I came on set early today. I greeted the staff and made my way to the breakfast table. There were steamed gyoza, grilled salmon, salad, and the list goes on. The problem was I couldn't choose what to put on my plate. At the end of the buffet I saw a familiar card and a familiar handwriting, it was Honoka's. It's her baked cookies. She always brought some on set. The tray was already half empty and the other cast weren't even here yet. I took one and snuck another in my pocket, each cookie was nestled in a plastic with a pink thread to seal it. I admired her effort. Unlike Kotoko, Honoka's actually pretty good with food. I opened the dainty packet and gabled up the treat, I wasn't a fan of sweets but this was an exception. This was Honoka, I couldn't care less. I was beginning to wonder if she was already here, sometimes she would give her cookies to the staff the day prior.

I thought of texting her.

Last night I talked to her on the phone. I called to ask if she wanted to have coffee at Starbucks since it's our favorite pastime to go there together before or after the shoot. But in all honesty, I just wanted to see her since our shoot yesterday finished early in the afternoon and she went straight home.

I can feel she was tired from the way she spoke through the phone, she told me she still had schoolwork to catch up and finish. "Do you want me to tutor you, Kotoko?" I offered teasingly, wanting to ease off her tension. She laughed and I knew it was genuine. We talked a bit after that and I bid goodbye so she could focus. I don't know how she juggles school, career, and personal life but I give her credit for that. She was only 17 after all.

I was pulled off my thoughts when I heard the crew cheerfully greeting Honoka. She's here! She was across where I was, I studied her face. It didn't look like she was going through so much lately. She really was something.

Our eyes met and her eyes instantly brightened up like the trace of sunlight over her skin from where she was standing. I waved at her and she ran her way to me. "Hi Irie-kun! I mean... Furupon," she smiled teasingly. I couldn't help but give a small laugh, her energy was contagious. I patted her head. "Good morning, Kotoko." With that she twirled, years of practicing ballet happening right in front of me. The trees seemed to be taking on her lead. She did this while chanting good morning. "Look at my dress, Furupon. It's my costume for Kotoko's imagination!" she giggled. She looked amazing. She landed on her feet, finally done with her spin. This was going to be another good day, I thought to myself.

Note: I hope you like this update! Honoka mentioned Kotoko's imagination for their shoot that day referring to Kotoko's imagination for her anticipated getaway with Naoki in the beginning of episode 7 in season 2.

By the way, "Furupon" is what Honoka actually calls Yuki in real life whereas Yuki would address her as Kotoko. ^^