Chapter 3

New Love and Difficult Choices

"You once told me…you loved me," Suzune says.

"Huh?" Daidouji just gives her a confused look. She's sure that her boss isn't the one she loves…right?

The violet haired woman sighs heavily. "So what? I've rejected you and now you're pretending? You seriously don't remember?"

"What are you talking about?" Daidouji presses.

Suzune takes a look at her watch. "I need to go home. You can try to remember tonight, okay?"

"Wait!" The blonde immediately grabs her wrists as soon as the violet haired woman is about to walk out the door. "I don't understand what you're talking about! Care to explain it to me, Suzune-san?"

Suzune stops, but doesn't bother to look at Daidouji in the eyes. "My name used to be Rin."

"Huh?" The blonde tilts her head in confusion.

"My mother sees me like grandmother when my grandmother was young, strict, disciplined, and such," the violet haired woman explains. "She called me "Suzune" because I kinda act like my grandmother. I don't know back then if that was a compliment or not but I guess that my father always told me to never date with anyone if I'm still schooling. I applied of what they say and I didn't mind of other people calling me "Suzune". Oh well, even my aunt likes that nickname."

As Suzune leaves, Daidouji is left standing there. As if a movie just switched on, flashes of images appeared in her mind as it time shifts back to the time where she and Suzune spent time together when they first met all they to when she finally confesses to her.

**Flashback, 7 years ago**

"I…I love you, Rin!" Daidouji says. "Please go out with me!"

The violet haired girl just smiles and pats her head. "You're so brave. But…I can't accept your feelings."

**End of Flashback**

"It…it can't be…" Daidouji feels as if she couldn't breathe. She can't believe that the woman she's been working with, the woman that's her boss…is her upperclassman all along! She starts to chase after her.

"Hey!" she calls. "Hold it right there, Rin-sempai! I mean, Suzune-san!"

The violet haired woman stops and slightly turns her head. As Daidouji runs toward her, she thinks, So…that woman…was Rin-sempai all along! The one that I tried to find for so long! Why is she here, though!? And why is she my boss!?

"Stop right there!" the blonde woman demands. "You can't just say whatever you want and just walk away!" She stops and glares at her. "So you thought you could drop this one on me, huh!? After 7 freaking years of trying to find you…"

"What are you saying?" Suzune asks with a cold stare.

"I'm asking why you rejected me!" Daidouji says, angrily. "I had loved you after I hung out with you all this time!"

"Well, maybe you waited too long. That's a possibility."

"Possibility!? What else could it have been!?"

The violet haired woman sighs. "I guess you weren't listening. My father forbid me to date anyone while I was still schooling. He told me that it'd interfere with my studies and such. That's why I rejected you."

Daidouji's expression softens as she looks at Suzune. "Oh…"

"So, you should really start thinking AND listen before pointing fingers at people," Suzune says. She makes her way toward the elevator. "Now that the mystery is finally solved, I guess we have to catch up on things."

Daidouji blushes. Suzune walks in the elevator and turns to her assistant. "We're grown up now, so I can make you my lover once again. Just wait, my dear~" She smiles and winks at her.

As soon as the elevator doors close, Daidouji drops down to her knees and puts a fist on her chest. She can feel her heart beating rapidly. What is this? she thinks. Is that really the reason why she rejected me? Come to think of it, it sounded like her father was a strict person. So, maybe that's where she got it from? She recalls again the time when she saw Suzune smiling and patting her head. But she was smiling, right? Could it be that she was trying to hide something? She looks down at the floor. I'm so confused. How did I not notice it was her from the very start? Her mind flashes back to the time where she first met Suzune. She looked…a bit different, especially when she was wearing her glasses. It's been 7 years. Of course I'd forget anyhow. If I had noticed right away, I would've been jumping for joy. I finally got to see the one I had loved for a long time and hopefully become lovers once more. She clenches her fist tighter as her body shakes a little. Can we…really love each other again? After 7 years of not seeing each other? I was the one who loved her in the first place. Could it be…that she really loves me back? She sighs and stands up. I need some time to think. This has become too much for my mind to handle. She drags herself all the way out in the streets.

**Daidouji's Apartment**

Daidouji lies down on her bed, facing the ceiling while the lights are still on. She knows it's really late at night, but she doesn't care. She can't stop thinking about what she just went through tonight. She puts an arm over her forehead and sighs.

"What a day," she says to herself. "First I get a job at a graphic design company, only to find the person I once loved as my boss. This is just…surprising. I mean, I'm happy that I finally found what I was looking for, but…why does she have to be my boss now?" She sits up and gets changed for bed. The blonde really needed some rest, so she climbs into bed and drifts off to sleep.

**Next Day**

Daidouji walks out of her room after getting dressed in her uniform when she notices another door next to her open. A woman walks out the door. She must be my neighbor, she thinks.

"Um, hello!" she greets while bowing. "I'm your new neighbor. It's nice to meet you."

"Oh~? So you're my new neighbor?"

Wait! That voice! she thinks. She looks up and her eyes widen at the sight of Suzune standing there.

"You!?" The blonde exclaims. What is Suzune-san doing here!? she thinks. SHE'S my new neighbor!? She can feel her heart beating rapidly again.

"Ah, I see," Suzune says. "You wanted to walk with me? I'm fine with that."

"I-I did not say that!" Daidouji protests.

"Fufu~! I guess it seems that my assistant needs a little more time. I'm fine with that, too. Don't worry. The time will come soon." The violet haired woman turns to leave. "Are you coming? We'll be late if we don't hurry."

"R-right…"

As Daidouji follows her boss, her mind is in complete turmoil. Why in the world is she living next to me? she thinks. I can't believe this. Is she trying to stalk me or something? She honestly didn't want to know the answer. All she wants to know is how they can be in a relationship after 7 years of not seeing each other.

**Sakura Graphic Industries**

There is a knock on the door in Suzune's office while Daidouji is helping sort out papers.

"Come in," Suzune says, not even lifting her eyes off of the papers.

The door opens and a man who is older than Suzune comes in. He has wavy gray hair and wearing a black suit. He's also wearing a gentle smile on his face as he approaches the desk.

"So," he says. "I hear that the sales are going well?"

"They are," Suzune replies as she keeps on writing down on her paper. "At least 10 of the artwork had been submitted to the gallery. People loved the designs."

The older man nods. "Well, I must certainly say I'm very impressed. Keep up the good work." He turns and notices the blonde woman staring at him. "Oh? And who might you be?"

Daidouji immediately sets down the papers, walks up to him and bows. "Hi, my name is Daidouji. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The older man smiles. "Nice to meet you, Daidouji." He turns to Suzune. "Well, I'm heading out. I'll see you later."

"Bye." Suzune says.

With that, the man walks out the door.

"Who is that?" the blonde asks.

"His name is Kiriya," Suzune answers as she types on the computer. "He works in the sales department at this company."

"Well, he seems like a really nice person," Daidouji says with a smile.

"Mm…yeah. He is…"

"Hm? Is something the matter, Suzune-san?" The blonde could've sworn that there's a hint of sadness in her voice, although she doesn't show it in her expression.

"It's nothing. Get back to work."

"Right."

Daidouji immediately picks up the papers and continues where she's left off. I wonder why she sounded a bit sad, she thinks. I don't think he's that bad of a person.

**Later**

Daidouji carries some papers down toward the printing room for scanning when she feels a hand touch her shoulder.

"Suzune-san?" the blonde says.

"Do you mind if I come with?" the violet haired woman asks.

Daidouji blushes and nods. "O-okay."

As the two woman walk, the blonde can't help but steal glances at the beautiful woman next to her. Suzune-san is…more beautiful than the last time I saw her, she thinks. After all, we did hang out together back in high school. I know we're both women and all, but…her rejecting me was a bit unexpected. That didn't stop me from chasing after her, though. She glances at Suzune again. I remember her telling me her reason for rejecting me, too. She told me her father didn't want her to date anyone while she's schooling.

"Is something the matter?" Suzune asks, interrupting the blonde's thoughts.

"Ah, n-no. It's nothing," Daidouji replies.

Suzune raises an eyebrow, but shrugs it off as the two enter the printing room to scan the finished pictures and do some editing.

I still remember what she said to me, the blonde thinks.

**Short Flashback**

"We're grown up now, so I can make you my lover once again. Just wait, my dear~"

**End of Flashback**

"Make me", she says, she thinks. What is she trying to do? She lets out a sigh. She and Suzune scan, edit and print out the papers for at least the rest of the morning and half of the afternoon, until it's done. And then, the two women take it to the art gallery to put up for sale for the people to observe and buy. Then, they walk back towards Suzune's office when a girl with blonde hair tied up in a pony-tail walks up to her.

"Yes, Ayase-san?" she asks.

"Um…some guy named Kiriya-kun just told me to ask you," the blonde girl says, panting from running. "He wants to go out drinking with you. Is that okay?"

Daidouji is surprised by this request from the man she just met. They drink together? she thinks. I wonder how long that's been. Wait a minute…why am I feeling…bothered? She can feel her fists clench when seconds after hearing about Kiriya going with Suzune.

"I'd be happy to," the violet haired woman says with a smile. "Thanks for the heads up, Ayase-san."

"No problem!" The blonde girl then takes off.

No, no! Daidouji shakes her head roughly. This is none of my business! It's only between the two of them! I must focus on my work!

**Late Afternoon**

"Oh, are you going home, Daidouji-san?" Ayano asks while she stacks some papers.

"Yes," the blonde replies.

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

Daidouji starts to walk out of the building when she stops to notice Suzune and Kiriya talking.

"You're looking quite lovely today," the older man compliments.

"Really?" The violet haired woman blushes as she smiles.

"Of course." Kiriya puts his arm around her.

Daidouji quickly hides behind a corner. Wh-what are they doing here!? she thinks. And they're right in front of the exit! She then notices something that surprises her: Suzune is laughing. She's actually laughing with Kiriya. Daidouji's eyes widen. I don't believe it, she thinks. She's…laughing. She's usually not this happy around people. But…is she seriously enjoying being with Kiriya-san? She shakes her head and keeps on walking. Suzune notices the woman walking by.

"Oh, hey, Daidouji!" she greets.

The blonde woman doesn't respond and keeps on walking.

"Daidouji!" Suzune shouts, making the blonde stop. "I was talking to you! Now, you're going to ignore me?"

"I'll see you tomorrow," Daidouji says. Her head hangs down so that her long bangs hide her expression. With that, she keeps on walking.

Suzune makes a worried expression and turns to Kiriya. "On second thought, I have some stuff to do," she says, sadly.

"Oh," Kiriya says. "So, when will you go out with me?"

"I don't know. It will depend on how much time I have."

"I understand."

With that, Suzune takes her leave. She sees Daidouji just about 15 feet from her and starts to follow her when Kiriya calls her.

"Rin!" he says. "See you later!"

Daidouji stops at him mentioning her old name. She bites her lip and keeps on walking. He called her by her old name, she thinks. She shakes her head again. No, no. It's none of my business. That doesn't mean anything to me. After all, Suzune and I are nothing than boss and secretary. That's all.

She decides to stop and sit on a bench to rest. However, her eyebrows furrow when she feels the bench shift.

"I know you're following me," Daidouji says. "Do you need anything?"

Suzune gives her a cold stare while scooting a bit closer to her. "I wanted to know if you're alright."

"I'm fine. You can go on ahead. I'll catch up later." She remembers that she and Suzune live next to each other, but she prefers to be alone for a bit.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Suzune asks. There is a concerned expression on her face.

"I…I wasn't avoiding you…" Daidouji replies softly. "Maybe you're imagining things."

"I'm not. So, tell me why you're avoiding me."

Daidouji blushes as she slightly turns towards the beautiful woman next to her. She then feels a pair of lips lightly touch her cheek, making her blush even more. The blonde immediately puts her hand on her cheek while swiftly turning towards Suzune. Her boss just smiles a small smile. Daidouji stands up and starts to walk away.

"Um…I'm going to go now," she says. "I'll see you later!"

She immediately takes off towards the apartment and shuts the door behind her. She drops down to her knees and pants a little.

"I'm exhausted," she says to herself. "I think I'm going to take a bath and then go to bed."

However, before doing so, her phone rings. She picks it up and answers it.

"Hello?"

"Daidouji," Suzune's voice says over the other line. "I've got one drawing that we need to scan and edit. It's from Sakurai-san. She sent it to me a bit late by fax when I got home. Can you come over?"

Daidouji thinks about it for a moment. For her, she really doesn't want to see her boss anymore, at least for the rest of the day. But, as her secretary, Suzune is counting on her to do her job right.

"Sure. I'll be right there," Daidouji replies.

She hangs up and walks over next door towards Suzune's room. She knocks on the door a couple times. Seconds later, the door opens and her boss lets her in. Daidouji comes in and takes a look around for a bit. In front of her is a desktop computer with a scanner next to it, a bookshelf next to the desk and neatly stacked papers on a table in the living room. Wow! she thinks. She's a very organized person.

"Here, Daidouji," Suzune holds up the paper. The drawing that Kanade did is a little fox girl putting a finger in her mouth while being surrounded by tall grass. "This will be an awesome picture to sell."

The blonde woman smiles at the picture, stands up and takes the paper. "Alright." She sits on the computer and boots it up. The two start working together to add some color and other features to make the picture realistic and attractive to their viewers.

After about a couple hours, the picture is finished and the two observe the finished picture.

"Isn't that adorable?" Suzune asks.

"Yes," Daidouji agrees. "We did the hair really well, too. It's realistic as all the other ones we did."

"Now we just have to print it at the building and submit it to the gallery," Suzune says as she stands up and gets a mug to pour coffee in. "Say, do you want some coffee?"

"No thanks," Daidouji replies as she stands up. "I'm fine. I'm actually going to bed now." She looks over at the clock that says 11:00 PM. "Shoot! It's already this late!?" She turns to Suzune. "I-I'm sorry for keeping you up this late! I'll see you tomorrow!"

She starts to leave the door when she stops in her tracks when she hears Suzune say to her, "Are you going to explain why you're avoiding me all of a sudden?"

"I'm…not avoiding you…" Daidouji hugs herself when she says this. Why does she have to ask that again? she thinks.

"Do you love me?" Suzune asks.

The blonde woman blushes furiously at the question. "I…I…don't know…"

A hand slams on the wall, startling her. "Look at me in the eyes," Suzune say, softly. "Look at me and tell me you love me."

Daidouji slowly turns towards her, but continues to avoid contact with her. "I….um…" What's wrong with me!? she thinks. This is your chance to get back together with the one you truly love! So, why the heck am I being hesitant!?

Suzune stares at her with her beautiful eyes. "I know you want to," she whispers as she leans in closer to her with their lips almost touching. "Please, Daidouji. Tell me…" She tips her chin to her level and presses her lips against hers.

The blonde woman's eyes widen in shock. She tries to pull away, but Suzune already has her hands on her wrists to keep her from trying to escape.

"Suzune….san…mmph!"

"Daidouji…mmm…tell me…"

The blonde feels her hands now grope on one of her breasts, making her moan a little.

"Stop…please…I don't want this…nnn!"

"I know you do…" She pushes the blonde woman to the ground and kisses her roughly once again. While doing so, she partly unbuttons Daidouji's shirt and then her own shortly after.

"W-wait a minute!" Daidouji stutters. "What do you think you're doing!? Mmmph!"

Suzune ignores her and rubs Daidouji's breast while kissing her. Struggling and moans are heard for a while before the blonde woman finds the strength to push her away and sit up.

Suzune stares at her with a surprised face. "Daidouji?"

The blonde woman doesn't say anything as she stands up and makes a run towards the door.

"Daidouji!" Suzune shouts, reaching out her hand to her.

But Daidouji ignores her. She just wants to go to her room and think about this. She never expected Suzune to say all this stuff to her, especially when she was touching her like that. She would've loved to keep going, but something in her mind is holding her back. And she knows very well what the reason is.

As soon as she opens the door, she gasps at the sight of a familiar man standing before her, surprised to see her standing at the door. She cups both of her hands to her mouth while small tears sting her eyes.

"K-Kiriya…san…" she whispers.

A/N: I apologize if the ending's not good. But hey, there's a reason why Daidouji's being hesitant and stuff. So, I tried my very hardest to do that. And thanks so much for the reviews~! It allowed me to keep on going! And I hope you liked how I put in Kiriya-sensei. Hehe~! You'll see why later on.

Feel free to give out any suggestions, questions or concerns and don't forget to review~! ;)