The test which will decide the future Crimson Goddess is approaching and the show will be held in one of Daito’s theatres. Chigusa Tsukikage is back in Tokyo, Ayumi Himekawa is practicing diligently and the public is buzzing with anticipation at seeing the birth of a new goddess.

The sun is setting outside Maya’s room, casting an orange glow through the window. Maya is sitting on her bed, the pillow she’s holding is wet from crying and her eyes are puffy and red. “Hayami-san” she whispers softly, tears slipping down her cheeks. She thought about his engagement party, his face. She’d never seen him smile like that, not to her. “Shiori Takamiya. She’s rich, beautiful and comes from a good family, whereas I’m just a useless, boring girl. I can’t compete with someone like her…but I…I love you, Hayami-san. I love you so dearly. Even if you act cold, I know the truth. I know that inside you’re the kindest, most generous and most gentle man in the world.” Maya began to shake and clutched the pillow tighter. “Why don’t you tell me the truth. All I want, is a chance. Just one chance. To say thank you, to show my gratitude to you who has helped me for so long. Just one chance, that’s all I ask…Hayami-san, Purple Rose.” Maya broke into a fresh wave of tears and just sat there, the pain of her heart poured all the suffering and loneliness of her love into those tears. “I want to see you” she spoke softly, rubbing her eyes. “I…don’t mind if you do not feel the same way, even if you only care about me as an actress but, I want to see you. I want to try again, confess my feelings. Then maybe my heart will find peace after I say goodbye to him. Maybe”. Maya was feeling shaky and weak but was determined not to let him marry without letting him know she knew his secret and showing her gratitude. Filled with that resolution Maya put on her coat and shoes, and closed the door quietly behind her. It was a crisp autumn evening and the streets were quiet. Maya pulled her coat tight around her, it was colder than she had realised. She felt so cold inside, cold, miserable and very lonely. “I miss him, I miss him so much. I want to feel his warm embrace again, just like that night” Maya hugged her arms around her, trying to feel his presence in her heart, she felt a warmer little warmer that way. She looked upwards at the darkening sky at she walked. ‘Look at the stars. I love the stars, the vastness of space. When I watch the stars I feel so light, like I’m able to stand anything. Thanks for accompanying me here’

Masumi looked down at the document he was reading, his eyes couldn’t focus on the words and every now and then he’d find himself rereading the same line over and over. He put the paper down irritably and rubbed his eyes. A soft tap told him that Mizuki had placed the usual cup of coffee on his desk. He took it, thanked her, and sipped it slowly. Not too strong, easy on the milk and a dash of sugar, just the way he liked it.

“Masumi-san, you really ought to take more breaks, you’re overworking yourself” she told him, her voice was critical but caring. She had noticed that as the wedding date crept ever closer Masumi, instead of choosing to spend more time with his fiancée, had increased his already intensive working hours and spent most of his time shut away in his office. She knew the reason, now and for a long time the only person whom Masumi considered above all else, the person he cared about more than anything else in the world was Maya. She hated to see Masumi continue to struggle against his emotions like this when he would clearly be happy by Maya’s side. She had realised, she had witnessed it with her own eyes the effect that Maya had on him, the joy and kindness which she had revived in him. Masumi would live a happy life with her, she just knew it and no matter what she would make sure that Masumi acted on his own feelings and valued his happiness instead of being pushed around by his father. “Masumi…” she began tentatively.

“What is it?” he replied bluntly, uncaring.

“How long do you intend to drag this on?”

“Mm” Masumi grunted, trying once again to focus on his work, he knew where this conversation would lead too.

“You can’t keep hiding in the shadows forever”. Masumi remained silent, she was trying to provoke him. Undeterred Mizuki continued, “Can you continue to always watch over her from afar? Loving her from behind the scenes without being able to reach out to her, embrace her, kiss her”.

Masumi had an itch somewhere and his palms were moist but still he remained silent. “Are you satisfied to bask in an illusion while Sakurakoji is next to her”, Masumi hands twitched and his teeth were gritted, “I wonder what would happen if the love of Isshin and Akoya became reality and those two became lo-”

“Enough! Don’t! Please…Don’t” Masumi cried, he was standing and one glance at the smug smile on Mizuki’s face was enough to send him into a fury. He wanted to throw something, to kick the wall, vent out his jealousy at the idea of his beloved Maya and Yuu as lovers, the pain in his heart was becoming unbearable. He slumped back down, defeated, into his chair, head in his hands.

“You see!”, Mizuki cried, “Your feelings are tearing you apart. This isn’t a man eagerly anticipating a marriage to a beautiful wife.”

“I know. I know!” Masumi cried desperately, trying to regain his composure.

“Then you know what you must do”

“Oh yeah” he said with exaggerated sarcasm. “And what would that achieve. Maya hates me. She despises me” he said bitterly, unable to look directly into Mizuki’s eyes so he instead spoke to his desk. “The worst part is”, he said quietly, “Is that it’s all my fault: Tsukikage theatre closing and her mother’s death, I’m always cold and aloof towards her too.” Masumi retuned his head to his hands. “You’re right I can’t keep hiding in the shadows and lying to her, but I don’t want to loose her either.” Masumi closed his eyes tightly, he knew he was lying to himself and that it was wrong to deceive Shiori this way but…he loved Maya so much. Mizuki watched him pityingly.

“I know I can’t force you to change your mind about this but I will give my advice. It is not a crime for you to think for yourself, for your own happiness. That girl is no longer a child anymore. Please, don’t throw your life away.”

The conversation ended and Mizuki left the room, closing the door behind her. Masumi turned round in his chair to face the window.

“You’re wrong Mizuki. The traffic light will always remain red and the stars of my love will always stay hidden behind the smog of my coldness and my mistakes. Maya is an adult now. She does not need my help anymore, she doesn’t need me.” Masumi ran his fingers through his hair. It was impossible that she loved him, Maya hated him, that was a fact. At least, that‘s what he had always believed…now he wasn’t so sure. Maya’s behaviour towards him recently had confused him. She hadn’t been hostile with him like she usually was and that night…that unforgettable night. He had offered her the chance to sit beside him and keep warm, he didn’t expect her to accept and if she did, only grudgingly and with the expressed purpose of keeping warm. Nothing else. Instead she had asked him to embrace her. He could still remember the warmth of her body resting comfortably on his chest, her arms around him, the sweet taste of her lips. No. He had to forget. Even if it meant tearing his heart out. Even if it meant he would be condemned to a life of loneliness with a women he didn’t love. Then there was that other moment. The sweetest dream of them all. The vision of Maya at that moment, those words of love, those sweet eyes that looked at him tenderly, that warm embrace. They were illusions, nothing else. Illusions of a man in an impossible love. Masumi shut his eyes tightly, trying to see that beautiful image of Maya in the Crimson Goddess’ kimono which dominated his dreams. “I have to forget. Forget my passion and my dreams and then maybe I can keep a sane mind…even if I will never be able to heal my broken heart.” A single tear slipped down his cheek. “Maya”

Maya carefully opened the doors of Daito and peered inside. There was no sign of life except for the distant whir of a vacuum cleaner. Everyone, except the cleaners, had probably gone home for the night. Maya knew Masumi would be there, she prayed he would be. Her desperation to see him couldn’t wait. She didn’t want to risk getting stuck in the lift overnight so she climbed the stairs and was soon panting heavily, she scanned the familiar walls of the Daito Entertainment Building looking for his office. She found it and reached out to carefully run her fingers over the polished wood. Maya stood listening to the furious beating of her heart which seemed to echo in the empty corridor. She reached out to grasp the handle, behind that door, in that room he would be there. She could imagine him sitting at his desk, looking over some important documents, dressed immaculately, then he could have a purple rose bouquet in his hand and-, Maya shook her head. “Is this really O.K. I wanted to wait for him to tell me but…I cannot wait any longer. Could he feel the same? At that moment it really felt like we could be half of the same soul. That he could love me as much as I love him. No. That’s impossible, he has a beautiful fiancée. I am merely a product for him, but I can’t help loving him. Here goes.”

Maya opened the door and for a while she didn’t speak, she just stared at him in disbelief. Masumi had managed to wake up and was staring groggily around the room. His tie was askew, his shirt creased and his hair was dishevelled. Masumi blinked his eyes, trying to focus on the figure hovering on the threshold to his office. “Maya” he said as she came into focus. Shocked, Masumi stood up, straightening his tie and trying to regain his usual composure. “This is a surprise, Chibi-chan. I didn’t expect you to come see me.” he said, coming out from behind his desk. “I’m glad, how are the rehearsals for the Crimson Goddess?”

“It’s difficult.” she said coming in and closing the door. “I feel closer to my Akoya, but…”

“But?” Masumi asked, Maya noticed his voice was kind and caring, like she remembered it, not cold or sarcastic. “Hayami-san…Purple Rose”

“The scenes with Isshin are the most difficult, even though I try to act well with Sakurakoji-kun I just…”

“Do your best” Masumi said encouragingly, though jaw had clenched at the mention of Yuu. “This role is difficult but I’m sure it’ll be an amazing performance. I can’t wait to see it.”

“Hayami-san…Purple Rose”. “I’ll do my best so I won’t put on a performance that will disappoint you. I’ll give it my all. I…”

“Why do you say such things? Why did you come here tonight? Was it only to tell me this?” he asked, concerned. He had been confused from the moment he had seen her. He had been trying to forget and now Maya had appeared before him. Why was she here? It didn’t make sense.

“Err, that’s…” Maya couldn’t say it, whenever she looked into his eyes her courage failed.

“You’re acting strange Chibi-chan. I am the cold-hearted, workaholic of Daito. I thought you hated me more than anyone else in the world?” Masumi tries to keep his face impassive but his heart hurts to admit that she hates him, he felt so happy just to see her, to talk to her was enough.

“I don’t have a reason to hate anything about you!”, Maya cried out suddenly, “I just didn’t understand, all your kindness was for me. To help me, and protect me. I don’t care if you don’t love me, if you only care about me as an actress, but Hayami-san, I…Love you!”. Maya’s eyes are closed and there are tears slowly forming. “I love you, for a long time now. I will do my best to play Akoya for you. My Crimson Goddess is for you only. Goodbye Hayami-san”

Outside a black car had pulled up in front of the main entrance. A door opened and out of it stepped a tall, slender woman. She shivered in the cold, night air. She was wearing an elegant evening dress and in her black, leather bag, which she carried, there were tickets to a ballet which she had wanted to see. She was intending to invite Masumi. They were engaged, it was only natural, but sometimes Shiori felt that Masumi was neglecting her. He had promised, he had definitely promised to marry her but sometimes he seemed so distant and his eyes would often gloss over as he would stare absent-mindedly out of the window. It worried her immensely but it was best to keep quiet. If he had feelings for someone else, as she suspected, then all she had to do was keep quiet. They would be married soon and then he would look only at her. Yes. Only at her, definitely.

Maya is still crying but at least she had said the truth. Nothing would come of it, she knew that but at the same time she felt a desperate hope, a hope that she wanted to reach out a grab. Hope that what happened in the valley was not just a dream, it was real. No. It would be better to leave now, to wake up and face reality. Masumi was engaged. She had to forget. Masumi stood frozen, unable to move. Shock and immense relief were gluing him to the floor. “This is unbelievable. She…she loves me. Me! It’s impossible but so wonderful. I must be dreaming. No. I’m not dreaming, I’m awake and she really said those words. She really…”. Masumi saw Maya was about to leave, panic overtook him. Now this had happened he could never let her go, ever.

“Wait!” he cried, clutching her hand and then put one arm on her shoulder. “Don’t go” he whispered. “Don’t leave me”

Then suddenly Maya spun round and clutched him tightly against her in a desperate embrace and cried into his shirt. Masumi wrapped his arms round her and held her close. So warm against his heart, so gentle.

“I’m sorry.” he whispered gently into her ear. “I’m so sorry for lying to you all this time. Maya, I…I love you too. I just never had the courage to admit it, both to you and myself. I’ve been afraid of your reaction, your rejection since you hated me and after what happened to your mother I…” Masumi swallowed hard, unable to continue, tortured by remorse. Maya had never seen him in such a state but he loved her, he loved her. For a long time he had said. She looked up at his face, she would never have believed that the cold, uncaring man whom she had hated so much in the past was really just a lonely and fragile man, torn apart by guilt. Maya put her hand on his smooth cheek, Masumi was stunned by her warm gesture. All his composure, the mask which had before hidden his feelings for so long had shattered. All the feelings and emotions which he had held back, had risen and were clear on his face. Maya smiled at him and gently caressed his cheek with sincere affection. “I forgive you, Hayami-san. I forgave you a long time ago. I love you, so much.”

Masumi can’t take it any more, it’s too much. The happiness, the dream come true. He takes her face in his hands and kisses her. Maya stares at him, eyes wide. “My first kiss!”. Then Maya closes her eyes and puts her arms around his neck. Her fingers crawling up through his silky hair. Her heart is racing, it’s such a wonderful and dreamlike feeling. It feels to good to be true. The door bangs open and the pair jump apart in shock. Framed in the doorway, her face flushed with rage, stood Shiori.

Maya and Masumi broke apart in shock and for the second time that night Masumi felt paralysed. Shiori approaches slowly. Her lips are trembling. Masumi doesn’t know what to say, what could he say to defend himself in a situation like this. He had been lying to everyone including himself and now Shiori was going to have to pay the price for his stupidity. He felt immensely guilty but approached her and said in a quiet, sincere voice the only thing he could think of.

“I’m sorry”.

Shiori’s cheeks flushed with rage.

“I’m sorry!” she shrieked at him, slapping him across the cheek. Maya gasped and covered her mouth with her hands in shock.

“You asked me to marry you. We were going to be married shortly and now you do this!” Shiori’s words cut through his heart. She was right, he had betrayed her but he couldn’t lie about his feelings any longer. It would be better for both of them to forget.

“Shiori. You have every right to hate me. What I have done is unforgivable but I cannot continue to live a lie. I need to be honest to myself and my heart. I’m sorry Shiori but I do not love you, you are a good person but I don’t love you. It would be painful for both of us to marry without love. Our engagement is over, I will speak to my father. I’m sorry Shiori. Truly”.

Maya’s heart skipped a beat when Masumi declared the engagement over. Shiori’s hands began to shake. “No. He can’t back out now. No-one says no to the Takamiya family. I will not allow it, not to that girl, never. I will never allow that girl to have Masumi. Never!” Shiori lunged at Maya and slapped her hard, knocking her backwards into Masumi’s desk. Maya cried out as she knocked her shoulder.

“Maya!” Masumi shouted and ran to her side, helping her to stand. Maya is shaking from the shock and clutches onto Masumi’s sleeve for support. Shiori watches them.

“W-Why? “Why won’t you love me!” Shiori shrieks, loosing control. “Why? What is so good about that girl?! She has no respectful family tree, she’s poor, plain, rude…why? What does that girl have that I don‘t?”

Masumi faced Shiori directly. At this stage he knew he could not lie anymore.

“When I first saw Maya on stage she performed with a 40° C fever. I had never met anyone with a will like hers. Her passion for life makes her shine on stage and I love to watch her. I love all her characters. I began to send her purple rose to convey the admiration I felt. I have never admired anyone in my life before and have never had a close bond with anyone either. My life had been devoid of passion before I met Maya, I never felt enthusiasm or joy for what I did. I didn’t have dreams or ambitions. My life was already paved out for me. Then I started to realise (“with some help”) that what I felt for her was more than just admiration. I loved her. I loved her honesty and admired her passion. Maya is pure with no manipulative intentions, when I’m with her I feel at peace.

I had believed she hated me, my crimes were unforgivable” he turned to face Maya. “I still don’t understand how you can forgive me.” He turns back to Shiori. “I resigned to accept the engagement half-heartedly believing my desperate love was futile. I felt I would always be hated by her. I’m sorry Shiori. For me, Maya is flawless. I have never met anyone else like her. Please Shiori, forget me and find someone else. You deserve to have a husband who loves you, not a puppet like me.”

Maya’s heart had been racing during his speech. she was moved by his confession and began to cry softly. Shiori couldn’t believe the pathetic drivel he was spewing. Honesty. Passion. She was beautiful and rich. She would bring even greater influence and power to his company and yet he wanted that filthy wretch.

“Y-you…You’re the worst! You cold-hearted demon!” Shiori spat at him and ran out of the room in tears.

Masumi collapses on his knees to the floor, shaking with remorse and guilt. Maya ran to his side and put a comforting arm on his shoulder. “Hayami-san?”

Masumi grasps her hands, Maya noticed he was shaking. She embraces him, comforting him. Masumi holds her close. “Is it true. Can you really forgive me? I…”

Maya reaches up and kisses him, softly at first but then increasingly passionate and sensual. Masumi understood her answer and responded to her passion with the same intensity. He ran his fingers down her back, following her spine. Maya runs her fingers through his hair.

“Masumi, my love” she whispers softly. “Purple Rose”

Masumi halts and stares at her, his heart in his throat, by explaining to Shiori he had unwittingly revealed his most preciously guarded secret.

“You know?”

“I’ve known for a long time now.”

Masumi’s heart sinks, It’s not him she loves. It’s her fan.

“I found out by accident but I love you Hayami-san. I love you the man. Not the shadow of the shadow of the Purple Rose. I love you, believe me.”

Masumi holds her tightly. “I’m happy. I’m really happy.”

“I’m happy too, I don’t want this moment to end, I want to stay in your arms like this, forever”

“Me too, Maya my love, me too”

“You really mean what you said? You love me, not the actress.”

“I love the actress who is you. Your passion, your sincerity, the fire inside you that doesn’t die no matter what hardships you face. I love that and more. Maya, you are not a plain, boring girl. You are a special and amazing woman. You stole my heart, and that’s the honest truth.”

Tears slip down Maya’s cheeks and she kisses him again. Her heart is racing and she feels a heat pervading her body. She feels a euphoria unlike any she’d experienced before. Masumi’s heart was also beating like crazy and he was struggling to hide his growing excitement and hold control over his inhibitions. A feat which is becoming harder by the minute since the more he kisses her and the more he caresses her, the more relaxed he feels and the more he wants her. He inhales deeply, breathing in her scent. Closing his eyes and allowing her to run her hands over his back and tickle his neck. He also feels a strong desire to take off his shirt and feel her hands over his bare skin. A desire that is growing. The passion which he had kept bottled up inside. The feelings which he had ignored. The desires which he had dismissed were on the verge of breaking free. At least they would have if the phone hadn’t rung. The heated atmosphere dissipated leaving behind the frosty, monotonous drone of the phone on Masumi’s desk. Masumi stands up away from Maya, not daring to look her in the eyes. Afraid that she would see the redness of his cheeks and the passion which still burned in his eyes. Embarrassed by his own spontaneity and ashamed of his desires, the strength of them. Maya also feels confused. “What was that feeling, just now when he was holding me. My body felt so hot. I feel such strong emotions towards him, even now. What is happening to me? My heart won’t stop racing and I can’t control my passion towards him”

Masumi slowly picks up the phone, he sees the number and his heart sinks and his chest tightens. “Hello, father.”

Maya stands up to watch him better and sees his face relax by a fraction. It wasn’t Eiskue but the butler. Masumi had orders to return home immediately, regardless of any other commitments he might have. Masumi put the phone down and chanced a glance at Maya. “Who was it?” she asked tentatively. Masumi hesitated, debating whether he should tell her or not. In the end he decided on the truth, his lies had caused pain to too many people that night, himself included.

“That was my father. I am wanted back at home. I am going to have to take responsibility for my mistakes.”

“I’m coming with you!”

“No. I’ll take you home.” Masumi said firmly.

“No!” Maya screamed clutching onto him tightly burying her face in his chest. “I won’t let you face this alone. We’re together now right, so…”

Masumi gasped, watching her open mouthed. Maya wouldn’t let him go.

“Maya won’t …she won’t abandon me! I’m not alone any more. I’m not…alone”

Masumi grasped her shoulders and pushed her away from him and looked at her directly in the eyes.

“Are you sure!” he asked, his eyes were serious. He was glad for her company but also worried. Eisuke was a ruthless man and didn’t let anyone stand in the way of his goals. “Yes…Just like I used to be. Until I met you.”

“As sure as I’ll ever be” Maya replied and Masumi could see the fire dancing in her eyes. Maya would never give up. She would fight for their happiness. For him.

“Let’s go”. With that Masumi grabbed his coat, switched off the light and they walked hand in hand to the garage. Maya sat beside him in the passenger seat watching quietly. She was nervous, she wouldn’t deny that, but she didn’t forget Masumi’s face when he answered the phone, the desperation of his embraces and the loneliness of his eyes. She wanted him to be happy more than anything else right now. Whatever was about to happen she would be by his side.

The car silently brakes as they arrive outside the Hayami mansion. Masumi took the keys out of the ignition and turned to face Maya. “This won’t be easy. It’s not too late you know, you’re still young. I’m sure there are plenty of other men better than me.”

Maya reached over, resting her hand on his cheek and following it down so that her fingers rested on the corner of his lips. “How can you say that with such a sad and lonely expression. I will not leave you. I love you, you are more important to me than anyone or anything else in the world. You are the man I fell in love with. There is no-one else like you. Yes you can be cold and sarcastic at times, but you’re also gentle and sweet. No-one else has done so much for me. There is no-one who could replace you in my heart”

Those words, Masumi felt, were the best thing anyone had ever said to him. Maya was showing him a tender kindness which he hadn’t been given in years. “Yes. This is definitely the right decision. Maya is a dream worth fighting for. I can’t give up, not now. I have to keep looking forward to our future together. Living for my love.”

Masumi smiled a smile of pure happiness and contentment. He took her hand in his. “Thank you. I still can’t fully believe that you can feel this way about me. I am also glad to have you by my side and would not wish you to be replaced by anyone either”

Maya answered with her warm, gentle smile as they walked towards the door of the Hayami house. He knocked and a servant opened for him.

“Welcome back, Masumi-sama. The master is expecting you in his study. He…”, the man stopped as Maya walked in behind Masumi. “Sir, this girl is?”

“She is with me.” Masumi answered, leaving the confused servant to watch in astonishment as Maya took his hand as they walked up the stairs. Masumi gave Maya’s hand an affectionate squeeze. “Maya. Whatever happens behind this door. I’ll always love you, you know that, right?”

Maya nodded. Masumi reached out and grasped the handle tightly. “It’s time. To open the door to my destiny”

Shiori is at home, lying in her futon and sobbing into her pillow. As soon as she arrived home she went straight to her room to cry. “I hate that girl! I will never forgive her if she takes Masumi-sama away from me. I hate her!”. Shiori’s grandfather slides the door open and sits beside her on the floor, asking her to tell him what’s wrong. “Masumi” Shiori hiccoughed. “Masumi-sama cancelled our engagement. He doesn’t love me” Shiori hid her face in her hands, still crying. Shiori’s grandfather put his hands on her shoulders. “Shiori, listen to me”. Shiori lowered her hands, her make-up was ruined, her eyes were still watery and her cheeks were bright red. “To marry without love is foolish. Masumi made the right decision by breaking the engagement if it meant marrying without love…”

“But I love him! Surely, over time, he’ll forget about that girl and look only at me.” Shiori cried hysterically.

“Shiori, I want you to be happy. I thought that Masumi would be able to do that but it seems he is not good enough for you. I will find you a better husband Shiori. One who will love and respect you. Now dry your tears. I have to make a phone call.”

Eisuke is sitting in his chair, facing the window and only grunts in reply to Masumi’s knock. “You wanted to see me, father?”

“Sit”.

Maya shivered and began to feel afraid of the cold, dominating presence that Masumi’s father commanded. She gritted her teeth in determination, she would prove to him that she would be a person worthy for Masumi. Eisuke turned round in his chair and Maya gasped. “You are…”

“We meet again, Maya-san.”

Maya is rendered speechless from shock. The power behind Daito, the cold-hearted man who was said to be even worse than Masumi when it came to business was the kind, old man she’d met before! It was unbelievable. She looked to Masumi who was sitting beside her who managed a nervous smile. “You’ve met before, right?”

Maya nodded and turned back to watch Eisuke Hayami who was smiling with genuine amusement at Maya’s surprise then he turns to watch Masumi with anger and bitterness. Fate was mocking him as he watched Masumi sitting with Maya close beside him. Masumi had raised Daito to greater heights and worse, he had stolen his dream away from him. He had stolen the love of the Crimson Goddess which he had so desperately desired. His fists clenched as he saw the determination in Masumi’s eyes. Determination of a man who would fight for his love until his last breath of life, eyes that watched his as if he was looking into a mirror of his younger self.

“So, is this your plan for obtaining the rights Masumi? To seduce the holder of the rights?”

“No” retorted Masumi, standing up at the anger of Eisuke’s insinuation. “There is no plan, this has nothing to do with the Crimson Goddess production rights. This is about me and my happiness.”

“I see, so it’s true. You broke the engagement with Shiori and now you wish to marry” Eisuke gestured to Maya with a wave of his hand, as if searching for an appropriate term.

“Her”

“Yes. No matter what you do my feelings will not change, my love for Maya will never die. I can’t marry a woman I do not love, it would be painful for both and I…”

Eisuke cut him off. “So you lied then”

“Eh?”

“When I asked you whether you were in love with another woman you denied. Do you consider me an idiot Masumi? It was obvious you were in love and that it was not with Shiori.”

Masumi swallowed, he felt like a child in front of Eisuke, a child trapped.

“Very well Masumi, I will allow you to choose whatever partner you wish on one condition.”

“Name it”, Masumi cried desperately, “Tell me what I have to do.”

“You will be president of Daito in my place. You will make Daito even more profitable and Masumi”

“Yes”

“You will obtain the rights to the Crimson Goddess!”

Masumi looked to Maya. “No. I refuse to force Maya into giving me the rights! If Maya wins they will be hers to decide whatever company she wants to back her. Your selfish pursuit of those rights destroyed your relationship with Chigusa Tsukikage!”

Eisuke gritted his teeth, Masumi could easily walk away now as he could of twenty years ago and all effort to raise him into the perfect heir would be wasted. He had to play to Masumi’s demands or risk loosing Daito and business was always his priority.

“Fine” Eisuke snapped. “A Crimson Goddess play without Chigusa will not be worth having at any rate. Now get out of my site and leave me in peace”

Masumi didn’t need telling twice. He took Maya’s hand and walked as fast as he could without actually running outside. Once there he took Maya in his arms and Maya could feel him trembling. “Hayami-san are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I’m just relieved that’s all. I need a drink” and with let he led the way downstairs to the kitchen and pulled out a bottled of alcohol from the fridge and pours a glass each for himself and Maya. Maya drinks quickly, not wanting to be considered a child anymore. Masumi laughs

“Chibi-chan, there’s more if you want it you know, besides if you drink it too fast you won’t taste it properly. Slow down and enjoy it.”

Maya obeyed, taking soft sips while Masumi watched. He was amazed at how relaxed he felt, even up in Eisuke’s study he had felt courage that he was doing the right thing. Masumi looked at the clock above the oven and his chest tightened: it was late and Maya needed to get home or her friends would worry. That was the rational thing to do. “I don’t want her to leave, not now, not ever. I don’t want her to leave and not see her for days, maybe weeks. What am I thinking though? I can’t keep her here overnight…can I?”

Masumi squeezed his glass and watched the leaking tap in the sink, too embarrassed to look Maya in the eye. He cleared his throat.

“Maya” he said gently, trying to keep the nerves out of his voice. “It’s late and I was…I was wondering…if…if you…”. Masumi swallowed again, squeezing the glass tighter to stop his hands shaking. “If you wouldn’t mind spending the night here” Masumi said slowly and stopped to listen for Maya’s reaction. Silence. Not even a gasp of surprise. Masumi closed his eyes tight, biting back his disappointment.

“It’s O.K. if you don’t want to, I understand, just…”. Masumi’s breath caught in his throat and he felt he might choke. Maya had just placed her arm gently around his waist which sufficed as a yes. Masumi quivered with excitement, very conscious of her hand’s warmth. Then, on a spur of happiness Masumi grabbed her hand from around his waist and led her into the living room. Once inside he asked her to wait, then went over to flick through the collection of vinyl records and selected one with some soft music, perfect for dancing. The stage complete Masumi offers his hand.

“You haven’t forgotten how to dance I hope” he asks, his eyes glinting and his smile mischievous and inviting. Maya blushes and gladly takes his hand and gazes into his eyes as they waltz around the room, with Masumi carefully leading the way, effortlessly around the furniture and holding her gaze. Maya moved just as gracefully, keeping close and synchronising perfectly with his rhythm.

“You’re a natural at this, are you tired?”

“A little, but…”. Masumi understood and he continued to whirl and twirl around the room, as tired as she felt Maya didn’t want their dance to end so soon. Masumi understood this, because he felt the same way. So they continued and then they song changed to a slow dance and Maya leaned against his chest as they swayed to the music.

“I feel a little dizzy” Maya said, eyes closed as she listened to his heart beat.

“Probably from spinning. Come, that record is almost finished anyway.”

He lead her over to the couch and they with Masumi having one arm round her shoulders and Maya has one hand on his chest. They sat listening to the music and Masumi

absent-mindedly started to run his fingers through her hair. Maya closed her eyes, letting the music wash over her and Masumi was only helping her to relax even more. The combination of the soft warmth of Masumi’s body and the soothing melody had a soporific effect and Maya was soon deeply asleep. When the music ended Masumi looked down to see her chest slowly rise and fall as she slept. Masumi smiled. “She must have been more tired than I thought.” He carefully moved her arm and lifted her into his arms, he waited to see if she had woken up but Maya hadn’t stirred. He carried her into his room and lay her gently onto his bed and for a while stood enchanted as he watched her sleeping face. He reluctantly dragged himself away from her into the bathroom to change and prepare for the night. He turned off the light and went back to watching her, his curtains are open and the light from a full moon casts a beam onto her beautiful face. Masumi gazed at her with loving eyes, he hesitates and then slowly, praying that she wouldn’t wake up, climbed in beside her. Curling up behind her and putting his arms round her waist. There’s a warm and fuzzy feeling in his chest. He feels so happy he worries that he won’t be able to fall asleep feeling her so close and knowing that she felt the same deep love towards him that he’d always felt for her. He lay there reflecting on the events before and replaying in his head the loving words which he’d always wanted to hear from her but had felt he never would. Happiness was no longer an illusion, it was the reality. Soon Maya would compete for the Crimson Goddess with Ayumi, then after that maybe he could ask Maya to marry him. Marriage, before now the concept of marriage had always caused a painful knot in his stomach but the thought of marriage with Maya, of being by her side forever sent a wave of bliss through him and he shivered with excitement at the word: wife. His wife, his Maya.

He continued to watch her and his eyes felt heavy, it’s a struggle to keep them open. Lots of things will happen but for now, sleep, sleep and dream until the new day comes for when he wakes up Maya will still be beside him, now and forever.