"Friend from Japan Part 2/2"
"Earth to KP." Ron waved his hand in front of Kim's face.
Kim snapped out of it. Ok, Kim you can do this. Ron's got some explaining to do. Kim tried to smile as best as she could. She extended her hand to Yori. "It is nice to meet you Yori." Yori shook Kim's hand. So Ron talked about me. That's a good sign. Unless all he talked about was getting locked in the closet. Ok, Kim your overanalyzing this.
Ron could tell Kim wasn't too comfortable. Ron suggested they all sit down on the couch while they waited for brunch.
"So Yori, how do you know Ron?"
"I go to the Yamanouchi School."
Ron never mentioned anything specifically about Yori or anybody from Japan before. "So Ron, why didn't you tell me about Yori or any of your other friends you may have made in Japan?"
"It's a long story KP. I will explain what I can."
Yori spoke up, "Yamanouchi has a very delicate history and purpose. Ron was chosen for a reason to come to Yamanouchi. I am sorry but at least for now, I can not elaborate more on this matter."
Ron placed a hand on Kim's shoulder and smiled. "Yori helped me through some tough times. I hope some day I can tell you everything. She helped me to see I was wrong to just get up and leave and for that I am very sorry."
Mrs. Stoppable announced it was time to eat so they got up and headed into the kitchen. During the meal they exchanged pleasant conversation. Though Ron's parents and Kim had a bunch of questions they only asked a few so they could all enjoy the meal. Yori just smiled as she watched Ron stuff his face. Ron had missed his Mom's home cooking. Yori wondered where Ron put all the food he ate with his thin frame. Kim noticed how happy Ron's Mom and Dad were. They talked to Yori almost as if they were talking to sayRon'sgirlfriend.
After lunch Ron, Kim and Yori headed back to the couch in the living room to talk some more. Kim watched Ron and Yori's body language. They appeared to act like close friends that had known each other for years. Kim recognized that is how at least before the Spirit Dance how she and Ron used to be. A sense of sadness engulfed Kim. She wasn't sure what her status was with Ron. Were they still best of friends? How does Yori fit in the picture? Ron could tell something was bothering Kim. Ron politely asked Yori if he could have a few minutes alone with Kim. Yori smiled nodded as she got up and walked into the kitchen to see if Ron's parents needed any help with anything.
Ron looked at Kim. A look of concern was on Ron's face. "KP, something is bothering you, what is it."
"It's nothing Ron."
"KP, I've known you since pre-k. Something is clearly bothering you. Since when have you been afraid to tell me anything?"
Kim let out a sigh. "Ron, where do we go from here? Things are different now." Kim looked toward the kitchen as she said this.
"You're worried about how Yori fits in the picture and what will happen to our friendship with Yori in the picture and with all that's happened."
Kim nodded, a look of sadness clearly on her face. Since when has Ron become so perceptive? "I am so sorry about what happened. I wish I could take it back but I can't. I want us to get past this but clearly things will be different. I'm scared Ron about how I fit into your new life."
Ron pulled Kim into a hug. "KP, I wish it never happened but it did and I've accepted it. Things will be different between us but I believe it will be for the better. I've learned some very valuable life lessons getting over this. I'm a better person now."
Ron let go and wiped the tears from Kim's face. Kim smiled as Ron handed her a tissue. Kim looked at Ron and noticed Ron's overall demeanor was different. Kim noticed Ron was actually dressed well and his shirt and pants matched. He had clearly added some muscle and wasn't just a toothpick anymore. Ron seemed to exude a presence that he never had before.
Ron smiled at Kim and continued. "KP, you and I are still best of friends. Yori will not change that. I'm not exactly sure where Yori fits yet in my life but understand she has a very special place in my heart. She's helped me to grow tremendously and helped me through the toughest time up to this point in my life I will never forget it." Ron noticed another tear in Kim's eye. Ron smiled his bright smile which always made Kim happy. "You will always have a special place in my heart Kim, don't you ever forget it. I'm still trying to figure out how everything fits together but I promise you will have a special part in it."
Ron's smile got to Kim and she smiled as she wiped away the tears and touched the side of Ron's face. "My Ron, you have grown up so much. I just wish it could have been under better circumstances."
"You have Yori to thank for that. Don't worry KP, life hasn't always been fair but I am dealing with it as best as I can. With the good I must take the bad. I may not have very many friends but the ones I do have are very special and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. Please give Yori a chance."
Kim smiled and nodded. "Ron, I'm so sorry for everything. I'm sorry I couldn't help you." Kim looked at the ground as she said this.
"Hey, I'm equally to blame for my previous lack of success. You tried to help me to work harder but I settled for the minimum. Maybe this was the wakeup call that I needed to get my affairs in order."
Kim smiled and excused herself to the bathroom. Ron went to the kitchen and brought Yori back into the living room. Ron and Yori were seated when Kim walked back in. Kim walked over to Yori and sat next to her. Kim hugged Yori as she said, "Thank you for everything you've done for Ron." Yori smiled and said, "It was an honor to help him. He deserves the credit for everything he's done. I just helped him along the way." Ron interjected, "Don't be so modest Yori, I couldn't have done it without you."
"Yori, I'd really like it if we could get to know each other better."
"I'd like that Kim-san."
They talked a while longer when Kim excused herself to go home as she had a previous commitment with her Mom. They agreed to meet later in the evening for dinner. As Ron closed the door behind Kim he turned around and smiled at Yori. "Thank you for everything you've done. I think I'm finally at peace with everything that's happened." Ron leaned in and kissed Yori on the cheek. Both Ron and Yori blushed. As Ron pulled back, their eyes met. Ron wanted to kiss Yori on the lips but he didn't want to rush things.
"Ron-san, you have faced your inner demons. However, there is still work left to be done. You have healed your inner circle but you must not forget about the outer circles."
"School tomorrow."
Yori nodded.
"Thank you for agreeing to come out here with me. I'll probably need your strength tomorrow."
Yori placed her hand over Ron's chest. "Everything you need is already here."
"Yori, you do not give yourself enough credit. I'm home today because you showed me the way. I will be forever in your and Sensai's debt. I promise to make you proud."
"We are already proud of you."
They walked to Ron's room and Ron carefully placed the parchment paper that Sensai had given him in a glass frame and hung it on the wall. He placed a photo that Sensai had also giving him showing him with the entire student body in a frame on his desk.
Later that evening Ron and Yori met up with Kim for dinner, Bueno Nacho of course. Kim and Yori got to know each other a bit better. Ron was relieved things appeared to be going well between Yori and Kim. The three of them caught a movie after dinner.
Next chapter: The first day back at Middleton High
AN: Some of you may have wanted a bit more tension between Kim and Yori but like I stated at the beginning, I didn't intend this story to have Ron and Kim go at it after the initial struggle. Yes, this story does favor R/Y over K/R. For those that want to see more conflict between Kim and Yori, check out "New Beginnings." I'm not certain how many more chapters will flow out of this story but will continue to write as the story comes to me.
