Dandelions | Yuki Ishikawa

Cupcakes

Two weeks, not a sign of Masa. He didn't visit, he didn't call, and he didn't message me. Yuji stopped by once to see how I was doing. I asked him about Masa, but he didn't have an answer. I haven't done much since I got home. I just worked, basically. I missed a lot due to being sick, so I had to catch up.

I do often find myself reading Yuki's note. It was crumpled up before but I folded it neatly now. It just gives me comfort when I feel lonely. I also find myself baking a lot, I guess it's my stress reliever. But honestly, it's just been lonely. It was never like this before. I lived in Modena for years without being this lonely, so why now? Did I depend too much on Masa to keep me happy since he's around a lot more than Yuki? That's not good. I shouldn't depend on a man to keep me happy. I shouldn't depend on man for anything, well.. maybe except for sex.

A few more weeks passed, Summer is over and still no sign of him. Yuji did keep me up updated on him though. Apparently he's signed with Suntory to play for the V League. Is that a sign? As far as I know Suntory is based in Osaka... I've also heard how Yuki is seeing someone as well, but discreetly. That's... good, I guess.

I continued working from home and would occasionally go out to get some groceries and other necessities. Restriction is still in place but it's not as strict anymore. I just choose to stay at home. At times like this is when I miss living in Modena where the coffee shop is just across the street from my apartment, a bakery next to it, and my favorite ice cream place a block away. Here... well, I have to walk a few blocks to get to a coffee shop and I haven't found any ice cream place that I like yet.

It was around Christmas when I finally heard from Masa. He asked if I could meet up with him. At this point, I lost hope on our relationship continuing from where we left off. So, I met up with him at a park in the city.

He was waiting for me on a bench, he looked like he was texting someone.

"Hey stranger" I greeted as I got to him.

He looked up and smiled. He looks great, healthy, and glowing.

"Hey, Mio. Want to go for a walk?" he asked.

"Sure"

It was cold, but it was bearable.

We took a stroll in the park, walking in silence. I know he's got something to say, I just don't know why he's delaying it.

"So, I heard you signed with Suntory for next season" I started just to break the silence.

"Oh, yeah, I did"

"That's great"

Another silence. This is annoying me now. Just tell me.

"Masa, just tell me what's on your mind" I finally told him.

"I met someone" he said.

When he said that I thought my heart would break. I thought that it would hurt, but for some reason I felt in peace...?

"Ohh? How is she?"

He turned to look at me, I guess he was trying to see how I'm taking this new information that he just told me.

"She's great, I've known her for years but she moved to Kyoto back in high school and we lost contact... I bumped into her a couple of months ago and we just clicked, I guess"

"What's up with you and bumping into people?" I teased.

He chuckled.

"Are you happy?" I asked him. It's the only thing that matters, if he's happy or not.

"Very happy"

"Good"

"Mio, I... I'm sorry for not contacting you these past few months. I didn't know how to break the news and all that"