Foreword: Itazura AU. In which, Kotoko has as much self-respect as she does feelings for Naoki. In which, Naoki promptly learns to appreciate Kotoko for not being able to do the things he can do easily, yet is everything he could never be effortlessly. In which, their relationship ultimately arrives at the same fateful destination, only with a few detours that help them both find something(s) important along the way.

Disclaimer: I do not own Itazura na Kiss or any of its content. This was written for personal entertainment purposes only. Most plot points closely follow the Anime and Live Actions (Love in Tokyo S1 and S2 and a little bit from Miss in Kiss) Changes in characters and timeline of the plot are inspired by memorable quotes from the anime and from both seasons of the live actions. Also slightly influenced by StarryNights513's fanfiction "Enough" as well as kotokodainetohru's fic "Wabi-Sabi"(which unfortunately seems to be on hiatus; unfortunate, because it's really well-written)

A/N: Italicized for a character's thought process. Bolded for emphasis. Both for stronger emphasis.

Passages with * mark means there are words or phrases explained in the footnotes.

He would never have considered himself a failure. In fact, 'Irie Naoki' and 'failure' typically do not belong in the same dictionary, let alone the same sentence. That is, up until this point in time, as his father's attending physician gave the family the details of the Irie patriarch's condition. For the umpteenth "first time" in his life, this proud genius could not help but admit, he was a failure. Failure as Tonan Pre-Med department's number one student, for he should have noticed his father's symptoms as subtle as they were. Failure as the eldest son, for he should have thought something was amiss that random night - many moons ago - his father called him out for a drink to adamantly discuss his future.

"It's not your fault, Irie-kun. Even I did not notice Oji-san's deteriorating health, and we live in the same house for goodness sake! How much harder would it have been for you since you live out on your own, and only stop by the house once in a while?"

He silently thanks Kotoko when she spoke words of comfort after he shared his supposed failures with her, once they were alone in the hospital corridor outside Mr. Irie's room. Still, that is not enough of an excuse. He internally argued at her well-intended reasoning.

He recalled the conversation he and his father had at the pub one night right before he chose to aim for a medical profession.

"Son, I want you to take over the company."

"Father, I am not interested in running Pandai. Unlike Yuuki, making and selling toys is not my passion. He would make a better successor."

"Yuuki is a prime candidate, but there is not enough time. I do hope you will reconsider. There is a gala with our shareholders next week, please come with me. Maybe talking to those in the business will help you better understand and spark greater interest in Pandai."

"Is the company really doing that poorly?"

"Our financials have indeed taken a hit with the recession, and our recovery is slower than I anticipated. There is also…"

The elder man mumbled the last of his sentence, taking a sip of his drink.

"Father?"

"It's nothing I can't manage for the time being. But please think about my offer, Naoki. It would mean so much for me, if I could pass down what I spent my life building, to both my sons."

"Building Pandai from the ground up was your dream, Otou-san. When I am certain of what my own dream may be, I do hope I get to pursue it, whether it'd be taking over the company or something else entirely."

"Of course, Naoki. Realizing your dreams is important. As your father, and as someone who has experienced the fulfillment of achieving dreams, I would not be the one to stand in the way of yours."

Now, knowing what he knows about his father's stress-induced failing heart condition, his father's words and attitude from that night made a lot more sense. He really should have noticed. He should have given that talk deeper thought and not dive head first into becoming a doctor, only thinking of his own sprouting "dream". He could not even save his own father, what right does he have to want to save complete strangers?

Following that mindset, Naoki made a decision. He will take care of Pandai. At least in the time it takes for his father to make a full recovery from his upcoming surgery. Who knows, he might even like burying his head in the company's financial records project proposals and business contracts; at least as much as he loves immersing his brain in medical books and surgical procedure demonstrations.

Who am I kidding? I don't find this enjoyable, not one bit. He sighs audibly to no one in particular after his secretary brings him yet another stack of dreaded files, slumping into the office chair behind the desk-covering mountain of material he must review and sign as the interim CEO . Granted it was not a challenging task for his former business major brain, but it sure was boring. And that made his work-day unbearably long.

His only solace from all this mundane office grind was going home to the Irie residence, since he moved back as ending the monthly lease of his apartment. Home in which his favorite person Aihara Kotoko (although it's a secret from everyone besides him) and favorite pastime - tutoring his favorite person (especially while having a cup of her hand drip coffee) - awaited him. His first "favorite thing about home" often waited with dinner (partly inedible, but he wasn't complaining, unlike his younger brother whom Naoki surprisingly -to Yuuki and Kotoko- admonished) and a pre-filled bathtub (always in the perfect temperature, and with aroma therapeutic elements every once in a much-needed while).

Even that small bit of joy, which was keeping him from tipping over the edge of insanity due to the humdrum of meeting investors and daily reports from the different departments, Irie learned, can be robbed for a moment, upon learning that he was still not Kotoko's only 'tutor'.

"Although the burger patties look wonky, everything seems to be edible tonight. What a miracle. There is no way baka-Kotoko made it all from scratch."

The 11 year old Irie remarked after they all had a couple bites of food, without grimacing (more like gagging, on Yuuki's part) nor making any unnatural noises mid chew.

"I did make it! Kin-chan taught me himself! Besides, you saw me work with the raw ingredients Yuuki-kun."

"Ikezawa taught you how to cook our dinner? How nice of him."

He probably had other intentions besides helping us. Naoki could not fight the jealous assumption that crossed his mind (though he could not yet identify his thoughts as so).

"Yes, Kin-chan has always been a nice guy. Since Oba-sama is busy taking care of Oji-san at the hospital, I offered to help out around the house in her stead, as you are well aware of. I felt bad serving you guys only half-edible meals for the past couple weeks, so I asked Otou-san to teach me some simple dishes on the nights I help out at Aihara's after closing. Kin-chan saw that Otou-san was very busy with developing the new seasonal menu, so he stepped in. Besides, Kin-chan wants to specialize in homestyle meals for those who are away from home in the future, so he said teaching me was good practice for him. Kin-chan is a great teacher. Cooking is actually quite fun now that I know the proper steps to prepare each ingredient! Also I found out that what I learned in nutrition class is very much related to cooking. Apparently onions are good for the brain's ability to retain long-term memory because it has a flavor-something called 'fishtin'. I put a lot in your bento for tomorrow Irie-kun!"

"Then shouldn't you be the one who eats more onion?"

He discreetly pushes the plate of caramelized onions closer to the girl.

"Hey! What are you hinting at Irie-kun?"

She gently pushes the plate back towards the center of the table, giving him a small glare.

"Onii-chan is calling you fish-brained, baka-Kotoko."

His little brother takes the plate and places it right in front of Kotoko's, sticking out his tongue.

"I believe you are talking about the natural flavonoid 'fisetin'. This concept was covered in your nutrition class last semester. Didn't your professor have you read the report by researchers at Hokkaido Tokai University? They confirmed that onions, which are rich in sulphur, could help prevent memory loss and actually stimulate your hippocampus. More importantly, you have a microbiology quiz coming up right? This chapter has a lot of information for you to memorize. So eat up Kotoko."

He chuckles at her muttering chain of "curses" as he piles-on sauteed onions onto her plate. His brother follows suit and adds his own onions to her pile.

"Yuuki, take those back."

"But why, Onii-chan? You gave some to baka-Kotoko."

"I didn't give her the ones off my plate. You should stop being such a picky eater. Onions also have quercetin and anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve concentration. Something you need more of for everything else besides gaming."

"But they smell bad and I can concentrate just fine, it's just that everything else is so boring compared to games and toys."

We definitely share the same genes. At least Yuuki still has the luxury to openly voice his disinterests.

Naoki thought at the deadpan expression on the younger Irie's face.

"Yuuki-kun, your classmates will make fun of you for being such a baby in middle school. Only little kids pick and choose what's on their plate."

She "flung" the onions back onto the pouting kid's plate using her chopsticks, directing a "serves-you-right" expression to the kid. Her either her luck or her aim is astoundingly good. The older Irie brother silently mused.

"Then you are a baby too Kotoko! You picked out the cilantro last time we were at a Vietnamese restaurant!"

"That was because there was a cilantro recall at the time due to a virus! It was better safe than sorry. We had that dish sent back later, remember? See, you do need to eat more onion and replenish your fish- fisetin."

She hurriedly corrected when Naoki softly cleared this throat at her incorrect start for the term. Kotoko mouths a quiet "thanks for backing me up" to him as she got up, clearing the table as they all finished up their meal. In which Yukki eventually gave up his fight against the college duo, muttering:

"Two against one, no fair" and "since when did onii-chan end up on her side? Right… since that day… I was in the hospital…"
then hurriedly wolfed down all his vegetables to hide the creeping blush on his face.

"Thanks."

He voices after she sets down a cup-of-joe in front of his spread of company documents he brought back from the office to review. She neared the door, wanting to slip out of his room so as to not disrupt his work. His deep sigh caught her attention and she retracted her hand from the door handle.

"Is something the matter, Irie-kun?"

"I'm envious of you Kotoko."

He states without any previous context, confusing the concerned girl.

"Why? Is running the company really stressful? I don't think I can help much with that though. The only thing I can do is study hard on my own and free up your evenings."

"No, don't do that. I enjoy going over your class material. It's a lot more interesting compared to these financial charts. Besides it is a good review for me until I return to school to resume my own studies. Only, I am not certain when or if that will happen anytime soon."

"I'm glad."

"That I am receiving retribution now for ignoring my father's wishes for my future?"

"No! Not at all! How can you even think that way about me, Irie Naoki?! I am glad you did not choose to give up your dream of becoming a doctor even with this temporary setback."

"How do you know this is temporary? I might end up becoming Pandai's CEO for good the way things are going now. Even when Dad receives surgery, his full recovery will take a long time, and after he still has to be careful not to undergo more stress."

"I am certain Oji-san will be healthy in good time with our care. There are two fledgling medical personnel in this household after all! Besides, I believe even your father recognizes just how happy you are to pursue your own dreams and won't wish for you to give it all up for the sake of maintaining his own. Maybe if you try bringing in what you are passionate about and the values you want to share through toy/game development, your work at Pandai would become more meaningful. If it's you Irie-kun, you are bound to find a way. To get your way in anything you set your mind to."

"Bring in what I like huh? You always know the right thing to say Kotoko. Thank you. Now back to these brain numbing numbers and figures. Good night."

Too bad I can't bring her into Pandai. Naoki shook away the urge to hug the unsuspecting girl.

What she did next surprised him just as much as it made his heart flutter. Yes, flutter. Another "first time" occurrence in his 20 years of life.

Aihara Kotoko embraced Irie Naoki from behind.

"Ganbatte, Irie-kun." *

She whispered firmly, then released him before he had a chance to hold onto her arms- previously around his neck and shoulders. Leaving him to wonder what had come over her.

One thing I now know for sure: I like Aihara Kotoko. Much, much, more than I like these papers - which will have to wait until tomorrow. Naoki realized as he attempted to calm his racing heart, closing the files before him.

The next afternoon, for the trillionth "first time" in the genius of IQ 200's life. He made a decision: to follow his small growing heart rather than his huge head. He gulped nervously -unlike his usual confident self - as he gripped the handle to the sliding door. He took in a deep breath and opened the door upon exhaling.

"Father, I am sorry to disrupt your resting time but I need to discuss something with you."

"Naoki, You came at the right time. There is something I've been meaning to tell you as well."

"Go ahead Otou-san."

"You are fired."

"What? I just successfully launched a new project. Have there been complaints from the office about how I have been managing?"

"Naoki, did you think you can fool me?"

"What do you mean, father?"

"You are doing a splendid job son. I could not be prouder to have you help me take care of the company."

"Then, why?"

"You may be good at this job. But I know now, this job is not good for you. I already worked out a management plan with the board, we will be hiring an external management company until I make a full recovery. Yuuki also expressed his interest to take over once he graduates college, although that is in quite a few years, but it's nothing I can't handle. Pandai is my dream, I will be the one to take charge of it. So make sure you go after yours. Go back to school, Naoki. Become the doctor you want to be."

The older man gave the young lad a knowing smile and a solid pat on the back.

"Father, the doctor ordered you to complete bed rest! When did you have the time to plan for the company?"

"Like I said before, son. Don't underestimate your father. Ah, also help me thank Kotoko-chan when you get home."

"What for?"

"That is our secret. Go on now, the admissions office will close soon won't it?"

"Thank you, Otou-san. But seriously, you need to rest. I am going to tell people at the office that business visits are off limits."

He smiled gratefully at his understanding but stubborn Father, before nagging him.

"Alright, Irie-sensei."

His father sighed jokingly and chuckled at his son's light glare.

That night, Kotoko and Yuuki exuberantly raised their glasses upon news of his return to school. Naoki did not bother to contain his grin. It was an occasion to be joyous over, after all.

As they were clearing the dishes, the oldest Irie son carried out his hospitalized father's request.

"Kotoko, Otou-san told me to relay his thanks to you."

"Huh? For what?"

"I don't know. He did not say."

"Wow. I am not dreaming am I?"

"Why would you be dreaming? Otou-san thanks you all the time."

"I never would have thought, I would hear 'I don't know.' from you of all people, Irie-kun."

"Seems like there is a first time for everything, Aihara-san."

I would know. My days were filled with a series of 'first times' literally from the first time she barged into my life. Naoki mused as the nonchalant girl nodded along to his statement.

"I suppose. Speaking of first times. I am super nervous for my first nursing practice lab next week. Can you believe it? We are going to be fourth years, our school days will be over before we know it! I am already starting to miss being a student."

"You do know, I still have at least four more years of school after graduation, right? Besides, I recommend that you, Aihara Kotoko, never stop being a student, for the sake of your future patients. If you don't flunk out of the upcoming year of practicals, that is. I heard head-nurse Hosoi is really strict when it comes to grading and even more so when accepting interns to Tonan University Hospital."

"Don't scare me Irie-kun. Will you do me a huge favor and be my practice partner? There is no way I would fail with your help!"

"Who's scarring who, Kotoko? I refuse to be your victimized pin cushion. Aren't you supposed to practice with your group mates?"

"They are all busy after class."

'Busy' making excuses that is. Naoki mentally shook his head, as his pleading housemate goes on to list all the reasons her nursing "friends" gave her for not being about to help her out.

"Well then I suppose I cou-

"I get it, you are busy too. I should have been more sensible, you have more catching up to do on studies compared to your peers, since you did take a semester leave. I won't make things harder for you Irie-kun. I can just ask Satomi, Jinko or Kin-chan. Maybe not Kin-chan, his arms and hands are too important to him as a chef to be experimented on…"

Kotoko leaves in a whirl to contact her girlfriends, cutting Naoki's protest short.

I was about to say yes, silly. I guess I just have to help her out casually when the time comes. He decided, following his heart for the second time in his life; upon seeing her bound up the stairs - speaking animatedly to her besties about anything and everything that has been going on. A decision that turned to be one he would regret painfully, for the most part, Naoki later learns.

**Footnotes**

Ganbatte (頑張って) - Can have any of these translations "Go for it!" "Do your best!" "Don't give up!" Meant to cheer someone on. Informal form of 'Ganbatte kudasai' (頑張ってください)