CHAPTER 7
“I don’t… I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Jurina finally managed to utter in a feeble murmur, in a mix of shock and confusion. At first, her initial thought had been to laugh at Rena’s improbable declaration - simply refusing to believe a single word of it - but her interlocutor’s serious expression told her she was not joking in the least. “You want us… to part?”
“My feelings for you have gradually changed,” the older girl repeated to her dismay, her calm tone and steady voice leaving no room for any shred of doubt.
A heavy silence engulfed the hotel room as none of them spoke after that, Jurina feeling her chest progressively tightening in pain. More than anything, she wanted to retort that this conversation made no sense whatsoever. They were happy together, why would she wish to put an end to their relationship? However, despite her profound incapacity to comprehend the situation, words desperately refused to come out.
Jurina couldn’t believe what was happening. Rena was facing her silently, her expression completely unreadable. The person she loved so deeply wasn’t such a cruel and cold person. She couldn’t be breaking her heart in such a terrible way.
‘Is something wrong?“ Jurina questioned tentatively. "Whatever it is, you can tell m-”
“Nobunaga!” Rena cut her off abruptly before she had time to finish her sentence.
Jurina widened her eyes in surprise, taken aback. Never had her beloved raised her voice in her presence, nor used such a harsh tone with her. She gulped when Rena’s usual loving expression hardened. Small brown orbs were now staring back at her, in a mix of frustration and anger. “Please listen to me, Nobunaga. I can’t give you what you desire. Not anymore.”
There was such an air of finality in her words, that Jurina could tell it was a well-thought decision. This person in front of her looked very similar to the girl she cared so much about, but her tone was cold as ice. What happened to them? What prompted her to change into a person she barely recognized? Did she, in any way, unconsciously provoke her unhappiness? If truth be told, the other girl had seemed elsewhere these last weeks. In fact, it happened right after her father, the shogun of the clan, asked to speak with her one afternoon.
Jurina’s eyes lightened up, believing maybe she found an explanation for her odd behavior and terrible words. “Did your father tell you to say those words, Arisa?” Yes, now she recalled vividly the girl’s pale face after a certain meeting with the shogun. At the time, she had questioned her about it in concern but she had brushed it off, stating there was nothing to worry about. What if he discovered their forbidden relationship? However, Rena’s next words put an end to any conviction she had.
“My father has nothing to do with my decision.” Rena’s tone was slightly softer when she replied, but no less decided. “I’m speaking nothing but the truth. My heart doesn’t beat for you anymore, Nobunaga.”
Jurina made a small pause, and looked down to the script in her hand. They were both approaching the end of the scene. She read in her head the lines she was supposed to say next, and gazed back at the older Matsui. The latter still looked as focused as the moment before, and was very much in character. Jurina couldn’t help thinking how beautiful - but also a little painful - it was to rehearse such a terrible breakup scene with her.
Beautiful because Rena’s focused expression reminded her again that she truly was a born actress. But painful as well it was; breakups scenes were always hard to shoot. Especially when it looked so real, as right now. If they both had not slipped into the shoes of respectively Arisa and Nobunaga a few minutes ago, Jurina could easily have believed the older girl was really breaking up with her. The disturbing thought did indeed cross her mind a few times since the beginning of the rehearsal, direct consequences of Rena’s flawless acting. Yes, the twenty-five-year-old actress was definitely pouring everything she had into that intense and emotional scene.
Jurina brushed the thought aside and fell back into her character of Nobunaga at once, opening her mouth to continue with the text. “My heart still yearns for you despite your hurtful words, Arisa,” Jurina stated, looking straight into Rena’s eyes without wavering an instant.
Jurina knew her character was hurting inside, but he was nonetheless keeping his composure despite the incredibly hard situation he was facing.
What a strong personality, Jurina couldn’t help thinking to herself. His controlled behavior made her admire him a little more. “However, I can’t stay by your side any longer now that I know your affection for me has changed. I will have left your father’s clan by tomorrow morning.”
Rena didn’t say anything, nor did she show any sign of emotion at her declaration. Jurina knew she still had one line to say, before her character turned on his heels and left the dojo, marking the end of the scene. Still, she felt that something was missing. Nobunaga loved Arisa unconditionally, and it seemed unlikely to her that he would leave without expressing one last time his profound affection for his childhood friend.
As a result, Jurina took a step forward and reduced the small distance separating them. She leaned forward and closed her eyes, pressing her lips against Rena’s. Jurina noted that the lips stayed still at the contact; she didn’t expect any less. Why would the older girl reply to her kiss? No such affectionate moment was written in the script. However, to her surprise, she felt lips moving slowly against hers the moment after.
Jurina could sense Rena was relaxing progressively into the kiss, and she knew she had momentarily slipped out of her character of shogun’s daughter. Although very chaste the kiss was nothing but sweet, and Jurina even accompanied the intimate moment with a gentle caress on Rena’s cheek. She let the kiss last for a few more seconds, before pulling away and distinguishing the slight confusion in Rena’s brown orbs. It made her smile. Rena may not have expected her little improvisation, she was still glad she made such an addition to the scene. It was now perfect.
Jurina took a step back, and her features grew more serious as she switched back to her character, ready to utter Nobunaga’s final words. “I will never forget you, Arisa.”
Jurina held Rena’s gaze, and waited as the script stipulated. It was a clever way for the viewers to believe maybe Arisa would finally intervene, and come back on her words. Stop this madness before it was too late. But it never happened. Arisa looked unfazed, and never uttered a single word.
In the intent of finishing enacting the scene properly Jurina moved towards the door. Her fingers encircled the doorknob slowly as if she was about to leave, but she didn’t turn it. Instead, her fingers retracted, and her expression softened as she progressively let go of the character that was inhabiting her until now.
She took a glimpse at the script in her hand, reading the last indications written on the page. As soon as Nobunaga left the dojo, Arisa’s true feelings finally emerged. It was all along what she wished: to have him leave the clan, in order to protect him from the truth of her imminent wedding. But, much as she should be satisfied that her terrible lies had the desired effect, it didn’t prevent silent tears from flowing down her face one after another.
It was truly a heart-rending scene, and Jurina had not doubt it was going to affect viewers tremendously. She let out a small sigh and turned around to take a look at the older Matsui, startled when she witnessed the distress in Rena’s shimmering eyes. It took her a few seconds to understand that she was still very much in character, and only enacting her part. However, even with that notion in mind, words stayed stuck in her mouth when she noticed a few tears sliding down Rena’s cheeks.
Rena… how can you bring life to a character with such talent? Jurina thought, amazed by the sight in front of her.
Of course, she had witnessed her acting skills a few times before, whether in dramas or in movies. Rena’s ability to fill in so easily the shoes of a character so mad and schizophrenic as Gekikara in
Majisuka Gakuen had impressed everyone on set. If truth be told, she wondered if Rena didn’t purposely avoid playing respectable, normal girls on screen. She certainly didn’t play an ordinary girl either in the movie
Gift.
Was it a way for her to get rid of this image of perfect Nagoya princess that stuck to her skin for so many years? Or maybe she just simply enjoyed portraying such complex, unconventional characters?
In
Destiny, Jurina did notice that the older Matsui had reached a higher level in her acting. In fact, Rena had been taking acting classes these last months. At first, Jurina didn’t understand why she felt the need to do so. However, after questioning her about her decision one evening, it appeared the older girl believed her acting still had a few flaws she wished to correct. And, to be honest, Jurina believed Arisa was probably the most mature character she had ever played until now.
She was not as crazy as Gekikara, nor as wild as Saori; but her character was not less complicated to portray. Her role as Arisa enabled her to express a wide range of emotions: frustration and anger because of the impossible situation she found herself into… but also kindness and devotion when it came to her past romantic relationship with Nobunaga. Moreover, the format of the show asked of her an impeccable constancy in her acting. To top it all, she had a few action scenes to play, much more physically challenging than those she had to execute in
Majisuka Gakuen.
Yes, Rena had played many interesting roles in the past; each one of them granting her even more recognition. But this drama was more popular than anything she had ever been in. Her talent was praised by many in the industry, and her picture everywhere in magazines. Once the shooting would be over, Jurina had no doubt Rena was going to be offered many more good roles.
Destiny was definitely going to boost her career.
“Thank you for rehearsing that scene with me.” Rena’s voice jolted her out of her thoughts. The light was now back in her eyes as if it had never left, and she brushed away her tears casually. “It’s always easier to get in character when you’re playing opposite someone.”
“You’re welcome,” Jurina replied with a smile, glad the previous heavy atmosphere had now completely dissipated around them. She approached the table, putting down the script. Out of interest she started turning the next pages, curious to discover what was supposed to happen after that emotional flashback scene. “Somehow, I can empathize with Nobunaga. He loved her so much, and will never know she was lying to him all along.”
Jurina searched the text for the piece of information she was looking for, but there was no sign of Nobunaga in the next scene. In fact, as she turned the following pages, two names came back the most: Arisa, and Yoshiaki. No, it didn’t look like Arisa was going to be reunited with her childhood friend. Or if she was, then the director was cleverly keeping their reunion for the very last moment.
“I know,” Rena replied, admitting the terrible consequences her character’s lies had on her relationship with Nobunaga. But Arisa had her reasons for making such a terrible decision: she was only trying to protect the one she loved. Somehow, she could relate with Arisa a little. “By the way, why did you choose to add a kiss? It’s not in the script, and I could tell you were still in character.”
At the sound of Rena’s questioning tone an amused smile plastered Jurina’s face, and she diverted her attention from the script to look back at her. When she chose to kiss her earlier on, she truly wondered if Rena would let it pass. In the end, she had accepted the kiss without saying anything. And even replied to it. But it appeared she was still very curious to know why she had taken the liberty to improvise.
“I just felt like something was missing. I didn’t mean to take you by surprise but…” Jurina paused thoughtfully, until her eyes glinted with mischief when she recalled Rena’s behavior at the time. The older girl didn’t seem that bothered by the small additional, quite the contrary. “You could have pushed me away and asked me to stick to the script, but you didn’t.”
“It was on the spur of the moment,” Rena defended herself, but it was much obvious by the playfulness in her tone that she was playing along. “Such a slip won’t happen again.”
“Really?” Jurina arched an eyebrow. She moved forward and paused once they were standing merely a few feet apart, casting her a glance of defiance. “Are you… sure about that?”
They were so close to each other that Jurina could have easily stolen a kiss if she wanted to, but it was not what she had in mind right now. She surely didn’t miss Rena’s eyes falling on her lips, and found it very entertaining that the older girl was trying to stick to her words, and not give in to the provocation. The young ace decided to make a first move by placing a first quick kiss on her cheek - trying to force her into error - but faced nothing but Rena’s incredible resiliency. Never one to concede defeat she planted another - this time lingering - kiss near the corner of her lips, and was pleased when she saw Rena’s determination progressively faltering.
In order to put an end to her last shred of resistance she brushed her lips against hers lightly, and her mind screamed victory when Rena finally relented and captured her lips. Unfortunately, Jurina didn’t have time to relish the kiss very long that a familiar melody sounded in the room, ruining the intimate moment.
Jurina let out a light groan of frustration - her reaction making Rena laugh a little when she pulled away - and Jurina watched her as she moved towards the bedside table to retrieve her phone. The ringtone stopped as soon as it was secured in her hand, putting an halt to
Dreams come True’s joyful song
Ring Ring Ring. The older Matsui gazed back at her with a somewhat apologetic smile, and Jurina could almost predict what she was about to announce. “It was my alarm-clock… I have to go on set.”
Jurina nodded silently, realizing the moment of their separation had unfortunately already arrived. Rena started gathering a few things, and Jurina watched her getting absorbed in her preparations. Not wishing to distract the older girl while she was busy preparing her backpack she decided to take a seat at the table, her eyes soon falling on the script placed in front of her.
Now she remembered a question she meant to ask the older girl earlier on. Would Arisa and Nobunaga reunite? In the hope of finding an answer to that question she went through the script again, before realizing it only covered the episode Rena was going to shoot for the next two days. However, Jurina remembered vividly Rena mentioning that the director had given them a few scripts in advance. Maybe he even divulged the end? “Will Nobunaga and Arisa see each other again? Do you know how
Destiny end?”
There was a pregnant pause - during which Jurina could tell Rena had stopped what she was doing - until the older girl spoke up. “Ah, that… I have no idea.”
At the sound of the hesitation in her voice, Jurina turned to take a curious look at her. Rena was now seated on the side of the bed, motionless near her half-open black backpack. Jurina took in her somewhat pensive look, wondering if her simple questions had triggered such a reaction. The moment after Rena’s thoughtful expression had entirely disappeared from her eyes and she meant to close her backpack, when she realized something was missing.
“The director hasn’t told us how it ends.” Rena stood up from the bed, her eyes falling briefly on Jurina, then on the script laying in front of her. “He says he doesn’t want the ending to influence our acting in any way.”
“Really?” Jurina exclaimed, her startled eyes following the older girl as she came to retrieve the script, and placed it inside her backpack. “So… you will know how it ends at the same time as the viewers.”
“Yes.” Rena nodded softly. “That’s the plan.”
Jurina stayed quiet, wondering about the director’s curious decision to keep the ending secret from his actors. For a moment, she wondered if it was not a trick to prevent any leaks.
Destiny was a pretty popular drama now, with nationwide high audiences. A leak about the plot - especially the ending - would definitely be a real blow for all the staff working hard on the making of the historical drama. The love triangle was at the core of the story; it was essential to keep the suspense intact until the very end.
But maybe the director was also sincere in his approach, and merely attempting to make the best show possible? And believing that, by keeping a few crucial elements secret from his actors, he was going to reach his objective? Jurina didn’t know if she would have liked working in such conditions. Curiosity would have gotten the best of her at some point, and she would have felt a bit frustrated to be kept in the dark. However, it appeared the older Matsui didn’t seem that bothered by the director’s choice.
From her peripheral vision Jurina noticed the older girl taking a seat opposite her, and she understood by the backpack now closed and placed near the door that her preparations were complete. Jurina guessed it was a matter of time until she would need to leave the hotel to join the set.
“I hope Arisa will end up with Nobunaga,” Jurina spoke up, raising her eyes to meet Rena’s. She took in her slightly startled expression, and she knew she had to develop her thoughts on the matter. “Yoshiaki is a good man, and I believe he would take good care of her but Arisa still loves Nobunaga. Yoshiaki will never be able to fill the void in Arisa’s heart.”
“You forget that Arisa and Nobunaga haven’t seen each other in months,” Rena reminded her. “She has no idea where he is. Even if she was to miraculously find him, there’s a high possibility he would already have moved on. Besides, she hurt him that day. Can he forgive her for her lies and for breaking his heart?”
“I don’t know,” Jurina conceded. “But she will never know if she doesn’t try.”
Rena didn’t reply, but she had to admit Jurina had a point. Of course, she was completely clueless about the ending. Who could say what the director had in mind? At this stage of the drama, it was impossible to tell. Arisa and Yoshiaki had surely grown closer these past episodes, and Arisa didn’t abhor the shogun’s son as much as at the beginning of the show. In fact, Arisa’s progressive change of heart was obvious, and also legitimate. Her host had been nothing but kind and patient with her since her arrival at the clan.
Both characters had been forced into a situation they didn’t want. Somehow, this common trait was bringing them closer day by day. Besides, she couldn’t ignore the fact she had incredible chemistry on screen with Yosuke. They worked perfectly well together and, from what she heard, viewers had taken a real liking in the duo she formed with Yoshiaki. However, because of the few flashbacks scenes involving Nobunaga, viewers constantly found themselves torn.
Rena diverted her attention from SKE’s ace when she heard her phone vibrating on the table. She immediately stopped the second alarm she had set on her phone, and reached out across the table to squeeze Jurina’s hand. Much as she wanted to, she couldn’t stay with her any longer. She had been already very lucky not to have scenes to shoot in the morning. Now, she couldn’t delay her departure any longer. She was needed on set in half an hour.
“I’m leaving you my keycard so you can come and go as you wish,” Rena said, placing the designated rectangular object in front of the younger girl. “I’ll take another one at the reception.”
Jurina nodded. When she saw the other girl starting to turn on her heels and placing her baseball cap on her head, she understood she had every intention of leaving just like that. Quickly, she grabbed her hand within reach and pulled her towards her.
“Jurina, I’m going to be lat-” Rena tried to remind her, much in vain as she ended up on her lap anyway.
“What about my goodbye kiss?” Jurina claimed, removing her cap from her head at once. Rena tried to get up, but she wrapped her arms around her waist tightly.
Rena shot her an incredulous look at her uncooperative behavior, but placed nonetheless a quick kiss on her cheek. Jurina’s small frown told her she was still not satisfied. As to confirm her thoughts, her tight embrace was still completely preventing her from moving away.
“Not enough.” Jurina shook her head, holding tight on Rena’s cap when she sneakily tried to take it back from her. “I’m not letting you go until I get what you want.”
Oh yes, Jurina was acting very childish right now, Rena mused in amusement as she observed Jurina’s decided look. In the past - when Jurina was still a young kid - she would sometimes find herself slightly frustrated when facing such a stubborn behavior. Jurina liked to have it her way; and very rarely relented until she obtained what she desired.
Very often, Rena would relent. Not because she agreed with her attitude, but mostly because she didn’t wish to get into a fight with her. What could she say? She didn’t like conflicts and avoided them at all costs. It simply didn’t bode well with her calm and poised character.
But could she really say no to her girlfriend’s demand? Did she want to say no? Not really. Even less when Jurina’s lips formed a small, adorable pout a few seconds later. So Jurina was using that card on her, now? Rena let out a small giggle. “Enough Jurina, you won.”
Rena saw Jurina’s face lightening up instantly, and she pressed her lips against hers without the slight hesitation. When she pulled away after a short exchanged kiss, Jurina’s face was glowing with happiness. A smile moved to her lips at her reaction, and she brushed her cheek with her thumb lightly. “Satisfied?”
“Very,” Jurina affirmed, her mouth tugging into an even broader smile. This time, she didn’t oppose any resistance when the older girl made a move to retrieve her cap, and she unloosed her hold around her waist. “You can go, now.”
“Thank you, Jurina.” Rena laughed. She placed a kiss on her forehead and stood up, securing her cap on her head. She definitely didn’t wish to leave the room without her precious red, baseball cap. This morning, the weather forecast had promised another scorching day. And the intensity of the sunrays currently penetrating the room told her her pale skin would definitely need the protection.
Rena moved towards the door and retrieved her backpack, taking one last look around the room to make sure she didn’t forget anything. In the end, her gaze fell on Jurina who was now standing next to her, and - as she started opening the door - gave her a smile and kissed her cheek one last time. “Have fun visiting the city. See you tonight.”
It had already been a month since her arrival in Kyoto, but Rena’s busy schedule had prevented her from enjoying the charms of Japan’s old capital until now. That is why she immediately agreed when - after making a few wishes at the nearby temple - Jurina suggested to take a stroll in the Maruyama Park. On this Sunday afternoon, it was thankfully not as hot nor as humid as the previous days. The occasion was perfect.
Rena made a pause on the stone bridge. There were a couple of families taking a walk in the park, but the place was less crowded than what she would have expected for a week-end. Her eyes soon fell on the beautiful nature surrounding her, taking in the blue flowers on her left, then the large maple trees on her right. Finally, the artificial lake at her feet monopolized all her attention and she observed it for a little while, soon getting lost in the peacefulness the sight procured her.
Without realizing it her eyes fluttered close, and she relished the pleasant sensation of the soft wind blowing against her skin. Why didn’t she come here any sooner? Spending time in such a quiet and beautiful place was truly invigorating. Indeed, she could feel all the tension and stress accumulated during her week leaving her body progressively. Rena made a mental note to come back to this place as soon as she would have a little free time.
Rena felt a hand slipping inside hers, and she took a peek at the quiet girl beside her. Jurina’s features seemed more relaxed, and she could tell the place was having the same positive impact on her. They shared a smile, and the older Matsui squeezed her fingers lightly.
“There are a few benches over there,” Jurina spoke up, showing a quiet, isolated area a bit further away in the park. “Why don’t we go and take a seat?”
Rena nodded in agreement and followed her willingly, Jurina never letting go of her hand as she led the way. She looked so happy. That fact was very much obvious when she observed her quietly from aside. It was her last day in Kyoto, but Rena could tell Jurina wanted to enjoy every minute of their time together.
They took a seat on a small unoccupied bench, located ingeniously under the shade of a maple tree. Rena let her gaze wander around, agreeing with Jurina’s choice of place. Indeed, apart from a solitary elderly man taking a nap on a bench a bit further away, bystanders were few and far between. It truly looked like they were not going to be much disturbed during their peaceful time alone.
Rena suddenly felt the young girl drawing closer on the bench, and a smile moved to her lips when Jurina rested her head on her shoulder. Fingers slipped into her hand the moment after, and she completed the affectionate gesture by lacing their fingers together.
Rena didn’t know how long they stayed into that position. The usually so talkative ace didn’t once try to break the comfortable silence they had settled in. The moment was so pleasant, that the older Matsui couldn’t help leaning her head against hers, and closing her eyes to relax.
It was the feeling of an object hitting softly her left leg that made Rena open her eyes again. She looked down in confusion and noticed a big, white ball at her feet. It didn’t take her long to understand where it was coming from as she saw a small boy - who couldn’t have been more than five years old - running towards her. As soon as they found themselves face to face he stopped, and gave her a somewhat hesitant look. “I’m sorry, onee-chan.”
Rena didn’t have time to react that Jurina had already grabbed the ball and, flashing the boy one of her most beautiful smiles, handled it to him. “Here you go.”
The boy stared at Jurina for a few seconds without saying anything, and Rena certainly didn’t miss his pale cheeks turning slightly pink. In the distance, Rena heard the boy’s parents calling his name, but he didn’t bulge. Instead, his eyes stayed glued on Jurina a little longer, as if refusing to part with the girl who had evidently already stolen his heart.
“Goodbye, Keiji-kun.” Jurina waved at him. “Have fun.”
It took a second calling of his name for the boy to finally turn on his heels, and he run off towards his parents. However, it didn’t prevent him from turning to look at Jurina once last time, and sending her a shy smile.
“And someone else has fallen victim to your charms,” Rena teased her girlfriend who was still waving at him. How many times did she witness that kind of scene? SKE’s ace exuded joie de vivre, and her cheerful personality always had a very positive impact on people. Children, more than others, adored her very especially.
Jurina laughed a little, before tearing her eyes away from the young boy who had now entirely disappeared from her sight. “You’re just jealous.”
Rena rolled her eyes at her playful expression, before noticing a small square red box slipping out of Jurina’s pocket. The young girl noticed it as well and immediately put it back in place, avoiding her gaze. Rena frowned at her strange behavior. What was she trying to hide? And why did she suddenly look a bit… nervous? When Jurina chose not to say a word about it, she decided to let it go. They fell into a comfortable silence again, until Jurina spoke up after a little while.
“Do you want to have children, Rena?”
Rena gazed back at her in confusion, more than taken aback by the out of the blue question. At first, she believed maybe Jurina was only messing around with her, but she could tell it was not the case by her attentive look. She took her time to reply, pondering over her question seriously. “I’ve never really thought about it,” she finally answered in all honesty. “Maybe later? For now, I want to focus on my career.”
“I understand,” Jurina murmured.
Rena really wondered what had triggered such a curious question. Was it her latest, brief encounter with the small boy that prompted her to ask such a thing? In fact, she didn’t believe they ever broached such a topic before. But, as she observed her pensive expression, she could tell she was really letting her answer sink in.
“Do you?” Rena decided to return the question, now a little curious to know Jurina’s opinion about it. Considering the silence that followed, it appeared the younger girl had the same trouble answering.
“I think… I would,” Jurina replied after a little while. “I’m not entirely sure about that yet. But I know for sure that I want to get married.”
Rena didn’t blink at the statement. Why would she? She had heard the girl voicing her desire to get married a few times in the past, now. In fact, she still recalled vividly the first time she heard her saying such a thing. It was on a television show, and their future had been casually mentioned at some point during the conversation. When it was Jurina’s turn to answer the host’s question, the fourteen year old girl had casually declared she wasn’t opposed to the concept of getting married once she would have left the group.
Rena had kept quiet at the time and her face didn’t show any sign of surprise, but the declaration had definitely caught her off guard. How could she already be thinking about that? And at such a young age? Given that Jurina had uttered those exact same words a few minutes ago, it appeared she had not changed her mind on the subject.
“You still don’t want to get married?” Jurina’s question jolted her out of her thoughts, and she let out a small sigh, knowing perfectly well why she was asking her that.
That was a subject they talked about a few times together. Manifestly, it was a choice Jurina still didn’t understand after all this time. “No, Jurina… I don’t want to get married.”
And here it was again, the incomprehension in her eyes. Jurina was doing her best not to say anything, but it was much obvious she was not going to keep it to herself much longer. And open her mouth to speak she did, although she didn’t quite say what she expected. “Alright. I won’t try and change your mind.”
Rena sent her a smile of gratitude, before seeing Jurina slipping her fingers inside the pocket of her shorts, and retrieving a small square red box. The box she didn’t want her to see a little while before. Rena gazed at it in curiosity.
“Thursday afternoon, I found these in a small jewellery shop,” Jurina started, her eyes never leaving hers once. “You know I felt bad not having a present for your birthday, so when I saw those in the shop window… I simply knew I had to buy them.”
Rena wanted to retort that she didn’t need anything. Her presence was far enough; a beautiful gift she would never have expected. Besides, the young ace bought her the pair of sneakers she dreamed of, didn’t she? They were waiting for her in Nagoya. Why would she feel the need to buy her something else? Jurina’s generosity was no news to her. In fact, she always liked to shower her with presents at every given opportunity. Of course, Rena was moved by her caring attitude but sometimes, it could get a bit overwhelming.
Oh yes, Rena repeated her - more than a few times - that it was very thoughtful of her, but she didn’t need all these things. But it never stopped her girlfriend from continuing as if she had never spoken. Apparently, it was an aspect of her personality she would never be able to change. And a little voice inside her head told her incredible stubbornness definitely didn’t help in the matter.
Rena didn’t wear a lot of jewellery in general; Jurina was perfectly aware of it. So what made her decide to opt for that kind of present this time? She didn’t have to wait long to know its content as Jurina slowly opened the box, revealing two matching silver rings.
Rena held her breath and widened her eyes in surprise, their previous conversation coming to the forefront of her mind. No, it couldn’t be what she imagined. Jurina was not…
“Don’t worry.” Jurina giggled a little. “I’m not asking you to marry me.”
Relief spread though Rena’s chest, and she relaxed progressively. She let out a small laugh, realizing her previous reaction had evidently betrayed her thoughts. “You scared me for a minute,” she admitted, before continuing on a light, teasing tone. “Besides, we’re much too young for that.”
“Yes, I’m only nineteen,” Jurina conceded with a smile. “But in five years, I’ll be twenty-four and will probably have left SKE.”
Jurina paused, and the older Matsui tried to understand the meaning behind her cryptic statement. In fact, it looked awfully like she wanted to add something else. Rena waited in expectation, somehow having a small idea of what she was about to say. Their previous conversation. These rings. Jurina had just stated it didn’t mean what she thought but… somehow she could feel she was not far from the truth. Not when Jurina was giving her such a serious look.
Jurina never developed her thoughts. Instead, she flashed her an innocent smile and extracted one ring from the box, placing it carefully inside the palm of her hand. “You don’t need to wear it. I just thought it would make a nice present.”
Rena truly didn’t know what to say, and she gazed silently at the small rounded object in her hand. It wasn’t a cheap ring; of this she was certain. Money never was a problem for Jurina, especially when it was a present for her. However, despite guessing the object was of quite important value it remained quite simple on the exterior, with not decoration to speak of. Somehow, she liked the simplicity of it.
From her peripheral vision, she saw Jurina extracting the other ring from the box, and she looked up in curiosity. Jurina placed it on her ring finger without a second of hesitation, and was now admiring the ring from every angle, even playing with it a little. Rena was never one to draw hasty conclusions, but she couldn’t ignore the fact the young girl had chosen to put her ring on this finger in particular.
Jurina never did anything by chance.
Rena tore her eyes away from the younger girl, trying not to delve too much on the message she could read between the lines. Instead, she cast a glance at the silver ring still inside her palm. She took it carefully with her fingers and decided to take a better look at it, her eyes widening in surprise when she noticed an inscription engraved inside. She had completely missed it when Jurina placed the object inside her hand earlier on. She read it attentively.
Forever yours, J.A broad smile spread across Rena’s lips. It was cute. A little cheesy even, if she had to admit. But it was also very touching and adorable. All those adjectives that characterized so well her girlfriend’s personality. It was very much like Jurina to customize a present in such a loving way. Jurina’s previous words came to the forefront of her mind:
You don’t need to wear it.Rena knew perfectly what had motivated her to say such a thing. Jurina knew she was not that fond of jewellery; she obviously didn’t want to push her to wear a ring just to please her. But how could she not put it on? Especially after discovering Jurina went to great length to make sure her feelings came across? Her mind made up, she placed the ring on her left index, and planted a lingering kiss on Jurina’s cheek. Jurina’s face lightened up instantly when she accompanied the affectionate gesture with a soft
thank you into her ear.
Rena took another look at the new object on her finger, getting accustomed to the cold sensation of the metal against her skin. There was no point denying what this gift really meant for Jurina. Nor the words the young ace had kept to herself.
Rena couldn’t possibly project herself in five years. Would she have accomplished her dreams and become a successful actress? Would Jurina still love the thirty years old girl she would have become? She was no fortune teller. She didn’t have any answer to those questions. However, she had an absolute certitude. As long as their feelings for each other remained intact, she would treasure that ring.
TO BE CONTINUED
Topic: Heartbeat (20/20) + Partners (23/23) + Destiny (41/41 END) [WMatsui] - REPLIES (Read 365203 times)