Kasumi bit her lip, her fingers twisting the fabric of her kimono as she glanced at Fumiko, her eyes filled with conflict. "Do you think I should avoid Jack… or distance myself from him?" Her voice was hesitant, her cheeks flushed with shame and fear.
Fumiko paused, her mind racing as she studied Kasumi's face. [I don't know what her situation will be… She clearly likes Jack, that is for sure… I am just distracting her…] She sighed softly, her voice gentle but firm.
"No… You don't need to avoid him… Just get along with him… as you always did…" She paused, her eyes searching Kasumi's. "Just confirm whether you really love him or not."
Kasumi looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "How would I know…?" She shook her head, her tears welling up again.
"And I am in my 50s… Jack is in his 20s… There's a 30-year age gap between us…" Her voice was thick with despair, as if the age difference alone was enough to condemn her feelings.
