AN: AHHHHHH I'M BACKKK! I've been so busy for these past few months, but my goal is to finish this by the end of 2017! I FINALLY have everything all planned out. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Kimi no Na Wa does not belong to me. If it did, I'd be inventing healthy, delicious, and calorie-free cakes! (I wish)
oOoOoOo
Mitsuha slowly opened her eyes, staring blankly up at the grayish ceiling. Silvery dawn light glowed behind her curtains, but she turned away to bury her face against her pillow. It's been six months.
Her apartment was silent, her father most likely still sleeping. But, even after pulling her covers over her head, the sounds of the city could still be heard in the distance. The rumble of trains, car alarms, beeps, and the general murmur of the millions of voices in Tokyo was at once both a comfort and a source of despair.
"I miss you, Mama," she whispered. Oh, Itomori…
She rolled over to face the rest of her room. Pale gold wallpaper glimmered dimly behind her shelves, the rows still partially empty. Across her bed, a few boxes lay unopened on the smooth carpeted floor, and three more were stacked haphazardly next to her desk. Sitting up, she let her hair fall around her face. It's going to be okay.
It took her less than fifteen minutes to brush her teeth, change into a loose sweater and leggings, and shuffle to the kitchen. Soft blue shadows curled in the corner, away from the few specks of illuminated dust floated lazily through the air. It was then that she realized that she wasn't the only one awake. Her father sat at the table, completely still as he stared at his coffee. A half-folded newspaper lay to the side.
She silently padded to the cabinet and grabbed a piece of toast. Sliding in across from him, she bit into it quietly, grimacing at the dry, flaky taste. After a few moments, her father shifted in his seat.
"What are you going to do today?" he asked, face neutral. Her hand slipped on her toast at his uncharacteristically non-violent question.
"Well…" she fumbled for words. "I was going to go to the library today to finish some homework."
"I see. Are your grades up to standard?"
"They're all at least As."
"Hmph. See that they go up," he warned. "I spent all this time and effort trying to get you into a good school and that's what you have to show for it? Have you done anything important?"
"I joined the cheerleading club." She knew it was a mistake the moment the words tumbled out of her mouth.
"So nothing, then. Why don't you commit yourself to anything important, for once? God only knows what you do during your time." Mitsuha flinched. He set down his cup, the glass rattling harshly against the plate.
"We're going to join a competition," she tried to argue.
"Useless, cheerleading." he scoffed, completely ignoring her. "It's just like you to run away from your problems. Repulsive."
"Excuse you!" she flared, unable to take it any longer.
"Don't test me," her father snarled. "Not today."
"You're not the only one who's has a problem! It's not like I'm the one who abandoned his wife and children, then married his career when his wife died!"
There was a moment of dead silence.
"Get. Out." She hurriedly swiped her hand across her eyes before leaping to her feet, dumping her plate in the sink. "GET OUT!" her father roared. "HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT?" He slammed his hand on the table, and with a tinkling crash, the glass cup shattered. Dark brown liquid spilled across the smooth wooden surface.
Mitsuha ran for her room, blindly grabbing her bag and coat and nearly running into a sleepy, bewildered Yotsuha on her mad dash to the door. The last thing she saw before slamming it shut was her father slowly picking up the drenched, illegible newspaper as it wilted in his hands.
oOoOoOo
Taki rubbed his temples in annoyance. He continued to his stare-down with the blank sheet of paper, which was shining up at him in smug expectation, courtesy of the also smugly shining lamp above his head.
"Why won't you go away?" he muttered in exasperation, finally giving up. Picking up a pencil, he began, for the hundredth time, sketching the lakeside village that seemed to be imprinted in his mind. He was working on the spiraling lattice curls of the church tower when his classmate flung herself in the chair across from him.
"Miyamizu?" he said in surprise. She froze from unbuttoning her coat before continuing even more slowly than before.
"Fancy meeting you here, Tachibana," she murmured, without any of her usual spark. He began to feel a little uneasy. Why isn't she looking up?
"Well, this is a pretty secluded alcove," he gestured around the space, tucked into the corner of the wall and hidden by several bookshelves. "How did you find this place?"
"I needed a book," was her muffled reply as she crouched to sort through her bag. "And then I saw th-this table." He heard her take a deep breath, then her head popped up from beneath the table.
Taki barely stopped himself from letting out a low curse at her strained expression. The smile on her face was clearly forced, and the corners of her eyes were slightly red. That, and the slight tremble of her hands as she set her books on the table, brushing her bangs across her face, showed her true state.
"Anyways," her voice jolted him out of his thoughts. "I still have to finish that essay stupid Yamamoto assigned and then there's that packet for math." A folder slipped out of her hand, and Taki effortlessly caught it before it hit the ground.
"Oh, sorry!" she looked horrified, miserably reaching for it. "I didn't mean to drop it."
"It's fine." He noticed the thinness of the folder. "Hey," he cleared his throat. "I'm kinda hungry. Wanna go eat something?"
She stared at him for a few good moments before letting out a small, incredulous smile. "It's ten."
He shrugged, handing back the folder as he inwardly exulted over his triumph. "I didn't have much of a breakfast."
"Same," her smile faded a little at some distant, or recent, memory, and she seemed to shake it off as she glanced expectantly at him. "So, where are we going?"
oOoOoOo
"Wow," Mitsuha gasped in awe. The two had stopped in front of a beautiful, glass and wood framed building that stood on a relatively busy street. Glistening, small chandeliers shone brightly, but the velvety cushioned chairs and varnished tables gave it a cozily elegant feeling. Arrays of creamy puffs, cupcakes, and exquisite cakes lined one side of the large cafe, with people of all ages laughing and inspecting the desserts in wonder. She inhaled deeply, letting out a laugh at the deliciously warm scent of coffee and chocolate.
I'm in wonder, alright, Mitsuha thought in pure happiness. I'm in heaven! She fairly dragged Tachibana, the poor boy, down the rows of mouth-wateringly delicate macaroons, souffles, and pastries of origins she had no idea but instantly fell in love with nonetheless. And she almost, almost felt guilty as she turned at breakneck speed to speed towards a quite frankly gorgeous display of strawberry cakes. They lined the circular plates of all sizes, paired fruits, and delicate toppings, and she was pretty sure she was more than willing to eat them all.
"Having fun?" Tachibana said, amused.
"Yes!" she said enthusiastically, before bending to inspect the display more closely. "What should I get, though?!" she agonized. "Everything seems amazing!"
"There's nothing like excess sugar before lunch," he grinned in reply, snatching two mini-sponge cakes, one with chocolate filling, and the other with vanilla icing. "These are pretty good for your first time here." He deftly raised them higher as Mitsuha tried to grab them. "One's mine, Miyamizu. Hands off!"
"Really?" she pouted cutely, golden eyes sparkling mischievously. "But I want both!"
"Then get your own," he retorted in mock annoyance. "I can't have you starving my wallet when I take you to cafes."
They froze. Mitsuha fought back a giddy beam as she looked into his alarmed expression. "Tachibanaaa," she began, but an exasperated voice suddenly broke in.
"Okay, okay, lovebirds, break it up," an auburn-haired waitress interrupted gleefully. "Are you going to pay, or what?"
Tachibana spluttered for a second before handing over the money without question. She tapped a few buttons. "Want anything to drink?"
"A caramel cappuccino and hot chocolate for her," Tachibana answered promptly, and Mitsuha glanced at him in shock. I love hot chocolate!
The waitress, whose tag read Miki, nodded and rang up his purchase, spinning to quickly make their order. "There's a good table by the window over there," she pointed, winking at Mitsuha. "Have a nice day!"
Holding their steaming drinks, they wove through the cafe, skirting the many couches and high countertops until the two reached a raised dais occupied by a few dozen more traditional tables. Sitting down, Mitsuha marveled at the much gentler, cozier setting. Paper lamps glowed softly over their table and leafy green indoor plants hung in baskets along the walls. The excited shouts faded to a low murmur, and only a small part of the bright store was visible behind the overhanging ceiling.
Mitsuha turned her face to the clear window. She could see the large buildings across the street, the cars cruising by, and the pedestrians hurrying along the streets, bundled up against the cold, cloudy day. Turning back, she realized that Tachibana had been watching her, frowning. He pushed the cake across the table.
"Try it," he invited. He took a bite of his own and chewed expressively, making an exaggeratedly happy expression. "It's actually really good."
She unwrapped the pastry and took a bite. Her eyes lit up as the sweet creamy taste exploded across her tongue. "It is! Oh, this tastes amazing!"
He smirked, munching on his cake while she devoured her own. Finally, she sat back and sipped her still steaming hot chocolate. She felt the tinge of sadness slowly creep upon her again as she studied her pale reflection in the window.
Tachibana cleared his throat, and she started. "Are you okay?"
"I...yes, no, I don't know," she admitted, swirling her chocolate. They sat in silence for a few moments. She clasped her hands and took a small breath. "Do you miss your mother?"
"Yes." There was no hesitation in his reply.
"I miss her so much," Mitsuha said quietly. "And even though my only wish for so long was to leave home, it was the only place where I can clearly picture my mother. Now that I'm here," she gestured helplessly. "I guess that I miss home, and Mom. And I can't go back, but it hurts to remember." Today, of all days...
"I miss my mom, too," Tachibana absently played with his empty wrapper, lost in memory. "She used to bounce me in her lap and sing. Even though she left, I think that I want to remember her like that for as long as I can. I know she loved me, and I'll just remember that and cherish the people I have with me."
She smiled at that. "You're so forgiving." The words came out slightly bitter, and she instantly felt guilty. But for what?
"I'm not, not really," he sighed. "I guess that I'd rather just remember the part I miss the most. Perhaps her relationship with my father was never meant to be. She sends money, and I visit her a couple of times a year. It'll never be enough to make up for what she did, but we're all trying."
"We all are," she agreed, idly folding her napkin. "Sometimes, I wonder if my father even cares about me and my sister." She'd never voiced that thought out loud before, ever. It hurt a bit more when she did. But, the way he was listening, eyes full of concern, made her feel free. "All he does is criticize and avoid us."
"Maybe he does that because you two remind him of her-your mother," Tachibana pointed out. "Maybe it hurts seeing you both."
She blinked.
"I'd rather try to remember and hold onto the remainder of the people I care about instead of trying to forget," he said thoughtfully. "But, I mean, your father must have cared a lot about your mother, right? The way you talk about both of them together like that…"
She smiled sadly. "Maybe you're right."
The way he looked at her then, as if he understood everything she had said, everything she had meant, made her heart hurt. They gazed at each other for a few minutes, lost in thought, until Tachibana abruptly drained the last of his cup and stood.
"Let's go now?" he suggested. "The seats at the library fill up quickly after noon. We should also pick up a quick lunch to eat later."
"Okay," she agreed, suddenly feeling a lot lighter. They tossed away the empty cups and wrappers, stepping out the side door. It opened into a side street, only a small grocery and saloon open. Mitsuha shivered a little at the blast of icy air, feeling the warmth of the cafe fade from her fingers and toes. It burned brightly inside, though.
They hadn't been walking for more than a few seconds when she reached for him, tugging on his sleeve so that he met her gaze. "Thank you," she breathed. His eyes softened, and she knew he understood.
oOoOoOo
That night, she sat on her bed, staring at her phone. A contact flashed brightly on the screen. She smiled faintly at it. I miss you and Mom so much.
She drew her fluffy, pink patterned blankets closer. Outside her door, she could hear her father puttering around the living room. I don't want to forget Itomori. The ending was terrifying, but...she thought of Tachibana's words again.
"I'd rather try to remember and hold onto the remainder of the people I care about instead of trying to forget."
Mitsuha finally sighed, already aching for the familiar voice. Propping herself up comfortably against her pillows, she pressed the call button. She listened to the dial tone, then heard the beep as the call connected.
"Hi," she started, heart pounding. "It's me."
oOoOoOo
AN: OOOO WHO COULD SHE BE CALLING? I bet some of you can figure it out ;)
As always, thank you for reading and supporting my work! It's already been a year since Kimi no Na Wa first came out (can you believe it?! o.O ) This movie was something that inspired me to write, the first actual STORY that I want to continue, and so I have to see it through! Thank you for being with me!
Soverign64: Thank you so much! I'm glad to hear that about Mitsuha and Taki! I feel like I wanted Taki's father to come off as more of a kinder person than Mitsuha's, someone who is incredibly strict towards Taki, but loves him all the same. And Taki knows that about his father, I think. Even if they are pretty cold to each other, they still want the best for each other.
MasterGuardian: Thank YOU for reviewing; it made me smile a LOT! I hope you liked this chapter!
Jaewon: Oh my gosh I was flattered by your compliment when I first saw it because ohhhhh myyy goodness there are so many publish-worthy fanfics and professional-type-writing fanfic authors out there it's like WOW! If you keep looking for good fanfics, you'll definitely find some like the ones I just mentioned. Oops, I kinda went on a tangent, but what I meant was THANK YOU! There will be 10 chapters for this story, which I hope is enough! :)
CidSlayer: I have and will! Thank you for reviewing! You really jumped in at the perfect time because I was suffering through a writer's block and then I saw your review and was like "there are people that are still reading this?! I gotta WRITE!" THANK YOU!
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