IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Eleven

Ryu awoke in her own room, bleary-eyed and disoriented from sleep. As her mind slowly came out of its groggy state, a barrage of unanswered questions swirled within her. The jumble of thoughts and incomplete sentences filled her head, making it feel heavy.

Frustrated at the onslaught of thoughts and the lingering sense of confusion, she sighed and sat up in her futon, trying to make sense of what she had just experienced.

"What am I..." Ryu mumbled softly as the pain in her head intensified. She struggled to make sense of her thoughts and memories. The throbbing pain in her head only added to the unease and confusion.

She recalled being at the Main Sohma's estate and that she was supposed to meet with Akito, but her memories were hazy. Her last remembrance was her vision slowly fading to black as she walked towards the family head's chambers.

Ryu tried to delve deep into her memories, but she hit a mental wall. Despite her best efforts to force herself to remember, the recollections eluded her, as if blocked by an invisible barrier. With each attempt to push through, the pain in her head intensified, resulting in a worsening headache.

Ryu involuntarily froze at the voice that echoed in her head. She furrowed her brow and clenched her teeth, wincing at the sudden inability to move.

"It would serve both of our best interests if you'd just be patient," the voice repeated, causing further frustration and confusion for Ryu.

Ryu winced as the voice echoed in her head. She cautiously asked, her voice filled with a mix of fear and anxiety, "It's you... what did you do to me?" Her fingers twitched involuntarily, adding to her growing unease.

"Just know that I am not your enemy," the voice replied gently, its tone reassuring. "I am the one person you can trust the most in the world. I will protect you and anyone you wish to keep safe."

Ryu, still struggling to process the situation, felt a hint of reassurance at the words. However, she was still wary and confused about what was happening.

Despite her initial skepticism, Ryu found it difficult to dismiss the words as a lie. Her heart seemed to instinctively accept the truth, without the need for further explanation.

Frustrated, she flung herself back onto her futon and ran her hands through her hair, trying to find some relief from the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts swirling within her head.

Ryu adjusted her position, lying on her side and gazing at the moonlight streaming through the window. She took a moment before asking, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and frustration, "Can you at least tell me something? Why did I feel that way?"

"Primal instincts," the voice replied, its tone matter-of-fact yet vague. "Your soul-bound half was near."

Ryu flinched instinctively at the concept, but her denial grew weaker with each passing day since her return and regaining her strength. There was a part of her deep down that acknowledged the truth behind the words.

The moment Ryu had felt out of control at the Main Estate had been the tipping point, the icing on the cake she had been avoiding. The remaining pieces of the cake were now just the toppings and candles, and the climax had come when the flames were ignited.

The voice chuckled in response to Ryu's comparison of her life to a human-made reference. "Humans are indeed strange beings," it said, its tone amused. "They find the need to compare their lives and situations to things that other humans created."

Ryu hummed in thought, considering the voice's words. "It's true that sometimes, using idioms, metaphors, and analogies adds a layer of entertainment, a way to see things in a different light," she agreed.

"Thinking about my own situation in terms of a cake, for example, can make it seem less serious and even a bit humorous," she continued. "It's a way to make the complexities of life a little more digestible."

"Cake..." The voice chuckled, its tone filled with amusement. "Well, since you were a child, you've always had a fondness for cake."

"W-well, it's just a childhood preference," Ryu mumbled, trying to defend herself against the voice's light-hearted teasing. "Who doesn't like cake as a kid?"

Despite her attempt to downplay the revelation, the crimson hue on her cheeks betrayed her true feelings.

It was indeed the truth that for as long as she could remember, even during her school days—anytime she received her allowance, she would spend all of it buying different kinds of cakes. This often resulted in reprimands from Kazuma for her impulsive spending habits.

While Kyo had likely developed a dislike for cakes due to Ryu's frequent purchases, there was one cherished memory involving the sweet treat that they both held dear. It had become a part of their shared traditions.

As the memory surfaced, Ryu's eyes took on a dull, somber look. She realized that the tradition had been broken during her seven-year absence. However, she had continued the tradition with Himawari, finding solace in passing on the cherished custom.

Ryu found herself wondering if she would ever get the chance to experience those special moments again, now including her daughter. She couldn't help but question if it was simply a wishful thought or a cherished memory that was forever left in the past.

"I will never understand why you choose to be so pessimistic, Ryu," the voice scolded gently. "I do not see the point of it."

Ryu winced at the words, taken aback by the voice's observation. She had always been the practical one, the one who preferred to look at situations from a realistic perspective. It stung a little to be called out for her tendency to be pessimistic.

"Judging by the way you speak, it's clear that you've lived a long time," Ryu retorted, her voice tinged with frustration. "Perhaps it's different for you, but I can't help but cling to the possibility of good things. It's the only way for me to keep pushing forward. I just want to be prepared, to know what lies ahead."

The voice chuckled at Ryu's response. "Ah, the human need to always know what's coming," it said, its tone tinged with amusement. "You seek certainty in a world full of unknowns."

"It's not about what's ahead," the voice explained calmly. "It's about the present, right this moment. Because, if you keep looking for and chasing what comes next, you'll end up losing sight of what's right in front of you. You'll miss out on the unpredictable moments that can change your life in countless ways."

Ryu furrowed her brow, trying to process the voice's words. The sentiment was hard to deny, but it clashed with her natural inclination towards wanting to prepare and know.

Ryu was stunned into silence, the voice's words striking a deep chord within her. She realized the truth in the sentiment and suddenly felt a wave of shame wash over her. As she reflected on her life thus far, she saw that she had indeed been spending years in pursuit and anticipation, always searching for answers. And yet, perhaps she had never truly embraced the present moment with acceptance.

Her thoughts raced, contemplating the voice's wisdom. Despite feeling a twinge of discomfort at the realization of her own behavior, she couldn't deny the validity of the words. Maybe it was time to change her mindset, to focus on the present and embrace the unpredictability life had to offer.