Disclaimer: I don't own Shokugeki no Soma. The source material from where this story stems from is the legal property of Shueisha Inc and Viz Media.
Just this story and my OC's.
I am open to any suggestions for future chapters in placed in my PM inbox. Any constructive feedback is well appreciated, and offense is never taken. Thanks a million for your continued readership!
Chapter 4= A Grueling Struggle, to be Substituted = Une lutte épuisante, à remplacer
March 03rd, 2018 | A Residential Building in Tokyo | 1 PM
Mizuhara Fuyumi and Donato Gouda were standing in front of Inui Hinako's apartment.
When they arrived earlier, they did not find the brunette's car in the parking garage and discovered that the front door was locked.
They called her on both of their phones.
However, when the calls were left unanswered, the two requested the help of their Sekimori-senpai with contacting her.
Even Dojima Gin, said that he did not have any contact with Hinako since yesterday morning, but will aid the process of tracking down his former underclassman.
A Kirinoya staff member informed them that The Mist Empress decided to take an entire sick day off instead of a half one as previously discussed.
"Should we try Shinomiya-san?" Donato worriedly suggested.
"No, he's already got enough on his plate." Fuyumi rejected the notion. Her mind flashbacked to the incident at the park. If only you told us about any of this, Shinomiya. To think you of all people would keep such information from your own friends. Fuyumi's last thoughts before going to bed last night were how Hinako hadn't responded to the last question she had texted.
"Ah, I'm busted." A familiar, featherbrain tone of voice catch them by near surprise. "I thought I had some time left before you got here, Mizuhara-senpai." The tone changed from to a more serene sounding one.
"I wasn't completely satisfied with any of the jewelry I saw yesterday." She revealed a silver, tilted, overlapped double-heart pendant. There were two bright pink sapphire stones inside of the spacings. The pendant was held under a golden yellow coloured, with a solid titanium plate on the bottom. "This is for my cute as a button, Angélique-chan." Hinako looked at her longtime friends with star filled eyes and a cat smile.
"I had to go into some high-end stores to find this. It took me all morning. They didn't have anything I liked with red garnet so I had to settle for pink sapphire stones but it still looks so pretty, right?"
"I found these for Shinomiya-senpai and his mother."
The eldest Shinomiya's gift was glass dome cabochon necklace with a single deep-pink coloured rose inside.
The male Shinomiya's gift was a set of small keychain favours. A pink baby carriage, a sliver rattle alongside a pink shoe lined up side-by-side.
"I spent so much time looking for all of these, I thought wasn't going to make to the craft store." Hinako took out a three white boxes and long pieces of champagne ribbons.
After the showcasing, Donato began to inform everyone that was contacted in Hinako's bedroom.
"You're going give Shinomiya-chan that?" The older woman asked pointing at the piece of expensive jewelry.
"Yeah, I sure am." Hinako replied with a soft smile.
"Why?"
"Because I have to apologize to Angélique-chan."
"What for?"
Hinako's violet eyes began to form tears. "I said horrible things to her yesterday," she sniffled.
She looked upset when you came out of the changing room. Fuyumi bit her lip, then placed her hand on the other woman's shoulder. "It took a lot of strength not to run away crying."
Hinako lowered her head in shame, her hands were at her side shaking. "It would've taken even more strength if I just kept quiet and not say such awful things to such a innocent miracle of a child."
"What did you say?" The only present male in the apartment asked from behind.
Fuyumi and Hinako exchanged worried looks.
After exchanging a reluctant nod, they turned their faces towards their longtime friend.
Shinomiya Family Hotel Room | Around the same time
Kojiro has entered his third day of parenthood and of his departure from the status as a full-time chef-owner of the grand establishments of SHINO's and SHINO's Tokyo.
Now, he is in a shared hotel room with his mother, who was taking a nap in the neighbouring bed. Moreover, he had entered a new stage in his life with a third person.
The twenty-nine year-old was sitting slouched over on the bed, gently patting the back of his recently acquired child with his left hand.
The newly appointed father was already tired from intently thinking a great depth of two specific things.
The first was the lack of sleep that must be endured. Not from the crying produced by the newborn-looking infant that is really just drawn out whimpering, but by the constant worry of how her illnesses could take a toll towards her helpless, skinny low-weight body.
The second issue was how much he was dreading the long duration of the upcoming flight back to Paris.
In his previous plane ride, he was able to get a private first-class and real privacy without anyone to recognize him and him the embarrassment of being seen alone with the infant.
The flight scheduled for taking his staff members back with him is categorized as premium economy class. Which means that he will not be able to have true privacy, and increasing the likelihood of someone recognizing him as the famed French cuisine chef and close to discovering the secret he has no choice but to keep.
Hinako...if I could tell just one more person about what Angélique is going through, I want it to be you.
His trance was snapped by the unexpected light stroke against his neck done by pale, white miniscule fingers. The small arm stopped moving and began to drop.
Kojiro quickly laid the feeble limb in his left hand. The delicate arm, lightly dropped diagonally across his palm, he heard a faint whimper in his ear.
"Merci ma beauté précieuse. Mais juste pour dormir," he whispered and planted a kiss on a visible residual scar on the thin arm.
He inhaled and exhale as he brought the child's face in front of his own. It still felt surreal to him that the entire four-pound body was supported just by placing his left hand against the back of her head and neck, while his right was underneath her legs. "Tout ce que vous avez à faire est de continuer à être super douce et mignonné."
"I only have these thoughts for you." He gently pecked on both of her thin cheeks enough times that he lost count. Despite those specific spots, two essential reflexes was still absent, as the child did not move her head nor her lips did not smack together. He allowed himself to momentarily enjoy the relaxation that was brought on by the sound of lightly clasping his lips against the texture of her incredibly soft skin.
He held the sleeping infant against his chest upright and gave her another three kisses the top of oversized hat. Did all of that deprivation I make happen going to hurt how she bonds with me later? If she does live past one year... Will of that neglect damage her even further?
He glided his right thumb repeatedly over her left hand which laid on his black dress shirt covered chest. Her response was to momentarily nuzzle the area.
A momentary dull pain occurred in the adult male's chest, as the scrawny miniscule fingers made three listless attempts for grasp onto his thumb. He wiped away a streaming tear after hearing her sad sounding mewling.
Kojiro raised her up to his face while holding her underneath her underarms as his fingers where spread out giving support to her upper back and torso.
Kojiro couldn't hide his guilt within his whisper. "You already imprinted on me, you don't need to do again."
He began to cradle her in his arms as he continuously caressed her forehead with his left thumb.
His amber coloured eyes stayed fixated on on the first digit of his moving thumb. The particular spot used to designate an illusionary- or rather an invisible, white glowing feather until parenthood was granted to him. The very same ones that he would see on his newly appointed child's back, which began as soon as they two were destined to meet.
After all it was a trail of those same feathers that helped guide him to her, aside from the additional assistance from an unlikely source.
Kojiro closed his eyes for a brief moment. There were images of memories of the affectionate words and interactions he witnessed and overheard between Hinako and Angélique. Then he recalled the emptied bottle from yesterday that the infant drank all of.
Hinako...will you help me... improve her health? I'm afraid I won't be enough...without you.
Totsuki Tea Ceremony and Culinary Academy | 1 PM | Headmaster's Meeting Room
"I look forward to the later developments on this year's training camp trial and starting to review this year's Autumn Elections sponsorships." Erina adjourned the meeting with the business partners of the Totsuki Brand.
A few minutes of silence passed as Erina and Hisako wandered into the Headmistress' office.
Erina sat down in her chair as Hisako poured her a glass of water onto the desk. "Here go Erina-sama, you've done an excellent work as always."
"Thank you Hisako." Erina took a sip of the cool liquid.
"Your meeting with board of directors is postponed to tomorrow morning. You'll be free until to attend the whole party at Polar Star." Her pink haired companion informed her.
"Wonderful work as usual, you never let me down." Erina smiled.
Hisako blushed. "I-I'm only performing my nessesary responsibilities."
Erina stood up up placed her hand of the pink-haired girl's shoulder. "Hisako you're not just my secretary. You're one of the dearest friends I can ever have."
Hisako continued to blush.
She was about to say something until the sound of vibration against the large wooden table came from Erina's phone.
The blonde-haired female teenager checked to see that they were text messages from Alice.
Erina replied by informing her cousin that she her agenda is finished for the day and that she will be going home to change clothes and getting the gift for the party's guests of honour.
"The car is outside waiting to take us your family estate." Hisako passed Erina her personal bag.
Erina nodded. "Very well, let's leave."
The blonde haired girl's phone was receiving a call, and of course it was from the elder Nakiri cousin.
She sighed in slight annoyance, "Hisako, this is going to take a few minutes, you can go on ahead."
Hisako looked her dear friend worriedly. "Are you sure about that Erina-sama? It's be more proficient of me to walk...with you."
Erina gave her reassuring smile. "It's alright go on."
Hisako exited the room.
Erina called her cousin in reciprocation towards the missed call from the other end.
"Hello Alice, it's nice to hear from you. How are the party preparations coming along?" Erina began the conversation as she walked toward the door.
Some time later, Erina was in her bedroom to put on a change of fresh clothing.
The high school dean opened the locked drawer, revealing five envelopes with the Totsuki Brand stamp on them. Without Chef Shinomiya's input our training to defeat Central would've been all for nothing. Even Yukihira-kun's skills back then wouldn't we're enough to pass the presentation portion of that challenge thus losing his half of the final bout. This gift should be sufficient enough for the adult's to have... Alice, Hisako, Tadokoro-san and the others seemed more skilled at coming up with ideas for what to get his child as soon they got around to it.
Erina bit her lips. The previous instances of embarrassment were coming back to her mind. The cause was her physical and mental incapability to become admired by the infant's presence as nearly everyone else did two nights ago. I spend most of my time around adults and people near my own age... Even before entering the school that I am now in charge of.
But then again so did Alice, and she is much more capable of being much more magnetic towards children then I am. Maybe it's because she may have inherited this from Uncle Soe and Aunt Leonora... She exhaled trying to clear her thoughts.
However, she started to think about a solution to the situation. Maybe if I have my own private interaction with Chef Shinomiya's child, would this anxiety go away? But then again how would that work out? Maybe the child- I mean the- baby would likely be in one of the bedrooms? Would I have to sneak into the same one?
Erina's last thought made more flustered. In the heat of the moment she pushed a bed pillow in her face. "Why haven't I come across this problem in any of my shoujo manga?!" She groaned into the stuffed rectangular cloth.
A knock at the door startled her, making her jump and pillow falling back onto the bed.
"Alice-sama please let her be for a few more minutes!" Hisako's voice spoke behind the door. "Erina-sama has had an eventful morning in order to make the time for today's party!"
"C'mon Hishako! I've waiting to her see all morning." Alice responded. "Why aren't you helping me Ryo-kun?!"
"All you have to do is wait a few extra minutes, Milady." His familiar tone voice spoke.
There was a smack heard followed by Alice's voice. "That's not what you're supposed to say!"
Erina sighed. "I better get out of here, before she barges in," she muttered under her breath.
She hastily grabbed the envelopes from the drawer.
After, looking into the mirror, satisfied with her outfit, she nodded, wearing a pleased smile. Maybe today will be better then I think.
Inside Polar Star Dormitory | Around the same time
Akira stood by himself looking intently at the large amount of giant boxes. "You've got to be kidding me Nakiri! You just ditched us and put me in charge. I don't even know what's in these packages! You just kept pointing at random things everywhere you dragged us all and told the staff to get this stuff delivered here! I have no clue how you didn't get kicked out of anywhere!" He angerly muttered to himself. He continued his private monologue by questioning how the eldest Nakiri cousin managed to even become a scientist in molecular gastronomy.
"Hayama-kun, take one of these." Isshiki presented a tray filled with mugs with steam coming from the rims.
Hayama's sense of smell was triggered. That's going to taste a little bitter, he thought as he took one the small tea cups. "Thanks, Isshiki-senpai," the second-year student took a sip.
"What do you think of it? Arato-kun and I came up with it together."
Hayama took a moment to reflect. "It's definitely a step up to the bitter ones she usually prepares."
The older student nodded. "The lavender and bitter orange really bring out the essence of oolong tea doesn't it?" He then proceeded to move on somewhere else to the property.
I'd ask for his help...but he was in his apron outfit. Hayama took another sip as continued to stand outside while a cold late winter breeze blew onto his face, white hair and hands. Arato helped come us with this huh? Maybe I'll ask to come to along if they'll do this again.
Erina sat in between Alice and Hisako in the limousine.
Hisako passed around a thermos cup filled with the blend she came with Isshiki.
Alice liking it enough, she took the thermos and poured herself a full serving without prompt.
The molecular gastronomy student then began to vocally theorize about she could use the same ingredients in different forms and asking her Erina which flavours would pair better together.
This prompted Erina to remind her that her new responsibilities demand a majority of her attention, and she had no further desire to be another student's taste tester.
Alice, wearing a slaphappy cartoonish smile, sang that she will have something in mind very soon.
Erina continued to protest, despite knowing how adamantly cheerful the elder Nakiri cousin sounded.
Alice later counteracted by stating if Erina was impressed about her recipe and then she will take all of her friends for a fun night outside of school.
Erina remarked that after tasting her dish, her cousin can do as she pleases but must take the responsibilities and do double the paper work upon returning.
In response, Alice puffed her cheeks with a dissatisfied chibi look and moaned.
Yukihira Family Home | Sumire Shopping District | 2:00 P.M.
The father son duo were in the end of preparing a great deal of orders for their loyal community members.
Joichiro seemingly disappeared from the diner's kitchen when the last emptied plate was sent back.
Soma was going to get the dishes ready for cleaning but decided to take a look at something more important.
He went into the room of the family home were his mother's shrine was placed and kneeled down, trying to remember his earlier conversation with picture. "I bet Dad's gonna like my gift idea for sure. It'll be help out Master Shinomiya to." He rambled on, "I kinda wish you were there to Mom. It was a lot of fun, but I'm sure you know that. It was super surprising to find out he has a kid now," the high school student laughed.
Unbeknownst to him, his father was hiding next to the open doorway, eavesdropping and smiling at the conversation.
"Like I said, Master's kid is really cute and little. I really wasn't expecting that he'd like me hold her. Angé was really calm."
Soma let out a bright grin. "She even cuddled me!" He laughed happily at the memory. "You would've loved to your hands on her, I remember how much you liked tiny things."
Joichiro continued to smile looking at the picture from that night.
Soma took a moment and paused, lowering his head, he voice went a little quieter. "But I gotta admit, something about her doesn't really sit well with me. But I have no clue what that could be."
Joichiro bit his lips, debating whether or not to tell him about the secret he is keeping between him and Kojiro.
He shook his head. "Sorry about that Mom. I didn't mean to bring down the mood." He apologized to the picture.
"Anyway," he spoke into his usual enthusiastic voice, "I think I'm a little more excited to see Master Shinomiya again since I'll have another chance to be around Angé again! I'll tell you more stuff after I come back to air out the restaurant."
Soma gave a air high five before heading towards the room's exit.
He felt a soft towel landed his face.
"Whoever wins gets the first bath!" He heard his father laughed and run further down the hallway.
Soma let out a laugh of his own.
"No fair old man!" he ran out.
Around the same time, the Shinomiya family of three was still in there hotel room.
"Do you have everything?" He asked his mother in their shared dialect.
She was scheduled to leave to make the train ride back to her home in the countryside of Kyushu before the gathering. He had bought her a ticket that gives passengers the experience of a first class train service.
The woman looked up and nodded with a smile, as she was lovingly holding onto her sleeping granddaughter.
Kojiro sighed in dismay. "Are you sure can't go a little later? Maybe tomorrow morning?"
His mother chuckled lightly. "Ya know it was hard to find the time now, huh? Ain't much time before spring starts."
Kojiro bit his lip, recalling how busy the adults and older children of his hometown got these times of during the year. The same thoughts happened months earlier to the pre-opening of his overseas branch.
"It was worth it though." His mother stroked the top of the child's hat, making it her way down to her scrawny arms.
At least now you got enough money for some new farming equipment. Kojiro lightly smiled.
Kojiro could not hold another thought away from his mind. The fact he truly wished for Hinako to be by his side that very moment. Today will be the day. His closed his eyes.
Around the same time | In Hinako's Apartment
The three adults sat on the small sofa together with the saddened Hinako in the middle.
Fuyumi was the one who broke the silence. "Are you actually going to do it today?"
Hinako, avoiding eye contact with them stared at the smartphone on her lap, and nodded.
Donato's voice followed, "what will you say to him?"
Hinako swallowed back tears as she began to tremble, "everything."
Fuyumi bit her lip, she did not want to repeat the unanswered questions from their previous conversation, but she needed to know. "Are you truly alright with entering a long distance relationship involving a child to raise?"
Hinako looked up with tear filled eyes. "I am. I won't be able to live with myself if I let this opportunity go to waste!"
Donato passed her a facial tissue.
Hinako continued to cry out and began to hit her lap with balled fists. "Shinomiya-senpai has to know that he's not the only person in the world willing to be my Angélique-chan's parent!" She sniffled and held back more tears. "And even if it means having to give up everything I own just to be able to financially support them!"
Some moments passed before the intense outburst ended.
Fuyumi placed her hand on Hinako's shoulder. "I think this was the first time you've said anything offensive to us."
Hinako turned around in confusement. "Offensive?"
"I know where she's coming from." Donato crossed his arms.
"What did I say to make you feel bad?" Hinako was trying to backtrack her words during her impassioned declaration.
The two other adults stood up simultaneously and put in the the middle of a group hug. "What kind of friends would we be if we let yourself lose all of your belongings?" Donato wiped his eyes and smiled before ruffling the brunette's hair.
Fuyumi rubbed Hinako's arm and straightened her clothes and hair in the back. "We're not the only ones rooting for two to finally admit it."
Hinako felt confidence grow inside of herself and lightly smiled.
Within the same timeframe | Dojima Gin's office
It was a rare, extra long break for him.
The normally very professional man, had loosened his necktie and his blazer draped over the head of his seat.
Normally he would be spending his time going through the unofficial roster of training camp instructors.
But today, he laying back in his chair with his eyesight directed to the ceiling, beginning to get lost in his thoughts.
He raised his smartphone screen over his face, intently reading the electronic words while scrolling through different threads.
[Mizuhara]: She's not in her apartment. Do you have any idea where she could be? She's not even replying to our calls or texts.
[Gin]: I'm on my way back to my office. I had an off-site meeting earlier. I'll see if anyone at the reception desk noticed her.
[Mizuhara]: Alright. Thanks.
[Gin]: Not a problem. I'll let you know.
Gin put his phone down on the desk for a moment and rubbed his silver eyes.
He took a deep breath while looking at the drafted message is was thinking about sending to Hinako:
[Gin]: Mizuhara told me about you not being home and dodging calls... Do you want to talk to me in my office? I'll make sure no one bothers us.
Would she have ignored that one like the others? Gin pressed the back button and tapped on the thread he shared with Donato Gouda.
[Donato]: She came back. She must have really needed some time alone. She even got more things for Shinomiya and his family.
[Gin]: That's great. I'll see you all later at the party.
He finally hit lock out button and leaned forward inwards of his desk, frustrated.
He mind went back to yesterday morning and glanced at the pinky finger. The smallest person I've ever been in contact with, also has the weakest grip I ever felt. That in no way can be just a coincidence. He recalled that certain interaction between him and the youngest member of the Shinomiya family.
Last year, it was his stagnation. Then, after being rejuvenated he decided to open another branch. Next, a few months go by and, there's suddenly all of this talk of him leaving his work for a whole year. It's obvious that will effect his newer professional goal. Those questions I bombarded him with, must've shaken him up. He's never been the quiet type, there was always a comment he'd want to give.
Gin poured himself a glass of water to calm his nerves, but to no avail.
Two nights ago, he shows up with an child you've never mentioned before. On top of that, Shinomiya-kun bears no resemblance to him. He took another sip of water. Inui's own mind has been disturbed by the this whole situation. Would this be her own way of signaling her own stagnation? It might put in that kind of mindset if her heart ends up getting broken, but losing two people at once. What kind of goal would she set up for herself in case it does happen.
Gin finished the amount in the glass and preceded to refill it. How much longer would I have to wait before you explain yourself, Shinomiya? And what did you say to Joichiro to keep this a secret?
Will you even admit to Inui that you've fallen in love with her? Or not, like how you missed that same opportunity all those years ago. The same goes for her to. His muscular shoulders felt heavier.
His hands involuntarily clenched into fists. Completely mysterious or not. Even adoptive or biologically related, an innocent child's future well-being is at stake here.
He stared intensely at his flexed right pinky finger. Shinomiya-kun's whole life will be effected if they come out and say anything. The poor thing...needs to have much more support than the average child. But why it is exactly, I have no idea. I don't even think I could be able to handle anything like that. For some reason, it already feels like its far too much to take in.
Yukihira Family Home | 2:50 PM
Joichiro ready and dressed for the rest day was still waiting for his son to exit the bathroom. "Soma! Hurry up already!"
"Coming Dad!" The teenager came out with a towel around his waist.
Soma shuddered as the surrounding air touched his wet skin. "Hey, did you turn off the heat?!" He questioned as his teeth chattered.
His father laughed in response. "I had to, the whole house was getting hot."
"It's the end of winter, you couldn't wait until I got out?!"
"Why run up the bill? Plus, there was enough steam coming through the crack of the door anyway. I figured you'd be all warmed up by then."
"That's still not fair!" Soma yelled back.
"What's also not fair is that I keep having walking back and forth waiting for you to come out, wondering when I can actually call a cab to get us!" Joichiro replied as he saw his son go to his bedroom.
A few minutes went by, before a fully dressed and packed Soma came out of the same room.
"Got everything you need?" Joichiro asked, checking his own luggage.
"Yeah, I got it all."
"Great, time to head out." The father slung his overnight bag over his brawny shoulder. "You can go in the car first. I'll double-check the locks and turn off the main power and water."
"Uh, dad?" Soma began to speak.
Joichiro glanced as he turned his head. "What's up?"
"I was just wondering, since you get a lot of work in Europe. Could you take some time off every once in a while and check in on how Master Shinomiya and his daughter are doing?"
Joichiro recalled the private conversation he had the same man some weeks prior.
Without a moment of hesitation he ruffled Soma's hair. "First thing I'll do once I'm in the neighbourhood."
Soma laughed. "Thanks, now we got our present for them."
"Maybe if I we get the chance, we can go visit them together."
"That'd be nice." Soma quietly smiled back and headed out of the main doorway.
Joichiro glanced at the door where his beloved late wife's memorial was set up.
A light soft smile grew on the widowed father's lips as his right index finger and thumb held onto the silver wedding band he would never think of removing. We got a great kid, don't we, Tamako?
Meanwhile, Kojiro along with his daughter and his three staff members were at the train station.
Kojiro put the mother's bags in the overhead compartment.
His mother looked around in near awe. "So this bullet train, huh? This is a 'hole lot nicer then the ones I took before."
The pink haired male lightly smiled. "Don't forget to splurge on any of the bentos, snacks and drinks while you're relaxing." He equipped with her their shared dialect.
She hugged him, "I can't believe I'm missing another one of yer big life events." The old woman's embrace grew tighter.
Kojiro felt like he was going to melt in his mother's arms. "It's fine. You need to be somewhere else soon. It's not your fault."
His mother wiped her eyes. "You better give my granddaughter her own mother, tonight."
Kojiro nodded in agreement, trying to hold back his own tears.
"And ya know who I want for my daughter-in-law, don't ya?" She sniffled into his tissue.
Kojiro silently nodded with a light smile. "The one and only you-know-who," he chuckled.
The eldest Shinomiya gave her son a simple stroke on his right arm. "I love all three of ya a whole ton." She warmly told him.
"I know." He gently whispered back.
In the meantime, Abel, Lucie and Wei were standing outside of the train platform with their boss' daughter.
"It was nice of him to bring us along while he was saying goodbye to his mother." Wei commented while she and Lucie were standing around their own shopping bags with different logos on them.
Lucie nodded in agreement. "I never saw a train station like this before," she added. "It's practically a mall on its own." She looked around at the vibrant colours of the shops as countless people were walking by.
Abel was sitting on the bench beside him, the blanket covered car seat was on his lap.
This was actually progressive for himself, as he was not good with children, but he respected his boss enough to help keep an eye on the baby.
Although he kept the light covering on to help him keep her privacy, from any onlookers.
Kojiro, his daughter and staff members finally arrived at Polar Star Dormitory.
The pink haired male felt a rush of nostalgia blown into his direction, as soon he opened the door. His hand gripped the door handle tightly.
Lucie, Wei and Abel exchanged glances.
"Is everything alright, Chef?" Abel inquired.
Kojiro cleared his throat and wordlessly nodded before carefully leaving the limousine.
Kojiro opened the door, and quickly reexperienced same sensation. He caught himself opening his mouth, but stopped before he loudly announced his own arrival just like in his school days.
Footsteps were heard coming closer. "Geez, even after all this time, and not even a simple greeting? Reminds me whenever you'd come back rushing over, always letting dust inside." The Maria of Polar Star jested.
Kojiro's eyes widened slightly at the familiar vocal tone from the dormitory's warden. "I'm back, Fumio-san," he smirked.
The elderly woman walked up closer to the group. Her grey eyes glimpsed at the the pink blanket covered car seat. She moued and put her hands on her hips, then made direct eye contact with, the father. "What is with you dorm alumni and bringing your kids in here? Your the fourth one to do so in less than a year."
Kojiro smirked, "Is that going to be a problem? To think you'd be used to all of the ruckus that keeps going on around here."
Fumio crossed her arms on her chest. "Compared what goes on here everyday, your kid is already as quiet as a falling leaf."
The dormitory's warden pulled out her hand and showed the former student a key. "Way in the back hallway. The one which has the least noise get through."
Even the keys in here look the same. Kojiro took the metal object from her hand.
Erina was just coming out of the bathroom. While I'm here I might as well inspect all of the bedrooms.
The young headmistress did not know that the guests of honor had arrived while she and Hisako were inspecting the garden. As her best friend and aide decided to help the dorm residents finish up their own tasks for the day, Erina began her monthly inspection of the home.
Erina placed her hand on the doorknob of the room closest towards the sole dorm washroom. I wonder what room the baby will be put into. She closed the door behind her.
As she turned around she noticed a small duffel bag on the floor next the bed.
She heard a faint whimper come from inside the room.
Erina turned her head towards the direction of the noise. Her eyes widened at the sight of the child she was just thinking of was laying on-top of the bed. Did...did I wake her up somehow? She carefully tiptoed over the youngest person in the residency.
The same feeble noises still went on as the female teenager carefully sauntered closer to the infant. The miniature ear muffs that the infant had been wearing were in an uncomfortable position.
Erina stared at her absolutely dumbfounded, as she sliently panicked. I don't recall any of this happening in any in my shoujo manga!
The sight of the weak flailing arms and mitten covered hands, nor did the light kicking ease her nervousness. With shaky fingers, placed her index finger on one of the ear muffs cushions, and accidentally brushed the whimpering child's cheek, making the feeble sounds halt. Her skin has the same texture and temperature of as a freshly made sponge cake left out to cool! Erina's quickly face reddened.
Nevertheless, her sharp observational skills did notice how listless the infant's faltering attempts were at latching onto the pacifier and holding onto Erina's thumb. Barely any movement, and that's all it took for her to become this exhausted and...anemic looking?
Erina brought her mouth closer towards the child's field of hearing. "I hope you'll always be surrounded by good people, and continue to become stronger everyday." She took a deep breathe and readjusted the ear muffs, making them more comfortable and useful.
Erina timidly glided her hand over the infant's chest while wearing a bashful smile. Rest well, little one, she blushed.
Kojiro had just disposed of the seemingly secret liquid medicine syringes. He gently stared into the tiny pair royal azure irises. How could these magnificent eyes, not know what a true mother could look like?
He laid sideways next the right side of her tiny body. "Angélique," he whispered, "if for some reason I can't give you a mother by the end of today. I'll work myself to the bone to make sure you feel like you have both parents." He took off his glasses for moment, held her up, carefully the infant with her thin cheek laying against his shoulder. "Will that be alright for you?" He lightly stroked the top of her oversized hat.
On the other side of the door, Hinako looked like she had a lot to say.
"Shinomiya-senpai," right away, her voice faultered. "I have something to say to you. If I don't get it out in the open right now, I won't be able to live with it." With a lowered head she sluggishly sauntered to him until the distance was less then six inches. "Will you take a few minutes to listen?"
Kojiro stood quietly and stared at her noticably stiff body.
"Before I fell in love with your daughter that night- I fell in love with you a super long time before that."
The brunette woman sniffled as she looked up in his direction, wiping the salty streams of liquid away from her violet eyes. "I-I lost track of the time of how long it's been now. Has it been twelve or thirteen years? Or has it ended up being fourteen already? I can't even remember what made it happen in the first place or the time or where I was when finally realized. Or when you became someone that ended up meaning so much to me. All I know is that I couldn't help but keep having this love for in my heart waiting for you." She felt herself getting dizzy and inhaled a long breathe.
Hinako turned away and staggered sideways. "Do you have any idea how many times I tried to call or send letters to you since you moved away?" She placed her hands over her mouth to muffle her upcoming cry. "Because I can't even answer that myself!" She wiped her face with the cuff of her sleeve. "When you finally back after being away for almost ten whole years, I had write everything I've felt for that long to make sure I wasn't dreaming of admitting anything to you."
Kojiro continued to stand in silence.
"When I saw what became of you, how so much more abrasive and unfeeling you got. It help made me realize how quickly you completely forgot about how being your friend made me and others happy. I couldn't even look you in the eye to say that you became the only person I actually fell in love with and may never stop."
Hinako decided to go on further. "When I heard about you deciding to stop being a chef/owner, I just got really scared. Scared enough that called everyone I could to get enough information but in the end all I got was some kind of variation of what I already heard. Everytime I tried to contact you, I felt so sick that I had to stop, just so I can keep my sanity."
The woman took another deep breath.
"Then weeks go by, and in exchange for all of that waiting, was it find out that you became a father, and didn't even bother to give me a warning."
Hinako began to slowly walked closer to him, while her head drooped. "And even after all this, without a proper explanation, all I could think about was how I hope you get all the support you can have." Her voice became more reticent.
The distance between the two adults was two inches now. "Do you care enough to allow me to support you...but more than just a friend?"
After standing tight lipped for what the both of them felt like an eon, the only movement Kojiro did was to hold onto Hinako's forearms, and remained quiet as he stepped away from her, choosing to turn his back nearly against hers.
Kojiro picked up his daughter, wrapping his hands around her rib cage, and using his index fingers to help support the developing neck.
Hinako had not said anything for nearly a minute, only standing with lowered head, looking at the tear stains she made onto the floor.
The thing she knew, the image of the mysterious infant she irrevocably fell in love with came before her previously blurred vision. She nearly gasped as she saw a soft but weak hand brush listlessly the much larger one wrapped around the miniature torso as the other was securely around her back.
As if the image was giving her some sort of strength, Hinako's eyes moved upwards and instinctively used her own hands and placed them against the neck and scrawny legs below.
Unable to resist the pent up urge, Hinako placed her previously trembling lips, comfortably against the slim left cheek.
Hinako held her body's position for one second, and almost stopped when she felt a delicate force from the opposite side catch her off guard.
She curiously let her lips go and turned her head sideways, and noticed how she couldn't Shinomiya's face or hair- until she decided to turn her head to the other side.
Hinako's eyes filled up with tears of happiness and fulfilment knowing the man she had just spent an undisclosed amount of time verbally vent out her feelings towards decided to perform the same movement to the only other person in the room who needed all the love and support they could receive.
Instantly, she pressed her lips against the same spot of pleasantly smooth skin.
After some more moments passed, Kojiro's hand began to get tired.
He cautiously laid the curled up close to her chest as Hinako hands never moved from where she placed them. Kojiro drew himself closer then shuffled to Hinako's right side.
While gently stroking the infant from the top of her oversized hat to her lower back, he wrapped his free arm around Hinako's waist. He stopped nicely rubbing his hand against the infant's body and gently embraced her from where he stood. Kojiro used this opportunity to plant his lips on Hinako's cheek, and noticed how she blushed.
Unknown to this new family of three, there was a unified heartbeat.
Angélique-chan, thank you for being our cupid. Hinako's face continued to have pink luminescent hue to it.
As if her newly acquired child knew the adult female's thoughts, she felt the child's face nuzzle against her chest, once, even the second attempt was even made successful, followed by a drawn out whimper.
This caught Kojiro's attention and looked at the both of them concerned.
Hinako lightly laughed, "our daughter loves to cuddle so much she did twice in a row".
The gravity of her words, echoed through his mind, as he saw her began to lovingly cradle the four-pound body horizontally.
"You worked extra hard on doing that, didn't you?" The brand new mother spoke softly while gently gliding her pinky finger up and the same area she was kissing just two minutes ago.
The infant made a listless attempt on grabbing the moving finger, but the tiny hand dropped, letting out another whimper.
Hinako kissed the hand that failed to initiate a moment of bonding. "Even sweethearts like you can't do so much work at once. You're too young to be so hardworking. But thank you so much for trying, that was incredibly thoughtful of you."
After planting a pair of delicately given kisses on the miniature nose before placing her now sleeping child back onto the bed.
Kojiro hugged her from behind and rested his head on top of his new lover's shoulder, while staring at their child. You imprinted on her to, didn't you?
Hinako got loose from the embrace and hugged him from the front.
They share a deep kiss, before separating their bodies.
Fuyumi, Donato, Gin and Hitoshi were standing in the corner near the dorm staircase.
"All of this anticipation is rather exciting, no?" Donato took of his serving of fermented rice juice.
Fuyumi nodded, taking a look at the running stopwatch on her smartphone screen.
"It's been about fourteen minutes now."
Roland Chapelle spoke from behind as the knowningly stern Frenchman moved closer.
"Hinako also tried to get information from you, right Chapelle-sensei?" Fuyumi inquired.
Her former teacher nodded. "Once she called three times in the same week, and apologized every time."
Gin sighed, "the same thing happened to me. She wanted to know if Shinomiya booked a room last week." He crossed his arms, "looking back now, I guess I made the right call, since I really didn't know until that morning, I still standby what I did."
"It would've been cruel to keep her hopes up." Hitoshi agreed. "This was something that she had to complete on her own, even if what happened that evening turned out differently then expected."
"Nicely said." A deep, masculine voice interjected. "It's better to have someone recognize when a personal opportunity is futile or truly worth waiting out for."
"Pardon me, Senzaemon-dono, but how do you what we're talking about?" Fuyumi asked.
The former headmaster gave a small smile. "They were both a couple of my top students in their years here, certain details tied themselves together."
Interesting choice of words. Fuyumi nodded back and moved their attention back to the door. She was relived when she saw Hinako come out of the room.
They group in the corner remained silent until she came forward.
It wasn't until then Fuyumi had actually noticed how exhausted the brunette woman was. She looked into her dear friend's violet eyes, as if they were nonverbally communicating how long does in that room for, as to her it felt like eons had passed.
Hinako suddenly turned her head and laid the left side of her body against the wall. She momentarily closed her eyes.
Her exhausted physique instantly slid lower and then fell backwards, but caught in time by Donato. A transparent tear went down her face.
*Dream starts*
Hinako fell into a recurring dream she has had every night for five weeks, expect for the previous two nights. But for some reason she knew that it would not be as saddening this time.
She was laying down in an outrageously ginormous bed. She upwards towards the ceiling. "This isn't how I remember this dream," she muttered to herself.
A tiny puddle magenta coloured vicious liquid was laying on the other side on the shared bed.
Her heard a squeaking stutter come from the same direction.
She felt like there were a five ball and chains attached to her both ankles. She flipped her body onto her stomach. "I'm coming!" She called out into the vast distance, she began to crawl with every ounce of strength she could muster, following a trail of luminescent white feathers.
Warm tears filled up her eyes. "So it was you this whole time, Angélique-chan?"
The shapeless blob merely mewled in response.
Hinako gingerly dragged herself next to it as her slender fingers crept closer. "I'm sorry about what I said to you before," she sniffled. "You're absolutely incredible, my precious sweetheart." She affectionately stroked the blob.
One moment later, a shine enveloped the small blob and turned into the more recognizable body Hinako came to know in the real world.
Yet, this body still had it some of its own characteristics. Firstly, it was curled up in a sideways position with knees being hugged against the frail chest, and oddly enough, appearing to weigh about two pounds. The wrinkly, somewhat loose skin colour would always be a pinkish hue and not enough fat underneath. Underneath, was a pile of the same glowing white feathers. "I don't know why, but you always look like this every single time."
"Not to mention, how cold you always are." Hinako conjured a fuzzy looking blanket drapped over the both of them.
This part is where this particular dream would end, but it was no longer the case this time.
The ball and chains disappeared as soon the fleece cloth covered the woman's feet.
Hinako's violet eyes glistened as she placed her right cheek against the crying infant's bare back. "Angélique-chan, you're far too young understand any this, but the magnitude of what you've done is truly immeasurable. You've already given me enough happiness worth an infinite amount of lifetimes."
The infant's mouth began to open and let out another quiet, stuttering wail. The blanket covered woman's own nightgown and brassiere illumined, prompting her to cover the child's eyes and looking the other way to save her own vision.
Hinako sighed in bitter disappointment. "I'm very sorry, Angelique-chan," she brushed her fully grown thumb against the palm of the tiny hand which had been stroking the teat. In spite of the apology spoken in an melancholic, yet extremely serene tone of voice, the child's wavering vocal sounds persisted. Hinako, herself snivelled and wiped her left eye. Then, she collected herself and cleared her throat, hoping that her words, will not croak midsentence.
She separated the snuggled, but still crying infant from her bare, ample chest. While supporting the underdeveloped neck and skinny body, with her left hand in a very loving and cautious manner, the woman preceded to cover the unclothed, much thinner chest, with the shared and seemingly unending fleece blanket. The sudden, jerking movements of the dangling arms and legs halted , alongside the mewling.
Now, wrapped in a secure and warm swaddle, the little one with pinkish skin began to smack its lips together. Hinako began to lightly rock her, before spreading all of her slender fingers on the side of bundle. Now holding the bird-like physique upright, she gazed deeply in the pair of royal azure eyes.
Although, unexpectedly, Angélique's small forehead rubbed against the woman's nose, while Hinako simultaneously felt her own pair of lips become moisten as she felt the young one's tongue repeatedly thrusted against them, followed by the jittery motions of the unsteady hands weakly tapping the woman's jawline and sounds of distraught weeping.
When it finally came to stop, Hinako pulled the weeping child away an inch away from her face, and let out a lachrymose sigh.
She quickly and attentively unraveled the swaddle then, placed a tender and maternalistic peck against both sides of her daughter's face.
The infant's flustered weeping unsteadily paused, before becoming more prolonged.
Hinako noticed that the rapid breathing remained ongoing. She used knuckle of her right index finger and caressed the middle the small chest in an upward to downward motion. With a deep warming gaze filled with pure motherly fondness, she softly pecked the noisy pair of lips, before planting another one on top of the same area.
The welcomed presence of complete silence engulfed the area surrounding its lone pair of inhabitants.
As a precaution, Hinako decidedly wrapped the blanket twice, effectively cocooning the quieted neonate.
Unable to resist the urge, Hinako laid another loving peck on the little mouth before cradling her.
What seemed to be a minute in this dreamland passed, as the young one remained relaxed, being nestling warmly inside the fleece made cloth.
A small bottle filled with an opaque liquid appeared next Hinako, whom warmly smiled as he took the plastic container within her possession. "Please forgive me, Angélique-chan." Hinako sorrily whispered. "I couldn't feed you that way you wanted at first."
The unrelated Japanese woman gingerly placed the top of the bottle inside the French infant's mouth. Her dark purple eyes glistened as her cradled nonbiological offspring procured her needed nourishment. "I'm a different kind of mother."
She placed the small head on her left shoulder as repeatedly patted the blanket covered back while her body swayed rhythmically from side to side.
The mother could not help but become enthralled the sensation of staring lovingly into the pair of innocent royal azure irises.
Using the advantage of being in such close proximity, the adult female stopped the steadfast repeated motion as it served its purpose and tilted her head in awe, witnessing her little one beginning to fall into slumber.
She placed another love-filled kiss the tiny forehead, nose then an unknown number of them placed on top of the closed mouth while simultaneously stroking the visible thin cheek with her knuckle. "Thank you for making me yours." She held her baby upright, nestled in the centre of her bosom.
Hinako in a completely blissful state of euphoria, laid her head back against the bed's headboard.
Her closed smiling eyes exactly matched the one on her face.
*Dream ends*
The previously dreaming woman opened her eyes slowly, trying to capture the true nature of her physical real world surroundings.
The adult female discovered that she had been asleep for nearly three hours after checking the time on her phone.
A strange, unfamiliar panic invaded her chest as she was not in the same room as her self-appointed infant daughter and discreetly left the area.
Finding herself relieved, she quietly turned the knob of the next door over, at the very of the hallway.
Kojiro was presently inside at the other side of door, taking out the familiar medical syringes and placing them on the bed, next to an alert and awake Angélique.
He lightly smiled and walked over to his new lady love and gently took her hand before closing the door. He gentlemanly walked her over to the bed.
Hinako quietly watched with closed smiling eyes as he tenderly stroked the child's chest and spoke in his softest tone of voice, "notre precieuse trésor Angélique, tu es si belle en ce moment."
He gently placed the one of the syringes into the adult female's palm.
The father turned his attention back to their child. "Are you ready to spend some more time with us?" He inquired in the same placid vocal tone.
In response, she gave him beaming grin as it was the last form of caregiving she had not carried out.
With his instruction, Hinako placed the arrhythmia medication, one of the six, between their baby's lips and lightly pressed the trigger. Between, each dose she warmly spoke the phrase "Thank you for existing in our lives," repeatedly.
Kojiro, who has tenderly supporting their daughter's frail body in a sitting upright position, quietly watched and gave a light smile, becoming enchanted by the new mother's magnetic warmth accompanied by the gentle, affectionate lull of her speaking.
They pair went back into the same occupied room after eating dinner with everyone else.
Hinako lightly chuckled and smiled as she saw Kojiro adjust the oversized hat on the infant's head and plant a light peck on a light on the back of their child's head.
Kojiro looked at her confused, "is something wrong?"
Hinako lightly rubbed Angélique's back. "No," she lightly replied. "It's just that... I've never seen this side of you before," she blushed.
He looked back at his girlfriend, and back towards the child they now have. "I never knew I had his this side of myself, until this little munchkin here came along." He carefully stroked the bottoms of sock covered miniscule feet.
Hinako's violet eyes widened slightly in suprise. "I never heard you say so many such endearing things to the same person before."
Kojiro's own face reddened. "That just slipped out."
"I know." Hinako lightly rubbed her nose against her new daughter's cheek. Hinako pressed her cheek against the child's back. "I want her to be our one and only child."
Kojiro fell momentarily silent as he watched Hinako begin to lovingly cradle their shared child against her chest. His eyes welted.
Hinako's own also welted, "even if she doesn't have a long life of her own. She's completely..." She swallowed back in tears and inhaled sharply. She cacooned the frail infant in an upright position. "Entirely irreplaceable. I'll never be able to replicate this love I have for her," Hinako sniveled.
Kojiro still silent, wiped his own tear away. He wrapped his arm around Hinako's waist and placed her head on top of his shoulder. "How did you find out?"
Hinako closed her moistened eyes. "I overheard what you said behind the door that night. I put the pieces together when I found those medicine syringes inside your room while you were sleeping yesterday. I know what they're supposed to do."
"Hinako...I wanted...I wanted to tell-!" Kojiro stammering was stopped the brunette placed her finger onto his lips.
Kojiro raised his head, his own moistening eyes looked straight into hers.
"You've never done anything like this before. It was completely unplanned, but it ended up being in our fate and destiny... There may have even been a time where your vision and thoughts got so narrow that you went along with the wrong decision." His new girlfriend took the same hand that was holding onto her waist and placed on top of their daughter's head. "We're both in uncharted waters."
Kojiro lightly smiled and nodded in agreement.
Kojiro's mind went back to rather long period of time, where he did end up regretting a choice he made.
You're definitely the more natural parent between us. It was a heavy thought that he managed to hide with a wistful smile.
"Merci ma beauté précieuse. Mais retourne the coucher, d'accord?"
=Thank you my precious beauty. But just go back to sleep, okay?
Tout ce que vous avez à faire est de continuer à être super douce et mignonné."
= All you have to do is keep being super soft and cute.