Chapter 1

Sunday is almost always mistaken as the week's closure, although, in reality, it's only the beginning of a new one. In the Irie household, Kotoko had been dawdling as she usually did, not taking in account that she ought to have been preparing for school, which the first bell would be ringing in exactly 12 hours. Silently, but steadily, the house was turning in for the night, a new day just on the horizon.


Unfortunately, not everyone can get the perfect rest, which was exactly the case for Keita Kamogari, an above-average achiever, who takes studies seriously, but in-turn is also a considerate and caring person.

"Okka-san, what's for dinner tomorrow?" He asked.

His mother replied, "Oh, I don't know, is Kamameshi okay?"

Knowing that his mother was in a tired state this particular day, he simply replied "Oka-."

Just then, an ear-piercing sound rippled through their ears, causing them to react immediately and bolt through the doors of the house.

"What was that?" An exasperated Keita exclaimed, catching his breath while standing far away from his home, standing next to his equally exhausted mother.

As they looked at their crumbling house, they could see the memories and the emotions tied closely to the building going down with it.


"I'm sorry, but after a thorough investigation, it was discovered that your home had an unstable base, giving us the reason as to why it was destroyed."

Taking in the information, Keita simply said to his mother who was nearly in hysterics,"Okay, we're going to get through this one step at a time, Okaa-san."

After clearing her mind, she replied, "You're right! We'll get through this, all we have to do is keep calm." Which was funny because she was dangerously close to checking into an asylum for the insane.

After leaving the room, they glanced over to the local news, which was reporting on the recent dilemma that was troubling the shaken mother and son.

"What in the world are we going to do?" Keita's mother exclaimed, "We don't even have a place to stay."

Not long after, Keita's mother got a call from an overly lively, yet concerned female voice.

"Seika! I heard the news, don't you remember me? I searched your number, and I decided wholeheartedly that I would do everything in my power to help!" The woman exclaimed over the phone.

Utterly confused, Keita's mother simply replied, "Uh, I'm not sure who this i-"

Suddenly cut off by the woman, "Noriko! Your absolute best friend in high school. Ah, I remember those good old days, such great times." As the woman, who identified herself as Noriko Irie, reminisced about the past, she suddenly got back to topic. "Anyways, If you need it, I would be glad to offer you hospitality for as long as you need it."

"Noriko-san! Is it really you? Anyways, I can't be taking advantage of you, I don't think it's such a good idea to barge into your household, especially with my teenage son."

"Nonsense, I'm sure my whole family would be ecstatic with you and your son living with us."

Keita suddenly commented "Okaa-san, I'm not sure it's such a good idea to be doing this."

His mother, being persuaded with Mrs. Irie's words, remarked, "Keita, this could be a good experience for you to make new friends, and not forgetting that we have nowhere to stay."

Defeated, Keita simply said, "If that's what you think is best for us, then I don't mind, I just feel a little uncomfortable intruding into someone's home."

Hearing the small conversation, Mrs. Irie commented as well, "It certainly wouldn't be intruding Keita. In fact, I have a son just your age who I'm sure would make good friends with you. His name is Irie Naoki, we also have the one he was destined to share his life with, Kotoko-chan! I'm sure we'll all be one big happy family!"

Not persuaded, but intrigued, "I guess, if no one minds, I would maybe feel comfortable staying at the Irie household, but just for a small time."

Ecstatic, Mrs. Irie heartitly told her how happy she was that she was to see her best friend again, not long after hanging up.

"I guess it's for the best anyhow, just until we find somewhere to stay."