Chapter 53
Namiko left the Kasanoda residence, walking down the street, biting her lip.
'How am I going to bring this up to my fathers?'
Sighing, she walked further, smiling as she remembered Father Kasanoda's last words to her before she left to go home.
"Believe in me when I say, that if this is something you truly want, no matter what may happen I and my son are here for you. We are ready to welcome you. This family doesn't normally express love so much... but you know you can trust in my words that our syndicate already loves you."
Nodding, she looked to her right, seeing a market.
A little ways down was Hanako's...
'I can't bother her with this. Maybe once I talk with my fathers.'
Walking into the market, Namiko took in a deep breath. Perhaps she could butter up her father's before telling them what she had decided.
'What could I make?'
Walking up and down the aisles, She spotted breading, and curry.
"Pork Tonkatsu with Curry! Perfect!" She nodded, as she grabbed everything she needed, pork, breading, green onions, onion, carrot, ginger, kabocha, bell peppers, asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms, curry powder, flour, butter, garam masala, and white rice.
Nodding at the basket she had. "Alright... I hope you work to settle my Dad's."
Carrying the bag, she continued her walk home.
With each step closer to her home, she could feel the nerves getting worse.
Looking in the driveway, she sighed happily, her fathers were not home yet. She could cook and have it ready when they arrived.
Finding a note, it was written by Dad-N
Hey Namiko,
Sorry we probably won't be home when you get back.
Your father and I should be back by 7 or 8 o'clock tonight.
See you soon,
Dad-N
Looking at the clock, the time read 5 o'clock.
Keeping busy, she first marinated her port cutlets and creating the curry.
As she waited, she cleaned the house heavily, changing the trash, sweeping, doing the laundry.
Looking at the time, it read 6:45. Nodding to herself. It was time to finish dinner, have it ready for when her fathers would arrive back home.
Putting the mean together, she could just feel her heart racing faster as she waited for them to come back.
Shaking her head, she made the plates, setting them on the table.
Smiling at her work, she moved to remove food scraps and dirty dishes.
Looking towards my grandfather's photo on the butsudan.
"Great Grandfather... please help me tell them."
"Tell us what?" Dad-K asked, his expression confused as he held a cake box and Dad-N held Moriko.
Namiko gasped, turning around. Oh no... She bit her lip.
"Well, It is just something I want to talk to you about, but I made dinner. So that would be better to eat hot, right?"
Kyo and Nobu looked at one another, confused.
Moriko was wiggling in Kyo's arms, obviously sleepy.
Kyo moved to lay Moriko down for bed, Nobu following.
"What could she possible want to tell us? Last time we misunderstood through a false worry, but this time, She seems very scattered. That's not normal."
Nobu shrugged.
"She could just be upset that Ritsu is now gone for the year."
"Good Riddance."
Nobu groaned and shoved at Kyo's arm. "Oh hush, you like the boy. He is going to be our son in law after all."
"I know you're right."
"But you have to admit, what does she want to tell us?"
"I'm not sure, but we just have to take this and process it. We need to come at this, whatever it is, at an understanding approach, but also be sure she understands how ever we feel about this."
Nodding to one another, they walked out, Namiko patiently pouring tea into her father's and her cup.
Smiling, she gestured to the meal.
"Please, eat. I went and bought some pork. I know it is a little outside my usual allowance, but I wanted to give you guys something good."
Nobu and Kyo looked at one another, trying hard to not signal that they knew something was going on.
"Oh! Wow Namiko, this smells absolutely delicious. Pork Cutlets and Curry Rice?"
She nodded.
"What's the occasion?" Nobu asked as they both took a bite, loving the flavors.
"Well... I have something important to talk to you about and it could affect our lives."
Namiko's parents eyes widened.
She shook her head. "Please allow me to explain before you jump to conclusions?" She bit her lip. "Well... last night before Ritsu and I went to sleep, Father Kasanoda spoke with Ritsu and I about choices and a decision I can make. I know what I want to do, but I wanted to speak with you two about it as well."
Swallowing the food in their mouths, they nodded.
"What were the choices?"
She nodded, taking a small sip of her tea.
"Well, he has offered me the choice of either waiting until Ritsu returns or I move in earlier. He wants to leave it up to me."
"Move in? Move in? As in, you leave here? You leave here and live somewhere else? Particularly that big fancy but scary mansion?" Kyo sputtered
"Move? In? Early?" Nobu asked, his tone sad.
"What did Ritsu say?"
She nodded. "Well... I told him that I was afraid of making the wrong decision. That if I wanted to move out that you two would hate me for making that choice... But I also thought that it would give Moriko more room if I did so."
Just before Namiko could continue, Nobu scooted closer.
"Sweetheart, listen... we would never hate you for making a decision. You aren't leaving us for good. You'd only be a little bit aways, no more than a short drive or perhaps a good walk. But please understand that we would never be angry with you over that.
Namiko nodded, wiping away her tears.
"With that being said, what did you decide on honey?"
"Well... I gave it some thought. And I asked Ritsu what he thought about me choosing what I'm going to do. I've chosen to take Father Kasanoda's offer to move in. I know it is sudden... I'm sorry."
Shaking his head, Kyo patted her shoulder. "Don't apologize. As much as we wish this would postpone, knew you'd move in at some point. We just want you to be happy."
Nodding. "Well, I decided this for more reasons then to just be happy. As I said, it is also to give Moriko more space and room to play. But also, this will help me be able to complete my training i need to take for formal family matters. I just feel it would be in my best interest. I hope you understand, Dads."
Both Kyo and Nobu pulled her into a hug, "We understand honey. We just want you to be happy."
"Do you have everything then mom?" Hanako asked as she helped her mom gather things up.
"Oh sure, I want to spend time with my grandson, and besides your aunts want to see him too," Mrs. Kokan insisted as she headed to the door.
"Just be careful, it's still cough and cold season and who knows how many of those kids will be sick!" Hanako said nervous.
"We'll be fine, I'll keep my eye on him. You enjoy your time off," Mrs. Kokan said.
"Were you going to takd him to the house at all?" Hanako asked nervous.
"Maybe, is that okay?" Mrs. Kokan asked.
"I just don't want dad to lose his temper and have another argument with you by seeing him," Hanako said timidly.
"It'll be fine, I promise," Mrs. Kokan assured her daughter as she finally headed out the door.
Hanako watched as the door closed before she looked at Kyoya who had been preparing his school bag in silence while she and her mom spoke.
"You have everything?" she asked him.
"I think so," Kyoya said as he doubled checked his things in his bag, "I'm just going to the library to study, not off to take a final exam or something."
"How long will you be gone?" Hanako asked.
"I'll be home by dinner at the latest. Would you like me to stop and get something?" Kyoya asked.
Hanako walked over to the kitchen and looked through several cupboards.
"Yeah go ahead," she confirmed, "surprise me."
"See you later, have fun with your friends," Kyoya said as he headed out.
"Yeah right," Hanako muttered.
Ever since the party and finding out what Kirrily Toranku really thought of her, Hanako had suddenly began to feel like a huge weight had been dropped kn her shoulders. Like the full disgrace of being a teenage mother had finally start to take affect and that she was now sinking into a life of misery. Needless to say it hadn't made her the happiest of people at the moment.
She was so drawn by her miserable thoughts that she didn't even realize at first Kyoya had left without a kiss.
'Why would he not want to give me a usual good bye kiss?' she thought a little uneasy.
Kyoya trudged along twoards the bus stop. He had to admit, he was a little frustrated about not having a car anymore. But what were he and Hanako going to do? They couldn't keep a present from a family of a woman who not only made it clear she didn't like Hanako, but had called off her engagement to his brother.
'Principles can be a drag sometimes,' he thought as he came to thr bus stop and made himself comfortable.
"Kyoya?"
Kyoya turned around and saw Rika heading his way.
"Oh, hello," Kyoya greeted his co-worker politely.
"Why are you waiting for the bus? I thought you had a car," Rika said.
"Circumstances beyond my control forced me to give it up," Kyoya explained.
"Oh really? I hope it didn't have anything to do with your girlfriend or anything," Rika said.
"Hmm," was all Kyoya would reply.
"I hope she's not making your life too miserable. I heard new mothers can be the worst, both to their husbands and their babies," Rika continued.
"Yes, I've heard of instances like that," Kyoya said.
"Well, if you or the little guy ever need help or a break from her, I'm available," Rika offered.
"Thank you, but we have plenty of other friends and family helping us out," Kyoya assured her, a little sternly.
"Oh that's good, " Rika quickly said. She looked like she was trying to find something else to say.
"Where are you off to, anyway?" she asked.
"Oh just to the library to study a little so I stay up to date with my school," Kyoya explained.
"That's actually whta I'm in thr middle of doing," Rika said, "I'm on my way to see my tutor for my mathematics."
"What's your major?" Kyoya asked.
"Oh, I'm studying to be a tax agent, much like my father," Rika said.
"Ah, nice choice," Kyoya said right as his bus pulled up.
"Are you going to be studying long?" Rika called out.
"Probably until late, once Hanako's friends have left," Kyoya said.
"Well have fun," Rika called out as she watched the bus drive away. She was about to walk on, but stopped when she passed a jewelry store.
Mrs. Kokan smiled as she drove her car with her grandson. "You'll like getting to meet your two great-aunties. Eeven if they're on your grandfather's side. One's your grandpa's sister and one's his sister-in-law. We always managed to get along. I don't know what it was that made us such good friends but I like it when we get together like this. We gossip, swap recipes, share books...," Mrs. Kokan suddenly remember something. "Oh no I forgot the book I was going to loan Auntie Suki!" She pondered what to do, while looking at the clock in her car.
"We might have time, we can swing by the house and grab it," she decided as she changed rout. Soon she arraived back at her home and managed to get Kouki's baby seat out to carry inside. When she opened the door, Mrs. Kokan looked around for any sight of her husband.
"I think he's stil out. We should be okay," she said out loud as she managed to place Kouki down on the coffee table before hurrying off to find the book.
Kouki sat in his baby seat observing his new surroundings. This place was a place he had never seen before and it was fascinating to say the least.
Suddenly something totally new came into his view. Kouki glanced upwards and realized it was a new person. A man who stared back down at him.
"So," the man said, "you're him aren't you? The famous Kouki?"
Kouki looked away, this man was boring him and scaring him a little.
Mr. Kokan sat down on his couch looking Kouki over as the baby looked more interested in his own hands and feet than him.
Mr. Kokan sighed, "you look more like him. Which is a shame. I always thought your mom and my other kids were some of the cutest babies ever. And I'm not just saying that because I'm their father."
"Oh," Kouki seemed to randomly say. That actually made Mr. Kokan crack a smile.
"So, what have you've been doing lately? Been keeping busy?" he found himself asking. He listen to the slight baby gibberish Kouki occasionally said out loud.
"Oh I see, yeah, yeah, " he pretend to talk to Kouki, "sounds like you have quite the busy schedule. Where do you find the time for all that?"
"What's going on in here?" Mrs. Kokan asked as she came back into the living room, a little concerned over seeing her husband with Kouki. Mr. Kokan looked back at her.
"Just catching up with Kouki and his busy schedule. He has his hands full with filling diapers and making burps."
Mrs. Kokan walked around next to him on the couch. "So what, in general, what do you think?"
"He's a baby, that's for sure," Mr. Kokan said casually. Then he added, "and he looks too much like his father."
"Is that bad?" Mrs. Kokan asked.
"Well, I wanted to see more of his mother in him," Mr. Kokan said, "see something of us when I look at him."
"He has some of Hanako's traits," Mrs. Kokan insisted, "he has that curious blank stare she'd make when she encountered something new."
"Oh yeah, I did notice that look when I first came to look at him," Mr. Kokan said, "before his little hands became more interesting. To think I'm more boring than hands."
"Well this is the first time you've met him," said Mrs. Kokan.
"Hmm," Mr. Kokan muttered.
"But it's also not too late," Mrs. Kokan continued, "you can still make up with her, be a part of her and Kouki's lives. Be seen as more interesting than his hands."
Mr. Kokan slowly gave a half-smile, "I guess, but it's not going to be easy."
His wife actually gave him a squeeze. "Well, you have still have the chance. You got to decide if the risk is worth it. I think it will be."
"Yeah," Mr. Kokan seemed to agree.
"Well, you think about it. We have to get going," Mrs. Kokan said as she stood up and reached for Kouki's baby seat.
"Oh yeah, lunch with the girls. Hey Kouki, do me a favor, if your Aunt Anako starts bragging about their new sunroom, drop a big stinky one for me," Mr. Kokan.
"Stop! Don't be jealous she and Yuma alwayd had it better!" his wife scolded.
"I'm not!" Mr. Kokan insisted, "it just gets annoying hearing them talk about their new home additions non stop!"
His wife shook her head as she left.
"Seriously, Kouki, big and stinky!" Mr. Kokan called out.
"Well, at least he seemed happy to see you," Mrs. Kokan said as she hurried along.
Mr. Kokan leaned back, thinking about what his wife had said. He had to admit, seeing Kouki in person had made him want to consider rekindling his relationship with his daughter.
"I'm going to have to think about it,' he decided, figuring he need to find a perfect chance to maybe try approaching Hanako.
Namiko sighed as she got closer to Hanako and Kyoya's apartment.
Today she just wanted to be around family and friends. To just forget about everything going on in her life. To take her mind off of the fact she had to be romantically alone for an entire year.
Walking, she saw Haruhi coming up the other road.
"Hey Haru!" She called out, running to her cousin, careful to not crush the food she'd brought in her arms.
"Oh, Hey Namiko. How are you doing?"
Namiko knew she was asking in reference to Ritsu leaving, but she knew that she just wanted to change the subject.
"I'm okay! I brought some food for all of us. I also brought extras for Hanako and Kyoya, figured it might help them out. Let's go!"
Haruhi watched, she knew Namiko too well to know she was NOT just fine.
She shrugged though, figuring she could talk to her cousin about it later.
Walking up the stairs towards Hanako's, she knocked.
Waiting there, Namiko fanned herself.
"Man, now that spring is coming, it is getting quite warm."
Haruhi nodded as the door opened.
"Hi Hanako! Thank you for having us over. How are you?
Hanako shrugged as she gestured for them to come in.
"Sorry, I'm still in the process of cleaning. Tomomi should be here later. Luckily my mom took Kouki for the afternoon to allow me time to clean and rest."
Namiko nodded.
"That is so kind of your mom. Well, I brought some food. I'm sure you're probably hungry."
Nodding, Hanako moved to make tea.
"No, please, sit and Namiko and I will bring it to you. You look absolutely exhausted." Haruhi insisted, as she and Namiko moved to the kitchen.
Hanako sat there, the music player in the background playing traditional Japanese music.
After a short amount of time, Tomomi knocked, Haruhi offering to get it for Hanako.
Once everyone was seated, they all noticed there was something upsetting Hanako.
"Hey Hanako... I don't mean to pry, but is everything okay? You seem rather upset today?" Tomomi asked, her tone gentle.
Hanako shook her head. "It's fine. Nothing I can't handle. Let's talk about your guys. How are things going?"
Tomomi's smile grew wider.
She moved her hand out, a ring on her right hands middle finger.
"Well, Honey gave me a ring, to remind me that he will always be on shore waiting for me when I get back from naval training." She smiled as she looked at the ring. It was a sailors anchor with what looked like chain wrapped around it around her finger.
"Do you think that is a promise ring?" Haruhi asked.
Namiko nodded, "It has to be! Right? I mean... he obviously cares a lot about you. Or he wouldn't be waiting for you to come back. Tomomi! I'm so excited for you!"
Tomomi blushed. "He kissed me after the Otori's reveal of Kouki New Years Party."
"Oh did he?" Hanako asked, her tone trying to be interested.
'Oh, your guy kissed you! How special!' she thought bitterly.
"He did. It was so passionate too. I've never been held that way before. It was amazing. It makes me just hope that me graduating and that happening flies by."
Namiko leaned forward and held Tomomi's hand.
"Do you love him?" She asked, gently.
Tomomi nodded, a layer of pink covering her cheeks.
"I'm in love with him. There is no other I could want. At first, I wasn't sure about him, but he is so kind, so loving, and so adorable. I can see myself being so happy with him. And he already gets along with my family, so it kills two birds with one stone."
Tomomi shook her head, giggling to herself. "So, how about you Haruhi? How's things with you and Tamaki?"
'What the hell? Why do they get to be so happy?!' Hanako shook her thoughts away. 'Whoa... Hanako, what's gotten into you?'
Haruhi sighed.
"Things are happy with him. Great and loving. But... I can tell that he is sad. He knows that we are close to graduation. We've only got two weeks left... that it is only a matter of time before I have to go to America."
'At least you get to go study! Ungrateful!' Hanako could feel herself getting emotionally upset, but she wasn't really sure why. Her friends were allowed to be happy.
"How long are you going to be gone?" Hanako asked.
"Well, it is only for two years of my studies, once I come back, i'll be doing two more years. If I keep up with my studies, I'll be done in two and back home."
Namiko nodded. "I'll miss you Haru. It'll be hard without you. I'll obviously still have Hanako and Tomomi, and Tamaki to talk to... but it's different when it's your cousin." Namiko said, her tone a little sad.
'No Shit! We know that! How can you be this self centered!'
Hanako knew she had to do what she could to not snap.
"I'll miss you too Namiko. How are you by the way? Ritsu left this morning for his training right?"
Namiko's smile vanished.
"Yeah... he left at 11 this morning. He won't be back until two weeks before my graduation. It's sad to be without him, but I know I'll be okay. Actually. There's been another development. Mr. Kasanoda asked me to move in. He said I could get Ritsu and I's quarters ready for when he and I are to wed. And I could begin my training.
"Training?" Tomomi asked, confused.
"Yeah, he has to be away for an entire year. So when I move in, I will begin training in etiquette, mannerisms of a mafia bride, house rules, and... I'll be also planning for he and I's wedding. At least my dress and such. And before he comes back... I have to get the Kasanoda family tattoo."
"Tattoo?!" Haruhi and Tomomi asked.
"Yeah. It's enormous too... it'll cover my entire back. It's apparently a family crest. I'm lucky though, back when Ritsu's dad's father was a young one, they used stick poking..." She shivered at the thought.
"Are you excited, to get married I mean?" Tomomi asked.
"I really am. I'm so excited for it! For he and I to be together forever! It's the best thing I could ask fo-"
All three girls jumped when Hanako's hands slammed down on the table.
"SHUT UP! YOU ALL ONLY CARE ABOUT HOW HAPPY YOU ARE! NAMIKO! YOU ACT SO SAD ABOUT HIM LEAVING! GROW UP! AT LEAST YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO MAKES YOU HAPPY! SHUT UP!
Namiko looked at Hanako, tears in her eyes.
"... What?" She asked, her voice sad.
"YOU NEVER CARE TO LOOK AROUND! NOT EVERYONE IS AS HAPPY AS YOU! LEAVE!"
Namiko stood up and placed the food she made for Hanako on the counter. Grabbing her jacket, she walked towards the door.
"You know... Hanako... I've been there for you. NO matter what. I'm sorry if my happiness is bothering you that much. If there is something going on... I'm sorry, but I'm going to leave. I think you've made it obvious you don't want to be friends..."
"NO! GO! I DON'T NEED YOU!"
Namiko gasped as she ran out, slamming the door behind her.
Hanako sat there, shaking. Her eyes widened once she realized what she said. "Wait... what did I..." She asked.
Once she looked up, she saw Haruhi and Tomomi putting on their jackets.
"Wait... where are you going?" She asked, her tone sad.
"Well, it's obvious. You said you didn't need us. So, we'll just go. If you want to talk, call us when you feel better..." Haruhi sighed as she and Tomomi left.
Hanako sat there, the food in front of her.
She looked down at the glass on her table, tears flowing down her face.
"What have I done?!" She asked, looking down at her hands.
Hanako sat there, the music still playing in the background when she heard a knock. It couldn't be Kyoya... he always had his key. Could it be one of the girls? She knew she needed to apologize.
Looking at the clock, it said 3 pm, two hours after the others had left.
She saw her mom there as she opened the door, holding Kouki.
"Hey honey, I know I was supposed to hang with him longer, but I got called in to work."
Hanako shook her head.
"No worries! Thank you for taking him for a little bit."
Her mom smiled.
"I loved every moment of hanging out with him. Anyways honey, I've got to go. I'll see you later? I love you."
"Love you mom."
As she closed the door, she laid her sleeping son down in his bassinet. Going into the bathroom, she washed her face before going back out.
Once again, there was a knock on the door.
Sighing, she opened the door, trying to be quick before it woke Kouki.
"Hello, Who is-"
Hanako paused when she opened the door.
She knew she recognized the woman from Kyoya's job. Had something happened?
"Can I help you?"
She girl looked confused.
"Oh shoot... do I have the wrong address?"
Hanako sighed, getting annoyed.
"Who are you looking for?"
"Kyoya Ootori. I'm Rika, from his job."
Almost immediately, Hanako could feel a rage within her exploding.
"This is his house. What do you want?" She asked, a little ruder than she intended.
"Well... I have a present for him. A gift of... well heartfelt feelings for him."
"Excuse me?!" Hanako yelled. "And what kind of heartfelt present is this?! You are aware I am his lover, right?! He is mine!"
Rika rolled her eyes, slapping Hanako across the cheek.
"Yes I am aware... no need to be a bitch about it."
"Why are you here if you knew this!" Hanako yelled.
"Come on... I'm closer to his age... prettier... I'm in college...more mature...could probably handle a baby ...he'd like me more Not some teenage slut... give him up. Give both up. I can be the wife/mother figure they deserve."
Hanako's eyes turned almost evil as she glared at the woman.
Reaching forward, she clutched the woman's collar in his hand.
"You! Leave! Kyoya is the father of our child! Our Child. I'm his mother! They're mine! You better not come back here!" She yelled, nearly shoving her down the stairs before slamming and locking the door.
Once again, Rika tried knocking.
Looking at her through the screen door now, she felt as if she could explode.
"If you knock again, I will call the police. You've been warned!" She yelled one last time before slamming the door once again in her face.
From the ruckus, Kouki woke in a startled cry.
Sighing, she slapped her hand against her forehead.
"Oh Kouki, I'm sorry. It's going to be okay!" She said, trying to rock Kouki, to sooth him.
What if Kyoya had been seeing Rika behind her back? Hanako didn't want to believe it, but now, she couldn't shake the thought from her head.
Kyoya stepped off the bus and walked on his way until he passed his work. He popped in and headed to the grocery section. He bought some simple noodles and teriyaki mix and headed to the check out.
"Hi Kyoya," said his other co-worker working the register, Ai.
"Hello, how is everything?" Kyoya asked as he prpared his cash.
"Good, had a nice New Years. What about you? How's the baby?" Ai asked.
"He's as good as gold and better," Kyoya said.
"That's nice," Ai said.
"I suppose I should thank you for all the baby gifts you all pitched in for," Kyoya said.
"Hmm?" Ai asked confused, "are you talking about those toys Rika got?"
"I was told all you pitched in for it," Kyoya.
"Nah, she only said that to not embarrass herself for going overboard with buying a bunch of toys for your son," Ai explained.
"Oh, I see," Kyoya said. That made him feel a little uncomfortable.
Lately, being around the woman seemed to be giving off a vibe she wanted him. Or more likely she was being swept up with the whole new baby dimatic and wanted to jump in on that. He had read a few reports on how some women have such a yearning for a baby or so infatuated with babies that when there's one presented in their lives, they may make attempts that they might try to weasel their way in to somehow claim the baby as their own.
Kyoya did hope Rika wasn't that way. The last thing he and Hanako needed now was more problems.
He thanked Ami before headed out of the store and on his way.
He trugged himself along until he came to his apartment. As he headed up the stairs he started to smell smoke. It seemed to be coming from thr two goones' apartment. He wonder if the two had taken up smoking, remembering that smoking was not allowed in this particular complex was allowed.
'Pherhaps another mentioned to the landlady is in order,' Kyoya thought as he tried to open his door. To his surprised it was locked. He decided to shrug it off and pulled out his key. However, it was still locked with the chain lock.
"Hanako?" he called in, "Hanako are you there? I can't get in."
He started to become a little concerned when he didn't hear any movement from inside.
'Is she in the bathroom?' he tried to rationalize as he made an attempt to look inside. He thought he could make out Kouki in his little baby seat with his back to the door.
"Hanako?" he called in again.
Suddenly Hanako's face appeared in the crack. She looked mad.
"You want in?" she asked.
"Please?" Kyoya said, "it's a little chilly out here and I have groceries with me."
"Hmm," Hanako finally shut the door and unlocking the chain.
By the time Kyoya got in, Hanako was already moving fast away.
"Is everything ok?" Kyoya asked as he went to put away the different groceries.
"Fine, I'm just fine, why should I be upset about anything?" Hanako asked as though in a mock, sitting at the table.
"Okay then," Kyoya said, "how was lunch?"
He heard a scratch and realized Hanako was dragging her nails across the table.
"Namiko wouldn't stop her stupid whining over Kasanoda leaving! All 'oh I miss Ritsu! I miss Ritsu!' the whole time! It was annoying!"
"Well to be fair, he will be gone for a long time. I would expect her to be missing him. Perhaps she felt this was a good place to let out her built sadness and frustration. That you and your friends could offer up a sympathetic ear to her problems," Kyoya tried to explain.
"You would argue with me on almost anything wouldn't you?" Hanako muttered.
"I beg your pardon?" Kyoya asked.
Hanako slowly turned around and looked at him mad. "We had another guest stop by why you were gone," she said in low critical tone.
"Oh, anyone I know?" Kyoya asked.
"I would think so! Considering how close you two are now!" Hanako snapped.
"I'm sorry?" Kyoya asked.
"Rika was here okay! Rika!" Hanako finally shouted, startling Kouki.
"Rika?" Kyoya repeated.
"Yeah Rika! And she brought a gift for you!" Hanako continued to shout over her son's crying.
"Oh dear," Kyoya sputtered.
"Oh dear?!" Hanako shouted, "why? Was I not supposed to find out about you and her? Did I ruin your guys' fun?!"
"Excuse me?" Kyoya said a little offended.
"Were you hoping to keep this all from me?! You and her!" Hanako accused.
"Are you implying I am having some sort of fling with this girl?!" Kyoya accused back.
"They way talked would suggest it! The way she went off about how you should be with somebody like her and that she'd be a better mother to Kouki than me! Is that how you feel? You think you and him deserve better than me? A common high school student with no big plans for her future even before you got her pregnant!" Hanako argued back.
"Of course not! How could you even think that! Do you honestly have that little faith in me!" Kyoya asked mad.
"It's a little hard now after hearing her! And I remember seeing her with you that day of your parents' party! How flirty she was and the way she cooed over Kouki! And it isn't like you don't trust me!"
"Now what are you going on about!" Kyoya demanded to know.
"I know you've never like me working with my school mate Omi! I've seen the way you've looked at us when you've stopped by to see me while I was working!" Hanako tried to point out.
"That's different!" Kyoya insisted.
"How?!" Hanako asked.
"I never flat out accused you! Nor did I let it get the better of me!" Kyoya pointed out, "but if you seem to think this way, pherhaps it's best I not be around you right now!" He grabbed his backpack and stormed to the door.
"Fine go! Go and be with that filthy slut! You and her and can listen to Namiko's constant whining!" Hanako shouted as he stormed away, "but you're not taking Kouki! You hear me! I'll never let her get her hands on him!"
Kyoya didn't say anything and just slammed the door shut behind him extra hard. This made Kouki cry even louder
It was then Hanako snak to her knees, now crying.
"Oh god what have I done! Kyoya! Kouki! Namiko! I'm so sorry!"
