Citrus: My Way

Chapter 23

Mei's Third Point Of View

"That was a good breakfast!" Udagawa said, as he got into the car with Mei.

Mei nodded.

"Hey, Mei? What's wrong, something bothering you?"

Mei shook her head "Thank you though."

Udagawa took a good look at Mei before driving off.

~

He parked outside his house.

Udagawa got out and so did Mei.

"I could lend you an ear, Mei. Seriously."

Mei shook her head again "No, it's fine."

He looked worried and concerned.

"Just... tell me whenever you're ready. I'll be waiting." Udagawa looked in the sky, his eyes sparkling.

"I can't..." whispered Mei.

What would he think of Mei if he knew Mei and...

She shook the thought.

"Come inside, Mei." He opened the door for Mei.

~

Mei stepped inside.

It was her first time being there and she had to admit, she was amazed.

Udagawa laughed "I'm glad you like it."

Mei gave a small smile.

How could she tell him her thoughts?

"Please, Mei. This way." He walked up a set of spiral stairs, leading to a second floor.

She followed him.

~
"This is my room!"

It was a tidy room with a few pages and books scattered along the floor.

There was a photo that had a picture with him and his family.

Overall, everything was clean and neat.

Udagawa scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously "Heh, I would've cleaned up if I knew I was driving you to my place."

"It's fine." Mei got down on her knees and picked up the few books and pages.

Udagawa reached out "No, don't clean th-"

"It's fine!" Mei said, firmly.

He froze for a second and reached back.

"I'm very sorr-" Mei looked at Udagawa.

He looked hurt and looked down at his legs.

"Somethings bothering you, isn't it?" He said, trembling a little.

Mei looked surprised "N-"

"Somethings bothering you!" Udagawa raised his voice.

Mei's heart was pounding hard.

She stood up and said "No, that isn't tru-"

Udagawa walked up to her and then

SMACK!

He had slapped Mei.

Who knew a slap could explain everything.

He knew she loved somebody else.

Mei put a hand up her cheek, trembling.

Udagawa looked at her and frowned with a serious face, full of pain and hurt "I've known you for a few months now! Why can't you... just tell me anything?"

"..." She stayed silent. Her hand was trembling.

He lowered his hand "I just... want you to be happy, Mei!"

Udagawa pushed his glasses up and walked toward the door "I know... this is not what you wanted."

Then he walked out, slamming the door shut.

Mei dropped down on her legs and arms, now looking a the floor.

drip... drip...

Tears welled in her eyes.

Now falling so ever gracefully down her cheeks.

"Why?... Is this... Is this what I get? For being so... stupid?" Mei whispered.

Yuzu's gone, marrying a stranger and now this?"

She sat up straight on her knees, wiping her tears.

It was an hour before Yuzu and Yuniko departed.

Udagawa was right. This was not what Mei wanted.

She got up and ran out his house.

Mei ran towards the direction of the airport.

It felt as if all the tears were sucked out of her but they wouldn't stop falling.