Rakka eda ni kaerazu
~ Fallen blossoms do not return to branches ~
-- a Japanese proverb
Chapter Ten: The Move
Summer, Present
Kanagawa, Japan
Apartment near Kogure residence
The apartment was small and sparsely furnished, but Michiko agreed with Maeko when the woman said that it would suffice her needs.
It was more than Spartan, though. Michiko had taken a strong liking to the apartment when she had first stepped into it, followed by Maeko and the real estate agent.
They signed for the apartment.
Spring, Twenty years ago
Kanagawa, Japan
An average house
"This is beautiful," the young woman commented, as her gaze took in the house's airy windows, smooth floorings and functional layout.
"I knew you would love it," her male companion said, as he squeezed her waist gently.
Fujima Ayumi made the house her home.
Summer, Present
Kanagawa, Japan
Kawasaki residence
It was a Saturday, and Michiko was excited. She would be moving into her new home that morning. She had enlisted the help of Kogure, who hardly complained.
She had few possessions, but it was her new home itself that required some sprucing up. Not that it was not sparkling clean already – Maeko had made sure of that – but it wasn't home yet.
Kogure helped her put up paintings, arrange books on bookshelves, and basically make the rooms more like the dwelling place of a human being.
Spring, Twenty years ago
Kanagawa, Japan
An average house
"Put that there. Oh yes, this goes over there." The woman directed the movers to place her furniture the way she wanted in her new home.
It was being transformed from a bare room that simply held potential to a home that had its potential realised.
Fujima Ayumi made the house her home.
Summer, Present
Kanagawa, Japan
Kawasaki residence
"All done," Michiko said as she flopped down onto a large cushion on the floor, "and it's all thanks to you, Kogure-kun. You have to let me treat you to lunch." Then, looking at her watch, she frowned and added, "Better make it tea. But I'm famished, aren't you?"
Kogure smiled, and his eyes took in the room they were sitting in. It was whitewashed, with the walls tastefully decorated with a few calligraphy scrolls. The floor was bare, with some large cushions serving as seats, as opposed to the customary sofa. The room was small enough without having a couch to bump into. All in all, the apartment room seemed bigger with the minimalist touch that Michiko had a natural flair for.
"Come on, let's go for a meal," Michiko said as she stood up, then stretched out a hand to haul Kogure up from his comfortable seat.
Spring, Twenty years ago
Kanagawa, Japan
An average house
"We're all done. This place is a beauty, won't you agree?" Fujima Ayumi said.
The man standing next to her nodded his head, then shook it, and said, "Beauty. But not as beautiful as a certain woman in whom's presence I am honoured to be in."
"Taro-kun, you flatter me," she answered, her cheeks blushing and her eyelids lowered in a most becoming fashion.
Summer, Present
Kanagawa, Japan
Kawasaki residence
Michiko locked the door behind her, deposited the key in her bag, and turned to Kogure. She grabbed his hand and said, "Race you down the stairs!"

Disclaimer: Slam Dunk and its characters do not belong to me...I'm just borrowing them...
Author's Note:
It's been a while...okay, a long time! I'm currently in preparation for my exams that will last till the end of November. *sobs* Can't be helped, writing stories don't help one bit in Math or Physics. Or the host of other subjects I take! ^__^ Hence, apologies for the long time taken to update...and warnings of more such delays to come. *sighs*

Still, I hope you liked the chapter. And I did make an effort to clear the cliff-hanger parts before my papers started, so these chapters are, in renei's words, tame.



Replies:

maemi: Thanks for reading!

tensaispira: Maeko is my attempt to make my serious pieces more fun. ^^;;

DiaBLo: How's exams? *grin*

nothingtodo: I don't watch "Winter's Sonata"... anyway, I guess my storyline isn't that outrageous after all, if someone else could think of it. ^___^

cookies: Hi! Okay, this one's short too...

renei: Don't say..."at long last" (again?!?!?!) *grin*

J1018: Hello! I'm glad you like the story...

Nellie: Fujima is being manipulated to suit my fancy...mwahahahaha.... I'll try to be nice to him...just get your hands off my throat! ^___^

Tan Kimiko: Thanks! ^___^ Looks like another Fujima fan here...

ur Beta: okami-sensei! ^___^ Thanks for the insights. Made the changes!







Thank you for reading!

Till next time...

~rurouni