Chapter 4: The Unexpected News

Another sleepless night. Another sleepless night spent confused and perturbed as I replayed the events in my head. The one chance presented itself to me last night and I turned it down, was I stupid or smart? I could have accepted it, but I knew I would have regretted it nonetheless. Therefore, I was grateful; not for rejecting the opportunity of using Yaya-senpai's vulnerability, but for my unfaltering conscience. Yaya-senpai could have never viewed me like she viewed Hikari-senpai; and if she were to have told me she did, then she would have lied, and in my face too.

I may be young, but I'm not stupid, Yaya-senpai could have never developed these feelings within a short time frame. To be honest, her feelings are fake; and besides, she was only caught up in the moment. Anyway, I knew that if I allowed her to do as she pleases, then she would have used me as a rebound for the angel she couldn't have...

Standing outside Yaya-senpai's dorm room, I breathed heavily as I stood quietly contemplating on my apology. It was only a compliment and I took it as an added insult to injury. How could I be considered beautiful when I lacked the basic essentials? How could I be considered beautiful, if the last one was an angel who Yaya-senpai still was in love with? Insecurities like this, kills my self-esteem.

"Yaya-senpai," I called as I knocked on the door, waiting patiently.

No answer.

"Yaya-senpai?" I called again, and this time I started to worry. Quickly opening the door, I was rather shocked that it wasn't locked like it normally was; and as I stepped in into the dark room, I saw her. Smiling, I whispered to myself, "Baka..."

I closed the door and quietly walked towards the sleeping brunette. I looked upon her tenderly and also, too, with admiration. Eying her outlined features, I'll admit, Yaya-senpai was truly a sight for the sore eyes; and additionally, the absence of imperfection seemed like as if it never existed, not even once, while she garnered her aesthetic qualities effortlessly. I honestly couldn't agree with Yaya-senpai's conception of Hikari-senpai being the angelic figure when Hikari-senpai, with all due respect, was not even close enough to compare to Yaya-senpai's divine beauty.

If only Yaya-senpai could see what I could see, because I could never be able to say it...

"Yaya-senpai," I whispered as I gently shook her shoulder. "Yaya-senpai, wake up, you're going to be late."

Yaya-senpai yawned and lazily stretched her muscles. As she opened her eyes, she said, "You came."

"Of course I came, why wouldn't I?" I asked.

"It just didn't seem like you would after what happened yesterday," Yaya-senpai explained as she shifted up from her bed, sitting up straight.

"Yaya-senpai, sometimes you say some ridiculous things, but that doesn't mean I'll stop coming over," I said. "Besides, it was just a compliment, right?"

"Yeah, just a compliment," Yaya-senpai nodded.

"Um, Yaya-senpai," I said as looked down at my shoes.

"Hm?" Yaya-senpai responded.

"I'm sorry for how I acted last night," I said. "I should've stopped you and apologized, but I didn't."

"You had your reasons, Tsubomi-chan," Yaya-senpai said. "Anyway, I should be the one apologizing, I shouldn't have said what I said to you last night. I was out of line."

"No, you're fine Yaya-senpai, but I'm the one that acted coldly towards you," I said. "Therefore, I should be the one asking for your forgiveness."

"There's nothing to forgive," Yaya-senpai smiled.

"Thank you," I smiled, then quickly changed into a scowling look. "Now, why was the door unlocked? Do you have any idea how worried I was! I mean, what if something were to have happened to you? Did you ever think of that! Oh, but of course you wouldn't! Why would you!"

"And your back to your usual scolding," Yaya-senpai chuckled, feeling relieved to return to the usual bickering. "Oh relax Tsubomi-chan, it's not like there are any ecchi girls like you that would just walk into another girl's room uninvited."

"I'm not ecchi! Uninvited as I may be, you should still be more carefull, because what if it wasn't me that entered your room? What would you have done?" I asked. "All this worrying that I do will leave me growing white hairs because of you!"

"Hmm, since when did you start to worry about me so much, Tsu-bo-mi-chan? Yaya-senpai smirked. "It's like as if you pay attention to everything I do, and I am kind of starting to like your undivided attention, hehe. Anyway, I think growing white hairs wouldn't look so bad on you. You'll only look like, what? Strawberries and cream? Ha!"

"That's not even funny," I huffed.

"Ha, yes it is!" Yaya-senpai laughed.

"You never take anything seriously!" I said angrily. "You're always joking and teasing, and would it be too much to listen to what I'm saying to you?"

"Actually, I do take things seriously," Yaya-senpai said. "The only difference between you and me is that you're always scolding and serious, while I am trying to ease the tension with humor. Life is just too short to be scolding and arguing; and therefore, I will make the best of it by getting on your nerves, hehe."

Oh, forget it. I can't stay mad at you, baka...

"At least you're smiling, Yaya-senpai," I mumbled quietly to myself.

"What was that, Tsubomi-chan?" Yaya-senpai asked.

"I said, hurry up and change!" I said as I shoved the Spica uniform at Yaya-senpai.

"Yes ma'am!" Yaya-senpai giggled, pulling off her red shirt.

"Yaya-senpai!" I gasped. "W-What are you doing?"

"Changing, what else?" Yaya-senpai said.

"Change yourself in the bathroom!" I said as I turned around, blushing at Yaya-senpai's half naked form. "It's not appropriate to change in front of another person, Yaya-senpai. Not everyone wants to see you in all your glory."

"Oh, come on, we're only girls here," Yaya-senpai smirked. "I'm pretty sure you were just enjoying the view a few seconds ago, or why else would you be blushing like that, Tsubomi-chan?

"I was not enjoying the view!" I protested, crossing my arms over my chest. "And I am not blushing, you're just blind!"

"Heh, I'd say Tsubomi-chan should be more honest and just admit that I'm pretty good to look at," Yaya-senpai chuckled. "Sexy, smart, and irresistable."

"Wait, did you just day smart?" I asked as I turned around, about to burst into laughter. "You're joking? Haha, smart? I don't agree with that, haha!"

"You brat, I am smart, there's a difference between being lazy and smart," Yaya-senpai said, buttoning up her uniform shirt. "You'd be surprised to know how smart I am. I just don't like doing the work."

"Sure," I giggled. "I just find that terribly hard to believe, it seems more like an excuse than a legitimate reason."

"How interesting," Yaya-senpai smirked. "If you find me being smart the only thing so hard to believe, then you must agree that I am sexy and irresistable."

"I don't believe that, you're putting words in my mouth!" I protested.

"Nope, I'm just pointing things out," Yaya-senpai smiled.

"Okay well, are you done? Let's go," I said quickly, opening the door.

"You're always in a rush to leave," Yaya-senpai said. "You've got to slow down sometime, Tsubomi-chan."

"For what? Ever heard of the early bird gets the worm?" I asked, walking ahead.

"I have, but slow and steady wins the race as well," Yaya-senpai said.

"Heh, patience is only convenient to you when laziness isn't an option," I chuckled.

"Sleep is a very beautiful thing, Tsubomi-chan," Yaya-senpai said. "I rather wake up when I want than to wake up by an annoying alarm clock that I don't even have."

"You're welcome," I snickered.

"I'm sure you like the idea of always coming into my dorm room anyway, so why bother being responsible?" Yaya-senpai smirked. "I'm doing you a generous favor that most of my admirers would want to do."

"Okay, then let them do the job," I said. "It'll save me the hassel of coming after you."

"Nah," Yaya-senpai said, shaking her head. "I would rather have you do the job."

"And what if I decide not to do so anymore?" I asked. "You shouldn't assume I'll do this forever."

"You wouldn't even if you wanted to, we're stuck together," Yaya-senpai replied.

"Unfortunately," I added.

"I guess so, if that's what you think," Yaya-senpai said.

"It is," I nodded.

"Alright, then stop coming over to my dorm room in the mornings," Yaya-senpai said. "It'll save you the hassel, right?"

"Perhaps, but I won't," I said. "We're stuck together."

"Didn't I just say that?" Yaya-senpai frowned.

"Yup, but it was my turn to say it," I smiled.

"Heh, you cheeky brat," Yaya-senpai chuckled.

As we entered the dining hall, Sister Mizue called out to me, "Okuwaka-san, you just received a phone call from your otou-san. It's urgent, follow me."

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, but before I followed her, I quickly turned to face Yaya-senpai. "I'll see you when I get out Yaya-senpai, it shouldn't take long."

"No worries Tsubomi-chan," Yaya-senpai assured. "But I wouldn't stand around too long, Sister Mizue has no patience for children."

"I don't think there is a girl in Astraea Hill that doesn't know that," I said. "Alright, well, I'll see you later."

Following Sister Mizue to her office, I approached her desk and picked up the telephone, "Hello? Otou-san it's Tsubomi."

"Tsubomi, listen, I don't have much time, so I'll cut to the chase," Otou-san said. "Your Hiroki-ojisan was involved in an accident last night with a semi-trailer truck. Reiji and I barely heard the news this morning from your ojii-san."

"My oji-san, is he alright?" I said worryingly.

"My onii-san didn't make it past the doors to the hospital, Tsubomi," Otou-sama replied. "We were told he drove recklessly on the highway, driving at insane speeds for god knows what. Reiji and I were shocked by the news, we just finished our meeting with him yesterday and everything had ended so well. I am not sure what caused his reckless behavior, but perhaps more details will be shared later on today."

"Also, you will be coming home for a couple of days," Otou-san added. "I already spoke with the one in charge of Spica, so you are excused. A chauffeur will be arriving to pick you up promptly at half past twelve. Be ready."

"Yes otou-san, I'll start preparing my things," I said.

"Good, I'll see you soon, if not, then tomorrow morning," Otou-san said.

"Okay, I'll see you soon," I said.

I hanged up the telephone and thanked Sister Mizue for notifying me of the call. I walked back to the dining hall feeling dejected over the unfortunate news, but I still kept my head held high.

I cannot break, I cannot break...

I found Yaya-senpai seated with two plates of oyakodon and each with a side of miso soup. I was rather surprised that Yaya-senpai got me breakfast, but even more so when I noticed she didn't touch her food. I took a seat across from her and smiled, "I'm back, sorry for the wait."

"No it's alright, so how was the phone call with your otou-san?" Yaya-senpai asked.

"It was urgent, of course, my otou-san called to inform me of an accident my oji-san involved himself in last night," I explained. "He didn't make it."

"I'm sorry to hear about your oji-san." Yaya-senpai said as she gently reached for my hand across the table. "Well, if you need anything, I'm here."

"Thank you. Also, I'll be leaving in a couple of hours, but I'll be back Yaya-senpai," I added. "After my oji-san's funeral."

"I understand," Yaya-senpai said, letting go of my hand as she smiled weakly. "Just promise me you'll let me know when you get there."

"I will," I assured. "As soon as I arrive, I'll call you, and let's not spend any more time talking about it or else, the food will get cold before we decide to eat it."

"Um, sure," Yaya-senpai said as she picked up her fork, taking a bite out of her chicken. "Sorry Tsubomi-chan, but does that mean you won't be going to your classes then? For the morning?"

"I don't see why I should," I replied, taking a sip from my cup of green tea. "I'll be leaving half way, so there's no point. Anyway, I will need to start packing before the chauffeur arrives."

"I see," Yaya-senpai said. "Then I'll help you pack."

"Don't be ridiculous Yaya-senpai, I will not allow you to skip out of your lectures to assist me," I said. "I can do it myself, thank you."

"Fine, but wait for me before you go," Yaya-senpai said.

"Um, okay, but may I ask why?" I asked.

"Just wait for me, Tsubomi-chan," Yaya-senpai responded. "I'll head over to your dorm room once class let's out for the lunch break."

"Alright," I nodded. " I leave half past twelve, so I'll be in my room waiting before then."

"Okay," Yaya-senpai smiled.

Once I seperated from Yaya-senpai, I walked towards my room with a noticable somber look resting upon my face. Out of all the things that could have happened, why this? Unlocking my door, I stepped in and pulled out a small suitcase from underneath my bed; but as soon as I began to pack, I heard a knock on the door.

"Tsubomi-chan!" came a familiar voice. "It's Hikari."

"Oh, what a surprise Hikari-senpai, what brings you here?" I asked as I opened the door.

"I overheard Sister Mizue talking to another staff member about a student leaving for a couple days due to an accident in her family, I had to come see you as soon as I heard it was you," Hikari-senpai explained with a worried look.

"Hmm, news does get around, huh?" I said, feeling annoyed as I returned to my packing. "How wonderful."

"That doesn't matter Tsubomi-chan, what matters now is you," Hikari-senpai said, closing the door behind her. "Anyway, how has Tsubomi-chan been lately?

"Besides what just happened, I'm fine Hikari-senpai," I responded, smiling to ease any of Hikari-senpai's doubts.

"I see..." Hikari-senpai said. "Um, I saw you and Yaya-chan yesterday at the sports competitions, and I must say, I'm a bit surprised you came to watch."

"Great, another one," I sighed.

"Another one what?" Hikari-senpai asked.

"I had to explain to Yaya-senpai yesterday why I wanted to go, and now I have to explain to you what I told Yaya-senpai," I replied.

"Don't, I already know more or less why you did so, and that's sweet Tsubomi-chan; and besides, you're not the only one, I went to support Amane even though I wasn't too interested in anything else but her performance," Hikari-senpai giggled.

"You stopped using senpai," I smiled. "You advanced pretty well, Hikari-senpai."

"Thanks, Tsubomi-chan," Hikari-senpai blushed. "I am happy just to call her Amane, and we have been doing well... How have you and Yaya-chan been?"

"Yaya-senpai is well," I smiled. "My progress is slow, but it's heading in the right direction."

"I can tell," Hikari-senpai smiled. "I've watched how she was with you yesterday, and I haven't seen her like that in a while. You might not notice it, but Yaya-chan is slowly, but surely, feeling better; and I thank you for that, I can tell she was having fun thanks to you."

"No problem, it was my pleasure Hikari-senpai, but her teasing is terrible by the way, so how did you manage?" I asked.

"I didn't," Hikari-senpai giggled. "Yaya-chan's teasing doesn't come with an instruction manual, Tsubomi-chan. I guess you'll learn as you go?"

"That's nice," I said sarcastically. "Well, I guess I'll learn to cope, huh? Since I don't exactly have an option not to, haha..."

"Tsubomi-chan, how have you been, honestly?" Hikari-senpai asked.

"I told you, I'm fine," I replied a smile.

"Hmm, you're lying," Hikari-senpai said.

"What makes you say that?" I asked, feeling confused.

"Because I can see it on your face," Hikari-senpai pointed out.

"What appears on my face shouldn't be taken literally," I said in defense.

"Listen, I'm not only looking out for my best friend, but I also have been looking out for you as well," Hikari-senpai said. "I noticed, from several feet away, when the two of you were watching the fireworks, that you wore a sad smile on your face as your back faced Yaya-chan. It was obvious, not even the lighting from the blazed fireworks was able to hide that."

"Did Yaya-chan tell you something?" Hikari-senpai continued.

"...She compared me to the display of fireworks," I replied softly.

"Um, what?" Hikari-said, feeling confused.

"She compared me to the display of fireworks," I repeated. "I told her that the fireworks were beautiful, and she told me she never noticed it before until that moment."

"How odd, Yaya-chan has seen all kinds of firework displays before," Hikari-senpai said.

"She wasn't talking about the fireworks Hikari-senpai, she was talking about me," I said. "She told me this when we arrived back at my dorm room, and I kind of acted coldly towards her because I refused to accept it. I mean, how could I? She was only caught up in the moment, and since I was with her she probably said that blindly or something, I don't know."

"Yaya-chan isn't good with words when it comes down to expressing her feelings, perhaps she didn't mean to say it in such a way for you to feel like you did," Hikari-senpai explained. "Also, I know Yaya-chan wouldn't lie to you, and she most likely meant it. When I said that I saw her acting differently at the sports competitions, I meant the way she acted towards you and the way she would look at you when you're not looking. It may be nothing grand, but it's something, and whatever it is, it's working. Perhaps your feelings might be requited one day."

"Heh, I doubt it," I chuckled in disbelief. "How can she honestly look at me in the eye and tell me that I'm beautiful if she's still in love with you, the angel in her life. Ha, I'm going to end up being a rebound, if I let her get to me, don't you see that? I'm sorry, but I don't believe it, and I won't believe it. Explain to me all you want, but it's not reasonable to go from letting go the love of your life one minute and then acknowledging the other person the next. Besides, you know that my only goal is to help Yaya-senpai fix herself, and that's all I could ever ask for."

"I'm sorry..." Hikari-senpai said softly.

"There's nothing to be sorry about, I decided to do this, so whatever happens is my fault," I said. "I had accepted my fate to be her unconditional supporting kouhai from here on regardless of my feelings, and it will stay that way."

"Don't use the word fate as if it's set as stone, because it can, too, change for you," Hikari-senpai said. "Now, what if your feelings don't stay the same, Tsubomi-chan? People can change."

"Do you doubt me?" I asked. "I've held back longer than you think, and this isn't new to me, I'm used to it. If I say I am going to do something, then I'll do it, and I'll carry it out till the end of it."

"It saddens me to hear you talk that way, it almost seems like as if you're forcing yourself," Hikari-senpai said softly. "I want Yaya-chan to be happy, but I want you to be happy as well."

"I will, if she is," I smiled then looked at the clock on my desk. "Um, Hikari-senpai, shouldn't you be somewhere?"

"...The student council meeting!" Hikari-senpai gasped. "It was scheduled for this morning! Oh dear, Shion-kaichou will not be happy with me."

"Don't worry about it," I giggled. "Shizuma-sama hardly ever attended her meetings, so I'm sure you being late won't be that bad."

"Shion-kaichou is not Miyuki-kaichou, so I must go," Hikari-senpai said as she walked to the door.

"Good luck surviving!" I shouted as Hikari-senpai rushed down the hall.

"Don't say that, it'll bring me bad luck!" Hikari-senpai shouted back as she rushed down the stairs.

"Heh, it's already bad enough you're late," I chuckled to my self, closing the door behind me.

I laid on my bed as I waited for the noon to arrive, the time was passing by slowly and I couldn't wait any longer for it to end. I decided to gather up my things and walk out towards the front gates early, but before I left my dorm room, I was kind enough to leave Yaya-senpai a note telling her where to find me. I knew Yaya-senpai wouldn't be too content to find me where we didn't agreed to meet; however, at the very least, she should be glad I haven't left yet. As I sat on a nearby bench calmly looking at the sky above me, I heard Yaya-senpai call out to me, "Tsubomi-chan!"

"Hm?" I looked back.

"I thought you left me!" Yaya-senpai said angrily, walking up towards me.

"I left you a note, didn't I?" I said.

"Sure, after I rushed all the way into your room to find myself standing in the middle of an empty dark room," Yaya-senpai said, crossing her arms over her front.

"Well I'm here, okay?" I said, scooting aside to make room for Yaya-senpai to sit. "And why did you want me to wait for you anyway? I could have been running late, you know?"

"It's not even time yet, and I didn't even ask that much from you," Yaya-senpai said, feeling annoyed.

"No, but if only you had told me earlier, then perhaps I would have done so!" I said angrily.

"All I wanted was to spend some time with you before you left, was that too much to ask for!" Yaya-senpai snapped.

"W-What!" I stuttered, blushing heavily.

"You heard me," Yaya-senpai blushed, looking away.

"...You baka," I laughed, shaking my head in disbelief. "You could've told me that."

"As if you would've listened," Yaya-senpai said.

"I would have," I smiled, playfully bumping my shoulder with Yaya-senpai's shoulder.

"You brat," Yaya-senpai smiled back, playfully returning the shoulder bump. "So, how much longer till the chauffeur arrives?"

"In a couple of minutes," I replied.

"Okay," Yaya-senpai said. "And you will let me know when you get there, right?"

"Of course," I nodded.

"Good," Yaya-senpai smiled. "Or I'll start spamming your phone until you answer me."

"That isn't necessary, Yaya-senpai," I assured, wanting to prevent the ongoing spamming messages in my inbox.

"But it's so you won't miss me, Tsu-bo-mi-chan," Yaya-senpai smirked, wrapping her arms around my waist.

"Heh, and you call me an example of tough love," I chuckled.

"That's because you are," Yaya-senpai cooed. "And I don't know anyone else that would be able to deal with you like I do."

"Yaya-senpai, my ride is here," I said, looking at a large black sedan turning into the driveway.

"Oh, okay," Yaya-senpai said as she released me.

"Well, thank you for waiting with me, I appreciate it," I said.

"No problem Tsubomi-chan, I hope you arrive safely," Yaya-senpai said, giving me a light squeezing hug.

"I will, thank you," I smiled.

The two-hour drive towards the mansion went by quickly, but I'll admit, it was only because I slept through almost the entire way there. Luckily, I woke up right on time as the chauffeur took a turn on the silver stoned driveway, leading towards the iron front gate.

The mansion was a two-story home bought by my okaa-san on a hundred-acre piece of land surrounded with coral bark maples and red pine trees. The exterior was made up of pearl grey colored stones and with two separate rows of squared windows lined up around the mansion. The light oak double door main entrance held a silver round handle on each door, and was placed in between two black porch lanterns. A portico with two beige columns standing eight-feet apart and with a tympanum on top, protected the main entrance. On the back of the mansion was a rectangular sized patio created out of concrete tiles, supporting a seven-piece seating set with slate grey colored cushions, and a wave gas fire pit placed in the middle. Lastly, the dark blue concrete tile rooftop, in my opinion, was the cherry on top, the main attention winner, covering over the mansion.

I thanked the chauffeur as I stepped out of the sedan, carrying the small suitcase with me. I was greeted by the butler at the door and as well as the rest of the household servants behind him. Handing over the suitcase to one of the maids, the butler then lead me to the waxen yellow double heighted living room where my okaa-san was already seated on one of the wine red sofas. Smiling, I said, "Okaa-san, I'm home.

"Tsubomi, it has been awhile hasn't it? Come and join me," Okaa-san smiled, stacking her work papers off to the side of the coffee table. My okaa-san was a 162.56cm (5 foot 4) with a curvaceous figure and had long straight pink hair always styled in a perfect cascading carousel braid over her left shoulder. Her eyes were aquamarine blue and her skin was a smooth porcelain. Okaa-san always wore a black elegant business suit, a solitaire diamond pendant necklace, and a pair of black high heels. She was a hardworker and an independant woman, always striving to succeed; and although she may seem rather cold at first impressions, at heart, she was loving and charismatic. "How have you been during your stay at Astraea Hill?"

"I have been well, okaa-san," I replied. "How about you?"

"Decent," Okaa-san replied back.

"And obaa-san?" I continued.

"Well as an Iron Lady," Okaa-sama said.

"I suppose things have been going well for you then?" I said.

"To some degree," Okaa-san said. "As long as your obaa-san rules as C.E.O and as the head of our kazoku, her word is above ours."

"Of course," I nodded.

"Anyway, your obaa-san found a new opportunity to expand the *Yamashina Inc.," Okaa-san said. "It seems promising and the paperwork is currently being worked on."

"That's wonderfull!" I smiled.

"Tsubomi, you only heard the good side of it," Okaa-san said, lowering her voice.

"What's the bad news?" I asked confused.

"The reason behind your obaa-san's new found opportunity, and the reason why I will be relocating to Ontario, Canada," Okaa-san replied.

"What! Why?" I said.

"Because that is where the opportunity is, Tsubomi," Okaa-san said. "The task was given to me to oversee while the new branch starts. Also, it could be worse, more than the unfairness to this entire plan towards your otou-san thanks to my okaa-san."

"It was brought to your obaa-san's attention that your otou-san will be needing to travel to Ontario soon with your itoko-san after the funeral," Okaa-san continued. "To train him as your Hiroki-ojisan's new successor for his side of the go kazoku's business branch. Therefore, I will go with him and your obaa-san will take care of you. While the training for your itoko-san commences, the new branch for the Yamashina Inc. will start as I supervise until we can find a suitable superviser within our side of the kazoku that can take over."

"That's unfair! Using my otou-san's reason to move as an opportunity, and then leaving me here with obaa-san!" I said angrily.

"Not something I would want to do, but I must nonetheless," Okaa-san said. "Your obaa-san decided this; and besides, she adores you. Anyway, your otou-san knows of this as well and is currently with your Reiji-ojisan at his place."

"I guess we shouldn't expect him coming home today then," I said.

"I'm afraid not," Okaa-san said.

"...Okaa-san," I said.

"Yes?" Okaa-san responded.

"Take me with you, wherever you go, I want to be with you," I pleaded. "Please don't leave me here."

"If you come with me, then you'll be leaving..."

"I don't care," I interrupted. "You'll be leaving a lot of things as well, and I want to be with both of my ryoushin. Please don't make me stay, not with obaa-san."

"Fine, but once you leave Japan, who knows when you will be coming back," Okaa-san said. "Your otou-san will be busy as ever and so will I, I would think this through, if I were you Tsubomi."

"Thank you, Okaa-san," I said. "I will."

"Anyway, if you truly want to go, I think it would be best to wait a couple of days until the third semester ends and the spring vacation starts, no?" Okaa-san said. "Then take another week to fully prepare yourself before we should expect you in Ontario."

"End the third semester strong, and enjoy whatever is left, I understand," I smiled.

"Good, the school system in Ontario is different than the one here in Kyoto, but I'm sure you'll adapt well," Okaa-san smiled.

"I will, okaa-san" I smiled.

"Alright, then that settles it. We will start making the appropriate arrangments and start looking for our new temporary possibly permanent home," Okaa-san said. "I will also let my okaa-san know that you will be coming with us, but on a later time. I know she will be displeased once she hears this, you are her favorite mago-san after all, but I'm sure she'll allow it."

"I wish I wasn't her favorite," I sighed. "Then perhaps she'll go easier on me."

"She is more strict with you because she wants you to be the best, she see's potential in you, more than the others," Okaa-san explained.

"Still not fair to my itokos that try to win obaa-san's approval," I said. "Favoritism causes envy."

"Pardon the disturbance, but Tsubaki-sama there is a phone call for you from Yuuma-sama," The butler said, standing near the entrance.

"Thank you, I'll be right there," Okaa-san replied, getting up from the sofa and picking up the stack of papers she put off to the side. "Tsubomi, I'll see you later for dinner."

"Okay, I'll see you later," I said as I stood up, walking towards my bedroom.

Once I arrived, I fell back on the queen sized matress with my arms spread open. Before I could begin to relax, I felt my cellphone vibrating in the pocket of my uniform. Pulling out my cell, I received a text message.

Yaya-senpai: Hey, you're still alive right?

Ah! I forgot to let Yaya-senpai know that I arrived!

Quickly I responded:

Tsubomi: I'm sorry Yaya-senpai. I was talking to my okaa-san and I must have lost track of time. I was hardly able to see her during our summer vacations last year.

Yaya-senpai: No it's alright Tsubomi-chan, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

Tsubomi: I am, thank you. Anyway, how's things back at Astraea?

Yaya-senpai: Interesting, have you ever seen Nagisa-chan try to make some goods?

Tsubomi: No, but I have seen her eat an entire plate of goods before, Ha.

Yaya-senpai: So have I, haha. Nagisa-chan wanted to bake some cookies for Shizuma-sama since she only has a couple of days left with her beloved. Tamao-chan and I were surprised as we saw Nagisa-chan begin to make the cookies, she surely is a bundle of surprises.

Tsubomi: What happened?

Yaya-senpai: Imagine this Tsubomi-chan, Nagisa-chan knocking over a pile of dishes as she was spinning around because she was excited over the the whole idea, spilling the flour all over the table from opening the bag at the wrong end and by force, and burning all the cookies because she was distracted from her thoughts of Shizuma-sama graduating.

Tsubomi: ...I would have just volunteered to make them. How did Shizuma-sama get to eat the cookies if all of them were burnt?

Yaya-senpai: Tamao-chan and I redid the batch of cookies for Nagisa-chan haha. We first helped Nagisa-chan clean the mess and then we made her sit while we prepared the cookies. Heh, we made a lot by the way, so I saved you some when you get back. :)

Tsubomi: Thank you :)

Yaya-senpai: You'll love them by the way, we made more than just chocolate chip. We also made snickerdoodles, maple glazed apple crisps, and almond crunch cookies.

Tsubomi: Um, where did you guys get all the ingredients, Yaya-senpai?

Yaya-senpai: We have connections.

Tsubomi: Chikaru-sama.

Yaya-senpai: Maybe... Anyway, how thing's at home? How are you?

Tsubomi: It was Chikaru-sama! And we're okay kind of, but we're managing.

Yaya-senpai: That's good to hear, Tsubomi-chan. I was worried about you, you know?

"Tsubomi," Okaa-san called, standing by the entrance of my room. "It's time for dinner."

"Yes okaa-san, I'm coming," I said, quickly typing up the text message.

Tsubomi: I'm fine, don't worry about me, everything will be alright Yaya-senpai.

Maybe...


Author note: Definately unexpected. I could have added this to the title in parenthesis (12 days left), but that would have given it away. Tsubomi has 12 days to be with Yaya, will she tell her in time or will Yaya find out on her own? Till the next time, have a wonderful day Reviews/comments are welcomed.

*Yamashina is Tsubomi's mother's last name. The business, of course, is in Tsubomi's mother's side of the family. Tsubomi's last name is okuwaka because of her father, again, of course, the marriage was for business purposes. Therefore, when Tsubomi becomes of age, she will use the Yamashina last name for business.