All I want for Christmas is... Part 3
The two shotokan masters sat in silence for a time. Ryu was caught up in his thoughts trying to piece together what Ken had told him.
Hating the uncomfortable silence, Ken cleared his throat. "No matter how much you try to think about it, you know it's the truth." He said.
Ryu focused back to his surroundings. "You're right Ken, I never really did know. I was so caught up in the ways of the fight, That I never took time to see what or who was around me. How long has this been going on?"
"Well, for about nine years now." Ken paused taking a deep breath. "At first I thought she had just a simple crush on you. After all, You were basically the one who took down Shadowlaw and her father's killer."
"But as time passed on, we all saw how she still held on to that fragile hope. Hope that you would see just how much she was in love with you and that you felt the same way."
"You may not know this, but all of the post-party fights after big tournaments, the ones you do not go to. She is always there hoping that you will show up."
"But, on the occasions that I do visit Hong Kong and stop in to see her, she has not said nothing of her feelings towards me." Ryu replied.
"It's because no one likes expressing their love for someone and having their heart broken when that someone does not share the same feelings. She is afraid you would not have any feelings for her. I don't think she could take that kind of blow, so she hides her love from you as best as she can." Ken replied.
Ryu leaned forward placing his hand on his forehead in thought. "All this time, and I was blind not to see it. I feel as if I have treated her very badly, and dishonored myself."
"Don't feel that way, Ryu. You did not know, and she understands that. Chun li told me never to badger you with about how she feels for you."
"Why would she want that? If you were to have enlightened me earlier."
"And what Ryu? I did not know your feelings toward Chun li were anything but as friends. If I was to have told you this and you did not feel the same for her as she does for you, it would have ruined a friendship. I could not have that on my shoulders."
"So Ryu, what are you going to do about this?" Ken asked.