I'm back! Bet you thought I wasn't coming back? Truth be told it was hard getting back into writing, plus this is what I call a slow chapter. Nothing much important happens, but they are necessary to move the story along! Please enjoy!
Toshinori awoke slowly, squinting in the soft light. His vision was blurry, so he ran a hand over his eyes as one hand stretched out above him. His fingers ran over the course texture of the tatami and he opened his eyes again, glancing around the unfamiliar room, his tired mind trying to put the pieces together.
"Oh," he said rubbing his hands over his face. He was in Okinawa, in the middle of nowhere, staying in a room at Sakurai's aunt's house.
He tried to move his feet underneath him, but they were tangled in the yukata he had fallen asleep in. As he struggled to free himself he caught sight of something beside him. It was his suit and tie, neatly pressed and folded. He reached over, feeling a rush of affection an appreciation, before finally freeing himself from the bed to get dressed.
Toshinori finished straightening his tie as he walked into his kitchen, guided there by the smell of cooking rice and egg.
He was surprised to find a fairly modern kitchen, it's old look purely asthetic. Sakurai was in front of the stove, steam curling up into the copper hood vent, while Miss Yue sat on a stool at the large kitchen island, sipping on coffee and reading the newspaper.
"Good morning," he said softly bowing as he entered.
Miss Yue looked up from her reading and gave him a warm smile. Sakurai hadn't noticed him, too engrossed in her task.
"Good morning Mr. Yagi," said Miss Yue, her voice soft and composed.
Toshinori bowed politely again and stood next to the island until she motioned for him to sit. He did so awkwardly. He was almost to big for the stool, his feet touching the ground.
"Do you drink coffee Mr. Yagi?" Miss Yue asked flipping the the next page.
He nodded his head, "Yes I do."
"Kenko dear," Miss Yue called out, "Mr. Yagi would like some coffee please."
Toshinori shot out of his chair, "No please, I don't want to impose!"
Sakurai looked over her shoulder and smiled, "Then don't. The coffee pot is right over there."
She motioned to the right with her head and Toshinori scrambled over, opening a few cupboards before Sakurai chuckled.
"That one you just opened, but at the top," she said.
Toshinori blushed as he reached for the cups. This reminded him of their morning routine, except now Sakurai was making him breakfast. It made him feel more than a little spoiled.
As Toshinori poured the coffee he looked over at Sakurai. She was muttering to herself, concentrating hard as she slide the egg down the pan, trying to guide it with her chopsticks. On the last flip it came back to hard and Sakuria's chopsticks stabbed into it, tearing a small hole.
"Damn," she muttered under her breath. She poured a little more egg and flipped the omelette onto it, patching the hole.
Toshinori was enjoying watching her until his neck began to burn. He looked over his shoulder and jumped when he realized Miss Yue was looking at him. Embarrassment tickled the edges of his face. He couldn't believe he had been caught staring. Miss Yue said nothing though, only smirked as she continued to read her paper.
Toshinori composed himself and shyly held out a mug for Sakurai. She looked at him and her mouth opened slightly in surprise.
"Oh thank you Mr. Yagi," she quickly transferred the Tamagoyaki to a plate and then picked up a mug on her other side, smiling at him apologetically.
"Oh," he said sheepishly attempting to cover himself with a half joking smile, "I guess I should have asked first."
He started to take the cup back, but Sakurai reached out, curling her fingers into the handle.
"You know what? Mine's probably cold now. This is lovely." Sakurai gently took the mug from him, while pulling a stray strand of hair from her face, "Thank you Tosh...Mr. Yagi."
Sakurai brought the cup to her lips and blew on it softly, causing Toshinori to smile awarmly. She noticed his look and averted her eyes.
"Breakfast is ready Mr. Yagi," she said beginning to cut the tamagoyaki, "Please sit. I'll bring you a plate."
Toshinori shuffled back to the island, sitting himself in the seat he had been in earlier. Miss Yue folded up her paper, giving him a wink before sliding it out of the way. Toshinori tilted his head, wondering what that was all about. Sakurai brought over breakfast, managing to balance all three plates on her arms. Toshinori got up to help but she shook her head.
"It's no problem Mr. Yagi. I used to be a waitress when I put myself through school so I got quite good at carrying things!"
She smiled sweetly and expertly slid plates to her aunt and Toshinori. With the tamagoyaki and rice there was also grilled seasoned eggplant.
Toshinori grinned up at Sakurai,"You have so many hidden talents!" he said giving her a small bow, "You always find ways to surprise me."
Sakurai waved him off, trying to hide her own grin behind her coffee mug, "You impress too easily then."
They chuckled together before Miss Yue coughed causing the pair to blushed and hang their heads. Miss Yue smirked and bowed her head.
"Itadakimasu," they said in unison.
Toshinori picked up his chopsticks and chose a piece of eggplant first. As he popped it into his mouth he was overcome with its rich flavour.
"Sakurai this is...this is amazing!" He picked of several more pieces, eating them quickly while the women giggled.
"It's actually aunties eggplants that are amazing," said Sakurai eating her own, "I picked this one yesterday. It's surprising what freshness can do to flavour."
Toshinori wolfed it down. He hadn't realize something so simple could taste so good.
After they had all finished Toshinori bowed his head, "Thank you so much for the meal...I'm sorry. I feel guilty for staying here and taking advantage of your generosity."
Sakurai chuckled and Toshinori looked around confused. Even Miss Yue was smirking as she stacked the plates together.
"Well you don't have to worry," said Sakurai before finishing her coffee, "Staying at aunties house is never truly free."
Toshinori's eyes darted between the two women, and they both laughed at seeing him panic.
"Oh it's nothing serious, Mr. Yagi," said Sakurai, "We need to go into town for groceries today. Then we have to pick some vegetables and tankan this evening," she smiled, "Everyone always works when they come to aunties house. Even Shioto had to pick vegetables when she was here as a girl."
"Oh," said Toshinori as he rubbed the back of his head, "Well that does make me feel a little better. I would love to offer any assistance I can."
"Well I'm done for now," Sakurai took the plates to the sink before bowing to Miss Yue and Toshinori, "Please sit and enjoy your coffee. I just have to change and wash up before we head into town."
Toshinori watched her go, staying still as he listened to er head to the second floor, the stairs creaking under her feet. When he couldn't hear her anymore he finally turned back to his coffee, the smell bringing back the memories of their times together. The mixed feelings of warmth and regret made him frown.
"Having trouble Mr. Yagi?" Miss Yue asked looking at him over he edge of her mug.
Toshinori almost lied, almost said he was fine and that it was nothing. Instead he sighed, staring deeper into his drink
"Is it that obvious?" he asked quietly. "I guess I'm not as good at hiding things as I was when I was younger."
Miss Yue tilted her head, "How old are you if I may ask Mr Yagi?"
"I turned fifty one in June," he said. Toshinori didn't think about his age to much now, usually having better things to spend his time on.
"So is it the fact that Kenko is only thirty seven bothering you?" asked Yue raising her eyebrows.
Toshinori finished off his coffee, "Truthfully...I never really thought about it." He put down the mug and folding his fingers together on his lap, "I guess it is another strike against me though."
He was being honest with Yue and that surprised him. Then again he had the feeling she knew a fair amount already. He was also done hiding. If he wanted Sakurai he had to be truthful about everything if it was going to work.
"Oh it's no strike against you," said Yue, "I can just see you struggling and wanted to know if that was your problem." She finished her coffee and placed her mug next to his, "My own husband was much older than me actually."
"Really?" He asked.
Miss Yue nodded, "Yes. It was an issue for my family at the time but I honestly didn't care what they thought."
Rebelliousness must run in the family Toshinori realized, "What was his name?"
"Daichirou, Daichirou Shimabukuro," Yue looked out to the window, staring at the tree standing guard by the house.
Toshinori thought she looked like Kenko when she drifted into thought. It was the way her eyes softened and how she looked to be in another world.
"You must have loved him very much..." said Toshinori. For some reason Toshinori thought of Ushio, which only fed his anxiety.
"I do love him very much Mr. Yagi," said Miss Yue as she smiled. "He was for certain the one my red string was attached to."
Toshinori squeezed his fingers together until they hurt. No doubt Ushio had been Kenko's fated red string partner, but what did that make him?
"Do you think..." he started as he twiddled his thumbs together, "Do you think Kenko could ever care about me like she did Ushio?"
Miss Yue stared at him for a moment before sighing, "Frankly Mr. Yagi. It doesn't really matter does it?"
Toshinri bit his lip and stayed quiet.
"We can all talk about fate and destiny," Yue continued, her face growing stern, "but frankly the world is only ever what is right now. Could Kenko ever love you like Ushio? No I don't believe so."
Toshinori's heart sank but Yue reached over and took his hand rubbing her thumb across his knuckles to comfort him.
"But Ushio was unlike you Mr. Yagi. He was a good man, but he was loud, rough around the edges, laughed and drank a little to easily. But he was a good, kind and caring soul, which is similar to you. I can also say that you both share a indomitable heart."
Toshinori took a deep breath, trying to squash his insecurities. He still felt like he didn't measure up.
Yue thought for a moment before patting his hand, "Kenko may never love you like she did Ushio, but I doubt she would ever have loved Ushio like she could you."
She smiled and Toshinori returned it weakly, trying to accept her words.
"Is it the red string thing that is bothering you?" she asked more gently.
Toshinori averted his eyes. It was what was bothering him, but it felt so childish.
"I just..." Toshinori started. He had to stop and compose himself and he resting his thumbs on the bridge of his nose, "I just know if Ushio was here I would have no chance."
"That is a pointless thought Mr. Yagi," she said sharply, "He is never coming back after all."
Toshinori's back straightened at her tone. It was as if she was correcting a small child.
Yue's face softened, "The fact of the matter is there will never be the choice between you or him. I am so sorry for Kenko and her loss but whether we like it or not, life does go on. I hope she realizes this."
She gave him a pointed stare, "And you need to stop thinking so little of yourself. I'm surprised the man who was all Might has such little self worth. You need confidence here, love doesn't take pity on fools."
Toshinori met her stare. She was right of course, but he was used to hero work. Even teaching was easier to handle. This whole ordeal, he was far outside his comfort zone. Miss Yue got up off the chair and walked around to him. He stared at her confused until she gently took his hand.
"Love is only as difficult as we make it Mr. Yagi. I love Kenko so, but she hasn't made it easy for herself. Give her time and much patience. I promise she is a lovely woman."
Toshinori shook his head, "I should be making a case for myself. I don't have much to offer her."
Yue smiled, "There you go again. Just be who you are Mr. Yagi. You be surprised how little the soul needs to be happy."
"I'm sorry I took so long!"
Kenko bounced into the room and Toshinori felt his face go instantly warm. He wasn't sure how she kept being so adorable. She had tied her hair back in a soft ponytail and she wore a straw hat sitting high on the crown of her head. She also wore a yellow dress with thick strapped tied behind her neck.
He stood politely, "You look wonderful Ms. Sakurai," he said bowing slightly.
Sakuria looked flustered and straightened her hat, "Oh well thank you. Mr. Yagi."
"Well off you go now," said Yue as she filled the skunk to clean the dishes, "We need things for dinner tonight. Kenko insists on cooking every time she is here, so pick whatever you like."
Sakurai walked over to her aunt who placed a few bills in her hand.
"Tell Nobu-jin that the extra is for the limes he got me. Don't take no for an answer."
"Of course auntie," she said giving her a hug, "we'll be back soon."
Toshinori suddenly remember the flashlight he was given and patted down his pockets, "Oh! The owners of the ryokan loaned me a flashlight last night. I should return it to them."
Kenko brought her hand to her mouth, "Oh dear, so you've already met that trio."
Toshinori rubbed the back of his neck, "Well they seemed nice," he said.
"Oh they are wonderful people," she said waving her hands, "They just tend to gossip more than I would like."
Toshinori broke into a grin, "They said I had to bring you to visit for tea," he said teasing her.
Sakurai sighed, dramatically placing her hand on her cheek, "Well we should do that first, otherwise we will be sitting for who know how long with our groceries."
Toshinori and Sakurai managed to make their escape almost an hour after making it to the ryokan. It had been Toshinori who had saved the day, saying Miss Yue instructed them to be back by lunch. They had only seen Yumi and Oono, as Kenta was still asleep, much to the apparent chagrin of his older sister.
"They seemed surprised that I returned their flashlight," mused Toshinori as they meandered down the hill. The street looked different in the daylight, like something out of a fairy tail book. Except he found the streets and houses to be oddly quiet.
"Well the way things seem to work here is you would keep the flashlight until someone else needed it and then pass it on," Sakurai readjusted the bag that had fallen down to her elbow, "Small towns you know?"
Toshinori nodded, "I can't say that I've ever spent much time in one," he smiled at her cheekily, " But apparently you had a lot of fun on your vacations here."
Sakurai puffed out her cheeks, "Oh Yumi exaggerated more than a little bit." Toshinori could see her knuckles tighten on the handles of her bag as she stuck out her lip, "I wasn't sick all day."
Toshinori laughed deeply, "I think anyone would be in the bathroom all day if they ate twenty tankan's in one sitting."
Sakurai buried her face in her hands, "Of all the stories why did she have to tell that one!"
Toshinori kept laughing as they made their way down the road, "Don't be embarrassed. It's funny!"
Sakurai puffed out her cheeks. "Well you weren't the one going to the bathroom all day," she muttered under her breath.
Toshinori smiled at her gently, "I'm sorry. But it is nice to hear stories from your childhood."
Sakuria shot him a glare, "You owe me a story now."
Toshinori looked away scratching his chin, "I don't know what you mean."
He chuckled as Sakurai gave him a playful push, "That's not fair!" She pouted.
"All right, all right," he said holding his hands up in surrender, "One Valentine's Day in middle school, I got so many chocolates. I was trying to be polite so I ate them all." He cringed, "I ended up puking on my teachers shoes after lunch time."
He looked down at Sakurai and was surprised to see her looking extremely displeased.
"What?" he said, his brow furrowing in concern, "Was that not what you meant?"
"That was not a terrible story. That was nothing like the twenty tankan story," she huffed.
"How wasn't it? It was in front of the whole class!"
Sakurai closed her eyes and turned away, "Yes you puked, but it was only because you were so popular with all the girls."
Toshinori looked at her surprised. He couldn't tell for sure, but it almost seemed like she was jealous. The thought made him blush.
"I wish I had more stories to tell you the truth," he walked closer to her, his arm lightly brushing hers, "but I started my hero training fairly young. I didn't get time for such experiences."
Sakurai looked up at him sadly, "You've been a hero that long?"
He smiled weakly, "Sometimes I like to say I was born that way."
He realized Sakuria had stopped and he turned back, looking back up the hill to her. She was bent over, readjusting her sandals.
"Sorry Mr. Yagi," she set down her bag as she tightened the straps, "These are new so I haven't broken them in fully."
Toshinori took a deep breath, overcome with her simple motion. The way she knelt down, the look of concentration on her face. For some reason in the most ordinary of moments, he found her the most beautiful.
"You're wonderful Kenko." He hooked his thumbs in his jacket pocket, trying to convince himself to stay calm. He hadn't meant to say it, it had just come out, his heart brimming with affection.
Sakurai paused for a moment, staring at her sandal, half done up in her fingers. She finished buckling it and stood, her eyes cast to the side, bringing her hand up to chew on her pinky. Toshinori tried to remain calm, holding his breath. He hadn't said anything like that to anyone before. He wasn't sure what to do now but he could tell she was trying to find something to stay, so he waited, pushing his hand deeper into her pockets. When she looked at him again her eyes were sullen, and sadness tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"I'm glad you think of me that way Mr. Yagi, but," she stopped again picking up her bag from the ground and placing it back on her shoulder.
"Just so you know I've decided I will stay by your side. That I will help you and support you." She paused again chewing on her pinky again before balling her hand into a fist to stop herself, "Truthfully Mr. Yagi, I don't know if Shioto and I...if we are actually what you need"
He looked up at her, resisting the urge to shout out, to plead that what she said was untrue, but deep down he knew she needed to finish.
"So before you say anything," Sakuria said, hiding her face under the brim of her hat, "Before you tell me how wonderful I am. I would like you to think, really think, about what it is you truly want."
"Only if you do the same," he said, his baritone voice firm.
Sakurai looked at him, her fingertips resting on her slightly open mouth. Toshinori stared at her hard before forcing a smile on his face, his hands still deep in his pockets.
"I'm an old and broken man Sakurai. It feels like whichever way I turn I am knocking on deaths door. You have to decide if that's a risk you want to take for you..." he turned away, covering his mouth, "And for Shioto."
They stood quietly for a moment, a chirping bird in the distance the only sound in the silence.
Finally Sakurai sighed, "Well why don't we wait and make our decisions tomorrow?"
Toshinori nodded stiffly. He wanted nothing more then to take her in his arms and promise to protect her forever. To not wait and begin all the things he never thought he would have, to give her everything that he was. But they weren't young anymore and the luxury mistakes was not available to them. Rushing in would only lead to more heartache. So they would have to wait, even if it was impatiently.
Sakurai stepped down the hill, stopping just in front of him, lightly resting her hand on his arm,
"Let's go get groceries," she said softly.
Toshinori warmed at her touch and resisted the urge to take her hand in his.
"Of course, we don't want to keep Miss Yue waiting," he replied.
Once they reached the store Toshinori was surprised to find it deserted.
"Hello! Nobu-oji?" Sakurai called out to the empty room.
Toshinori heard grunting and an older gentleman poked his head out from the side of the counter.
"Oh, Odorichan. You caught me at nap time."
Sakurai shook her head, "I still can't believe you nap while the store is open."
"Well we aren't like you city folk. No ones going to steal anything. You're aunt usually just leaves the money in the counter!" Nobu laughed and groaned as he pulled himself up. When he got to his feet he started at the sight of Toshinori.
His eyes narrowed, the friendly mirth gone from his face, "Who's the skeleton in the monkey suit?"
Toshinori coughed into his hand violently while Sakurai postured in front of the older man.
"Be polite Nobu-oji!" Sakurai chastised.
Her face quickly fell into a smile as she looked back at Toshinori. If Toshinori had to describe it, he would have said her face was full of quiet pride.
"This man, is All Might," she said softly.
Toshinori coughed again several times. Of all things he hadn't expected to be introduced as his former persona.
Nobu shifted his obi, causing his considerable girth to jiggle, "Huh, All Might you say?" He looked at Toshinori hard for a moment, "I thought he'd have more muscles."
Toshinori deflated slightly and Sakurai reached over, slapping Nobu's upper arm, "Just because you're embarrassed Nobu-oji doesn't mean you can be mean!"
Nobu strode out from behind the counter and looked up at Toshinori again. His face was stern and serious, his eyes topped with heavy dark eyebrows. His skin was tanned and leathery, probably from a life of working outside. Toshinori did his best to stay still, but he was unused to being scrutinized like this, especially as he was now. After looking Toshinori up and down Nobu took a step back and bowed as best he could, his generous belly getting in the way.
Toshinori started shaking his head, "No wait please, you don't have to do that!"
"Enough now you piece of nonsense!" said Nobu gruffly.
Toshinori was struck dumb. He hadn't expected to hear that statement out here in the boonies.
"Out here status isn't much of anything," Nobu slammed his fist over his heart with a heavy hand, "We judge people here by the greatness of their hearts." Nobu's face saddened and he looked Toshinori up and down again, "This happened to you...because you were protecting everyone?"
Toshinori nodded slowly, his chest tight.
"Well I'll be damned. You really are as noble as you appeared to be. You don't see that everyday." Nobu grinned, "And Odorichan has been telling us stories about what kind of man you are."
Toshinori glanced at Sakurai who had turned a little red. He was washed over with another feeling of gratitude and affection.
Nobu stuck out a meaty hand, "Mr. All Might. You will always be welcomed as a guest of honour in this town."
Toshinori felt emotion threaten to overwhelm him. He almost trembled, almost began to cry. Instead he smiled. Not a fake, forced barrier to keep others away. It was a wide confident smile, the one he had worn so long ago now. He reached out and shook Nobu's hand.
"Please," He said grinning from ear to ear, "My name is Yagi Toshinori."
"Toshinori you say? Well then," Nobu thudded him on the shoulder a few times. "Glad to meet you Toshinori. Please enjoy my store! I assure you it's all fresh. The townsfolk bring it to me in the morning, then they head off to the rice paddy's down the mountain. So you should have the store to yourself for a little while. Now if you don't mind I'm going to return to my nap."
Toshinori and Sakurai watched as he shuffled himself back down behind the counter. Toshinori shot a confused look at Sakurai, who only shrugged in response.
Toshinori followed Kenko around the store, holding the bag as she picked out a few things before heading outside to go through the vegetable crates.
Once the door closed behind them Sakurai spoke quietly, "What do you think being in a relationship means Mr. Yagi?" Her hands drifted over the produce as she avoided his gaze.
"Two people who care about each other?" he offered, though he wasn't sure that was the right answer.
"No Yagi," she said chuckling. "That's what is it. I'm asking what it means."
Toshinori stopped, curling his finger around his chin as he thought. That was a much tougher question.
Sakurai watched him out of the corner of her eye as she looked through the pile of leeks. She smirked, thinking him adorable as he turned the problem over in his head.
"Well," he said finally, "You should want to make your partner happy, to protect th- OW!"
Sakurai stood, her nose raised in self importance. She had hit him on the head with the leek, "I could tell already that you were going to give the wrong answer Mr. Yagi."
"What? How?" he said, turning away to nurse his forehead.
"I'm sorry Mr. Yagi, I really have to stop doing that to you."
Toshinori turned back to see Sakurai sheepishly sorting through the vegetables again, "It something to do with being back here. I always end up acting like an bratty child."
Toshinori chuckled, "You didn't hit me that hard and honestly," he caught her eye and offered her a comforting smile, "You know it is nice to see this side of you. You're always so formal."
Sakurai turned away, but Toshinori was sure he had seen the beginnings of a grin.
"Anyway," she said turning back to him, "You said you've never been in love right?"
Toshinori shook his head, "Can't say I ever really made time for it."
"Well I can't say I'm an expert. No one ever is really, but from I've seen, a relationship isn't about protecting your partner. It isn't about being a shield or a sword. It about clutching your partners hand tight and walking through the fire together," She looked up at him, "even if you both burn up, you have to accept that its done together. That's the meaning behind everything," She picked up a potato checking if it for imperfections, "That's why I don't know if I can be with you Toshinori." She looked at him her face a mixture of hope and expected disappointment, "Can you let go of your need to protect me, so I can stand by your side? "
He didn't answer, he knew he wasn't supposed to, but her words were a heavy weight. An almost impossible request.
"I don't know if you can Toshinori, but if you could let me protect you as well..." she placed the last potato in the bag. "I would walk through anything with you."
Before he could reply she turned and went back to looking through the crates. Toshinori lagged behind, absorbed in his thoughts.
Let go do his need to protect her? Would he be able to? He hadn't done anything like that before. Not even with Nighteye. But then again she wasn't asking him to stop, only to bend and allow her to step into his world. He was startled out of his thoughts when Sakuria cried out.
"Oh they have some Goya!" Sakurai dug her hands around the large vegetable and pressed her nose to it, "Oh you can never get good Goya in Tokyo."
Toshinori wrinkles his nose at the bumpy green melon, "Isn't that insanely bitter?"
Sakurai smiled, "But you haven't tasted my tofu stir fry! I'll make it tonight it will be delicious!" She loaded up several of the bumpy melons and moved on to the tofu.
As they left the store, Sakurai having quietly laid the money on the counter, Toshinori mulled on their conversation over and over again. Sakuria walked beside him, trying not to get her hopes up. Toshinori was who he was, and if anything he was resolute in his ideals. Fear fluttered in her stomach. Perhaps she had asked to much? She wanted to vow to follow him anywhere, no matter what, but that was also an impossible compromise. Sakurai knew she could never be happy that way.
"What you asked of me Sakurai..." Toshinori spoke low and slowly, as if trending on the thinnest of ice. "It would be incredibly hard for me to do that."
Sakurai sighed, closing her eyes. She had been expecting this. He stopped for a moment and she turned back to him, her face resigned.
"I will always want to protect you Sakurai, and I think...I think that is okay. But I would, I would try at least, to let you protect me too." He chewed his lip, searching for the words, "There was something Tsukauchi said to me. You know if given the choice I would still throw myself into danger if I believed I could help."
Sakurai nodded but said nothing.
"But Tsukauchi told me that the people we leave at home are as brave as us heroes. I have to respect you have a choice to stand by me. As long as you can accept that I have to help where I can..."
He paused. Sakurai's hands were covering her mouth, and he could tell she was trying not to cry.
"I'll try accept that you want to be with me," he said stepping closer, "Even if it means you could get hurt."
Sakurai turned her head, still covering her mouth, but Toshinori saw the beginnings of the smile she was trying to hide
"Well. I think we both have a lot to think about Mr Yagi. Why don't we wait to make our decisions though?" She uncovered her mouth and smiled at him before turning to walk up the hill.
Toshinori's soul brightened to see her smile. It was the one he had seen in the photos from her youth. He bit his lip to stop himself from laughing out loud. He had made Sakurai happy.
Toshinori jogged after her, "Can I confess something to you?"
She looked surprised, "Of course Mr. Yagi."
He rubbed the back of his neck, "I hate Goya."
Her jaw dropped, then she puffed out her cheeks, "Then why did you let me buy it you silly man!" She pulled out the leek and playfully tapped him on the forehead.
"Sorry you just looked so happy...about a bitter melon," he grinned widely, enjoying teasing her.
She scoffed, "Well my Goya tofu stir fry will have you asking to eat it everyday!"
Toshinori grimaced at the thought, "Ugh."
Sakurai puffed out her cheeks again, "Oh do shut up."
Toshinori laughed and soon Sakuria began laughing as well.
Down the street Yumi, Kenta and Oono had poked their heads out of the ryokan, curious of the passerby's mirth.
"Aww," said Yumi, "It's just like when she brought that Ushio boy here years ago."
Kenta frowned," lHow does a lady who looks like that keep picking scary looking guys."
Oono hit him on the head, "Hey it's not like you have the ladies lining up for you."
Kenta grumbled and went back inside to pout.
Yumi leaned into her husband, "Ah yes it's such wonderful thing."
"New love?" said Oono, attempting to be romantic. He put his arm around his wife and leaned in for a kiss.
"No no. It's nice to see a man who carries the groceries," she grinned mischievously.
Oono sighed and rolled his eyes, kissing Yumi on the forehead instead.