As The Wind Blows Your Scent To Me

Dionysus' Abode.

Himari arrived at the clubhouse at a quarter to eight. As usual, she waited for Nanako at the lounge. She could only get inside because Nanako had already notified the receptionist about her.

Since her best friend would enter the Kashino family soon, Himari could definitely enjoy the benefits that came to Nanako. Even during the early days of Nanako dating Ryota, there was no opposition coming from the prominent family although Nanako didn't come from any prestigious background.

Ryota's grandfather, the elder of the family, actually insisted they got married as soon as possible but, Ryota's parents didn't agree. But, the disagreement wasn't because of Nanako's humble background.

Ryota's parents, who were currently living on a ranch away from the glory of high society in the city just wanted the couple to get to know each other more before settling down. 

Marriage was a lifetime journey. No one wanted to break the sacred vow unless under the dire consequences. 

To be able to get such good in-laws, Himari was happy for Nanako.

It was a stark contrast to how she had experienced before.

"Just five more minutes! Wait ah!" Nanako's voice came from the phone as Himari made a call to her.

It was Nanako's habit to call Himari whenever they promised to have a meet. Especially she tended to come a bit late than her friend.

"Don't rush. The plants and the pots help to obscure me. Nothing could disturb me hehe," Himari laughed faintly as she looked at her nearby surroundings.

The green indoor potted plants concealed her from being seen easily. Himari purposely chose a place that was quite secluded, away from the eyes of the people walking in and out of the clubhouse.

With her light green knee-length dress, Himari really had blended well with the greenery around her.

Even though she had come here a few times already, Himari still couldn't get used to the grandeur of this place. The splendor of this clubhouse could easily rival most of the five-star hotels or any other high-end places in the country.

Soon, Nanako arrived. Her high-heels clinked heavily on the marble floor as she ran to where Himari sat. Her yellow dress billowed around her before the flowy skirt fell once she stopped.

"You wear a green dress and you decided to sit in this kind of place?" She stared at her friend from head to toe. With her eyes widened, Nanako continued nagging, "No wonder you said you've mixed well with the plants. If I didn't know this is your favorite place to wait, I might have overlooked you."

"Hahaha, it's nothing ah. You love to make a fuss," Himari laughed in a good mood. She rose to her feet and wrapped her hands around Nanako's right arm, "Let's go and eat. I'm hungry already. I didn't have my evening tea since I want to save some space for tonight's expensive dishes."

Nanako smirked, "Let's go! I want to empty Ryota's card!"

"Eh? I think the card he gave you is one with unlimited spending. How do you want to max it out?" Himari blinked her eyes innocently at Nanako.

Himari's answer shut Nanako's mouth. She glared begrudgingly at her friend.

"Anyway, I want to spend as much as I could! He promised he could accompany me tonight but, now, he's out of the country!"

Himari just laughed listening to Nanako's complaints.

Although her friend always grumbled about Ryota's busyness, Himari knew Nanako was just worried about Ryota overworking himself. His position in the company was not a simple one. Many important matters required his attention.

Every time Ryota returned from a long business trip or if he wasn't able to get a good rest, Nanako would always prepare him a nourishing chicken soup and persuade him to rest even for a bit.

To have someone like Nanako preparing you soup when she disliked cooking generally showed that she really loved Ryota. It gave her a satisfying feeling to be able to do a little something to him.

After learning from Himari a few times, she finally mastered the art of making chicken soup. 

"I heard there's a new menu this week. Should we try it?"

"I don't mind. What's the menu?"

Nanako and Himari went to the restaurant of the clubhouse. It was located at the west wing of the clubhouse, on the ground floor.

If they wanted to, Nanako could just use Ryota's private clubroom but, it was better to just dine like most of the patrons. The waiter led them to a table for two on the outdoor side. A spacious garden with sophisticated decorations awaited them.

"I didn't think you'd be this free on Monday," Himari made a remark after placing her order to the waiter. She focused on Nanako who sat in front of her, "Usually, you'd be busy."

Nanako propped an elbow and rested her chin at the back of her hand. She lifted up her brows with a meaningful smile curved on her face.

"Since my boss demands the finalized designs for the future launch, I made a deal with him. As long as he doesn't disturb me outside my working hours, I'd give him the designs by this Wednesday. If not, he could drown me with his saliva but I won't budge until next week."

Himari made a face. Nanako could easily make her boss accepted her conditions. Her strong and straightforward personality was one of the things that made her quickly climbed her career ladder.

After waiting for some time, the waiter brought the dishes to the two ladies' table. Himari and Nanako kept on chatting while enjoying the food. 

The taste of the meal here was as delicious as always. The gentle breeze of the spring night wrapped around them, helping them to appreciate the beautiful view of the garden. Soft music accompanied the patrons in indulging the scrumptious meal in front of them.

"En, I need to go to the toilet," said Himari after finishing a glass of mineral water. Her plate had almost emptied.

"Want me to accompany you?" Nanako twirled the paste on the plate, forked the strands and lifted them up to her mouth.

"No need. This is not my first time here anyway," Himari rejected with a smile.

Himari got up from her seat, grabbed her bag and walked inside the building of the clubhouse. She actually wanted to use the restroom of the restaurant but all the cubicles were occupied. Having no choice, she ventured out of the restaurant and went to another one.

One of the cubicles was locked with the sound of water coming faintly from them. Himari went inside of the unoccupied one, relieved herself and came out. She didn't expect to see someone she did not want to at the sink area.

It was the same as that person. Her brows almost merged together at the sight of Himari.

"Hello," Himari just greeted the woman casually before she stood in front of the spacious sink, washing her hands under the running water.

"...Himari, what are you doing here?" The woman asked.

"Having dinner with Nanako," answered Himari. With a glance, she looked at the woman, "How about you, Kikyo?"

Although she disliked Kikyo, Himari thought it would be too pretentious of her if she just acted cold as if Kikyo owed her money. The memories of what used to happen in high school were still vivid in her mind but if she cowered in front of Kikyo, it would only give the latter a sense of satisfaction.

Himari dried her wet hands under the sensory dryer, touched up her lipsticks and brushed a part of her hair. She ignored the constant look coming from Kikyo's direction.

Once she was done, Himari turned around, getting ready to leave the restroom. Yet, Kikyo's sudden words made her stopped in her tracks.

"I'm getting married to Jun. Do you know about it?"

Himari inwardly rolled her eyes. She turned her head and smiled politely at Kikyo, "Congratulations. I wish you two have a good marriage."

Even though she had separated from Jun for years, Himari felt she was being a hypocrite when she wished for a good marriage between them.

It was good if the two of them wanted to tie the knot but, it would be better if Kikyo had really changed from how she was before.

If she hadn't, Himari would really pity Jun.

"...Won't you demand to get back with him?" Kikyo was startled as she saw the indifferent look on Himari's face. She kept on saying, "I don't want you to be the third person in our marriage."

Kikyo's words darkened Himari's eyes instantly.

How dared she utter such nonsense? 

When she opened her mouth, Himari's voice turned several degrees colder.

"As far as I remember, even before Jun confessed to me, he has never been in any relationship with anyone else. When you said that, do you have always regarded me as the third person because he has never looked at you?"

Wide-eyed with surprise, Kikyo froze. 

What Himari said was too painful to be heard. Yet, before she could find excuses, Himari struck again.

"Kikyo, I have never said anything when you were continuously troubling me because you hate me for being with Jun. Now, I no longer has anything with him. I was even the one who initiated the breakup three years ago. If you can't covet his heart, don't blame someone else for your failure."

You could be jealous of someone all you wanted but, the disgusting feeling will bring you nowhere.

While you were drowned in your envy, the other party kept moving forward until the end.