Chapter 23 - Kotoko: What the Last Shikansen Brought Back (because the full title did not fit in the title line yet again)
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.
Kotoko met the expectant eyes of the two girls leaning towards her, both arms on the table, from the diner booth seat across where she was seated. She nervously took a sip of her peach ice tea- wishing it was spiked so that opening up would be a bit easier. Being interrogated on her love life as soon as their server left the table - however nonexistent it is, kinda- was not what she had in mind when it came to returning the favor to her best girlfriends since high school. What was once a simple, "thanks for helping me pass my make-up lab practical dinner", turned into a complicated, heart and brain stirring, "help Kotoko gain clarity on budding feelings she may or may not have meal". Curiosity getting the best of her, Satomi asked the contemplating girl again.
"Seriously, what's up with you and Kin-chan? And don't give us that vague, 'we have always been close friends, just like in high school.' answer."
"Yea, the vibe around you two was different the last time we were all at Aihara's." Jinko added.
"What vibe are you talking about?"
"Kotoko, it's not the first day we've known you. You are hiding something from us. Something bigger than you living at Irie Naoki's house."
"Be honest, Kotoko, do you feel something, other than friendship, for Kin-chan?"
"I don't know. We went out a couple times, just the two of us. And-
"Wait, back up. You two went on a date? When was this?"
The two girls had expected something like "I have been spending more time with Kin-chan, at the restaurant and all so…" but the fact that their best friend had already gone on a date - several dates- with their mutual friend was shocking. To them, her calm 'it's nothing new' attitude that followed as she recapped each instance was even more surreal.
"The first time was after Oji-san got discharged from the hospital, I wanted to thank Kin-chan for teaching me simple dishes to cook while Oba-san was away, so I offered to treat him to a meal. He suggested the movies, and I gave the 'ok'."
"Kotoko, that was about half a year ago. Why are we only hearing about this now?"
"I didn't think it was a big deal. It was like this dinner we are having. I was grateful to him."
"Then what about the other times that followed?"
"After the movie outing, Kin-chan asked me if I would like to go out with him again after my exams to blow off some steam. I figured it'd be fun. We ended up going to the aquarium. The time after that we went to several markets: the fish market, vegetable farm, and the dairy farm. Kin-chan needed to do some research for a new menu item at Aihara's and he advised it would be best that I go with him and learn about it, so when I help out as a server I am more knowledgeable on the menu and can give better recommendations."
"So, how did you feel?"
"I had fun and I learned a lot."
"Not about the places, about Kin-chan!"
"He is comfortable to be around. We laugh a lot. He can be unexpectedly serious, especially when it comes to cooking and things concerning Aihara's, so that professional side of him is admirable. He is my best guy friend, so I can talk to him about anything and everything."
"Is he really just a friend Kotoko? If you imagine a future with Kin-chan, how does that make you feel? Can you picture it?"
"I never really considered Kin-chan that way, so I don't know."
"Kotoko, I think it is something you should seriously start thinking about. You know how Kin-chan feels, we all do. Sooner or later, he will want to know if these 'dates' of yours are going to lead to something more. I am not saying this to sway you in any way or to pressure you, but even in high school, I thought that you and Kin-chan would have made a good couple. I didn't mention it then because you only had eyes for Irie."
"I agree with Satomi. Kin-chan may be suitable for you. After all they do say 'A woman is happier when she is loved by a man more than she loves him.' As we all know well, he is head-over-heels for you."
"A future with Kin-chan huh? Come to think of it, I've never imagined a 'future' with anyone. Besides Irie-kun… but that when I was still naive and had no idea of the real Irie-kun."
Even Tomo-chan mentioned that I should think about what Kin-chan means to me the other day, so maybe it is high time I start thinking. Why was I not opposed to these outings with Kin-chan? Can I see myself in a future with him in it?
Kotoko was lost in thought even as their food came. However, zoned-out Aihara was a usual occurrence among the three girls, so Jinko and Satomi took care of Kotoko like clockwork: putting food on her plate, then from the plate to her fork, put the fork in her hand, and watched her mindlessly place the items in her mouth, and the process repeats. All the while, Kotoko traveled to an imaginary future.
~ . ~
"Tadaima~" *
"Okaerinasai, Okami-san. How was your shift at the hospital?" *
Greeted Kaede-chan, a server they finally hired last year.
"We had quite the number of outpatients today, but I still have enough energy to help out in the front until closing, let me just go freshen up."
Kotoko quickly went upstairs, changed out of her nursing uniform, took a shower, and put on her yukata, and made her way back down to do her next favorite job. Serving the regulars at Aihara's.
"Oneda-san, glad to see you here tonight, would you like more Tsukemono?" *
"Yes, please. Kotoko-chan, we haven't seen you around much lately, you look as energetic as ever!"
"I've had mostly night shifts at the hospital this month, so I couldn't help out. I missed everyone."
"We missed you too Okami-san!"
"Harada-san, thanks for the warm reception. Another round of sake?" *
"Yea!"
"Coming right up!"
"Kotoko, I'm glad you're livening up the place, but you should have some dinner first. I bet you haven't eaten anything besides that bento I packed you. Ah, before I forget, okaeri."
The fully fledged chef, and successor of Aihara's came out of the kitchen, gave her an affectionate smile, guiding her into the seat before him and then set down a meal tray before her.
"How'd you know? Now that you mention it, I'm starving. Will you help me bring this to Harada-san's table then? Thanks Kin-chan. And tadaima."
She returned his smile with a grin of her own, digging into the hearty meal.
"Kin-chan, did you modify Otou-san's tamagoyaki recipe? It's really good!" *
"I added unagi to the center. I call it 'Umaki'. I thought you might need something to replenish your energy with all the varied shifts you've been taking up at the hospital. Unagi is good for stamina." *
"You should add this to the menu as an appetizer."
"I'll speak with Otou-san about it."
"I thought he completely handed you the reins to the restaurant when he retired."
"Aihara's is still the place he built from the ground up. I think he would want to know."
"Aihara-san must feel so proud to have such a capable and dutiful son-in-law."
"Kinnosuke-san is a great chef and a doting husband. Kotoko-san, you are very fortunate!"
"I'm the fortunate one to have Kotoko as my wife. Aihara's wouldn't be complete without her as the Okami-san."
"I think we are all blessed people. Or at least I hope all our patrons at Aihara's can feel that here."
"Etsuko said the same thing when we first started the restaurant. You really are her splitting image."
"Otou-san! You are back from your fishing trip already?"
"I caught some good mackerel today, we can put them on the menu tomorrow. Kinnouske, while I am happy you think of me in your decisions for Aihara's menu, but I trust your decisions, as your former Shishou and as your father-in-law. So you can do as you see fit." *
"Thank you, Otou-san!"
Kotoko laughed heartily at her upright husband, who was currently giving Aihara-san a deep bow. Even after five years of "graduating' from his apprenticeship, and three years of their marriage, Kin-chan's respect for Shigeo runs deep and shows itself in the manner it did when he was still a young boy who swore to make Kotoko-san happy.
~ . ~
She is brought back to the real-life present by a whiff of sweet air, her eyes light up in recognition at the giant ice cream sundae the server brought to the table.
"Welcome back. Very Kototo-like to make it just in time for dessert."
"You must have really thought far into the future with Kin-chan in mind. We lost you for the whole duration of dinner."
She fights a creeping blush, from her vivid imagination, but also from slight embarrassment due to the sheer accuracy of her friends' statements.
"I don't think I hate the idea of the future with Kin-chan in it. In fact, it's somewhat familiar in a heartwarming way."
"What do you mean familiar?"
"I think our future, if it happens, would be similar to my parent's marriage. With deep care for each other and for Aihara's. From what I remember of my parents, they were not the passionate, lovey-dovey type. But Otou-san doted on Oka-san; Oka-san admired Otou-san, as a person and especially as a chef. They were a serene and comfortable couple. I think more than a heart-pipaliating, roller coaster romance, I am better suited for this kind of relationship. Also, perhaps the 'me' with Kin-chan would grow to be the elegant Okami-san my mother was."
At her own mention of a "roller coaster romance", her "relationship" ("friendship", mind you) with Irie-kun briefly whizzed through her thoughts. She instantly shut down that attraction.
"Well then, what's holding you back?! You should let Kin-chan know his year's long efforts are not futile!"
"He hasn't exactly asked me anything official though."
"Knowing Kin-chan, he probably has something planned."
"When the time comes, Kotoko, take that brave step! We are here to support you!"
"We are on your side. No matter what, or who, you ultimately choose. As long as you are happy, we will be happy for you."
"Thanks Jinko, Satomi."
That week after her revolutionary conversation with her best friends, Kotoko's thoughts were split between 'her and Kin-chan' whatever their relationship was and would become, and the upcoming, long-awaited capping ceremony. Currently, her mind weighs-in on the latter.
"I have waited years for this moment! When the head nurse places the white cap on my head and we recite the oath by candle light."
Motoki gushes, his eyes twinkling.
"It's going to be so romantic~ Our school has an even more romantic tradition that follows!"
Maria says excitedly.
"There is more to the ceremony than the oath?"
Keita prods, somewhat uninterested.
"Did you not know? Nursing students get to choose a pre-med student to present flowers to them, I heard that three out of ten pairs end up becoming a married couple. Apparently the stigma of the bouquet presented is 'life long partnership'."
"I heard that Irie-san has gotten offers from at least half of our class. But he turned them all down without hesitation."
"Marina will get a bouquet for sure."
"Really? Kotoko, you think Irie-san would accept my request? Am I his type?"
"I meant Funatsu-san's…"
Kotoko clarified, signaling to the further half of the duo walking towards their table. Marina glares at the bespectacled lad trailing behind the popular pre-med student Irie Naoki. Kotoko notices a gleam in Tomoko's eyes as Naoki sits down across from her (in a seat beside Kotoko's). Could it be that Tomo-chan wants to receive a bouquet from Irie-kun?
"Irie-san, will you lend me the dissection video from your Human Physiology II class?"
Flesh-n-bones over flowers, huh? That is more like Tomo-chan. Kotoko stifles a chuckle as Irie-kun nods, wordlessly, in response to the angel-faced nursing student.
"Irie-san, could I take a picture with you after the ceremony? I would love to capture my proudest moment -of dawning a nurse cap- with the person I admire most."
"Motoki, male students get handkerchiefs."
The tall beauty's face quickly changed from elation - from hearing his idol address him with no honorifics - to horrific shock - for his lifelong dream of partaking in the most significant ceremony in the perfect outfit was shattered in one sentence. If the previous blow was not enough, Naoki's next statement, took Moto-chan's already dampened hopes and completely extinguished it. (Hopes later rekindled by Kotoko's crazy yet effective plan: having him come to the ceremony in female attire with the entire class petitioning on the spot for Head Nurse Hosoi to make an exception for him.)
"I have a medical conference in Nagoya to attend that day, so I won't be able to make it to your ceremony. Kotoko, can you let Oka-san know? If I tell her myself, she is going to flip and I will never hear the end of it. Also please strongly emphasize 'do not buy flowers in my stead' when you relay the message. Thanks."
"Got it. The fact that our ceremony is not even open to the public should help diminish her delusions of grandeur."
"You would think, but private gatherings have never stopped her, has it?"
"Right, it hasn't."
She laughed helplessly, recalling the time they caught Oba-sama (poorly disguised as the campus janitorial staff) trying to rig the raffle (to form duo-game teams) at their tennis club tournament wrap-up party two years ago, an event which was exclusive to club members only. She still has no idea how her honorary mother got it without an invite to this day. (Naoki might have an idea, but he wasn't going to tell her.)
Apparently Oba-san wasn't the only one who couldn't be stopped by a "private event' sign, as she learned the night of her capping ceremony (who the former taped, so Onii-chan can have a private viewing later on his own time). She was surprised - a bit pleasantly- to say the least, at who the second exception to the rule was.
Ikezawa Kinnouske made his way into the hall (long after Noriko left) dressed to the nines, with a large bouquet, staring at her in awe as she came down from the stage (finally, even though it's been at least half an hour since the ceremony ended) in her interning nurse uniform (cap and all).
"Wow, Kotoko. You are perfect. I mean the nurse outfit is perfect- no- I mean- nursing fits you perfectly."
He stuttered, quite flustered (more than the usual), once she made her way up to him.
"Kin-chan! What are you doing here?"
"Shishou said you have the ceremony today, so I wanted to come and congratulate you. And I am in charge of escorting you to Aihara's for your celebration party. Here, these are for you."
He hands her the large bouquet of pink roses.
"They are lovely, thank you. Should we go then?"
"Uh Kotoko, before we go I have something important to ask you."
"What is it Kin-chan?"
"Are you happy right now?"
"Definitely, I am one step closer to my dream of becoming a nurse now."
"Can I make you even happier than this? You make me very happy Kotoko, you are kind, gentle, determined, supportive, and is everything I hope for in my future. I promise to work hard to be that kind of person for you too - your biggest supporter in all aspects of your life- so will you give me the chance to make you happier than you are now? Will you be my girlfriend?"
In this moment, the former half of what occupied her thoughts during that week, took over. With the future she had imagined that evening at the diner in hindsight, she answered the nervously waiting young chef with a confident smile.
"Yes."
"Really Kotoko?"
His eyes widened at her swift and firm response before lighting up like the flickering candles on stage behind them.
"Yes Kin-chan, really."
He hugs her with a 'woo-hoo', twirling her around, earning him a giggle before he sets her down.
"Kotoko, I feel like I'm dreaming right now."
He whispers as she lets him take her hand, while they walk to the station.
"Me too, Kin-chan."
The two of them slides opened the screen door of the restaurant and were greeted by party poppers set off by family and friends .
"Congratulations!"
"Eh, how did everyone find out already. Thanks! Kotoko and I are very happy."
"What are you talking about Kin-chan? We are congratulating Kotoko for the capping ceremony."
Satomi gave the exuberant boy an odd look before she caught on, with a loud gasp.
"Kotoko, are you-
"Satomi, not here. I'll tell you and Jinko later."
Kotoko quickly shushed her friend before Oba-san could notice something was different between her and Kin-chan and turn this night into an unforgettable moment for reasons other than her academic achievement.
Yet she learned, again, someone other than Noriko (one she least expected) could deal the same, if not more, amount of damage on her otherwise celebratory mood.
"Sorry we are closed for the night, private party."
Without looking up, her father addresses the guest at the sound of the opening door, for they were not expecting anyone else.
"Congratulations Kotoko."
Everyone whipped around towards the entrance at the sound of the familiar cool voice.
"Irie-kun! Shouldn't you be at a medical conference in Nagoya?"
"It ended early, so I caught the last Shinkansen back. At least Oba-san would have one less thing to nag us - mostly me - about."
His voice dropped to a low whisper on his last sentence.
"Onii-chan, aren't you forgetting something?"
He gave her an exasperated knowing look. "See?" She gave him a small shrug and wry smile. "Good luck."
"What am I forgetting?"
"Flowers! You have to give Kotoko-chan flowers. I heard all about your school's tradition. The pair of medical students that do the flower presentation after the ceremony will be together forever!"
"The stigma is lifelong professional partnership. Meaning a doctor and a nurse vow to work together for the sake of patients. It's not at all what you are hinting at, Ofukuro. Besides, all the flower shops are closed by now. Also, even if they weren't, one bouquet is more than enough for Kotoko, especially if it must carry romantic implications, as you are pushing for. Am I right, Ikezawa?"
"Of course one is enough. You are that o-
"I am glad we finally agree on something, Okaa-san."
"I mean you are suppose to be that one-
"Congrats on being the one Ikezawa. And good luck with that one."
Naoki once again did not let his mother finish her obvious rebuttal, countering with one hammering statement of his own.
Before Kotoko could spring up and question his mention of her as "that one", he extended a hand towards the Kansai lad which Kin-chan grabbed at the speed of light and shook firmly, with a smug victory grin.
"The one, that one? What one? Explain Onii-chan!"
Noriko could not believe her ears. It better not be what she thinks her eldest son was implying.
"I think it's best if you hear from Kotoko. Now isn't the time for that though, is it? We are here to congratulate her for becoming a half-qualified nurse. Since interns are not considered fully qualified medical personnel."
The aforementioned girl silently shoots daggers at the stoic Irie, for opening this can of worms she wishes could stay buried for a while longer. Kin-chan on the other hand, like the hospitable person he is, thought it best that this can be shared.
"Actually, there is no better time than now Irie Naoki! Shishou, may I have your blessing?"
"Kin-chan, what are you doing?"
She asked him under her breath.
"Asking for permission, so we can proceed our relationship like we talked about on the way here."
He replies, bringing her up to speed of their current situation (which she isn't exactly ready for).
While she and Kin-chan had talked briefly about his plans to ask her father for permission in dating her on the way here, she hadn't the slightest clue it would be tonight, of all nights. (When she thought about it later, months later, that quick progression should not have been a surprise, knowing Kin-chan and his tendencies to jump-the-gun.)
"What do you mean, Kinnouske?"
Her father asked in utter confusion at the impassionate boy's sudden request for a "blessing".
"Kotoko and I decided to date, with marriage in mind. May we have your blessing?"
"I opp-
Naoki silences his mother with an icy glare before anyone else (besides one other) notices. Kotoko secretly thanks him (only for this bit though, everything else was uncalled for)
"If this is what Kotoko truly wants, I don't see why not."
"Thank you, Otou-san!"
Kotoko really suppresses a giggle at this deja vu like moment (for she has seen this deeply bowing thankful Kin-chan in her mental trip to the 'maybe future')
"It's still 'Shishou' for you, Kinnouske."
"Thank you, Shishou!"
She smiles softly, as her boyfriend gives her a proud grin. Referring to Kin-chan as her 'boyfriend', rather than her 'best friend', might take some time getting used to; but time they have, for they still have their whole lives ahead of them. He turns away to follow her father into the kitchen. She catches the eye of Irie-kun and mouths a sarcastic "thanks a lot" giving him the stink eye, to which he mouths back playfully "you're very welcome" followed by a swift (:Þ). Otou-san and Kin-chan returned with more food (he prepped just for his girlfriend, he claims), Irie-kun looked away, taking his flicker of emotion with him. Their short exchange was over, and moments like it didn't occur again. Yet Kotoko could not quite shake the tiny questions in her mind as she laid in bed that night. Was that a look of regret? If it was, why? Was it just my imagination? Should I ask him- no I shouldn't. I am overthinking things, right?
**Footnotes**
Shinkansen (新幹線) - bullet train, connects regions of Japan (very extensive and goes at high speeds)
(A/N: used in the title because its how fast Kotoko thought her relationship with Kin-chan escalated, or at least the word about them spread super fast)
Tadaima (ただいま) - saying for "I'm home".
Okaerinasai (おかえりなさい) - formal way of saying for "welcome home" Okaeri (おかえり) is infomal
Okami-san (女将さん) - term for wife of a ryokan (inn) / Japanese restaurant owner, she is usually in charge of front of house / guest service, while husband is the chef or manager of establishment.
Tsukemono (漬物) - Literal translation "pickled things" Actual: pickled vegetable dishes
Sake (酒) - Japanese rice wine
Tamagoyaki (卵焼き) - Japanese rolled omelette
Unagi (ウナギ) - Freshwater eel
Umaki (う巻き) - rolled omelet which has broiled eel, Maki (巻) means rolled/ roll
Shishou (師匠)- "master/ teacher" a term one uses to address their mentor, who is considered an expert in their trade (or in a dojo)