Chapter 10 – Start over
When they arrived in Tokyo, Yuki’s family butler fetched them. When they arrived at Matsui’s residence, Jurina got off carrying a sleeping Rena in bridal style and immediately went in their room to put her on their bed.
They have arrived at midnight and all of them were tired from the trip.
But there is still someone who can’t sleep… her father went to see them and she was being scolded.
“Jurina what were you thinking?! Always goofing around!”
“But Oto-sama…”
“No buts! If your brother is still alive, he won’t just fool around like you! You should learn from him! You’re the next heir Jurina! You need to keep that on mind! What are you thinking letting Rena-sama to go home this late?!! And she has bruises on her right arm?! What the hell happened?!”
“I’m sorry Oto-sama… I would not let it happen again”
“Don’t just say it! Do it!”
Jurina just bow her head when her father left.
“Tsk… Yes- onii-san is always better than me- that’s the only thing you can see” Jurina whispered as she was turning back to go to their room.
When Jurina entered the room, there was someone who was waiting for her.
“Jurina”
“Rena-sama, why are you still up?”
“I heard your conversation, uhm are you okay?”
“yes” Jurina answered but she didn’t look at Rena
“are you really sure?” Rena said as she walks towards Jurina and cupped her partner’s face
“yes, you should back to sleep now Rena-sama”
“Hai. I’m sorry.” Rena said. She then hugs Jurina and put a kiss on Jurina’s cheeks
“Let’s sleep” Rena added and pulls Jurina’s right hands towards their bed.
The two of them sleep together that night. Rena was hugging Jurina at her side never letting it go.
But for Jurina who was so pissed off as she was scolded by her father wasn’t really happy on the current situation. Jurina looked at Rena’s right arm, she saw the bruises from the incident on what happened beside the river when some guys stalked them and gripped Rena’s arm really tight. She hated herself letting someone touch her Rena that way. She hated herself for not being great like her brother that her father loved the most.
“If only mom didn’t left me…I’ll be okay”
“I can’t understand what’s with father always talking about onii-san, he is dead and yet father still wouldn’t recognize me! I hate this feeling!”
“I’m already sick of being compared with him! I hate not being the right one for them!”
Jurina angrily thought as she slowly fall asleep.
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The next morning, Jurina got up first and get ready herself for her training. She need to have a heavy training today because her dad is mad at her.
It was already late lunch when she finished training. She hasn’t eaten anything since morning.
She went first at the kitchen and found Rena cooking.
Rena was preparing food for Jurina while she was busy training at their dojo. She wants to surprise Jurina somehow and make up to her because she was the reason Jurina has to take a heavy training today.
“Jurina would love this!” Rena thought as she cooks happily
“Ah- Rena-sama?” Jurina was a bit shocked seeing Rena cooking. Well even though Rena knows how to cook and it really taste great she was rarely to see inside the kitchen. She only cooks for special occasion like for her dad and uncle’s birthday.
“Jurina!” Rena replied back smiling at Jurina
“here! Sit here! Let’s eat. I made you something to eat I know you’re tired.” Rena said as she pulls a chair at the table for Jurina to sit.
When Jurina have seated, Rena got back from what she was doing putting the meat sauce on the spaghetti noodles and then put the plate in front of Jurina.
“Eat up! I’ll just get you something to drink” Rena said as she got some orange juice and poured some on the glass.
Jurina was stunned staring at a stunning Rena.
Rena then put the juice beside the plate and sits beside Jurina. She was waiting for Jurina to eat staring at her while she was having a large smile on her face.
“Uhm arigatou…” Jurina thanked Rena for the food. Rena wouldn’t do this stuff for her, so she’s kinda happy inside but still preventing herself to do so.
Suddenly Rena hugs her.
“Hmm? Doushite Rena-sama? Is there something wrong?” Jurina asked
“hm hm” Rena answered shaking her head at the back of Jurina’s neck. She’s enjoying Jurina’s scent.
“anoo. I’m kinda sweaty right now” Jurina said trying to break free from Rena’s hug.
After hearing those words from Jurina, Rena cupped Jurina’s face and peck Jurina’s lips.
*giggled* “I don’t care…” Rena said as she hugged Jurina again. That time Jurina blushed hard.
But suddenly, Jurina’s father showed up… breaking their good moment…
“Sumimasen, Rena-sama can I talk with Jurina for a minute?” Jurina’s father said
“uhm. Hai oji-san” Rena answered and she let Jurina to stands up. Jurina followed her dad and they talked.
“Jurina, tomorrow morning we will visit your brother’s grave and after that we will attend on a gathering, It is essential for our business partnerships. I want you to prepare yourself and be presentable. Don’t make any mistakes. Don’t do something stupid and you should prevent doing something that will disgrace our family name at all cost. Do you understand?”
“Hai Oto-sama”
“Uhm. Sumimasen oji-san” Rena interrupted in a small voice
“oh- Rena-sama why are you here? Did you already need Jurina? Sorry for borrowing her a bit.”
“uhm eto oji-san can I come with you tomorrow?”
“Yes of course, Rena-sama”
“thanks oji-san” Rena said as she hold Jurina’s hand tightly, comforting her beloved one.
“I’ll be going now Rena-sama, have a nice afternoon. Jurina take good care of Rena-sama.” Jurina’s father excused himself.
“Anoo. Are you okay Jurina?” Rena asked worriedly
“hai” Jurina answered in an emotionless tone
“uhm.. Let’s get back at the kitchen you haven’t eaten anything since morning. Let’s go” Rena said as she pulled Jurina’s right hand. She didn’t know what to do that time because she wanted to comfort Jurina and help her but she can’t ask her directly. She was afraid that her help would be rejected and Jurina would always avoid to answer her questions.
That afternoon Jurina was preparing everything for tomorrow. She was not in her usual self, the calm and cool Jurina who can handle things smoothly. Rena noticed this, she was worried about Jurina acting like this.
Rena thought that maybe it’s because of what she heard earlier when her uncle was putting too much burden on Jurina…
“it was only a small gathering so why pressure Jurina like that?” Rena thought
Time flies really fast. It was already 8PM but Jurina was still busy on preparing for the event tomorrow studying all the people who will attend the event.
Rena wasn’t sure if she will invite Jurina to sleep now because Jurina needs also some rest for tomorrow but in the end she let Jurina continue preparing for tomorrow. She just left a cup of coffee beside Jurina and gave Jurina a good night kiss on the cheek.
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The next morning, Jurina, her father and Rena went to visit the grave of Jurina’s brother.
When they arrived, Jurina can see her father really cares about her onii-san. Her father wiping and cleaning the grave.
“Yuta daddy misses you… if you we’re only here” Jurina’s father whispered as he holds the grave.
Jurina don’t know what to feel that time. She was insecure and jealous and at the back of her mind someone is screaming
“You’re just a replacement of your brother”
It hurts a lot, that is the only thing she knew. She was hurt a lot.
Not only because of what happening between her and Rena but also she was seeking for her father’s attention. She also misses her mom a lot too. Her mom who always there for her. Her mom who always choose her. She didn’t notice that she was gripping the flower that she was holding… but a sudden caring hand touched her, it was Rena’s hand trying to calm her down.
“Jurina” Rena said warmly as she holds Jurina’s hand tightly
“…..”
“are you okay?”
*nods*
Jurina was just silent when they were still in the grave. They spend 2 hours there.
Rena and Jurina’s father are chatting about Jurina’s brother while Jurina was just sitting at the corner. At some time Rena tries to chat with Jurina so Jurina’s mood will change but somehow Jurina’s eyes are telling to just leave her alone.
After they visits the grave of Jurina’s brother they immediately went to the event. It was a small get together with their business partners.
Seeing all different kind of personalities around them, bowing and greeting people, Rena was a bit pissed of a guy who suddenly keeps on talking to her.
*irritated* “can’t he just see I’m with my beloved Jurina uuuggh just leave me alone!” Rena thought really irritated
“Hey Rena-san can we just dance?” the guy asked
“sorry but I’m with someone” Rena said as she clings tighter at Jurina’s arms
“eh? But she’s just a girl Haha and I’m more fun to be with than her” the guy said trying to piss Jurina but Jurina just ignored him
“Rena-sama do you want some drinks? Let’s get one” Jurina offered Rena to get a drink and ignore what the guy said as she doesn’t want to cause a scene and the people who are on that event are essential in their business.
“Un~” Rena answered as they left the guy standing there alone.
The guy got angry and went to his father…
Jurina and Rena went to the drinks area, there we’re a lot of drinks. As they were getting drinks suddenly Jurina’s father and a business partner showed up and with them was the guy who was pissing them earlier.
“Oh- so this your daughter? Matsui Jurina right?” the old man said
“Yes, and with her is our ojou-sama Matsui Rena-sama”
“oh- your sure have a lot of confidence with your daughter huh? But I think it is more acceptable that Rena-ojou-sama will be engaged with a guy?”
“Pardon, but please respect our family traditions”
“hm… Sorry for my bad attitude especially in front of Rena-ojou-sama I really am sorry.” The old man said as she tried to impress Rena who was the next heir for the Matsui’s business
“oh- How about Jurina and my son here plays a little match? Because of my rude attitude I’ll let my son do a nice match for ojou-sama’s entertainment”
“eh? its not needed at all its already okay don’t bother” Rena said
“no no, I would gladly appreciate if you will accept my offer… it’s only an archery battle only three shots wouldn’t hurt or maybe Jurina-san here don’t know how to?” The old man said trying to make embarrass Jurina as his son smirked.
“Jurina prepare yourself, I want a clean match.” Jurina’s father whispered to jurina
“Hai oto-sama”
So the both of them prepared dressed in archery attire and most of the visitors gather outside to watch their “friendly match”.
The first one to shoot is the guy, he got two bull’s eyes but he missed one
“tsk.. damn… ” the guy whispered
“heh.. beat that matsui-san” the guy said in Jurina’s ears as he passed by Jurina
Jurina was focusing herself so she just ignore all those noises around her. While Rena was really nervous for Jurina.
1st shot – perfect bull’s eye
2nd shot – perfect bull’s eye
3rd shot
“Go Jurina!” Rena shouted. Jurina heard it and then she shoot.
*bull’s eye*
“Matsui Jurina wins” the referee said
“Tsk! It didn’t landed right in the center, how careless” Jurina’s father said
Jurina heard what her father said, because her father was just near her but she just clenched her fist.
After the match has finished the guy and his father immediately excuse themselves to avoid shame.
Rena was happy and hugged Jurina as she saw her. Jurina’s father also excused himself as he entertains other guest without congratulating his daughter.
Jurina and Rena goes to the food area to eat.
“As I expect from my fiancé” *kiss* Rena said happily as she peck Jurina’s lips
“…..”
“And because you win… do you want to eat dinner tomorrow? oh~ I have an idea let’s eat on a fast food tomorrow, you like to go there and eat right? yuko-chan said burgers there is the best! Especially cheese burger, I really love cheese~” Rena said as she was really happy that time, she was like telling to other people that they are no match towards her fiancé.
Jurina on the other hand just nod as she was not in the mood, she was really affected by his father’s words.
30 minutes later her father called her and talked to her alone.
Rena followed them secretly as she wants to know what they will talk about…
“So, is that enough to show off?” her father said in a mad tone. Well, her father was a perfectionist. Even if Jurina wins, it is not enough because Jurina didn’t hit the most center part.
“…..”
“Be thankful because no one noticed your mistake, if only your brother was here. He wouldn’t let that happen. I don’t know if you can really be perfect in Rena-sama’s side. I don’t know if you really can protect her right. A small mistake can ruin everything.”
“I understand. Oto-sama”
“Always remember your position and your responsibilities. Jurina you always need to take care of Rena-sama at all cost. Protect her with all your life and never leave her side. Whatever she has done to you, you have no rights to complain”
“Hai oto-sama”
*sigh* “Just go back to Rena-sama now-”
“hai, I’ll be going now oto-sama”
When Jurina was about to get back Rena showed up.
“I want to go home now. I’ll tell to oji-san, just wait here” Rena said as she was disappointed, she heard what Jurina’s father said to Jurina and Rena was blaming herself as she remembered when they are in middle school.
She doesn’t want to see Jurina’s sad face.
“Now I feel guilty that time when I always violate our house rules, always leaving Jurina behind when I always go home late just to be with airin… maybe oji-san always scolded her... I don’t like the way oji-san scolded Jurina like she isn’t her daughter” Rena thought while catching up with Jurina’s father to talk with him.
Jurina did what Rena told her and waited. When Rena got back they went home.
It was really late when they arrive home. The two are inside their room. Rena was trying to cheer up Jurina but Jurina was really hurt inside.
Rena handed Jurina’s flute to Jurina.
“Eh?”
“play something for me”
“eh?”
“please” Rena said sweetly and winks at Jurina
“uhm okay… anything you want in particular, Rena-sama?”
“anything will do as long Jurina plays it” Rena said as she hugs Jurina.
.
Jurina plays the flute. It makes her relax somehow. They enjoy both the music from the flute. It was a sweet moment but suddenly Jurina’s phone rang
.
*ring*
*ring*
Jurina got up and picked up her phone from the table in the room
“Moshi moshi?” Jurina answered
“Such interruption” Rena thought she was really irritated that time
“Oh! Haha hai hai genki desu~, how about you how are you?” Jurina answering someone who called her energetically
“eh? Who called her? Why did she become so energetic?” Rena thought as she was watching Jurina
“Where are you by the way? Haha sure let’s meet up”
“Who the hell is she talking to?” Rena thought irritated as she frowned
“haha chuu~ see you, ja ~” Jurina then end the call.
After Rena heard that “chuu” she flinched, she was now really annoyed.
“Who are you talking to?” Rena asked seriously. She was jealous.
The thought of- how did Jurina knows about doing such stuffs like that time in the onsen trip- pops up in her mind.
Jurina changed her clothes and put on a cap…
“eh? It’s already late, where is she going? Don’t tell me-” Rena thought, she was really jealous
“Jurina? Where are you going? It’s already late” Rena asked trying to be calm
“huh? My friend”
“oh?”
“I’ll be just going outside”
“No, you stay here”
“Huh? I already told-“
“What I said is what should be done” Rena said with a bit louder voice as she was getting really jealous
“tsk!”
“are you complaining?” Rena said and face Jurina while putting her serious stares at Jurina
“I need a friend right now… because all of you are pushing me at my limit” Jurina thought. She is really annoyed that time remembering what her father said and she was confused about Rena and her, she doesn’t really know what to do next. She didn’t want to disobey any rules too. She doesn’t want to put a shame on her family just because on her personality.
That moment Jurina get her phone and dialed the number who called her. She was about to tell that she can’t come, but Rena stands up and walks towards Jurina and snatched Jurina’s phone then put it inside her pocket.
“why are you acting like this?” Jurina said as her childish side was about to burst out from the all the stress lately.
“Why? You asking me why? Do I have no rights to be jealous??” Rena shouted
“….”
“Why is she not answering? Am I the only one here thought that we’re okay now? Then what about that night in the onsen.. is it all for fun?” Rena thought as she was shocked from what Jurina is acting in front of her trying to hold her tears
“Am I misunderstanding something?” Rena asked trying her best not to cry
“Rena I-I uhm…” Jurina trying to speak out
“So what happened to us is nothing to you huh? Jurina, Answer me!!” Rena said as she can’t stop the tears from her eyes anymore
Jurina doesn’t know what to say, she was a bit guilty so she hugs Rena tightly.
“I love you Rena… but I don’t know what kind of love is this now…I don’t know if I can still trust you… I don’t know if this is only because I’m hurt… or just maybe because of my responsibility… All I know Is that you are special to me and I don’t want anyone to lay a finger on you”
“Am I not good enough?” *sniff* “Am I too late to get you back??” *cry*
“No it’s not like that Rena… sorry the problem here is me…”
“…” Rena was still crying
“I-It was just too fast for you to say you loved me when you and airin just broke up just months ago… she was your girlfriend for how many years. I don’t know what to feel about that” Jurina said
*sniff*
“please stop crying Rena”
“But it’s you who I really love. What am I really to you Jurina?” Rena asked
“…..your will always be my princess Rena… but for now I don’t know what to answer in your question… I’m sorry”
“Do I still have a chance? Or this is really over for us?” Rena asked as she was now crying more
“No this is not over for us”
“But what you said -”
“Rena I don’t want to hurt you… I’m not still good enough for you”
“Is this because of what oji-san said?”
“Part of it yes. He always expects so much from me and always comparing me with onii-san.”
“You’re enough to me Jurina. I only needed you”
“I don’t want to be a burden to you Rena-sama”
“You know Jurina, you’re the most important person in my life. I don’t want to lose you. I will prove it to you. please give me another chance. I know I hurt you a lot and didn’t even understand you why you act like that but I’ll still keep moving forward to prove you that I love you”
“Rena”
“now I know why you have bruises back then when we were middle school. It’s because of me right? When I always sneak out … it was when oji-san scolded you, right?”
“….”
“I’m sorry for doing all those stupid things… I just… I just want to explore things and I was too confident that whatever happen you will be there for me.” Rena can’t stop crying
“I will always be there for you”
“but how long Jurina? Little by little I learned to appreciate the things that I have. I have realized that you’re so important to me. You always act strong in front of me that’s why I didn’t notice. I’m sorry. I know they are pressuring you but let me help you too. I know I made so many mistakes, that’s why I keep on trying to fix it, would you allow me to?”
“I-I don’t know Rena I can’t understand what I am feeling. I’m afraid that someday you will choose other person because I’m weak and I have a bad personalities. I’m scared that no one will understand me and accept the real me. I’m selfish and insecure with the things surrounded me. I’m scared to be hurt, I’m scared to be left… You know I should always follow the rules in our family, so sooner or later you will leave me because you can’t longer breathe just like what mom done to us”
“Jurina I will never do that… I love you”
“I’m sorry if I can’t answer right now”
“I understand… But I will never leave you... because you are my other half Jurina.”
“Rena” as a tear drops from Jurina’s eyes
They hug each other tightly. Rena cupped Jurina’s face seeing her beloved one to be so vulnerable.
“I love you Jurina… I will never get tired on loving you… now it’s my time to show you how much I love you” Rena said staring at Jurina’s crying face as she put Jurina’s head on her shoulder and put her other arms in Jurina’s waist to hug her.
They stayed at that position, hugging for some minutes…
“C-can we s-start over again?” Jurina said while sniffing
“Hai” Rena answered happily
“are you sure?”
“Of course it that’s the only way to get you back”
“Rena I’m serious here” Jurina said as she’s trying to hold back her tears
“kawaii” Rena thought
“Yes I’m sure.”
“Then we will not think that we are engaged or anything… let’s start from being friends again…”
“eh? Is that bothering you? Why not? Because I will make you fall in love with me again Jurina”
“I’m not sure what will happen to us, but when the time comes when we both don’t know what should we do. Don’t run, just kiss me slowly, tell me that you love me and take good care of me. Can I demand those things Rena-sama?”
“Hai, just drop the -sama now because we’re friends right?” Rena trying to hold her tears too. She was scared on what will happen next about them starting over again. But for the sake of both of them so that they will be contented and understand their feelings more she agreed to start over again.
“no more secrets between us okay?” Rena added
“hai~”
“Rena wait for me, okay?”
“Yes, I will and always will”
“I love you Rena… I’m sorry for making us like this”
“Sssssh… I love you too Jurina… I hope you will be mine…”
After that conversation, they are chatting random things and having fun with each other’s company. They didn’t notice that it was already midnight.
“Shall we sleep now?” Rena inviting Jurina to sleep while smiling at Jurina
“Hai… hmmm uhm”
“hmm what’s the matter?”
“I just remembered something”
“eh? What it is?”
“T-that we will sleep together but will not do anything haha” Jurina said teasing Rena
“what?! Like, I will do that!”
“haha I remember your face that time-” Jurina was cut off by Rena’s hands who was covering her mouth
“urusai”
Jurina just smiled while Rena was walking towards the bed.
“I’m sorry” Jurina said
“huh? For what Jurina?”
“Because that night, I forced you”
“hm hm” shaking her head
“It’s okay because it’s you Jurina”
“oh” Jurina felt relieved as she was guilty about that.
“Do you want to? Hehe” Jurina said teasing Rena
“mou-! ruining such a good moment, stop teasing me”
“haha, come on let’s sleep”
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The next morning, it’s already Saturday. Jurina is having her early exercise outside their house. She was energetic that time like there was no longer burden in her heart. She was so relieved and decided to go jogging.
While jogging, she went across a newly opened book store… but she was suddenly stunned when she saw a familiar face.
She felt fear and anger at the same time. She wants to talk with that person but decided to calm down for the best and have a self-confidence and trust Rena… so she just continue running.