Chapter Four: Ex and Boyfriend

Mizuhara's gaze had become more aggressive and though invisible to everyone else Kazuya could feel her hand shaking.

The boy in the leather jacket smiled in a snide way at Mizuhara and said, "Chizuru, I asked you where you have been the last few months. Cat got your tongue? Who's this guy?"

With a sigh and slightly softening look Mizuhara said, "I've been busy with classes & work. Kazuya, this is Niko, my-"

"Her former boyfriend, her 'ex.' Kazuya huh? He seems awful quiet. Is he the strong and silent type?" Niko asked while smiling as Kazuya hadn't made a sound.

Yuki jumped in saying, "He's a gentleman & he's a charmer! He held the door for Chizuru here, he bowed to me like a Musketeer, and made me feel like I am a queen...I could just take him home."

Mizuhara looked at Yuki shocked and said, "Yuki! Have you been drinking?!"

Yuki gave a goofy smile and said, "I'm still sober enough to see what's hot and what's not...he's hot...cute too."

Mizuhara was mortified, Kazuya didn't say a word, and simply smiled softly at Yuki with a nod.

Yoko chimed in while clearly buzzed, "I agree. Are the two of you steady or is he available to date too?"

Mizuhara looked at her friend shocked and Niko looked a little angry and grit his teeth.

Niko looked at Kazuya and said,"So Chizuru, is Kazuya your boyfriend? Are you steady with him or is he able to date others?"

Mizuhara looked worried and said, "Uhhh..we've-"

"Why? Were you planning on asking me out?" Kazuya asked with a small smile looking Niko in the eye.

The table laughed and Niko looked angry.

Niko grimaced and nodded as he said, "I suppose it doesn't matter. You're welcome to be with her, I'm even happy for her, but I hope you know what you're getting into with her."

Kazuya looked at him strongly and said, "And what exactly is that?"

Niko looked smug and said, "Oh nothing...and that's really what I mean."

Mizuhara suddenly looked a little flush as Kazuya asked again what he meant.

Yoko looked at Niko and said, "Are you sure you should be talking about this kind of thing? Isn't your time with Chizuru private? Why would you say anything?"

Niko smiled at Yoko and looked back over at Kazuya as he said, "Oh it's 'nothing' and by that I mean you better be as 'chaste as a priest'. Chizuru here is quite the prude. She's the age of a college student, but has the maturity of a 12-year old. I'm just warning you unless you're celibate you're better off with any other girl."

Mizuhara lowered her head in shame and embarrassment as Kazuya looked on.

Kazuya looked back at Niko incredulously and asked, "This is the way you talk about women? This is how you talk about someone you dated? What the hell is wrong with you?"

Niko looked amused and said, "Hey, if you're into that kind of thing I'm not going to judge."

Kazuya looked towards Mizuhara and said, "Don't listen to him, don't give him a second thought."

Mizuhara kept on looking down.

Kazuya looked at again at Mizuhara and gently raised her chin smiling at her saying his opinion of her doesn't matter.

Niko laughed a little and said she was mentally unprepared for dating and he's wasting his time.

Kazuya looked at Niko angrily and said, "I can see why you're not here with a date. Seriously this is how you act and think? Let me give you a little insight: What matters is what is in here!"

Yoko and Yuki looked on shocked and Mizuhara turned flush as Kazuya whipped his arm towards her at full length and finger suddenly was a millimeter from her chest.

Yuki nudged Yoko and said with a goofy smile, "Told you he is 'a charmer'."

Kazuya smiled at Yuki, looked back to Niko, and lifted his arm as he placed his finger a millimeter from her forehead saying,"And here!"

Niko rolled his eyes and said, "Ooooh 'Mr. Maturity.' Are you acting on stage or in a rom-com? Writing a book on romance? Is this a little showing of how you're superior to me and thus will win her heart? Seriously, you're coming off like a some self-righteous guy who thinks he's better than me."

Kazuya looked back at Niko with eyes which could kill and said, "I don't think I am better than you, I know I am and I'll prove it too: Tell me...has she ever played the flute for you? Ever read you one of her poems? Do you know her favorite color?"

Niko shifted uncomfortably in his chair and looked back at Kazuya incredulously.

Yoko jumped in and said, "I'm curious: Do you know her favorite color?"

Yuki, "Yeah, what's her favorite color?"

Niko, "So you know these things, I've known her longer and have been through more with her and spent time with here in this circle of friends. You're the guest here and acting impolitely. I didn't hear the proof you're better than me."

Kazuya, "Oh forgive me, I forgot to tell you: Your friends, your circle, all have doubts about you and all are enamored with their friend's date...and I've known all of them for minutes and not years. In the span of mere minutes I've made you the stranger and me the familiar in a group of people I don't even know."

The group at the table laughed and nodded in agreement.

Yuki latched onto to Kazuya's arm and said, "Please tell me you are available to date others or have friends like you."

Mortified once again Mizuhara told her friend to let go.

Niko stood up angrily and said, "You think you're better than me?! Stand up. I'll make you sorry 'in the span of a mere minutes' for acting with such arrogance."

Kazuya smiled, "Forgive me. Sit down. Let me buy you a drink. It was, perhaps, rude to say such things to you, but to behave as you did to a lady-with a circle of friends present-shows lack of honor. My honor is in question, yours isn't present. Now again: Let me buy you a drink as a gesture of goodwill and apology."

Yoko laughed and said, "He's got you you know: If you turn down his offer it shows you're being rude and lack honor for not accepting his apology."

Niko stood up and said, "I don't know who you are, what your deal is, but whatever it is I don't want to hear it. You want to be 'chaste as a priest'? That's on you, celibacy isn't my thing. I'm going to the bar to get a drink."

After waiting some time the table noticed Niko had left the tavern. One of Mizuhara's friends lamented they were stuck with his bill. Kazuya reached into his wallet and quickly gave Yuki enough to cover Niko's bill. Kazuya ordered a root beer float and the table looked at him in a funny way and he told them he'd just had dinner & drinks and just wanted something a little sweet. Mizuhara looked on a little put off he didn't ask if she'd like anything. When the float came Kazuya asked the server for a second straw.

"I'd like to share and you can drink it from the glass...or if you're feeling 'like a 12-year old' share it with me the way we might when we were younger," Kazuya said as he handed her the second straw with a smile

Yuki pulled out her phone, as did Yoko, and urged her to drink it together like they were children in the 1950s. Smiling and a little flush she decided to indulge and her friends squealed and asked if they could take photos & post it to social media. Kazuya said he felt it was something private for her group of friends and asked they didn't. The two girls smiled again saying he was indeed a gentleman and swooned as they each sipped through their own straws.

Yoko smiled and asked, "What is up with you? You act like an adult and you act like a kid within minutes. I am not sure whether to be impressed with you or find you funny."

Kazuya looked back and smiled and said, "Can't it be both?"

Yoko laughed and agreed and Yuki asked how they met.

"Uhh...how did we meet?" Mizuhara looked at Kazuya unsure what to say when Kazuya smiled.

"How did we meet? 'However people meet people'." Kazuya said with a smile.

The table looked at Kazuya confused.

Kazuya rolled his eyes for a moment,"Seriously? No one? It's from my favorite movie: Pulp Fiction. Nobody here knows that movie?"

"I knew that was his favorite movie, but I have yet to see it with him," Mizuhara jumped in when her friends looked at her.

"Sounds like a future date-night eh Chizuru?" Yoko asked.

When the night was over Kazuya escorted Mizuhara back to her door.


"T-thank you very much. I don't know what to say. Do I owe you for extra time? I don't even know how much I went over," Mizuhara said as she got her keys out of her purse.

"Don't worry about the extra time," Kazuya responded.

"I am worried though."

"About what?"

"Didn't I break a ton of rules?"

"No, the truth is your time was up before we entered the tavern...it ended just as your friend spotted me on the street. I felt my phone vibrate...because of that the drink was on me."

"Thank you."

"I really shouldn't say this, but the reason I am saying it and the reason I shouldn't are the same: I had a really fun time giving Niko 'a lesson in etiquette', but no matter what happens you really shouldn't let that guy get under your skin."

"I know. It's hard though...I mean he's one of my friends and such."

"Friends don't act that way and I will give you a little lesson a teacher taught me when another actor told her she wouldn't make it in acting and that she should quit."

"What's the lesson?"

"Well it is a lesson in knowing when and how to feel when someone gives us thoughts on our behavior or us in general."

"Okay, so what is it?"

"So there is this aspiring actor being told by another they should quit. The thing is that person was just a fellow actor and not her instructor, friends, or parents."

"I don't get it."

"Mizuhara let me ask you...does Niko pay your rent?"

"No, I do."

"I figured. Does he buy your food?"

"No, why?"

"Never mind. Answer me this: Does he pay for your classes? Your utilities? Does he help you practice your lessons in business? Does he purchase your books? Your clothing? Is he someone who helps you in life professionally?"

"No, he doesn't do any of those things."

"Mizuhara...if he doesn't do those things then his opinion of you does not matter. Your teachers are those who help prepare you professionally, their opinion matters. Your family loves you and supports you in many a way and friends are those who bring you joy and who would help you however they can. Those people have opinions which matter since they take an active part of your life in positive ways. Niko doesn't, he doesn't do any of those things, and thus his opinion of you is meaningless."

"Wow...I never thought of that. That's pretty cool."

"It is and while I know it is a pretty cool belief and simplistic I know it is not always easy, but keep focused. I have followed that belief for some time and it is part of what gives me confidence over Niko back there."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. Remember: Only those who enrich your life, help you, and help you advance towards your goals matter. The rest of the people who judge you don't matter. Goodnight."

"Goodnight and thanks again for 'teaching some etiquette' to Niko."

Kazuya bowed and headed for the metal stairs to the second level.


Saturday morning Mizuhara's phone went off with a text tone of a reminder from Sapphire to leave a review for the date the prior night. Smiling to herself she checked off all the boxes for being on time, polite, and performing to the parameters set forth in preferences before the date and couldn't wait to type the actual review. With a smile she typed a review stating: "A charming date at a charming place for Italian food. He showed me his pleasant side during the night and also showed his passion for things he considers important, a great balance between prim and proper and passion. Truly a great night with a great guy."

Upstairs Kazuya came out of the shower and prepared for a brunch-date and heard the Sapphire app notifying him of a new review and smiled reading it. A moment later the app chimed again and read:"Your client has added a tip! Would you like to say 'Thank you'? Click here." Smiling Kazuya added a simple "Thank you very much." The app chimed again with a message noting the client responded saying, "Thanks again for showing what true honor means." Kazuya shook his head smiling and had just a little worry things were getting too close for comfort and worried what could occur having seen this kind of thing before.

Downstairs Mizuhara smiled at her message and put down the phone when the Sapphire app chimed. Looking at the screen a series of blue sapphires swirled around forming the number 6. A series of smaller stones spelled out: "Mizuhara! Thank you for enjoying Sapphire. You have had six dates with us and we're happy you're enjoying your time. We want to make your seventh date extra special & truly sparkle so we'd like to offer you 25% off a new boyfriend. Remember each sparkles in a different way. Here are some suggestions based on your previous bookings."

Mizuhara smiled a little at the corny ad and decided to see who was being recommended. She saw a guy who vaguely reminded her of Kazuya wearing dark glasses, but skipped over him. Moving through several profiles she saw one named Ashai and wondered if this was the same one Sumi mentioned and by reading the reviews knew it had to be when she noticed a review from a profile named "dolphinsrcool22." Mizuhara laughed at Sumi's profile ID remembering it from the invite she'd sent her. Looking through the choices of the date she decided to book him for late morning.


Walking to brunch Mizuhara felt herself righting and it was relieving. She was beginning to get a grip on her breaking up and realizing there are hopes elsewhere and more pressing matters elsewhere to focus on. She thought of the upcoming challenges with the family business and looked forward to having a companion for the sheer relaxation for a while & getting some food.

Inside Donny's Kazuya sat down waiting for his client and re-read the notes happy it was a repeat-client. Looking up a student waved to him coming in and Kazuya recognized a colleague and gave a small smile and nod. Kazuya tapped where he'd wear a watch, a signal among his industry for being 'on the clock' expecting a client. The colleague gave a thumbs up and also tapped his wrist causing Kazuya to also give a thumbs up. Turning around Kazuya's colleague sat down with his back to him at another table waiting for his client. A few moments later the other Sapphire stood up and said, "Mizuhara I presume?"

Kazuya looked up and his eyes suddenly caught Mizuhara. Not seeing Kazuya Mizuhara smiled and confirmed it was her said, "Ashai I presume? Your photo doesn't do you justice, you're cuter in person."

Ashai bowed and said, "Thank you very much, please sit."

Mizuhara blushed as her date pulled her chair out and she sat. Kazuya quickly shook off the shock and looked at a text which had just arrived and smiled as he saw his client entering.

A student with a yellow ribbon in her hair ran up to Kazuya excitedly and said a little loudly, "Kazuya-kun! It's so nice to see you." Giving a brief firm hug Kazuya returned it saying it was nice to see her again too.

Mizuhara suddenly looked up and saw Kazuya and looked away before he could see her looking and just saw Ruka giving a firm hug.

Mizuhara struggled to keep her eyes on Ashai only and enjoy a meal. Kazuya also fought and fought to stay focused and never missed a beat.

Ruka spoke to Kazuya of how things were improving on her emotional side. Kazuya spoke of his upcoming work in classes and fight to advance in acting. Together they laughed and genuinely had a nice time as Kazuya stayed, easily, in "boyfriend mode."

At the other table Ashai was oblivious to any attention Mizuhara lacked as he was just doing his job as a rental. Fortunately Mizuhara calmed within a few minuets and enjoyed time and dropped that a friend of her referred her and was especially interested in this surprise she got at the end of their time together.

"My reputation precedes me. I liked the idea to keep it a surprise, but I knew once word got out others would want to see what I did for them. It was an originally idea to be unique one night, but quickly became a routine thing since it was so well-received. We have the entire afternoon planned, but seeing as how you already know...did you want it now?" Ashai asked with a smile.

Mizuhara fought every curiosity and said she'd prefer to wait like she'd heard about online and from her friend.

Following brunch Ashai took Mizuhara to an early afternoon movie. Upon entering every single woman looked at Mizuhara and she felt the heat of their stares. During the movie, the latest rom-com, Ashai shared popcorn with a blushing Mizuhara who felt herself relaxing after being gawked at by virtually every woman at the movie theater. At a romantic scene Ashai took Mizuhara's hand causing her to jump a little. Mizuhara leaned over and whispered that made her a little uncomfortable and Ashai gently released his hand with a small apology.

Leaning over and whispering Mizuhara told Ashai not to worry and that she's not comfortable around many people and thanked him for being understanding. Ashai smiled and patted her hand gently saying he understood. Towards the last half over the movie Mizuhara felt bold and took Ashai's hand who smiled to himself. For the rest of the film they swooned at sweet scenes, laughed together at others, and rolled their eyes at the main characters who both clearly had feelings for each other, but just couldn't come forward. At the film's conclusion Ashai helped Mizuhara with her jacket and led her to the local park to enjoy a small walk. Mizuhara spoke to Ashai of upcoming challenges with business feeling again speaking aloud helps and started to feel more and more her infatuation with Kazuya was more a feeling of almost "convenience" or just for a specific circumstance and not at all real. She felt she was kind of balancing. At the date's conclusion Ashai had walked Mizuhara back to Donny's.

Mizuhara looked at Ashai like a child awaiting a birthday gift and he smiled as he handed her his surprise, a small wrapped gift. Inside was a high-quality framed photograph of several pink cranes standing in a beautiful landscape. Written below as a caption was the following phrase: "The name Chizuru means 'A thousand paper cranes' and can also mean 'great wisdom' and 'long string' and likely has its origins meaning wisdom and beauty stretching over a long period of learning. There may be a thousand cranes in your name, but there is only one of you."

Mizuhara was taken aback and shed a tear saying it was beautiful. She actually felt flush and told Ashai it is true what his reviews said. Smiling Ashai thanked her for being with him today. Mizuhara smiled to herself thinking there may be too many cute guys out there and Sapphire seems to have all of them available.


In the evening Mizuhara called Sumi and gushed over Ashai causing Sumi to roll her eyes a little as she agreed he is quite a charmer in his own right.

Excited and curious Mizuhara asked,"What did he get you? What did he get you?! I knew he'd not tell me and I know you wouldn't until I had a date with him."

Sumi worried Chizuru was getting sucked into the world again, but felt in a way at least with another guy it could be helpful showing there are numerous boyfriends and each is merely an experience unto itself. Remembering the joy in sharing joy Sumi smiled and reached over to her nightstand.

Sumi began with the voice of a storyteller and said, "A framed photo was given to me of a beige inkwell and white feather pen resting inside. A beautiful scroll hangs on the wall behind the desk. The scroll reads, "The name Sumi means 'ink' and is derived from early characters denoting the color black and 'liquid.' While it is true that one can write about virtually anything there is charm in knowing your name means the very means of telling the story, but there is only one story of you."

"That...that is beautiful. You have to show it to me."

"Tell me Chizuru: Was going out with Ashai worth it?"

"Every yen."

Sumi rolled her eyes and said goodnight.


Sunday afternoon Kazuya set out to attend a fall fund-raiser for the drama department and called his student to join him at the cafeteria in the student union. Kazuya was excited as this year the department decided to do something different. In the past they held raffles, done dinner theaters, and held large rummage or "tag" sales with proceeds from materials donated from the community going to the department. This year they were holding a maid café.

Arriving at the entrance at a dining area at the student union a hostess took Kazuya to a table. A few moments later a member of the drama department wearing a maid outfit came over and greeted Kazuya and asked if any guests were joining him and he told her to come back in 15 minutes when his guest would be there. Sitting down he did a double take when he saw Sumi in a maid outfit pouring tea and giving a table of guys cake. All smiled and thanked her as she bowed asking if they requested anything else at this time. All the guys thanked her and said they were okay. Sumi smiled and pumped her fist feeling she was progressing as she walked right past Kazuya.

Smiling and lowering his voice Kazuya said, "Psst! Sumi."

Sumi jumped and turned around as she looked over seeing Kazuya in his college persona in a beret and his pair of rose glasses wearing his jeans jacket and said,"I'm...I'm sorry. Do I know-"

Kazuya smiled and pulled his shades down and adjusted his beret a small amount.

Sumi lit up and exclaimed, "Kazuya! W-What are you doing here?"

Smiling Kazuya put his finger him to his mouth to lower her voice and said, "I'm here to support the arts and waiting for another 'member of the arts community' to join me. What are you doing here? Did you join the drama department?"

Sumi lowered her voice and said,"No, I am helping out. I know the family catering today. I didn't even recognize you."

"That's the idea." Kazuya said as he winked.

Kazuya put his glasses back on and pulled his beret down and quietly told her this is how he looks when he's not out dating.

Sumi smiled and started to move forward a little and stopped, moved a little more, and stopped again. Unable to control a smile and turning a quite flush Sumi was about to say something but couldn't and motioned Kazuya closer to whisper something.

Kazuya smiled, leaned over, and listened.

Smiling widely Kazuya and laughed just a little as he said,"Sure, if you'd like."

Kazuya stood and smiled as he opened his arms.

With gleaming eyes Sumi hugged Kazuya warmly and said it was great to see him again. Kazuya gave a warm hug back saying it was great to see her too. Releasing her hug she said she unfortunately didn't serve his table and they're too busy to start trading tables and orders.

"I almost feel silly, like all the other maids here are taller and look older. I worry I look like a high-schooler," Sumi said looking a little disappointed.

"Nonsense! You're a natural. You look amazing," Kazuya said truthfully.

Sumi once again turned the color of the setting sun, thanked him, and said he looks really cool when he wasn't dating.

"Where did you get the idea to have a 'maid cafe'?"

"The idea for the café came from my friend. He manages the local Donny's."

"Do you have ideas for future ones?"

"No, not really. Do you?"

Sumi heard a bell ring from kitchen letting her know an order was ready and said she had to see if it was hers.

Smiling Sumi said, "Next year should do a 'butler café'...I would come to be served by you."

Kazuya genuinely blushed and thanked her. Another maid at the door to the kitchen looked at Sumi and gestured with a smile.

Looking both ways Sumi said she has to bring another table their order before waving and walking away showing more confidence in her step.

A few minutes later Kazuya's fellow Sapphire arrived and bowed.

Kazuya stood and bowed and invited him to sit down. Together the two spoke of no specific topic enjoying time together as student and teacher, but not talking about work. Meanwhile unbeknownst to them Sumi couldn't stop herself from looking towards Kazuya's table.


Monday evening Kazuya sat in his apartment awaiting a call for a pizza delivery while watching TV. Mizuhara waited in her apartment expecting her grandmother and set the table expecting her to bring dinner like she always does despite her protesting say she can cook anytime. At the exact time as usual Mizuhara's doorbell rang and she invited her grandmother inside who only seemed to be carrying a plastic container and a bag of ginseng tea grinds.

"You didn't bring food tonight grandmother?" Mizuhara asked surprised.

"Chizuru! You agreed to have Kazuya join us and prepare something in the email. Is he not joining us?" Grandmother Nagomoni asked.

Mizuhara suddenly felt sick to her stomach looked quite worried before saying, "Oh, Kazuya. Right. He...he-"

"Chizuru-san is something wrong? Where is Kazuya? Where is my granddaughter's charming boyfriend? I brought marble cake like I said I would in the email and since you told me he likes ginseng I brought fresh grinds from tea shop down the street. Is he not coming?"

"Well grandmother...the thing is ummm-"

"Darling. Did you break up with him? He seems like such a gentleman, a gentle fellow. Are you two having troubles together?"

Mizuhara felt herself sweating. Mizuhara's grandmother looked on softly, but worried.

"Excuse me a minute! I have to make a call, the reception in here is terrible tonight."

At that moment Kazuya came down the stairs of the level on the way to meet the pizza delivery driver at the end of the grounds by the street.

Kazuya was dressed in street clothing, no persona, just something one wears at home as he wasn't in class or on a date.

Mizuhara took off after him and caught up with him near the road and was about to say something excitedly as she pulled out her phone.

Kazuya looked quite taken aback and said, "Whoa! Slow down. What's wrong?"

"My grandmother...she's in my apartment. I forgot she was coming over for dinner tonight!"

"So?"

"She told me to invite you and I quickly replied I would to her email without reading the whole thing. I just thought she would bring dinner like she does any other time. We were on the 'date' at the Italian restaurant when I got the message."

"Okay, well tell her I couldn't make it. We all get busy, I'm sure she'll understand. I am about to get dinner. This delivery is for me."

Kazuya gave a wave towards the driver and took a box of pizza from his hot bag, was handed a plastic bag with a bottle of soda, and gave him a tip. The driver walked back to his car and Mizuhara quickly grabbed her phone showing she was about to make a date and looked frantic.

"I'm sending a date request. Please! It's short-notice and I'm willing to pay. Come over for dinner-bring the pizza. I'll pay you for it and-"

"Are you kidding me?! That's a direct violation of Article 3(C)! There's no way! I'm sorry."

"Please! Come by for a moment at least. It won't take long! Just stop in for a moment, you can say you're not feeling well or something."

"Mizuhara, calm down. She's not going to disown you, just say I am not feeling well or something. It will be okay. Calm down."

"No! You don't understand. Look I told her you'd be there...she uh...she will make it a memorable visit."

Kazuya looked at her confused and shook his head and cited policy again and this time said he was being a gentleman by politely declining her offer of dinner. Kazuya gave a small nod and started walking towards the stairs when Mizuhara grabbed his shirt by his elbow.

"Mizuhara, calm down. Seriously. It will be okay. If you'll excuse me," Kazuya said with a gentle smile and reassuring eyes. Kazuya started to walk away as Mizuhara's grip loosened.

"Just think about it! Please! Come on!"

"It's a two-minute walk back to the stairs silly, that's not a lot of time to think about anything."

"Look! My grandmother brought a freshly made marble cake...just for you."

Mizuhara looked at Kazuya with soft eyes and said it would be impolite to turn away such a gesture, dishonorable in fact.

Walking back holding his pizza box Kazuya said without turning around,"You are determined and don't take 'no' for an answer, you'll make a great salesperson, but I am still not 'sold'."

Kazuya's foot had started to climb the stairs and his pace had sped up.

Mizuhara thought for a moment and said, "She also brought ginseng tea...and not from bags. She bought fresh grinds from a tea & coffee store. She also did that just for you."

Kazuya's foot stopped dead on the stairs half-way up and Mizuhara ran and caught up smiling at him, almost beaming.

Taking Mizuhara by her arm Kazuya led her to the top of the stairs and away from the doors gently and looked her with a kind of 'rolling your eyes while smiling' goofy smile and motioned her closer to whisper.

Mizuhara smiled and listened as Kazuya said, "I'm not doing this for you and I am not doing this for your grandmother, I'm doing this for me...I love ginseng tea. Jokes aside: Know that I am doing this for her, the cake, and the tea. Don't get any strange ideas. Now then...I don't have time to prepare for tonight's role, this will be some major improv."

"Why?" Mizuhara asked as she wiped imaginary sweat from her brow.

"Your boyfriend who can cook is holding hot pizza and soda, not exactly 'cultured' food. Just follow my lead or if you want or say nothing. Either way know that I am going to give a realistic answer."

"Okay."

Mizuhara walked towards the door of her apartment and her grandmother came to the door looking at her with a twinge of anger.

Grandmother Inchinose said with a slightly angry tone, "Did you break up? Sweetheart I worry you're not going to find someone. You're so sweet and so much to offer, why would you-"

"Ichin-Sayrui-forgive my tardiness, my stove went out. I had to go to a 'Plan B.' It is wonderful to see you," Kazuya said as he stepped into view.

"Kazuya! Chizuru take the pizza and bag from him, he's our guest," Grandmother Inchinose said.

Kazuya handed Mizuhara the pizza and bag and Sayuri hugged him like he was a grandson saying to come inside.

"Mizuhara...please get us three glasses and some ice...I am sorry, but the soda isn't as cold as we'd usually drink it. Sorry for that Sayuri," Kazuya said as he took off his sneakers.

"Oh hush! I am just glad you're here," Grandmother Ichinose said as she went to grab plates as Mizuhara returned with glasses and ice.

"I know...I know this isn't quite what you'd expect from me for dinner. Forgive me please for acting like such a-"

"Oh relax. I haven't had pizza in ages, it smells great. I haven't had soda either. Please, sit, sit."

Mizuhara looked at Kazuya while mouthing, "Thank you."

"I am so happy you're okay with this...my apartment's gas-line isn't working, I have no stove or oven ability right now. The entire level is out being serviced until tomorrow afternoon."

"Oh don't worry, it affords me the chance to have this kind of food. Nagamoni would flip if she knew I was eating this food. Kazuya, do you know the legend of the pizza pie missing a slice and the creator of Pac-Man getting inspiration for his design when pizza became big in Japan?"

"I've heard of the legend of Dr. Iwatani's inspiration."

"You sure are learned. It's actually nice to see you not dressed like you were at the restaurant or the hospital, I get to see more of the 'real you' I suppose."

Grandmother Ichinose laughed and closed her eyes. Kazuya looked in Mizuhara's eyes with a kind of tough look.

"Tell me of your day."

"Oh nothing major. I attended classes and decided to get pizza tonight for us. I try to avoid such foods, but I had a desire for it suddenly. I am not sure why."

"Chizuru here tells me you're an aspiring actor. You want to make it big huh? Are you studying anything else?"

"Anything else? Yes, I am studying how to run a business, after all some would say acting and sales are at heart the same thing. In both cases one is attempting to convince someone of a view point on something."

"That's very poignant. Maybe you should look into acting a little Chizuru, you never know how it may serve your 'methods of persuasion'."

Mizuhara kind of blushed at hear the phrase "methods of persuasion."

"I feel Mizuhara has great strength in persuasion already, but we can all learn I suppose. I have heard of mathematicians who attended concerts and learned how to play the piano as they felt the precision and wonder of music and mathematics seem to be cousins if you will to one another."

The three finished the pizza and Mizuhara set about brewing fresh tea to enjoy with the cake. With a nod to her grandmother Mizuhara cut four slices and put one back into the container. Mizuhara smiled watching Kazuya especially praise the cake before drinking his tea.

"You like it? It was a family recipe which has been passed down for a few generations. Chizuru is getting closer each time she makes it, but I am still the master. I am quite happy it pleases you," Grandmother Ichinose said with a smile.

"It's wonderful. I shouldn't really know this, but I suppose it is because I limit myself I know where the best are and you cannot get any like this anywhere near campus. This is truly delicious. Thank you again for making it, you truly honor me." Kazuya said honestly.

"I'll tell you what Kazuya...you stay with Chizuru and I'll teach you how to make it. What do you say?" Grandmother Ichinose asked with a devilish smile.

Kazuya blushed as Grandmother Ichinose took his arm and pulled him in closer as she sat next to him.

Mizuhara turned a little red and almost got angry saying,"Grandmother! You're embarrassing him-"

"Oh hush darling, I won't take him from you, "Grandma Ichinose said as Kazuya smiled a little.

Kazuya smiled and moved closer to Sayuri with a smile saying he'd love to learn the recipe.

Mizuhara watched with some shock and although she hid it well was truly unable to tell if Kazuya was acting or truthful. Smiling a little Mizuhara once again realized that is what true acting was and that Kazuya was indeed skilled at his craft.

"Forgive me grandmother, it's just that...I haven't ever seen you act this way with one of my guests," Mizuhara said still a little mortified.

"That's because you don't have guests like him over here child," Grandmother Ichinose said with a smile.

Kazuya looked at Mizuhara giving a goofy smile one gives when embarrassed which she couldn't help return.

"Thank you for bringing the tea tonight Gran-Sayuri," Kazuya said.

"Oh you're quite welcome, I love it too. What other teas do you enjoy?" Grandmother Ichinose asked.

"Other teas? I like peppermint, raspberry, green, and in the morning sometimes black tea. What about you?"

"Oh just this and 'old lady' teas like chamomile."

"That's not 'old lady' tea! I drink it when I want to ensure I get a good night's rest so as not to turn to melatonin...it can leave a bad 'hangover' sometimes."

"You don't think it's 'old lady tea'?"

"No, if it was you shouldn't be drinking it."

Grandmother Ichinose gasped with a smile as she grasped Kazuya's arm once again and said, "Chizuru...you better hold onto this one. If you don't keep him I will take him."

Mizuhara got flush once again.

Finishing their tea Mizuhara made mention she needed to return to her studies for tomorrow. Kazuya stood and extended his arm to help Grandmother Ichinose stand. Mizuhara called for a taxi and the three exited. Kazuya started to extend his arm to help Grandmother Ichinose walk down the stairs and she told him he's truly a gentleman and after putting her into a taxi and it got out of site Mizuhara ran to hug Kazuya when he raised his hand up and stopped her with a firm, but friendly look.

Lowering his hand Kazuya took a deep breath and said,"We need to discuss stopping this, to bring this to an end. I am not looking to hurt anyone especially your grandmother. She is my grandmother's friend and I don't want them angry at each other and I don't want yours angry at you."

Mizuhara looked down and nodded before asking, "What about you?"

Kazuya looked at Mizuhara and asked,"Me? You're concerned over me? You're my client."

"Yes, I am your client and that makes you my 'boyfriend'—I don't want to see his family angry with him. After all...he helped me with mine during a very difficult time."

"Don't worry about me. I am thankful for your concern, but you're my client. I will handle my family, but your welfare is more important than mine."

Mizuhara bowed and said he a quite professional and thoughtful. Kazuya bowed and thanked her and said goodnight as he headed up the stairs to the second level.


The next morning Mizuhara dressed conservatively in her college wear and took the container with the last slice of marble cake with her as she exited her apartment. Running on the metal stairs she saw Kazuya waiting outside his door excited. Worried about being seen she quickly started to walk back when Kazuya spotted her.

"Mizuhara! Good morning! How are you?!" Kazuya exclaimed with joy from underneath his rose glasses.

"Uhhhh... G-good morning. I just came by to thank you again for last night and bring you the last piece of cake. My grandmother called to make sure I did," Mizuhara said clearly taken aback by Kazuya's enthusiasm.

"Thanks so much! I had a great time last night, I really did. Thanks for the 'last-minute invite'." Kazuya smiled and then bowed as he graciously accepted the food container.

"I'm...I'm glad. What are you so happy about? I've never seen you like this before...n-not that that's a bad thing-"

"I'm waiting for a good friend to arrive. We're having breakfast together."

"Oh that's nice. Who's coming, is it a fellow actor from the—"

At that moment the sound of enthusiastic steps running up metal stairs could be heard. Suddenly coming off the stairs a student with short blonde hair wearing an aqua blue hoodie came running towards Kazuya and jumped into his his arms and hugged him hard and was spun around a little by Kazuya.

"Kazuya-kun! Good morning! How are you?" The blonde with short hair asked.

"Mami-Chan! I am great! Starving, but quite happy now that you're here," Kazuya said happily as his eyes beamed locking with hers.

Mizuhara stood by frozen as if she were a block of ice.