Sweet Cruelty - Chapter 2: Melted Memories

[tsunami_245]

I slip the key card in my hands into the lock on the door, waiting for the light to turn from red to green before I enter. The small back-pack hanging off my arm feels so much heavier than it should. I only packed a few of my clothes and other possessions before I left. As I toss it on the nicely made bed in the middle of the room, I can't help but ask my self, "What am I doing here?"

I've rented a hotel room instead of going back to my own cozy home. How pathetic can I get? Thinking back to the actions that brought my to this tiny hotel room, I find myself feeling even more troubled. So Takuya was a little rough, but isn't he always? The only difference is that, this time around, I threw a fit and ran off.

Takuya,
I can't do this anymore. You're sweet, then you're evil. I love you, but in the end it only hurts. I'm sorry. Goodbye.
- Chizuru

Reviewing the little note I left behind earlier this morning only makes me sink further. How could I write something so childish?! A small droplet of water rolls down my cheek, drawing a bitter, but hushed laugh from my throat.

"Great, now I'm crying..."

I lean against one of the white walls and slide down until I'm sitting with my back to it, my knees held at my chest by my own thin arms. Weak. It the perfect word to describe me right now. Considering that I've my face buried and hidden in a hunched over position, I try to think how I came to be like this. I used to be stronger... right?

I don't remember feeling like this before. I know I was never exactly what others would call manly or tough, but I don't think I was this quick to breakdown and cry. After a moment or two, I pull myself together and dry my eyes. I have to at least get to the bed before I fall asleep; I'm still sore from my previous encounter with Takuya and napping on the floor will only make my limp worse.

Crawling under the covers makes me all the more lonesome. Is my own bed at home this cold? I know the one I share with Takuya at his large dwelling has always seemed warm and comforting, not like the one I'm drifting off in now. Why is this happening?

"Miyomi-san, come over here please. There is some one you should meet."

Ugh, not again. Can't Boss give it a break already? This isn't a business meeting, it's a social gathering. Oh well, I might as well see what he wants or he's sure to load me up with paperwork tomorrow.

"Yes, what is it?"

"I'd like you to meet one of our most prestiged writers. Starting tomorrow, you'll be handling the illustrations for his novels. I'll leave you two alone to get acquainted."

Dear God, he's tall! He looks so intense too; probably not what you would call a people person. He certainly is handsome though. His unruly hair reminds me so much of chocolate mousse, so fluffy and soft, but his eyes are such a cold, frozen gray. Alright don't be nervous, you can do this!

"N... Nice to meet you! I'm Chizuru Miyomi. I look forward to working with you, so if you have any preferences or requests as to our arrangement, please let me know. I would be happy to oblige you."

"..."

Okay, no response. Just keep smiling, you don't want to offend him or give the wrong impression. Still, it would be nice if he'd stop staring. That icy gaze seems like it's piercing right through me. Maybe I should just leave him alone for now; he's not the first anti-social writer I've ever met.

"My name Takuya Itsumaru. Nice to meet you too, Miyomi-san. I have no particular specifications; I only demand that you come to this address tomorrow morning, by 10:30 A.M. at the latest."

That's much better. I was worried he didn't like me. Okay, take the address, smile, and let's go before you accidently annoy him or something. Wow, his hands are large and he's really tan. Then again, I'm really small and pretty light skinned. Why does his name sound so familiar?

"Well, I should be going... I'll see you tomorrow, Istumaru-sama."

A dream. Well technically, it's a memory. That was when Takuya and I first met. I can't believe it's almost been a year since then. No time to dwell on the past right now. I have to get ready for work. Up until now, I've been doing all my work at Takuya's house; I guess I'll just go to the office today.

I shower quickly, dry and comb my honey-cream hair to its normal silky appearance, soft locks framing my face. My reflection in the mirror looks normal, other than my burnt-sugar eyes which are still tinged red from crying.

"Pull it together, Chizuru. You'll be fine. Let's just get through today and you'll figure it out later."

Giving myself this optimistic encouragement helps a little, but the deep ache in my chest and thoughts of Takuya still linger on the fringe of my mind. I don't need him. I don't need him. I wish he were here to hold me and say it's going to be alright.

Okay, chapter two is up. Sorry, it took so long. Alot has happened over the past few months. There's more to come. Hopefully, much sooner this time around. As always, please read and review. Thank you!

[AngelSeeker]

waaaaaaaa write more!!!

[mearr]

this story so cool. i like this.

thanks for written. i will wait for chapter 3.

i hope it will be soon. ^^

[AskAndWait]

very good story
i like it ♥