Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Suzuka.

Chapter 11

Miho waved happily at Yamato and told him that she was happy to walk to school with him tomorrow. Yamato smiled and said he now felt the same way and thanked Miho for what she did earlier. Miho smiled happily and said that she was glad and they both went to their directions. As Miho continued on, she stopped and looked back at the door of Yamato's apartment and smiled.

"This is it," Miho said happily, "it seems that I'll finally repair my relationship with Yamato."

Meanwhile, Yamato entered his apartment and closed the door. Yamato smiled after his talk with Miho. He was about to do something else when there was a sudden knock on the door.

"Huh?" Yamato spoke surprised, "I wonder who it is that this time?"

Yamato opened the door and was surprised to see a smiling Megumi.

"Oh, good evening Megumi," Yamato greeted.

"Good evening Yamato," Megumi greeted back with joy, "I just came to see how you were doing."

"I'm fine, thanks," Yamato smiled.

Meanwhile, Miho was walking through the corridor and was surprised to see Suzuka on the way.

"Miho," Suzuka said.

Miho just looked at Suzuka and didn't say anything and then just walked passed her. Suzuka looked at Miho walking away and then just looked at the floor and then she went to her apartment. Suzuka arrived at the door to her apartment and looked at the door that was next to her which led to Yamato's apartment. She then went to the door to Yamato's apartment and was ready to knock on the door. She stood still and then shook her head as she figured that it was pointless and just went inside her own apartment and as she got inside, there was ringing on her phone and she answered it.

Meanwhile in the common room, Ayano was on the phone with her sister Kotono.

"I told you so Ayano," Kotono said on the other line, "I told you and you didn't want to believe me."

"Kotono," Ayano said, "I still believe that I can get through Yamato. I…I don't want to give up on him yet."

"After everything you told me, you're still insistent on it?" Kotono asked surprised.

"I admit, Yamato is rude, he's insulting," Ayano sighed, "arrogant on top of it but he's not always like that. I've seen that he's still has same kindness that I've known him for."

"Ayano, you need to look at my son as who he is now, not what he used to be or as you want him to be."

"Sister…" Ayano had her head down in sadness.

"We should have never let go, we could have…well, find a way to keep him from going to Tokyo."

"Well, you know Yamato, he would just find a way to get away and start traveling all over Japan, like he did five years ago," Ayano said and then chuckled a bit.

"That's not funny Ayano," Kotono said upset, "I was scared when he did that."

Ayano felt regret, "I'm sorry. I was worried too."

Meanwhile, Yamato and Megumi were sitting at the table and Yamato had just given Megumi a cup of tea.

"Thank you," Megumi said being grateful as she took the cup in her hands and took a sip and she was impressed, "Wow, this is nice. Who did you got this blend from?"

"My best friend Honoka," Yamato answered with a smile.

"I see," Megumi said and took another sip, "this is wonderful."

"I'll tell her you liked it."

Megumi nodded with smile.

"So tell me, how did things go?" Megumi asked, "Did you go to the dojo?"

"Yes and everything worked out fine when I met with your friend."

"I'm glad to hear it," Megumi put the cup down on the table, "Yamato, thank you."

"Hmm, for what?"

"For letting me in your apartment, I know that the last time it wasn't pleasant and you said that you wouldn't let Yuka and me in again after what happened last time."

"Oh yeah," Yamato scratched his chin, "well, um, I had some time to think and with you, I realized that you are nice and I was so angry with what happened."

"I understand and I don't blame you for that," Megumi had a downcast expression, "I just wish that Yuka would understand."

"Megumi…"

"I still consider Yuka as my friend and I know that she genuinely cares about me but I wish that she would know she shouldn't do some of the things she does," Megumi looked at Yamato, "do you find that strange?"

"Um…well, if that's how you feel, I'm not going to tell you otherwise."

Megumi smiled and then Yamato smiled.

Streets of Tokyo

Yasunobu was waving goodbye to a girl and the girl waved happily and was telling Yasunobu that she couldn't wait to see him again. Yasunobu smiled and then went on his way. Yasunobu had a grin on his face and was in a happy mood. He kept walking and then he noticed someone and it was Suzuka who was carrying a box.

"Huh?" Yasunobu spoke and decided to call out, "Hi Suzuka."

"Huh?" Suzuka said and then saw Yasunobu and was surprised, "Oh, hi Yasunobu."

Yasunobu went to Suzuka and smiled.

"Hey Suzuka," Yasunobu said happily, "what are you doing out so late?"

"I got a call from this store that the microwave that I ordered came in. They were still open so I went to pick it up."

"Oh, I see. Cooking for yourself?"

"Yes, I don't want to cause too much trouble for Ayano so I figured that I should at least cook for myself on weekends."

"Right, so if you were to say pre-cook a potato in the microwave, you don't have to boil it for as long and you can save a lot of money on your gas bill."

"Wow, I'm impressed," Suzuka said with a smile.

Yasunobu smiled as well, "Just something I learned. Oh, you can you can steam stuff with this microwave. I saw it on a commercial."

Suzuka nodded, "Yeah, I'm gonna make all kinds of stuff."

Suzuka and Yasunobu continued with their conversations and they both were happy talking to each other.

"That must be heavy," Yasunobu said, "Want me to carry it back to your apartment?"

"Oh, I couldn't let you do that," Suzuka replied although she was flattered.

"It's no trouble," Yasunobu assured and then gave a slight bow, "it would be my pleasure."

"Oh, you're quite the gentleman…well um, if it's okay?"

"It is…please, let me help you."

"…Okay, thank you," Suzuka said with a smile.

Yasunobu was thinking in his head, "Success…I'm in, all is going well."

Suzuka and Yasunobu were walking to the Asahiyu Heights with Yasunobu carrying the microwave for Suzuka. Suzuka looked at Yasunobu and was happy and then she decided to say something again.

"Say Yasunobu," Suzuka spoke.

"Yes?" Yasunobu responded.

"I really appreciate what you're doing for me; you really are a nice person."

"Really?" Yasunobu said flattered, "Well, it's no problem, I'm happy to help."

"You're a lot nicer than Yamato, that's for sure."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yeah, when I tell you anything, you don't judge and you're always encouraging while Yamato on the other hand just questions and insults me. He's such a pain," Suzuka looked at Yasunobu and nodded, "you're much better company than he is," Suzuka looked forward, "honestly it's like Ayano said, Yamato could stand to learn a thing or two from you like beginning with him to stop acting like he's Mr. Know-It-All."

"Uh, y-yeah, right…" Yasunobu said as he looked at the ground.

Asahiyu Heights

Megumi was leaving Yamato's apartment and Yamato followed.

"Thank you Yamato," Megumi said with a smile.

"Thank you Megumi," Yamato replied with a smile.

Megumi left and Yamato smiled as he looked at night sky.

"I guess it's not so bad," Yamato said as he went back inside his apartment.

The next morning

Yamato got out of his apartment wearing his high school uniform and his carrying his school bag.

"All right," Yamato said, "my first day in high school."

Yamato went on and exited the premise of the bath house/apartment complex.

"Yamato," Miho called.

Yamato turned and saw Miho in her junior high uniform and carrying her own bag running to catch up to him and she was stopped as she stood next to him.

"Good morning Miho," Yamato greeted.

Miho smiled, "Morning Yamato."

"Ready to go?"

Mmhm sure am," Miho said as she wrapped her arms around Yamato's arm.

Yamato chuckled and then Suzuka came by and when she saw Yamato, she looked away from him with disgust and moved on. Yamato simply shrugged off Suzuka's reaction towards him and Miho was getting annoyed with how Suzuka was acting towards Yamato.

"Suzuka, why does she—" Miho started.

"Don't worry about Miho," Yamato commented.

Miho looked at Yamato with concern.

"It's fine, really," Yamato then smiled, "shall we go?"

Miho smiled, "Yes."

Yamato walked with Miho who still had her arms wrapped around Yamato. The three of them continued onward heading for their schools.

"Say Yamato?" Miho said.

"Yes?" Yamato responded.

"Are you still planning to leave Asahiyu to live somewhere else?"

"…Yes, I am Miho."

Miho looked at Yamato with a pleading expression, "Is there any way I can convince you to stay?"

Yamato shook his head, "No Miho, it's something that I decided to do."

"Please Yamato, I know that my mom tends to be unreasonable but please, I really would like if you stay. I enjoy having you around and I admit that you also make Megumi happy when you're around. I'm sure…that she would be sad if you left."

"Miho, I appreciate what you're saying and it does make me happy for you to say those things but all the same, I feel this is something that I need to do for myself."

"So you're still going to cut yourself off from us?" Miho asked ready to cry.

"Don't misunderstand Miho; I'm not cut myself off from you and Megumi for that matter."

"Really?"

"Yes, look I just want to be independent and be able live on my own and Miho, when I do find my own place to live, I'll let you know and you can come visit me anytime you want."

"R-Really?" Miho looked at Yamato feeling hopeful, "You'll let me visit you…anytime I want?"

Yamato smiled, "Absolutely, I told Megumi the same thing last night when she came to see me."

"I see…" Miho felt a bit better and then smiled, "okay, it's a promise. I'm still sad that you'll leave the Asahiyu Heights but I'll make sure to come see you every day."

"Absolutely, so no more sad face," Yamato said with smile.

Miho looked at Yamato and had flashes about the past when Yamato smiled warmly at Miho when they were little kids and Miho blushed at that memory.

"Okay!" Miho said happily.

Yamato put his hand on Miho's head and Miho enjoyed the gesture. Suzuka heard the whole conversation as she was walking in front of them as she looked at Yamato and Miho who happily talking to each other and then Suzuka remembered something when Miho met up with her.

Flashback: A few nights ago in Asahiyu

"You're really attached to Yamato, aren't you?" Suzuka asked.

"I am," Miho said happily and then had a downcast expression, "that's why it hurts to see him get hurt and angry. He only came here because he had no money and the arraignment was made by his mom. If it was up to Yamato, he would live in an apartment in another complex," Miho had a determined expression, "but the way I see it, this is the perfect opportunity to fix my relationship with Yamato since it's not so good right now."

Flashback End

Suzuka sighed as she continued walking. Yamato and Miho stopped at Miho's junior high and they waved at each other telling each other to have a nice day. Yamato then left to go to his high school.

High School

Yamato and Suzuka arrived at their high school and they went to the gymnasium along with all the other freshmen for their welcoming ceremony. They all arrived and sat in their seats in the gymnasium.

"Hmm, so you're in Class C too Yamato?" Suzuka asked.

"That's right," Yamato said twitching his eyebrow.

"Hey Suzuka, me too, me too," Yasunobu said with glee.

"Yeah," Suzuka responded with a smile and nod.

Yasunobu sat next to Yamato, much to Yamato's dismay and it was the reason that Yamato was annoyed. On the other side, Honoka was looking at a paper that was a list and then she looked over and saw Yamato and when she saw him, she smiled.

In the classroom of 1-C, the students were entering the classroom and most of them mingled with each other having various conversations.

"Shopping?" Yasunobu asked.

"Yeah, I'm going to get out of practice early today," Suzuka said, "will you come with me?"

"Hmm," Yasunobu had a smile and his hand on his chin, "I'm flattered that you would ask me to go shopping with you."

"Yeah, my senpai asked me to buy a case of energy drinks and the girl who was supposed to come with me got sick today."

"I see…"

"Uh, do you have plans?"

Yasunobu sighed, "Actually yeah, I do. I promised to meet with someone today."

"Oh I see, that's unfortunate."

"Um, I could see if I can get out of it."

"No, no, you don't need to trouble yourself," Suzuka assured as she waved her hands, "it was out of the blue. Anyway, don't worry about it, I'll do it myself."

"I'm sorry Suzuka," Yasunobu looked and saw Yamato sitting on his desk, "say if you want, you can ask Yamato."

Suzuka flinched and shook her head, "No way, I'm never going shopping with Yamato again."

"Again?" Yasunobu asked.

"Yeah, I'm not looking for him to humiliate me again," Suzuka saw some of her teammates from track, "anyway, got to go."

Suzuka left to catch up with her friends and Yasunobu went and met up with some of his friends. Yamato was sitting on his desk and sighed lightly.

"This is it," Yamato said, "my first day," Yamato looked around and saw Yasunobu talking to some of his friends, "probably his own buddies. He should stay hanging out with them instead of bothering me."

"Yamato," Honoka spoke.

Yamato saw Honoka with a smile on her face and Yamato was happy to see Honoka.

"Hi Honoka," Yamato replied with a smile, "How are you?"

"I'm fine."

Yamato and Honoka had a pleasant conversation with each other and had excitement of spending three years with each other. Suzuka entered the classroom and looked around.

"They really want me to find someone to help me with the energy drink case," Suzuka said, "I don't want to trouble Yasunobu…but I sure as hell don't want Yamato," Suzuka frowned, "who else can I ask? I don't know anyone else here."

Suzuka looked and noticed that Yamato was having a conversation with a girl with long black hair and was surprised.

"Who is that talking to Yamato?" Suzuka asked, "Hmm, they look like they're enjoying talking to each other. Is she a friend of Yamato?"

Yasunobu greeted Suzuka and then noticed that Yamato and Honoka was talking to each other and was surprised.

"Huh, isn't that Honoka?" Yasunobu spoke.

"You know her Yasunobu?" Suzuka asked.

"Yeah, that's Honoka Sakurai," Yasunobu answered, "We went to the same junior high school. Actually, she and Yamato have been friends for five years."

"Really? She's actually friends with him?" Suzuka asked surprised, "I wonder, I think I heard that name before though."

Flashback: Two days ago at the department store

"Geez, shopping with my best friends Honoka and Nana isn't so irritating and you are making it such unnecessary headache," Yamato said.

Flashback End

"Oh, now I remember, he mentioned her before," Suzuka said annoyed at that memory.

"Don't be surprised" Yasunobu said, "Yamato has friends…although with Honoka…yeah, it seems that Yamato is getting some action."

"Action?"

"Uh, never mind," Yasunobu paused a bit, "Honoka used to be a shy girl but Yamato helped her out, she's changed."

"Yamato helped her?"

"Yeah, I bet they're making plans for after school."

"Hmph, not like I care," Suzuka said with a frown, "what he does is his business."

The teacher entered the classroom and brought everyone to take their seats.

"Oh, the teacher's here," Honoka said, "talk you later."

"Yeah," Yamato said with nod.

Honoka went and sat in her seat and Yamato looked at Honoka and smiled. Yasunobu and Suzuka noticed the way Yamato looked at Honoka.

"Maybe Honoka would see Yamato differently if she knew the kind of asshole he really is," Suzuka said.

"Are you planning to do something?" Yasunobu asked.

"Nothing," Suzuka said as she took her seat.

Yasunobu wondered and then went to take his seat as well.

Class began and for all students in the high school and went on as a typical first day in school. Hours later, all classes were over and students were leaving and some had afterschool activities to participate. Yamato was stretched his arms.

"All right, it's time," Yamato said as he stood up.

"Yamato," Suzuka called.

Yamato looked at Suzuka.

"Hmm, yes?" Yamato responded.

"I've been asked to buy a case of energy drinks and the person who was suppose to help me fell ill," Suzuka sighed, "I really, really hate to ask you of this but I'm out of options and sadly for me, you're the only one left that I know so will you…please help me with the shopping."

"You look annoyed," Yamato said in his head, "I see, so you want help and I understand that I'm someone that you know to ask for help."

"Yeah, so I don't care what you say, I just need help."

"I see," Yamato sighed, "sorry but I can't."

Suzuka was surprised at Yamato's response.

"You can't?" Suzuka said surprised, "Uh may I ask why…or are going to say that it's none of my business again?"

Yamato cleared his throat, "The thing is I had already made plans with my friend Honoka, she's going with me to look at an apartment building."

"I see…" Suzuka frowned and looked away.

"What's with the frown?" Yamato asked raising an eyebrow.

"It's nothing."

"You're weird."

"Oh I'm weird?" Suzuka replied getting defensive.

Honoka walked and stopped next to Yamato, "Yamato."

Yamato turned to Honoka, "Oh hey Honoka."

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I appreciate your help with this."

Honoka put her hand on Yamato's shoulders and smile, "Think nothing of it. It's only natural for me to help my dear best friend."

Yamato chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.

Honoka saw Suzuka, "Oh, hi there."

"Hi," Suzuka responded.

"You two know each other?"

"This is Suzuka Asahina," Yamato introduced and then looked at Suzuka, "Suzuka, this is my best friend, Honoka Sakurai."

"Oh, so you're Suzuka," Honoka said, "yes, Yamato has told me about you. You also live in his aunt's bathhouse/apartment complex."

"Yeah, um, what did he say about me?" Suzuka asked.

"Oh, um well…that you're on track and that you were recruited by a scout in junior high."

"Really, anything else?"

"Mmm, no, that's it."

"Really, are you being honest?"

"Hey Suzuka," Yamato said not liking what Suzuka was insinuating.

Honoka just smiled, "Yes, that's all Yamato told me about you," Honoka then had a curious expression, "Why, is there something wrong?"

Suzuka was taken back and then she shook her head, "No, it's nothing," Suzuka turned around, "I have to go…um, it was nice to meet you Honoka."

Honoka smiled again and nodded, "Yes, nice to meet you too Suzuka."

Suzuka left the classroom in a bit of a hurry and then Honoka looked at Yamato.

"So that was Suzuka," Honoka commented.

"Yep, now you met Suzuka," Yamato replied.

Yamato and Honoka started to leave the classroom.

Streets of Tokyo

Yamato and Honoka were looking around and then they stopped near an apartment building.

"Is this it Yamato?" Honoka asked.

"Yes, this is the place that my grandmother told me the about," Yamato replied, "The Hirugashi Apartment Complex."

"How did your grandmother know about this place?"

"She met the owner when he came to Hiroshima. Apparently, he's had met my father on some business matter. This was actually the time when I came to Tokyo to stay with you and your family."

"Oh, I see," Honoka then nodded, "well Yamato, shall we?"

"Yes," Yamato nodded.

Yamato and Honoka were about to go inside.

"Well, well, well, it's so pleasant to see both of you here," The voice of a girl said.

Yamato and Honoka were surprised and they looked. They were surprised to see a girl with long blonde hair that went to her upper back and she had a huge smile.

"Nana?" Honoka said surprised.

"Hi Nana," Yamato greeted happily, "what a surprised to see you here."

"Yeah," Nana said with a smile, "it's good to see you again Yamato."

High School

After some time, track practice was over and Suzuka sighed. She thought that she was going to be finished early like it was planned but for some reason, it didn't happen. Suzuka didn't care much as she figured it was just one of those things. Suzuka went in the women's dressing room with her teammates as they started to get changed.

"Phew, practice went longer than I thought," Suzuka commented.

"Don't forget Asahina," One of her teammates said, "a case of energy drinks."

"Okay," Suzuka responded with a nod.

Suzuka finished as she changed in her school uniform and headed out first. She left and was about to leave the campus and sighed sadly.

"A whole case," Suzuka said sadly, "I guess I'll have to make two trips."

Suzuka thought about her conversation with Yasunobu who had a look of regret when he told her that he had to meet someone.

"It can't be helped," Suzuka said with a sad expression.

Suzuka suddenly remembered seeing Yamato with Honoka and then when she met Honoka and how she as Suzuka considered was polite to her. Suzuka stopped at that memory.

"Why am I thinking about them?" Suzuka shook her head, "No, I'm glad that I don't have Yamato shopping with him. He would just annoy me again."

Suzuka sighed with a sad expression again and then went on her way.

Junior High School

Miho was walking and then looked at sky. She remembered that Yamato was going to see an apartment complex and told Miho to head off without him.

"I hope Yamato is okay," Miho said and then she continued to walk.

Miho was gleeful with her walk and her talk with Yamato and then had a determined expression.

"I won't let anyone mess things between me and Yamato and I won't let anyone put Yamato down and try to humiliate him, not Yuka, not Yasunobu…not even Suzuka…and…definitely not even my own mother," Miho nodded, "I'll continue to prove to Yamato that I'm on his side."

There was a boy that was looking at Miho and he had a concerned expression and it was Tsuyoshi.

"Miho," Tsuyoshi said.

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Yamato surprises people during gym class and he meets another of his friends that he met five years ago.