Chapter 14 - New Relationships
Shigeru flipped through the pages of her text uninterestedly and twisted a pen with her other hand. Restless and inattentive, she gazed out the window at the yard below. Her thoughts were filled with the night of her parents' party. She had not seen Tomoya in school since the night they danced and wondered where he was now. She sighed softly.
The bell rang to signify the end of third period and the start of lunch. Shigeru was not in the mood to have food and thus, remained in her seat as the rest of the class piled out of the room for the school café. She was beginning to think about her two beloved friends in Boston when a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Waiting for me?" asked the voice. Shigeru looked up and saw a grinning Tomoya, standing by the doorway of her lecture theatre. Her eyes widen with delight and at the same time, her face turned red. She was delighted to see him and embarrassed that such a delight was so obviously shown on her face. "Nope," she replied hastily and turned away as her face was burning red. "Oh, well," Tomoya replied, "I'll get another lunch partner then." Before Shigeru could protest, Tomoya had turned and left.
Shigeru was shell-shocked at his sudden departure and retorted loudly, "Who wants to dine with you anyway?!" Fuming, she stood up and stomped out the room in the opposite direction towards the school garden.
Tomoya heard her retort as he strolled to the school café. He had actually come by the classroom to ask her to dine with him but he had no idea how to seriously broach the question. After all, Tomoya had always teased her and he didn't think she would want to have lunch with her teaser. However, her retort gave him a confirmation that if he had asked, she would have obliged.
Tomoya recalled the night of their dance and Shigeru's embarrassment. He had thought then that maybe it was because she had never been in close proximity with a guy but now, he knew better. Of all the rich girls that he knew, Shigeru came across as someone different and unique. She was a refreshing perspective to the elite society.
Tomoya never cared much about his or a girl's status, especially if she's the one he loves. His parents had never imposed on him the traditions of his forefathers, which allowed him free play. Tomoya appreciated the freedom, which also allowed him to pick his own career, life and love. It seemed destined that he would fall in love with a girl of similar status and of an interesting character, too.
"Can I have two of that to go, please," said Tomoya. The lady at the counter packed the items and handed it over to him. Tomoya, in turn, gave her the money. Looking at the packed sandwich, he smiled and head off in the direction of the school garden.
************
Tsukushi filled a cup with tea and brought it to Tsubaki who was surveying the room. "Thanks," said Tsubaki, looking into the bathroom, "So this is where you share the unit." Tsukushi nodded shyly. "Quite a romantic thing to do," she commented further, "Can I go over?" Tsukushi nodded again.
Tsukasa had returned to his room, fuming. He did not want to listen to what his sister had to say, for she had never brought him good news. Lying on his bed, he stared at the ceiling blankly. It startled him when his bathroom door clicked open and he sat up immediately. "Onee-san!" he exclaimed, "Don't you ever knock?!"
Tsubaki ignored him as usual and surveyed his room. He was about to protest when he noticed Tsukushi standing by the bathroom doorway, peering into the room. "Don't stand there and peep like an pervert," he said annoyingly, "The room is always open to you." Tsukushi frowned at his comment and retort, "I'm not a pervert and this room is yours. I have to ask permission to enter it."
"All right, then," said Tsukasa as he stood up, "Ask." Tsukushi looked at him bewildered. "Ask what?" she said. Tsukasa walked over to her and looked directly into her eyes. "Ask for permission," he stressed. "Why you!" exclaimed Tsukushi, raising her fist at him. Tsukasa was too fast for her and had moved aside, missing her punch. Tsukushi, on the other hand, missed hitting him and her footing at the same time. It was evident that she would land flat on the floor but like always, Tsukasa would reach out and save her. His hands had already circled her waist, which prevented her from falling.
Tsubaki watched the two with amusement and wondered if this is going to be their relationship for the years to come. Tsukushi straightened up and pushed his hands away with a glare while Tsukasa remain expressionless. "All right, the two of you," said Tsubaki, "Listen up. Boston will be a great beginning for the two of you." The duo stared wide-eyed at her. Tsubaki knew she had to make herself clear. "I've spoken to Mother," she said simply, "She'll leave the two of you alone."
"She will?" asked a baffled Tsukushi. Tsubaki nodded. "She knows that we're here, I presume," said Tsukasa. "I would think, by now, she would," replied Tsubaki, taking a seat at his desk and browsing through his books, "I don't assume you know what you've been studying." Tsukasa growled and stepped away from Tsukushi towards his closet. "If she knows, then we have to leave now," he said.
Tsubaki stood up and strolled over to her brother before she lunged at his ears, pulling it hard. "O-U-C-H!" screamed Tsukasa, struggling to pull free. Tsukushi looked on with amazement at the siblings. "Did you not hear what I've said?!" hissed Tsubaki, "Mother will not interfere anymore!"
"Let go!" screamed Tsukasa. "I'll only let go when you stop wailing like a child," hissed Tsubaki again, which he promptly did to stop his sister from torturing him further. "That's better," she muttered, moving away from him. She smiled at Tsukushi and said, "Stay in Boston for the year and go back to Japan the next." Turning to Tsukasa, she instructed in a firm tone, "I don't want you bullying her anymore and make sure you do well in the university, otherwise, I don't know how I'm going to account to your brother-in-law."
"Tsubaki-oneesan, I..." stammered Tsukushi. She could not believe that Doumyoji Kaede had given permission. She was confused by the turn of events just as Tsukasa was. "Don't you believe me?" asked Tsubaki with a hint of hurt, "Everything's fine and I meant it."
"Doumyoji and I..." thought Tsukushi, "We are allowed to be together..." Tsukasa gazed at her and when she looked up, their eyes met. It was a spoken silence between the two. "I'm leaving you two alone," announced Tsubaki, "My hair's on end from this romantic scene." Tsukushi turned red on her interruption and pulled her eyes away from him.
"Tsubaki-oneesan," called Tsukushi to her, "Why don't you stay the night?" Tsubaki shook her head and disappeared into the bathroom. "I'm leaving the both of you alone tonight," she called from Tsukushi's room, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" The door slammed from the other room and the sound of heels faded away.
"Er...I'd better go back to my room," said Tsukushi hastily, turning to go. Tsukasa caught hold of her. "Don't you walk out now," he said. Tsukushi turned bright red. Her heart raced at the thought of them being able to see each other officially. "Er...Doumyoji," she stammered, struggling to be freed of his grip, "I've got to get back to my homework." Tsukasa tighten the grip and forcefully pulled her to him. "You're mine now," he said as he hugged her, "And I'm never gonna let you go."
Her tears welled up. "Doumyoji and I..." thought Tsukushi, "We'll be together from now on..."
************
"You must be hungry," said Tomoya as he handed the sandwich to Shigeru. He had spotted her sulking by the pond and approached her silently from behind. Shigeru was taken aback by his sudden appearance and was speechless. Stuffing the sandwich in her hands, Tomoya sat down next to her. "Don't know whether you'd like it," he said, "But it's better than having nothing at all."
Shigeru was still speechless and staring at him. "Go on," he cajoled, "You'll be able to concentrate better in class later." Shigeru's eyes moved from Tomoya to the package on her hand. "If you don't want it," said Tomoya, "I don't mind having it cos' I'm really hungry." Shigeru pulled the sandwich tightly into her bosom and retort, "Who says I don't want it!"
Her stomach was groaning badly just before his appearance and the sandwich was a welcome hunger-filler. She had not expected him to pack an additional one for her and it delighted her. The two sat silently next to each other and whiled the lunch hour away by the pond.
************
Sojiro's appearance at the dango shop had surprised Yuki but what surprised her even more was the fact that he had stayed till the shop closed and offered her a lift home. Sojiro had come into the shop that day to order the cakes for the tea ceremony at his place. Since the order would be delivered directly to his place, Yuki did not expect him to stay long. She recalled the conversation they had:
"Well, what time do you knock off?" asked Sojiro, tucking his hands into his pockets as Yuki finished keying the orders into the cash register. She had not expected him to ask that question and fumbled in her mind for the answer. "Er...that will be six-thirty," she stammered and realising her mistake, she hastily corrected, "I mean the total cost is twenty thousand yen and I'm off at six-thirty." Sojiro nodded and handed his credit card to her. "Then," he said, "You wouldn't mind me waiting here, would you?"
"Huh?" asked a puzzled Yuki. Sojiro explained, "I hope you don't mind me waiting here while you finished up your work and then, we can go for a cup of coffee before I send you home." Yuki was stunned. "A cup of coffee? With me?" she said uncertainly. Sojiro nodded and added, "If you're not in a hurry to go home after work, that is." Yuki thought hard for a while and wondered if it was all a dream.
"I don't mean any harm," interrupted Sojiro, "Just coffee and nothing else." Yuki shook her head. "No?" asked Sojiro. "Er...no, I don't mean that..." stammered Yuki nervously, "I mean, I don't mind going for a cup of coffee...and I don't think you mean any harm." Sojiro smiled. "Well, then," he replied, "I'll meet you outside at six-forty-five." He waved and exited the shop. Yuki was flabbergasted as she watched him disappeared down the street.
Six-forty-five came really slow as she watched the clock on the wall. It was already six-fifteen when she started to clear up the shop. Her heart precipitated at the thought of Sojiro and a coffee appointment with him. When the final minute ticked by to six-thirty, she locked up the door and disappeared into the back where the dressing room was. Yuki changed and make sure she looked presentable enough to be seen with him.
"I wonder if this is all right," she muttered, looking at the mirror. Her pink turtleneck blouse brought out her fairness and the short black skirt enhanced her slim legs. "I should think so," she muttered again as she slipped her knee-high boots on. Grabbing her bag and jacket, she exited the shop to find Sojiro leaning against his limousine. "Hi," said Sojiro, "Ready to go." Yuki nodded.
The coffee session was a quick one as Yuki had to go home for dinner. She would have cancelled dinner plans with her parents, had it not been for her father's birthday. "I'm sorry that we have to do a quick one," she apologised as Sojiro sipped on his coffee. Placing his cup back on the saucer, he looked intently at her. Yuki shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she hung her head down. "It's all right," he said finally, "I'm glad you could come and keep me company." Yuki smiled nervously.
Minimum conversation was held between the two at the coffee house and also on the way home, but Yuki was elated to be spending time with Sojiro. "Well, then," said Sojiro, "You're home safe and sound. See you." Yuki thanked him for the time and bid him farewell at her doorstep. She had watched as he got into the limousine and it sped away into the night.
Yuki looked out the window of the dango shop. She hoped to catch Sojiro today just as she had hoped she would catch him yesterday and the day before yesterday as well as the previous days. As fate would have it, there was no sign of him today too. She looked at the clock on the wall. "Time to close up," she muttered and head towards the door to locked it.
Shigeru flipped through the pages of her text uninterestedly and twisted a pen with her other hand. Restless and inattentive, she gazed out the window at the yard below. Her thoughts were filled with the night of her parents' party. She had not seen Tomoya in school since the night they danced and wondered where he was now. She sighed softly.
The bell rang to signify the end of third period and the start of lunch. Shigeru was not in the mood to have food and thus, remained in her seat as the rest of the class piled out of the room for the school café. She was beginning to think about her two beloved friends in Boston when a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Waiting for me?" asked the voice. Shigeru looked up and saw a grinning Tomoya, standing by the doorway of her lecture theatre. Her eyes widen with delight and at the same time, her face turned red. She was delighted to see him and embarrassed that such a delight was so obviously shown on her face. "Nope," she replied hastily and turned away as her face was burning red. "Oh, well," Tomoya replied, "I'll get another lunch partner then." Before Shigeru could protest, Tomoya had turned and left.
Shigeru was shell-shocked at his sudden departure and retorted loudly, "Who wants to dine with you anyway?!" Fuming, she stood up and stomped out the room in the opposite direction towards the school garden.
Tomoya heard her retort as he strolled to the school café. He had actually come by the classroom to ask her to dine with him but he had no idea how to seriously broach the question. After all, Tomoya had always teased her and he didn't think she would want to have lunch with her teaser. However, her retort gave him a confirmation that if he had asked, she would have obliged.
Tomoya recalled the night of their dance and Shigeru's embarrassment. He had thought then that maybe it was because she had never been in close proximity with a guy but now, he knew better. Of all the rich girls that he knew, Shigeru came across as someone different and unique. She was a refreshing perspective to the elite society.
Tomoya never cared much about his or a girl's status, especially if she's the one he loves. His parents had never imposed on him the traditions of his forefathers, which allowed him free play. Tomoya appreciated the freedom, which also allowed him to pick his own career, life and love. It seemed destined that he would fall in love with a girl of similar status and of an interesting character, too.
"Can I have two of that to go, please," said Tomoya. The lady at the counter packed the items and handed it over to him. Tomoya, in turn, gave her the money. Looking at the packed sandwich, he smiled and head off in the direction of the school garden.
************
Tsukushi filled a cup with tea and brought it to Tsubaki who was surveying the room. "Thanks," said Tsubaki, looking into the bathroom, "So this is where you share the unit." Tsukushi nodded shyly. "Quite a romantic thing to do," she commented further, "Can I go over?" Tsukushi nodded again.
Tsukasa had returned to his room, fuming. He did not want to listen to what his sister had to say, for she had never brought him good news. Lying on his bed, he stared at the ceiling blankly. It startled him when his bathroom door clicked open and he sat up immediately. "Onee-san!" he exclaimed, "Don't you ever knock?!"
Tsubaki ignored him as usual and surveyed his room. He was about to protest when he noticed Tsukushi standing by the bathroom doorway, peering into the room. "Don't stand there and peep like an pervert," he said annoyingly, "The room is always open to you." Tsukushi frowned at his comment and retort, "I'm not a pervert and this room is yours. I have to ask permission to enter it."
"All right, then," said Tsukasa as he stood up, "Ask." Tsukushi looked at him bewildered. "Ask what?" she said. Tsukasa walked over to her and looked directly into her eyes. "Ask for permission," he stressed. "Why you!" exclaimed Tsukushi, raising her fist at him. Tsukasa was too fast for her and had moved aside, missing her punch. Tsukushi, on the other hand, missed hitting him and her footing at the same time. It was evident that she would land flat on the floor but like always, Tsukasa would reach out and save her. His hands had already circled her waist, which prevented her from falling.
Tsubaki watched the two with amusement and wondered if this is going to be their relationship for the years to come. Tsukushi straightened up and pushed his hands away with a glare while Tsukasa remain expressionless. "All right, the two of you," said Tsubaki, "Listen up. Boston will be a great beginning for the two of you." The duo stared wide-eyed at her. Tsubaki knew she had to make herself clear. "I've spoken to Mother," she said simply, "She'll leave the two of you alone."
"She will?" asked a baffled Tsukushi. Tsubaki nodded. "She knows that we're here, I presume," said Tsukasa. "I would think, by now, she would," replied Tsubaki, taking a seat at his desk and browsing through his books, "I don't assume you know what you've been studying." Tsukasa growled and stepped away from Tsukushi towards his closet. "If she knows, then we have to leave now," he said.
Tsubaki stood up and strolled over to her brother before she lunged at his ears, pulling it hard. "O-U-C-H!" screamed Tsukasa, struggling to pull free. Tsukushi looked on with amazement at the siblings. "Did you not hear what I've said?!" hissed Tsubaki, "Mother will not interfere anymore!"
"Let go!" screamed Tsukasa. "I'll only let go when you stop wailing like a child," hissed Tsubaki again, which he promptly did to stop his sister from torturing him further. "That's better," she muttered, moving away from him. She smiled at Tsukushi and said, "Stay in Boston for the year and go back to Japan the next." Turning to Tsukasa, she instructed in a firm tone, "I don't want you bullying her anymore and make sure you do well in the university, otherwise, I don't know how I'm going to account to your brother-in-law."
"Tsubaki-oneesan, I..." stammered Tsukushi. She could not believe that Doumyoji Kaede had given permission. She was confused by the turn of events just as Tsukasa was. "Don't you believe me?" asked Tsubaki with a hint of hurt, "Everything's fine and I meant it."
"Doumyoji and I..." thought Tsukushi, "We are allowed to be together..." Tsukasa gazed at her and when she looked up, their eyes met. It was a spoken silence between the two. "I'm leaving you two alone," announced Tsubaki, "My hair's on end from this romantic scene." Tsukushi turned red on her interruption and pulled her eyes away from him.
"Tsubaki-oneesan," called Tsukushi to her, "Why don't you stay the night?" Tsubaki shook her head and disappeared into the bathroom. "I'm leaving the both of you alone tonight," she called from Tsukushi's room, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" The door slammed from the other room and the sound of heels faded away.
"Er...I'd better go back to my room," said Tsukushi hastily, turning to go. Tsukasa caught hold of her. "Don't you walk out now," he said. Tsukushi turned bright red. Her heart raced at the thought of them being able to see each other officially. "Er...Doumyoji," she stammered, struggling to be freed of his grip, "I've got to get back to my homework." Tsukasa tighten the grip and forcefully pulled her to him. "You're mine now," he said as he hugged her, "And I'm never gonna let you go."
Her tears welled up. "Doumyoji and I..." thought Tsukushi, "We'll be together from now on..."
************
"You must be hungry," said Tomoya as he handed the sandwich to Shigeru. He had spotted her sulking by the pond and approached her silently from behind. Shigeru was taken aback by his sudden appearance and was speechless. Stuffing the sandwich in her hands, Tomoya sat down next to her. "Don't know whether you'd like it," he said, "But it's better than having nothing at all."
Shigeru was still speechless and staring at him. "Go on," he cajoled, "You'll be able to concentrate better in class later." Shigeru's eyes moved from Tomoya to the package on her hand. "If you don't want it," said Tomoya, "I don't mind having it cos' I'm really hungry." Shigeru pulled the sandwich tightly into her bosom and retort, "Who says I don't want it!"
Her stomach was groaning badly just before his appearance and the sandwich was a welcome hunger-filler. She had not expected him to pack an additional one for her and it delighted her. The two sat silently next to each other and whiled the lunch hour away by the pond.
************
Sojiro's appearance at the dango shop had surprised Yuki but what surprised her even more was the fact that he had stayed till the shop closed and offered her a lift home. Sojiro had come into the shop that day to order the cakes for the tea ceremony at his place. Since the order would be delivered directly to his place, Yuki did not expect him to stay long. She recalled the conversation they had:
"Well, what time do you knock off?" asked Sojiro, tucking his hands into his pockets as Yuki finished keying the orders into the cash register. She had not expected him to ask that question and fumbled in her mind for the answer. "Er...that will be six-thirty," she stammered and realising her mistake, she hastily corrected, "I mean the total cost is twenty thousand yen and I'm off at six-thirty." Sojiro nodded and handed his credit card to her. "Then," he said, "You wouldn't mind me waiting here, would you?"
"Huh?" asked a puzzled Yuki. Sojiro explained, "I hope you don't mind me waiting here while you finished up your work and then, we can go for a cup of coffee before I send you home." Yuki was stunned. "A cup of coffee? With me?" she said uncertainly. Sojiro nodded and added, "If you're not in a hurry to go home after work, that is." Yuki thought hard for a while and wondered if it was all a dream.
"I don't mean any harm," interrupted Sojiro, "Just coffee and nothing else." Yuki shook her head. "No?" asked Sojiro. "Er...no, I don't mean that..." stammered Yuki nervously, "I mean, I don't mind going for a cup of coffee...and I don't think you mean any harm." Sojiro smiled. "Well, then," he replied, "I'll meet you outside at six-forty-five." He waved and exited the shop. Yuki was flabbergasted as she watched him disappeared down the street.
Six-forty-five came really slow as she watched the clock on the wall. It was already six-fifteen when she started to clear up the shop. Her heart precipitated at the thought of Sojiro and a coffee appointment with him. When the final minute ticked by to six-thirty, she locked up the door and disappeared into the back where the dressing room was. Yuki changed and make sure she looked presentable enough to be seen with him.
"I wonder if this is all right," she muttered, looking at the mirror. Her pink turtleneck blouse brought out her fairness and the short black skirt enhanced her slim legs. "I should think so," she muttered again as she slipped her knee-high boots on. Grabbing her bag and jacket, she exited the shop to find Sojiro leaning against his limousine. "Hi," said Sojiro, "Ready to go." Yuki nodded.
The coffee session was a quick one as Yuki had to go home for dinner. She would have cancelled dinner plans with her parents, had it not been for her father's birthday. "I'm sorry that we have to do a quick one," she apologised as Sojiro sipped on his coffee. Placing his cup back on the saucer, he looked intently at her. Yuki shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she hung her head down. "It's all right," he said finally, "I'm glad you could come and keep me company." Yuki smiled nervously.
Minimum conversation was held between the two at the coffee house and also on the way home, but Yuki was elated to be spending time with Sojiro. "Well, then," said Sojiro, "You're home safe and sound. See you." Yuki thanked him for the time and bid him farewell at her doorstep. She had watched as he got into the limousine and it sped away into the night.
Yuki looked out the window of the dango shop. She hoped to catch Sojiro today just as she had hoped she would catch him yesterday and the day before yesterday as well as the previous days. As fate would have it, there was no sign of him today too. She looked at the clock on the wall. "Time to close up," she muttered and head towards the door to locked it.