"So, an offer from Tonan? That is quite an accomplishment." Haru smiled, "Congratulations, Kotoko."
"Thank you, Haru." Kotoko blushed before taking a bite of her sundae. "I have you to thank. All of the late night studying. Honestly, I have all of you to thank."
"Even us? Jinko chuckled lightly, pointing at Satomi and herself.
"Of course, you two are my best friends and have believed in me for the longest time."
"Aww, thanks, Kotoko."
"Okay okay," Yuzan chuckled, "now you have to say something nice about me."
Kotoko turned in her seat to face Yuzan who was seated right beside Kotoko.
"And why is that?" Kotoko asked as she raised an eyebrow.
"Because you said something nice about everyone else." Yuzan pouted.
"Oh, don't be a big baby. It is very unbecoming." Kotoko smacked Yuzan's arm. "Plus, you were more of a distraction than helpful."
"Well excuse me for being handsome." Yuzan crossed his arms.
"Thank you for being a distraction." Kotoko gave Yuzan a kiss on the cheek.
"So, Kotoko," Haru spoke up, "are you going to accept the offer?"
Kotoko shrugged, "I want to see how my entrance exam for Tokyo University goes."
"You will do well, I am sure of it." Satomi gave a smile and a big thumbs up.
"The exam is next weekend, are you sure that you are ready?" Haru asked.
"No, but I have time to study and I will try to be as prepared as I can be." Kotoko sighed. "I really feel that I need help in math and as much as you have helped me..."
"I know, I know. Math really isn't my strong suit." Haru chuckled.
"I can help you." Yuzan offered.
"I actually need to study." Kotoko giggled. "I don't need to be...distracted."
Kotoko winked towards Yuzan. Yuzan leaned in and placed a kiss on her lips.
"Alright you two." Satomi rolled her eyes.
"Says you." Jinko scoffed.
Kotoko and Yuzan pulled away from each other, a blush on Kotoko's cheeks and a smirk on Yuzan's lips.
"So while I love hearing about your need for a math tutor, I am more concerned about how we are going to celebrate Kotoko's offer." Satomi leaned in before licking her strawberry ice cream cone.
"That is not necessary. Ice cream and having the afternoon here is good enough." Kotoko replied.
"Um, this is a snooze-fest, Kotoko." Satomi rolled her eyes, "My parents are gone this weekend on business and I am going to have the whole house to myself. We are going to have a back to school slash Kotoko got an offer from a university party! Just leave everything to me!"
"That is what I am worried about." Kotoko sighed.
Haru leaned in and looked up at Kotoko, "Please, humor her. I will be there to reign her back in and if you don't let her do this, I will never hear the end of it."
"Ugh, fine. You can throw a party." Kotoko gave in.
Satomi beamed and nearly sprang out of her chair.
"But," Kotoko interjected, "Haru has to help."
"But he's doesn't know anything about throwing parties," Satomi groaned, "no offense."
"What do you mean I don't know anything about parties? We met at a party." Haru scoffed.
"Let me clarify, sweetie," Satomi smiled.
"Oh don't patronize me." Haru pursed his lips and crossed his arms.
"You don't know anything about planning a party."
"I so do! And I will prove it!"
"Please do." Satomi smirked.
"This party will be the best party ever. Your parties will pale in comparison!" Haru exclaimed before popping the last bit of the ice cream cone into his mouth. He grabbed his bag and kissed Satomi on the cheek before leaving the ice cream parlour.
"And just like that," Satomi turned to face Kotoko, "this is going to be the biggest party of the year."
"I hate you sometimes you know that, right?" Kotoko glared at Satomi.
Satomi smiled at Kotoko before taking another lick of her ice cream.
Yuzan leaned over to Kotoko, his arm draped across her chair and his cheek pressed against hers. "How about I take you out for a celebration dinner before the party and we can pop in. If it is too much then we can leave, deal?"
Kotoko narrowed her eyes in concentration, "Deal." she reluctantly replied.
Yuzan placed a kiss on her cheek as he pulled away.
"As much as I enjoy being in the presence of three lovely ladies," Yuzan began as he stood up, "I really have to get going, papers are not going to write themselves. I'll see you this weekend, Kotoko."
"So long?" Kotoko asked.
"You said I was a distraction." Yuzan smirked in reply.
"You're right I need to study." Kotoko matched his haughtiness.
"You know I can't stay away from you. I'll see you tomorrow at the library after classes." Yuzan winked before grabbing his school bag and walking out of the ice cream parlour.
"I should get going too." Kotoko announced.
"Why? It is never just us girls." Jinko pouted.
"I want to tell my dad about the good news."
"Fine, I guess we will let you go this time. But you owe us. You are always in that library." Jinko scolded.
"You know that you two can always join me." Kotoko giggled as she wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin.
"Pass." Jinko quickly said.
"You two are something else. I am glad to have you as friends." Kotoko smiled as she stood up and threw her bag over her shoulder. "I will see you two tomorrow. I'll bring leftovers from the restaurant to make it up to you two. I know I have been busy but after the exam, I will have more free time."
"We understand, Kotoko." Satomi said, "But we wouldn't pass up your dad's cooking so definitely bring it tomorrow."
Kotoko laughed as she pushed in her chair, "Okay okay. See you girls tomorrow."
"Bye, Kotoko!" the girls exclaimed in unison as Kotoko placed her ice cream dish and spoon on the counter and threw away her napkin. She pushed on the door and exited the ice cream parlour on her way to tell her father the great news.
Kotoko entered the restaurant and saw the usual employees and...oh no.
"Kin-chan?" Kotoko asked as she squinted to get a closer look.
"Kotoko!" Kin-chan exclaimed from behind the counter. "Came to see me?"
"Absolutely not! What are you doing here?" Kotoko asked.
"Working, what are you doing here?" Kin-chan replied.
"First, this is my father's restaurant so I don't really need an excuse to be here and when did you start working here?"
"A few weeks ago. I saw that Aihara-san was hiring though I thought that I would be cooking. All that I have been doing is washing dishes and busing tables. Not really what I thought." Kin-chan pouted.
"You have to earn your way. What I am not understanding is why he would hire someone like you. I never thought that he would hire someone of your..." Kotoko struggled for the word.
"Skill?" Kin-chan beamed.
"Intellect. Or lack thereof." Kotoko chuckled.
Kin-chan crossed his arms, "I have work to do." He turned and returned to the back to work on the dishes.
Kotoko looked around and saw no sign of her father. She checked in the back and behind the restaurant where deliveries were dropped off. Still no sign of him.
Kotoko walked into the restaurant and walked into the kitchen.
"Have you seen my dad?" Kotoko asked one of the sous chefs.
"Um, I think he left about an hour ago. He had to make the deposit because he forgot to make it this morning."
"Yeah, he is forgetful sometimes." Kotoko rolled her eyes. "Do you know when he will be back?"
"He won't be. He put Yuta in charge." the chef pointed to the older man with his knife.
"Oh okay, thank you for letting me know." Kotoko smiled. "Say, do you have any leftovers from lunchtime?"
"I assume you ask because you would like some." the sous chef chuckled as he made his way to the large silver refrigerator.
"Yes I do." Kotoko smiled as the chef handed over the leftovers in a brown paper bag. "Pleasure doing business with you."
Kotoko began to walk out of the kitchen before she saw Kin-chan out of the corner of her eye washing dishes. "Watch out for that one okay."
"Oh we do, but he has come a long way since the first day. But there is a lot more to go."
"I wish you all the luck in the world." Kotoko giggled.
"You too. Your father won't stop talking about how you are studying for the TU exam." the chef smiled.
"Yeah, just try to ignore him. Thank you for the leftovers and I will see you around. Tell the kids I said hi." Kotoko waved before walking out of the kitchen and restaurant.
Once outside, Kotoko gave a sigh knowing that she would have to go to the Irie's. A place that she was not excited to visit, knowing that Naoki would most likely be there. Still, Kotoko adjusted the bag on her shoulder and made her way to the large tan house.
Kotoko arrived and rang the doorbell. There were sounds of footsteps coming down the stairs and soon the door flung open to reveal Noriko in an apron.
"Kotoko! What a surprise!" Noriko beamed, pulling Kotoko into the house.
"Hello, Mama. Is my father here?" Kotoko asked.
"No, he went out with Papa." Noriko replied as she walked into the kitchen, Kotoko following behind.
"What for?" Kotoko asked.
"I think that they went to the batting cages."
"The batting cages," Kotoko arched a brow, "those two? Really?"
"That was my response, but whatever gets them out of the house is fine with me. I never get a moment to myself."
"Are you saying that nobody else is here?" Kotoko asked.
"Yes," Noriko smiled, "Yuuki is at the arcade and Naoki is studying at the library."
Kotoko could feel the weight lift off of her shoulders. Kotoko placed her school bag on one of the kitchen stools and placed the leftovers on the counter. Noriko took the bag and placed it in the refrigerator.
"It smells delicious in here. What are you making?" Kotoko asked.
"Just some steamed buns. Are you hungry?" Noriko asked.
"I ju-" Kotoko began before being interrupted by Noriko.
"Please stay for dinner. It has been a long time since we have seen you. I know that you are mad at my sons but please, it would make me so happy." Noriko beamed.
"I don't know, I was hoping to stop by to talk to my dad." Kotoko sighed. She really didn't want to be around Naoki for when he eventually returned. Though, it would be nice to see his face when she told everyone the news. No. She should be the bigger person.
"It would make me happy. Plus I know that Papa would want to see you." Noriko pleaded.
"Well..."
"Oh, and I bought you some new outfits."
"Fine, I'll stay." Kotoko chuckled.
"The clothes are upstairs in your old room. I want to see you in one." Noriko smiled.
Kotoko hopped off the chair and made her way up the stairs, heading to Yuuki's room.
She looked around and saw that not much had changed other than the pink sheets that once covered her bed were now changed to Yuuki's dark green sheets. The mirror was moved to the corner and the desk was covered in books about psychology and economics. Not her first choice in reading material. Kotoko knew that she would not pursue business when in university, that was for sure.
Kotoko looked around and found the bag of clothes near the edge of the bed. She put the bag on the bed and pulled out the articles of clothing. There were dresses, pants, shorts, and tops that were perfect for the transition into fall and the cooler months. Kotoko looked at the items and decided on a light blue dress. Kotoko threw her hair up into a messy bun and made her way down the stairs.
"Kotoko, you look great! I hope that you liked what I picked out for you." Noriko smiled as Kotoko walked back into the kitchen.
"I do but you didn't have to buy me anything." Kotoko blushed.
"I don't have a daughter to shop for." Noriko placed a hand on Kotoko's shoulder, "And think of it as my way of trying to bribe you to come back."
"Bribes won't work, Mama." Kotoko replied.
"I know, but we really do miss you and...and...I just need you back here." Noriko bent her head down.
"I will think about it." Kotoko smiled.
The moment had ended when the sound of the door opening stopped the women from talking. Kotoko turned around and made her way to the door, hoping that it was Shiegeki and her father walking in but her face fell when she saw Naoki and Yuuki.
"What are you doing here?" Yuuki asked as he set down his school bag and took off his shoes.
"I came to talk to my dad but was invited to stay for dinner." Kotoko replied.
"And you said no, right?" Yuuki asked.
"And miss the opportunity to annoy you? Never." Kotoko chuckled as she walked back into the kitchen.
Yuuki looked up at his brother, "I can't believe you are in love with that."
"Shut up." Naoki shoved Yuuki. He placed his bag down and walked into the kitchen to grab something to drink.
In the kitchen he saw Kotoko and his mother talking about something. Probably something trivial. He walked over to the cabinet and grabbed a glass.
"Onii-chan, can you get me a glass of water as well?" Noriko asked.
Naoki rolled his eyes but still pulled down another glass.
"Actually," Noriko said, "dinner is almost ready. You and Yuuki can help set the table."
Naoki gave a slight groan but began pulling down more glasses.
"I'll help too." Kotoko replied.
"No, that is okay." Noriko smiled. "I think the boys will be okay doing it."
"Are you sure? It really isn't a problem."
"We'll be fine." Naoki snapped.
"Well excuse me for offering." Kotoko exclaimed before walking up to Naoki. "And what did I say about talking to me?"
"You're in my house, you insufferable..."
"Naoki!" Noriko scolded. "Not another word! Go get your brother to help you set the table."
Naoki took the glasses in his hands and stormed out of the kitchen and into the dining room.
"I am sorry about him. I hate that he is the reason that you feel that you are not welcome here. He does not own the house and he has no say in what happens around here." Noriko sighed.
"I just can't live here while he is here."
"What happened between you two? Sure you never really got along but at least you two were somewhat civil towards each other. Now you two can't be within 5 meters of each other without wanting to rip each other's heads off."
"It's a long story that I don't want to get into." Kotoko replied.
"Are you sure?" Noriko pulled Kotoko into a hug. "You know that I am here for you if you ever need anything."
"Thank you, Mama." Kotoko reciprocated the hug. "I really do miss you."
"Please consider coming back."
Kotoko pulled away from the hug and gave a soft smile to the older woman.
Soon, the door opened again and the sounds of boisterous laughter filled the house.
Kotoko ran to the door and saw her father and Shigeki taking off their shoes at the door.
"Kotoko?" Shigeo couldn't believe his eyes.
"Hi, dad." Kotoko smiled as she ran to her dad to give him a hug.
"What are you doing here?" Shigeo asked.
"I have some news." Kotoko replied as she pulled away from the hug.
"Aihara Kotoko, you better not be pregnant!" Shigeo's voice boomed throughout the house. The sound of a shattering glass could be heard from the dining room and Noriko's head popped out from the kitchen.
"Kotoko are you pregnant?" Noriko asked.
"No! I am not pregnant!" Kotoko exclaimed as her face turned a vibrant red shade.
"Good, you and Yuzan haven't..." Shigeo tried his best to ask.
"No! I don't want to have this conversation in front of everyone."
"Sorry, I don't know what you do over at Satomi's."
"Well it is not that." Kotoko crossed her arms.
"Good." Noriko replied and Kotoko turned to look at the woman. "You know that the only children that you bear will be my grandchildren."
There was another sound of glass shattering that was met with a laugh from Yuuki.
"Boys!" Noriko stormed into the dining room, "What is going on in there?"
Kotoko turned back around and faced her father, "That was the most embarrassing moment of my life."
"Sorry, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."
"And that was the conclusion that you jumped to when I told you that I had news?" Kotoko chuckled. "Trust me, if I were pregnant, Yuzan or whoever the father is will be here when I tell you."
"Bad idea." Shigeo responded as he walked towards the kitchen.
"Why?" Kotoko asked as she followed him.
"Because I will kill him."
"Dad!" Kotoko exclaimed.
"So what is the news that you wanted to tell me?" Shigeo asked as he lifted up the lid to the steamer.
"I..." Kotoko was interrupted when the door to the kitchen flung open. Noriko walked in with a dust pan filled with glass shards.
"What happened?" Kotoko asked.
"Naoki dropped a few glasses. Silly boy." Noriko huffed as she threw away the shards in the recycling bin. "Now, both of you, go sit at the table. And be careful where you step, I don't know if I got all of the glass shards. I will have to go over the area with the vacuum after dinner. "
Kotoko and Shigeo looked at each other before walking into the dining room, careful to watch where they were stepping. Kotoko took the seat next to her father. Yuuki and Naoki sat across from the Aihara's and Shigeki and Noriko sat at the opposite ends of the table.
The Iries and Aiharas began passing around the food, taking what they wanted.
"So, Kotoko," Shigeki began, "what is the news that you have to tell us."
Kotoko didn't want to tell everyone but she thought it would be good to tell everyone now. They were all bound to hear it at some point.
Kotoko cleared her throat, "Well, there was a man that came to observe our class today and we had a pop quiz."
"Oh no," Yuuki exclaimed, "you failed? How embarrassing."
"Ha. Ha." Kotoko glared at Yuuki. "Quite the opposite actually."
"Hey a D isn't bad either." Yuuki smirked.
"You know what," Kotoko exclaimed, "I actually got an A and the man in the class was a representative from Tonan University and he offered me a place next year!"
Kotoko slammed down her fork and folded her arms.
"Kotoko," Shigeo turned to his daughter, "I am so proud of you!"
"Thanks, dad." Kotoko looked up at her dad, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Your mother would be so proud." Shigeo pulled Kotoko into a hug.
Those words and the pride in her father's eyes made Kotoko burst into tears.
"We are all proud of how far you have grown this year." Noriko said, "Aren't we?" She glared at Yuuki and Naoki.
Shigeki gave a large thumbs up as he stuck a bun into his mouth and Yuuki nodded in slight approval. However, Naoki stood up from the table, "Ridiculous." he muttered and stormed upstairs. A sharp slam following.
"I don't know what has gotten into that boy." Noriko shook her head, "So moody lately."
"I'll go talk to him." Yuuki groaned.
"No," Kotoko stopped Yuuki, "I'll go."
Kotoko stood up from the table after taking one last bite of her meal before heading upstairs. Once upstairs, Kotoko didn't even knock before she slammed open Naoki's door and slammed it shut.
"Stop being an ass!" Kotoko yelled.
Naoki turned around from his desk to face Kotoko.
"I'm sorry, I thought we weren't speaking to each other." Naoki grimaced.
"What was that about downstairs?" Kotoko crossed her arms as she stepped closer and closer to Naoki.
"Do you know how hard I have worked?" Naoki asked as he stood up from his chair. "I have been the top of our class for who knows how long at this point and I worked my ass off to get to that point. You just focus on school as some passion project and now schools are lining up to have you. Not one school, not even Tonan, has offered me a spot! Life must be playing a cruel joke on me." Naoki fumed. He was near centimeters away from Kotoko.
"Well I am sorry that things are not working out the way that you planned, but I have no control over that." Kotoko glared at Naoki. "So grow up and stop being mad at me. Does it pain you that much to see me be happy? I thought that is what you wanted ever since you started tutoring me. To take education and my life more seriously. I have and yet you are still acting like a jerk." Kotoko sighed, "You said that you loved me, but you have never showed me any indication that you have. You only tell me that you do when we are fighting like this. You don't love me."
"Do you know how often I lie at night thinking about you? Wishing that you were with me and not that Yuzan guy. I think about you more than I probably should. When I saw you at the waterpark, all I could think about was wanting you to myself. I want you to be happy, I just thought that I would be the one to make you happy." Naoki stroked Kotoko's cheek, the feel of her soft skin sending shocks through his fingertips.
"And would you feel the same way if I weren't smart?" Kotoko asked as she instinctively leaned into Naoki's palm.
"You've always been smart." Naoki replied, "And funny, and kind, and thoughtful, and beautiful. I...I need you. I need you to teach me how to be all of those things. I have spent too long thinking about school and the future. But you think about the now and you see the joy in life."
Naoki bent down, his forehead on Kotoko's. He could feel her breath on his neck. He brought his lips down and Kotoko quickly turned away.
"This isn't fair." Kotoko sighed.
"What?" Naoki asked as he placed an arm around Kotoko's waist.
"That after all of this time, I still love you. But this isn't fair to Yuzan either." Kotoko's eyes began to fill with tears.
"Then break up with Yuzan." Naoki pleaded.
"But he makes me feel so happy and he has been nothing but supportive. And how do I not know that you won't break my heart again?"
Naoki pulled away from Kotoko and opened his desk drawer and pulled out the familiar envelope that Kotoko had tried to give him in the past.
"You have the letter." Kotoko asked.
"I kept it all this time and I read it every day. When I read it the first time, I was enchanted by the words and I wished that you had told them to me in person. Nobody has ever been so brave and forward as you had been that day. I wish that I had your bravery and passion. I never want to break the heart that wrote me this letter. Kotoko," Naoki walked to Kotoko once again, the letter in his hand, "you are the one who has opened my eyes and heart to the wonders and frustrations of love. You are the one that I have been looking and waiting for. Kotoko, I lo-"
"Don't finish that." Kotoko gasped. Her heart grew heavy and dropped to her stomach. She looked around, tears forming in her eyes.
"I-I-I have to go." Kotoko stammered before turning around and running out of his room.