Seiji's Love Letters

Chapter 26 – Valentine's Day Again

Dear Shiharu,

Thank you for the wonderful Valentine's Day at Touto Land today with the twins, Takeru, and Rio. I knew that Takeru had a girlfriend because he came to me for advice a few months ago but I had no idea that it was your friend, Rio. They do make a very cute couple and it appears that Rio has been very good for Takeru. He has been acting a little more mature lately. Though I wonder given that stunt he and Rio pulled, leaving us alone in the cable car of the giant ferris wheel.

I wasn't sure how it was going to go with the two of us alone together for the fourteen minute ride. You looked so nervous and uncomfortable. I was glad to be able to take off my disguise for those few minutes. I really appreciate that I can relax and just be myself around you. Thank you for understanding that being a celebrity can be hard at times because everyone is always watching and judging. Because you accept me as I am, I don't have to worry about the pressure when I am with you. I don't think you know how much that means to me.

Especially after all the media hype and gossip about me that that gravure idol, Sakuria Miuru. It upset me at first that all three of you believed the rumors but I was relieved when you explained that you had not heard about the denial. My heart soared when you said that you believed me because I told you personally. Looking back, that was probably why you seemed reluctant to ask me about the amusement park trip and why you made of point of mentioning that it was on Valentine's Day. You probably thought that I would have a date with Sakuria Miuru. She has been pulling stunts like the taxi photo to make it look like we're together since you were on your school trip to Hokkaido. The more she chases me, the more I appreciate you.

It's funny, but when the ride started I thought the fourteen minutes would feel like an eternity but the time we spent together felt like no time at all. I don't think you know how much it meant to me when you gave me homemade chocolates again this year. You don't need to apologize for homemade chocolates because they mean more to me than the most expensive store-bought ones. I wish I knew how to convince you of just how special you are and how special the things are that you make.

You seemed nervous when I offered you my hand to help you out of the cable car. I can't help wondering if my touch brings out feelings that you don't know how to respond to. Your presence is so comfortable that I tend to relax my guard around you. I didn't mean to embarrass you when I asked to try the churro you were eating. It wasn't until I saw the blush on your face after I took a bite that I realized my actions could have been interpreted as an indirect kiss. Sometimes I just can't think straight when I'm around you.

Thank you for staying with Aoi when I had to follow Takeru and Rio when they took Akane into the haunted house. I don't know why they insisted on taking her with them. Even though she wanted to go, I knew it would be too scary for her. At least I was able to go in and protect Akane from the "ghosts."

It's hard to believe that my twenty-seventh birthday is coming up soon. Like I told you on the ferris wheel, sometimes I wish I was Takeru's age. Although, I was far from carefree when I was his age given my parent's divorce and my university classes, I would be closer to your age. I guess seeing Takeru with Rio made me wish we could have that type of relationship right now. At least you will be turning eighteen in April.

The next month will be a whirlwind of activity as we prepare the twins for the move to Shizouka. I hope we can have some more adventures together as a family before then. I would also like to have some quiet moments with just you to reflect on our time together. It has been a wonderful nearly two years for all of us. I hope that you will be able to spend as much time as possible with us.

Love, Seiji