PRELUDE

//      A reconstruction of events after the breakup to serve as background
        and explanation of present and future details in HARD |< O R.

                              by RoK
                              ver 1.2
           Send comments or flames to rok@uclink.berkeley.edu
                           Finished February 12,1996

//Author Note: A special Valentine's "lament" story for all of you out there.
Hopefully, it would serve as an important reminder of how fragile and
devastating love and relationships can be. So if you have that special someone
out there whom you truly cherish and revere, let them know! Treat them to a
special, wonderful Valentine's day experience. For initiating the relationship
is just as hard as finding Mr or Mrs Right.  But once you find that special
someone, hold on to them for dear life! Less you want to suffer the same fate
as Yuusaku!

San: Goodbye Tokyo

Song of the Chapter: "Why do Fools fall in Love?"

Part A:
And that was how my woeful tale would end.  My opportunity squashed by an
equally devastating misfortune for my family.  My how the whole night seemed
to pass by so fast; the sun had already risen and morning had dawned.I must
have spent the whole night subconsciously narrating my lost summer to you. I
hope you didn't find it too boring. You must be tired of my whining. It's
true; I do whine too much for my own good.  That's why my life seemed to be a
series of missed or blown chances. But that's my concern, not yours.  I'm afraid
I must depart from this dreamworld and return to the real world; I have to
wake Hikaru up and get her on her way home before her parents start to worry.
Yep -- that's me looking out for Hikaru-chan again, worrying about her welfare.

"Ah-CHOO!"

"Yuusaku? Are you well?"

I turned my head around to see Hikaru up and about already, all dressed up and
ready to go.

(Good Morning)
"Gozaimasu Hikaru.  You're up awfully early today.  Did you sleep well last
night?"

"As a matter of fact, I did.  My first good night's sleep in a few weeks. How
about you? You don't sound too good."

"I had better days... but I'll manage. You'd better get going back home; you
don't want your parents to worry sick about you...

"Ah-Choo! Cough, cough..."

"Yuusaku-kun! Are you sure you're OK?  You didn't catch a cold yesterday in
that rain, did you?"

<lying>"Of course not,...it's really nothing. Besides, it's
Saturday,...there's bound to be things for you to do.  Don't worry about me...

"Well OK, if you say so, ...are you really fine?"

"Yes! I am.  Now shoo.  You're getting on my nerves..."

"(giggling) Still the same old crabby Yuu-kun.  I leave you alone to yourself.
Atikamess!"

"Ja n-n-n AH CHOO! Ah Choo! Ah Choo! Ah Choo!"

"Yuusaku!  You're not alright at all!  You must have caught a cold yesterday!"

"No (cough)...Really (sniffle)... Honest (ahem)... I'm really not sick!"

(sarcastic) "Is that so?" (sticks open palm toward Yuusaku)

(voice of fear) "Hey! What are you going to do to me?"

(places palm against Yuusaku's forehead) "Measuring your temperature silly.
What did you think I was going to do?"

"Oh,...Nothing really." <Thank god it was that! I thought she was going to hit
me or something>

"Yep. Just what I thought.  You've got a bona-fide cold."

"Is that so?  Are you sure that your hands aren't too warm?"

"Stop playing games with me Yuusaku!  You really should learn to take care of
yourself! Stop doing stupid things like pretending not to be sick!  If your
parents are out for the whole weekend, how are you going to cope, with you
being sick and all? "

"I'll find a way,..."

"Baka! You're so thick-headed for your own good.  You need someone to take
care of you until you become well again.  Whose going to watch over you then?"

"I could call Hatta or Komatsu to come over..."

"No! I'm not letting those two lamebrains come near here,... they're likely
to screw you up and get sick themselves.  There can be only one way,...
(looks away) I would have to watch over you the whole weekend until you become
better."

"You?"

"Yes, me.  Do you have a problem with that?"

"Why no,...it just seems out of character for you..."

"Are you saying that I'm the type of person who doesn't help people out?"
(glares at him)

"No, no; that's not what I meant.  I mean you usually are not this nice to
me."

"Hino Yusaku.  I'll let you know that I can be very nice to you when you act
proper and civil. But most of the time, you act like a fool, and thus I treat
you accordingly . But we're still friends and friends help each other out
when they are in need.  Now stop talking  and let me take care of you.

"Yes maam." <Not wise to get in a fight with Hikaru, especially me!>

[Hikaru's pov now...]
I helped Yuusaku, that poor, ailing sap back to this room.  Boy, is he heavy!
Been pumping iron at the weight room way too much. I wonder why I even put up
with his silly attitude. Too proud to admit that he needed MY help when he was
clearly sick. But I was going to help him, nonetheless, whether he liked it or
not.  That was my nature. But there was more to it than that; I was merely
repaying the favor. Last night, he was stern and assertive towards me; he
had to be in order to get me to come to my senses and stop this incessant
pining for someting I can't have.  Likewise, I had to act in the same manner to
curb his foolish, childish behavior. Kind of a "tough" love on both our parts.

I first called my parents to let them know that I was staying over at
Yuusaku's house for the weekend.  They consented; they trusted him with me.
I went downstairs into the kitchen to prepare some tea and soup for him. I
already knew where everything was; Me and Madoka  cooked with his mother a
number of times before in the past. What he needed now was to drink plenty of
warm liquids to flush his system of the harmful germs and viruses. I certainly
hoped he would recover quickly; Because I felt partially responsible; Because
he was suffering as a result of my rash, erratic behavior, and I wanted to do
everything to make it up to him.

His family had this special area near the living room and front door entrance
which housed a 2-foot, ceramic image of the Buddha. In front of this Buddha were
placeholders for incense and candles.  His family was devoutly religious and
superstitious. Me, I was never really into that stuff, but now I decided to
give it a try. I paused briefly in front of the Buddha and performed the ritual,
uttering a short, little prayer to up above wishing for Yuu-kun's speedy
recovery. As I was bowing to complete the procedure,I notice some legal papers
and documents lying prone on the desk nearby. I knew I shouldn't have but I
couldn't resist looking over to take a peek of its contents.  I was totally
shocked as I glanced over the papers. It had something to do with the
sale of this house and his whole family relocating to another location...

[Back to Yuusaku's pov]
If you look up overdevotion or obsession in the dictionary, you're find
Hikaru's picture smack in the middle of the page. Once she has her sights or
mind set on something, you better get out of her way. She goes all out,
pulling out all the stops, and never quits until she has attained what she
sought out. But if she finally failed and she realizes this, then she would be
utterly crushed, devoid of spirit and good cheer as was the case in her pursuit
of Kyosuke. I guess you win some, you lose some. For me, I seem to be on the
losing end of things most of the time.

But that last weekend for me here was different.  Hikaru, in her usual
cheerful, sunny self and with her warm and devoted care, nursed me back to
health just in time before my folks came back. It was not how I envisioned
spending my time with Hikaru, but it was better than nothing. We actually had
a very pleasant time together without knowing it.  Amazingly, we didn't have
one single argument during this healing period for me. She cooked for me four
meals a day, adhering to the old adage of "feeding a cold." The prepared food
was soft and mushy so I could easily swallow it down to relieve pressure off
my sore throat. And of course she prepared extra-large servings, enough to feed
an army! (just kidding).  Although she was not much of a cook when compared to
Madoka-san (who is?), I gladly gulped down the grub painstakingly prepared with
Hikaru's earnest efforts. When I was not sleeping or resting, she would play
light music while we would play cards (gin rummy and hearts) on my bed and
reminisce about our adventures way back then when the three of us (me, Madoka,
Hikaru) was still young tykes. It was wonderful to talk about old times; at
least I would be able to carry away those happy, memorable memories away and
not regret moving here in the first place. Ironic,since my family was moving
away from my beloved, hometown Tokyo and back to my birthplace.

[Hikaru's pov]
I was deeply concerned over Yuusaku's welfare; it was not like him to get sick
so easily. After all, he was in great physical shape taking karate lessons and
working out.  He must have stayed out in the rain much too long for his own
good. He is such a baby! Acting so careless when his mother is not here to
take care of him!

I stayed that entire weekend at Yuusaku's place watching over him.  Although I
had stayed over before, somehow this felt different, knowing what I knew. I
treated him extra special that weekend, doting on him and catering to his every
whim; An experience that was altogether new for me. Usually, he was the one
doing stuff for me.  I would fluff his pillow whenever he needed it or change
the channels on the TV for him. Of course, it was just like him to take
advantage of my hospitality, ringing that baka little bell whenever he needed
me to get something for him. But instead of lashing out at him and throwing a
temper tantrum like usual, remarkably I held my tongue and kept my cool,
reminding myself of the circumstances. But the experience wasn't all together
bad. To pass the time we would play cards or checkers. While he slept, I would
sit by his bedside, watching him slumber while I cradled poor Kumagorou-kun
whom I fished out of the closet. He still felt soft and cuddly. That jerk! How
dare he place my precious bear in the closet! Once he gets well enough, I'll
teach him a "lesson" for treating my bear that shabby!

 I
wondered why he didn't break the news to you. Silly boy! Foolish of him to think
he could hide this from me. I certainly would have treated him much nicer than
the rough treatment he had been receving from me during the prior weeks.
Sometimes, I could be so inconsiderate and insensitive and not realize it.  It
seems that I always took my friendship with Yuusaku for granted; to me, he
was my very own private "punching bag" and slave, ready to heed my beckoning at
a moment's call. Certainly, I used him to further my relationship with Sempai,
without regard to his feelings. Reflecting back on this, I felt remorse at my
outlandish behavior.  I behaved badly, like the Queen of Hearts in Alice in
Wonderland bossing around the White Rabbit to run all sorts of silly errands.
And although he was no better himself, at least he was true to  himself; he did
not try to pretend to be someone he wasn't. Unlike me, who went into this dumb
"bimbo" mode cooing and going ga-ga over everything Kyosuke did. It was phony
and cheap. Don't get me wrong; Sempai was great! But I did tend to
overexagerate the extent of his accomplishments quite a bit. I would hope my
true personality would lie in the middle of my treatment of both boys.

One endearing quality of Yuusaku he shared with Madoka, despite all the rocky
moments we had was that he was always ready to help me in any way. Despite all
the bad times I been through, he, Madoka, and later Kyosuke were always there to
console me in my hour of need--the constants in my life to weather the storms.
Although Darling became more prominent in my life these past few years,
supplanting Yuusaku as the main "guy" to turn to in my life, Yuu-kun was still
always lurking in the background, ready to catch me should I ever fall. But my
"safety-net" of friends were coming apart fast for me. Madoka and I weren't on
speaking terms, and you already know about "Darling." Yuusaku was the only one
left for me to turn to;the one who came for me last night when I needed it the
most. And now even he was going to leave me.

|< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R

Part B:
My folks were back and were shocked to find the house in such a good, clean
shape. Hikaru did a great job fixing up the place while I lay dormant in my
bed. In fact, it was in better condition than it was before they left!  She's
a great girl, isn't she? They were back from their trip and everything was
finalized.  My school records from Kouryou High had already been transferred
over.  The "trip" my parents were on was actually an interview
for my dad in the new area.  From the look on my Dad's beaming face, it looked
like he got the job. As for living arrangements, for the time being, we were
going to move in with our grandparents. We would start packing on Monday and
leave on Friday, the final day for me. So I had roughly five days left to say
goodbye to the city and my friends.

For the rest of that week, my boss was kind enough to let me work half the day,
either morning or afternoons. I had been his best worker that summer, working
overtime and generally helping out in the store, when it wasn't required of me.
He was genuinely sad to see me go. I would have to quit anyway to go back
to school, but it wasn't the same as leaving altogether.  Much as I was
totally against the idea of working at the grocery store in the first place , I
later found it a valuable, rewarding experience. Of course, I earned money,
but there was more to it than that. It taught me to focus and concentrate
better (i.e. not let mind wander aimlessly in whimsical daydream). That should
help me study better.(Boy do I have to do much better or else I won't pass
high school!) It taught me responsiblity, meaning my actions not only affected
myself, but other people.  If I drop a crate of vegetables, ruining it, I not
only would have it come out of my pay, but I was also indirectly hurting the
store, impairing it of its ability to sell the spoiled goods. That's why I
would think twice before launching one of my fiendish plots against Kyosuke.
Most of all, it kept my mind off Hikaru, giving me brief moments of peace of
mind, enough to preserve my sanity.

There were still things I needed to finish before the week was up.
I met up with Hatta and Komatsu on Wednesday to discuss "business". I would
be glad to be rid of those scoundrels. But in a warped way, I would miss the
comic relief they brought into my life by their outrageous hentai actions.
Nahhh!  Just kidding.

Komatsu: Hiya buddy! How ya doing?

Yuusaku: I only came here for one thing.  Did you bring it?

Komatsu: Yes,... about that,... it took some doing to fulfill your request.
We had to pull a lot of strings to get it. This could get us into heaps of
trouble.

Yuusaku: Gee, doing something illegal never stopped you guys before? Why the
sudden change in heart? Hmmmm?

Hatta: You're a funny guy, you Yuusaku you! We've got what you want.  But it's
gonna cost you extra...

Yuusaku: WHAT! You want to weasel more out of me?

Komatsu: Hey,.. we went through a lot of time and trouble for this.  We only
passing on the "additional" costs incurred. You understand, don't you?
Business is business.

Yuusaku: (smiling sarcastically) Yes, I do understand. So what's to stop me
from acting like a thug and beating the crap out of you two, taking what I want?
(starts to pound his fist into his hands)

Hatta: (a little unnerved) Let's be rational here,... no need to resort to
force...

Komatsu: We're not scared of you!  We're just go and tell pretty, little
Hikaru about your nefarious plot!  Then you're get it from her!

Hatta: (trying to sound assertive) Yeah.  And what makes you think we have it
here with us anyway?  (looking a little nervous) We're not that stupid...

Yuusaku: (rethinks strategy and recognizes the threat of Hikaru's wrath!)
Fine. But I thought that the deal was for a picture for a picture.  I would call
that a fair trade. But since you guys want more, then I can't pay your price.
(Sigh) It's a pity that I have to take this sexy, hot 8x11 picture blowup of
Chiemi Hori away with me. (gives them a quick glimpse of the pop star in a
very alluring red outfit) Too bad it won't be in the hands of 2 guys I know
who could truly "appreciate" her "assets". Well see ya! (starts to walk away)

Komatsu: Just wait! Ummm,...I rethought the situation and you're right.
A deal IS a deal. We've got what you want.  (motions to Hatta who pulls out a
small envelope from his bag and hands it to Yuusaku.)

Yuusaku: I'm glad you guys changed your minds. Here you go.

And there the exchange was made. I quickly opened up the envelope and examined
its contents.  Sure enough it was there. Those two were true to their word for
once.  And I was all the better for it.

(In the background, we hear Hatta and Komatsu bickering)]
Hatta: Hey, it's mine!

Komatsu: Whaddya mean it's yours? I was the mastermind behind all this.  It's
mine.

Hatta: Oh no you don't! ....(Squabbling time)


|< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R  |< o R

Part C:
Amazingly, the week seemed to whiz by so fast. Two more days and I would be
gone. I was expecting something major to happen earlier, but nothing did.
Things proceeded  along in their normal course of action, no different from
any other week. It was as if the whole world didn't care if I moved or not.
Like I didn't exist or mattered at all.  Ha ha.  Somehow, nothing matter much
to me anymore. I didn't care anymore. Why even bother at all...

I met my old friend Madoka-san one last time to say goodbye to her. We three
had been long-time friends for so long.  Those two girls were special to me,
because they were the first friends I made when I first moved to Tokyo nearly
10 years ago. Ironically, I felt the same way about moving here and I did now
moving out. I thought I would never fit in at all; of course I was small
then and didn't know better. And at first, I did have a hard time adjusting to
my new environment, getting beaten up by the local bullies.  But befriending
these two "angels" helped eased my transition here and made my life a lot
safer. Otherwise, I would have been miserable. So it made it all the
more tougher for me; it was so cruel that I would be moving away from them now...

I informed Madoka-san of my situation.  As usual, she was sympathetic
towards my plight.  We met Thursday afternoon at the ABCB pub and chatted on
her break.  She was nice enough to treat me to hot chocolate. Madoka-sempai
was the one person whom I constantly consulted for moaning and complaining about
my problems, my failures with Hikaru, blasting Kyosuke in the process. But I
made no mention of Kyosuke that day in deference to her. She had problems of
her own to worry about: preparing for her college entrance exams, resolving
her relationship with Kasuga and trying to break the  "silence" with Hikaru.
But I wanted to say something.  I wanted to say to her that it was all his
fault! He was the one who caused all this; He was the reason why she and
Hikaru weren't talking to each other.  That she shouldn't associate herself
with such a person! That scumbag -- I wanted to punch him out like a punching
bag!

Madoka: Yuu-kun? Are you enjoying that hot chocolate? You seem to be lost in
your thoughts.

Yuusaku: (look up) I'm sorry Madoka-san,... I wasn't paying attention, did you
say something?

Madoka: (tee-hee) I just asked whether your drink was satisfactory or not. You
got a lot of other things on your mind, don't you? The move must be getting to
your head.

Yuusaku: Alas, you are right once again. Right now, I'm feeling so depressed.
I'm moving away from all my friends and into a place where I don't know anyone
at all! It will be very lonely by myself...

Madoka: Don't worry Yuu-kun.  You're do fine; you'll quickly
make new friends over there. Why we helped you out when you first moved here.
Maybe you meet two pretty girls over there who will do the same for you ^_^ .

Yuusaku: Madoka-san! You know I have eyes for one person only.

Madoka: I know,...I was just joking with you. (lower voice) So,...speaking of
her, did you tell Hikaru-chan yet?

Yuusaku: (lowers head) No,... I have not.  Please Madoka-san! Please don't
tell her I'm leaving! She'll get mad at me! Plus she's feeling mighty low and
depressed right now,... I don't want her poor little heart to worry about more
incidental things. It would be better, for her sake.

Madoka: I don't think it's possible for me to tell her anything right now.
(//referring to silent treatment between the two) But she's a smart, young
lady.  She's bound to find out one way or another.

Yuusaku: Yes, she will, but it would be later.  And by that time, I would be
long gone. And the way I figure it, she probably won't miss me at all.  She'll
probably be glad to be rid of me, troublesome, bothersome Hino Yuusaku.

Madoka: Don't say that! She cares for you deeply Yuu-kun. She just has her own
special way of showing it ...

Yuusaku: (rubs his sore shoulder) I know...

Madoka: Are you planning on seeing her once more before leaving?

Yuusaku: (guilty face) No.  I just know that if I look into her eyes once
again, I would just break down. I couldn't handle it emotionally.

Madoka: You should not leave without telling her. It's best that she learns of
it from you. Otherwise, you're regret it the rest of your life.

Yuusaku: Thank you for your advice; I'll give it some thought.  But I'm more
worried about you two. Both of you have  been so close for so long, and to have
it come to this. What will you two do?

Madoka: I'm really not sure.  Being rejected by Kasuga-kun was one thing, but
to be rejected on account of me -- that's another. She loved Kasuga-kun very
much; I'm not sure if she would ever forgive me. I just can't help feeling
that it is all my fault...If only I made my feelings to Kasuga-kun more clear,
instead of the both of us leading her on, then it might have turned out
differently...

Yuuskau: Don't say that Madoka-san! None of this is your fault at all!  You
know certainly well who I think the blame should lie, but I won't bring him up
for your sake.

Madoka: Let's not dwell on these issues anymore. It's not healthy, for the
both of us. So will you promise to give me a call once you arrive at your new
haven?

Yuusaku: Of course Madoka-sempai! It would be comforting to hear a familiar
voice in a strange, new area. I have to be going and I know you you have to
get back to work, so if I don't see you again, then sayanora!

Madoka: Sayanora to you to Yuu-kun! Have a nice, safe trip.

(Both shake hands and Yuusaku departs, never to see Madoka-san ever again.)

That dreaded day, Friday finally came. Strangely enough, I did not see Hikaru
at all even once that week. My last encounter with her was when she nursed me
that weekend at my house.  I felt sad about not seeing her again before I left,
but it was better this way.  For if I did see her, it would make leaving all
that much harder for me.

I was making the final arrangements, helping my folks load up the moving truck
van for the long journey ahead.  It looked funny, our house so empty and bare;
the same condition it was in before when we first moved in 10 years ago. I was
sad to leave this venerable house. I had a lot of good times with Hikaru and
Madoka-san in that house. Now another family would have a chance to enjoy its
vast amentities. I packed the last of my things. including big, fat
Kumagorou-kun. At least I would have something to remember my childhood
friendship with Madoka-san and Hikaru-chan by.


I went through the final rounds, visiting all the popular hangouts and places
for one last time. The ABCB pub, Disco Moebius, even the Green Castle
Apartments to view the home of my opponent one last time.  The rivalry, the
fights, the competition-- none of it mattered to me anymore. The only thing left
for me here in Tokyo would be the happy memories I would bring with me.

I made one last stop at the park where I had hoped my dreams with Hikaru would
come true. Now I knew it wouldn't happen. Strolling along the park pathways, I
made my way towards the bridge; the very same bridge where Hikaru discarded
Kumorgour-kun into its chilly waters long ago to mark the beginning of her
accension into adolescence. Today,  these same waters would mark an ending
for me.

As the sunset loomed from up and beyond, I stood in the middle of the bridge,
and gazed into the tranquil, blue waters beyond, wondering what the future
held for me. It was murky and unclear, as expected.  I hesitated a moment but
realized I had to do it.  I reached into my pockets and took out the charm
bracelet , the one I was going to give to Hikaru. As I switched my focus and
looked down upon it, I realized that it was finally going to be over between
the two of us. The candle extinguished before it even had a chance to be lit.
With the move and all, I probably would never see her ever again.  I laughed
sardonically at the creul fate that was allotted to me.  "Why! Why me!" I
yelled from out and and beyond.  No one responded.  I looked at my watch; I
was down to a few precious minutes left. I knew what I had to do. Clutching
the trinket fervently in my hands before, I gently released my grasp on it and
kissed that bracelet, a symbol of my love for Hikaru, one last time before I
threw it into the lake with all my might.  Goodbye forever, sweet Hikaru-chan!

[End of Prelude Chapter 3: Goodbye Tokyo]