[Match Observation] I Choose You! (D11, LM)

[Miya Mei]

"That is understandable. Perhaps fate will be kind in the future. I do not wish to take up much more of your time. I would like to say goodbye to Shinjo-san if your would permit it, I certainly do not wish to keep you from waiting to speak with him."

Mei bows low, not knowing that the woman could not see her.

[Asako Hirase]

With one final squeeze and a comrade's fierce smile, Hirase turned to the guards with a bow. When he straightened, his perfect courtier's On was back in place.

"Your willingness to protect those gathered here is admirable, but it will not be required, Moto-sans."

Only then did he turn to the awaiting Liu Yue.

"My apologies." He, somehow, found a smile for her...she was, after all, his friend. "And, thank you for your patience. Much of that is needed this morning, I fear."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa couldn't see, but she could hear the rustle of silk all the same. It'd always been second nature to her to listen, after all. She gave another bow in return. "It is not my permission to give, nor do I need his time now. There will be more than enough time in the future. This time now is yours. Speak with him until you have all the words inside you out Miya-san."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Liu Yue swallowed and put on a smile for Hirase. "This is for you," she announced, hoping to not interrupt others and yet have her intentions clear. She held out the fan to him. What an opportunist I am...

[Miya Mei]

"You have my thanks."

With that, Mei turns and walks to Kemuri. The closer she gets, the redder her cheeks get, and her eyes are quite watery, though a tear does not fall.

"Ke..Shinjo-san?"

She speaks, her voice timid.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Mei-chan." His voice was soft and warm, with a tinge of sorrow. "I... I'm sorry. I thought we might make it."

[Asako Hirase]

His smile gentled, though his eyes still held touches of the fury that had so briefly escaped his control.

"In future days, I would play the Game of Refusals with you, simply because it is a useful thing to know and there will always be a need for practice."

He took the fan, gently, and then said, quietly, "I am sorry that your choice was taken from you. I know you had not yet decided, when last we spoke."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki saw Liu Yue give Hirase a fan and for an ugly moment she hated her cousin for having something even resembling happiness while she lived a moment of ashes and pain. She was too caring though, and she sighed a little, that fragment of anger passing from her as so many others had before.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"I know the game. It is unnecessary because I want the statement clear."

Yue smiled weakly and shook her head. "Hirase-san, you are my primary choice. I want those ahead of me to not choose either of us." She leaned in. "We will see if my ploy works. If it does, I hope you think of me as a clever wife."

[Miya Mei]

"It was a pipe dream. But I am glad I got to dream it while I did"

She smiles and bows to Kemuri.

"I meant it when I said I wished to stay friends. Tonbo-sama has even said I could write to you. And if some day duty allows her to travel, that I could accompany you."

She lets a tear fall down the side of her face.

"That is all I can, and ever will do though. Our story together as lovers must end here. It hurts to much to see you taken from me, I could never put that pain on another."

[Soshi Yuuru]

Yuuru watched the unfoldings with a disappointing look.

Imane, Saksaha, Batul.... and now my Yukarin is gonna pick that rich prick Yasuki. And now we got Scorpion-Phoenix feuds brewing... Just my luck...This day couldn't be any worse. That damn Moshi sucks at her job.

[Asako Hirase]

The smile warmed, just a little.

"Court tactics are not merely for courtiers, just as not all battles are fought only with weapons. I am glad to take up arms at your side in that arena at least."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It was a pipe dream. But I am glad I got to dream it while I did"

She smiles and bows to Kemuri.

"I meant it when I said I wished to stay friends. Tonbo-sama has even said I could write to you. And if some day duty allows her to travel, that I could accompany you."

She lets a tear fall down the side of her face.

"That is all I can, and ever will do though. Our story together as lovers must end here. It hurts to much to see you taken from me, I could never put that pain on another."

The heartache crossed his face, but he nodded.

"She will never be you, but I am fortunate to have Tonbo-sama and want her to be happy."

[Yogo Mizuki]

Once again, Yue makes a statement and damn the consequences. If only one of us could have been a man. But there's no point dwelling on it. She can only look towards the future. Yue.... well, that conversation would be in the future too.

[Miya Mei]

"I believe she will give you happiness. She has a presence about her that is...soothing."

Mei bows again and goes to turn away. She looks over her shoulder at Kemuri one last time.

"I...I will write you. Someday. "