Bound by Fate

“Are you sure you wanna do this Mei Mei?” Himeko asked as the cab approached their destination.

Mei sighed, “of course Himeko. I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t. I’m of age and there’s nothing wrong with me going out for a drink.”

Due to the stress of life’s various challenges, Mei had opted to try going on and having a drink. Himeko knew this but couldn’t help worry, especially with how Mei has been in the last few years.

Every time they’d meet up Mei seemed sadder and sadder, Himeko figured this was to literally numb the pain. So of course she’d go with her.

“Well...alright..is it a safe Izakaya?” Himeko asked her best friend.

“Himeko,” Mei sighed again, “of course. I’ve specifically chosen this one due to its reputation and reviews online. It’s safe. Has good food. And has alcoholic beverages.”

“Mei Mei i...,”

“We’re here,” the cab driver pulled next to the curb. “That’ll be about ¥800 please.”

“I got it Mei Mei,” Himeko stooped her best friend. “It’s your birthday after all. Just consider this another gift.” Even though Himeko has given Mei numerous today...

When the young girls entered the Izakaya,they were honestly surprised. There was a lot of people but still seemed like there was more than enough room for seating everyone and then some. It was also a bit louder than they’d prefer but Mei didn’t mind.

Anything was better than being home....

After finding a seat as far away from people as possible, a waitress came to take their orders. Himeko opted to just have water, so she can watch over Mei. While Mei ended up asking for more time to look over the menu.

She wanted something good but strong. But not too strong. And not too good, to avoid any chance of addiction. Deciding she needed information, Mei started doing research on her phone of the various beverages.

“Why don’t you try.....this one?” Himeko pointed on the menu. “It sounds like it could be good.”

“Hm” Mei observed the name and contents of the beverage. “Very well. I’ll have one of those.”

“Great!” Himeko beamed, “I’ll get a waitress, just wait here.” She hastily got up and went to the center island where they made the drinks. Of course she had to get a waitress since she herself wasn’t old enough and Mei was minimum age.

“Hi, my friend over there is ready to place an order.” Himeko pointed over to Mei, not appreciating the staring eyes she felt on her.

“Let it go Himeko,” she told herself as she sighed and proceeded to return to her friend.

“Woah no way,” a vaguely familiar voice caught Himekos’ attention, stopping her in tracks.

“VP is that you??” A slightly buzzed Harumi asked, recognizing the eyebrows anywhere.

“Taniguchi?” Himeko was surprised to see someone she went to high school with. They weren’t particularly close but their relationship was a somewhat friendlier one. Never really had any problems with one another and usually had nice conversations. Until graduation and never speaking until tonight that is.

“Never thought I’d see you again...especially here,” Harumi commented before taking another drink.

“Well you see...,” Himeko started but got cut off.

“Not saying that in a bad way,” Harumi started, “but well....ya know.” She gestured around them and Himeko nodded.

“Yeah I understand. Mei Mei wanted to come here and I wasn’t gonna let her come alone.” She commented.

Harumi almost spat out her drink, “t..the prez is here too?!?!!” She was the LAST person Harumi ever expected to see at a place like this, even above Himeko.

“We’re not in school anymore,” Himeko sighed, “but yes. It was Mei Meis’ idea.”

“Wow...,” Harumi sounded shocked, rightfully so.

“Yeah....,” Himeko said as an awkward silence fell upon them. Deciding that it might be rude to not ask, Himeko figured she should at least offer. “Would you like to join us? I’m sure Mei Mei would enjoy seeing someone from school.”

“I uhh...,” She looked towards the bathroom, “yeah...sure.” She reluctantly agreed, also not wanting to be rude.

The former classmates then proceeded to Himekos’ table, confirming to Harumi that Mei was in fact here. She was here, but seemed to be lost in her thoughts of her home life.

“Is she okay?” Harumi thought to her self. Last she knew Mei didn’t have hollow looking eyes. She especially didn’t have bags under them.

“Mei Mei,” Himeko asked her friend.

No reply

“Mei Mei,” She repeated as she placed a hand on Meis’ shoulder, making her slightly jump.

“Himeko....what?” Mei asked before her gaze shifted to the woman next to her. “Taniguchi?”

“H..hey Aihara...how’s it goin?” Harumi awkwardly asked. Mei slightly fidgeted before continuing.

“It’s....,” Mei sighed, “Amamiya now..actually.” Even Harumi could tell she felt uncomfortable saying that.

“Oh...that’s right. How is Mr. Amamiya?” Harumi asked, unknowing how much even hearing the name hurt Mei.

“...he’s doing fine.....thank you,” Mei felt a Now well known pain within her. She was never a fan of talking about her husband but knew she had to.

“That’s good... what about you? How’s it....,” Harumi stopped when she saw Mei take her first drink of alcohol, still surprised she was drinking.

To Meis’ own surprise, it was a great a drink. Tasted good and didn’t feel too strong.

“What are ya drinking?” Harumi asked while sitting down. She figured they could at least talk about that rather than awkwardly catching up.

“It’s....,” Mei pointed on the menu , “this one. Himeko suggested it.”

“Really?” Harumi looked to Himeko for conformation who nodded. “I’m kinda surprised, my roommate loves them but they’re too weak for me.”

“Speaking of which....,” Harumi looked towards the bathroom and started waving at the confused looking blonde. “Yo Yuzucchi! Over here!”

“Hm? Oh hey!” Yuzu walked over to her roommate. “I was wondering where you were...,” She looked at Himeko and Mei in confusion.

“Oh right! These are some of my classmates from high school,” Harumi gestured towards Himeko and Mei.

“Oh, it’s nice to meet you both.” Yuzu slightly bowed, “I’m Yuzuko Okogi. But I prefer Yuzu.”

“Very well, Yuzu.” Himeko bowed, “I’m Himeko Sanno. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Yuzu smile.

“She has big eyebrows.....,” she thought to herself.

“I’m Mei...Amamiya,” Mei bowed politely. “It’s nice to meet you.” She hastily said before taking another drink.

“Is that a Yuzushu??” Yuzu asked, referring to Meis’ drink. “It’s really good isn’t it?”

“I believe so, yes.” Mei uncomfortably answered.

“I love them, want another?” Yuzu offered with a smile. “I was gonna get one anyway.”

“If..if you would,” Mei accepted, hoping more would have more of an effect on her. She knew better than to trust a stranger giving her a drink but Taniguchi is at the very least more trustable than actual strangers. So, she could somewhat trust Yuzu to do a simple task.

Worse case scenario and Himeko would raise all hell, really Mei had nothing to worry about.

“Alright...you want one too?” Yuzu asked Himeko.

“Oh no,” Himeko said, “I’m not old enough yet, still got a little bit to go.”

“Water for the kiddo got it,” Yuzu teased, making Harumi laugh and Mei simply acknowledged it.

“Ya know what I want right?” Harumi confirmed with Yuzu who gave her a thumbs up.

While Yuzu was gone, the former classmates started to catch up. Harumi explained What college she’s attending and how she met Yuzu thanks to the roommate search. Himeko started to explain that she got into her 2nd college of choice when the blonde finally returned.

“What took so long?” Harumi asked as Yuzu took her seat next to her.

“Sorry. The bartender kept asking me about my day and how I been,” Yuzu chuckled, “but she was nice about it, even said one was on the House.”

“Awww,” Harumi Hugged Yuzu, “my sweet, innocent Yuzucchi finally has a special someone.”

“You two have my full support,” she laughed as Yuzu got defensive about the subject.

“It wasn’t like that!” Yuzu declared as their drinks arrived. Taking a quick drink of hers she continued. “She was just being nice to a new regular.”

Then Yuzu right remembered there are 2 others listening in on them. “Besides.....,” she coughed. “You know me. I’m already talking to a few guys, might go on a few dates with them. Ya know, really see what’s out there.”

“Oh please,” Harumi rolled her eyes and laughed, “the closest thing to a guy you’ve been talking to is that purple thing you keep under your....,”

“Shhh!” Yuzus’ hands flew across Harumis’ mouth, shushing her. “How did you even find that?!?!?”

Partially disgusted by the conversation, Mei begun discussing events regarding the academy with Himeko. Especially about a benefit that’ll be taking place in the near future.

Harumi, while laughing at Yuzu, overhead the last part regarding a benefit. “Oh that’s cool, I’m sure your husbands will enjoy going.”

“You’re both married???” Yuzu instantly felt jealous. Here some strangers are, around the same age and already married. All while Yuzu has yet to have as little as a first kiss.

“Yes,” Himeko answered with a sigh, “I’ve been married for almost 2 years and Mei Mei about the same.”

“Aww did you two get married on the same day??” Yuzu said in awe, knowing how great that’d be.

“No....,” Mei chimes in. “I got married a few weeks before Himeko.”

“Is she okay?” Yuzu thought to herself, seeing the obvious pain behind Meis’ words. It was weird that anyone talking about being married would sound as sad as she did.

“I see...,” Yuzu wanted to know more but didn’t wanna push the topic. It already looked like it made one of these strangers upset.

“So uh..,” Yuzu cleared her throat, ““what do you two do for a living?”

“I’m currently going to college. Fortunately my husband and I are financially capable of both being able to go.” Himeko answered before taking a sip of her water.

“Wow,” Yuzu was surprised, “that must be nice. Harumin and I both work our butts off to go to college.”

“What about you....uh?” Yuzu couldn’t remember her name.

“Mei....and I’m currently the chairwoman of a prestigious academy.” Mei answered in her usual tone. Since getting married, Mei found herself being more comfortable letting people use her first name rather than last.

“Really???” Yuzu looked kind of amazed, “but you’re so young. Yet already that successful??”

Mei couldn’t tell if this woman was genuine amazed or just acting. Yuzu was genuine however.

“I suppose...what do you do?” Mei asked.

“Me? Oh I just work with a catering company, nothing as fancy as chairwoman though,” Yuzu chuckled.

“I’m hoping to actually be in charge of an event at some point but so far....yeah,” Yuzu sighed as Harumi patted her back.

“There there, I’m sure it’ll happen. You’ve been there for what, 2 years?” She asked.

“About yeah.” Yuzu went to drink her Yuzushu but noticed it was empty. “Oh.”

She then took a peak over to Meis’ glass to see if she was out too, she was. “Hey Mei, want another one? My treat. Harumi never wants to drink them so I’m glad someone does.”

“Hm,” Mei stopped to consider her buzz and much more she might be able to drink. “Very well. However I’ll get it. Thank you though.”

Yuzu smiled at gesture and gladly accepted. Fortunately a waitress was passing by so it saved Mei a trip and she sat back down.

Mei hadn’t noticed Himeko looking intensely at her phone until she heard a heavy sigh. “Himeko? Something the matter?” She asked.

“Yeah...my husband accidentally let puuchi out....” Himeko looked reluctantly at her friend. “I gotta go fix this. Are you ready to leave?”

“I...I’m not certain I am.” Mei said, wanting to avoid going home to her husband as much as possible.

“Alright....Taniguchi?” Himeko started. “Can I trust you to watch over Mei Mei for me?” She sounded very sincere.

“I Uh...well you see,” Harumi started, wanting to think of any viable excuse. She and Mei were a lot less closer than Himeko and Harumi. Babysitting didn’t exactly sound fun either.

“Of course we will,” Yuzu started, ignoring both Harumis’ attempt to find and excuse and Meis’ slight annoyance at Himeko.

“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure she gets home just fine.” Yuzu remembered their still mainly strangers. “Or wherever she’d prefer.”

Himeko didn’t entirely trust Yuzu, rightfully so. Harumi must’ve seen the distrust in her eyes and sighed. “Yeah we’ll look after her, don’t worry.”

“Thank you...and Mei Mei,” Himeko hugged her friend tightly. “Happy birthday..I hope you had a good day.”

“Thank you Himeko,” Mei returned the hug.

“It’s your birthday??” Yuzu asked as Himeko made her way out.

“Yes. As of today I’m 20,” Mei casually answered. Even though they’re strangers, Mei still knew she should have proper manners.

“Really?? Hey I turned 20 just last month,” Yuzu beamed with her typical smile. “Feels pretty great doesn’t it?”

“I suppose,” Mei answered, taking another sip of her drink.

“Although when you turned 20 you got totally hammered,” Harumi laughed at the memories of Yuzus’ last birthday.

“I wasn’t that bad,” Yuzu nervously laughed with a noticeable blush.

“Oh please,” Harumi rolled her eyes while continuing to laugh. “We had to leave because you got on top of the table and started singing about sushi.”

Mei gave the blonde stranger a confused look as Harumi laughing never relented. Yuzu was now blushing a significantly bit more than before.

“Yeah yeah laugh it up,” Yuzu sighed, knowing she didn’t have any argument. Harumi hadn’t done anything that dumb, at least to Yuzus’ knowledge. So there wasn’t much to say.

“Oh I will....oh hang on,” Harumi answered her phone. “Uh Huh....Yeah.....really???” That last part caught Yuzus’ attention.

“Your sister is trying to stay at our apartment,” Harumi answered, surprisingly happy about it.

“Matsuri??” Yuzu asked. “She won’t get in without a key....I should go,”. Matsuri did occasionally stop by their apartment for a place to crash. Fortunately Harumi was cool with it so Yuzu never paid it much mind.

Although it had been a several days since the last time Matsuri had to stay.

“I’ll go,” Harumi cut off Yuzu, sounding too excited about it. “You just keep an eye on Amamiya and I’ll go take care of her. IT I’ll take care of it.”

Mei was a little annoyed about being talked about as if she were a child. But she knew it was because of Himekos’ kind heart so she endured.

“Huh?” Yuzu asked confused, “wouldn’t it make more sense for me to go since....,”

“Don’t worry about it,” Harumi patted Yuzus’ head as she got up. “You’ve been working hard, you deserve to have a fun time. How much does my drinks cost?”

“Uh....alright? Thanks. You didn’t drink too much so don’t worry about it. Just remember this next time,” Yuzu answered.

“Sweet! You two have fun,” Harumi said mainly to Yuzu as she hastily made her way back to the apartment. This left a bit of an awkward atmosphere.

“So....,” Mei started as their party of 4 finally dropped to 2. “You have siblings?”

“Kinda.” Yuzu started, “she’s a childhood friend of mine. We grew up in the same neighborhood and just kinda became like sisters.”

“I see.” Mei replied.

“What about you? You got any siblings?” Yuzu asked.

“No. It’s just me,” Mei answered, looking a little upset as what she had said. Or really the idea of why it was “just me” for so long.

“But hey! Look atcha. You’re successful, married and beautiful. A lot of women would kill to be like you,” Yuzu sighed. “I’m no where near any of that....,” she said that last part just quite enough Mei barely heard her.

“Something the matter?” Mei asked, not oblivious to Yuzus’ tone.

“Hm.....nah,” Yuzu sighed. “My life is pretty great, even if I’m not married or very successful.” She beamed at Mei.

“But enough about that...its your birthday right?” Yuzu asked after an idea sparked in her mind.

“It is,” Mei answered. Even though they talked about it minutes ago.

“Wait right here k?” Yuzu got up and headed to the bartender before Mei actually replied.

While she was gone, Mei simply sipped on her drink and checked her phone. Only a quarter after 9. She sighed to herself.

“I suppose I could have worse company for today,” Mei thought to herself. “Even though she’s a complete stranger.”

“Better than him.....,”

“It’s alright...,”

“This’ll all be worth it someday....,”

“It’ll be over when he comes back....,”

“If.....

Mei felt the corner of her eyes start to sting as she thought of one of her worst fears. Everything she has put up with being for nothing...nothing could hurt more.

“Heeeeere it is,” Yuzu said cheerfully as she placed a glass in front of Mei who quickly returned to her poker face.

It was a tall glass with some sorts of pink beverage in it. Also it had a whipped cream topping with some sprinkles, only adding to Meis’ confusion.

“There’s alcohol in it but it’s supposed to be cupcake flavored,” Yuzu explained. “We don’t have cake but I figured this would be a close substitute.”

“I-i see,” Mei felt surprised. Her last few birthdays were tainted by her marriage, making this feel oddly refreshing. She had cake but having her husband around rarely ever left pleasant memories.

Even the birthdays before weren’t that great. Before marriage she spent them like she spent every other day: alone.

“Before you drink,” Yuzu stopped Mei and cleared her throat. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Meeei. Happy birthday to you.”

“Thank you,” Mei accidentally cracked a small, genuine smile before taking a sip of the beverage.

It was good.

It was really good.

“Woah sow down,” Yuzu chuckled, “you don’t have to drink it all at once.”

Taking her advice, Mei ended her extended drink. “Safe to say you like it?” Yuzu asked.

“It’s good,” Mei answered honestly. She couldn’t remember the last time cake tasted this good. Even if it’s not cake or even a cupcake, the taste was close enough.

“That’s great! Think I’ll get one for myself,” Yuzu got up. “You want more?”

Mei then checked her drink and saw how it only had a little less than half. She didn’t feel too buzzed and the drink tastes delicious.

“If you would. Thank you,” Mei said before Yuzu nodded and left to the bar.

“Just one more wouldn’t hurt...,” Mei thought to herself as she smiled. She was more buzzed than she thought, kinda made it hard to hide the joy she actually somewhat felt.

~a few hours later~

“Cmon Mei,” Yuzu grunted as she adjusted Meis’ arm around her shoulder. “I gotta get my keys.”

“Mmm whaaa,” a now drunk Mei somewhat asked, struggled to stay upright.

“I said stay still, I need my keys to get into my apartment,” Yuzu sighed. Turns out the cupcake drink was stronger than Mei thought and after her 3rd drink it hit her.

“I’m too tired for this…,” Yuzu thought to herself with a sigh.

She still persevered and, thanks to the compromised judgment, had 2 more drinks. Neither of which she handled well. This is what prompted Yuzu to leave and make sure Mei got home.

Unfortunately, Yuzu didn’t know where to make sure Mei got to. This lead to Yuzu deciding she can stay with Harumi and her, just for a night though. So it would’ve be too bad.

“Hehe I got them,” Mei reached into Yuzus’ back pocket and searched for keys. Accidentally rubbing the blondes butt in the process.

“H-hey!” Yuzu blushed at the contact. “What are you doing????”

“Not there....here?” Mei laughed at Yuzus’ embarrassment and checked the other back pocket. Still rubbing Yuzus’ butt while doing so.

“Keys!” Mei laughed as she pulled a receipt from Yuzus’ pocket. “Wait....,” she stared it down as Yuzu used the actual keys.

“You found them,” Mei giggled as Yuzu lead her into the apartment.

“Yup...I did,” Yuzu still felt embarrassed at the touching but understood there wasn’t anything behind it. It was her first time being touched in that matter after all so that didn’t help.

The blonde than guided Mei into the shared apartment. It wasn’t any too big, 2 bedroom 1 bath. But it still felt cozy and Yuzu liked it.

“I guess you can use my bed,” Yuzu said as she stared at the mess on the couch. “I’m too tired, I’ll just sleep on floor,” she thought to herself.

Yuzu then lead the giggling Mei to her room and sat her down on the bed. “Alright. Let’s get you taken care of, I’ll bring you a bucket if you need...Huh?”

Yuzu notched how Meis’ inane giggling had changed into sobs of pain. Sure drunk people cried but this was insane, to Yuzu nothing sounded more painful.

“I hate him.....,” Mei cried. “I hate him so much!”

“Wha..who?” Yuzu asked as she sat next to Mei. She felt full of concern for the woman.

“My....my....husband,” Mei cried as tears fell from her face.

“I wanna leave...so bad,” Mei continued her cries of pain. “I never wanna see...touch....feel.....,”

Mei drunkly laid her face in Yuzus’ lap as she let out her concealed pain. Right now she had no shield, no barrier. Nothing stopping her from revealing her suffering. Even to a complete stranger.

“Please Save me….please please please please…..” Mei curled up into a ball, still using Yuzus’ lap as a pillow.

“My god…,” Yuzu whispered. Sure this could be a drunken fluke but if it wasn’t? What person deserves to suffer this much? Not even a complete stranger should be hurting like this.

She didn’t care that she didn’t know Mei, right now Yuzu would give anything to end the crying. Not from annoyance, but genuine fear of what pain hides behind Meis’ eyes.

“Hey….it’s okay,” Yuzu choked up as she tried to calm the drunk mess that was Mei. “It’s all gonna be okay…” she stroked Meis’ hair hoping it would comfort her.

“P..pro..fessor….” Mei cried as her sobs of pain slowly started to simmer down. Yuzu was relentlessly stroking her hair and it seemed to be working. Sure, it may have looked weird, but the blonde didnt care.

She couldn’t let someone be in pain like this, especially someone who may hate their husband. Yuzu couldn’t imagine what kind of abuse that could imply, and honestly she didn’t wanna.

Mei was a nice person, she doesn’t deserve anything like that. No one did.

“Poor thing,” Yuzu thought as Mei slowly had drifted asleep, still on her lap. Once she was confident Mei was actually out, Yuzu opted to try getting her off her lap and laying her down.

When Mei was finally laying, she begun making some incoherent sounds. One of which Yuzu mistook for her own name. “Huh?” Yuzu thought as she looked over the drunk girl.

“Professor…,” Mei cried as she dazedly opened one eye.

“No..it’s me. Yu…” Yuzu stopped when Mei wrapped her arms around her. “Hey..what are you…” she stopped again, this time because Mei pulled her into a warm embrace.

“Professor….don’t leave….me again…...please” Mei slept talked with a few fallin tears. Nothing like the mess she was minutes ago. Almost sounding more relieved than anything.

“Professor? Leave? Just what is she talking abo…” Yuzu stopped herself with a yawn.

“She’s got one heck of a grip…” Yuzu thought as she begun drifting fast to sleep herself. Of course she tried to escape but Mei was too strong. “She does smell good….and so warm……”

Was the last thought Yuzu had before fatigue had kicked in and she crashed. This was her first time being held like this and it felt so comforting , even if it’s from a stranger. Not only a stranger but a woman. Her first time and it felt pleasant enough to sleep.

Come tomorrow, it’d settle in how ridiculous this was for the both of them.