I paced around my room, eyeing my laptop. Should I turn it on? Or should I leave it off and just admire it as I have been? I received it new for my twenty-first birthday. I was waiting for the upcoming September, when I'd be attending Tokyo University, when my parents planted this in my arms for my birthday present.

"Andrea?" A voice called. I turned to my door. My mother stood there, a glass of wine in her hand, grinning merrily. "Are you going to try it out, or are you just going to stare at it?"

I laughed and smiled as I hit the power button.

"I didn't want to use it up too much, since I'm leaving for Japan tomorrow." I said, looking at my room, as a pillow and the blanket were the only things left, sparing a pair of clothes for tomorrow. Everything else was packed away and sitting in the back trunk of my dad's truck.

My mom left and I didn't take up too much time as I downloaded all of the programs I needed, installed what had to be and then customized the folders to fit it right. I smiled once I was finished and clicked on my Instant messenger. It uploaded and I signed into what needed to be, then happily went onto the school website, signing myself in, noting myself as being a registered student. All of a sudden, a message came up.

YukiS: I was told we needed whatever bags we could come up with; we don't need the old-fashioned middle school ones.

AndreaK: um…

YukiS: Oh, sorry. Wrong message. Your name was right above the counsel president's name. I must've clicked yours on mistake.

AndreaK: No problem. Well, I guess, bye. I have to go pack

YukiS: Pack?

AndreaK: Yeah, I'm going to move to Japan tomorrow, so I have to pack my last minute essentials that I still will need tomorrow morning, that way I have it all together.

YukiS: Really? Interesting. Where are you moving from?

AndreaK: America.

YukiS: Interesting. You speak Japanese fluently.

AndreaK: Thanks, I taught myself ^^

YukiS: Well, I'll leave you to packing. Nice to meet you. If you need any help, ask for Yuki Sohma, you'll get a decent answer.

AndreaK: Thanks a lot. I'll keep that in mind. Bye!

[AndreaK has signed off]

I shut down the computer, excited, and packed it up into its case before putting my toothbrush and other essentials in a bag on the bathroom sink, then heading off to bed for my last comfortable sleep in America.

I woke up the next morning and went through my regular routine, making sure everything was where it needed to be as I finished breakfast and put on my shoes. Since I had a long sleeved shirt on already, I was fine as I grabbed my bags, left in the house and went out to the car. I stuffed my bag with my toothbrush and placed my other morning necessities inside one of my suitcases. Then, I held onto the laptop case, several things inside as my parents drove me off to the airport.

I waved goodbye, made sure my cell phone and mp3 player were in my pocket, and then walked off to the plane.

When I arrived in Japan, I sighed in dismay as I checked the card I was holding. I had taken an apartment close to the college. My aunt's cousin actually was a friend with the owner of the building, so I was able to stay for a small price, since I'd be working in the diner they owned as well.

I walked off and out of the airport with my things, hailing a taxi and hopping in. I gave the driver the address and we made our way off to the apartment.

Upon arrival of outside, a woman about twice, my age came out in a soft sweater, waving as her straight, jet-black hair flew out behind her. I walked out and I paid the taxi driver, who left my things at the curb and drove off with a few yen.

"You must be the American girl, Andrea, right?" She asked. I nodded and we bowed to each other.

"My name is Andrea Koenig." I introduced happily.

"My name is Tsukiko Namiregawa." She replied just as happily. "My husband, Kosuke is inside managing the front desk while I'm here. Would you like to move in and get to know what your new life will be like here?"

"Yes, please!" I said. I was excited. Soon, I was moved in plentifully on the second floor, in the last room in the hall. It was the biggest apartment on the floor, and second biggest in the whole building, next to the Namiregawa's.

Walking in I was introduced to an open hall, where several people could stand side by side. It wasn't that long, considering a few feet away, it opened up on the left into a living room that was one-step in. The stairs were hard wood like the hall, but the floor of the living room itself was a dark carpet. The furniture matched it as dark slate blue chairs, footrests, and a couch placed itself inside the square. An entertainment system placed itself against the wall for enjoyment.

The first doorway while going through the living room brought me back into the hall, where a door presented itself. Opening the door, it shown to be the bedroom. It was about ten times the size of my old one, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Barely visible purple was on the walls, and on the opposite end was a bay window with dark, implanted cushioned seats. The seat could be lifted to reveal it to be a bit of a chest for pillows or suitcases or whatever would fit. The bed itself was a queen sized with sheets that I pre-sent through my aunt's cousin. The sheets were a tan color, and every here and there, a character would be there representing something random like peace or tranquility or something. The blinds for the window were scroll around, where a simple swing of a button determined how far along the windows the blinds would be… and on top of that, covering the seat and window in all, was a slightly transparent curtain, matching the room. There was a TV by the foot of the bed against the wall, which was on a table.

There was an end table and lamp on either side of the bed, with drawers and an alarm clock was on the left. The closet was nearby, and that was where some ready clothes had already been placed. A dresser was casually set by the closet door.

Leaving the bedroom, and heading to the right as I leave, I enter the kitchen, where an average sized wooden black island with some comfy stools was in the middle of the room. A window shown outside, and a fridge, dishwasher, stove, trash compactor, and sink were aligning the area with the countertops. Over head and below cupboards went along the edges as well, containing dishes overhead, silverware and napkins in some drawers, then some 'getting you started' food in the below cupboards.

I walked out and headed down the hall, and came to a room on my left. I opened it to find the bathroom. There was a first off dressing room, where there was a washer, dryer, detergent on a shelf, then a laundry cart there too. Closer to the opposite door was a bathroom closet with shelves of wash clothes and towels. I continued through, opening the second door to find the main bathroom, where the toilet (thank goodness it was a more American toilet) and the sink set near the door on the left of the room. On the other side of the room, was a small square of floor where it was boxed around with about an inch high fencing tile squares. A bucket and a stool sat there for washing before a bath. In the center and back of the room, was a spa tub, large in size, partly. It had a roll around curtain, so that it could also be a shower for the quick mornings.

I continued down the hall until I met a door right by the front one I opened it slowly, unsure of what this could possibly be, to see it was a call closet, all set with an area for shoes, a hanging bar for jackets, and shelves on top for hats and gloves. I smiled at it and went to the bedroom where my suitcases were left and put my things away. Mrs. Namiregawa said she'd wait downstairs in the lobby while I unpacked.

I completed my settling in and walked down the stairs, money in my pocket, just in case. Mrs. Namiregawa decided that it was better to enjoy the area if we walked, so we set off down the street.

"If you need anything in lines of food or something, this is Mr. Shogun. He owns, manages and cashiers this grocery store." Mrs. Namiregawa said, gesturing and waving to a man waving to us from the window as he put up the 'Open' sign. I gave a slight bow, since we weren't properly acquainted yet.

Mrs. Namiregawa continued on, introducing me to the best bakery, a few clothing stores, shoe stores, perfume and jewelry stores, the hair salon, bar, night club, a few other stores and finally, the diner I would be working at.

She unlocked the door and led me inside, leading me to the cash register to see how that works, then how to be a waitress.

"We're closed today so that I can show you the tricks and turns of the place. We'll be open tomorrow. You can start when you're ready this week." She informed. I nodded. She brought me to the kitchen and showed me where things were, then where to go to change out of my uniform.

"The most we ask is black slacks or knee length skirts and a decent shirt. The aprons will be over it. This reminds me. I have to show you how to memorize the tables." She said, rushing off to the other side of the room for something. I looked at the aprons as she did so. They were a navy blue that tied around the back and looped over the head. There was a place on the chest for a nametag, and there were pockets to tap along your thigh for the ordering pads.

After being helped out for a while and shown what I needed to do when I needed to do it, I was assigned a locker, where my apron was being kept, along with my soon created nametag. After that, we left the diner, locking it up behind us and just walking around town.

I looked around the scenery as we walked, putting cents into our conversation and laughing. I heard a bell ding and I looked in its direction to see a boy with slated lavender hair and violet eyes. I took a second glance at him. He was quite cute, comparing to other guys I've seen. I continued looking towards the boy and he looked over at me. Our eyes locked. He smiled. I smiled. He looked slightly taken aback, and we strolled pass each other, as I gave him a kind wave of the hand.

I signed onto my laptop that night and hung out on my messenger, letting my parents and friends know I was just fine.

YukiS: Hello there

YukiS: It's Yuki, from yesterday.

AndreaK: Hi ^^

YukiS: You're in Japan, right?

AndreaK: Yes, of course. I'm actually going to be starting work tomorrow. I was introduced around the neighborhood today.

YukiS: Really? Where are you going to be working?

AndreaK: Namiregawa's diner… I'm not sure what they call it ; It's kind of sad really.

YukiS: Oh! I know where you're talking about. That's actually called Namiregawa's Diner, to be honest about it.

AndreaK: Ironic.

YukiS: Yes it is. Haha.

There was a silence for a while.

YukiS: Would I be able to stop by later? It'd be awkward to keep talking online like this.

YukiS: Matching a face with the typing helps a lot.

AndreaK: Yeah, you're right. Come on over.

YukiS: All right, I'll be over there for lunch.

AndreaK: Great! Thought I g2g now, because I have to go in early tomorrow, since it's my first day, you know? So bye! See you tomorrow!

YukiS: Bye. See you.

[YukiS has signed off]

[AndreaK has signed off]

I smiled and so it wouldn't fry overnight, I let my laptop rest on standby. I changed into some pajamas and shut off the lights in the house, leaving small night-lights in case I had to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and I wasn't blind. After that, I tucked myself into my new bed and cuddled in, calm, peaceful, tired and excited to meet this Yuki Sohma I've talked to.

Even though… in the back of my mind… the fear of him being some perverted sick man that messaged me for his sick reasons was available. I was going to meet him tomorrow. Tomorrow, at work, in public. The moment of truth.

The next morning I hit my alarm clock to keep it quiet and headed off to the shower with some clothes. I finished with my routine and made sure I was decent for work before grabbing a light jacket and locking the door behind me as I headed off out of the building. I walked off to work, walking in and making my way into the employee lounge, where I put my things in my locker and set up myself, wearing the apron and nametag.

I walked outside into the main spot and decided to talk with the manager, The Namiregawa's cousin. He was also on the older side, looking like a grumpy old man in his forties or fifties. He wore an old-fashioned polo and dark tie under the apron as he managed the cash register and prowled around the diner, making sure everything was kept in order with a smug look on his face.

I finished up with one couple when a guy came in with a slightly older man. The guy was the same one I saw the day before while walking with Mrs. Namiregawa. I watched, stopping what I was doing as he talked to the older man, who was taller and had longer, dark jet-black hair. They took a seat at a window and continued talking in a hushed tone.

"Ahem… You could go and take their order… right now." The Namiregawa said. If I remember right, his name is Hojo. Upon his hint, I straightened up embarrassed.

"Yes sir, sorry sir!" I apologized. I grabbed two menus and my order pad and walked over to the table. They looked at me expectantly. I gave them the best smile I could fix up.

"Hello, and welcome to the Namiregawa Diner. Here are your menus." I greeted. I handed them their menus. "The beverages are listed on the first page. Would you like anything to drink at the moment?"

"Ah, yes. I'll have some tea. What different kinds do you serve?" The older man said. The other boy just looked at me in awe.

"Oh, sorry. We have green, white, French vanilla, traditional Japanese, traditional Chinese and the Namiregawa home-made tea special." I replied. He nodded.

"I'll… I'll try the traditional Japanese. I haven't had it in ages." He said. I wrote it down.

"All right then, and you, sir?" I asked, turning to the boy. He starred at me. "Um… Sir?"

His companion flicked him in the ear, snapping him out of his daze. He blushed and looked at his menu, before stuttering out a "Hot chocolate…"

I smiled and jotted it down. I looked over towards the chef window then looked over to the customers.

"Okay, you may look over the menu until you're ready to order. I'll be right back with your drinks." I said, putting the pad and pen in my apron thigh pocket and walked off in the direction of the kitchen to fix the drinks.

Yuki POV

I looked at the girl as she fluently spoke Japanese to my cousin. She had light brown hair that went down to just above the middle of her back. Not all too normal. Her skin was an olive tone. Slightly Asian, although it can be Italian or Egyptian or something too. And then, there are her eyes. Her eyes weren't squinted style; they were more of an almond. The color wasn't brown or black either. Her eyes were a magnificently radiant hazel, with brown surrounding the edges and a bluish green with grey in the middle to set it off.

She seemed to be a bit new, since stutters over a few words, and she seems to look like she has no idea what to do when she had to do it. But nevertheless, this just might be the AndreaK from the Internet.

Andrea POV

I came out and gave them their drinks. They thanked me and sipped them happily.

"Are you ready to order?" I asked, smiling happily. I watched as the two looked at each other and nodded then turned to me.

"I'll have the tuna casserole. Any tuna or noodles." The man said. I jotted it down.

"I'll have… sushi." The boy said. I nodded and trotted off, not noticing the hand he put up to hold me off to chat. I put the order on the rack and went off to tend to other customers.

3rd POV

"What's up with you, Yuki? Do you know her or something?" The elder man said.

"I… I believe so. I accidentally contacted an American girl a couple days ago. We decided to meet here, since this was her new job. Everyone else here seems to look Asian. She's the only one that seems to look anything resembling American." The boy said.

"Ah, I see. I figured you might've fallen in love with the poor girl or something." The elder said.

"You just be quiet. I don't know her fairly well. I'll… I'll talk to her a bit or something." The boy said.

"Whatever you say, Yuki."

Andrea POV

I walked over and handed them their food.

"Shift's up Andrea!" Hojo called. I smiled and turned to him.

"All right, I'll finish up here." I said happily. I noticed the younger boy perk up.

"Andrea? That's a foreign name." He said. I smiled.

"Oh, of course. You see, I'm from America. I'm just here for college." I gave him a sweet, joyous smile. "So, that's probably why it's so foreign."

"America, you said?" He asked. I nodded. "You wouldn't happen to be… AndreaK online, would you?"

"Um… actually, I am." I said.

"Oh! It's me, YukiS? That's my screen name." The boy said. "I'm Yuki."

"Oh, hello!" I said, grinning. He moved over for me to sit and I gladly sat down. My shift was up anyways.

"My name is Yuki Sohma, and this is my cousin, Shigure Sohma. He's never been here, so I brought him along. That… and he wanted to see the waitresses." Yuki said. I smiled and greeted Shigure.

"You're so mean Yuki. You're in front of a beautiful lady and all you can talk about his why I wanted to come here?" Shigure whined. I laughed and Shigure grinned. "See! She thinks I'm funny."

"She's probably one of the only ones, or she just feels sorry for you." Yuki said. I smiled.

After they paid their bill and I finished up with putting my things away, I continued talking to them on the way out, chatting about anything in particular. What it's like in America, what we're going to major in and just plain old what to do in your free time type of things.

"Well, I have to be heading home guys. I'll be working there until whenever I got off today, so feel free to come on down." I said.

"I see. Where do you live?" Yuki asked. I smiled and blushed a little when he put a hand on my shoulder.

"Down the road. At the Namiregawa apartment building." I said.

We continued our departure, and then I left for my apartment. I watched some television, had some dinner and chatted with Yuki a little before calling it a night.