The Final Ultimatum (Ayato)

The thing about love and dating is that it involves two things. Two hearts and two (very) different minds.  I, for one - didn't like drawing attention to myself that much. But, my boyfriend (Nemura), thinks that that I'm embarrassed with our relationship.

It all started with a amusement park ticket that he won on a raffle. I didn't want to go because I prefer to spend my weekend in quiet (strolling around town and looking at the sea), but Nemura is persistent. He really (and I mean it) want to go there with me as our first date.

"Don't you think it's a little weird for two dudes hanging out on an amusement park?"

"Why not? We're dating aren't we?" he shot back. I sighed.

"Y eah, but I don't like to flaunt it. Going to the park kinda like wearing a big neon sign saying 'hey, look at us".  Don't mind us, we're just two dudes on a date. Seriously, I don't need that kind of attention."

"I didn't peg you as a guy who cares about what others think. Do you really hate going out with me that much?"

"No, I like going out with you, Nemura. We have fun, don't we?"

"Yeah... only not in public." said Nemura bitterly. He sat on my sofa quietly while looking at the tickets. Perhaps he have a point. Maybe I was being a little selfish over here. And maybe, there's a little feeling inside of me that feared to be seen out and about with him. 

"Okay, okay... Let's go."

"Heh? Really?"

"Yup."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Now you wanna go or not? Because I can always..."

PUK!! Nemura hugs me. I leave a little sigh. It so easy for this guy to change his mood. I noticed that shortly after we started dating. As he continue to hug me, I begin to hug him back.

                                                                          *****

Nemura and I are supposed to be going on the amusement park together that Sunday when  Mr. Shigeru (my butler) appears on my doorstep. His usual warm greeting have been replaced with a serious face. I wonder what is going on.

"Shigeru-san? What's the matter?" I ask. Mr. Shigeru approaches me in hesitation.

"Young master, it's about your father."

"My father? What about him?"

"There has been an accident."

"When?"

"Yesterday. Young master, Master ... he didn't make it."

"You mean... he's dead? My father's dead???" I ask Mr. Shigeru loud. He nods.

"I'm afraid so, sir. "

"But, who can this be... He was fine the last time I saw him."

"There's been an accident, young master. It's was raining and there's a car with a drunk driver. He didn't really see the lane that night and... hit your father's car. None of the driver or passenger are safe in that crash."

"Oh my God... I can't believe this. Why are you telling me this now?"

"There's another thing, sir."

"What is it?"

"It's your mom."

"My mom? Shigeru-san, please don't tell me that she..."

"She in the car that night too."

I fell on the ground.  The news of I'm not only losing my father, but my mother too is too cruel for me to accept. I didn't remember what happened next, but all I remember is getting in the car and heading towards the funeral home. I don't remember my next plan for the next 4 days or so.  The funeral goes on and on, feels like an eternity. I totally have forgotten about school, teachers, the beach amusement park, and Nemura.

I finally return to my 1LDK a couple of days later. By then, I'm only a shell of my former self. I wanted to get back to my apartment to get the remaining of my stuff, but I was surprised to see Nemura waiting for me on the doorstep.

"Ayato-san...." he calls out. I stopped walking. We stare at each other for the longest time. I rubbed my hair and greeted him. He frowns and quickly give a me a hug.

"I'm sorry... I just heard about your parents." he said and released me. I didn't answer.

"Are you okay?" he ask. I shrug my shoulder.

"Ayato-san, tell me is there's anything I could do for you?" he added. Again, I shake my head. There's really nothing I could ask from Nemura that he could give me. Both of my parents are gone. There's nothing I can do to bring them back. 

"Nemura, I'm sorry about the park. I should've call you. I'm really sorry."

"No. It's alright. I understand. You have bigger problem at plate. It's okay, Ayato. Really."

"No, you don't understand me, Nemura. I'm sorry, for everything."

"What do you mean? This... isn't a goodbye, right?"

"I have to go back. I'm sorry. "

"No, please, Ayato-san... It surely haven't come to that?"

"Mr. Shigeru... could you please go in there and see for my things, please? If it's too much,  send over people to pack my stuff." 

"Right away, sir."

"Ayato-san, wait..." Nemura tries to get a hold of me. I give him a faint smile.

"Nemura-san... It's been fun knowing you. I'm sorry things have to end this way."

"It doesn't have to be. We can see keep in touch with one another, right?"

"How? I live in Tokyo while you live over here. There's no way we could make it work."

"I... don't know myself. But, I'm willing to give it a try. Do you?"

"I can't make a promise I can't keep." I said. Nemura look down at his feet. Then, he lift up his chin and show me a painful expression.

"Nonsense. You're purposely not even giving it a chance. Why won't you? Now that your parents is gone, you're free to go back to your big precious mansion. Well, good for you. I hope you'll be happy there." he said and walk passed by me. His words hurts like a knife, but at that moment I just want him to know that none of that is true.

"Stop, Nemura... You've mistaken. That not what this is at all."  I said and try to grab his hand. He dodged. 

"No. I don't want to listen to what you have to say. Just shut up and go back to where you came from, Ayato."

 "You really mean that?"

"Yes."

"I thought you're different, Nemura. Now, you sound same like everyone else."

"And who's fault is that? Just admit it, Ayato. If it wasn't for your father, you never even came here at the first place."

"Don't you think you being too harsh?"

"Why? Did I hurt your feelings?" he shot back. I sighs.

"You're mad at me. I can understand that. But please don't misunderstand me."

"How can I? You're leaving. "

"I will come back. "

"No, you won't. Those who left this place, never come back. Ask anyone." 

"Nemura, please.. I don't wanna fight with you on my last day here."

"No.  I want us to fight."

"Why?"

"Because that way, I would exist in your memory forever. I won't be like one of those guys you date and ditch. At least, this way - you would remember me."

"What an awful thing to say. Of course I would always remember you."

"And why is that?"

"Because... you're my first love."

"And you're mine, Ayato-kun."

"So, where does this leave us?" I asked back. Nemura shrugs. Then, he added, "At this moment? I don't know. I really don't."

                                                                       - End of Chapter 10 -