"I think it's time to give up..."

-------------------

"What are you talking about Rio?" Rio’s mother poured her outburst in front of everyone with an attempt to wake her daughter back to her senses. Her parents knows best that she is well in love with Ryosuke but the sudden proclamation done by the girl in front of everyone made them wonder. This somehow ruined the awkward silence that Rio brought to the room.

"You heard me mom... I don't want to marry Ryosuke-kun any more..." Rio answered hesitantly while looking down, obvious that she’s hiding something... "I like someone else" she lied. She’s always been like this, her words can tell simple lies but her actions are giving the opposite.

The situation suddenly became more tense than before. Rio eyed all the people around her and just hoped that these people will quickly accept the fact that she’s indeed giving up.

After all that happened the previous days, Rio gained all her courage to gather her family and Mrs Yamada on the same room. Rio also made sure that Ryosuke is not there to avoid any more complications as she managed to impart the announcement that she is indeed over him.
 

"Gomen ne, Okah-san... I don't want this anymore... I don't want things to be more complicated than they already are..." she thought to herself, trying her best to withhold the tears she’s constantly keeping back.
 

Everyone in the room remained quiet; even Ryosuke’s mother who was sitting on the couch opposite to Rio's chair.

Suddenly, a soft and tender voice broke the awkwardness...

"What actually happened Rio-chan? Did my son do anything to you?" she asked quite softly while wiping her watery eyes. You see, if this marriage happens, she’ll be the first one to be bless the couple with joy. Yet, this sudden confession made by Rio made her tear apart. She just wants someone for his son and she thinks Rio is the best choice for him... "If he did, I can talk to him... I know he likes you too... please don't give up on my son"

Rio looked at Mrs. Yamada with sympathy as she knows herself that she doesn't want to give up on him... She knows herself that she still likes the same Yamada Ryosuke. However, she also knows that there will be no chance that she will share the rest of her life in Ryosuke's arms.

Rio shed a few tears before answering then held a tight clench on her hands…  "Auntie, it's not Ryo-chan... It's me... I like someone else" she lied once again and hugged the poor lady who was sitting in front of her.

Unexpectedly, Ryosuke came out of nowhere to intervene in their conversation.

"Auntie, can I borrow your daughter for a few minutes?" he said politely to Rio’s mother and then dragged Rio across the room towards the huge door before them without even explaining his purpose of instantly going impulsively.

----------------------------

"Why are you here? You have rehearsals, right? Yuto-kun told me" Rio said as he watch Yamada's back in front of him. Without realising, Yamada brought her into an unfamiliar place hoping that no one will recognise them. He held tight onto Rio’s hand with the attempt of questioning the girl even more.

"Oyyy!!!" Rio shouted... "What do you want now? Aren't happy that I lost? You always wanted me to give up on the whole arrange marriage thing, right? Now, you win!!! Congratulations!!!" Rio shouted at him and pushed away Yamada's hand. Indeed, she had it… All she sufferings she experienced flashed before her eyes and are enough to make her burst.

Instead of arguing back, Yamada just remained silent and looked down.

"Is it true?" he asked with a low voice... "is... is it true that you like someone else?" he continued while taking a few steps towards Rio. Rio didn’t expect this question from him and was suddenly taen aback by his sudden actions.

"Ehh?"

"Is it Yuto?..... Do you like Yuto?"

"You heard what we were talking about earlier?" Rio answered quite amused after knowing Yamada was indeed eavesdropping on their conversation. Then, she realised that he indeed heard all what she had said to Mrs Yamada.

"Yes! I like Yuto-kun.. So what??!" She didn't know what to say..  Maybe she just want to take the opportunity to end all discussion and to at least made Yamada realise that she's over him.

Without further ado, Yamada grabbed Rio and trapped her between his arms and trapped Rio’s head between them. Rio just found her back against the wall with Yamada so close to her. Rio, shocked with his actions just stayed quiet and looked his face with a glum expression.

"You can't like anyone else..." he whispered.

"What?"

"You can't like Yuto or anyone else!" he continued but quite louder and clearer.
 

"You're saying that even after you heard me that I don't like you anymore??" Rio said quite pissed... "You can't tell me what to do! I'm not your fiancé any more..." Rio then freed herself from Yamada's arms and took a few steps away from him...

"Here..." Rio said then pulled out a white handkerchief which she had kept for ages. It was the same handkerchief Yamada gave to her a year ago on her birthday – the same one that made Rio fall in love with him… and now, it’s time for her to let go and give it back to its rightful owner.

"This is..."

"Thanks for lending it to me... Because of that, I feel better whenever I feel upset... Now, I give it back to you" she said then walked away not expecting a reply from Yamada. She felt a sudden pain on her chest which is enough to make tears fall again. Yet, it was as if her feet was carrying her out of the scene; making herself stronger by every step.

Yamada on the other hand was frozen. Still clutching the white cloth on his left hand, he eyed Rio’s fading figure into the shadows while feeling a piercing pain inside him. Unexpectedly, silver liquid rolled down his cheeks, rebelling against the cold breeze kissing