*Miyu looked at the cherry blossom as they fall from the trees. The blooming of blossoms represents spring and a new start after a long cold winter. As the blossom falls, it was also the time to say goodbye to their beloved school. After the graduation ceremony, Miyu decided to wait for him and finally say the three words that would convey her true feelings. She glanced at the path where she came from but the person she was waiting for hasn't shown up yet.

"He's really late," she mumbled in disappointment but decided to still wait for a while longer.

She remembered clearly that she left the note under the book that he always read so that person wouldn’t miss it. A few more minutes passed and the sky started to change color from bright blue turning into the deep reddish-orange sky. She glanced in the same direction one last time but no one was there.

"M-Maybe he went home." she felt upset after missing her opportunity to talk to him about something important. “Could it be that he didn’t get the letter that I left?”

Miyu decided to leave when suddenly she heard someone called her name. She looked in the same direction one more time and saw someone standing under the cherry blossom tree.

"M-Miyu!"

She was confused for a moment. "S-Senpai! What's the matter?"

The guy didn't respond to her. He slightly bowed his head, hiding his violet orbs and the blushed that was spreading on his cheeks. Miyu waited for him to say a word but instead, he took some steps closing in the distance between them. He stopped just a few steps away.

"Senpai? Are you okay? Your face is kinda weird."

"Miyu..." he said her name again with a slightly serious tone.

"You keep saying my name. What is it?" she tilts her head a little to the side just to get a glimpse of his embarrassed face.

"I'm going to tell you something important!" Kazuki raised his face and their eyes met. Miyu was caught off guard, he didn't expect him to have such a determined look. "I know we've been friends for quite a long time now…"

"Who said we're friends?" she interrupted.

"Can you let me finish?!" he snapped after feeling his tension was getting higher. "Ugh! I don't even know how to tell you this but…" Miyu couldn't resist but giggled as his face is filled with panic. He was so easy to read and from all of her friends, he was the honest one. She was surprised when suddenly Kazuki grabbed her by the shoulders. "Don't show me such a cute face. You're testing my patience, Miyu." she could clearly tell that he was trying his best to hold back.

That moment, Miyu felt this was getting dangerous. She was having a slight idea where this is heading.

"Senpai, it's getting late. I have to help my Dad with…"

"Just give me a few minutes," he begged. "Just a few minutes will do." he let go of her shoulder but he caught one of her hand. "Miyu, you've been the most interesting girl that I've ever met." he tried to laugh but Miyu could see the nervousness he felt. "All I'm saying is, I've been in love with you Miyu."

Miyu’s eyes widened in shock. To be confessed by Kazuki-senpai was out of her expectations. She was speechless for a while, trying hard to look for the best word as a reply because she won't dare to hurt him. Kazuki was like a brother to her and she will try her best not to hurt his feelings.

A crack sound caught her attention. Just a few feet away, someone was looking at them. Miyu thought of vanishing on the spot, How could this kind of twist happen to them? The person that she was waiting for was there all this time and probably heard everything that Kazuki said.

"R-Reo?" she muttered.

"Reo, what are you doing here?" Kazuki asked as he noticed him too.

Reo lowered his head but before he did, his eyes got a glimpse of Kazuki's hand that was holding hers. Miyu's mind was in chaos, she could feel her heart squeezing inside her chest. This was not what she expects to happen.

"Sorry to disturb you guys," Reo said in a monotone voice.

Miyu pulled her hand away from Kazuki and was about to stop Reo from leaving when suddenly Kazuki put his hand on top of her shoulder and intentionally stopping her from saying a word.

"Don't worry, Reo. Miyu and I are done talking." then Kazuki let go of Miyu and walked towards Reo, "Miyu, congratulations on graduating."

Miyu didn't respond. Her eyes were searching for his but he never even gaze at her or say goodbye. He definitely received the letter that’s why he was there but why won’t he wait and listen to her? 

Miyu just stood there, like a statue.

"I like you…" she muttered. "Reo…"

Her confession was heard by the trees surrounding the school path yet it won't ever reach the person she loves, not now that they began to drift away from each other.

10 years later**

Miyu's hand moved in different directions over the large tracing paper. She would smile as she pauses and looked at her design. When she was in High School, she never thought of becoming an architect but after visiting Italy, she fell in love with their building designs and structures. Every time she makes a design it was like being happily drowned in her river of thoughts and creativity. The moment she sketches a line to start up her work, the mesmerizing attraction of her creativity binds her with the sketch until it is fully completed.

She took a deep breath as she finishes another design for her client when someone suddenly opened the door to her office.

"Miyu-chan you did it!"

Miyu sighed and remove the ponytail that was binding her long brown hair. Her wavy strands fell down to her shoulder all the way to her chest.

"Look! We won the bidding for the floor design." Momoka came to her showing off a newspaper with a picture of her during the presentation. "You really are something, Miyu-chan!"

"Hehe. I guess I just got lucky!"

"Lucky?! Your designs don't even match with the other competitors," Momoka said being all fired up.

"C' mon don't say that. Those people did their best on their designs." Miyu said as she opens her computer.

Momoka leans down against her desk, "You know, Miyu-chan. You are too serious." Miyu couldn't help herself but giggle as she continued typing on her computer. "Just get a boyfriend already!"

"Not another one of your get-a-boyfriend advice!"

Momoka slammed both of her hands on the table as a protest. "Miyu-chan, I won't let your beauty go to waste! With your good looks and amazing talent in design, no man could ever resist your charms."

For a brief moment, she remembered someone. His face flashed in her head and she could feel the pain squeezing her heart. She wanted to laugh it off, that phrase was never accurate not now and definitely not 10 years ago.

"Miyu is it because of a past love?"

Her eyes widened a little but she makes sure that Momoka won't notice a change in her expression.

"Past Love? What makes you say that?" she asked forcing a smile to convince her friend. "Besides, stop thinking about my love life and worry about your report that is due tomorrow."

Momoka moves away from her table with a sullen look on her face. "You always know how to push me away, don't you?"

"Of course not. I'm just worried about your report. You wouldn't want the manager to scold you again."

"Alright, I'm going!" Momoka said in defeat and gathered the folders that were on top of Miyu's desk. As she went through the door she added, "You meanie!"

Miyu chuckled, "You're welcome." she said a little louder for Momoka to hear.

When Momoka left, Miyu continued doing her report on her computer. She kept staring on the flat monitor and yet no words came in mind about what to type on the document sheet. It was like her mind won't let her think of anything else. She let go of the mouse and leaned against the chair to cool off her head. Her eyes were fixed at the ceiling, thinking of his blurred face again.

"Past love, huh?" she mumbled then she felt the same pain in her chest. "Such a cruel love… how could I forget?" she forced her eyes shut, trying to erase the painful thoughts in her head. She shouldn't remember what happened 10 years ago. Not now that she's back in Japan.

Miyu gathers the roll of blueprints on her table. She has a schedule presentation today with one of their target clients. She made certain that all details on her design were right and she even made a research about what will be the best design that would fit the place and the target market. If ever that they'll acquire this big client then Miharu Designs will gain a reputation in the Architecture industry. She was almost out the door when someone appeared in front of her, she was startled that she dropped her stuff down the floor. Both of them bent down at the same time to pick up the blueprints.

"Sorry, Oyana- I mean Miyu." the man handed it to her the blueprints.

"No worries! I was in a hurry that I didn't notice you."

"Oh yeah, today is the meeting with Haven Group Real Estate." he looked at her and noticed that she was the only one holding the documents for the meeting. "Are you… with someone?"

Miyu was a bit surprised by his question. "Oh, I was supposed to go with Momoka but she had an emergency this morning."

"Is that so."

Miyu was about to go and head towards the elevator when he abruptly took the blueprints from her hand. He began to walk away without looking back at her. Miyu frowned and thought he was messing with her again. She walked faster, trying to catch up to him. "Hey, what are you doing?!"

Naoki smirked at her. "I'm coming with you."

"What? You can't just come with me." she objected and tried to take her stuff from him but he moved fast and raise his hand so that Miyu wouldn't reach the blueprints. "Hey! Give that back!" she demanded.

"No. I'm coming with you and that's an order."

Miyu sighed in defeat. "You know, even if you're my boss you can't just do whatever you want."

Naoki chuckled and place an arm around Miyu’s shoulder and leaned forward looking at her scowling face. "But if I don't do that then you'll refuse my offer without a second thought."

Miyu didn't bother arguing with him anymore. Naoki Suzuki was her classmate in Italy and after they graduated both of them returned to Japan and established a small design company named Miharu Designs Inc. Miyu was already used to Naoki's playful and bothersome attitude. Sometimes she did think that Naoki's attitude was the same as Haruko Serizawa, her classmate from High School.

***

They arrive at Haven Group head office an hour early before the meeting time. As they came in, they were aided inside the conference room to wait for the managers that will assess the presentation. As the two of them sit inside, Naoki's eyes never left Miyu’s face. On the other hand, Miyu was preoccupied with her presentation later. Haven Group is one of the largest construction companies and this will be her chance to seal the deal with them.

"I'm really lucky to have a designer like you," Naoki stated while gazing at her strong-minded face.

Miyu couldn't help but laugh at him. "So you better raise my salary then." she joked.

"Well, I do have a better idea."

She glanced at him in confusion. "What idea?"

"If you'll be my partner then it's a deal." Naoki leaned closer to her, making Miyu retreat. Naoki chuckled, "You're so cautious. Don't worry, I won't do anything. Not even after you dumped me so many times."

"Geez. Stop it, Naoki." Miyu pleaded. She can't be rattled before the presentation. "I'm fine with just working as your designer." Naoki could feel that barrier building around her every time they'll reach to the topic that involves her feelings, as if not letting anyone enter the chamber where her sleeping heart lays.

During their college days, Naoki kept confessing to Miyu even though she repeatedly declined his feelings. But the more she rejected him, the more he fell for her and if being close to her means staying as friends then he's fine with that… for now.

***

Four different design companies were qualified to join the bidding for their upcoming project. After seeing how confident the other design companies, Miyu started to feel agitated. The other companies going the bidding are from a respected design company that has been in the industry for years while Miharu Designs was just newly established. Naoki somehow noticed Miyu’s tension and decided to lighten her mood by patting her head gently. Miyu’s eyes swelled in surprise but only for a second. Naoki's action made her feel less anxious. Suddenly, some people came inside the conference room stood in front. Miyu immediately notices the man standing in the middle with such a strong aura. The man's eyes looked at everyone at the room from left to right as if slowly examining everyone's faces. Somehow Miyu felt a sudden chill like someone was keeping an eye on her every move.

"Good day everyone! I am pleased to welcome you to Haven Group." the man in the middle said then turned his face slightly to Miyu’s direction. "I am the Head of the Finance Department and I'll assess with the bidding today. Rest assured that the decision will still be from the CEO of Haven Group."

"Will the CEO attend today's bidding?" the guy from the other company asked.

"Sadly no. He's currently in a meeting but today's bidding would be showing live to the CEO so that he can still oversee all the presentation from each of you."

Naoki glance at Miyu and leaned slightly to her side. "Good luck," he whispered.

They begin with the presentation in chronological order, Miyu being the last. The head of the Finance Department listened carefully to the first three presentations and he would ask one question each only. By the look on his face, it was like nothing catches his interest.

Now it was Miyu’s turn to present her design. She heard her name called in front after the company's name. All eyes were at her as she stood up with confidence. She took the floor and greeted everyone with her sweet smile before starting.

"Good day! I am Oyanagi Miyu from Miharu Designs." she bowed slightly then proceed on showing her designs for the upcoming residential project of Haven Group. As her design reflected on the projector screen, silence filled the whole conference room. "My design for the new residential building of Haven Group is a mix of rusted industrial materials and flourishing greenery. I imagined native species of plants sprout out of structures that look like gigantic planters and it will be placed on each of the building's broad terraces giving the look of a 'tree taking roots in an abandoned factory.'" Miyu could see that different expressions on the assessors of the bidding. She was about to continue when the Head of the Finance Department stopped her.

"Well, why did you come up with such a design?"

"I based it on the location of the building. If you'll place the residential building in the lot where you can also see the ocean this will attract more people to come to the building. There's nothing else like it in the quiet industrial area on the outskirts of town. The uniqueness of the building structure plus the beauty of the scenery, this will be the factor to catch the target market."

"How about the cost of this kind of design? The design isn't the only factor that we should consider."

"That's an excellent question. The materials are recycled industrial material that would lessen the cost of the projects."

Everyone in the conference room was astounded when the man suddenly grinned, totally amused by her ideas. The man stood from her seat and face everyone.

"I think I've seen enough. I'll check with the CEO first and announce the winner of the bidding for today."

"B-But I haven't done with my presentation yet." Miyu interrupted.

"It's okay Ms. Oyanagi. Your design is enough for us to know who to pick." Miyu’s brows drew together in confusion. "Excuse me first. I'll be back in a few minutes." the man left together with the other representative from Haven Group.

Miyu felt weird from what happened. They didn't allow her to finish her presentation and it made her feel like they don't have the chance. She returned back to her seat with a gloomy expression.

"Hey, don't worry," Naoki whispered. "I think your design was unique and also beneficial to both parties."

"Yeah. But they didn't allow me to finish though."

"Have some faith. You're the best architect of Miharu Designs after all."

Miyu forced a smile but deep inside of her she felt futile. She won't forgive herself if she'll lose this bidding.

***

Outside the conference room, the Head of the Finance Department was on his phone and is having a serious conversation with someone on the other line.

"I guess you're right that girl is talented."

The guy on the other line smirked. "You're choosing them not because of my suggestion, right?"

"To be honest I want them out of the bidding." he looked at the window before continuing, "...but when I saw her design. It was out of the ordinary. That girl has potential."

The guy on the other line chuckled. "This is rare. It is the first time you actually praise someone, Itsuki."

Itsuki rubbed the back of his neck, hiding his irritation to the person he's talking to. "What time will you arrive? I'm tired of stalling for you."

"Just get the contract ready." then the line got disconnected.

Itsuki didn't expect him to just hang up on him. He sighed in frustration and it's not like he can do anything about it. He's the CEO of the company after all.

On the other hand, the guy that Itsuki was talking to just finished sending a message to his secretary at Haven Group. He dropped his phone to the empty seat next to him while staring at the moving scene outside his car window.

"We're almost at the office, Master Reo," Shijo said then glance at the rearview mirror of the car. He notices that same cold aura enclosing his Master. "Are you okay, Master Reo?"

"Yes. I didn't expect to see her this soon."

Shijo already knew who's occupying his mind right now. The only girl that can make him tense and lose his composure. He can see that cold gaze on his brownish-grey eyes, it was the same pair of eyes that he saw when he came home after his graduation from High School. Ever since then he began to change slowly as if turning into a walking robot, showing everyone the same emotionless face every day.

***

Itsuki returned to the conference room, holding two folders on his hand.

"Alright, so we already decided who won the bidding today. Please be aware that the decision came from the CEO and not just me alone."

Everyone in the room looked at each other with confidence as if claiming that they were the ones who won the bid. Miyu lowered her face, not wanting to meet their eyes. All her confidence were washed out when the assessor didn't even let her finish her presentation.

"So for the upcoming project of Haven Group." Itsuki opened one of the folders before continuing, "The company who won the bidding is…"

Miyu forced her eyes shut, not wanting to hear the result.

"We decided to pick…" his eyes darted at Haruhi who was not even listening to him. "It's Miharu Designs."

"What?!" the competitors said all together with the same amount of panic on their faces.

Naoki couldn't help himself and capture Haruhi in a tight embrace.

"We did it, Miyu."

Miyu’s eyes expanded after she heard their company name being chosen as the designer for the upcoming project. She wanted to cry with joy but at the same time, she felt disoriented about why they were chosen instead of the other participants of the bidding.

"My assistant here will explain to you the details of the contract. I have a meeting in a minute, so I'll arrange another meeting for us." Itsuki said to Miyu and Naoki.

"That's alright, Mr. Yamato. Just inform us when." Naoki replied then offer a handshake to Itsuki as a courtesy of sealing the deal.

Itsuki smirked and accepted his invitation. "Of course. I'm sure our CEO will be thrilled to meet you two."

His eyes bore into Miyu that it made her feel uncomfortable. She wanted to look away but instead, Itsuki grinned at her and left without saying another word.

She clenched her fist tightly until her nails dig into the palm of her hand, but she barely notices. The only thing she is really aware of is the sound of her heart throbbing against the cage of her chest. The way his black eyes glared at her, it was like a silent warning. Naoki notices her face as it loses color.

"Miyu?"

"I...I need to talk to him." Miyu stuttered and swiftly followed Itsuki to the door.

She ran as fast as she could and was able to catch up to him. Itsuki was surprised to see her following him. He waited as she catches her breath after running fast.

"What's the matter?" he asked in a stiff tone.

Miyu inhaled deeply before speaking. "Mr. Yamato, about the presentation…"

"I apologized to Ms. Oyanagi but I have to go now. Maybe we can talk about it some other time."

"But…" she pleaded. "I don't think we deserve to sign the contract since you didn't even let me finish my presentation." she finally understood the guilt spreading in her chest.

"Aren't you underestimating yourself?"

Before she was able to reply, she heard footsteps coming from behind her. Itsuki immediately bent his body forward as he saw the person who just appears at the scene.

"Boss, I was on my way to greet you." he stood straight and quickly glance at Miyu who was facing him.

Boss? So it's the CEO, she thought.

"That's okay. It seems like you got a company."

Miyu’s body stiffened. She knew who the owner of that voice is. Without thinking, she shifted her body towards the owner of that voice. Miyu thought that her brain stutters for a moment and her eyes were expanding slowly as his image sank into her mind. Every part of her goes on pause while her thoughts catch up.

"Re...Reo?"

Naoki saw Miyu standing still as if she was glued to the floor. He couldn't see her face so he decided to come closer to where she was. As he took a step, he saw a group of people who walked passed by her. All of them are wearing a formal black suit with matching black shades. As he came to Miyu's side, she was still silent and frozen on the spot.

"Miyu, is there a problem?" he saw her flinched as if she didn't see him standing there.

"N-Nothing." her lips curved into a tight smile. "Let's go back."

As Miyu turn in the opposite direction, the man looking at her stopped and gazed back to where she was standing. Reo's eyes narrowed as he saw the man standing next to her. The woman who was looking at him with the same beautiful hazel eyes was indeed different from the young Miyu he knew. She grew more beautifully that all men couldn't resist being near her. His expression became darker as he imagined how many men would follow her around like that, it made him irritated.

"Master Reo?" it was Shijo.

Reo fixes his eyeglasses and looked at them with his usual cold eyes. He started walking in the same direction ignoring his thoughts about Miyu.

***

It's been three days since the bidding at Haven Group. They did receive a copy of the contract the day after the bidding. The contract was sent to their lawyer for checking while waiting for the update from Haven Group.

Miyu was looking at her computer screen with serious eyes. She was reading a news report about the Sonoda Group acquiring other companies. It was said in the report that within four years, the Sonoda Group was able to expand their companies entering different industries like Hotel chains, restaurants, travel chains, entertainment industry, industrial and medical fields. It was said that it started expanding under the management of the heir of the Sonoda Group, Reo Sonoda.

Miyu stopped reading and turn off the screen. She massages both sides of her eyes as if relieving the tension that she's feeling. No matter where she goes, she will end up meeting Reo again sooner or later. She leans at the backrest of her chair and closed her eyes shut, trying to calm herself. While Miyu was taking a break, Naoki coincidentally passed by her office and saw her. She opened her eyes after hearing two knocks on her door. She immediately rose from her chair and saw Naoki standing on her door.

"This was the first time that I've seen you restless," Naoki smirked while looking at her.

She gave him a quick grin after returning to her seat. "It's just that I didn't sleep well last night."

"Oh, want to get an early off?" he offered then came inside her office. "I am your boss so I can grant you an early off from work."

"Geez. Stop being unreasonable, Naoki-kun. Too bad that I have to decline your offer then, I have a lot of work to do."

Naoki laughed. "You know if you kept drowning yourself with work then you might not get married in the future."

"That's good then…" she said then turned on her computer screen. "...because I don't have any plans," she added.

"Miyu, you're not keeping me single for the rest of my life, aren't you?"

"I told you I'm out of the list since long ago."

"No. You're the only one on the list." Naoki pointed out.

Miyu stopped what she was doing. She was used to his sweet-talking but today it felt like he was serious. Silence filled the room as both of them were lost for words. Seconds turned into minutes yet no one dares to say a word to each other. Then while they were both preoccupied, someone came rushing inside Miyu’s office.

As Momoka barge in, it was like both of them were released from the tension.

"Boss? You're here?" Momoka looked from Naoki then back to Miyu as if she was was able to notice the tension lifting up on both of them.

"What's the matter?" Miyu asked her before the tension surrounds them again.

"Oh, umm… there's a phone call from H-Haven Group."

"Call? What was it about?" Naoki asked.

"They're inviting us over dinner tonight to discuss the details of the project."

"I...see…" Miyu mumbled blankly. Both Naoki and Momoka was surprised by her response. Miyu was the very first one to push through with getting Haven Group but now with her reaction, it was like she was not looking forward to it.

"Over dinner, huh," Naoki said casually. " Are you free this evening?" he faced Miyu that was caught off guard with his sudden question.

"Y-Yeah. I can go there this evening."

"Alright, then I'll go with you." Naoki agreed then he looked at Momoka. "Forward me the details about the meeting."

"Okay, Boss."

***

She had her legs crossed and her eyes were fixed on the car window as they drive to the place provided to Momoka. An hour ago the sunset had radiated across the clouds, turning them molten orange with bands of pink, but now they were gone, and she has sat next to the sky covered with streams of wispy grey ash and soot instead.

Naoki glance at Miyu who didn't say a single word since they left the office. He sighed and focused on the road before clearing his throat.

"It's okay if you don't want to go...I can manage the meeting myself."

Miyu kept her eyes on the car window, her eyebrows drew together as her lips stretched in a tight smile. "Don't tempt me cause I might back out," she mumbled but then she changed her mind, "It's fine. I need to go anyway."

"This project...you worked hard on getting Haven Group,"

"I know. That's why I'm not backing out," she said bitterly.

Naoki turned the steering wheel to the left and entered the parking lot of the building. As he parked the car, Miyu was about to get out of the car when he suddenly grabbed her left arm to stop her from leaving.

"Before we go there, can you tell me what happened?" he lowered his head avoiding eye contact with Miyu. “I can’t see you like this like you are about to walk into the lion’s cave and it’s my fault.”

Miyu could see that his friend is worried. "Naoki, it's okay. He's just an old friend that I didn't expect to see," she said in a weak tone.

"Who is?"

"The CEO of Haven Group."

Naoki let go of her hand and saw that dark expression on her face. 'If he was just a friend why would your face show a painful expression like that?' he thought bitterly. He was never brave enough to ask her about her past and he knew no matter what he does she won't ever open up to him.

They gathered all their things and went inside the building, the meeting will be held on one of Sonoda Group’s buildings. They were assisted by Reo's secretary in the conference room located on the very top floor of the building. The conference room was huge compared to where the bidding was held with a huge table and a lot of chairs circulating it. Both of them took a seat and the woman who assisted them informed that the CEO is on his way. Miyu felt nervous as she heard that Reo is about to arrive. She couldn't understand the fear filling her chest, she never owned Reo anything, to begin with, but she's so terrified of meeting him again. Then that scene on their graduation day replayed on her mind, the last time that they saw each other and remembering that disappointed look on his face, she was even more terrified than she was earlier. ‘Why should I be afraid of him? He was the one who dumped me anyway.’ she thought bravely. Miyu was startled as the door opened. Her eyes broadened as she slowly sees his image entering the conference room. Her body stiffened as his brownish eyes darted at her like knives. Somehow he looked angrier today than he was the last time they met.

Naoki stood up from his seat and welcomed Reo and Itsuki, then he glanced at Miyu who was still on her seat and staring blankly at the door.

"Miyu?" Naoki called her name and she immediately stood up to face them.

"I'm sorry. I'm Oyanagi Miyu from Miharu Designs. It's nice to meet you, Sir." she bowed slightly but she made sure not to meet his eyes.

"No need for formalities, Miyu," Reo said emphasizing her name. "We are… friends from High School, aren't we?"

The word friends echoed inside her mind. She forced a smile before meeting his sharp eyes. "I'll make sure to remember that."

"Alright, how about we start with the meeting then," Itsuki said as he notices that tense atmosphere surrounding the two.

They all went to their seats and start the meeting. Naoki discussed the amendment they want for the contract and the other party agreed with it. While Naoki was discussing, Miyu could feel the heavy stare given by Reo. He was watching her closely like an eagle waiting for his prey to make the wrong move and get eaten. She sighed.

"How about you Ms. Oyanagi? Do you have any comments on the project?" Reo asked in a challenging tone. "Since you are the designer of the project."

"I'm pretty confident with my designs, Mr. Sonoda. Rest assured that I will be monitoring everything to make sure of the success of the project."

Reo's lips curved in a tight smile. "I'm sure you will. I've seen a lot of your work and I definitely believe you won't disappoint us."

"Of course, Miyu is one of our best designers and she's an outstanding student way back in our college days," Naoki said.

Reo leaned back in his chair. "I see. So you two are college buddies." Miyu felt like something weird from how Reo said those words. "It seems like Ms. Oyanagi likes to hang out with her school buddies."

Miyu didn't respond and lowered her head. It was like Reo was pointing out something that she couldn’t see. She clenched her fist trying to control her anger. "Of course, I like spending time with my friends. You should too, Mr. Sonoda," she answered back.

He chuckled a little. "Then if there's nothing more, we will revise the contract and send the copy by Friday." he stood up from his seat. "I still have an event to attend to, it's nice meeting you Mr. Suzuki and Miyu."

"No, the pleasure is ours."

Naoki and Reo shake hands then Miyu was confused when he offered his hand to her as well. She hesitated at first, not sure if it's okay to accept his handshake but it will be weirder if she won't. Without thinking, she took his hand for a quick handshake but it was different. Reo slowly squeezes her small hand as if not letting go. His hand was warm and soft that it reminds her of that time when he held her face with those hands. He couldn't help her heart from remembering that warm feeling, she couldn't handle the awkwardness and pulled her hand away. Reo flashed his evil smile as she caught himself a prey. As the CEO left the conference room, Naoki looked at Miyu who's face was like tomatoes after shaking hands with the CEO.

"Miyu, are you okay?" he asked. "Your face is red."

"I...I'm alright," she answered but couldn't stop her face from blushing.

***

That night after the meeting Miyu head back home. She went to bed without having dinner since she doesn't feel like eating at all. She lay on her bed and looked at her phone and saw that she had a lot of missed calls from Haruko. She was about to send him a message when her phone suddenly rings.

"Hell-"

"Miyu-chan!" Haruko suddenly shouted before she can even answer.

"W-What is it?" she said then sat up from her bed.

"Where are you right now?"

"I just got home from a meeting." she leaned against the wall as she listened to Haruko.

"We're having a party tomorrow for Reo. You know he came back from the states the other day." Haruko said.

She wanted to hang up but she was unable to move after hearing his name. She was silent for a while.

"Miyu-chan? Hey, you still there?!" Haruko asked then she heard a loud noise from the other line. "You idiot! That's why I said not to invite her!" it was Shigeru. "Are you that stupid to know Miyu's feelings," Shigeru added then hit Haruko again as he screamed in pain again.

Miyu couldn't help but giggle from those two idiots. Both of them were stunned as they heard her laugh on the other line.

"Miyu? It's Shigeru," he said. "Sorry about that, we understand if you won't make it tomorrow." she didn't respond so he continued. "We just want to let you know about the party cause you're our friend and we all want us to be together even though we already graduated."

"I understand. Thanks, Shigeru," she answered with a smile.

 Their group, she considered them all as a family until the day she realizes that she has feelings for Reo. Back in high school, she was considered as a lesbian since she hangs up a lot with boys but those boys are the only friend that she has. They all look after her as their own little sister.

"I'll go."

"Are you sure?" Shigeru suddenly asked in surprise.

"Yes, what happened before is all in the past and the reason why I returned here in the first place was to start a new life."

"Okay, but don't push yourself," Shigeru said then she heard Haruko talking in the background. "So she's going?!" Haruko asked in excitement. "Shut up!" Shigeru said then she heard a loud noise. "You should rest now, Miyu. I'll handle Haruko from here. Bye," then the line got disconnected.

Miyu fell down the bed like a lifeless doll, she was stupid to say that it was all in the past. That day, after the failed attempt to confess to Reo, she runs off crying to Shigeru’s house and after that Reo just left Japan without a word. She raised the hand that Reo touched earlier, with just a simple handshake it made her heart waver once more. 'In this lifetime, could it be that I can only love one man then if not, please tell my heart how to forget him?' she desperately pleaded. With a heavy burden filling her chest, Miyu slowly drifts to sleep then little drops of tears escape from her eyes.