At 10:55 pm, Arisa Uotani was preparing to close the restaurant where she worked. It had been a long, busy day and she was beyond ready to go to bed, even if it meant going home. Hanging up her apron it's the hook in the kitchen, Arisa heard the bell over the front door ring. Annoyed, she called "Sorry! We're closed!"
"Arisa?"
She froze. That voice, she knew that voice . . . "Kureno-san?"
He stepped around the corner into the kitchen. "Arisa . . . "
She could barely contain herself. "You . . . you bastard!"
Kureno stopped and just stood there looking at her, wondering why, after all he had gone through to find her, she'd be angry. The questions, the bribes, driving back and forth, all to find her, and she was angry?
"I waited for you!" she shrieked. "I waited at that goddamn store for weeks! I had to quit, it was so . . . so disappointing! Every time the door opened, I thought it was you!And now I'm pissed!" She slammed her hand against the wall.
"Arisa," said Kureno, "I need to explain, please, let me - "
"No!" She practically screamed it. "No! I don't care! I really don't care anymore!"
She turned and headed for the back door.
"You do care," he called, stopping her in her tracks. "You cared enough to hope, enough to be disappointed. I know you did."
Uo stood still, at a loss for words. He was right, after all. She did care.
"And I cared to," continued Kureno. "I wanted to come find you. I wanted to talk to you again. I wanted to . . . but I couldn't. It was out of my control."
Uo turned to face him, tears now rolling down her cheeks. "Don't you think I wanted to see you too? Don't you think I . . . I . . . " she turned away again. Head in her hands, she tried to stop the tears.
"Arisa . . ." he came toward, only to have her turn her back on him.
Kureno sighed. After all that effort, he was not going to give up that easily. Stepping slowing toward her, Kureno put his hands on Arisa'a shoulder. Before she knew, he was behind her and gently turning her to face him.
She looked up at him. He seemed so sad. It made her heart hurt despite the anger.
"Arisa," he said softly. "I love you."
Then he leaned down and kissed her.
/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/
Again, I say "To be continued . . . ?"
