Chapter 19 — Easier a Second Time

Brush of wind-plucked blossoms. Petals that harbored the flourished passions of spring, flushed to transient colors of white and pink. Generously, they scattered. Over ponds and through grass, swept into the city streets, and obliviously gathered atop the heads of those who strayed under its branches. Confetti to a springtime revelry. An invitation to be sent far and wide, announced from the highest treetops so that all may hear. After all, subtlety was never its best color.

An invitation that hardly went unanswered among the masses of a sprawling city. They both anticipated things to take a turn in this direction. It was Tokyo. They had spent the past hour basked in the afterglow of their carelessness, and a densely gathered crowd was nothing less than a punishment. A consequence to a foolish mistake that they both, strangely, would not seem to mind repeating over and over again.

For those same reasons, somehow managing to find a spot for just the two of them was something like a blessing. An undeserved miracle. A little space for the four corners of their picnic blanket, and a place to finally rest within the busy afternoon. Fuutarou was never too fond of crowds. Since coming to Tokyo, he had learned to dull the idle noise that surrounded him. He had learned to seize every opportunity as it was presented to him—whether it be squeezed within the smallest gap in a rush hour train, or through the shoppers' melee that gathered in front of the on-sale items at the grocery store. Rules of survival when it came to the big city.

Despite the jaded views of his not-so-new life, Fuutarou could willingly admit that these past two years were a journey well worth the struggles. Within this same spring, another year would soon come to its close. Another chance to gather those misaligned memories and miscellany—to reflect upon the kinds of people that it all belonged to. If the thoughts ended with a pleasant smile on their lips, then surely something, somewhere, was going alright in their lives.

For this very moment, at least, Fuutarou knew that things were just fine the way they were.

"And just what are you spacing out over?" Ichika nudged a finger against his unsuspecting cheek. She was laid down beside him, her head resting peacefully against his lap. In the moments she would sneak a glance upward, the dozing girl would find herself caught in a small trance. She wondered just what quaint thoughts traveled through her lover's mind as he gazed at the cherry blossoms overhead. He seemed meditative. Tranquil. She had always found that part of him quaint. Like the sight of him caught anywhere between the most trivial and the most sentimental of thoughts was every part calming, as it was amusing. For those reasons, Ichika would drop everything just to prod him.

"I thought you were asleep," Fuutarou said, plucking one of the stray cherry blossoms that fell over her pink hair.

"I was for a little." Ichika covered her mouth as she yawned. "Was I out long?"

"Just a couple of minutes. You knocked out right after we finished eating. You know, you really do fall asleep quickly."

Ichika giggled, rolling over so that she may lie on her back. "Guess the jet-lag really does mess me up. I'd almost be getting ready for bed around this time." She glanced at her wristwatch, eyeing the two dials that marked for two homes. It would have been close to ten in the evening back in California.

"That makes sense," said Fuutarou. "So? Did you have a good nap?"

"I did, in fact. Your thighs make for a pretty decent pillow." She poked the underside of his leg a few times. "Looks like all that jogging is starting to pay off. Keep it up and it'll be a lot more firm and muscular."

"Hey," Fuutarou halfheartedly scolded. "No enjoying my thighs."

She reached up, pinching both of his cheeks. "Aw, now how is that fair? You always seem to enjoy mine plenty. I should have my share, too."

"Knock it off." Fuutarou chuckled back. "If you're in the mood for jokes, then that means you're wide awake. Now get up. Before my leg goes numb."

"Yeah, yeah…" Ichika slowly lifted herself upright. Her fingers stroked their way through the rumpled parts of her hair as she took a quick glance over their picnic area. Hanami was crowded as it could ever be on a temperate afternoon—even more so when it came to a city as populous as Tokyo was. "Hey, Fuutarou-kun, do we still have some—"

Interrupting her was a sweet, chocolate taste, brought stealthily to her lips as she was mid-sentence. "Yeah, we still have plenty," Fuutarou said, holding up their box of chocolate mushrooms. "Want me to pour some tea too?"

Ichika muffled her agreement as she carefully chewed. Together, they continued their picnic under the cherry blossoms. There were still plenty of rice balls and snacks to last them the rest of the afternoon, and more than enough conversation to make the time pass quickly. A little too quickly, if either Fuutarou or Ichika could reluctantly admit. As quickly as the young actress had come back to Japan, Ichika knew that the time was brief. Dwelling over it did little more than spoil that little time they could enjoy together. So, Fuutarou and Ichika could only smile. Smile and laugh as they leaned against the other's shoulder, partaking in the slow showers of the cherry blossoms and the springtime sun.

"Wow!" Ichika said as she looked at Fuutarou's phone. "This takes me back. I had a feeling it would look great on her!"

An air of immense—and arguably overblown—pride filled Fuutarou's lungs as puffed out his chest. "Of course, she'd look amazing in Kurobara's uniform. Raiha is just made for it! I mean, just look at her! I don't think you really understand just how cute she can be."

Ichika laughed. "Yes, yes. I'm looking, Fuutarou-kun. It fits her perfectly." She rested her head on his shoulder. On Fuutarou's phone was a full body shot of Raiha dressed in a black sailor's uniform with a white skirt at the bottom. A white tar flap wrapped around the collar, and an off-white ribbon tied underneath. She stood in a calm and mild-mannered pose, holding a peace sign off to her side. Judging by the slightly tired look in her eyes, it seemed as if this was not the last of 'just one more photo' taken by an equally doting father, and a long series of similar pictures sent to Fuutarou's phone further proved that point.

"It's been a while since I've seen Raiha-chan," Ichika continued. "She looks like she's grown a little taller since the last time. Her hair looks like it's gotten longer, too."

"Yeah…" Fuutarou said, leaning with one hand on his cheek. He could not quite remember when, but his little sister now opted to part her bangs to the sides. She still wore a butterfly-shaped bow above her head, though it now held down a modest ponytail. "She's really growing up. It really hasn't felt like it's been that long…"

"Do you think you'll miss seeing her as a little kid?"

"A little, but she'll have to grow up sooner or later." Fuutarou scrolled through some of the pictures. The expressions on Raiha's face ranged from casual laughter, to candidness, to finally declined patience as Raiha stepped away from the camera. The subsequent shots showcased Isanari continuing to pester his daughter, with a few widely grinning selfie shots tossed in. "Those two look like they're doing better than ever," he continued. "Seeing Raiha smile like that… I can't help getting sentimental over it. She's eating well. We can afford a good school for her. I just hope I can keep that smile on her for as long as I can."

"You really are the sweetest, Fuutarou-kun." Ichika planted a quick kiss on his cheek. "Any more and you'd almost make me jealous. I'm sure Raiha-chan must feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have a wonderful older brother like you."

"Ha. I am pretty great, aren't I?"

"The greatest." Ichika tightly wrapped her arms around him. Her cheeks lovingly pressed against his—a little too forceful that Fuutarou found himself propping his arms to stop himself from falling over.

"What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" Fuutarou said between Ichika's happy giggles.

"What's the matter?" Ichika said. "It looked like your ego could use a few more strokes. What's better than your pretty girlfriend showering you with all her love?"

"Now that sounds more like you." Fuutarou said with a casual roll to his eyes. They both laughed at themselves, and after a short while, Fuutarou stood up. "I'm going to go pick up some of that sakura mochi we passed by earlier. The line is probably shorter now."

"Oh! I almost forgot. Yeah, that sounds like it'll be perfect right now!"

"Will you be fine waiting here a bit?"

"No problems here." Ichika nodded. "Think you can pick up some of those cookies, too? They looked delicious."

"Sure. I'll be right back then." They waved each other off, and soon, Fuutarou merged with the rest of the crowded park. Even if he had said so, a shorter line meant two different things when it came to Tokai and Tokyo. They both knew it would not be the quickest trip, so Ichika took some idle time to enjoy herself. She had kept a book in her bag which she bought from the airport bookstore in Los Angeles, and Ichika could think of no better moment to open the pages.

"Um… excuse us…"

She had only turned a few pages before she glanced up from her book. Faced her way were Two men who looked well into their twenties, possibly early thirties, with a cautiously curious gaze as they looked at her face. A look that Ichika had equally returned. "Um… hello?"

"Sorry to interrupt," the first man said, "but would you happen to be… Nakano Ichika-chan?"

"H-huh?" Ichika flinched a little. In hindsight, it was not impossible for someone to recognize her here. Fuutarou had even cautioned the idea, but Ichika had foolishly insisted that a disguise was hardly needed while they were out. It was not as if she was a major star or anything, and any of her recent works within the country may as well have been old news. The chances were slim. The chances should have been slim.

And that shock of realization had even prevented her from trying to at least lie her way through it. She had four sisters that looked just like. It should have been easy to shrug it off, but the young actress had only thought of saying, "Oh… ha ha. Did you need something from me?"

"I-I knew it!" the first man excitedly said. He seemed to have caught on to his overt enthusiasm as he quickly followed, "I mean—I had a feeling when I saw you, but I just can't believe it's really you!"

"No way, is it really her?!" the second man joined in. "H-hi! The two of us are just… really, really big fans of you, Nakano-chan."

"Oh, is that so?" Ichika asked. "That delights me to hear."

"We both are! You're like one of the best new actresses ever! I can't believe a couple of guys like us can even speak with you right now. It's our luckiest day ever!"

"Ha ha…" Ichika calmly replied, regaining most of her composure. "That flatters me to hear that from you. But really, I'm…"

"Are you officially back in Japan?"

"Agh!" the first fan groaned. "If I had known, I would have brought something for you to sign. I need to remember this day."

"If it's too much to ask, do you think we could bother you for a picture?"

"A picture?" Ichika scratched the back of her neck. "Hmm… well, I don't think now is really a good time…"

The look on the second fan stiffened. It was only now that he noticed the small picnic arrangement for two that Ichika sat down on. "O-oh! That's right; that is so rude of me. This must be your private time, right, Nakano-san? We must be intruding, right, Takao?"

The first fan quickly nodded. "You're right! "

"Thank you so much for being understanding." Ichika smiled as she softly laughed. "Any other time I would love the chance to connect with fans, but like you've said, I'm here as part of my private time." Her palms lay flatly against the other, following the coy tilt of her shoulders as she politely gestured. "But I truly am grateful to you both for supporting me all this time. Thank you so much. I'll make sure to keep doing my very best."

"I knew it…" The second fan clutched his chest, almost looking as if he would fall over at any moment. "Nakano-chan is an angel. She's so nice."

The first fan excitedly called out, "N-Nakano-chan! Sorry, I… I just mean to say that, before we leave you alone, I want you to know that… that I was always loyal to you!"

"Huh…?" Ichika raised a brow.

"I thought it wasn't fair to you at all," he continued. "You know, that whole news stuff about your dating scandal. Remember? There was a lot of speculation that that was the reason why you ended up entering your hiatus."

"Oh… that." She halfheartedly chuckled. "Yes, it has been a while since then. Over a year now."

The first fan nodded again. A little too much that it looked as if he were bowing instead. "Us loyal members of your fan club did everything we could so that the internet wouldn't besmirch your good name. I mean, who cares about some stupid dating scandal, right? You're still amazing, and talented, and beautiful, and wonderful, and cute, and—"

"Way too much there, dude," his friend interrupted.

"But it's truth! The absolute, indisputable truth! Just thinking about all those stupid posers that used to call themselves your 'fans' just gets me so… so… ugh! Someone like you deserves so much better than how you were treated here, Nakano-chan."

"No, I get you. Screw all those haters, man." The second man turned to Ichika. "But, if you're here now, does that mean you're scheduling big comeback to Japan?"

"You're right!" his friend eagerly replied. "We all thought it would be much longer! Oh my god, it's going to be the most amazing thing when that happens."

"It will make headlines! News! We'll spread the word across all of social media!"

Ichika nervously chuckled. At some point earlier in the conversation, Ichika could have sworn that they were already wrapping things up here, but it looked as if it would not be that easy. There would always be a delicate line to walk when it came to a celebrity's public and private life, and an actress should be mindful of both when interacting with fans. These two were not exactly harmful in any sense—if anything, they looked as if they meant well for her—but truthfully, this much attention was a little overwhelming. Stressful. Like she had to make sure a part of her was always on guard at all times.

"Hey," a voice interrupted them. "If you two are done here, I'd like to ask you to leave Nakano-san alone while she is on vacation."

Stood behind them with a deathly glare him in his eyes was Fuutarou. His arms were crossed boldly over his chest, dangling a small paper bag of sakura mochi and cookies between his fingers.

"We weren't…" one of them began, but had since taken the time to look Fuutarou up and down. "Um, wait, who are you? Nakano-chan, do you kno—"

"You've bothered her enough," Fuutarou interrupted, not letting their gaze stray back to Ichika. "Do I need to repeat myself? Nakano Ichika is here on vacation and you are interrupting her. I am kindly asking you to leave. For Nakano-san's peace."

The man looked as if he wanted to clarify. To ask questions or refute something, but it all fell to a stutter as the look in Fuutarou's eyes narrowed. His tone was callous; his words brought out like he threw a punch. "W-we weren't trying to be rude or anything. We just wanted to…"

His friend interrupted him. "Takao, he's right. We've taken enough of their time. Let's just go."

"I just—" He sighed. "You're right. Sorry to be a bother, Nakano-chan."

Ichika politely waved to them. "It's alright. Thank you again for your kind words, both of you."

A brief glimmer shone in their eyes. From the way their lips curled to a wide smile, it looked as if they were about to devolve again into another cycle of bits and babbles, but the sharpened gaze of a protective boyfriend brought all those thoughts to a halt. With the satisfaction they could gather, the two men bowed and took their leave.

With a heavy sigh, Fuutarou laid back down on the blanket. "Was I a bit much there?"

Ichika giggled. "No, I think you were fine. If anything, you were pretty manly back there. Have I ever told you how hot that side of you can be?"

"Very funny."

"I'm not trying to make a joke, though. You really had my heart going there for a second."

"I'll take the compliment, then. Thank you very much." Fuutarou offered her one of the wrapped sakura mochi. "We're in luck. They were almost sold out by the time I reached the front. Here."

"They look delicious! Thank you, Fuutarou-kun." They both helped themselves. It almost looked too pretty for them to eat, but the faint, earthly sweetness that stemmed from the pink-dyed rice tempted them both to take their first bite. "I do feel a little bad, though," Ichika continued between bites. "For both of you, I mean. They seemed like nice boys, and I had to rely on you to turn them away."

"Well," said Fuutarou, "I guess a certain actress isn't as so 'old news' in Japan as she thought, huh? Your 'most loyal of fans' seems to agree quite well."

"Stop that," mumbled Ichika. "It's embarrassing when you say it like that. But… I was just shocked to hear that there are still some people waiting for me to debut here again. I guess a small part of me thought they'd stop caring after this first year."

"Of course, people are waiting for you. We all are." Fuutarou turned to her, smiling gently. "Especially me."

Ichika blushed, forcing her way through with a blithe laugh. "I'm the luckiest girl in the whole world to have you as my number one fan, Fuutarou-kun. I'm just glad that those two from earlier were so understanding. I ended up panicking and not knowing what to say…"

"I get it. It wouldn't look so good on you if you had to be impolite with your fans in public, wouldn't it? They might get the wrong idea about you as a person. Must be tough. Luckily, I don't have that kind of problem." Fuutarou took a careless bite.

"Guess that's one of the perks of a having a grouchy boyfriend." Ichika laughed, bumping shoulders with Fuutarou. "Who knew your mean-looking face would come in handy at times like this? You're like my own personal, handsome bodyguard." Her fingertip slowly traced the edge of Fuutarou's jawline, nudging along his face so that he could keep his eyes on her.

Fuutarou muffled a cough, rambling the first thoughts that came to his head. "In that case, we'll need to have a discussion on my salary and compensation. I don't know how easy it's going to be for me when you start making it big in the industry. It's only a matter of time."

"Well… I can give you a little something now. Consider it an'early payment' for always being so good to me." Ichika leaned over and placed a soft, warm, and gentle kiss on Fuutarou's cheek. Her lips stuck onto him for a little longer than usual—enough so that a pleasant smack rang just near his ears as her lips pulled away. "How is that, hmm?"

"We're in public, Ichika…" Fuutarou muttered, covering the spot on his cheek that quickly grew warm the longer he stared into his joyful lover's face and the wide smirk that lined her lips. "But… I could get used to more of that."

Minutes trickled into a few hours longer. A few shades dimmer from the brightest springtide day, and like the brevity of the cherry blossoms, this day would eventually come to its end. Little by little, the peaceful bodies trickled. Families, friends, lovers. Before long, Fuutarou and Ichika found themselves swept along with those that left the park. As short as the time had seemed, the only feelings that lingered between them were those of calmness. Repose. A lift to their spirits that made their steps livelier and their bodies lighter as they went with the wind.

"Here's to another year," Fuutarou said as he strolled beside Ichika.

"Let's keep doing our very best," replied Ichika. They continued along the path, down to where the crowd thinned to a few faces. Going back home the way they came was simple enough. They would only need a moment to rest and think of the way back to the station. The nearby directory would have been the best place to start, but as they leaned gathered a little closer to read it, Fuutarou had turned a curious glance to his side, and the dark-haired girl that had been standing there.

"Takebayashi…?"

"Whoa, Fuutarou?"

The dark-haired girl tilted her back a little. Her widened blue eyes glanced up and down towards him, before she finally settled to light laughter. "It is you. Fancy running into you. Here for the flower viewing like everyone else too, I am assuming?"

Fuutarou nodded. "Yeah, we were just leaving. You were here too?"

"Of course! I live close by, and a lot of students from our university come are—" Takebayashi stopped herself, perking her eyes and ears over a more interesting thought. "Oh hold on, did you say 'we'? Does that mean you're here with…" She glanced a little further behind Fuutarou, noticing the pink-haired girl that was patiently standing there. "Ah! You must be Fuutarou's girlfriend. Nakano-san, right? Wow, you're even prettier in person."

"Hello." Ichika gave a friendly wave. "And thank you! You must be Takebayashi-san—Fuutarou-kun's classmate, right? It's nice to finally meet you."

"Likewise. I've heard lots about you. Never thought I'd get the chance to meet the girl Fuutarou here keeps gushing on and on about." Takebayashi looked up at Fuutarou, grinning widely. A look that Fuutarou knew well enough, and all the troubles that it invite—but he had neither the words nor the quickness to stop her before Takebayashi continued, "Like seriously, this guy will not shut up about you!"

Fuutarou glared at her. "Hey, Takeba—"

"Is that so?" Ichika turned her attention to her partner, leaning her body against him. "Then, I hope they're all good things. After all, Fuutarou-kun seems to speak very highly of you as well, Takebayashi-san."

"What?" Takebayashi laughed. "No way. Fuutarou? Saying nice things about other people? And about me, of all people?"

"It's true." Ichika laughed. "You two are old friends, right? And now you're classmates against in college. Thanks for looking after him for me."

"You two are getting along pretty quickly…" Fuutarou muttered, but it was far too quiet to be heard from their shared laughter.

"Oh yeah. Him and I go way back. Elementary and middle school. I was kind of his big sister growing up, because let me tell you, this guy was a real headache. Fuutarou was always getting himself into trouble, and I had to be the one to scold him every time. He would skip out on lessons, ignore all of my tutoring, and overall just drive me crazy. There were so many times where I had to hunt him down so that he wouldn't flunk out. A genuine piece of work, this guy."

Ichika nudged Fuutarou by his rib. "Sounds a little familiar, don't you think, Fuutarou-kun? Doesn't it make you feel nostalgic?"

"You act as if you and your sisters don't still give me headaches," Fuutarou replied flatly. "And Takebayashi likes to exaggerate things all the time. Especially if it means messing with me."

Takebayashi shook her head. "Nope. Not this time. You used to loathe all of those tutoring sessions, remember? Imagine how surprised I was when I found out that you had become a tutor yourself. Patience wasn't exactly your strongest thing, you know."

"You're talking about stuff from a long time ago." Fuutarou rolled his eyes.

"Was he really that bad?" Ichika stepped closer. As if the two of them were suddenly old friends, Takebayashi and Ichika conversed as if they had many years to catch up on. "Now you've gotten me even more curious. I can't imagine Fuutarou-kun as the bad boy type. The Fuutarou-kun I know has always been so diligent."

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Takebayashi giggled. "I guess old habits really do die hard for a delinquent. Even when he started taking his studies seriously, Fuutarou kept acting like a brat. He used to get pretty heated whenever we had tests. He would challenge me to see who got the highest score, and he would throw this little fit whenever he lost—which was all the time, by the way. One time, in eighth grade…"

"Would two just…" Fuutarou bounced his gaze between both of them. These two clicked together a little too well, and it felt as if he had to double down on his defenses just seeing them standing next to each other. Like two halves of a mischievous mirror, they were of equal forces. One that delighted in all of the things that made him struggle, and the other who reveled in the idea of a little brother whose buttons were simply irresistible to push. And as soon as their impish eyes found their way to his, Fuutarou could only hold in his breath.

"We're just teasing, Fuutarou-kun," said Ichika as she playfully nudged his shoulder.

'Yeah, who do you take me for?" Takebayashi laughed. "Do you think I'd go and tell your pretty girlfriend aboutall the super embarrassing stories about you when we were younger? Or that I just might happen to have some middle school photos saved somewhere on my phone that I was just about to pull out?"

"You're a riot, Takebayashi," Fuutarou said with a roll to his eyes. He turned back to Takebayashi. "Moving back on topic. What brings you here, Takebayashi?"

"Me? For the flower viewing, why else?"

"Yeah, but by yourself?" Fuutarou callously asked. "Or are you here with anyone?"

To his surprise, Fuutarou saw Takebayashi quickly turn her head, as if she had suddenly remembered something. Something like a forced cough, as if she needed a moment to think over a simple question. "A-anyone?" she stuttered. "What are you assuming, Fuutarou? Do I have to be here with someone just to enjoy Hanami? Even if I was, that's… that's private, you know?"

Fuutarou raised his brow. "I mean, I guess you don't have to be here with anyone. I just thought you'd be here with a couple of friends or family or something."

"Oh. Oh…" Takebayashi stretched the sound, until she fell to a hesitant chuckle, looking peculiarly relieved over his last statement. "I see. That's what you meant. Ha ha…"

"So… are you?"

"Er… well… you see, I was um…"

A man's voice had approached them from the side. "Ena! Sorry for the wait. I had some trouble finding the…" He slowed as he approached, glancing at the the three people by the park directory. He wore a white and brown flannel long sleeve, unbuttoned to show the black crew neck shirt that fit his slim frame. He had dark, shaggy hair that poked through underneath his slouch beanie. A brief shine filled the lens of his glasses as he adjusted them, revealing curious, hazel colored eyes. "Oh," he said. "Is everything alright here?"

"Ena..?" Fuutarou glanced behind him. Was he standing in the way of someone else? It almost looked like the man was speaking directly to them, but—

Fuutarou's gaze met Takebayashi, who had a slightly crooked grin, with a slightly rosy tiny to her cheeks as she realized that the two men were looking her way. She casually brushed her long, dark hair aside, if only to distract herself for a moment. "S-Sanada-kun!" Takebayashi blurted out, a tad louder than she had intended. "There you are! I was wondering where you disappeared to."

Fuutarou turned to the man with glasses. He muttered to himself, "Wait… Sanada? As in…"

"Yeah, sorry about that." Sanada strolled over. "I followed the wrong path for a bit. Are these two friends of yours?" As he neared, he took a more careful look at Ichika, then to Fuutarou, stalling a bit as he made the details of his face. There was something distinct about Fuutarou's expression—something about the way he crooked his brow and tilted his head—that made him, for some reason, picture a young delinquent whose blonde hair was styled in an unruly manner. "You… seem a little familiar…"

Takebayashi laughed, gesturing towards Fuutarou. "Actually, you already know him. That's Uesusgi Fuutarou. From middle school. And this is his girlfriend, Nakano Ichika-san."

"Wait, really? Uesugi-san?!" Sanada's eyes widened. With a bit more of a confident step, the glasses-wearing boy approached him. "I almost didn't recognize you! You look way different from what I remember. Didn't you have your hair all—"

"You don't have to remind me." Fuutarou quickly waved. "But wow, this takes me back. You… look a lot like how I remembered, actually. You go to school in Kyoto, right? What brings you here."

"I get that a lot from people." Sanada laughed. "Ena—er… I mean, Takebayashi-san—was telling me that the two of you were classmates again. She even told me that you were dating —" As if a second part of his brain was slower to keep up with all the things that had been said over the past few minutes, Sanada stopped himself. His eyes turned to the woman who politely observed beside Fuutarou. He caught himself before he loudly blurted her name. "You're Nakano—!"

Ichika startled a little at the sudden excitement of his tone. "Oh! Hello, it's nice to meet you. You're… another one of Fuutarou-kun's friends?"

"I-I-I… y-yes! If I could say that, I mean. We weren't like best friends or anything, but Uesugi-san and I were good classmates—not like we weren't good friends! Sorry, I'm rambling, aren't I? Let me start over. I just want to say that—"

"He's a fan." Takebayashi said with a halfhearted sigh.

"Really?" Fuutarou and Ichika said in unison. They looked at Sanada, who looked as if he tried to hold back the biggest smile on his face through tightly clasped lips.

Sanada scratched the back of his head. "I… dabble in a bit of your films here and there…"

"Oh, so now you want to be modest about it." Takebayashi pouted. "Are you forgetting that you made me rewatch all the films Fuutarou recommended to me? You have like all of her movies."

"I do not! I just have a couple."

"It sure seems like you do. Just admit that you're a huge fanboy already. It'll be a big relief for me."

"I wouldn't say that I'm exactly a full on 'fanboy' or anything like that—wait, Ena, what do you mean by—"

Takebayashi quickly put a finger over his lips. "Don't just casually call me that right now!"

"What? You mean Ena—"

"Don't!"

"Wait, why? I thought you said it was okay to—"

"Yes, but not right now! It's embarrassing…"

Sanada gave her a perplexed look, wondering why Takebayashi was speaking in a bit of a hushed tone. There was an odd shift in gaze as she looked between him and the idle couple beside them, tinting her cheeks with another rosy tint. It took Sanada a little longer than he would care to admit, but he finally asked her, "You haven't told him yet?"

After a short pause, Takebayashi finally gave in. "I've been meaning to, it just never came up naturally. We were busy with exams for the past few weeks, and… you know, we're not really…"

"Umm…" Fuutarou gestured towards the two of them. "Sorry to interrupt, but uh… Sanada-san, Takebayashi, are you two going out or something?"

His words were like being put to a stop by a hard wall, as the two of them flinched where they stood. "Ha ha…" Takebayashi nervously laughed. "That's… awfully blunt of you to ask, Fuutarou."

"Is it? I always thought it was obvious, considering how close you've always been. What do you think, Ichika?"

Ichika gave a playful laugh. "I was just thinking the same thing you were. They look good together; they even argue like a couple."

"We're not arguing," both Sanada and Takebayashi said, quickly stopping themselves when they realized they had said it together. Again, Takebayashi fidgeted with the length of her hair—a sight Fuutarou could hardly remember ever seeing, as Takebayashi's gaze turned bashful, shifting everywhere else but towards them. "To be honest…" she said, "it's a bit awkward to talk about this right now… Sanada-kun and I aren't exactly…"

Sanada looked her way, giving her a troubled sort of look. She returned her own gaze, as if silently communicating, 'we will talk about this later.'

Ichika took careful notice of the way they looked at each other. Clearly, there was something the two of them needed to hash out, and even if Fuutarou was an old friend that they wished to catch up with, it seemed as if right now, they were the ones who were a little out of place. "Well," Ichika said in a lighthearted tone. She gave Fuutarou a quick wink as she took him by the arm. "We wouldn't want to pry, right, Fuutarou-kun?"

Fuutarou shrugged. "It's their business. We've stayed for a while now, so it's probably best if we made our way back. Ichika has to be at the airport later tonight." He politely nodded to Takebayashi and Sanada. "It's been nice catching up with you guys again. I'll be seeing you next semester, Takebayashi."

"Ah ha…" Takebayashi said, sounding a little relieved to hear that from them. "Thanks for being understanding. Sorry again if we made things a little awkward."

"It's hardly a problem." Fuutarou said. They began to part ways, slowly stepping back into the flow of the crowd leaving the park. "Take care now, you two."

"It was nice meeting you," said Ichika, as she waved back.

Takebayashi smiled. She watched how closely the two of them strolled beside each other—how perfectly they seemed to complement each other in the smallest gestures. It was like Fuutarou had said—or rather, how he boasted. He and Ichika were partners—each other's significant other that knew the truest colors of the other's heart, with and without spoken words. They looked joyous. Comfortable. Like there was hardly a troublesome day as long as they were with each other. And maybe—somewhere not as deep down as Takebayashi would think—she envied that. Her hands drew high over her head as she began to wave. "Bye bye, Fuutarou, Nakano-sa—"

A bold footstep had marched ahead of her. His hesitant voice loudly called out, "Uesugi-san! Wait!"

They all glanced towards him. Stood squarely along the path was Sanada, arms reached out as if trying to grab a hold of something within the airspace in front of him. They were hardly more than a few steps away from each other, but there was something about them that seemed so far out of reach.

Fuutarou gave an odd look. "Sanada-san? What's up?"

For a while, Sanada did not answer. His glasses slipped a short distance passed his nose, but it hardly seemed as if he noticed. Or rather, there were more pressing matters that muddled his mind, drawn together with the sharp breath he took. He pinched the cuffs of his flannel. He boldly asked the two of them, "Uesugi-san, Nakano-san, isn't… isn't it difficult?"

"Difficult? What is?"

Sanada quickly shook his head. His nerves drew the first few sounds to a stutter, but he could hardly stand to hesitate a moment longer. "I-I know the two of us didn't really talk that much before, and it must be super awkward to ask you something like this out of nowhere, but… isn't it difficult for the two of you? Being so far apart from each other?"

"H-hey… Sanada-kun…" Takebayashi stood beside him, placing one hand on his shoulder. "You shouldn't be prying into private things like that…"

"I want to know," Sanada said. He looked at Fuutarou and Ichika, placing one hand on his chest. "How can you two make things work, when you're so far away from each other? Isn't it hard?"

"You're asking about long-distance relationships?" Ichika asked.

Sanada nodded. "Compared to you two, the distance between Tokyo and Kyoto is so much smaller. But when I think about it, I just don't know how it would all work. You two look like look you have it all figured out, and I want to understand it too."

"Tokyo and Kyoto…" Fuutarou repeated the words. He remembered that these two had chosen to attend different universities after having spent most of their adolescent years together. He had always thought of Takebayashi and Sanada to be one in the same. Inseparable. Perfectly made for one another, and the more he thought about it, the more surreal it looked that the two people in front of him stood like they were strangers to one another. Like two people that, at some odd point, had slowly drifted apart, held together by thinnest threads of nostalgia.

One look at Takebayashi's face was enough for Fuutarou to tell. A look to remind Fuutarou that she was just like them—that she could be just as confused and uncertain over the things he had thought to be long past him and Ichika. "You've said too much already, Sanada-kun," Takebayashi muttered, trying to pull him aside. "Let's just leave them alone, okay? It's embarrassing…"

"But…"

"Who says that we have it all figured out?" Ichika said. She gently leaned her head against Fuutarou's shoulder, lacing her fingers between his as she recalled this past year they had spent apart. "Who says that every day isn't the hardest when I'm away from Fuutarou-kun? You're right, Sanada-kun. It is difficult. And sometimes, the days only get harder. It's not for everyone, and I don't think anyone is really to blame, either. It really is just difficult."

"Then," Sanada continued, "how could someone learn to do better? How can I—I mean, how can someone want to make things work, but still can't shake the feeling that they're holding the other person back? Especially when they're so smart, and pretty, and so well-put-together that any guy would be happy to fall for her."

"He's not very subtle about this, is he?" Fuutarou whispered to Ichika, whom had to fight an inappropriate giggle as he asked.

"Oh, uh, what was that?" Sanada asked. "I didn't quite hear that."

"I, uh… I was asking…" Fuutarou cleared his throat. He noticed how silently Takebayashi had turned her away from the conversation, yet her ears carefully listened to every word. "I was asking, does it seem like the 'other person' wants to make things work, too?"

Sanada stiffly nodded. "Y-yes! They would, actually. It's just that—one of them might be… a bit unsure of things. He might be a coward; he might think that he's not worth giving up so much of her time over. The two of them—" He quickly waved his hands. "H-h-hypothetically, I of course—the two of them only realized they wanted to be with each other before they went their separate ways."

"In that case, I'd feel sorry for the 'other person', here." Ichika placed a hand on her cheek, letting out a long, exaggerated sigh. "She must really think this guy is someone special if she's willing to go through that much for him. It's a shame that he can't quite see it. Do you think that 'other person' would make that decision without thinking that through herself?"

Takebayashi turned a careful eye towards the back of Sanada's head, saying nothing.

"If you ask me," Fuutarou added. "I'd say 'this guy' thinks that he's holding back the wrong person."

"What do you mean?" Sanada asked. "I mean, hypothe—"

"Yeah, yeah. 'Hypothetically'." Fuutarou massaging his neck. "I think he's holding himself back. He has someone who thinks that he's special, and if he was as smart as I think he is, then he should know that you don't find someone that special to you just anywhere. If he doesn't hurry and make up his mind soon, then he really will lose her one day. It will all be for nothing. And he can't even say, 'at least I tried.'" Fuutarou calmly shook his head. "And if that were the case, I think I would feel sorry for that 'other person' too."

Sanada stood quietly. The slight tilt of his glasses made it a little difficult for them to tell exactly what kind of face he was making right then and there, but that silence alone told them well enough. It was as if their words were louder than the din of the hundreds of distant voices that surrounded the park as the Hanami attendees continued to dwindle. He played those words over and over, picking apart the bits that always sounded familiar to him. Deep down, Sanada already knew. He knew that he was the only thing in his way when it came to being a better partner for the one who always stood by his side.

"I… I see." Sanada blissfully chuckled to himself. A rosy flush filled his cheeks as he finally adjusted his glasses. His hands continued to fidget with any aspect he found to be improper, from the mess of his curly hair and the droop of his beanie. "I think… the person who needed to hear that most would have wanted to thank you both. I'm sure he would. And I'm sure there are countless apologies that he'd want to say, too."

"Well, 'that person', is only human." Ichika said with a pleasant smile. "I'm sure there are other, more important things that he should be focusing on right now." She casually slipped her gaze to the quietest person in the conversation, whose long, dark hair tucked behind her ears that now glowed in a bright red.

"W-why is everyone looking at me?" Takebayashi stuttered. Her knuckles pressed tightly above her chin as she looked from left to right and back again, before finally ending to Sanada. "Are you finally done asking stuff for your friend or something? Gosh, you really like to blabber on and on. Now, don't you think you've taken enough of their time?"

"Oh! Right!" Sanada quickly resorted to a couple of quickened bows. "Sorry! I'll leave you two be! Uesugi-san, it's been great catching up with you. And Nakano-san, I will be praying for your success!"

"Oh, but Sanada-kun." Ichika smiled. "Tell that your 'friend' of yours that I wish him the best of luck. I'll be rooting for him."

"Same with me," Fuutarou added. "We both wish them well. I'm sure they're perfect for each other. After all, they both seem pretty awkward."

Takebayashi faced his way with a slight grit behind her grin, but for once, the dark-haired girl could hardly find the right words to a rebuttal. And Takebayashi had indeed tried her absolute hardest. Instead, she tightly grabbed Sanada by his wrist, pulling him along the opposite path. "Alright," she loudly declared, "for real this time. We are going!"

"Wh-whoa! Ena, where are we going? The station is tha—"

"Quiet, Kou-kun! We are leaving!" Takebayashi turned back. "I'll see you next semester, Fuutarou! Bye!"

A wayfarers convergence. An industrial heart to serve a hundred journeys, followed by hundreds more. Compared to the place where they had their first farewell, Tokyo International Airport stood as a grand mecca for all tourists and travelers across the country. Another moment to humble the lonely soul, reminding them just how small they stood in this wide world they shared. In the distance and all around were murmurs. Noise. Sometimes brought to a bothersome din; sometimes settled to a trifle among the everyday backdrop. Here, they were only another piece to that setting—that scenery to someone else's senses. Two simple souls set for a second farewell.

It always felt different within an airport. The air tasted different; the noise struck as otherworldly. Even the wheels of Ichika's luggage felt like they made a different sound as they rolled it along the wide floor. Their curious gazes took the place of where idle conversation could not amongst the heavy noise and busy bodies. After all, it was their first time in Japan's largest airport. And there was always one person between the two of them that stressed every last detail.

"You sure you got everything ready?" Fuutarou asked as they stood outside the luggage check. "Everything you'd absolutely need in your carry-on? Your phone, phone charger, and plane tickets?"

"All accounted," Ichika replied, patting her bag. "I'm getting the hang of this traveling thing, so rest assured, I have everything taken care of."

"And you're sure you're all checked in, right? No mix-ups with any connected flights or layovers? The last thing you'd want is to be stuck in an airport and have to miss your flight."

"Yes and yes, Fuutarou-kun."

"Just in case though, you should install some translator apps. You have a stop in Taiwan, right? Let me see if there are any good ones online. Hopefully, it's free…"

"Come on, you're worrying a little too much here." Ichika said with a sigh. "I'll be fine. I got back here just fine, right? Have some more faith in me."

Fuutarou shrugged. "It doesn't hurt to be prepared. I read somewhere that mishaps occur all the time, and it becomes a nightmare to get things sorted while you're traveling. All I'm saying is that you'll never know for sure." He looked to Ichika who leaned on one of her hips, responding with nothing but an elevated brow. After a short sigh, Fuutarou continued. "Okay, and maybe I'm a little worried."

"That's more like you." Ichika giggled. "I promise I'll be safe. I'll text you the moment I board and the moment I land, though, it might be late for you when I do."

"I'll stay up and wait then."

"You really don't have to do that, Fuutarou-kun. I'll probably be landing back in California around…" Ichika lifted her watch, but before she could finish making out two dials that showed both time zones, her attention was brought to the buzzing sound in her pocket. Her phone. "Hm? Oh, let me check that. It could be… oh yeah, it's her. She says she's right outside our gate and is looking for us. Gimme a sec, I'll text her. 'We are at…'"

A boisterous and somewhat hoarse voice interrupted her. "No need! Found ya!"

Approaching them was a tall woman dressed in dark clothes. She wore a thin leather motorcycle jacket over a gray tank top, along with black faux leather leggings that seemed to dimly shine with every step of her lace-up boots. Over her eyes she wore large, rounded sunglasses—which Fuutarou had quietly questioned to himself, as it was obviously evening. Rolling at her sides were two full-sized luggages.

"Sorry I'm late, girl!" the woman said, flicking her long, dark hair in a showy flourish. "Went to the wrong gate and some dude there kept trying to talk to me. Dumbass tourists, I swear. Think they can do whatever the hell they want. Must have been American or something."

"Erika…" Ichika laughed. "You're American too."

"Yeah, and we're all terrible." Erika cracked her neck, letting out a long, tired groan. "Ah! It's been ages since I've been back in Japan. We haven't even left and I'm already missing it. So long, Tokyo; farewell, my rising sun! Wait for me—for I shall surely return." She blew a kiss into the open air.

"Well, it looks like you've been enjoying yourself. What's the extra luggage for?"

"Ugh. Souvenirs and stuff. My family would not stop bugging me about picking up this and that while I was here." She lightly kicked the bottom of one of the luggages, enough so that its wheels landed with a dense, weighty thud on the floor. "This had better not be overweight or so help me. Spent all morning trying to stuff it all in, and if I have to start picking things out…"

"If that happens, then you can move some of it into mine," Ichika reassured. "Fuutarou-kun helped me pack, and I have some extra room in my luggage. Oh! I almost forgot to introduce you two. Erika, this is my boyfriend, Uesugi Fuutarou-kun. Fuutarou-kun, this is my friend, Sasaki Erika."

Fuutarou politely bowed. "Hello, Sasaki-san. Thank you so much for accompanying Ichika. And I'm really grateful for you helping her out while she is overseas."

"Oh, just Erika is fine," said the dark-haired woman as she strolled over to him. Her hands clasped Fuutarou's, offering one of the firmest, vigorous handshakes Fuutarou had ever felt crunched between his knuckles. "And it's no problem at all. Nice to finally meet you, Fuutarou-san." She pinched the hinge of her sunglasses, dragging them a short distance towards her nose. Her hazel eyes scanned up and down, all the while pursing her lips and slowly nodding her head. "Mmm… hmm… yeah, not bad!" she said with a grin, pulling her sunglasses back up. "You're quite a looker, Fuutarou, my guy. Looks like Ichika got her hands on a stud."

For a while, Fuutarou could only stand with a slight rear to his head, unsure of where he could begin with his words. Ichika had spoken about her senior actress from time to time, so he should have at least anticipated the sheer force of her personality, and how assertively she spoke to people. They even stood at the same height. "Th-thanks," Fuutarou finally managed to say with a stiffened smile. "That's… a first for me. "

"Go easy on him, Erika." Ichika laughed. "He's had a busy day today. The whole weekend, in fact."

"Heh. I'm just saying what I'm feeling. You two look cute together. Now…" She shot up the handles of her two luggages again. "Wish I could talk more and get to know you a little more, Fuutarou, but I gotta get all this junk checked in before we're late for our flight. I'll just leave you two alone before we gotta start heading through the gate, alright? Take your time."

As quickly as she came, Erika had taken her leave. Her stuffed luggages teetered and bumped into one another as she paraded through the airport.

"She's… quite a character," Fuutarou said.

"She is," Ichika agreed. "But she's a really nice girl. I'm happy that she offered to travel with me on such short notice, though… a part of me thinks she just needed a vacation. She is a free spirit, after all."

"Not a bad thing, I suppose. As long as you're in good hands, Ichika."

They solemnly stood in the middle of the pathway. Two lovers met at another crossroad in these unpredictable lives of theirs. Within the vast walls of the airport—within the seeming rove of the hundreds of strangers that stepped around them—this short little pause on their individual journeys would serve as a reminder for all the things that truly mattered. All the tender and daydreaming thoughts alike, gathered within the warmth of the other's hands they so lovingly held.

"Well…" Ichika began. "Looks like we're back here again, huh?"

"Looks like it," Fuutarou agreed.

"It's a little… what's the word I'm looking for… 'anticlimactic', maybe? I haven't even been gone a full year yet and here we are. It feels a little too soon for all of this; like I'm still not ready yet. But at the same time…"

"…it feels like it couldn't come soon enough?" Fuutarou finished.

"Wow, you're really good at these kinds of things." She laughed. "I really do need to be careful around you more often. You know so much of what I'm thinking, it's almost scary."

"You say that like I'm the only one." Fuutarou looked at Ichika. His hands wrapped tighter over his lover's fingertips, as if this little gesture were all he needed to keep her here forever. "I'm sure you know just as well what I am thinking."

"Maybe, maybe. You're always so serious, and at the same time, you keep spacing out over the littlest of things. But, that's what I like about you, Fuutarou-kun." Ichika smiled. A gentle, wistful smile. "If I were to guess, maybe what you're thinking right now is that you're gonna miss the hell out of me."

"Something like that," Fuutarou replied with a smirk. "It hurts to see you go again, Ichika. I wish there was an easier way for the both of us, but I know this is what's best for you and your dream. So… I can only continue to wish you luck."

"Thanks, Fuutarou-kun…" Ichika slowly wrapped her arms around him. "Thanks for putting up with me like this. Thank you for being so patient with me and always thinking about what's best for me. Do you think… it'll be okay if you can wait a little while longer?"

"I'll be okay, Ichika. I will be alright."

"Because remember what I told you, Fuutarou-kun." She wrapped her arms tighter around him. "I will keep counting the days. So much has happened this week and I don't know what else the future has in store. At least… as long as I know that you'll still be here, waiting for me, then I'll be alright." She buried her face in his chest. "Promise me that your arms will be here when I come back? When I truly do come back?"

"I promise, Ichika."

"I really don't deserve you, Fuutarou-kun."

Fuutarou chuckled. "You really don't."

"Looks like someone's ego really has gotten to him." Ichika laughed, pinching her cocky lover by his cheeks. "You're even telling jokes now. I would just love to see that ugly face you'll make when I'm gone through that gate. How much did you cry the first time, hmm?"

"You're imagining things. In fact, I'll bet that you were the one who wouldn't stop crying, Ichika."

"Ha! What kind of third-rate actress do you take your girlfriend for?" She gingerly placed her fingers over her chest, puffing it out proudly. "A star actress isn't someone who so easily breaks her composure. I hope you can hold it until you get home, because you're going to be crying into my pillow tonight."

"And to think you were talking about my ego a few moments ago." They both laughed. Within the warmth of each other's embrace, the two lovers could only laugh and laugh. When everything had been said and done, the world around them had grown a little noisier. A little more lively to remind them of the brevity of these unanticipated days.

In a timely manner, Erika had eventually returned to their little spot before the gates. "All clear and good to go," she said with a thumbs up. "Ready whenever you are, Ichika."

"We're just about done here," Ichika replied. "Right, Fuutarou-kun?"

"Yeah." Fuutarou nodded. He lightly folded his arms over the other. "Take care, alright? Have a safe trip back. Both of you."

"We will." Ichika leaned in and placed a quick kiss on his lips. "I guess saying goodbye is a little easier the second time, huh?"

"Just a little." Fuutarou smiled. "And only a little."

They parted ways outside the security gates. A few more moments where they could make out the details of each other's faces as they made it through the line. Each step to make the visage a little blurrier in the distance, replaced with a hand held high to wave each other off one last time. Another moment longer, and the last of each other's sights would disappear amongst the crowd and distance that made for the airport terminals.

"Hey, Erika. Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm? What's up?"

"Do you think… that I'm a terrible person?"

"Where's that coming from? Of course you're not."

Ichika gave a dry laugh. "I don't know. I feel terrible and guilty about it. To think, I went ahead and told a lie to Fuutarou-kun like that."

"A lie?"

Ichika slowly stepped across the moving walkway. Outside the nearby window, the blackened skies of the evening had painted the space where her eyes could reach. On the other side, farther than the horizon that laid before her, was a place that must have just recently welcomed their morning. Their freshly woken sunshine and the tall palm trees that cast their shadows over the streets. Outside this window were large airplanes that would take her farther away again—this dim reflection of a woman whose eyes and lips could not help but tell lies. She felt the cool touch of the glass at her fingertips as she continued along.

Her hands slowly drew over her mouth, pressing the handkerchief closely so that it may catch the tears the trickled down her cheek.

"It really isn't…" Ichika finally said. "It… really isn't easier to say goodbye a second time."

Erika patted her friend's shoulders. For some reason, she found it appropriate to let out a hearty laugh. Unless it was all in her imagination, the dark-haired girl had caught a glimpse of the man who solemnly stood outside the airport gates, carrying his forlorn gaze until the last moments Ichika disappeared from his sights. Perhaps that was why he thought it was safe to bury his eyes within his hands, when it looked like no one else was watching. If only he were a little more careful, then he would have noticed that Erika was lagging a little behind Ichika, and if Fuutarou really had taken the time to get to know her, then he would have surely known just how nosy of a person Erika could be.

"On second thought…" Erika continued to chuckle. "Maybe you are terrible. Outright despicable—the absolute worst." She hopped over, tightly wrapping one arm around her friend's shoulder. "You two are practically made for each other."

Author's Note

Someone's gotta tell me how to start planning things better, because I somehow thought I could fit this chapter into the previous one.

Anywho, here comes another chapter! Something to stay within the lines of Fuutarou and Ichika moments, because one chapter just wasn't enough. That, along with a few additional developments for the sake of the story that have always lived in my head for a while. Namely, Takebayashi and Sanada as characters. Them being together always seemed like a no-brainer, but I thought their dynamic would further emphasize the idea that long-distance relationships aren't initially for everyone. That and… well, actually, you read the chapter (that's why you're down here listening to me ramble, I'm assuming), so I don't need to explain myself haha.

That aside, it was fun to bring back Erika for a bit! It's been six chapters since I mentioned her and I hope readers haven't forgot too much about her. It felt a bit weird to write a second airport scene, since the idea felt a little too similar to Chapter 13. Overall though, I am satisfied with how things turned out. I got to focus a lot more on their own personal farewells, and the feelings of longing that they surely must have held. Even a second time can be as painful as the first, and that's what we're in business for if you've even read this story.

Anyways, thanks to those who left reviews on Chapter 18 and any recent chapters—segft, Quintaphract, Dangal, Bob19248, OkinaNeko, Inaho1906, TheMist33, chloetuco, Cheesy Spaghetti, Fox McCloude, XGoGame, and any other guest review(s)! Thanks also to the reddit commenters—Small_Ruin_648, sithling_66, chloetuco, and cassethf03!

_φ(。。) "All I can say is that I'm strangely obsessed with Takebayashi's character lately and I really hope to see more fan content of her soon. Damn she is so cute."