Bound by Fate

A few days had passed since Yuzu had met Mei, and neither had heard anything from the other. Yuzu partially wished she had gotten Meis number, given the fact the blonde was worried about her. Unfortunately she didn’t and doubted that Harumi would have it either.

As much as Yuzu wanted to help she felt like it was impossible. Kinda hard to help someone who you know hardly anything about.Truth be told it made the blonde sad. No one deserves to cry like that, especially a woman as nice as Mei.

However, duty calls and Yuzu had to focus on her job for the time being. “Okogi!” Someone shouted, making Yuzu jump.

“Y-yes Mr. Kybashi?” The blonde gulped.

“No need to be so tense,” the older man admitted towards his employees’ reaction. “Come to my office for a minute.”

Yuzu followed into the office, unsure of what exactly to expect. Over the course of the last 2 years Yuzu had hardly ever been brought into the office. Only time ever really being when she was new and thought she lost a fake nail in some food.

Fortunately she didn’t but she did make a small scene about it.

“I’m gonna be blunt with you Okogi,” the man started. “We got potential for a big time event.”

“That’s great,” Yuzu smiled, accidentally cutting him off. He sighed and continued.

“Like I was saying. We have a meeting with a client later, there we’ll discuss the potential for us to cater for an upcoming banquet.”

Yuzu gave him a confused look, prompting him to continue. “It may sound weird but I’m told the chairwoman is a very serious person who wants perfection.”

“That being said....I’ve decided since you’ve been here almost 2 years, I’m gonna give you a chance and send you to meet with her.”

“M-me!?!” Yuzu panicked. “I’m flattered really, but I wouldn’t wanna mess up any big potential deals.”

“I get that, that’s why I’m gonna send you and one other. You’ll have a chance to prove yourself and they’ll be there in case they’re needed.” Mr. Kybashi added.

“Are you sure?” Yuzu asked, she wouldn’t wanna mess something like this up. The man nodded without a second thought.

“Alright....,” Yuzu held up a peace sign and smirked. “I won’t letcha down then!” She get nervous as hell but if her boss was willing to trust her with something like this than she’ll give it her all.

“That’s what I like to hear, you and Rena have to be there at 1:30 sharp. I’ll message you the address.”

Before Yuzu had realized, she and her coworker were on their way to the meeting. “Where are we going again?” Rena asked Yuzu as they got onto the train.

Rena was an older woman in her thirties, who Yuzu was fairly friendly with. They sometimes butted heads but over they got along just fine.

“It’s an academy.....the Aihara academy.” Yuzu read her phone. “Only 1 more train away.”

After the next train, Yuzu and Rena made small talk while approaching the school. Yuzu asked about her family and Rena asked about Yuzus non existent boyfriend. Rena knew Yuzu didn’t have one but liked to tease the younger girl.

Upon arriving at the academy, the 2 girls checked in with the receptionist and were told to wait. Yuzu hadn’t ever really been in an academys like this before. The closest was the college Harumi and she was attending.

But the blonde had to admit, it looked pretty nice. Though, she would’ve hated the idea of having to wear a uniform all for high school, work was bad enough.

It had been Several minutes later and the Chairwoman finally greeted them.
“Apologies,” she started after opening the door from her office. “Thank you for meeting with me...”

“Mei!?” Yuzu gasped. “How’s it goin..,”

“You idiot!” Rena tugged on her ear. “You’re being incredibly rude! Mrs. Chairwoman, I’m greatly sorry for her behavior!” She bowed and prompted Yuzu to do so.

Mei watched in a mix of confusion and amusement at the scene. She recognized Yuzu and could read the room fairly well. It was clear Yuzu was inexperienced and given a chance to do good.

“Now we’re even...,” Mei thought to herself before sighing, remembering all Yuzu did for her.

“It’s nice to see you again Yuzu, have you been well?” Mei Asked Yuzu as Rena looked shocked.

“Yeah I’ve been great!” Yuzu smiled. “What about you?”

“I’ve been well too, thank you.” Mei answered politely, taking a small note at the expression Rena wore. “Would you two like to come in?” She gestured towards her office. Of course, Yuzu and Rena followed.

“What a nice office,” Yuzu observed as she looked around the room. “Wish I had one.” She half joked.

“Thank you,” Mei surprisingly answered despite Yuzu thinking she was being quiet. Upon taking her seat, Mei asked. “Would you two care to sit?”

“Y-yes.” Rena stuttered. “Thank you.” She wasted no time sitting on one of the chairs in front of Meis’ desk. Yuzu followed suit and smiled at Mei.

“This is great!” The blonde thought to herself. “Now I not only know where she works but I might even do business with her! I could do two birds with one stone!”

Despite sounding kinda stalker-ish, Yuzu had only pure intentions. She could keep tabs on Mei and make sure she’s okay plus progress with work. Honestly an almost ideal scenario.

“Okogi,” Rena whispered as she elbowed Yuzu. “Stop staring! We’re here on business, remember?!?”

“Oh right!” Yuzu snapped out of her thoughts of Mei to talk to Mei. Clearing her throat, Yuzu handed Mei a binder she had carried in her bag. “If you’ll take a look inside, we have all sorts of foods we can prepare for all numbers of guests.”

Mei accepted the binder and began examining the contents. “Plus we offer all sorts of deals, like there’s one where…,”

Yuzu stopped speaking when Mei gestured for her to take the binder back. “Uhh…,” Yuzu started, looking at her coworker in confusion. Unfortunately she was at a loss too.

“This binder is for a Japanese college course,” Mei answered, resolving the confusion.

“Oh shoot really!?!” Yuzu laughed nervously. “I’m sorry about that,” she took the wrong binder from Mei and started looking for the correct one.

She was also the only one laughing at the little mix up. Mei would have found it amusing if they weren’t in the middle of a meeting.

“It should be...this one?” Yuzu pulled a red binder out and opened it. “Yup this one!”

Mei accepted the binder from Yuzu and examined the contents yet again, only this time it was what was promised. All while Rena simply smiled nervously and took another mental note about Yuzu's performance.

“Like I said, we offer lots of deals for all sorts of events. Plus if you sign to have us cater future events we can give up to a 15% discount next time.” Yuzu added, sounding more like a friend talking to a friend rather than a negotiator.

Mei didn’t mind the change in tone that so many others would have offered and continued looking. She was at a page with several fairly well known names that apparently have been catered before and liked it.

“So,” Mei finally spoke, “it says here that there is a number of….,” her attention grabbed by someone opening the door to her office. Her stomach instantly turned.

Inside walked a tall man with brown hair. “Who’s the Hotty!?!” Yuzu thought to herself as she stared at the approaching stranger.

“Oh Mei,” Sugou started, smiling sweetly at his wife. “I wasn’t aware you were in a meeting.” The receptionist must’ve been on lunch.

“It’s alright.” Mei answered as her husband continued his walk to her desk, practically ignoring the fact she’s working.

Yuzu couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing and she wasn’t alone. Not even Mei was certain of his current motive.

Mei sighed quietly as she knew introductions were in order. “Allow me to introduce my husband, Sugou Amamiya.”

“Husband?!?” Yuzu thought to herself as her unintentional daydreaming of him ended. It was instead replaced by thoughts of the night she met Mei.

“So this is him?? This is the guy that Mei hates?? What does he do?!” Yuzu thought to herself, making a weird face.

“Thank you my dear,” Sugou smiled at Mei then shifted attention to Yuzu and Rena . “It’s nice to make your acquaintance.”

Rena introduced herself as Yuzu continued to be lost in her thoughts. The man looked nice enough and was acting properly albeit a little weird. All in all, Yuzu would so far say he’s nice.

But Meis tears were undeniable, even if she was drunk. “That’s it…,” Yuzu thought to herself thinking she made a revaluation. “Maybe it was just how Mei is while drunk. I hope so, I really hope so.”

“And who might you be?” Sugou smiled at Yuzu after his introduction with Rena.

“Oh..I’m Yuzu..ko.” Yuzu shook her head to get her thoughts in-line. “Yuzuko Okogi, nice to meet you.” She sounded nice but Rena could tell she was a little off. Not like it mattered, they have business to do.

“Well Yuzuko it’s nice to meet you,” he smiled looking charming, adding to Yuzus’ confusion.

“Y-yeah you too,” Yuzu answered.

Mei was remaining silent for now, getting ready to ask what he wants after introducing themselves.

“Where are my manners,” he chuckled. “ I’m terribly sorry for interrupting your ladies’ meeting. I had to speak with my beautiful wife but it can certainly wait.”

“He really seems nice….,” Yuzu thought.

“I’ll leave you all to it, excuse me my dear.” He said to Mei who reluctantly returned the kindness.

“I’ll speak with you later,” Mei said with a small/fake smile all for appearances. All while Yuzu felt at a loss at what to really think about their marriage.

Once her husband left, Mei spoke. “I’m sorry about that. Would you please continue?”

“Y...yeah,” Yuzu said uncertainty. It took a little push from Rena but Yuzu got her worries controlled and returned to her professional front. She had managed to focus enough and was able to finish their meeting very strongly.

After Mei all but confirmed the deal with Yuzu and Rena, promising to consider, the duo concluded the meeting and made their way back.

“Well you made a couple of mistakes when referring to our offers. Plus that incident with the binder. But you didn’t do too bad Yuzuko.” Rena laughed as she evaluated Yuzu.

“Thanks.” Yuzu said half heartedly as she thought about Mei. She was so certain that Mei was miserable with some monster of a man but that didn’t appear to be the case.

“I wish I could’ve just asked…,” Yuzu thought to herself.

“Though you were Staring at her a lot. Honestly I was gonna let you two have the room to yourselves,” Rena laughed out loud as Yuzu stopped her tracks. The blonde wasn’t really listening to that last bit and had made a choice.

“I’m going back.” Yuzu declared as she turned around.

“Huh??” Rena asked. “Wait why? Was my joke really that bad??”

“I...forgot my phone,” Yuzu fake laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll meet you back at the store. I know my way.”

“I can wait, really it’s no…,”

“Don’t worry about it,” Yuzu yelled as she started to run. “Seriously, just go back!” Confused, Rena figured she may as well do it. Yuzu was a grown woman, she’s capable of making her way back.

“I gotta make sure!” Yuzu thought as she booked it for the academy. After running for a few minutes, Yuzu arrived back at the school.

Entertaining the academy, Yuzu wasted no time going straight to Meis office. She had given the receptionist the same lie she gave Rena who fortunately bought it too.

“Hey Mei!” Yuzu declared as she barged into the room. Much to her disliking, the room remained empty. Makes some sense considering Yuzu left well over 20 minutes ago.

With a sigh, Yuzu left the office in defeat. She was mentally thinking of other ways she can talk to Mei and not in a work related manner

Walking down the hall, Yuzu swore she saw the back of a fairly familiar man enter a room. Remembering that the married couple agreed to talk later, Yuzu made the connection that Mei must be there.

Wasting no time, Yuzu went to the door and grabbed the doorknob. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. “Mei is everything…..,”

Instead of Mei speaking with her husband, Yuzu saw a sight she wouldn’t have ever expected. In the room, Sugou was making out with some woman with brown hair.

It was unmistakable, their lips were locked and Yuzu thought they were using tongue too.

The cheating couple had been so focused on each other’s mouth they hadn’t heard the blonde and kept their lips together. Yuzu watched until registering what was happening before her, before deciding to hide out from the door frames view.

“There’s no way!” Yuzu thought to herself. “Seriously! What the hell??!??”

Wanting to make certain, Yuzu took another peak into the room. Just like she thought, Sugou was currently making out with a woman who certainly was not Mei.

There were so many things Yuzu wanted to say and do. She felt a strong urge to yell at them until her lungs were sore. Part of her also wanted to force the couple apart and slap him for doing something like this to Mei.

While deciding what approach to take, Yuzu neglected hiding again. “Shit!” A woman’s voice gasped.

“What’s wrong my love?” Sugou said before going for another kiss, stopping when he saw the shocked look on his lover's face. He followed his lovers eyes all the way to the door and straight at Yuzu who was currently still watching them.

The room fell silent enough you could hear a mouse. No one knew what to do or say in this situation. Yuzu couldn’t help but think of the night she met Mei.

“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.....,”

Remembering all the pain behind Meis tears, Yuzu erupted like a volcano. “How dare you!?!?” Her voice cracked as she screamed.

“N-no wait…,” he started to walk towards Yuzu who began looking for Mei. “It’s not what you think.”

Sugou started an inane chase until he entered the hall. There, he saw that Yuzu had already made quite some distance between them and had no chance of actually stopping her.

“Bitch!” He thought to himself.

Not having any of his shit, Yuzu had booked it straight to Meis’ office and slammed the door open. Unfortunately, it was still empty.

“I need to find her!” Yuzu thought as she clenched her fist ever harder, still feeling enraged.

Yuzu always had the idea that the person you choose to marry is the love of your life. Someone who means more to you than anyone. The blonde would do anything for a love like that, or a love at all. Why someone would screw that up was a Foreign concept to Yuzu.

“I’ll ask the receptionist.” Yuzu thought as she tried to control her breathing. It had been a long time since Yuzu had gotten anywhere near this worked up and this was definitely a new level of anger for her.

“Excuse me,” Yuzu started once arriving at the receptionist. “Is the chairwoman going to be back anytime soon?”

“Let’s see…,” the older woman started looking through her computer. “I’m sorry but Mrs. Amamiya won’t be back all day, I could leave a message for you however.”

“Crap,” Yuzu sighed, “is there any chance I could get her number then?”

The receptionist looked confused, “her personal number? I’m sorry I’m not allowed to give away private information like that. She’ll be back here after the weekend if you want to try and schedule a meeting.”

“Yes! That! When can I get a meeting?!?” Yuzu asked, feeling at her wits end a little.

“She’s free around 5 pm Monday. What’s the nature of the meeting?” The older woman asked.

“I need to speak with her. It’s important. It’s…..,” Yuzu stopped to think of a lie. Unfortunately, thinking of lies was never a strong suit of hers.

So, she went with the most believable bluff she could. “It’s about the upcoming banquet, I’m with the company that’ll be catering it and we have some papers to sign.”

The receptionist accepted it and after getting some contact information from Yuzu, sent her on her way.

The whole way back to her job, Yuzu was a frustrated mess. She couldn’t wait for Monday to come more even if she wanted to. Come that day, she tells Mei everything. Her husband’s affair won’t go unnoticed and Yuzu was determined to make sure of that..

“Don’t worry Mei,” Yuzu thought to herself. “Once you know the truth you’ll certainly leave him.”

It took Yuzu a while to get back but it felt like hours for her. She couldn’t stop thinking about Mei and how much her life is gonna change. Obviously she was gonna get divorced but then what? Dating would definitely be off Meis mind for a long time, heck after being cheated on she might not even date ever.

It made Yuzu a little sad that Mei could end up alone but alone was better than a miserable marriage. “I’ll make sure she’s okay after the divorce,” Yuzu thought. “She’s gonna need all the support she can get.”

For as sad as Yuzu felt, she was mainly happy. Soon Mei would never cry those same pain filled tears about that monster. She can be happy, and that more than motivated Yuzu.

It wasn’t obvious why Mei would stay in a marriage she’s so miserable in but the blonde prayed this would push her over the edge. If things go right, Mei could be happily getting divorced in no time.

Upon arriving back at her job, Yuzu was surprised she didn’t have to report how it went. Rena had taken care of everything and their boss was fairly impressed. He even mentioned a potential Promotion if it ends well.

Of course Yuzu was thrilled to hear about that. Though she neglected the idea of what her secret meeting with Mei could do to everything if it somehow went south.

Fortunately, by the time Yuzu arrived back it was almost time for her to go home. After a quick talk with her boss and a few coworkers she was done for the day.

“What a day…,” Yuzu groaned as she made her way home. She still was shocked at the days events. The odds of Mei picking her catering company and catching her cheating husband. Nothing could’ve prepared her for today.

Though, it was over. For now anyway, things are gonna pick back up on Monday and Yuzu was already ready for it.

~Yuzus’ Apartment~

“You put it back right??!?” Harumi asked her girlfriend again.

“Yes dear,” Matsuri kissed her lover's cheek. “I put it back in her socks Drawer.”

“No!” Harumi panicked, “she keeps it under her bed, if she finds out I moved it….” Her face grew red, recalling the last hour she spent with Matsuri borrowing Yuzu's Toy. Of course they had cleaned it before and after use.

“Calm down, calm down,” Matsuri giggled. “Yuzu won’t have any idea what a dirty girl you are.”

“It was your idea!” Harumi felt her face grow more red.

“So?” Matsuri shrugged, unfazed by her lover. “You seemed to have enjoyed it from my point of view.”

“I….,” Harumi started.

“I’m back.” Yuzu declared as she walked into the apartment, interrupting the couples conversation.

“Matsuri? What are you doing here?” She asked, obviously surprised to see her little sister.

Harumi was practically useless right now, all of her will power and focus was going into not thinking about what she was just doing. Or really who she was just doing.

“I was in the mood for some sightseeing,” Matsuri smiled devilishly at her sister. “And boy was it pleasant.”

Saying nothing, Harumi had walked into the bathroom to avoid any of this conversation. That little comment about her body from her girlfriend in front of Yuzu was way too much for Harumi.

“Is...she okay?” Yuzu asked.

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Matsuri said sweetly. “Probably just a little tired.”

“Yeah I feel that,” Yuzu let out a heavy sigh as she collapsed on the couch.

“Look like you could use a drink,” Matsuri started, “did something happen today??”

Still facedown on the couch, Yuzu's voice came out muffled. “You could say that...it’s bad. It’s really bad.”

“What’s wrong?” Matsuri asked, sounding concerned. “Whatever you need, Harumi and I are here for you.”

“It’s alright, no point bothering you guys with my work issues,” Yuzu replied.

Harumi had peaked her head out of the bathroom to listen and make sure Matsuri didn’t snitch their relationship to Yuzu. Catching what Yuzu said, Harumi had an idea. “How bout we go out for a drink or 2?”

“Yeah sure,” Yuzu groaned. “Need to calm down a little.”

~not long later~

“I just can’t believe it!” Yuzu cried out. “She’s so sad but still with that garbage!” She had sat with Harumi and Matsuri but after going for another drink, the bartender had begun asking her what’s wrong. So, she was now sitting at the bar well within Matsuri's sight for any worst case scenarios.

After a few on the house drinks, Yuzu began opening a little and was now little more than a sobbing mess. It didn’t help the fact that this was where Yuzu had met Mei in the first place. “That’s rough sweetie,” the bartender said as she cleaned a glass.

“I know!” Yuzu nodded heavily. “I’m just worried….she’ll be with that guy for a whole weekend before I can get to her!” She let out an annoyed growl before putting her head on the table.

“I just want to see her…..”

“You’re so caring,” the bartender acknowledged before sliding Yuzu another drink. “That’s a great quality for a beautiful woman like you.”

Meanwhile, Harumi was getting more than tipsy and having a fun time with her girlfriend. “Hahaha,” she laughed out loud. “You’re so funny!”

“I know I know,” Matsuri smirked.

“And cute.” Harumi said as she wrapped her arm around Maturi. “Seriously….you’re SO cute!”

“Uh thanks?” Matsuri said, being caught off guard by how physical Harumi was being right now in public.

“You think I’m cute?” Harumi asked before finishing her drink, really feeling it now.

“I uhh..well you should know.” Matsuri said before sipping her drink, non alcoholic of course.

“Ahhhh tell meeee! Tell me how cute you think I am! Pleaseee!” She poked the pink haired girls’ cheek.

“Y...you already know,” Matsuri answered, getting an idea of how to turn this little game around. “Besides, don’t you remember what we did earlier?”

“Earli…..,” Harumi stopped to think. “OH!! YEAH! I remember! You kept saying my name while I used Yuzucchis toy to….,”

“Enough!” Matsuri's hands flew over Harumi's mouth, her own face being more red than ever before.

“What’s wrong?” Harumi asked, being muffled by Matsuris hand.

“You’re beautiful okay? Can we drop it!” Matsuri blushed. She still wasn’t used to expressing herself, especially verbally.

“Thanks babe,” Harumi pulled Matsuri into a hug but put the younger girls’ face between her chest. “Hey…….I…..think I’m in….,”

Harumi stopped when she heard a now drunk Yuzu laughing hysterically at the bar. While at the bar, the bartender had her arm around Yuzu and apparently had whispered something into her ear. “I’m sorry!” The blonde continued to laugh. “I don’t have any beans you can flick…,”

She laughed again at how ridiculous the concept of a flicked bean sounded. It wasn’t really funny but Yuzu was clearly reaching a point where she needed to be cut off.

“I think that’s our Cue,” Matsuri said as she got out of the booth. “Come on, let’s go make sure…,”

The pink hair girl stopped when she felt her hand being grabbed. “I...I wanna hold..,” Harumi drunkenly said as she interlocked their fingers. A blush formed on her face as she begged to hold hands, a blush Matsuri hardly ever saw and always made her heart melt.

Matsuri couldn’t control a small blush that formed and let out a genuine smile. “Okay. We’ll hold hands.”

While Matsuri doesn’t really care if Yuzu learns about her relationship, she knew Harumi did. In any other scenario, Matsuri would tease Harumi and try to hold hands. However, with Harumi in a drunken state, the younger girl felt she should step up for her lover.

Plus, Yuzu had to be nearly as drunk if not more. So she might not even remember or notice if the couple holds hands.

After Yuzu demanded she finished 1 more drink, the trio had made their way back to the apartment. Matsuri of course exhausted, having to deal with not 1 but 2 drunken girls.

Thankfully they were able to get a taxi quickly. The apartment wasn’t out of walking distance but with the 2 of them being in their state, Maturi wasn’t gonna risk it. She had two people who meant everything to her after all.

After giving Yuzu a few bottles of water and making sure she was fine in bed, Matsuri turned her attention to Harumi. “Come on Harumi,” she guided her girlfriend to her bed.

“H...hey,” she started as matsuri laid her on the bed. Harumi had started patting the spot next to her.

“You sure you want me to stay the night with you?” Matsuri laughed a little. “Last time we almost got caught you freaked out.”

“I’m sure,” Harumi said, sounding as genuine as ever. It was accompanied by one of her sweetest smiles.

Matsuri didn’t know if Harumi had sobered up a little and was messing with her or if she was still hammered. But she did know one thing, she couldn’t say no.

“Yeah fine,” Matsuri said, trying to sound cool and taking off her coat. “I’ll just tell Yuzu you were drunk and wouldn’t let me go.”

After shedding a few articles of clothing, Matsuri took her spot next to Harumi. “Hi,” the brown hair girl giggled as she began snuggling up to Matsuri.

“H-hi”, Matsuri timidly responded. They hadn’t hardly ever cuddled, even before dating. Doing it at night raised the risk of them getting seen later by Yuzu. The couple tried during the day while watching a movie but Yuzu had unintentionally stopped them.

That made this moment feel even greater. They could be together, in each other’s arms all night without regret. The cover up of Harumi being drunk made things ever better. Nothing to stop them from enjoying their warmth.

“Lo….yo….,” Harumi slurred before falling asleep, unable to resist the warmth of her lover.

After making sure Harumi was certainly asleep, Matsuri moved towards her cheek. “I love you too,” before giving her a small kiss