Chapter 3

September 11th 2013

MORNING

I was so exhausted due to the excitement of last night I must have fallen asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I wake up with my cellphone in my hand, confused I lift it up and check what's on the screen. There it is, my welcome home, "Welcome home beautiful". I knew exactly who is was from, it wouldn't take a genius to figure that out.

I thought I had dreamt it, but waking up and seeing it was like reality's way of slapping me in the face. I didn't know what to do, should I reply? Or should I ignore it? How could he think that sending me a text message would make up for not being there last night.

I decided to leave it for now, I get dressed and head downstairs. Everyone is in the lounge, watching TV and eating breakfast.

Fuuka catches me as I enter the room, "Minako-san, I made breakfast! Please grab a plate!" she says enthusiastically.

"Oh thanks Fuuka.." I gulp. I flashback to all those days I spent with Fuuka cooking after school, they weren't exactly Michelin Star dishes she was cooking.

I pick up a plate and Fuuka slops a large piece of omelette down. I stare at it for a moment and when I look back up Fuuka is staring eagerly. I pick up a fork and cut a piece of the omelette off and slowly place it into my mouth, surprisingly it tastes amazing.

"Wow Fuuka... this is delicious!" I compliment her and watch as her face lights up.

"It's actually thanks to you Minako-san... you helped me improve so much back in high school!" She smiles.

I shoved more omelette into my mouth until my plate was empty, Fuuka takes the plate from my hands and orders me to sit down with the others whilst she cleans up. The others are sitting around the TV, their eyes glued to the screen.

"What are you all watching?" I ask curiously.

Ken looks up at me, "Shinjiro-senpai's restaurant is on TV! It's amazing, watch!"

I take an empty seat next to Junpei and Koromaru immediately jumps on my lap. I run my hands through his pale fur, scratching behind his ears, listening to him yawn. On the television is an entertainment news report, the young news reporter is standing in front of a busy intersection that looks like Shibuya crossing, she holds the microphone and speaks into it;

"Good morning Japan, It's Risa Nakatani here. I'm currently standing in front of the famous Shibuya intersection in Tokyo and I'm here today to take you to THE most popular place in Tokyo, so follow me!"

The reporter guides the camera across the station and into a busy side street, she begins to get closer to a long cue of people and when she reaches the front of the line she stops.

"This ladies and gentlemen is the restaurant 'Tartarus' and it is one of the only restaurants in Tokyo that has had reservations booked out for a year within only 2 months of it's opening. The food is amazing, the décor fabulous and the location is perfect but the best part of this place is it's Chef and entrepreneur owner, Shinjiro Aragaki. And today we here to meet the man behind the magic."

She cuts the cue, with much dismay of the impatient looking customers, and enters through traditional Japanese sliding doors. She zig-zags through clustered tables and chairs filled with people and makes her way into the kitchen.

"Mr Aragaki?"

And there he is, I've finally seen him and I instantly remember why I was attracted to him so much. His hair is tied into a low pony tail, tucked into a white chef's hat. In the past I had only seen Shinjiro in casual clothing but damn he looked great in a uniform. He turns to look at the camera and I feel as if he is staring right at me. My heart is pounding.

"Mr Aragaki, it's a pleasure to meet you!" she says a little too enthusiastically,

"You're only 21 this year, how have you managed to achieve so much in such a short amount of time?"

Shinjiro maintains the stern look on his face, "Years of practice and dedication."

"And to what do you owe your success?"

"Well, I have had a lot of influential people in my life. They have motivated me a lot."

"I see! You're currently considered one of the most eligible bachelors in Japan, women all over the country are swooning over you and they would all love to know, is there a lucky woman in your life?"

He smirks and looks directly into the camera, "Yeah you could say something like that.."

The reporter looks flustered, "Oh my! I bet there are a lot of hearts breaking all over the country today! Just one last question.. What are you plans now?"

"I've spent a lot time on my work, I'm planning to go back to my hometown and take some time to catch up with someone,"

"Well they are sure lucky to be able to spend some quality time with you!", she turns back to face the camera, "Well there you have it viewers, a little snippet into the busy life of Shinjiro Aragaki, a man who is changing Japan one dish at a time. That's all for now, this is Risa Nakatani with you, see you next time!"

She winks into the camera and the screen fades into an advertisement. The room is filled with excitement and everyone around me are raving about Shinjiro's television appearance but I just cant help but feel disappointed.

"Guys, I'm going out to get some fresh air, I'll see you all later." I announce as I stand up and head for the front door.

Yukari stands up too, "Do you want some company?"

"No I'm fine, I just want to be alone for a bit".

I step outside and sigh in relief. I don't think I could sit in there with everyone and pretend to be proud of some one who is driving me crazy. I begin walking down the street and head for Paulownia Mall, Chagall Cafe was somewhere I always used to go to unwind. When I hit the entrance way to the mall I head straight for the cafe, I push the door and take the seat next to the window.

The waitress approaches me, "What can I get for you today?"

"Oh, just a pot of green tea please,"

"No worries, I'll get that for you straight away!" she walks off behind the counter to prepare.

Just as I start to unwind I hear a vibration in my bag. I pull my phone out.


From: Unknown Number

Received: September 11 9:34 am

Subject: Ouch

To: Minako Arisato

No reply? Ouch, you've cut me deep baby.


My initial thought is to delete the message straight away. But I my love for him overpowers me and I reply.

From: Minako Arisato

Received: September 11 9:36 am

Subject: Ouch

To: Unknown Number

Sorry, I was too busy watching some pompous chef on TV


It takes less than a minute for him to message back.

From: Unknown Number

Received: September 11 9:37 am

Subject: Well, Well

To: Minako Arisato

Well, I thought he was rather charming. Apparently women all over Japan are swooning over him.


From: Minako Arisato

Received: September 11 9:39 am

Subject: Blank

To: Unknown Number

Yeah, probably just the old ladies and thirteen year olds.


From: Unknown Number

Received: September 11 9:40 am

Subject: touche

To: Minako Arisato

Haha, you've got the claws out today.


From: Minako Arisato

Received: September 11 9:42 am

Subject: Blank

To: Unknown Number

Well I would have had them out yesterday but you weren't there.


From: Unknown Number

Received: September 11 9:44 am

Subject: blank

To: Minako Arisato

Oh I'm so sorry baby, I couldn't get out of town on time. I wish I could have been there to see your beautiful face.


From: Minako Arisato

Received: September 11 9:46 am

Subject: Blank

To: Unknown Number

Don't try and butter me up now, it's a bit late.


From: Unknown Number

Received: September 11 9:48 am

Subject: blank

To: Minako Arisato

I promise you I'm coming to see you soon.


From: Minako Arisato

Received: September 11 9:51 am

Subject: Blank

To: Unknown Number

How soon is soon?

I feel a hand on my shoulder and a voice whispers in my ear "Now."