a/n: Hello everyone! First I really apologized for taking so long to update, I'm really really sorry! My inspiration on writing was gone for awhile but I'm still getting a hold of it right now. I still have my obligations to continue and finish this one, for the past few months all I did was read and read stories to get a better idea :) Please read and review, happy reading^^

When we got back to Misaki's house, we started to prepare the ingredients we need for our curry. She watches me first on preparing the potatoes and carrots. As we wait for the meat to get tender, I teach her how to prepare the rice. I let her handle the next procedure on cooking the curry and give her some tips that I learned on my own. I had noticed that she carefully noted all of my instructions and seems like enjoying our cooking lessons. Somehow I was having an idea on my mind behind her being silent earlier…

"Ne, Sakakibara-kun, don't you think this one's already cooked?"

"Huh? Ah… just a little bit more," I ignored those thoughts for awhile and continued on preparing our late lunch.

''Ok, lets eat! Itadakimasu!" I said cheerfully and take a spoonful of rice with curry.

"H-how does it taste?" She asks hesitantly without taking her food first.

"hmm? Ish good!" I blurted out even with my mouth full and still chewing the food. She let out a small chuckle and I felt relieved inside that she's smiling again. I smiled back at her as we continue to eat our lunch.

Misaki insisted to do the cleaning on dishes alone and let me rest for awhile. I was sitting in the couch feeling tired but happy. I still sensed the emptiness of this house just like before; though she had told me that her relationship with her Mother is only casual and that's the normal thing for both of them. I didn't dare to make a comment on that, I'd never experience to have a Mother and I don't know how it feels to have a misunderstanding just like on her case. Sure, my Father and I have some misunderstandings too but we immediately admit our wrongs and forgive each other. What I really mean is, for me, as long as our family and friends are still with us we have to cherished and appreciate each day on being with them. I suddenly got out of my thoughts we I noticed Misaki came with two cups of tea.

"Oh, thanks!" I said as she served the tea and sit across to me.

"Saka-" She hesitantly said and stops. I looked at her in the middle of sipping my tea.

"Hmm? What is it?" I said with curios tone.

"I… I just want to say thank you… thank you for this day. I-"

"Aaah! No! Its ok, you don't have to thank me. Actually I wasn't thinking at all when I told you that I'm going to teach you on cooking. I hope I didn't offend you for that." I said in panic as I explain my self first. She stared at me with a stunned look and after a moment we both laugh on my sudden reaction.

"Thank you Sakaki-"

"Kouchi. Just call me Kouichi instead ok!" I said to her with a smile.

"Then you should call me Mei too instead."

I chuckled. "Yeah,"

It felt like we just met today because this is the first time we address each other by first names. I'm thankful that I decided to go back here and I believe this will never be our last meeting.

I got home by 7 o'clock in the evening; I went straight to the kitchen where I know my grand parents and my Father were having dinner already.

"Good evening Oba-chan, Ojou-chan, Tousan…" I greeted as I enter the Kitchen

"Oh! Kouichi-kun you're here! How's your day?"

I was drinking some water when my Father asked suddenly; I look at him with a questionable look on my eyes. We were just staring at each other for a half a minute.

"Huh?" I think I don't understand his question and I saw his eyebrow twitch.

"Don't 'huh?' me ok! I saw you earlier with a girl! Both of you were on your way to the supermarket."

"Eh?... Uhm, yeah. She-"

"Hey! Don't hide it from us Kouichi-kun, is that your secret girlfriend? Where did you go after that?"

I felt my blood rush on my face suddenly, what a pervert Oyaji!

"No! – It's not what you think ok!? She's my classmate from grade school and she's not my girl friend. Geez!" I said with hint of irritation. My grand parents was just listening but I saw them smiling as my Father continue teasing me.

"Really?" My Father retorted.

"We only just met the other day since we graduated from grade school. I'm going to my room now. I need to prepare my things before going back to Tokyo this Sunday. " I said heading out on the kitchen.

"EH? You're not going to eat dinner?" He asked again.

"Nope, I'm not hungry yet." I said back.

"Just what I thought! hahaha Go on a date with her before you went back to Tokyo or you'll gonna missed her! "

I stop on my tracks on the hallway face palm as I heard what he said and I know my face is already red.

"That Oyaji…"

I woke up early to arrange the documents I needed for my next semester in college, I also finished packing my other clothes last night so what's left only are this stuffs. Two days had passed since my last conversation with Mei due to I had to study in advance on my difficult subjects. But in the end I can't concentrate, I wasn't able to contact her 'coz I even forgot to get her number (stupid me!). I'm not sure if she had one, I remember she doesn't like those things.

"Sigh." I look outside, the rain was still pouring since last night. I wonder how she is right now. Two more days left before I go back to Tokyo and I won't be able to see her till summer vacation. Maybe I could suggest to her to study in the city instead.

"But what if…"

"I studied in abroad for one & half year and come back here." I stopped when I remember what she said about her studies.

"Why did she come back anyway?" The same question Teshigawara had asked.

"For some reasons I decided to go back home"

"Is Kirika-san was here?"

"She… She's not here…"

"Misaki-san was till the same huh?"

Then suddenly it hit me like a bullet, with all of our little conversation, her being silent and the way she react on some questions. I hurriedly finished packing my things and got out on my room.

"Oba-chan, I'm going outside for awhile!" I said as I get my jacket & umbrella and went ahead outside.

"Why she didn't tell me…"

I was running on the place I know that could give me some answers. Good thing the rain had seized on falling and the sky is getting clear again. I was panting hard and try to catch up my breath when I arrived on the cemetery. I passed both Mom and Aunt Reiko's grave, somehow I believe I could find it but still… still hoping that I'm just making a mistake and over thinking things again. Then I saw her from the far corner of the place, standing beside the tree and clutching her umbrella. I guess my presence was still unnoticed to her and even I'm two feet away from her I can clearly see the sadness on her eyes.

"Mei…" I said softly but enough to be heard by her. She snapped out of her reverie and quickly looks towards my direction.

"Kouichi…"

-lancedark