Yamada: Tales of Wonder

by Westchester Wolf

Three stories following the ending of the series under the guise of a "What if"? scenario. Each story is one possible idea based on whether changed for the better, needed some guidance to change at all, or if she fell to the dark side and her Eros Deity has total control.

1. The Ember

Can we change? Can we act differently than who we are? Surely we can learn lessons such as how to play a musical instrument, we can learn from our mistakes like burning ourselves by holding a kitchen thermometer the wrong way, but can one act differently than who we are? Are we defined by our DNA? Is "free will" merely an illusion? Are we open to change however we want? Or is there a way we can remain true to ourselves, but alter the way in which we act?

What would happen if alternative choices were made at a point of time where a decision was already made? The proverbial "I should have turned left when I turned right."

Once upon a time many years ago I learned of a graphic novel character called "The Watcher" who was a being who could see various outcomes as easily as it would be for us to change channels on TV. Professor Farnsworth on "Futurama" created the "What If" machine which...as you may have guessed...could reveal a situation based on the question of "What if...", and maybe some of you remember the Chose Your Own Adventure series of books. The Chose you Own Adventure series were stories told in the second-person perspective: you. In these books an adventure would proceed and the author always referred to the main character as "you" and the pages you turned to after you make a choice determined the outcome of a story. For instance you would see something such as "If you wish to take the path to the north turn to page 84" and "If you wish to take the path to the east turn to page 43." The story would then proceed from there.

The ending of "Yamada's First Time" ended with Kosuda and Yamada having prayed and asking for outcomes for the new year. Bowing towards the shrine several times Yamada looked calm and even serene for a few moments. When Kosuda asked if he could know what she wished for she-in true Yamada fashion-got angry, said it was a stupid thing to ask, for him to think about it, and then said she simply wished for the same thing he did. Yamada takes his hand and we finally see her trademark scowl turn to a genuine smile as they hold hands. It appears her wish, their wish, is another chance as a couple and not Yamada's conquest.

With that in mind I present three stories. All begin at the end of the anime of "Yamada's First Time."

What happens next?

What happens later that day?

The month?

The year?

Will Yamada reform her behavior and perhaps turn into something better by allowing herself to be at peace and not defy who she is, but better be able to control it?

Will her drive be in check, but will her social behavior change?

Will Yamada's drive come back and come back stronger?

We wonder what will happen.

The Tales of Yamada

*The Ember

*The Fire

*The Burning

The Ember

Walking back from the shrine Yamada happily held hands with Kosuda as he limped along straining with the pain. Kosuda asked her to slow down a little as she was going too fast. Yamada gave a momentary scowl, but quickly calmed, and slowed down. Kosuda smiled and it made Yamada feel a sense of calm.

Kosuda, feeling better, asked if she had plans today. Yamada said she only had really thought as far as praying at the shrine for the new year's wishes.

Kosuda smiled and said, "Wanna join me for a hobble around the neighborhood?"

Yamada gave a look of bewilderment and a tad bit of anger and said, "Don't you mean 'walk'?"

Kosuda shook his head and said it was a joke and Yamada forced a small smile and laugh. The two of them walked side by as holding hands was clearly out of the picture for the moment. They walked through the park where they'd been when Kosuda first took pictures of the trees which he later developed with her in the darkroom. Yamada said with a small scowl bet he wished if he had his camera with him. Kosuda looked a little shocked and thought to himself that she surely didn't seem to be wishing the same thing he did unless she just wanted to continue to be a little cruel to him. Shaking it off he just said he'd prefer to look at her, gaze at her beauty, and maybe take photos of her. Yamada again calmed, thanked him with a genuine smile, and suggested they sit down on a nearby bench.

"I love your boots. I think they're really cute and they really look great on you," Kosuda said with a smile

"Kosuda...you've seen me in these a bunch of times," Yamada said incredulously.

"Well would you prefer I didn't compliment them?" Kosuda replied with a smile.

Yamada shivered as a breeze came through. She apologized for being a little cross before saying she was just cold and thanked Kosuda for the compliment and felt better, put his arm around her, and snuggled up under it happy to be there with him. Both relaxed and Kosuda suggested maybe they get together for dinner tonight. Yamada said it sounded nice and they'd discuss plans later in the day.

Back at her apartment Yamada enjoyed a cup of tea thinking it was an energy producing one when she didn't notice it was a tea which caused relaxation and fatigue: lavender. She went back to her bedroom and thought she'd just lie down for a few minutes when she slipped into a sleep...seemed she needed it. Visited by her Eros Deity she was questioned for what her new plans were and said she better not go soft on her. Yamada fired back saying following her advice is what got Kosuda hurt in the first place. The Eros Deity accused Yamada of not being true to herself, her mission, and finished by saying Kosuda's injury could have been avoided. The Eros Deity reminded her how Kosuda was in the tub too long, which caused him to overheat, and during his lunge for her to pass out. Yamada said she felt some guilt and the deity said it was all her fault. Yamada felt hurt and lashed out saying nothing good has come from her advice and demands and then demanded she leave her alone. She scowled at the deity and said she wanted to get better. Yamada awoke in late afternoon shaking and sat on her bed confused, holding her legs like she did on the street following her first kiss, and wept quietly knowing she was once again being torn apart inside as a battle between raging hormones, her own personality, and desire to get better waged a three-way struggle to win control. It wasn't until there was a knock at the door and Chika questioned her thinking she had plans that evening that she pulled herself together and she jumped off the bed in a flash and checked her phone.

Kosuda texted and said Yamada should join him at the "W" and Yamada over an hour ago was a little put off until he texted her he was only kidding a half-hour later. She softened the scowl now on her face and made an effort to smile a little more and be a little less ready to be so angry. She felt if she could get through tonight it would be the start of a good journey into maturity or at the very least better behavior. Kosuda suggested she come over for dinner and it would be just the two of them as her sister got roped into joining her parents visiting relatives. Yamada got up and rushed outside, quickly called for an Uber, and prayed he'd find Kuzuki still home and was relieved when she saw her at her window. Yamada picked up and threw a single pebble at her window and smiled when she looked outside.

Yamada was ready to put on the Santa outfit and offer Kosuda a "Late Christmas gift" when she got the better of herself and dressed in a nicer set of clothing Chika helped her select. Chika knew what happened to Kosuda on some level. She knew instinctively knew his injury had to be a result of her sister and not some random slip and fall. Chika shook her head as her sister left with left the apartment with a huge smile and laugh. Across town Takeshita looked up from a restaurant table and looked worried when Daisuke asked her what was wrong and she just said she just knew it was Yamada-related. She said she knew Kosuda was in some sort of danger and shrugged thinking he'd learn a lesson that night and what kind was entirely in Yamada's hands. Daisuke poured Takeshita some tea and said her description of her needed to be expanded.

Cooking up simple stir-fry Kosuda cooked feverishly and when he heard the doorbell, hobbled on his crutches to the door, and smiled when he saw Yamada holding a bottle of wine. Admiring the bottle of wine he asked with a smirk where so got it. She smiled and said she's secretly had Kuzuki get it for her. Kosuda asked with a look of about to hear something to cause an eye-roll what she wanted in return.

Yamada smiled and looked embarrassed. "Well...she winked and me and said I just needed to promise to not let you fracture your other ankle by some 'slip and fall'." ''

Kosuda shook his head and invited her inside and have a seat while he returned to the kitchen. Sitting at the table Yamada asked with a smile, "Whatcha cookin? Something romantic? Maybe something with passion fruit?" Yamada winced at her own lame joke before hearing Kosuda laugh quietly and once again she relaxed feeling she was making progress. Yamada felt a flood of suggestive thoughts when she quickly stifled herself as her Eros Deity shouted all kinds of dirty acts and compelled her not to lose her ways and to lose the "reform" crap.

Yamada set the table and found herself happily acting like a lady. She poured the wine and they began to eat. Kosuda even found a little courage to feed her off his chopsticks perhaps due to the wine. The two enjoyed dinner and talked about the rest of their break and what they could do together. The meal continued and they each felt a sense of a little more calm and a little less nervousness. After finishing up Kosuda asked if she wanted to watch something on TV saying maybe something streaming. Yamada admitted she really didn't watch a lot of TV and spent a lot of time online...researching things. Yamada took Kosuda's arm and snuggled up under it. Soon after turning on the TV Kazuki and her parents returned. Her parents quickly told the two of them not to get up and headed upstairs excusing themselves and Kazuki followed. About twenty minutes later Kazuki came downstairs to get a glass of juice. When she came back into the den she saw Yamada passed out under her brother's arm with her head against his chest.

Kosuda motioned Kazuki her to come closer and whispered, "She fell asleep, what do I do? She seems so peaceful."

Kazuki looked at him with that big-sisterly amusement and bit of trolling and said,"Hold her, stupid."

Kosuda happily held Yamada as Kazuki threw a blanket over the two of them. Kosuda said Yamada had to be home in two hours. Kazuki started to walk back upstairs when Yamada's eyes quickly opened and met hers followed by a wink. Kazuki gave a quick smile and left shaking her head once she got upstairs. Kosdua kept watching whatever trendy show was on streaming and slowly stroked Yamada's hair running his fingers through it. Drifting on his own Kosuda actually fell asleep. Yamada slowly got out from under his arm and gave Kosuda a soft kiss and told him it was time he went up to bed and she'd see him tomorrow. Kosuda apologized for falling asleep with her and she told him they'd both been sleeping and not to worry. She smiled the entire way home in her Uber to the point the driver knew what was making her happy without even asking.

That evening in bed the Eros Deity met Yamada in her dreams and accused her of going soft on her. The deity claimed her course of action would lead to confusion, awkwardness, and eventual physical harm by accident further on Kosuda and herself. Yamada sneered and said she was in control. The deity attempted to get tough saying physical harm would come to her should she attempt to stay the course with her "new" self. Yamada was undeterred and showed no fear saying flat-out that she will not take advice from her anymore. The deity said that she'd be nothing without her, another shy girl who lusts after what she wants, but lacks the courage to so much as look at someone they want with eye contact. She said,"You'd be a 'Miyano' and if you refuse my advice and prompting you'll become so nervous and scared when you get older you'll make her look like the life of the party." Yamada awoke in the dark shaking and saw the morning sun rising.

Yamada banged on Chika's door and Chika having just awoke knew it had to be Yamada and yawned.

She looked at the door and said,"Come back later."

Yamada pounded harder and shouted, "Chika! I need your help. Please! Open the door."

Chika got a little angry,"Come back later and oh I should tell you I don't like being woken up like there is a fire or dragged, literally, into your affairs. I made a wish this year at the shrine...see if you can figure out what it is, now go away."

Yamada paced in the hallway with her trademark scowl when she suddenly smiled with an idea and went to the kitchen. Thirty minutes later Yamada returned with some juice, steamed rice, fish, and green tea. She knocked politely on Chika's door. Chika had barely been asleep ten minutes when she heard the knock.

Yamada spoke softly,"Chika, may I come in? I'd like to ask your advice on something."

Chika rolled her eyes and said"...Okay, come in, but please make it fast. I'm hungry."

Yamada smiled and entered with her food to Chika's shock. Yamada placed it beside Chika's bed and invited to enjoy. Chika ate quickly and asked if she had mom or dad make it for her when she said it was Takeshita, by way of Miyano, she learned how to do a little cooking. Chika smiled and finished eating and felt some peace and asked her big sister for what did she want her help?

"What do you do? What do you do when you're on a date? I have so little experience and whenever I'm with Kosuda I always seem to...seem to focus on.."

"On whatever you want and not the two of you?"

Yamada hung her head in shame while taking both a subtle lashing and lesson in humility.

"Yeah. I always seem to tie whatever Kosuda wants to do back to my...uh..."

"Own desires?"

"Yeah...how do you know everything I'm about to say to you?"

"You're my sister and besides...you're not that hard to figure out. You have a one-track mind and that is the both the problem and the solution."

"What do you mean?"

"Before all this, before your 'mission', before I started dating, and heck before me what did you do when not in school? What things did you enjoybefore your 'other interests'?"

Yamada found herself lost in thought and said, "I don't really remember. Geez...is that why dating is hard for me?"

Chika smiled, "It could be, among other reasons, but I'll tell you a little secret about why I have had a lot of boyfriends: they lust after me, They lust after me, but they don't really have much substance. The truth is I am seeking the same thing you should be: meaning. What can you share with someone? Not all your time can be spent at movies, watching Kosuda take photos, eating out, or the like. My problem is my boyfriends see me as a cute, pocket-sized conquest. I told you I'd narrow down my suitors...I will when I find one who doesn't just want to lavish me with gifts, just do things he thinks normal couples should do, and then consider me a reward for his efforts."

Yamada smiled, thanked her little sister, and left her to finish her breakfast and happily texted Kosuda and asked him if he'd like to go to the mall.

Meeting up at the mall near the Auntie Anne's Pretzels stand she flew into Kosuda's arms with a hug and kiss on the side of his face exclaiming how nice it was to see him and what a great time she had last night. She was wearing the outfit he loved so much: the tan boots and beige jacket. He complimented her on it saying she looked great it and she blushed. He noticed she was wearing his gift from last year too: the pierced earrings and said they looked beautiful. She knew she may not always hear that kind of thing, but in the brightly lit mall full of post-holiday shoppers with their new gift cards, returns and exchanges, and bargain-hunters she was glad to hear it. She eagerly put his arm around her and started to walk slowly with him almost as a second crutch. Kosuda smiled at her efforts, asked her where she wanted to go, and she took him to the crafts store.

"When I was younger I used to do calligraphy, I thought it may be a good time to see about picking it up again. I was also seeing if maybe we could find something new we could both enjoy too," Yamada said with a smile.

"This is really great. She seems to be a new person. It's great not to be told what to do," Kosuda thought to himself.

Kosuda nodded and hobbled into the store seeing all kinds of people buying, looking, and testing all kinds of things. The two of them happened on a beginner painter set and nodded at each other to buy one. When they got to the counter Kosdua quickly paid for her calligraphy kit to which she held his arm tightly and thanked him. Yamada felt so happy and just warmly held on. What Kosdua didn't notice is that she snagged and purchased a set of elegant mounting paper for Kosuda's future photographs as a gift for him when she ran back inside sayings she thought she left her phone behind. They both left happy with their goodies and stopped for a pretzel. Yamada remarked that while yummy she was surprised at the moisture and salt and mused if this was popular in the United States. Kosdua said they should ask Kinji

In the evening Yamada introduced Kosuda to the family. Her parents were impressed. They were happy to see their "enthusiastic and energetic" daughter who was known be to swimmer, cheerleader, library volunteer, eager participant with school festivals, and more be with a down to Earth nice boy. On the surface Yamada would appear to be a very normal girl, but there was, of course, more to her than meets the eye. Her parents were overjoyed to finally meet this boy who Yamada had such a long-time relationship-they didn't know the half of it. Kosuda was a tad shy, but spoke of his love of photography and pictures he has taken and hang on the school walls. Chika complimented his work as well. Yamada said her favorite was one of the night sky taken during his summer camping trip in black and white. Kosuda made a mental note to make her a print. After the meal Yamada excused herself from the table.

Chika pulled Kosuda aside by the arm and said, "I don't know what you're doing, but keep doing it. I've never seen her like this."

Kosuda leaned down and said, "I'm not doing anything differently, but see the change too. It's all from her. If it makes you feel better I am sure the Yamada we know is still in there too."

Kosuda and Yamada said their goodnights and he left via Uber for home. Kuzuki immediately pressed for details the moment he got home. Kosuda rolled his eyes and told her of his night.

In bed asleep soundly Yamada's Eros Deity shook her off the bed of clouds she was sleeping upon.

"Yamada! I am tired of indulging you! It's the new year and you're off to a slow start!"

"Oh you again. I'm happy doing what I'm doing. I am with Kosuda, we're enjoying time together, and not always running away from things or being interrupted. What do you want with me? I wanna wait. I've had no mishaps so far."

"You're going to lose your spirit, you inhibition. You're going soft on me! You cannot give up now. I am the reason you're not shy. I have worked really hard and I am the reason you're not a 'Miyano'!"

"...You say that like it's a bad thing. She'll find her footing, she'll learn to talk to guys, she'll learn to find men she likes, and she'll learn how to win..."

"How to win them over Yamada? What if she learns how to take them from other women? Now you see my true mission, the very reason I am here, why I refuse to give up on you, and why you need me. Women are competitive...you of all people know that. Beneath all the shyness of Miyano is her true self. She's a sweet girl, make no mistake, but after seeing you take Kosdua and Kanjo attempt to take him...she won't let a third chance go by. If you lose him...she'll get him. She may not take him per say, but Kosuda will fall into her arms. The worst part, or even the most charming depending on how you look at it, is that she won't even need to try. He'll be there, emotionally wrecked, she'll be there for him with a shoulder to cry on, fresh tea, and she'll finally be able to profess her love. She is the sweetest and kindest woman he's ever known. He'll realize all he wanted was right there in front of him and he'll be lost with no chance of winning him back. Miyano looks innocent, but beneath every nice girl, and mean girl, is the desire to hunt and capture a man. We're all hunters and she sees you as a competitor to her pray. The only thing worse than not being able to get a man is having one stolen from you."

"I can wait. Isn't that what every love-story is about in the end? Waiting? Waiting may not be fun, but it has meaning to it."

"Waiting works in movies...but you're a teenager. They try to teach you that in high-school, they try to teach you to wait-but it doesn't work. Why do you think it's called 'teenage pregnancy' and not 'mid-20s pregnancy'?!"

"What do you want from me? What do you want me to do? The last time I was myself, the one you groomed, I got Kosuda crippled and later pass out...while lunging for me! What do you want me to do to him next? Give him a heart-attack?"

"You would be able to play nurse again."

Yamada sneered and said, "Seriously isn't there something else? I want to try new things with him together, make it romantic so it isn't rushed, and it turns out to be special."

The Eros Deity looked at her, "Put. Out. Put out. You better show some of your previous actions or you'll lose him. It's not even that you're not putting out...he'll come at you wanting you to put out and you'll end up denying him if you stay on to this 'new you'."

Yamada said with a look of pride,"Kosuda is a pussy-cat. He's a gentleman. He was the one who wanted us to stop, he was the innocent one not falling for my attempts. He will wait, happily. He loves me. He professed his love and would defend my honor. He'd rather wait than have me 'put out' for him. Affection should come organically, I need to stop forcing things. You and your little controlling of me hasn't helped me attain my 'goal' and have only physically hurt someone for who I deeply care. So there."

The Eros Deity looked at her, "Very nice Yamada, very nice. It sounds great...for a romance novel. Now let me tell you the way it works in the real world: You have taken Kosuda on a whirlwind tour of raging hormones and sexual conquest and there is no going back. He was lunging for you! He had finally taken every bit of enticement from you, even if you were nervous at times, and finally built up sexual confidence and was ready to take you. He wanted you and wasn't going to back down! Let me wake you up: the only reason he won't try that again is that he physically cannot. However, he will heal. His sexual desires, now fully awoke in him, will not recede-he's a high-schooler! You're gonna need to keep your man satisfied."

Yamada started getting scared and said, "You're saying everything I did wrong, was forgiven for, will not get me to lose what I've worked so hard for now in the end?"

The Eros Deity looked back with a look of pride, eyes closed, nodded, and said, "That's right."

Yamada looked back with a look of pride, "Whatever. You're not the one on the front-line. Now let me wake up."

Yamada awoke with a snide smile.

The rest of the week had Kosuda busy with family duties and Yamada trying her calligraphy and happily realizing her skills hadn't left her. She mused that maybe she should harness her power of delicate movement for other reasons. Kosuda went to the school photo-lab, open to club-members with the key, and set upon to make Yamada a print of the stars in the sky in black and white and mount it on his brand new paper. Both couldn't wait for the weekend.

Friday night came and arriving at Kosuda's Kuzuki saw Yamada carrying a calligraphy piece with a cover and couldn't wait to see what her little brother's girlfriend had made for him. Kosuda came downstairs and handed her the mounted print and she was speechless and thanked him. She urged him to open his art piece. It read, "The letter capture emotions only equaled by a picture." Kosdua shed at tear, thanked her, and gave her a hug. Kuzuki smiled and excused herself as she put her hand over her chest for a moment. As soon as Kuzuki left Yamada motioned Kosuda closer. She whispered,"In the future...I'd like to use your back for calligraphy with body paint." Yamada smiled wickedly. Kosuda looked at her strangely and Yamada rolled her eyes motioning him back to whisper, "It's chocolate. I figure you could do it to me next." Kosdua turned as red as he was in the bathtub, but kissed her on the side of her face saying, "Only if I can photograph it later." Both laughed and it was a special moment and Kosuda felt at ease that he wasn't being dragged to do it today and Yamada all the more relaxed.

Taking a walk in the park Yamada pulled Kosuda to the nearest bench and hugged him hard and pulled him for a kiss. Kosuda was surprised, but not scared, and asked her, "What was that for?" Yamada said,"Just because...just because..." The Eros Deity circled around Yamada's head shouting, "Because I want to ride you like a disco pole! Because I have a chance, because I'm hot beyond regard." Yamada teared up, felt like running, and Kosuda felt her uneasiness and looked up. Kosuda asked,"What's wrong? I thought we were having a good time." Yamada calmed and said she don't know what was going on.

"Something happened to me last week," Yamada said through a tear.

"What?" asked Kosuda with a soft tone.

"I was really torn up between doing what I did which just led to your leg being sprained and continuing on this 'new' me...the more mature one. The girlfriend with you and not the one who got you injured."

"You want to go back to one of those... 'hotels' ...with me?"

Kosuda felt his pants suddenly get tight and actually hurt a little. He winced a little.

Yamada continued, "Yes, and look what its doing to you."

Kosuda, "It's okay. I mean...the thought alone entices me."

"That's the problem. I love the gift, I love the last few nights, and am having such fun...and yet...I just..."

"You want to do more?"

"Yes! Yes, yes I do. I WANT TO HAVE SEX!"

"I do too, but I can't really do that now."

Kosuda thought for a few moments and said he had an idea. Yamada held on tight through some tears and said her stomach hurt. Kosuda stood up, took her hand, and said they were going to get something to drink, a little treat to show her how much he loves her gift, and hopes she enjoys his and tomorrow had a good idea for a date. Yamada calmed, took his arm, and helped him get to a cafe. They ordered peppermint tea and some cookies. Yamada calmed and said it was really good and relaxed. Suddenly her 'Yamada Eyes' lit up with a mode neither 'love striking' or 'search mode', but a rarely used one: analysis. Last used to see about figuring a way to outlaw girls from wearing panties she thought of a commonality from two times she felt at ease, but couldn't figure out why. She explained the two times together to Kosuda of having lavender tea and peppermint tea at which point she felt both at ease enough to rest and end her frustration. They did what most people do when attempting to figure something out: they checked their phones and found out that indeed both teas have the effects of reducing frustration and can calm one's self. The two of them wondered if it could be that simple and Kosuda admitted he felt like things were better and figured tea may be an answer and possibly something new to share together: various teas. They walked home back to Yamada's apartment building where she gave him a passionate kiss goodnight and called an Uber for Kosuda.

Once asleep in her bed, happily relaxed, on a bed of clouds the Eros Deity appeared to Yamada once again and this time said, "You're forcing me to teach you a hard lesson, I am getting more and more impatient."

Yamada looked at her with a smile and said, "You're getting impatient since you see me winning the battle against you."

"Battle? You make it sound like I'm your enemy. I am your friend...okay cheerleader. I am not your Obiwan Kenobi, but I am here to make sure you don't fall down a certain path."

"What the hell do you mean? Who's 'Ooobe-wan Kenobi'?"

"'Obi...never mind. My point is, Yamada, there is a two-way street to learning about themselves. Your newfound confidence and even now greater control can lead you to a place you've never been: a girl who is less interested in physical desires-a woman who is merely a woman in name only and regards physical pleasures only for child-birth. You're a little too young to be focused on population stability as you were when you wished to pass a law making panties forbidden leading to a higher-birthrate. Even Miyano is interested and curious about sex beyond child-bearing. You stop putting it at the top of your mind and you'll go into a place you'll not like."

"You're not scaring me and you're no longer in charge. Your advice has brought me nothing but trouble."

"There will come a time, Yamada, when you'll need me. I may not be as forgiving as I am today..."

Yamada awoke in the dark, with a shiver, and felt her stomach hurting.

Yamada texted Kosuda without looking at the time. Kosuda in the darkness texted back asking what was wrong and she answered she is having strange dreams and really needs to see him in the morning. Kosuda assured her they'd talk.

Kosuda and Yamada met by their shrine as the sun was coming up and sat down once again on a bench nearby. They looked at each other and Kosuda said, "Yamada...I too am having strange dreams and didn't want to tell you about them for fear you'd think I am crazy."

Yamada looked pensive the same way she did when receiving Kosuda's pierced earrings and said in the same subdued voice, "Really? Like what kind of dreams?"

"...Well this little version of me with slatted eyes was telling me all kinds of dirty things I need to do to you or you'll leave me and I just kept telling him that his advice got my ankle sprained and worse. I've been beating myself up while attempting to defend myself. I am not sure if it my all in my head or worse if there is something actually telling me what to do."

"...That's so strange." Yamada said while still in the same voice.

"I'm sorry Yamada, please don't think of me as stupid. No, wait...Forget I said anything! I'm gonna go check out that show 'Broken Telephone', I told my friends I'd watch it before we all get together." Kosuda hurriedly got up and started to hobble away noticeably straining and in pain.

Yamada jumped up with genuine concern and quickly caught up with him and grabbed him on the arm and said, "Kosuda! Wait up. It's okay. It's okay...come on, sit down. Sit down...please."

Yamada spoke of her dreams and how they were making her awaken with stomach pains.

Kosuda sat down and the two of them held hands. They held each other on the bench and calmed and said they each felt better in each other's arms. They felt their dreams must just be dreams and decided to get something to eat and try bamboo shavings tea hearing that too relieves anxiety. That afternoon they broke out their new paint sets and both attempted to paint the shrine in a peaceful and serene light. Yamada attempted to do it just in black and white while Kosdua attempted to do in flourescent color as an inverse from the colors which with they normally worked. The evening came fast as it was still winter and with that the temperature dropped fast. As they walked home a much calmer couple Kosuda comforted her and said it could be indigestion and there are teas they could try for that when it dawned on Yamada that this could be the physical pain referenced by the Eros Deity in her mind. She shivered at the thought as they walked. They returned to Kosuda's house where they showed off their works to Kuziki. Always ready to troll she remarked, "I guess you two can do things together even when my poor brother is on crutches." Yamada and Kosuda turned as red as pomegranates. Kosuda called an Uber for Yamada and gave her a tight and embrace and kiss goodnight.

Deep in her sleep Yamada saw nothing but clouds and sun on a large field as she walked with Kosuda to the shrine. They painted together as nothing seemed out of the ordinary until the clouds turned to storm clouds. Suddenly Kosuda was held upright by the Eros Deity, who had appeared from behind the shrine itself, and pulled him up in the air and far away. The deity laughed and laughed. Yamada asked with defiance and bewilderment what was so funny. The deity, placed Kosuda on the ground, pulled the crutches from underneath him, and Yamada ran to help keep Kosuda from falling when she realized he stood with perfect control. Shocked she looked at Kosuda who said he must have been healing faster than he thought. The deity laughed and said his actual healing is around the corner and in two weeks he'll be walking on his own. Yamada snidely looked at the deity and said it was great news and if she intended to tell him he'll be off chasing after women she has no fear for she says Kosuda and her are well off and he has no desire to pursue other women. The deity looked squarely into Yamada's eyes and said, "What about other women pursuing him? He's been with 'the hottest girl in school' for quite a while and they may now think that he has something to offer. Be careful how you respond Yamada...if you tell me no other woman would want him you're showing your ignorance."

Yamada said she had no interest in playing her games and went over to stand with Kosdua when she awoke. She looked in her room in darkness and out the window to the streetlights figuring it must be close to sunrise. She laughed quietly feeling she had another stalemate with whatever is in her mind, but she is not losing ground.

The following morning Yamada sat at the kitchen table doing calligraphy beautifully with care. Chika came in and asked what was going on. Yamada, "I used to do calligraphy and took your advice to find something new/resume an old hobby. I made this for you." Yamada showed a piece which was a message of thanks and appreciation to her for giving her some guidance when needed. Chika was shocked and thanked her saying she needs to show her parents. Yamada smiled and thought about doing a dirty limerick or such...she was still the person after all, but with more dimensions re-emerging. Yamada worked on a second piece describing the stars at night to give as a gift to Kosuda. In the school darkroom Kosuda and his fellow club-members developed various photos. Kosdua blew up an image of the night sky taken from the camping grounds when he attempted to take some pictures of Yamada with the digital camera though none looked as happy as she did when she gazed at the stars above with him. He mounted the print on his new paper and his fellow members complimented his work and pressed him for details of his time with the school's hottest girl. Kosuda said they'd be the first to know when they go to anything beyond "rocking their 'V cards'." One club member joked he should take photos. Kosuda rolled his eyes.

In the evening before classes were to resume they went to Caf Guerbois, the restaurant where Misato "caught" them that night. The two exchanged their gifts over licorice tea and light fare. They were both happy at the idea of returning to classes with Kosuda mere weeks from no longer needing crutches for anything. Walking home from the cafe they stopped for a hug and kiss which turned passionate and Kosuda dropped his crutches to hug Yamada with both arms. Though a little off for a moment and in pain Yamada held him tight and both just smiled. They stood against each other and held each other with care. That evening as Yamada slept soundly. Her dreams were of nothing memorable, nothing remarkable, and she woke the next morning feeling refreshed. Part of wished she had gone "another round" with her Eros Deity who had haunted and her continued to attempt to do so.

During the following two weeks Yamada and Kosuda acted as a normal couple who enjoyed their time together when they could, their own lives, and were pressed for details by their friends. Then the big day happened: Kosuda was cleared to return to walk to on his own. Yamada was overjoyed to walk with his arm and arm. One evening after a cool walk in the crisp air as the approached Yamada's apartment building Kosuda gave a huge hug and kiss and pinched her butt. Yamada lit up like a Christmas tree and her Eros Deity appeared and shouted to go with the moment and one-up the situation. Yamada kissed deeply thrusting her chest forward and took Kosuda's hands and placed them on her chest. Kosuda caressed, through the jacket, and made her moan just a little. It felt great just to be touched like that again. He then walked her to the door and gave her a little swat on her tush as she walked through the building's door. She smiled the entire way and hummed the entire way to her room. Chika looked down the hall a little worried sensing the "old Yamada" was resurfacing and shook her head.

That night the Eros Deity appeared to Yamada who was busy doing calligraphy sitting in a field. The Eros Deity was pleased and impressed with Kosuda's behavior and her response, went on about how it was now time to strike, time to be herself, and time to drop the "nice and reformed girl" bit. Yamada didn't look up from her work and just said she was right. The deity was dumbfounded thinking Yamada didn't hear her and came at her with even stronger and more depraved advice. Yamada looked up and said she was right, she agreed with her, and went back to her work. The deity took the calligraphy away and tore it up angrily. Yamada said she was asleep, her artwork was merely in her mind, and she could remember it when she awoke. The deity was exacerbated and asked what Yamada was really doing and sat down beside her. Yamada said she had all the desires in the world, but simply didn't want Kosuda hurt, setting herself back, and possibly lose him due to her own actions. Yamada said she needed to approach things differently or she'd lose it all. The deity simply walked away saying she wasn't bullying her and she knew who Yamada was inside was merely being kept in check by her own actions. Yamada looked at the deity and simply said she was right, she agreed with her, and nodded to herself feeling that night she'd won as she returned to her work on a fresh piece of calligraphy about staying strong.

The following Friday Kosdua suggested a romance movie and throughout the movie whenever action would get too steamy Yamada would squirm in her chair just a little and Kosuda did the same. Yamada whispered, "You ever hear of that thing couples do with their popcorn buckets?" Kosuda looked her having no idea what she meant. Yamada whispered something to him causing him to drop his bottle of water and Yamada to burst out laughing. On the way home Yamada and Kosuda held hands as they walked through the park when Yamada got a text and cheered and quickly called for an Uber. Before Kosuda could even think what was happening the Uber arrived and Yamada yanked him inside laughing.

The Uber pulled up to Yamada's apartment and giggling she pulled Kosuda out. Before Kosuda could ask Yamada what was going up she said Chika promised to text them the moment they left. Yamada explained that Chika was using a gift card she received as a gift for her favorite restaurant.

"What the occasion?" asked Kosdua

"It was a gift to her from me. I gave it to her in exchange for her to use it," Yamada said while winking.

Yamada led Kosuda up to her room figuring it was finally time. It was finally time! She had her place all to herself, home-court advantage, and all the protection she wanted. Across town Takeshita looked up and shut her phone off and Daisuke looked at her this time knowing, somehow, it concerned Yamada. Taking Kosuda by the hand she pulled him to her bed and they started "enjoying each other's company." It was going great, it was going even better, Yamada's eyes were closed, she was about to tear off Kosuda's remaining clothing, and her own, when she opened her eyes she felt sick to her stomach. She was about to run when she remembered she was in her own room. Once again she found herself holding her legs, like she did in the park while scared after her first kiss, sitting on the floor. Kosuda comforted hell telling her whatever it was it'd be okay, covered her with a sheet, took his bottle of water, told her to take a drink, and that they didn't have to do anything. She hugged him shaking with tears.

"Kosdua, you must hate me! I get us all worked up, I get us back here, and when I see we're about to get going...I freak out."

"Yamada, I don't hate you. I love you."

"How can you say that?! You have your needs. If I don't put out you're going to leave me. You're going to think I am a tease and a letdown...you'll just...you'll just...you'll just leave me for someone else." Yamada did her best to calm down and drank from the water bottle.

Kosuda hugged her tight, said they didn't need to do anything, and that women weren't fawning over him.

"Yamada, I got myself crippled after lunging at you. I stay with you since you're nice, you're doing things with me outside of the bedroom sharing in new interests together, you come with me while I photograph things and are trying it too, I sit with you while you do your calligraphy, and give thoughts on what to write. You make me feel good about myself as you could have any guy and you care enough to tell me what's on your mind without throwing me out."

Yamada hugged him hard and said almost in a whisper, "I want to have sex."

Kosuda hugged her hard back and said whispering, "So do I, but we can't seem to do it."

Kosuda thought and thought and realized something. Yamada stopped crying, dried her eyes, and looked at him with tender eyes and asked what was on his mind.

"Yamada you and I seem to have shock whenever we're about to do something since we can see each other. It's exciting, you're the hottest girl at our school. You're stunning. Your body is beautiful and can make me almost look away feeling I don't deserve it," Kosuda said with a smile showing he was holding something back.

"You're sweet. You're putting me on a pedestal. Stop it...stop it some more," Yamada swooned a little with a smile.

"You're so beautiful and that may be it. I am still a little unsure of myself, but you give me confidence. I always seem to overload when seeing you, but in the 'dark room'...I didn't feel at all scared. I didn't even know it was you at first. Perhaps that is the answer."

"What do you mean?" Yamada asked smiling.

"What if we couldn't see? What if we merely felt sensation? After a while I feel I'd be ready to see your body, your beautiful form naked as you were bathing with me and in the hotel. Remember: you couldn't look at me, you were too scared of what was coming next, both of us couldn't take it. However, we enjoyed it by sensation in the 'dark room.' I know it sounds silly, I know it may even sound a little nerdy, but-"

Yamada smiled, turned off the bedroom lights, took Kosuda's hand, and led him to join her in bed. Once on the bed, in the dark. things progressed smoothly. Yamada actually let her guard down and acted more like someone making love than some freaked out teen. Kosuda did too and while they never passed a PG-13 movie that night they parted ways both blushing and smiling. Across town Takeshita smiled warmly and nodded as she and Daisuke walked home and she turned her phone back on.

The moment Kosuda was in his Uber home Yamada quickly texted Takeshita asking if she was able to talk. Takeshita was surprised it wasn't a call demanding they talk right away and she texted back she could speak. Yamada called and spoke excitedly about the first part of the night how it was so exciting, then saddening, and finally both erotic and relaxing. Yamada sounded like she was in the post-sex glow after smoking a cigarette. Takeshita was blown away enthralled at the start, saddened by the second part and was ready to comfort, when she was taken aback by Kosuda's idea.

"Look at you, it sounds like you leveled-up, sounds like you discovered a secret-level with unforeseen powers," Takeshita said with an impressed voice.

"Kosuda was nervous, even embarrassed suggesting it, but he hasn't led me wrong so far, is always nice, and cares so much for me. I smiled and gave it a try. It was amazing. I just felt so relaxed and knowing it was him made it kind I don't know, feeling like an adventure in the dark. I mean...it was in the dark, but it wasn't in the forest, but the quiet in my room and the apartment was in a way deafening. I could only hear the two of us. I am sorry, I must sound really stupid," Yamada said with a smile.

"No, no...this surely a side of you I never thought I'd see. I know the other side of you is there, but you've found a way to enjoy it without freaking out. When will you 'open your eyes'?"

"I dunno. We just had fun tonight. We'll have to 'see' where it goes." Yamada burst out laughing and Takeshita rolled her eyes and said goodnight.

During the next few weeks Kosuda and Yamada continued to do normal dating stuff, shared in their mutual interests, spent time enjoying Yamada's calligraphy which was getting more insightful, Kosuda's photography which was going other places besides nature like people downtown going about their business, and held hands under the desk at school during the day. Kosuda also started to teach Yamada how to take photos and she of course taught him to write in a calligraphic form.

In the evenings they would spend their time in each other's bedrooms with the lights out exploring other "activities" together. They experimented once on warm evening having fun in the woods by the light of the moon, and Yamada smiled thinking she didn't even need "forest porn" magazines.

One night while enjoying TV at Yamada's house Chika walked past Yamada and asked her if she knew Kosuda was asleep. Sure enough after getting out from under his arm she saw him with his head against the corner of the couch. She gently nudged him, but he was still sleeping.

Yamada asked,"What do I do Chika? I don't want to shake him hard, he looks so peaceful. He did a lot this week, had a photography club meeting, and spent the evening with here with me. He's out cold."

Shaking her head a little Chika said warmly, "Cuddle with him."

Chika brought over a blanket and said to enjoy the time as whenever she's with a guy it seems they're always wide awake and never can relax enough just to cuddle with her. Yamada said Kosdua wanted to make sure to leave in an hour.

Yamada leaned over, rested her head on his shoulder, and hugged him with a serene and cute smile. Chika started to leave the room when Kosuda's eyes opened and he winked at Chika who smiled back.

Yamada smiled and asked, "What? What are you smiling at?"

Chika smiled back,"Uh...nothing. You just look so cute...together."

Walking out of the room Chika smiled to herself, proud of her sister.

Yamada ran her fingers through his short hair, held him close, and whispered, "I love you."

The moment Kosuda's Uber left Yamada dashed upstairs, went online, and ordered something from the same site she got her witchcraft kit. She smiled when she realized it would arrive by tomorrow afternoon. The following morning in school Kosuda was pulled around the corner of a hallway and saw Yamada smiling ear to ear like she had the biggest secret in the world. Kosuda smiled and knew it was going to be a mixture of a eye-roll, excitement, and lust...he had gotten to know her after all.

Giggling the entire time she motioned Kosuda closer and whispered, "The 'art supplies' I wanted arrived."

For a few moments Kosuda thought and said,"You don't mean..."

Yamada looked at him with a devlish smile.

Kosuda leaned in, pulled her head in close, and whispered,"You have the body paint?!"

Yamada smiled, nodded, and smiled again. They hugged and started laughing.

Friday came and in school Kosuda told Yamada he had surprise for her and said he borrowed a page from her book and got her sister a gift card to her favorite restaurant with sole condition be she use it with mom and dad. The cowlick on Yamada's head sprang up. "We'll have the place to ourselves?!",Yamada asked with glee. Kosuda nodded with a smile. Kosuda smiled "I was thinking...tonight I could paint a shrine on your back and you create a calligraphic work on mine." Yamada eagerly agreed and said she'd meet him at his place with her supplies. In the evening Yamada texted to see if the coast was clear and Kosuda responded saying they were just leaving. Kuzuki said to Kosuda she'll make sure they get dessert and smiled and said not to sprain his other ankle "slipping" somehow. Kosuda turned red and smiled widely. As soon as Yamada arrived they shared a huge hug and passionate kiss. Together they brewed their latest tea to try: Gyokuro green tea and drank with a smile. The tea was quite relaxing.

Hastily running upstairs to his room they paused for a few moments and asked if they each felt ready. Both nodded and smiled. The Eros Deity appeared and started cheering Yamada on saying she may at Kosuda's and not have home-court advantage, but she still has the privacy factor going. Yamada confessed she was ready to take her top off "for the sake of art" that night during the summer when they gazed at the stars...after she attacked him with her airgun. Yamada smiled and slowly took most of her clothing and Kosuda handed her a towel to spread on his bed. Kosuda turned around and said with a smile it was for the sake of privacy of his (artistic) model. Yamada stripped off the rest of her clothing with a smile, wrapped the towel around herself, and told Kosuda to turn around and stood before him. Clearly excited she smiled and said, "For art." Kosuda nodded. Yamada smiled, opened the towel, spread it down on on the bed, and laid down on her stomach. Opening the body paint Kosuda told her that her back was beautiful, artwork until itself. Kosuda held the body paint in the bottle in his hand for a few moments as noted in the instructions to help it heat. Kosuda removed most of his clothing and with concentration began to move the brush and paint a line across the lower portion of her back. Yamada reacted and twitched for a moment saying it is a unique sensation, exciting, and said she cannot wait to see his work. He painted an image of their shrine with a rising sun. Yamada said, with sincerity, she bet it was beautiful as he described his work.

Kosuda joked, "The piece looks beautiful...and smells great...I cannot wait to 'clean the canvas'."

Yamada laughed. Kosuda took his camera out and photographed his work stating it is really quite beautiful. Putting the camera down he proceeded to "clean the canvas" with his tongue. Initially Yamada twitched and squirmed and Kosuda quickly stopped. Yamada assured him she was okay, it felt great, and to please continue. Kosuda smiled as he ran his finger over the roof of the shrine and fed it to Yamada who cleaned his finger and made sure to treat his finger like a Popsicle. Kosuda's Eros Deity appeared and said it was time, but Kosuda smiled and said to himself he will be turned to artwork worthy of a photograph...and then have his fun. Yamada got up slowly and in a relaxed fashion took the towel once more around her, turned around, handed it to Kosuda, and told him it was his turn. With beads of sweat which felt the size of marbles like Kosuda removed his remaining clothing, spread the towel down, and got on his bed face down. Yamada got on the bed with a lot of excitement, but calmed, took up the brush and held the paint vial to once again warm the chocolate. With care she wrote the letters delicately to spell out "Beauty can be seen on many a surface." Kosuda moaned softy as some of letter was drawn, laughed as some parts tickled, and said it was a nice sensation. Kosuda began to remind Yamada of her lessons on how to handle the camera, but she rattled off the directions like a manual and her Eros Deity remarked how once again anything which can be used in some sexual manor she is a quick study in and was pleased she still had some of her skills in tact. Yamada finished and proceeded to "clean the canvas." Kosuda's back twitched and hairs stuck on their ends to Yamada's laughs and smiles. She was about to suggest using the remaining body paint to cover the obelisk which she could hang the towel over at Kosuda's crotch. Yamada moved her hand to the paint when a text message from Kuzuki alerted the two of them that dessert was over and the three of them were returning. The two of them looked a little disappointed, but quickly laughed and hugged each other feeling the night was a huge success all on its own.

Saturday morning came and the two of them couldn't want to get to the school's dark room. Arriving, turning on the "dark room in use" switch, and locking the door Kosuda removed the film from his camera, set a timer, and placed it in the developer tray. Yamada told Kosuda she shivered with good thoughts as she fell asleep slept having erotic dreams about it and said in her dream things continued. Yamada pulled Kosuda to the floor and sat with him "Indian style" and put her hand on his thigh. Kosuda's body reacted and this time Yamada didn't freak, but smiled and said next time she'll paint that obelisk. As giddy and forward Yamada was she couldn't say it aloud and whispered to him she wants him to 'paint her mountains', which while may not be the volcanoes Miyano had were still nice, next time and bit his lower ear. Kosuda shivered and didn't waste the moment responding to her affection.

The timer went off and they both eagerly got to check the film. After a proper rinse they put the film under the enlarger to to view them against a illuminated surface and focused the scope. They both gasped when they viewed them sayings they were beautiful. The images on the negative were both beautiful and artistic...and a little erotic. Continuing their activity of developing they created, washed and rinsed three sets of prints, and clipped them to the clothesline to dry. Knowing it wouldn't be a good idea to leave the room without their prints they called out to a food delivery service and ordered from A&W enjoying large burgers and fries as the prints dried. After mounting two sets on Kosuda's personal mounting paper they made sure to take their negatives and leave the lab as they found it.

Leaving the lab Yamada got a call from Takeshita asking if the two of them would like to join them for a double-date at Caf Guerbois and they jumped at the chance. They each wanted to show off their artwork. Yamada already had suggested to Kosuda displaying them in the school on the wall and perhaps behind the display case, locked behind the glass. Kosuda agreed feeling it was artwork, but wasn't sure how the faculty would feel. The two of them held hands walking in the nature park with Yamada trying out more photographing of parts of the park she found interesting and had Kosuda in them just gazing at the sky, the water, or elsewhere, just not at the camera. They parted ways and said they'd see each other tonight.

Meeting up at Caf Guerbois Daisuke & Takeshita were just sitting down when they saw Yamada and Kosuda coming in arm and arm. The two sat down and ordered green tea. Takeshita looked at her saying usually she drinks coco kola or juice, but never tea. Daisuke was impressed and said one's pallet can expand. Takeshita decided to get another two cups and some light fare. Conversation was normal until Yamada exclaimed she had something they wanted to show the two of them. Without telling it was them she handed the two unmounted photos to Takeshita and Daisuke. Both remarked they were beautiful. Suddenly Takeshita's eyes noticed the bottom of her Yamada's earrings and freaked out.

Takeshita exclaimed, "That's you! That's you in the photo! What are you doing?! Why did you do It!? Why are you showing us?!"

Yamada smiled and calmly responded, "Did you want me to answer those in order? Artwork with body-paint. It was something artistic and unique to us. We felt you're mature enough to appreciate it."

Takeshita looked at Yamada with a sneer expecting what she thought was smut from her, masked with 'artwork' as an excuse, then looked at Kosuda shocked that such a nice boy would do this, and back to Daisuke expecting his agreement. She looked at him exacerbated waiting for him to respond.

Daisuke looked at her and back to to Yamada and Kosuda, "It's beautiful, they make a great set, and an insightful thought."

Takeshita was outraged, "How can you say that?! That's my best friend and her boyfriend...nude with body-paint and they're showing us! Why aren't you offended?! You're my boyfriend who's supposed to be smart and level-headed not to mention more mature."

"Offended? It's artwork. You weren't offended or outraged before knowing it was them. They're not doing anything to each other, they're alone in the photos. The photos don't show any private areas, you don't' even know if they're nude beneath the small of their back, you've already seen both of them like this at the water park albeit without artwork on their back, and it is artwork. It's nothing smutty or suggestive, it is the image of a shrine and a message which elicits reflection and thought, and both area done beautifully. As a matter of fact I'd like a copy on that nice mounting paper I've heard you have. I'd be happy to pay for supplies."

Yamada was flattered and a little embarrassed. Blushing she asked Daisuke, "You want a photo of me?"

Daisuke looked at the two of them and said with complete sincerity, "No, I'd like a set. The two of them go together, otherwise it is merely an image of a shrine without the message promoting inner-thought."

Kosuda turned a little red and felt flattered, and even nervous, to truly be seen as artwork by another man, but quickly relaxed knowing it was just Daisuke's maturity showing.

"Artwork!? Seriously!? They did it for fun in bed, a memento of a time they were being intimate with each other, and photographed it. You want a copy of the 'artwork'?"

Daisuke looked at her deeply knowing that her own outrage out be her undoing. Takeshita realized her outrage is the same reason she should be okay with it, bowed her head, apologized, and happily admitted it was artwork. She showed appreciation and apologized again for freaking out just feeling it may be more of an intimate moment than something they should promote as artwork. Kosuda said there was no problem being both at the same time. Yamada held onto his arm and pulled him closer saying he too is insightful.

Takeshita rolled her eyes realizing her change of heart would come off humorously, but asked for a set also. Takeshita then added, "You should sell copies, as a set, and raise money for a romantic evening. After all you're artists and cannot only eat here and at the "W." All smiled and enjoyed their light fare for the evening.

Monday morning came and Kosuda took the two unmounted photos and mounted them on standard school paper and put them behind the glass display-case. It didn't take long for a crowd to form looking at the very unique photos. Crowds were captivated and it wasn't until midway through the morning that Misato noticed the bottom of her hero's earrings and shouted all over school it was Yamada. Moments after people learned it Yamada she suddenly found herself not with 15 minutes of fame, but an entire day. Her popularity skyrocketed and she felt it was for a great reason-and not being merely pretty and having 100 'friends with benes.' Girls in her class suddenly wanted autographed copies...of the two of them also realizing the message could only be seen with a set. Yamada was amazed, but equaled only by the same reactions to Kosuda by girls for his artwork, but more guys than one would think wanted pairs also. While surely some would only want it for Yamada more than one would think wanted both for the right reasons. Though unsigned the mounted prints in the photography display case were clearly done by Kosuda it didn't take long for him, and Yamada, to be called to the principle's office.

The principle sat with Yamada and Kosuda and while calm went on about how bad a case of judgment this endeavor was. The principle said she expected better from Kosuda with his knowledge of photography, his works, and judgment. She went on to say that Yamada should perhaps feel more modesty as this was something private and was dumbfounded she would want to share something in a school full of boys. "Yes, they're teenagers...but you know they're all little boys at heart," the principle lamented. Yamada and Kosuda were nervous, but kept their composure feeling what they did wasn't wrong.

Yamada rattled off the defense calmly and with conviction basically saying what Daisuke said earlier. She spoke as a lady saying she wasn't ashamed, understood the principle's reasoning, and would take them down if she requested. Kosuda nodded to Yamada's answer. The principle was pleased and thanked them both for understanding when the photography teacher came into the office and sat. The principle thanked the teacher for coming and asked her opinion, sure she'd agree with her. The art teacher, with gray hair, smiled at Kosuda and Yamada, and looked to the principle.

The teacher remarked, "I think it is great, it is beautiful. I haven't had anything like this since the early 70s. Ever since then things got so conservative or tame. Kosuda's work is beautiful, he has his own style, but nature shots were being done long before he first picked up a camera. Shots of the city, shots of animals, shots of conceptual things/abstract subjects like 'decay', and 'circles' are great. They are great, but this is something the likes of which I haven't seen for decades. Don't make them take it down. Yamada, and all the girls, wear border-line skimpy bathing suits during swim class, you can always see their bare backs, and all the guys are always showing off their entire upper body. Leave it up, it's artwork, it may well generate a lot of people joining up for photography class. Yes...they will be inspired by this picture enough to try it on their own out of any classes, but it would be nice to gain a new interest in what can be done. It would be great to get kids off their phones and get behind a real SLR camera and something they can develop themselves. I imagine this department and darkroom won't be around for another two years if there isn't interest in it again. Principle, let is stay up for a few weeks, and then take it down. If this department is to close, and it will in a few years, let it go down with class and not just pictures anyone could take."

The principle thoughts and nodded and said, "Okay, keep it up. It is beautifully done and truly is artwork. I just have two conditions. One: when people want copies, and I know they already do, make sure to print them at the pharmacy downtown and not on school paper and two: I want the one in the display-case when it comes down...autographed by each of you."

Kosuda and Yamada blushed a little and felt very flattered.

The principle said they were done here and gave both of them a nod of appreciation showing she knew of their maturity.

During the rest of the day, and the week, many expressed desire for copies. Some wanted them autographed too. Daisuke suggested a price from what he'd seen at local coffee shops with his friends at for similar works. The following week, armed with payments in advance, they went to the local photo-developer at the pharmacy and put in the order. Quite surprised at the large order done in black and white she asked for an autographed copy too. They agreed as long as she didn't hang it in the pharmacy. The following week they delivered all the sets and after all was said and done realized they had enough for a romantic dinner & evening on the town.

On Friday they made plans to eat at a very nice restaurant and their other plans. Leaving together in formal wear both their families were proud while both Chika and Kuzuki had their own theories as to the rest of the evening after dinner & a show. At the restaurant they dined on fine foods and enjoyed numerous exotic teas. Both felt mature eating among nothing but adults. After dinner they walked through downtown on a chilly evening hand in hand, attended a live performance of the current travelling Broadway show, and showed appropriate affection when the parted ways that night. When both arrived home both sisters pressed for details and they gave the standard PG-rating ones. Upstairs in his room Kosuda was interrupted as he was climbing into bed by his sister barging in unannounced.

Kuzuki smiled wryly and said, "I know you're not done for the night. Don't try to pull this "innocent brother' routine on me. I know tonight you intend to become a ram...and ram."

Kuzuki laughed

Kosuda, "I don't know what you're talking about, goodnight."

"Don't play coy with me little brother. I know you better than that. You have plans to meet up with Yamada later. The night isn't over yet. You're planning on sneaking out."

"I don't know what you're talking about, I'm in for the night. Goodnight."

"Liar...don't play coy with me."

Kuziki smiled again at him.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Kuziki smiled wryly and pointed at Kosuda's chair by his desk with his jacket neatly resting on the chair.

"No one leaves their jacket at their desk, you hang it up. You always hang your jacket up...you left it out. Oh and look: you even have a fresh pair of non-formal socks right next to your sneakers. You think you're the first teen to ever sneak out at night? I've done it...many times."

Kosuda looked shocked and turned as red as a pomegranate.

"That's what 'busted' looks like."

Embarrassed Kosuda plead with Kuziki to not say another word.

Kuziki smiled and said she wouldn't breath a word. She said she'd help and even text when she knows their parents are asleep adding to just be careful with his ankle this time around. She gave one piece of advice before quietly leaving his room.

At close to midnight Kosuda got the signal he was clear to leave by Kuziki and texted Yamada. Yamada responded saying the coast has been clear for a while and she's close to the train station. Kosuda made haste to the station and soon they were in the love hotel district. Kosuda told Yamada he knew of a place to go which was actually the cleanest, most romantic, and actually well-priced. It is a little hidden, just off the main drag. Yamada asked incredulously and shocked how he would know. Kosuda looked at Yamada with that "Come on...who else would know?" kind of look.

Yamada exclaimed, "Kuziki!"

Kosuda shook his head half-embarrassed and half-proud, "Yeah...she has experience in this matter too."

Yamada told him to relax, she was a teenager not too long ago too. The two held hands on the train this time just happily going, excited but not nervous, and smiled the entire way. Yamada was armed with her "supplies" for the night and Kosuda just had some cold bottles of water. Arriving at the hotel district they passed by plenty of couples coming into and going out of the hotels. Cringing, but not running away, they saw people just exiting. Both felt nervousness, but it was the good kind, mainly excitement.

They found the hotel Kuziki recommended and found it to be nicer than the last one. Once in their room they dimmed the lights and began to enjoy their being alone. They took it slow at first and as excitement grew they both felt a mixture of excitement and being a little scared, but in a good way the way one feels after a friend yells 'boo.' They brought up the lights and gazed at each other amazed and happy to be there. Their time together was a mixture of excitement, some awkwardness, some pain, a great deal of pleasure, elation, and a calm being able to hold one another after. Following a shower together they dressed and left on the streets with smiles ear to ear and walked to the train station holding hands. While everyone in the area knew what was going, and although they knew it was no one's business, they both felt a tad embarrassed leaving the hotel. Both arrived back early in the morning before their families were awake.

The following morning Kosuda called and both said what a great time they had said they'd get together for breakfast soon. During the rest of the morning they just enjoyed time together walking with no specific destination. In the afternoon Chika didn't say a word already knowing, just by the look in Yamada's eyes that she'd achieved her 'mission', but was happy it was with a guy she'd see again. In early afternoon Kuziki grabbed Kosuda and took him out for a drink knowing, simply by his smile and inability to make eye contact, that he'd become a 'ram,', and no longer was merely a lamb. In the evening Yamada joined Kosuda's family. During the meal Kuziki, every so often, would look Yamada straight in the eye with a devilish smile just to make her to blush and turn away a little. Before leaving in an Uber Yamada told Kosuda to meet her outside his house at 6AM as she had a surprise and a request.

The next morning Kosuda came out and asked what was on her mind. Together arm in arm Yamada led Kosuda to their shrine, sat down, pulled him down next to her, and put his arm around her. She wore the same outfit she did when they officially became a couple.

Yamada began, "I wanted to come here so we could see the sun rise. I want to do this once a month and either paint it, do a calligraphic, take photos, drink tea, maybe even write a poem, or just hold each other. Just something to share in this place with you monthly. It would mean a lot to me, will you do it?"

Kosuda looked at her with a smile and said, "Of course I will. I would be honored to do such a thing with you. It's a very special notion. Why did you chose this place?"

Yamada looked at him with sincere eyes and said, "It's where I made my wish for the new year."

Kosuda looked back at her with eyes full of love and sincerity and said, "Our wish."

They held each other as the sun rose.

A/N: Thanks for reading. I really loved the series and I do plan on writing two others, but it is a question of time. My fans on here say I write fast, but I hope to see some views and reviews first.