Disclaimer: I do not own Citrus or any of its rights.

Author's Note: It has been awhile since I've written any stories and I only recently got into Citrus. But, nevertheless I hope you enjoy it. Also, this will be a slow-paced story and I will take my time building up the foundation of this story as well as the individual character and its story line.

Chapter 1

As I walk down this short-detoured path, I can't help but look up and see the Sakura trees slightly swaying with the light breeze; a few petals gracefully falling and gliding along the pavement. I have always loved spring; beautiful flowers and just the symbolism in general – rebirth, love, and hope. It reminds me of when I was little and Mama would take me to the fields to see all of the beautiful flowers. I remember the brightest yellow Daffodils, purple & pink Tulips, pastel blue Lilacs – just fields and fields of flowers and at the end of the trip, Mama & I would find a place under the grove of trees to eat her homemade bentos. I was so busy reminiscing that I didn't realize that I had already reached the entrance of the school. The school that I've been going to for the past 3 years and will finally come to an end in two weeks which means Mei and I will finally get to move into our own place together. The past 3 years have been amazing despite having a rocky beginning. I can honestly say, that I am the happiest I have ever been and no doubt, will love her forever. Just one look by her can easily make my day, just one kiss can make body feel like its on fire, and a simple "I love you" can make me tear up from all of the warmth and passion bestowed in my heart.

Speaking of Mei, she's currently giving me one of those smiles that I know is only reserved for me. I can't help but melt every single time. It feels like we're in our own world until we're broken out of our trance by the bell. Walking together into the classroom, we take our designated seats and wait for Sensei to pass out our final exams. This is the last week for our finals and in two weeks it is graduation time…thank goodness. I cannot wait for our family vacation that mama and papa have planned for us. We are going to a place called Los Angeles, California and its always been a dream of mine to go there. There's Disneyland & Universal Studios – I know that we have those theme parks in Japan, but every place is different…and SHOPPING for CLOTHES! I always read about it in the magazines. Western celebrities are always dolled up in glamorous clothes along with their well put together make up. It is a good thing that I saved up some money this year. Granted, I'm sure the parentals will pay for majority of our expenses…but I know mama will just tell me not to get any more make up, which come on now…me not buying make up? Yeah, right.

"AH! Owieee" I groan a little as I fell off my seat. I opened my eyes and looked around…everyone's eyes are staring at me then I looked to the seat behind mine; Harumin hiding behind the papers and trying not to laugh. I've been thinking so much about my upcoming trip that I forgot that I was supposed to be taking the final exam. "Aihara-san! This is not a time to be spacing out and daydreaming like you normally do! This final exam determines your final grade, as well as some college's decision whether to grant your acceptance or not. Please take a seat and take this seriously." Said Sensei exasperatedly. "I apologize Sensei, I know how important this exam is and I will start right now." As I apologetically bowed my head down. I sat down and flipped my exam over. Oh boy, straight into the math section – well, I guess I shall get started now.

***Few Hours Later***

"So, Yuzucchi, how do you think you did on the final? Personally, I think I passed…by a mere margin. I had the hardest time on the history section. You know me, I can't remember dates to save my life." Said Harumin while slipping her shoes on. The day is finally over and now we're going to our usual hang out place to eat some delicious and well-needed crepes. "Actually, I feel pretty good about it. I think all of that long days of studying with Mei and Himeko really paid off. I think out of the whole test, I only couldn't figure out four questions. I think that was also the fastest I've ever completed a final too but man, I am exhausted" I replied confidently as I stretched my arms. "So, have you figured out which college you want to go to? I know that you also applied to a few overseas universities, yeah? What'd Mei have to say about it?" inquired Harumin while holding the door open to get into the crepe shop. "Actually, when I tried talking to her about it last month, she didn't even want to hear where I applied to. She told me Yuzu, let's keep it a secret until graduation and when the time comes then we will announce our choices to each other." I replied after we sat down in our usual booth and ordered. "Honestly, I don't even know why she wants to wait that long to list our choices and decide. I mean, wouldn't it be easier to just talk it out now so that we can make a decision together since obviously we will be living together in the future?" I asked wanting to hear some solid advice. I looked at Harumin and I can tell the gears in her head started to turn as she was thinking. I can always count on my best friend to give me the best and most solid advice, no matter if it is something that I do not want to hear.

"Do you think the Prez is hiding something from you? Its very suspicious seeing as how she doesn't want to know where you've applied to…it seems as if she's planning her future without you. I know you've said numerous times that she has only applied to one university which is Tokyo Uni. But still, what if she has a different agenda after graduating? I mean who in their right mind, wouldn't want to know where their girlfriend or boyfriend are applying to." Said Harumin after pondering for a good 5 to 6 minutes. "I mean, if you want to wait it out then be my guest but honestly, something is fishy and I don't like it one bit." I sat in silence for a bit just nibbling on my crepe. I know that Haru is right and in all actuality, I do agree with her but…I trust Mei as well. Shaking my head, "I know where you're coming from Haru…but I have faith and trust that Mei will not betray me. We have been together for awhile now and we're in a really good place in our relationship. I know that she truly cares and loves me. She may not be so open about it at times but I know her heart is soft & warm despite her cold standoffish personality with other people. It's only two weeks away so I will try and stick it out. But…about what you asked me earlier, I do have a few places that I have applied to that are overseas; Parsons in New York, London College of Fashion in London, Academy of Art in San Francisco, & Fashion Institute of Design in Los Angeles. But as far as realistically, all of the small colleges around Tokyo as well as Tokyo Uni."

"Well, Yuzu…I think we really are meant to be best friends. We even applied to some of the same schools together. I applied to Parsons and Academy of Art too! Along with Tokyo Uni and the many junior colleges around." said Harumin excitedly and jumping up and down. "Harumin! We're in public shhhhh." I said while trying to contain my embarrassment from all the eyes looking at us. "Let's get out of here." After walking out of the crepe shop, I turned around and gave Harumin a huge hug and started jumping up and down. I was so happy that I would have at least one person that I know in which ever college I enrolled too. "I cannot believe we applied to some of the same schools. We really are meant to be best friends…but don't Matsuri that, she will throw a jealous fit." I said giggling a little. "I'm actually terrified of starting over in a new school with a bunch of random people. So, let me know which college you choose to go and I will follow." Replied Harumin, giving a thumbs up and then a classic V sign. I can't help but agree with her, though I can easily adjust in a new environment…I mean, I did have to go through that when I moved to a different city and enrolled into the Aihara Academy. I gave Haru a nod and told her that I had to get home early since it is my turn to make dinner tonight. Mei loves my curry rice and I think I will also make some shrimp tempura. I finally reached home and called out "I'm Home" but its not a surprise that I'm the only one home. Mei is more than likely still with Momokino-san and doing student council work and Mama is probably still on the train. From what I vaguely remember from this morning's conversation, Papa was coming home today. "Well, Yuzu let's start cooking!" I said to myself as I made a fist pump in the air.

I finished the vegetable curry, cooked the rice, and got the table set. All that is left is the battering the shrimp to make the tempura. I quickly looked through the refrigerator to grab the eggs and searched for the shrimp. That's funny, I swore I had bought a tray of shrimp the day before when Mei and I went grocery shopping. Well, it's a good thing there's a little grocery store right next door to my apartment building. I know, I'll just ask Mei to grab a tray on her way home. I picked up my phone and quickly dialed the number for Mei. Hmm, that's strange…Mei's phone is off. I know for a fact that it can't be that her phone died seeing as how she is never on it unless she needs to get into contact with our close knit of friends and family. Well, it's okay – I guess I can just go down there really quick and pick it up. I hung up my apron and grabbed my phone and wallet that was on the counter and headed down to the store.

After I picked up the shrimp, I decided that I was going to do a quick browse around the store to see if there were any good deals happening. I went down the snack aisle and found the almond chocolate clusters and the chocolate peanut butter granola bars that Mei loves. I picked up one of each and then at the bakery I found the small 6" petite cakes that Mama and Papa loves and I couldn't believe it – it's half off! I figured that I bought enough stuff so I headed to the cash register. He rung me up and I hurried back home. When I reached the door, I put my shopping bags down and dug through my pockets – oh no! I think I forgot my keys on the counter. Ugh Yuzu, how can you be this irresponsible, I mentally scolded myself. Well, since I don't have my keys, I will have to wait outside for Mei since she will be home the earliest. I then took the elevator down and waited patiently for Mei by the bus stop benches.

It's been half an hour since I figured out I didn't bring my key with me. I've probably sent Mei over a dozen text messages and not one has been answered which means her phone is still off. Just as I was putting my phone back into my jacket, I see a familiar black Mercedes coming to a stop in front of the grocery store. A door on the passenger side opens and a tall, slender, brown-haired man stepped out and opened the back door – Mei stepped out. The unfamiliar man then proceeded to hug her and kiss her cheek, then exchanged a few words. The other back door opens, and I see grandfather step out and bid his farewell as well. Both men then got back into the luxury car and drove off. One question pops into my head…"Who was that man?" I was in such a confused daze that I forgot that I was waiting for her. I hurriedly went to catch up to her and made it just in time to stick my hand between the closing elevator doors. The doors opened up again and I see Mei with a shocked look on her face. I then step in and face her, "Hey Mei, I tried to call you and I've sent over a dozen messages – why'd you turn your phone off?" I asked her. "Also, who was that older man you and gramps were with?" I think I caught her off guard since she still has that shocked look on her face but its quickly replaced with this weird expression and she instead of looking at me, she's staring at the red LED elevator floor numbers. "I'm sorry, I had a last minute business meeting at grandfather's house in regards to the academy. That man is an associate of his and we were discussing management proposals. I turned my phone off out of respect and you know how grandfather can be when it comes to proper etiquette." Replied Mei in her monotonous tone of voice; still not looking at me. Man, she has been working a lot lately and at times, she seems so stressed out. I can't do much to help her out so I only do what I can; make yummy meals & do both of our chores. "You have been working quite a lot these days, especially within the past month and you're even having business meetings on the weekends at gramps place. I understand that you are preparing to take over the academy but its not good to overwork yourself. I'm only saying this because I care about your health and I love you. Plus, I miss you. We haven't gone on a proper date in weeks because of either studying or working on academy stuff." I told her as we got out of the elevator and started walking to our apartment door. Without a single word she took out her key from her pocket and opened the door; holding it as I walked through. I put the groceries on the counter and started to prepare the shrimp tempura. I heard a door close and then reopen ten minutes later.

While I started to fry the shrimp tempura with my handy dandy long chopsticks, I felt long arms tightly wrap around my stomach and a body firmly against my back. "I'm sorry and I love you too." I heard my love whisper against my back. I try to turn around but she's not letting me. "No, I just want to stay like this for a few more minutes." Another whisper. I can't help but smile to myself. These are the moments that I love. The very rare "softy & needy" moments of Mei Aihara, the only side of her that is reserved for me. I let her continue to hug me from behind while I finish up frying the tempura. She finally let me go because I asked her to heat up the curry and set the table while I get the side dishes from the refrigerator.

Just as we finished up preparing dinner, we hear "We're home." Coming from the front entrance. Out of the hallway comes mama and papa, whom by the way is looking scruffy. "Papa, welcome home. I missed you and by the way papa…you need to shave. This isn't America, you know?" I said giggling as I walked up to him, to give him a hug. Mei also went up to greet him. "Haha, okay, okay. I'm going to change out of these clothes and shave just for you." Replied papa. "Come on girls, let's sit at the dining table and wait for your dad. Yuzu, this smells amazing. Thank you so much honey for cooking dinner. I know it hasn't been easy juggling your studying while also taking care of the house chores." Mama said appreciatively. I just gave her one of my signature smiles with a "V" sign. I don't mind doing it though. Mama and papa are really busy with work, and Mei is always either at the academy working on her student council duties or at gramp's place talking about the academy. Now that I think about it, Mei is always working on the academy – its as if she is planning on taking it over right away instead of a few years down the line after college. Hm, is what Harumin's instinct right? No, no, no Yuzu get it together – that is not happening, I thought to myself. I looked to my right and I swear, I could just stare at my love forever. My gorgeous Mei.

Papa finally sat down for dinner and we listened to his stories of building schools throughout Africa and he even brought Mei a giraffe stuffed animal and chocolate in the shape of lions and koala bears. He mentioned how Africa was so poor that they do not even have clean water in some rural areas, so a few of the companies that donated the materials to build the schools was persuaded by papa, to donate thousands of water filters. I can't help but to admire him. He's done an abundance of humanitarian work and not to get recognition or fame but just out of the goodness of his own heart. He continued to share more stories and even a few of the pictures that he took. By the time we finished dinner it was 9:45pm & already time for bed.

Mei went to take a quick shower while I changed and got into bed just skimming through the pages of the new Fashionista magazine that I picked up at the store this afternoon. I heard a soft melody with a light vibration coming from a phone on the desk. It can't be mine so I'm guessing its Mei's. I don't think she will mind if I answer it for her since we have both have the same friends. I got out of the blanket covers and walked over to the desk. Picking up the cellphone, I tapped in the password and clicked on the "New Message". Hm, who is Kaijou-San? Looking at the contact that sent her a text message. "Thank you for this afternoon. I have learned a lot and I can't wait to learn more. Also it was really nice seeing you again." I read to myself. Hearing foot steps getting closer – I turned towards the door and glanced at my love, using the towel to dry her hair. After draping the wet towel on the hook behind the door, she turned and looked at me then glanced down to the cellphone I was holding. "Oh someone named Kaijou-san texted you and thanked you for today. Who is that and what is he talking about?" I asked confusedly. She quickly snatched her phone out of my hand and said "Don't touch my phone! What if it was work related?! And if you must know, that is the business associate that you saw me with this afternoon. He was thanking me for explaining in depth how the management of the academy is running and some of the financial documents. You wouldn't know any of that anyway."

I'm not sure what made her so upset but I quickly dropped my head down and apologized then got back into bed. I put my magazine on my night table and plugged my cellphone to the charger and turned off my light. After a few minutes, I felt the bed sink down and then an arm snake around my stomach, pulling me into the embrace. I felt a warm whisper against the back of my neck – "I'm sorry that I snapped at you, I'm just under a little stress." I knew she didn't mean to bite my head off but it doesn't mean that it still didn't sting a little but I guess I can understand where she is coming from. I just whisper "It's okay, let's just go to sleep. It has been a long and exhausting day." I reply without turning around and facing her, however I do put my hand over the hand she is holding me with, to comfort my stressed and overly tired love. Tomorrow, will be a better day.