm, nice to meet you and thanks for your sympathy. Although I think that Yamashita-san has had a much worse time of it than I."

Fukutami plopped down on couch next to Yamashita and returned to her original arrogant demeanor, "Getting dumped is getting dumped."

"Yes, but that isn’t exactly what happened." Youji said, looking past Fukutami to Yamashita. "You see, I told Chiyako to go after the one she loved. I never suspected it would be Koishikawa-san. I'm very sorry, Yamashita-san, but I'm afraid that I am partially at fault for the state of things."

"Wait, wait, Matsuura-san," Fukutani pressed her hand to her forehead as if she had a headache, "I was under the impression that you were dating Chiyako."

"Well, I was." Youji replied.

"So you broke up with her?" asked Fukutani.

"I, well," it was difficult to explain, "It was kind of a trial dating, to see if we were compatible."

"Chiyako told me about that," said Yamashita, "But I thought that she was happy with you, Matsuura-san."

"She was, but I could tell she wasn’t in love with me. I’d feel wrong dating someone who was in love with another."

"A compulsion Chiyako-chan obviously doesn’t have," said Fukutani under her breath.

"That’s too hard on her," Youji defended, "I don’t think Chiyako meant to do this to Yamashita-san."

"Okay, we can blame it all on Jin then for snaring the hearts of two innocent women," said Fukutani, sarcastically.

"Jin didn’t mean to hurt me," said Yamashita. "Even before we started dating, Jin and I were best of friends; in all that time, he’s never hurt me intentionally. And if he did, he always made it up to me. The night he told me about Chiyako, I’ve never seen him so ashamed. Jin has high ideals, and I’ve seen him hurt when others didn’t live up to them. I've never before seen him when he failed himself."

She hung her head, but didn’t seem to be crying. She was suprisingly strong, Youji noted. Unlike Fukutami, she didn’t seem to want to lay blame on either her former boyfriend or former roommate,which was quite admirable in Youji’s mind, especially considering that even he could not honestly defend Chiyako’s actions.

"You still love him," he said.

"How could I not love him? He’s Jin." Yamashita’s voice was small, but solid in its conviction.

"And you still love Chiyako, don't you Matsuura-san?" asked Fukutami, a calculating look creeping into her eyes.

Still love Chiyako? Of course he did, otherwise why would he have been so miserable these last weeks? For what other reason could he empathize so well with Yamashita's situation? It had to be love. He nodded an affirmative to Fukutami.

"So, now what do we do?"

Yayoi looked back and forth, like a teacher who's just asked for something obvious, like the second law of thermodynamics. She focussed on Youji, giving him a measured look, as if scoping him out. There was a moment of tension before she let out her breath. Then she gave her roommate a similar evaluation.

"Rumi-chan, do you want him back?" she asked.

"I. . ." Yamashita wavered.

"Yes or no?" Fukutami put to her.

"Yes."

"And Matsuura-san, do you want Chiyako back?"

"But Chiyako doesn’t love me, she-" he began to explain, but Fukutani interrupted.

"If Jin-kun went back to Rumi, and Chiyako-chan gets her heart broken, would you take her back, all's forgiven, arms open, and live happily ever after?"

"Of course." It had been his dream, after all, when she had left him that day in the park. If only, he’d thought at the time, it doesn’t work out; then she'll know how good I am for her.

"So, Jin and Chiyako break up, there are people who love them waiting, no one is hurt and it’s all for the best in the long run. Am I right?" Youji said nothing, a strange fascination growing within him as he followed Fukutami’s chain of reasoning. Yamashita was likewise silent and wide-eyed.

Assuming a tacit agreement from the others, she continued, "So, all we need to do is break them up."

"But. . ." Yamashita’s protest died on her lips. Youji could see her considering and discarding arguments. A small if unsure smile appeared, and she asked, "So, how we do we go about that?"

Fukutami gave them a conspiratorial smile, "Well, I'm sure if we put our heads together we can come up with something. It's either that or sing karaoke, and I'm too sober for that."

*****

"So then what?" Asked Chiyako coyly, her chopsticks poised delicately, the sushi balanced inches from her lovely lips.

"The ball shoots back across the court, low and fast. I'm sure it won't make it over, but it skins the net, losing only a fraction of its speed and flies diagonally across the square. Now at this time, it's still possible for my opponent to sprint to it. But he hesitates, just enough. The ball's obviously in, and yours truly wins game, set, and match."

Jin chose an especially large piece of ginger for his maki roll, feeling a bit sheepish for his bragging. It was, after all, just a routine tennis match. Chiyako said nothing, so assuming that his story needed closure, Jin finished:

"Anyway, he comes over to the net, gives a polite little bow, very little, and says ‘Nice game.’ Has a slightly sour look on his face he was trying to conceal, but then again, it must be a bit of an ego blow to lose to a lowly freshman, especially if you’re a senior and team captain like Hirokazu-sempai is."

"Oh, I think Captain Hirokazu could well do with some lessons in humility," said Chiyako.

"That’s harsh, Chiyako. Are you that hard on all your ex-boyfriends?"

"I only dated him once; he does not count as an ex-boyfriend." Chiyako said defensively, and then added less severely, "Besides, you have nothing to worry about, Jin. There’s no way I’m letting you become my ex-boyfriend."

She smiled at him and Jin felt waves of happiness wash over him. Things shouldn’t be this good, he thought to himself.

But they were. Every minute he was with Chiyako was special and wonderful in ways that Jin had never conceived possible. It was like the sappy loves songs that he'd always dismissed previously. Watching Chiyako, listening to what she said, sharing his ideas with her: it was all so exhilarating. And kissing . . .

Still, mixed in with all this newfound pleasure was the sour taste of his guilt. Jin and Chiyako’s bliss was bought at the expense of Rumi’s happiness. If what she felt for me was like this, it was a horrible thought made worse because Jin still cared for Rumi the way he always had, as a friend and protector.

It wasn’t any easier on Chiyako, who had been Rumi’s roommate and friend. All their discussions of the matter had reinforced their guilt, and led no closer to any solution. It had seemed best to give Rumi a wide amount of space, requiring them to get any news second hand; Jin through Rumi’s new roommate, Fukutami, and Chiyako through Matsuura.

The information was always somewhat removed, making it all the more frustrating. And it hurt, knowing that he might never regain her friendship. It might do him better just to break contact completely, a cowardly and unforgivable option.

Chiyako, sensing his apprehension, if not its source, lightly assured him.

"Of all the guys I've ever been involved with, dear Jin, Captain Hirokazu is the least of your concerns."

"Actually, Hirokazu was a pretty good sport," Jin said in defense of his opponent, returning his mind to a less disturbing subject. "His big mistake was underestimating me at the beginning of the game. I won the first two sets before he realized he’d have to take me seriously. But by that time I was on a roll. 4 to 1, I almost feel guilty for beating him so badly."

"He should have been serious from the start, otherwise why play the match?" Chiyako said with vehemence. The guy must have done something quite uncouth on that single date; Jin decided to go lightly on his rebuttal.

"Oh come on," he said, "This is the tennis club. We organize ski trips in the winter and I think the majority of the members see it as a way to pick up dates. My last opponent was a no show and I spent the time filling in for a missing double, who it turns out had shown up but left before the other three showed up - an hour late. I suspect that next time I play Hirokazu-sempai it will be a far more difficult game."

"I think you're overestimating our tennis captain's seriousness for the sport. I have a feeling that Hirokazu's main ambition in the club tends towards dating coeds." With this pronouncement, Chiyako dolloped her sushi with wasabi and popped it in her mouth. She might have meant to keep the serious face, but it twisted oddly as the horseradish's curiously strong heat permeated her mouth.

Jin grinned carefully as he plucked the salmon sashimi from the serving plate. "From what I know of the guy's track record, he asked you out, and, after you dumped him, he was turned down by Rumi. I really can't fault his taste in women."

Chiyako gave Jin a knowing look, as if she wanted to speak, but was holding her tongue. Jin wasn't quite sure why he kept returning to defend his opponent. Probably an effort to help the guy save face. Just male solidarity, he justified. Besides Chiyako, Jin had heard Fukutami and even Rumi complain about the guy's apparently unsuccessful conquests of women.

Shifting focus away from his ex-girlfriend, Jin continued, "And as far as his captaincy, I think he cares a lot for the club. After the game, he came in to talk about getting together. He says he's looking to get feedback from some of the freshman members."

"Really?" Chiyako asked, still somewhat skeptical.

"Yeah. He wants to hear my opinions. Actually, he wanted to get together tonight, but I told him I had a date. This restaurant is actually his suggestion."

Chiyako looked around, as if appraising the restaurant anew. It was a tasteful sushi bar, classical décor with light wood paneling and paper screens strategically located about the room to give privacy. Unfortunately due to the place's popularity, Jin and Chiyako's table was located up front and within view of the entrance and cash register. It was only a minor inconvenience, more than compensated for by the service and affordability of the place. And the food, Jin noted, as he bit into his fish, was fabulous.

"Well, Hirokazu does have taste, I'll give him that." Chiyako agreed ruefully, "And now, I order a change of conversation. How's your roommate?"

"Wouldn't know. He hasn't been home in three days, something about a friend getting a hold of a projector and some movies. I hope he comes back soon, rent is almost due."

"Don't I know that," agreed Chiyako.

"You're not short this month, are you?" Jin asked with concern.

"A bit." She admitted. "Rumi and I were alternating months on who paid. It was going to be Rumi's turn this month, and so naturally I went shopping with the remainder of my allowance. Worse comes to worst, I'll ask my mom, but she won't be happy at 'the frivolous waste of money.'"

Jin took a sip of beer. He wished he had heard about this earlier. He had spent most of his extra cash for the month on dates and such, and neither could ask Rumi for the cash.

"We could ask Fukutami. I know her parents pay the rent directly, I don't think she's told them that Rumi's paying her half. We could ask for that money, just this month until you find another roommate."

"I don't think Fukutami would be willing to help me out. Last time I saw her, she shot daggers at me with her eyes."

"That's not fair, she should blame me." Said Jin.

"She knows me the least." Chiyako said, shrugging her shoulders. "Naturally she'll blame me. Actually, I'm so grateful for her taking Rumi in, I'd let her hate me all she likes."

Jin nodded, silently wishing for a solution to this mess. His roommate had insisted he'd seen a TV show with precisely this setup. Unfortunately, upon being pressed, he admitted it was a morning cartoon and the protagonist had used some magic make-up compact to reverse time.

There were times when the guy really disturbed Jin. He really wondered what had happened to the compatibility survey the roommate finding service had had him fill out. Well, they were both nonsmokers.

Many people here in Tokyo had turned out different than he expected. Some for worse, but many for better. Fukutami Yayoi, his neighbor, had turned out to be an excellent support for Rumi, and also for Jin.

Looking back, it had seemed like some god's intercession that Fukutami had been in the hall just as Rumi ran out. It had been pretty tactless for Jin to ask her over only to tell her he was in love with Chiyako, but inviting her out would have been too much like a date, and at the time Rumi and Chiyako were roommates, so he couldn't really go there.

Perhaps Fukutami's presence hadn't been complete coincidence, thought Jin. He had a feeling that she knew a good deal about what went on around the apartment building. Or perhaps she just liked to appear to be so knowledgeable; she could choose to be excessively vague when she wanted to.

Jin found himself replaying their most recent conversation from this morning, hopeful yet odd all the same.

"About Rumi," Fukutami had focussed the conversation after the obligate pleasantries were dispensed with.

"Yes?" he asked, bracing for the worst.

"She's doing better these days, almost chipper."

"That's great." Said Jin, happy for good news at last.

"Possibly." She said, reluctantly.

"What?" asked Jin, "You think it's just a front?"

"No, I think she's genuinely happy. I think she's getting over you, finally."

Relief surged through Jin's heart, "I'm so glad."

"I hope so." Fukutami nodded, her face inscrutable. As she passed him by, she added, "Miraculous recoveries come with side effects, you know."

Maybe Chiyako could make some sense of it. Jin started to repeat the conversation, but Chiyako's interest was elsewhere.

"Well, look who's here," said Chiyako as she looked somewhere behind Jin's ear, "It's our tennis captain himself."

"Here?" Jin asked with surprise, "What's he doing?"

"Probably out on a date. I wonder- Oh my." Chiyako's eyes widened with surprise and then some more unfathomable emotion.

Curiously, Jin craned around. The place was crowded and at first he could only see Hirokazu, looking quite dashing and conversing with someone to his right. Then, the customers shifted to reveal a rather dressed up young woman.

Jin's hand clenched, causing his sashimi to flip out and land in the soy sauce, splattering the brown liquid. He didn't notice, his mind was so caught by realization.

Hirokazu's date was Rumi.

Chapter 8

"Alright, they've been spotted." reported Youji in a whisper, as he peaked through the tear in the shoji screen, inconveniently positioned so that he had to hunch over.

"And?" asked Fukutami impatiently.

"Chiyako's pretending to ignore them, but Koishikawa's obviously staring. Oh, Hirokazu-sempai and Yamashita-san are pretending to just see them. They're approaching the table. Hirokazu's waving, looks like he's speaking with Koishikawa-san."

"And? And?"

"I can't hear them from back here," Youji apologized.

"Improvise!" Fukutami had the world's loudest whisper, making Youji thankful for the restaurant's lively din. "I'm going crazy with suspense. Can we have a rematch on Rock Paper Scissors? Please Youji-kun."

"You've already lost three rematches." Man, she didn't take defeat gracefully.

"I think you cheat."

Youji raised an eyebrow, reminding himself he should be thankful that Fukutami knew the maitre'd and had been able to get them such an ideal spying spot. He continued his observation report.

"Hirokazu's speaking to Koishikawa, motioning to the waiter. Great, they're bringing two more chairs over. Chiyako's got a rather sour look on her face."

"Serves her right. Hey, if you'll switch places with me, I'll pay for my half of the dinner."

"I had assumed you were planning on that anyway," he said under his breath.

But it wasn't worth the effort; the spy hole wasn't terribly useful, and his neck was getting sore. Youji relented, quickly sidestepping as Fukutami positioned herself in the coveted spot and wasted no time in plastering her eye to the screen.

"They're all at the table, girls on one side, boys on the other, couples facing each other. Hirokazu-kun's ordering for Rumi-chan and himself, probably something expensive. And- oh no!" Fukutami cried in alarm.

"What, what?" What could have gone wrong this early into dinner?

"They just sat someone at the table in my line of site. I can't see a thing. The injustice of it!" wailed Yayoi.

Youji grimaced; hoping that his dinner companion's voice wasn't as loud as it seemed.

"It doesn't matter," he tried to assure her, "The tricky part is over. So long as Koishikawa's doesn't get suspicious, everything will go according to plan."

Fukutami pried herself away from the lookout and scowled. "My, but you're cocky. How'd you get to be so smart?"

"One - a nosy grandmother who loved to gossip, two - a kid sister with an extreme romantic streak, three - watching way too much television with both of the above." Youji raised his fingers, counting off while he spoke and added for emphasis, "I've probably seen more soap operas than you."

"Probably," she admitted, "I was into Ultraman."

"Poor, deprived child."

"So, draw upon your vast knowledge and tell me what's happening."

"Well, assuming this was a standard romance, Hirokazu-sempai would act like an ass; Koishikawa-san would get ticked off and pop him one. Chiyako, embarrassed, would run out of the restaurant. Yamashita-san, on the other hand, would stand by Koishikawa, thus proving herself the worthier girlfriend at which point Koishikawa would apologize profusely for not realizing that she was the only girl for him all along. Hirokazu misses all this, as I'm afraid that he'd be unconscious still. Which leaves only us, the side characters, naturally, we unwittingly fall for each other."

"You and me? Nothing personal Youji, but you're not my type."

"Indubitably, aren't you glad this isn't really a soap opera?" I am.

"Thank the gods." Fukutami gave the peephole another go. "I can kind of see them. Damn, I wish I could hear what they're talking about."

"It wouldn't be interesting. It's what they're not saying that's important."

Fukutami looked at him inquiringly; Youji continued.

"Here's my honest guess as to what's going on. I know Chiyako feels rotten for what happened to Yamashita, and Koishikawa-san must feel ten times worse. Now they see Yamashita, for the first time in month, smiling and having a good time. It's what they've been hoping for, and yet. . " He let his voice trail away, carefully planning his next phase, "it doesn't settle their consciences. Quite the opposite, because now they get the added guilt of not being happy for Yamashita."

"Well, Jin's going to be jealous, that's the plan. But why wouldn't Chiyako be ecstatic? Unless of course she's worried she won't be able to hold onto her newly acquired boyfriend."

"Correct," Youji agreed reluctantly, adding. "But also, because she's worried for Yamashita. You said yourself that Hirokazu's a playboy. Chiyako knows this, and that Yamashita's has had a very limited dating experience. She doesn't want Yamashita's heart broken again."

"Boy," Fukutami said sarcastically, "so everyone is good and decent and all the troubles are just misunderstandings? Kind of naïve, aren't you Youji-kun?"

"Koishikawa-san and Chiyako are fundamentally good people, Fukutami," said Youji firmly. "They didn't want to hurt anyone; it's just the way it all played itself out."

Fukutami looked unconvinced. "They hurt Rumi-chan. They hurt you. You can't deny that."

Youji signed. He wasn't comfortable having this conversation with her, but he knew he was going to keep talking anyway.

"What we're doing isn't upstanding or noble either, Fukutami-san. If this works out, we will have manipulated and deceived two people who care for each other. We will have deliberately lied to them, caused them to doubt each other, and hurt them. It's not something I'm proud of." He dropped his eyes, not wanting to see Fukutami's reaction.

"So why are you doing this?" she asked, sans sarcasm.

"Because Yamashita still loves Koishikawa. Loves him very much. Chiyako and Koishikawa are still very new into their relationship. At this point, I think Yamashita has more claim to him. And I think she deserves him more. And . . I don't know, I'm just rooting for her."

"Wow." said Fukutami with reverence, "are you for real?"

Youji grinned, "My sister says I'm chivalrous and that I can't stand to see a woman unhappy."

"Hmmph." Fukutami returned her attentions to her spy hole. "So what's the next step of the plan? Arrange for another accidental double date?"

"No, that would be too suspicious. We lay low for the next two weeks. Let Rumi and Hirokazu be seen in public a few times so they're officially known as a couple. You and I need to get our stories straight, in case Koishikawa or Chiyako come asking us."

"You don't think that's moving too slow?" asked Fukutami, "The plan requires that Jin be jealous and worried enough that he’ll go back to Rumi-chan when they visit home over break. That's only three weeks away."

"Don't worry," Youji assured her, "more than enough time. I just need to talk to Yamashita first to explain what we need her to do."

*****

"And I've been tennis captain president ever since," concluded Hirokazu.

Silence descended once again around the table. Rumi added ginger to the remaining piece of sushi on her plate. It was a waste not to eat it, but her nervousness had vanquished any appetite. Even the after dinner green tea she ordered made her feel queasy.

Why, oh why, couldn't they leave. Call the whole plan a failure and just give up.

She was such a bad actor; there was no way Chiyako or Jin could believe this evening was anything but a set up. Throughout dinner she'd kept mostly quiet, letting Hirokazu keep up the conversation. It had been very one-sided, as Jin and Chiyako's replies were mostly monosyllabic.

They kept giving Rumi these questioning looks, as if to implore her why she was doing this. No, they weren't fooled, couldn't be.

She forced herself to look up. Jin was staring back at her, a searching look across his open face. Probably wondering how I could have sunk so low, Rumi accused herself. Jin, who always valued honesty, must be so disappointed with her, so glad to realize how right he was to end their relationship.

And Chiyako, who was eyeing Hirokazu in a scrutinizing manner, she must be wondering if Rumi had chosen him to deliberately remind her of their short unsuccessful date. But she hadn't! She had thought that Chiyako had dumped him up until recently.

So, from that sin, at least, her conscience was free from guilt. Pity she couldn't excuse herself from the rest. It had all seemed so straightforward and simple when they'd come up with the strategy, Yayoi's idea, Matsuura's implementation, and Rumi's contribution, small but significant.

"The way I see it," Yayoi had initiated the planning, "If we can make Jin-kun realize that he still loves Rumi, then he'll drop Chiyako and Youji-kun can pick her up on the rebound."

"I think you're oversimplifying things," said Matsuura, who Rumi suspected, might be slightly miffed by Yayoi's flippant evaluation of his and Chiyako's roles in all this. Or maybe it was her insistence of calling him by his surname.

"It shouldn't be too difficult," countered Yayoi, "Koishikawa dated Rumi for forever, his feeling for her must run deep. Guys want what they can't have. If he thinks he's lost Rumi, he'll realize just how much she means to him. The key, my friends, is jealousy."

She means well, Rumi reminded herself. Yayoi had a way of trivializing people when she spoke about them without intending to. But now was not the time to start defending Jin's character, no matter what her impulse. She glanced over to Matsuura, trying to project mentally her disagreement with Yayoi's seeming universal condemnation of men.

The corner of Matsuura's lips turned up, as if sharing her observations about her roommate. He returned his attention to Yayoi and said:

"It's conceivable that if Koishikawa were to see Yamashita-san involved with someone else, he might recognize that he still loves her. Arrange a few dates for Rumi, make it appear that she's serious, it might work. I seem to recall my sister Emiko having a series of books along this line, I'll get in touch with her and see how they set it up."

"Great," said Yayoi, nodding at Rumi, as if to indicate her agreement as well, "So Rumi goes out on a few dates with you, Youji-kun, and -"

"What?"

"Wait a second!" interrupted Rumi and Matsuura simultaneously and with equal indignation.

"What?" asked Yayoi, "I assumed you'd have no problem pretending to date Rumi, Youji-kun."

"Well, I suppose I could," admitted the flustered Matsuura, "But, it isn't, I -"

Rumi jumped in, ashamed for Matsuura's embarrassment and bewilderment, "I don't think that's a good idea. After all, if Jin comes back to me because of Matsuura-san, then I don't think Chiyako will look favorably on him. And part of the plan is to get them together as well."

"That's not the highest priority," said Matsuura, "What we-"

Yayoi threw up her hands.

"Whatever." She said, giving up, "So whom should we get to fill in as rival?"

She looked at Matsuura, who looked at Rumi. The name came to her unbidden and she spoke it without thinking,

"Well, there's always Hirokazu Nabishi."

So in the end, it was her suggestion, her idea that got her here tonight.

Something nudged her foot, drawing her back into the present. There it was again. She looked at Jin, old instinct and old habit reasserting themselves. But it was Hirokazu who was watching her, smiling with complete self-confidence. Another nudge, and he winked. This last was witnessed by Chiyako to judge by the way she flinched.

"This has been a delightful evening," Hirokazu said suavely, all the while eyeing Rumi, "But I'm afraid we have a movie to catch."

"Oh, well we wouldn't want to keep you." replied Chiyako primly.

"Yeah, have a good time," added Jin, sounding unsure.

Polite nods and short bows were made as Rumi and Hirokazu stood. Oddly, because she'd been waiting for this moment all evening, Rumi paused. Etiquette required her to say at least something; she'd been terribly quiet throughout the meal.

"It was nice to see you again."

She really did mean it. Yayoi and Matsuura were becoming good friends, but she'd known these two much longer, trusted herself with them even now.

Desperately she searched their faces, sure that she'd see only disgust and disappointment in their faces. Their faces were impartial, too tasteful to condemn her in such a place. Or maybe now she didn't even rate such consideration

I'm sorry, she wanted to cry out, forgive me, I miss you! But before she even opened her mouth, Hirokazu spoke:

"Yes, it has been delightful. Shall we go dear?" and with that he caught up her hand and swept her out of the restaurant.

At the door, she glanced back, to see the couple one last time. No lofty scorn, no subtle relief to be rid of her, the was some other expression on their faces. Confusion, surprise, disbelief, what could it mean? She pondered as they walked down the street.

And then understanding dawned.

"They actually think we're dating," she said in awe, part of her still disbelieving it. "They bought it."

"Hook, line and sinker" replied Hirokazu, confident as always.

"But I was sure they'd see through it, sure they'd know."

"Nonsense. We were very convincing. Especially you, had 'I've-run-into-an-ex-how-embarrassing' written all over your face."

It was a nice compliment, and Rumi felt herself relaxing for the first time all evening. She glanced up at Hirokazu, and felt her cheeks flush.

"Umm, Hirokazu-sempai, you can let go of my hand now."

"What? Oh, of course."

Smile as charming as ever, he let go. Rumi wondered if he might not have given her hand a quick squeeze at the last moment, but she must have imagined it.

"Say," he said, turning to her, "How about I treat you to dessert? There's a great French pastry place not far from here. I noticed you didn't eat much, you must be hungry."

"Oh no," said Rumi, against her stomach's protests, "I couldn't ask you do that. You just paid for dinner."

The tennis captain chuckled, "I'm afraid you'll have to come up with a better excuse. My weekly allowance is more than enough to take young women out for sushi and pastries every day of the week."

"Well, I guess I can't argue then," said Rumi, she always had a weakness when it came to sweets.

The place was a bit of a walk, but Rumi didn't mind. It was nice to be outdoors; the sushi bar had been stifling psychologically and physically. Now that she knew it had been at least a partial success, she could let her mind float. She was vaguely aware of Hirokazu talking in the background, about his family or something. If it was important, Rumi was sure he'd repeat it.

The shop turned out to be an adorable café on the eight floor of a department store. It had a marvelous view, and smelled delicious. Hirokazu insisted on ordering a large sampler plate, containing at least one of every available confection.

"But we can't eat it all," Rumi protested.

"If the plan continues to be this successful, you'll be back to dating Koishikawa and I won't have a chance to take you here again. I insist that you enjoy all the fine delicacies this place has to offer. It's not like I can't afford it."

"When you put it that way, I can't say no."

The desserts were even tastier than they looked. And Rumi finished far more of them than she should have.

"I'll probably pay for this later," she said afterwards, her pants fitting more snuggly than earlier in the evening, "but everything was so delicious."

"It was my pleasure." And Hirokazu smiled again.

"I do feel a little guilty."

"I've already explained that I have more money than I know what to do with." He certainly brought up his wealth a good deal, Rumi noted.

"It's not that. I mean that you could have been out on a real date. Everyone has the same amount of time."

"Would you believe me," said Hirokazu, leaning towards her in a conspiratorial manner, "That I've had more fun this evening than I could have with any other girl on campus. And I speak from experience."

Rumi blushed, "I. . ."

Hirokazu shushed her, "Never fear, I know my place. But until you get Koishikawa-san back, I am going to enjoy hanging out with you. Nothing wrong with that, is there?"

Rumi shook her head.

"Oh, and I was thinking, to strengthen the illusion of us dating, we should be more informal. How's about you call me Nabishi and I call you Rumi? That okay?"

"It make sense." Rumi agreed, and it did. Besides, he had been so gentlemanly about everything this evening, she'd feel badly to turn down this request. She noticed her stomach was discomforted, probably protesting all the sweets she'd just eaten.

*****

The clock's second hand never moves so slowly as in the last five minutes of class, Youji observed. But thankfully it did move and at long last, the bell rang.

"About time," he observed to the woman next to him. Seeing that she was sleeping, he poked her.

"Wha - Huh- Oh, your class is over. You know, college math classes aren't as bad as high school ones I remember." She yawned and stretched.

"You slept through it all, Yayoi" Yamashita pointed out.

"That's how I spent my high school math classes," said Fukutami defensively, "I just never brought my pillow along back then. Makes it a lot more comfortable."

"You know, Yayoi," Yamashita's voice was level, but with a slight edge, "you didn't have to come sit in on our class, we could have met you somewhere afterwards."

"No way. One, I'd never be able to get up this early if left to my own devices. Two, Rumi would have already divulged the juiciest bit of her third Hirokazu date by the time we met up. Even if you repeated the info word for word, it would loose its strength and passion. And three, this way I can honestly report to my father that I attended class this week."

Youji made a mental note to keep his little sister, Emiko, away from Fukutami. There are certain role models that an impressionable teenager didn't need.

"Well, Yamashita-san and I are done with classes for the day. Lets head somewhere discrete so we discuss Rumi's latest date, and plan the next step."

They decided on Youji's apartment. Conspirators, Fukutami pointed out, always failed because of stupid mistakes, like letting the wrong parties overhear them. That made the girl's place a very dangerous spot. Also, Hirokazu and Yamashita were the hot new couple on campus and the rumors were flying. It was great publicity, but Youji was glad for the upcoming summer break, which should mark the successful conclusion to the scheme.

He was also fervently gratified he had cleaned up his apartment somewhat. The kitchen contained about a week's worth of dirty dishes, but at least there was no underwear lying about the place. The sitting room, until now an unneeded luxury, suddenly seemed quite practical.

"Wow." said Rumi, looking about, "You live here by yourself?"

"Yeah," he replied. It really was embarrassing how large the place was. But his grandmother had insisted on a non-rat-infested abode in a respectable neighborhood, and only this place, out of the twenty or so they'd looked at, satisfied her. Well, she and his father were footing the bill.

He slid the coffee table closer to the couch so he could set up the folding chair. Good thing there were only three people in on the plot.

"So does this bachelor's place have any food?" Asked Fukutami.

"There's some chips and drinks in the kitchen. I'll get some-"

"Oh no," she insisted, "It's good to practice being domesticated every so often." She disappeared from site, but continued her monologue. "I remember when I had an apartment with a kitchen."

"When was that?" asked Yamashita.

"My first two years, then my father cut back my allowance when I changed my major from law to communication arts. Turned out for the best, though. These new complexes are so high up that it's difficult to throw things out the windows when you need to vent emotions."

Youji made another mental note about Yayoi, who was emerging with several bags of processed food and a six pack of soda.

"Well, let's begin." he said opening a can. "I heard from my tennis partner yesterday that Yamashita-san and Hirokazu-sempai made quite the impression at last week's tennis social."

"We're calling him Nabishi now." corrected a smirking Fukutami while elbowing Yamashita, who nearly choked on the chips she was eating.

"Really?" asked Youji, at a loss for words.

"Well," explained Yamashita after she cleared her throat, "he asked me to, so it would look more serious. It certainly surprised Jin when he heard Nabishi address me by my given name."

It made sense. Youji himself had been going to suggest Rumi address Hirokazu less formally, but first names still seemed extreme.

"Calling someone by their first name is just so more modern." commented Fukutami, "You should try it, Youji-kun. I'm getting tired of being called Fukutami-san. I've always hated my last name."

Yamashita met Youji's eyes with one of her please-excuse-my-roommate expressions she so often gave him.

"And you know what else," Fukutami added, catching their exchange if not its meaning. "You two should be able to use each others first names. It's not like you don't see each other all the time. Besides, it clears up confusion."

Youji raised his eyebrows to convey an unspoken shall-we-humor-her.

"Youji." Rumi said, extending her hand, western style.

"Rumi." Youji replied, taking her hand and performing the shake. It was a nice name, and fit her well.

"Okay, now that that's settled, tell us about the date." Fukutami commanded. Mentally, at least, Youji couldn't think to call her by her first name. "I can't believe, after I waited past one for you to get home you went straight to bed."

"One? AM?" Youji asked, confusedly, "you were only going to make a short public appearance."

"I, well, it got complicated." Rumi took a deep breath and started her narrative:

"Nabishi picked me up after my tennis match. Chiyako saw me leave, as per the plan. She looked really uncomfortable and Nabishi suggested this karaoke bar for dinner. There were some mechanical problems with the subway. So we walked and didn't get there until past seven. Nabishi really wanted to do karaoke, but there was such a long list by that point that we had to wait until almost nine." She took a sip of pop, obviously uncomfortable with what she was to say next. "Nabishi had been drinking, it was a bar, and well, he really enjoyed the singing and wanted to stay. I suppose I should have gone then, but I didn't feel comfortable leaving him. He had had a bit too much to drink by that point."

"Not surprising," said Fukutami, "he's a pretty cheap drunk."

"It got to be pretty late before he was willing to leave. Lucky for me the trains were back in service by that point, but I wanted to make sure he got home okay. So it was quite late when I got home. I was so tired, I just wanted to fall asleep, that's why I didn't want to talk then." She smiled, "Good thing I'm not really dating him, huh?"

She's hiding something, thought Youji. Carefully he phrased his next question, "So Hirokazu just got drunk and needed to be looked after? That's all?" What a romantic.

Rumi gulped "He threw up a few times," she admitted, dropping her eyes," and, and he tried to kiss me."

"What?" exclaimed Youji.

"Not surprising," said Fukutami.

"What?" Youji turned to stare at her, "You knew Hirokazu was like this?"

"I've heard stories." she replied nonchalantly, "Having Rumi date someone rumored to be dangerous will give Jin even more reason to take her back."

"But we can't let Rumi go out with someone like that!"

"Hey, calm down, calm down." Soothed Yayoi, "Hirokazu's a puppy dog, perfectly harmless, if you want him to be. I dated him myself once, back when I was in second year. He was drunk, that's all. Keep him away from the booze and everything's fine. Right Rumi? He's never done anything like this when he was sober, has he?"

"No." The reply seemed unsure.

"You're sure, Rumi?" asked Youji.

"I . . ." she paused, "He's sometimes implied things about Jin. Like that he's too poor to treat a date correctly. Or that he has poor bloodline."

"He's just being a snob, Rumi. Think nothing of it." Fukutami assured her, "He's from a rich, lower nobility family. It's the way we talk I'm afraid. I can't remember a single family reunion where my uncle and father didn't spend a good hour complaining about the nouveau riche and how they were all descended from lowly fishermen."

"It is true," admitted Youji, who listened to his grandmother's diatribes on much the same subject. "They're even more vehement if they think the commoners are actual rivals."

"Oh," Rumi looked more relaxed.

"I still don't like that he tried to kiss you, Rumi," Youji said, "I'm thinking we should change the final date."

"No, we can't," said Fukutami, "Your idea is brilliant, Youji."

"But I don't think Rumi should be alone with him." he protested, "You wouldn't be comfortable with that, would you Rumi?"

"Actually," she looked back and forth uneasily, "I wouldn't, sorry Yayoi."

"You just have to appear to be alone," Yayoi insisted. "Jin will never know. Listen, here's what we'll do . . ."

*****

Rumi's heart was racing, her palms sweating, and it was way too hot in her apartment. She wished she'd never agreed to this part of the plan, or maybe she regretted her role in the whole scheme. But there was no backing out now. And even if she could, Rumi wasn't sure she would. Hadn't she said she'd do anything to get Jin back? If this was the price she had to pay, then she should suffer it willingly.

She gave a small, embarrassed smile at her guest, the source of her consternation, sitting opposite from her at the low table. He returned it with a smile, dazzling even in the room's dim lightning.

"Umm, the tea should be ready any moment." She said quickly, trying to hide her unease. "Would you like another cookie, Nabishi?"

"You know," Nabishi replied a shade darkly, "When most girls invite me up for tea and cookies, they don't deliver."

Rumi gulped, fighting the urge to inch back. What was he expecting from her? True, her motives for inviting him up had not been purely culinary in nature, but it wasn't like Yayoi hadn't explained it all to him earlier.

The teapot began its frantic whistling, allowing Rumi to spring up and cross the room. She could feel Nabishi's eyes on her as she fussed with cups and spoons, but the distance at least gave her the illusion of having escaped. Moving slowly and methodically, she steeped the tea, a stalling tactic while she got her thoughts in order.

Where was Youji? He had promised to be there when she brought Nabishi home. She'd given him the keys and everything. Hopefully, he was just running late.

The tea was almost ready. Rumi placed the pot on the small platter and returned to the table. Sitting opposite from Nabishi, she began arranging the cups. She pretended to find the act quite fascinating as an excuse not to meet his eyes.

"You've had traditional tea ceremony training," Nabishi said as she poured his tea.

"Oh, this isn't tea ceremony at all," said Rumi, glad to converse on a lighter topic.

"I know that," he said, "But it's obvious from your manner and poise that you were trained."

Rumi laughed at the memory. "It was all my mother's idea. Her grandparents were samurai and mom's kind of stuck on the traditional instructions for daughters. I had to take flower arrangement, haiku composition, and calligraphy too." What she had really wanted was to join the soccer team, but her mother had been mortified. How would being able to kick a ball get Rumi a husband, she used to ask. As if that was all that could be expected from a daughter.

At the thought of marriage, Rumi began to feel worried again. Could Nabishi think those skills a qualification for wife-hood? Would he think she was bragging about them to impress him, the way he bragged about his family's wealth and lineage?

I should have told him I was descended from fishermen and rice farmers, she thought. Where was Youji?

It wasn't quite so bad. Nabishi was perfectly sober tonight, and had apologized for the previous date several times already. And after tonight, she'd never have to date him, never even have to see him again.

When had she begun to loath him, and why? True, he'd been a horrible drunk, and he was conceited and boring. But she'd known people like that before. One of Jin's uncles was renowned for his drunken stupors, and she'd never had a problem with it.

It's because of the deception, she knew it was. At first it had only been lying to Jin and Chiyako, pretending to be happy and in love. But that was okay, hadn't they lied to her? Then it was pretending to the whole school that she and Nabishi were an item. That had been okay as well, it was their choice to gossip. But last week, she'd as much told Yayoi and Youji, who still wasn't here, that she was comfortable around Nabishi, which she certainly was not. And she'd omitted several details of their previous date. Now she was lying to Nabishi, telling him that the other night was forgotten. She hadn't even told her mother that she had broken up with Jin, even agreeing that this summer break they should find out how much a good friend recently spent on her wedding, because it was never too early to plan, just in case.

Was there anyone she wasn't lying to? Herself? I keep saying the plan will work, that when it's all over Jin will come back to me and we'll be just like we were. But they wouldn't, because she could never tell him about the plan. There would always be this deception between them.
"Ouch!" cried Nabishi, snapping her out of her self-flagellation.

"What?" Rumi asked, jumping up.

But she could already see. Nabishi 's teacup was overturned and the liquid was running over the edge. He was clutching his lower arm, and she could see a brown stain on the cuff.

"Spilled the tea," muttered Nabishi through clenched teeth, "Bloody klutzy of me."

"Happens to everyone." Rumi assured him and leaped quickly to the other side of the room where she kept the first aid box. Fortunately, her mother had agreed to first aid training. Considering the death rate in Akira Kurosawa films, it seemed a lot more useful than calligraphy.

"Here, let me see," she said as she knelt beside him.

Rumi unbuttoned the cuff and rolled it back. His wrist was slightly pink; probably not even a first degree burn. Regardless she thoroughly coated it with salve, twice, just to be sure and wrapped it with almost an entire length of bandage.

"There, that should hold it. Although you should probably see a doctor about it, and soon."

Nabishi nodded and Rumi started to stand, but he took her hand with his unbandaged one, and looked into her eyes. She froze. Where was Youji?

"Rumi," he spoke with a soft voice she hadn't heard before, "thank you. You’re a truly good person, you know."

Rumi nodded, agreeing to another lie, wishing he'd let go of her hand. But she really couldn't yank it away now, could she? Nabishi continued:

"I knew you were a good person before we started this charade, but I didn't . . ." he paused and looked to be collecting his thoughts. "I know you'll get Koishikawa-san back. He was a fool to let you get away in the first place. But, but if it doesn't work out, would you, would you consider me a second choice, a consolation prize?"

Rumi was stunned. Nabishi had said something along these lines when he was drunk, but she had put it up to the alcohol. He was dead sober this evening.

"Nabishi," she said, thinking fast. Where was Youji? "You seem like a nice guy. But I'm in love with Jin. I always have been."

She meant the words, and yet they felt hollow, like one more lie told for convenience sake, to get her out of trouble, once again.

Nabishi's eyes were glistening; was he crying? Great, now she could add breaking a man's heart to her list of ever growing offenses. She wanted to scream, to vomit, and to scrub away at her skin with lye. Where was Youji?

"But he's not as good for you as I am." Nabishi pleaded, holding even more tightly onto her hand so that she couldn't remove it if she wanted to, "I have more money, I can give you so much more. I'll be taking over my father's company some day. It's huge. And even before that, we'll have a big house with servants and we'll go on trips. You'll live a life like you've never had, I promise you."

"Nabishi - " her hand was starting to hurt. Where was Youji?

"You can't love him romantically, you only think you do because you've been together for so long. It's not a passionate love; it's just friendship. Don't you see? That's why he broke up with you. He just loves you as a friend. I'll love you like a boyfriend ought to. I've been trying to tell you that all along, don't you see?"

"Nabi - " she started to say, but he interupted her with a kiss.

It was a hard kiss, unlike any she'd shared with Jin. She could feel his teeth pushing against her lips almost like a bite. He still held her hand, and with his other hand he held onto her sholder, effectively capturing her.

Where the hell was Youji?

"Bleep-bleepity-bleep. Bleep-bleepity-bleep. Bleep-bleepity-bleep. Bleep-bleepity-bleep." Something rang shrilly, electronically and without mercy.

"What the?" Nabishi looked up, relaxing his grip, and Rumi pushed herself back.

She rose shakily to her feet and walked quickly over to Yayoi's desk. It wasn't hard to spot the noise's source, a day glow green key chain ornament in the shape of a misshapen monster with an enormous head and goggle eyes. Rumi pushed his bellybutton and the din stopped.

"It's the signal from Yayoi. He's here." she explained, holding it up for Nabishi to see. "Time to move."

"But-" This time she cut him off.

"He'll be here any second," she snapped, and opened the door.

Sure enough, she could hear sounds from the entryway, and then footsteps on the stairs.

"Just make it look good," she hissed at Nabishi who had come to stand beside her in the hall. He nodded, and leaned over to kiss her.

Rumi unclenched her teeth. This had to look natural. Natural so that Jin, coming home, would think it was real, and draw whatever conclusions his imagination could devise about what Nabishi was doing, or had been doing, that late at night.

And then, afterwards, when she was alone with him on the train ride home, she could choose whatever lie she wanted to, pull any trick necessary to get him back.

The sound of steps halted. Rumi and Nabishi finished the kiss.

"I'll miss you," he said on cue and started out.

Rumi was supposed to say, "Me too," but the words didn't make it out. Instead she was looking down the hall, at Jin, and past him at Chiyako, returning home with him at this late hour. Nabishi was looking back and forth, confused. Rumi didn't care.

Slowly she stepped back inside and closed the door. Only then did she realize she was crying. When had the tears started?

And why hadn't Youji come?

Chapter 9

"What was she doing? What was he doing? You don't think - " Jin stopped pacing in the room and looked at Chiyako, as if willing her to provide an answer.

She could only shrug and shake her head.

"They probably just wanted to spend some time alone together, to talk." Just like we were going to, Chiyako thought ruefully. "Rumi's leaving Sunday too."

"But their clothing was all disheveled, and more importantly, Rumi was crying. You saw that." He returned to walking his path through the room, a difficult process under normal circumstances made even more challenging by some large black boxes Jin's roommate had recently smuggled in "For the vacation."

"Yeah, so they kissed a bit and now she's sad he's leaving. We were planning to do the same. I know I'll probably bawl my eyes out when your train leaves."

Jin halted again, looking over at her for the first time since they got home. His eyes were tender and full of longing. Quietly he sat down beside her at the table and gently took her hand in his.

"I'm sure I won't be dry eyed either. Don't worry, I'll convince my folks to let me come back early. There's no way I'm staying away from you for six weeks, even if it is prime tourist season."

He bent down and kissed her ever so lightly that it felt like mist. She kissed him back, marveling at the tenderness, the pleasure of it all. Never before, not with any of her old boyfriends, even the nice ones like Youji, had kissing been this exquisite. Even two or three weeks away would be unbearable.

She opened her eyes and saw him smiling at her. I want to memorize each feature of that face, she thought, burn it into memory.

Sighing, she nuzzled her head onto his collarbone while he put his arm around her, drawing her in. Their proportions were perfect.

"I know," Jin said softly, stroking her hair, "Why don't you come with me? It's not like we don't have extra rooms."

"Really?" she asked, surprised and excited.

"Absolutely." His voice echoed her enthusiasm. "I'd love to show you around my town. The mountains are beautiful and I know some hidden hot springs -- hardly anyone ever goes there."

"It sounds wonderful!"

"We'll leave together. I'll pick up an extra ticket. Will you have time to pack?"

"No problem I - Oh no," she sighed with disappointment as she remembered, "I have a meeting with our accounting professor on Monday. I need to convince him I'm an ideal candidate for the internship next spring."

"Later in the week then?" he asked hopefully.

"Sure, Tuesday, or even Monday night."

"Excellent, then I can brag about you first."

"Oh, Jin, don't."

"They're going to love you, Chiyako. And then they'll understand why I don't want to hang around all summer."

Chiyako giggled and Jin kissed her quickly, or at least tried to. It extended and might have gone on for some time, if not for the crashing sound heard through the wall.

It was followed by muffled shouting, a female voice tinged with hysteria. Instantly Jin was up, his head pressed against the wall.

"That's Rumi, I'm sure. But it's two doors down, I can't make out what they're saying."

Chiyako went over beside him. The voice got louder and she almost thought she caught a word or two. Then there was a slam. Jin was moving to check the hall, but Chiyako held him back.

"I don't think she wants to see you right now," she said.

"But -"

"No Jin, not right now. She'd be embarrassed and overly emotional. She needs some time. Later, on the train ride home, you can have a long talk." Was she getting through?

"Alright," he agreed reluctantly. "I just wish she could have gotten involved with someone decent, like Matsuura, or even my roommate. Well, maybe not him. But not Hirokazu-sempai."

Chiyako sighed. "Jin, come, let's sit back down."

He complied, but she could see he was still agitated.

"I mean, what can she see in a guy like that? He's boring, pretentious -"

" - Handsome, rich, and interested in her." Chiyako finished, "He's her rebound. Don't worry too much Jin, I'm sure Rumi will lose interest soon enough. After all, Hirokazu-sempai has some large shoes to fill." She squeezed his had as she said this, and he returned it, distractedly.

"It just that Rumi's incredibly loyal. What if she feels obligated to date him because she feels sorry for leading him on? What if he's one of those clinging guys who never lets go of a girl?"

"That isn't Hirokazu's track record." Chiyako replied.

"So you think he won't get hung up on her?"

"The Hirokazu I dated wasn't interested in long term commitment," she said, putting her arm around Jin, trying to recapture that comfortable position.

At least he wasn't interested in a long-term commitment with her. She remembered their conversation to the word; it had been so humiliating. Hirokazu was wife hunting and she, Chiyako, hadn't made the cut. Oh, but her roommate was another story. Little country mouse Rumi came from a now defunct, formally elite family and so she was ideal. How that had stung. Originally, she'd planned to tell Rumi so that together they could set a trap and make Hirokazu suffer, but a cascade of other events had pushed it from her mind.

She should have at least warned Rumi, back when they were roommates and friends. But now, how could she? And Jin, she couldn't even tell him. If she did, he'd rush in to protect Rumi. Would that be so bad? Asked a voice in her head.

Maybe not, but what if Rumi gave Jin an ultimatum: Hirokazu or him? What if she tries to get Jin back?

It was a private fear of Chiyako's, to lose Jin back to his old girlfriend. It was silly and irrational, or so she told herself. But those two had been together for so long, were such good friends. Even if Jin loved her more amorously, as he often told her, would that win out over an old comfortable love from his hometown blessed with appropriate social standing?

Jin took hold of her again, resting his face in her hair.

"You know," he said, his voice no longer strained, "you're so good for me. You relax me and make my troubles go away."

Chiyako swallowed, trying to reciprocate. Willing the doubt and fears back to their hidden spot. She'd need them tucked far away, especially with Jin leaving soon, with Rumi. Somehow, they wouldn't stay put.

*****

Ring.

Click.

"Hello?" It was Fukutami's voice.

"Yayoi-san, is Rumi there?" Youji asked impatiently.

"Youji-kun! Where were you? Rumi just left here in a huff. Boy, I've never seen her so mad."

"She left? Where? When?" he asked.

"About thirty minutes ago. So what happened? She said you never showed up."

"I - I'm really sorry. My sister called. There's a bit of a family emergency." It was an understatement, not quite a lie. "I lost all track of time. Do you know where she went?"

"Not a clue." She sounded unworried, but it gave him no comfort.

"Why'd she run out?" He had promised to be there Had something happened between her and Hirokazu?

"I can't be sure, but I'd bet money it had something to do with Jin bringing Chiyako home with him."

"He what?"

"Yeah. They showed up at about 11:30, together."

"You don't think Chiyako was going to . . ." Youji's voice faded out. If Jin and Chiyako were this close, then the plan could never succeed.

"Spend the night together?" finished Fukutami, "Possibly. But I think the spectacle of Rumi and Hirokazu making out in the hall dampened any heart fires. She left about five minutes ago."

Youji sighed with relief and felt instant guilt. Rumi had left before Chiyako. She was probably out wandering the city, thinking that, that - his mind blanched from the image. He had to go find her, had to let her know it was all right and that the plan was still on track.

He was about to ask Fukutami again if she had any idea of Rumi's whereabouts, when there was a knock on his door. Youji crossed the room, stretching the telephones cord to its full extension. Peering through the peephole, he saw an enlarged view of Rumi's face. Her eyes were red behind her glasses and her lips set in a tight line.

"Rumi's here, Yayoi-san," he said as he opened the door, "I'll talk to you later."

"What? No, let me talk to Rumi, I want to -" was what Youji heard as he returned the phone to its receiver. Fukutami's presence was not needed. He unplugged the phone, just to be safe.

"That was Yayoi-san," said Youji, "I was just going out to look for you."

Rumi removed her shoes and crossed the room to stand by the window. She drew a deep breath and gave him an accusatory look.

"You weren't there," she said, "You never showed up. You promised me you would."

"I know, I'm sorry," he said. "My sister called, and I know that's no excuse, but she really needed to talk to me. But don't worry. Everything's okay. Yayoi-san said that Chiyako just left the apartment building, so nothing happened."

"Just because nothing happened doesn't mean it's all right, Youji."

"It will be all right, Rumi. The day after tomorrow you and Jin will take the train home and Chiyako will stay in Tokyo. You have all of summer break to convince him that he loves you."

He smiled weakly, hoping he'd reassured her. But she merely snorted and turned away to stare out the window.

"And what if he doesn't love me? What if he really loves Chiyako?"

"Rumi, of course he loves you. How can you doubt it?"

"Like he loves Chiyako? Like a girlfriend? Someone you'd bring home to your apartment at night? I'm not sexy or charming or sophisticated like she is, Youji. I can't compete with someone like that!"

Rumi's back was still to him, but Youji knew from experience what a crying female looked like. In some previous situations he had just held the girl and let her sob until she felt better, but the idea of embracing Rumi right now made him feel uncomfortable. He took a step closer and said:

"You can compete, Rumi. You're pretty. You're smart. You're kind and deep and honest. You just have to have confidence in yourself." He wished she'd turn around so he could see if any of this was getting through to her.

"Do you really believe that, Youji?" Her voice was pleading.

"Of course I do. Why do you think I've been orchestrating this whole scheme if I didn't think you could do it? If I didn't believe that you and Koishikawa were made for each other?"

"There's Chiyako."

"Yes, there's Chiyako. Who likes me as a friend. Maybe with Jin gone she'll come back to me. Knowing my track record, I'll be supportive and she'll think of me as a brother." He found himself getting angry, for some reason he didn't want to think about his old girlfriend right now. More calmly, he continued, "I'm not doing this because of some unrealistic, romantic hope that Chiyako's going to fall into my arms. I'm doing this because what you and Koishikawa have doesn't happen to everybody, Rumi. That's why it's so special."

"I never asked you to do this for me, Youji."

"Of course you didn't. You're not like Yayoi-san. Truth be told, I started this mainly because I needed a distraction. Something to get my mind off Chiyako. But as it went along, I came to know you, Rumi. You remind me a lot of my sister, of all her good qualities. You're the type of person I hope Emiko grows up to be. And I hope that Emiko can find someone like Koishikawa. I'm probably - what's that psychology word, projecting - but I remember when we four were on that double date, you and Koishikawa were so in synch with each other, so perfectly matched, so truly happy together. The world has far too many unhappy people in it. You can't fault me for wanting to shift the balance, even if it's just by a little."

After a long pause, Rumi turn to face him. Youji's heart skipped a beat; she was smiling. Thank the gods, it couldn't be too bad if she was smiling.

"That was quite the speech."

"Well, saving other people's relationships is my specialty," he said.

"I can see that. But you should work on getting one of your own, Youji. You're too nice of a guy to be single."

"That's what all my female friends say."

It was a mildly amusing one liner, and they gave it a half laugh, which quickly faded to silence. It occurred to Youji that he had a girl in his apartment, and it was well past midnight. It was a first for him. Rumi dropped her eyes, and stared at the floor, which only made him feel more uncomfortable. He backtracked to a less personal part of the conversation.

"So why were you doubting yourself? Did Hirokazu say something?"

"I don't put stock in what Nabishi says." She replied, evading his question. What wasn't she saying?

"What happened with Hirokazu?" He tried to convey mild curiosity, but he could see her defenses go up immediately.

"If you had been there, you would know."

Guilt surged. "I know. I feel so badly. There's a bit of a family emergency-"

"Emergency?" Rumi's angry tone disappeared and her face took on a concerned look, "Not your sister Emiko?"

"No, no. It's my grandmother. She's . . . " he didn't want to bother her with the details. "She's sick."

"I'm so sorry, Youji."

He shrugged. "My father's out of the country right now, so I need to return home and get things in order. I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? But what about Jin? I can't-"

"Don't worry, it's a 4:00 PM train. You can meet me at the station, say quarter to, and we can go over any last minute plans, okay?"

She agreed, although her confidence seemed to have faded. He wanted to ask her about Hirokazu, to find out what had happened. It was obviously the reason she'd left her apartment and the source of her anger.

And that was precisely the reason he didn't bring it up as he walked her part of the way home. There was no denying that had he been in her apartment as promised, nothing would have happened. And while he had a good reason, the explanation would take far more time than they had. Besides, she'd end up feeling pity for him, something he very much loathed.

Rumi was going to be on her own soon. Away from him, and thankfully away from Hirokazu. Maybe a little anger was what she needed.

*****

When Jin left home for college, the last thing he thought he'd miss were the chores, especially the backbreaking ones like splitting wood to heat the sauna. But just now he found himself longing for some activity that involved pounding, tearing and destroying.

He had gone to the tennis courts to gather information on Rumi's new beau, hoping to find out that tennis captain was a great guy. A safe, responsible and sensitive sort of fellow who would be perfect for Rumi. But each response he got seemed more disturbing then the last.

"President Hirokazu? We went out twice when I was a freshman. He may be a flirt, but he certainly can choose some good restaurants."

"I don't know what's so special about the guy. If he weren't so rich the girls wouldn't be half so interested in him."

"Just keep your girlfriend away from him. He stole mine, and dumped her not more than a month later."

"All I'll say is, dating Nabishi was a learning experience, a real learning experience."

Rumi was too smart to fall for such a guy, wasn't she? Surely she'd wise up soon enough on her own. But doubts kept nagging him. She's on the rebound, he told himself, and she's never dated anyone else.

According to the schedule, Hirokazu should be starting a match soon. Jin headed to the locker rooms to have a chat with the guy. He had hurt Rumi, that was true. But he wasn't about to stand by and let some other guy do the same. There were times when Jin didn't worry about the logic behind his actions.

So intent was he on his reasoning that he almost walked past the young man gathering together tennis supplies in the hall.

"Matsuura-san." Jin said.

Chiyako's ex-boyfriend jumped, spilling racquets every which way. "Koishikawa-san. You startled me. Do you have a match today?"

"No, just some errands." As Jin bent down to help gather the tennis equipment, a thought came to his mind. "Listen, Matsuura-san, can you do me a favor just now?"

"Umm, possibly. What do you need?"

"Well, I need to talk to someone right now, and I'd appreciate it if you'd come along," said Jin.

"Well, sure." Matsuura looked relieved. "Do you want me to do anything else?"

"Just make sure I keep a level head. And maybe stop me from hitting him."

"Okay."

"But only if he doesn't deserve it."

Jin didn't want to explain, and thankfully, Matsuura seemed content not to ask. They proceeded into the locker room, where Jin was glad to see Hirokazu almost immediately.

"Excuse me, captain," he said with a politeness he didn't feel.

"Ah, underclassman Koishikawa and underclassman Matsuura, good to see you both."

"Captain Hirokazu," said Jin, "I have a question for you."

"Oh, well, ask and I'll try to do my best to answer it."

"What are your intentions towards Yamashita Rumi?"

"Yamashita Rumi?" Hirokazu paused as if considering. "Why, I plan to marry her."

"What?" cried Jin and Matsuura together.

Hirokazu looked from one to the other. "Only if she'll have me," he said. "I'm still working on that part."

"You can't be serious," said Matsuura.

"Completely. I'm a senior, it's time for me to find a wife and Rumi-chan is a perfect choice."

Jin was barely listening, his head still whirling from Hirokazu's reply. Images of Rumi horribly misused and abandoned were replaced by a pregnant housewife Rumi surrounded by children of various heights. Not that Rumi wouldn't make a excellent mother, someday. Not yet, though.

"But she's still a freshman," said Jin.

"There's no law against a married woman attending school."

"But, she won't have time to do housework or cook." Odd, that was precisely the argument Jin had used on his mother when she had suggested he start saving up for an engagement ring.

Hirokazu looked offended. "Do you think I'd have my wife doing housework? We'd have a maid, I assure you."

"But, but," Matsuura-san kept glancing at Jin, "There will be so many disappointed young women."

"I'm afraid they'll have to get over it, Matsuura-san," said Hirokazu. "I'll admit, I wasn't that serious when I started dating Rumi. But she's a remarkable woman, very cultured and beautiful. When I realized what a marvelous wife and mother she'd make, well, I would have been a fool to let her go. Wouldn't you agree, Koishikawa-san?"

"I-" his mind was racing. Could Rumi marry such a man? So quickly after meeting him? Relationships take time, he had always thought. But didn't his own experience with Chiyako prove differently?

"You're serious?" he asked.

The tennis captain nodded once.

"When, when are you going to propose?" Jin asked.

"After summer break, early autumn at the latest. Like I said, I still have to prove myself to her. I suppose I should be rather angry at you Koishikawa-san; you set some fairly high standards for me."

"Rumi deserves the best," was all he could think to say.

"I won’t disagree." Hirokazu turned on his trademark smile, showing off his perfectly straight, sparkling white teeth. "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss with me? If not, I do have a tennis match scheduled."

"No, that fine," said Jin, and the tennis captain took his leave.

No one spoke for a good minute. Finally, Matsuura broke the silence.

"I wouldn't have stopped you from hitting him," he said.

"Really? He sounded quite sincere," said Jin, feeling unnerved.

"I'm sure he was, but, didn't it seem to you like he was talking about Ru- I mean Yamashita-san like she was a piece of furniture? Someone to marry because she'll host good dinner parties and raise well behaved children?"

Thinking back on the conversation, Jin could see Matsuura's point. He nodded.

"Of course," Matsuura continued, "that's what a fair number of women want out of a relationship."

"Not Rumi," said Jin.

"Really?"

"Of course not. She never wanted to be just a wife and mother. She came to college to become a chemist, not to find a husband."

"Well," said Matsuura slowly, "I suppose she thought she already had found a husband." He jerked his head up suddenly. "I- Koishikawa-san, pardon me, I didn't mean to imply . . ."

"It's okay," Jin said. "It's something I'll have to consider. Rumi and I will be traveling home tomorrow. It will give us a chance to talk. I think there's some things we need to get straight."

"That sounds good. Now if you don't mind, I have an appointment I need to get to."

"Oh, yeah, sorry." Said Jin, "You're having lunch with Chiyako today, aren't you?"

"Just a quick tea, really," said Matsuura, "I'm catching a train later on today, and still have a few things to pack."

"Don't I know that feeling."

Matsuura turned to go and was almost gone when Jin spoke again.

"Matsuura-san. Just a minute. Umm, you've been spending a lot of time with Rumi recently."

"Yes, a bit." Matsuura replied, not turning around.

"I was just wondering, do you think she could actually be serious about Hirokazu-san? I mean, he is rich and handsome and all."

There was a pause, and then Matsuura turned to face him. "I think Yamashita-san's smart enough to see Hirokazu's faults behind his outward charms. But, it's been my own personal experience that girls can easily overlook a lot in their boyfriends. It all depends on what they really want."

Matsuura finished with an apologetic shrug, and, seeing Jin had nothing more to say, left.

It all depends on what they really want. Jin repeated the phrase. What did Rumi really want. A few months ago he would have known without a doubt, but now. . . Did Matsuura know? Had there been some subtext to Matsuura's odd reply? He tried to remember the exact phrasing but couldn't. It only made him more sure he'd missed something vital.

Sighing, he headed off for home; he hadn't even begun to pack. His watch read quarter past twelve. Twenty-one hours. He hoped it was enough.

Summer had definitely arrived in Tokyo, and Jin bet it would be scorching soon. No wonder everyone vacationed in the country. Of course, it meant that summer was firmly entrenched in his brain as a time of extra work, not relaxation. One of these days he longed to experience the other side of the hospitality. Maybe when Chiyako came to visit they could take a vacation of their own.

It was a pleasant thought, but his mind kept going back to his recent encounter with Hirokazu. The guy was a pompous idiot, that much Jin was sure of, almost. Matsuura, had felt the same. He was a non-partial observer, and, Jin suspected, probably far more intelligent about such things.

How come some guys were so observant, when Jin felt like he had to get hit by a two by four before he picked up on even the most obvious things? He remembered Matsuura mentioning having a sister and grandmother; could that be the difference?

It made Jin wish he had had a sister, or at least some female influences in his life. Out of his multitude of cousins, there was a single girl, and Himeko had been such a tomboy, she put the rest of them to shame. There were his mother and aunts, but they seemed to keep any brilliant feminist insight to themselves. Or maybe he should have had hung out in the kitchen instead of playing baseball at family reunions.

Odd that a guy like Matsuura shouldn't have a girlfriend. Jin would have thought they'd be standing in line, which was just more evidence that he didn't understand women.

Too bad Rumi couldn't fall for Matsuura. It would be a good match, he figured. Besides his intelligence, he was witty and sincere, all the things Hirokazu wasn't. Maybe on the way home Jin could plant some ideas in Rumi's head about such a possible relationship.

He almost laughed out loud; he'd screw it up for sure. Still, the idea itself was sound. Maybe if Chiyako helped him out. . . He'd have to mention it to her tonight. It could be a team effort, maybe he'd even be able to rope Yayoi in on it. It made him think of some of the TV shows he'd seen.

He spent the rest of the way home spinning out episodes, each less feasible than the last, but all entertaining. As he entered his apartment building Jin was in quite good spirits. It was particularly noisy around here today he noted, probably due to all the students leaving on holiday.

"Koishikawa-san," said a voice behind him, "Just the kind, caring, and helpful man I wanted to see."

He turned to see Fukutami Yayoi, her small frame nearly doubled over under the four suitcases she was carrying.

"I have to catch my train in half an hour. It’s the only one that will get me to the airport in time to catch my flight to Hawaii. I've never been to Hawaii before; I may never go again. Please, oh please, help me."

"I'd love to Fukutami-san, but I've got to pack still. I'm leav-"

"Save your breath, Jin," said Rumi, appearing behind her roommate, another three suitcases in hand. "I tried the same excuse. She claims it's our duty as underclassman to assist her."

"I bribed you as well," said Fukutami. "Jin, help me out and I'll bring you back a coconut. They're all the rage."

Without waiting for his reply, she handed him two bags and strapped another to his back. They were suprisingly heavy.

"What did you pack?" he asked.

"Everything," said Rumi, shuffling bags with Fukutami while slipping into her shoes. "The apartment's practically empty."

"For the next month," said Fukutami, "I will be creative. And as I don't know what turn my creativity will take, I have to be prepared. Photography, writing, painting-"

"Sunbathing, nightclubbing, and shopping," finished Rumi. "I swear I saw her pack the feather duster."

Being late was almost Jin's second nature, but the mad dash across most of Tokyo was the most surreal experience. Fukutami, by sheer determination alone, managed to dive through the crowds creating eddies of commuters in her wake. It took all of Jin's swiftness and dexterity to keep up with her.

He alternated between cursing her under his breath, and practically gasping in awe as she led them through the twists and turns of the Tokyo subway system, every few minutes calling off the time remaining until her flight departure.

Other than these reminders, she made no acknowledgement of them. Jin almost didn't make it onto one of their subway connections and wondered what Fukutami would do if she found herself minus her entourage when she reached the airport. But she must have been paying more attention than he thought as she was first to Rumi's side when she tripped and fell.

It was a most spectacular tumble and with luggage somersaulting everywhere. The largest piece sprung open, scattering embarrassing feminine undergarments every which way to the delight of a crowd of junior high school boys. It turned out that Fukutami had a thing for polka-dots.

Fortunately, Rumi was unharmed, Fukutami had packed duct tape and after a bit of stuffing and repair work, they were on their way.

"I just know one of those prepubescent twerps made off with my good bra," Fukutami complained as they waited for the airport shuttle. "Don't roll your eyes at me Koishikawa, those things are expensive."

"I'm sure it's going to a good home." Jin replied, keeping a straight face. "You sure you'll be okay from this point on?"

"Of course, that's what porters and large tips are for. Jin, Rumi, thanks again so much. You're each getting two coconuts for this."

"Do you think she'll have enough room to bring them back?" whispered Jin as Fukutami boarded the shuttle.

"I don't even want to imagine," said Rumi out of the side of her mouth while she waved goodbye to her roommate.

Despite it being almost two, Jin felt almost no stress as they started for home. It was amazing how easy it was to step onto even a crowded subway when your hands were free of luggage.

It was more than the lack of baggage. Jin was with Rumi and, for the first time in ages, he wasn't feeling guilty or embarrassed. Perhaps it had something to do with their manic rush across the city. It reminded him of the mishaps they used to get into as kids.

"I hope we don't cut it that close tomorrow." Jin said.

"It will probably be worse," said Rumi. "We're leaving at 9 am. And I think Yayoi packed my alarm clock by accident."

"Shall I knock on your door?"

"That would be appreciated," she said, "although, you're such a night owl these days, I'm not sure I can rely on you."

There was a teasing tone in her voice, and Jin couldn't help but reply:

"You're the one who was out to past one last night."

Her head snapped about to stare at him "How would you know?" She asked, all amusement gone.

"I-" Jin paused, unsure what to tell her. Might as well go with the truth. "I waited up for you. There's a window up on the third floor, by the stairs. It gives a good view of the front pathway."

Rumi nodded, but still looked tense.

"I didn't mean to," Jin continued, "but I overheard you leaving. It was so late, and your father swore he'd hunt me down with the family's old samurai sword if anything happened to you."

"If he could find it. Mom hid it well after that time she caught us playing honorable suicide with it," she said, slowly relaxing. "Both my parents are so certain that Tokyo is filled with muggers and deviants, lurking behind every bush in the park, ready to jump out at any unaccompanied female. I think they watch too many police dramas."

Rumi smiled, and Jin gave a polite chuckle; they turned to stare out the window at the passing tunnels. Jin's mind was elsewhere, trying various ways to phrase the questions that came to mind. Had Rumi been wandering the around the park? Had she been unaccompanied? Did she know Hirokazu intended to propose to her? He couldn't ask Rumi that, but maybe he could subtly guide the conversation. Offhandedly he said;

"It must have been chilly last night. If you were out walking the whole time."

Rumi gave him a measured look. "Did my father also request you to give him detailed reports?"

"No, of course not." He cursed himself for being so obvious. "But I am allowed to be concerned for you, right?"

Rumi's eyes narrowed to slits. The hairs on the back of Jin's neck went spiky and, old childhood reflexes coming into play, he took a step back.

"You dumped me. You started dating my roommate. Maybe you're allowed to be concerned for me, Jin. But I don't think I have to be impressed by your concern."

More than the words, it was Rumi's tone that started air raid sirens screaming through Jin's brain.

"I-"

"What makes you think you can act all considerate now?" Rumi had taken a step towards him and was looking furiously into his eyes. This time Jin held his ground and in a fierce whisper , replied:

"I don't know. I was hoping we could go back to being friends."

Rumi didn't blink, and just to spite her, Jin didn't either. If it was a staring contest she wanted, then a staring contest she would have. It was all a matter of self control, of keeping one's mind on track and ignoring the outside world. When Jin, age 11, had figured that out, he had been undefeatable, especially against the easily distractible Rumi.

Their competition was not going unnoticed; Jin could feel the other passengers' attention on them, obviously forming their own opinions of the arguing couple. Let them think what ever they want, Jin thought brashly.

It was all Rumi's fault, anyway. She had certainly started it with her outburst. Where had that come from anyway? If she was really that mad at him, then she would have brought it up earlier. Maybe she was just stressed about the trip tomorrow, or maybe something had happened between her and Hirokazu. A flashback of last night's scene danced through his mind and it was all he could do to ignore the thought and concentrate on not blinking.

"Next stop, Kuzehome plaza. Please be prepared for the car to stop." the recorded voice singsonged cheerfully. Almost as soon as the announcement was over the train lurched most ungracefully. Jin, holding tightly to the upper bar held his ground and his stare.

Not so with Rumi, who staggered, blinked and even looked away. Jin smiled on reflex, regretting it immediately as Rumi scowled and took off out the door.

"Wha- Rumi!" Jin called, barely making it through the doors as they closed.

She ignored him and walked quickly up the nearest stairs, leaving Jin to follow.

"Rumi. Rumi, where are you going? Rumi. Rumi. Rumi!"

It had nearly broken the soccer coach's heart when Mrs. Yamashita had forbidden her daughter's joining the school team. Without a doubt, Rumi had been the best sprinter in the middle school, and, as Jin barely kept up with her, it was evident she hadn't slowed down with age. She took another staircase up and continued to speed-walk through a narrow passage way.

"Rumi," Jin said as he continued to try to stay with her without breaking into a run, "Rumi. Yamashita Rumi. Ru-chan!"

The sound of her hated childhood nickname brought Rumi to a sudden stop. She whirled around and stomped her foot.

"You promised never to call me that again, Jin! You're a big liar!"

Jin had a retort, but found he couldn't catch his breath and so Rumi continued her rant.

"Nothing but a big liar. You told me you'd always like me, too!"

"I never stopped liking you!"

"Yeah right, that's why you've been completely avoiding me."

"I thought you wanted me to leave you alone. You can't have it both ways, Rumi. Do you want to be friends again or not?"

Rumi's lips froze, holding back her retort. Jin, his breathing returning to normal, waited.

"I don't know if people can go back to being friends after they've been dating."

"Why not?"

"Because they've built up relationship roles that act contrary to the roles required for a friendship and stuff. I read about it in Cosmo."

"What roles?" Jin asked, feeling confident. Even with his limited experience, he could beat a Cosmo article's logic. "How are our relationship roles different from our friendship roles? We can still talk, still argue, still have fun together."

"Still kiss?" she shot back.

"Do you want to kiss me?" Jin asked, perhaps a tad to cocky.

"I'd rather kiss Captain Hirokazu."

That image waylaid Jin's next thoughts. Rumi's also, he noted as they stood in silence.

"Well," he said finally, "If that's the case then there really isn't any problem, is there? Rumi?"

Rumi was looking slightly dazed.

"Uh, Rumi?" Jin waved a hand in front of her face. "Earth to Rumi."

Rumi blinked a few times and then shook her head in a peculiar manner, like she was shaking water out her ears. She looked up at him, an almost manic smile gracing her face.

"You're absolutely right, Jin." When he gave her a look of incomprehension, she added, "Let's be friends."

"Yes, yes. Let's be friends. And let's talk, there's-"

"Why do we need to talk Jin?" Rumi asked quizzically.

"Well, I mean we've obviously been miscommunicating and," Rumi was still giving him a look of incomprehension and it was derailing his logic, "so we should . . .talk." he finished lamely.

"Let me think about that for a while, okay?" and before he could reply, she rushed in with, "But first, do you have any idea where we are?"

He looked around at the completely unfamiliar station. He couldn't even remember what the announcement had called it.

"Guess we better try to find a map, huh?"

Thankfully, that proved fairly easy.

"We can take the green line for a few stops to get back to the red line and then straight to the apartment. Simple, right Rumi?"

"Yeah, but I'm taking the orange." Rumi said, "I'm meeting Youji before he goes home. Orange will take me to the main train station fastest."

"Youji? You mean Matsuura-san?"

"Yep," she said in a chipper voice. "Yayoi insists that we call each other since we're partners."

"Oh, you mean study partners. For you math and chemistry classes."

"Yeah, that's right," said Rumi, sounding slightly pensive to Jin's ears. "Well, green's that way. See you tomorrow."

And with that she was gone. Jin eyes wandered lazily about the station, until his eyes caught sight of the clock. 3:13.

He was never going to have time to pack.

*****

"One of my mother's many rules for an uncomplicated life is to never date anyone you live near to. For," here Chiyako's voice took on the preachy lilt of a Buddhist monk, "The nearness will only be a convenience when you are in love. Afterwards, when the relationship has ended, it will turn into, at best an irritating reminder of your foolishness, and at worst an all consuming distraction to your future happiness. I didn't believe her, but I bet Jin spent the entire night with his ear pressed to the wall, waiting for Rumi to come back. Looks like mom was right again."

"Got to hate it when that happens," agreed Youji as he finished his tea. He tried to sound sympathetic, all the harder, considering what he had just heard.

The staged kiss had worked even better than he anticipated. By Chiyako's account it had upset Koishikawa to the point of distraction, thoroughly disrupting their late night plans.

No wonder Koishikawa had been so keen to talk to the tennis captain this morning. Hirokazu's marriage act, which had surprised even Youji, had thoroughly rattled him. Add in Youji's own subtle hints and there was no doubt the plan would succeed.

Tomorrow on the train, Rumi and Koishikawa would have a heart to heart talk. And when he objected to Rumi's relationship, she'd give him the ultimatum. Come back to her, or she'd marry Hirokazu. Youji had no doubt which Koishikawa would choose when Rumi put it to him like that. True love would win out, Chiyako would be hurt, but might come out the wiser and he himself. . .

He supposed he could pursue Chiyako, but the desires that had burned so strongly a month ago seemed past rekindling. Friendship seem a nicer alternative now. He was content with the plan's success, and his role as master orchestrator, unnoticed by most of the players. He'd get to tell his sister, Emiko, at least.

Still, one part of Chiyako's story hadn't made sense.

"You said something about Yamashita-san crying. Are you sure?" he asked, hoping he didn't look overly interested. Could this have been what upset Rumi so much last night?

"Yeah, can you believe, crying over upperclassman Hirokazu? Boy, I thought Rumi was brighter than that."

"Well, like you told Koishikawa-san, rebound and all." Youji said.

"I'm sure Hirokazu has made his intentions clear by this point. If Rumi is still with him then she must be open to marrying him."

"Ma- Marrying?'

"Yeah, can you believe a man in this modern day, searching out a woman based purely on her ancestors? What a loser."

"When did you hear this?" Youji's surprise was real How long had Hirokazu been spreading those rumors?

"Ages ago, that one time I dated him. All he did was try to pump me for information on Rumi. For the life of me I don't know what Rumi sees in him. Besides being handsome and rich. . . Oh, did I just answer my own question?"

Youji wasn't even pretending to listen. His mind was racing. If this was true, then Hirokazu hadn't been acting this morning, and the evaluation Youji had invented to spur Koishikawa on had been quite correct.

What was to stop a traditionalist like Hirokazu from sending a matchmaker straight to Rumi's parents and requesting their daughter directly? And Rumi's parents, what would be their response? If Rumi's descriptions weren't too exaggerated, then they'd probably seriously consider the suitor. Especially if Koishikawa was clearly out of the picture.

The plan had suddenly taken on a new urgency. He glanced at his watch, if he left now, he'd get to the station a good fifteen minutes before Rumi, but if she was early-

Yeah, right, Rumi being early.

So he ended up listening to Chiyako recall even more damning rumors about Hirokazu. Some, including the one involving two home economics teachers, couldn't possibly be true, but plenty were plausible. And Fukutami Yayoi had felt Hirokazu would be a good fake boyfriend. Youji would have sworn never to forgive her, but he knew he had been just as much at fault for not checking out the guy personally.

Thankfully, he was soon able to excuse himself and head for the station. He had packed light and it was quite easy to get to his platform. Rumi was standing there, making him feel even more guilty, if that was possible.

She spotted him immediately, slightly skipping as she ran to meet him.

"Youji."

"Rumi." they spoke simultaneously. Youji motioned for her to go first.

"I, um, saw Jin today. And we talked, and I, I realized, um, um. . ."

"Yes?" Youji prompted. Say that you set up to have a heart to heart with him tomorrow on the train, he silently pleaded.

". . .and I realized, I'm not in love with him." She finished, her eyes gleaming.

"What!?" Today was obviously Spring-Surprises-on-Youji day.

"Funny huh? I don't know why I didn't realize it earlier, or at least I didn't at the time. But I've been thinking about it and I-"

"Rumi, you can't be serious."

"Of course I'm serious. I don't know why I didn't-"

"Rumi, I don't believe what I'm hearing."

"Well, Youji," she said a bit tartly, "Maybe that's because you keep interrupting me."

"This isn't a joking matter, Rumi. Did you know Hirokazu's serious about marrying you?" He tried to keep his tone even, and succeeded, barely.

"Yes. And you should have figured it out too, Youji. He isn't too subtle."

"If he isn't subtle now, imagine what he'd do if he heard you now."

"So. I don't care."

"You should," he snapped, annoyed by her flippancy, "If you throw away your chance with Koishikawa, you'll have no excuse to avoid his advances."

"I'm sure we can find another excuse." She was almost smiling.

"Do you think I spent all this time helping you out so that you could screw it up when we've all but got you and Jin back together? Are you that stupid? Why do think I was doing this?"

A shocked look had replaced Rumi's near grin. Youji felt instantly sorry for his insult, but her juvenile attitude had been so frustrating. Did she really have so little regard for all he'd done this last month?

"I had a theory," she said levelly, "But I guess I was wrong."

"What theory?"

"Oh, you're so smart about relationships, Youji," she snapped, "I'm sure you'll have no trouble figuring it out."

"What are you talking about, Rumi?" he tried to ask, but his voice was drowned out by the entering train.

"You better board, Youji."

"Wait, Rumi. Tell me what's going on here."

"Nothing, obviously," she said, "I'm just so sorry that the way things stand you won't get Chiyako back."

"I don't want Chiyako back. I told you."

"I'm not dumb enough to fall for that a second time. Goodbye, Youji."

With that, she spun around and walked quickly away.

The intercom was calling for passengers to board, and more confused than ever, Youji yielded to the polite request.

*****

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Rumi repeated the condemnation to herself as she headed up the stairs that led to the station's exit. She needed air. She needed time to think. She needed to bash her head against the wall for being so stupid. No, stupid wasn't a good enough insult. For being a . . .stupid-head, couldn’t she even think of a better insult for herself?

How could she have misread Youji so pathetically? Of course he was in love with Chiyako. Who wouldn't be?

Earlier today, when she brushed off Jin, she had been convinced that Youji had cared. So many things had pointed to it. The way he'd helped her out that night in the karaoke bar, the time he'd devoted to planning out their scheme, the fact that he'd put up with Yayoi, never once complaining about all the time the three had spent together. Obviously, now, it was just wistful conjuncture on her part.

But what about the previous night, argued one last small voice of resistance, at his apartment when he'd given her such self confidence. He'd said she was kind and honest, and pretty. And the look he gave her, the one that had made her heart beat faster, surely she hadn't imagined it.

Big stupidhead, he'd just been using her. Yayoi was right, men were jerks.

No, she found she couldn't raise a good anger against him. Look at how she'd been willing to deceive Jin just because she had convinced herself that she really loved him.

And she had no sooner realize that, than she fixated on Youji. Better watch it, at this rate she'd convince herself she was in love with Hirokazu Nabishi.

"Hah," Rumi tried to laugh, but it emerged a hoarse gasp. She wouldn't cry in public. But already she could feel her eyes start to water.

Big, big stupidhead.

Head up, she made her way out of the station. There was a park just down the way and across the street. Just get there, sit down and she'd be okay. No, she wouldn't be okay, but she'd be better.

Her cheeks were wet now. People were probably staring at her, making her thankful her vision was blurring. There was a mass of green ahead of her, almost to the park now.

She was the idiot cat in the cartoons. All this time she'd been holding up this lie of her love of Jin, carefully deceiving even herself so that she could be close to Youji. And now when she figured out her own feelings, he felt nothing for her. Big, big, big stup-

"Hey watch out!" she heard and she jerked her head up from her musings.

Blurred objects resolved themselves into a scooter, rider and a number of tied down boxes, all just a few feet from her. Even as she stepped back, she could see the driver turn the handlebars to force the vehicle behind her. Too late to dodge further, she heard the brakes screech, saw the bike swing about, and felt the force of it slam into her, knocking her backwards. Pain shot out from the back of her head as it slammed against the pavement and silver gray triangles raced out across her field of vision.

I wonder if I'm going to die? she thought serenely. It was an important idea and she realized that she should really try to concentrate on it. But instead, her thoughts turned to the driver of the scooter. He seemed familiar, very familiar.

Then she lost consciousness.

copyright Kim Smuga-Otto July 2000