Chapter 18 - Their Date
The early morning air was welcoming to the girl making her way down Bay State Road. She stared at the path ahead and wondered if it would be the same without him. A smile tugged at her face for she knew the answer - Boston could never be the way it is without him. "Better get to the library fast and finish up the assignment before Doumyoji starts his tantrum-throwing if I were to return late," she sighed. Tsukushi had gotten up early this morning to head to the library and finish up her assignment before meeting Tsukasa for lunch. She had left a message by his table for he was soundly asleep then and she did not want to disturb him in his dreamland.
"Tsukushi!" a female voice called. She turned around and there was Charlotte running up to her. "Good morning," greeted Tsukushi, "Where are you off to so early today?" Charlotte took a moment to catch her breath before answering, "Good morning. I'm going to hand in my assignments. How are you? I haven't seen you for a long while." Tsukushi smiled as both girls proceeded on their way. "I've not seen you for a while too," she replied, "Have you been busy with your assignments and projects?" Charlotte nodded. "I've got a lot to do this year," she said, "Ah! I can't wait for the Christmas break."
"Me too," replied Tsukushi. "Really? So, what will you be doing this Christmas?" asked Charlotte, "I won't be going home this time and so will some of my floor mates. Want to join us in celebrating the season?" Tsukushi hesitated. "It's all right if you can't," replied Charlotte, noticing her hesitation, "You must be going home for the season." Tsukushi shook her head. "I'll be going to Beverly Hills with my...erm..." she stammered and blushed, "...with my boyfriend..."
Charlotte looked surprised. "He's coming here?" she asked. Tsukushi shook her head. "He's meeting you there?" asked Charlotte again. Tsukushi shook her head again. "He's actually here," replied Tsukushi, sparing Charlotte from questioning further, "He's here with me in Boston, attending the same course."
"Oh, I see," she smiled, "But he was not here when you arrived...Never mind, introduce him some time." Tsukushi nodded. "Wow! Beverly Hills! Nice place with lots of shopping to do," said Charlotte, "How envious!" Tsukushi smiled as they came to the end of the road and had to part ways. "Well, I shall see you again," waved Charlotte, "Have a nice day." Tsukushi waved too and head off towards the Mugar Memorial Library.
************
Yuki swirled around in her dress before looking into the mirror again. She wondered if the dress was appropriate for a date with Sojiro. "I think it's a bit over done," she muttered to herself, "After all, we're just going out for lunch at the café. And I must be crazy to wear it in this chilly autumn!" Looking into her wardrobe, Yuki pulled out a yellow knitted blouse and an A-lined brown woollen skirt. "This should be simple enough," she said, "A scarf around my neck would be just perfect."
The switch did not take her long and she was ready to go when she heard the phone ring. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered if it was Sojiro who's called to cancel the date. She listened intently for her mother answered the call. When there was no indication that the call was for her, Yuki made her way down, heaving a sigh of relief.
"I'm going out now," she called, slipping into her boots. "Yuki," called her mother, "Remember to be home early for dinner." Opening the door, Yuki replied, "I will. See you." The chilly wind blew at her face as she stepped out onto the pavement but she felt warm and happy.
************
Tsukasa stared at the note left by her and frowned. "Baka," he muttered, entering the bathroom. Tsukasa had completed his assignment two days ago and it came as a real surprise to Tsukushi. He sighed quietly.
There were indeed many things Tsukushi did not know of him. To her, he was a tyrant and bully who had always gotten his way. And he admitted he was that way until he met her. He never knew what falling in love could do to him. He never knew that he could have that much determination when it comes to her. Falling in love with her was the best thing that had happened and it was the root of all his happiness.
For her, he was willing to give up his inheritance. And it's for her that he was determined to do well in Boston University. Tsukasa had never shown interest in his studies but for her, he was willing. He knew that education was important but there was nothing for him then to do well. But he had her now and it's for her that he's determined to take his education seriously.
Tsukasa looked at his watch. "I might as well go to the library and help her," he muttered. Slipping a sweater over his t-shirt, Tsukasa make his way out of the room.
************
"Welcome," greeted the waiter as he led the guest to the table, "Would you like to place your order now or later?" As he took his seat, Sojiro looked up and replied, "Later. I'm waiting for someone." The waiter nodded and offered to pour him a cup of coffee first till his guest arrived, which Sojiro welcomed with delight as he needed a drink to warm up. As the waiter delivered the coffee, he handed the day's papers to Sojiro as well.
The chauffeur waited along the side of the road as his master sipped his coffee and browse through the day's papers in the café. "Isn't that Sojiro?" pointed a girl to her friend, "What's he doing here?" Her friend shrugged. "Shall we go over and say 'Hi' then," suggested her friend. The other agreed and both approached him.
"Sojiro," greeted the girls. He looked up. "Oh, hi," he returned their greeting nonchalantly. "What are you doing here?" asked one of the girls. "Having lunch," replied Sojiro coolly. "Can we join you then?" asked the other girl, smiling sweetly. "I'm sorry. I'm with someone today," he replied, "And she's here." All three turned towards the entrance.
Yuki scanned the café for him and spotted the trio at the table in the far corner, looking at her. "Oh," she muttered softly, "It's not just the two of us." She hesitated and wondered if she should go over. Sojiro sensed her hesitation and stood up, excusing himself from the duo. Yuki watched as he approached her.
Smiling, Sojiro extended his hand to her. "You're late," he said. Yuki stared speechlessly at his hand. Sojiro shrugged and reached out for her hand instead. "Wa...wait," stammered Yuki as he dragged her across the restaurant to their table. Sojiro pulled the chair out and seated Yuki as the girls stared bewilderedly.
"Well, if you'll excuse us," said Sojiro, waving the girls off. Yuki shifted uncomfortably in her seat as both pair of eyes glared at her. Sojiro took his seat and looked up at the duo still standing at the table. "Did you not hear me?" asked Sojiro firmly. The girls were taken aback by his attitude and saw the cold harsh look on his face. "Er...we're going," replied one of the girls, "We'll catch up with you another day."
Yuki watched as the girls scurried away. "That's better," said Sojiro, "So, what would you like to have for lunch?" His question broke into her reverie. "Huh? Oh," she replied, picking up the menu in front of her, "Er...I'll have...anything." Sojiro raised an eyebrow. "Do they serve 'anything' here?" he teased, "How come I don't see it in the menu?" Yuki smiled and replied, "Why don't you take the liberty of ordering for me? The waiter may not know what 'anything' is!" Sojiro returned the smile and waved the waiter over to take their orders.
************
Tsukushi poured through the books on the table. Lost and confused, Tsukushi wished she had just referred to her text alone. "It would have been easier," she muttered softly, "I'm getting more mixed-up with these readings." This was not the only assignment she has on hand before the Christmas break. She sighed. "If every one of the assignments is as tough as this, I would never be able to finish before the break," she thought sadly, "And I won't be able to go to Beverly Hills."
Tsubaki had invited the duo to spend their Christmas break in her Beverly Hills' home. Tsukasa was adamant about not going, as he wanted to be with her alone this Christmas whereas Tsukushi thought it would be great to take this chance to explore the country, even if it means just going to one destination. The duo had quarrelled over it and Tsukasa gave in only when she promised to spend time alone with him when they got there.
Shaking her head, she recalled the conversation they had that day:
"What do you mean we're going to Beverly Hills for Christmas?" asked Tsukasa when Tsukushi delivered the news, "Why did you agree on my behalf without even asking me if I'd like to go?" Tsukushi frowned and retorted, "The pot calling the kettle black! You'd do the same, isn't it?" Tsukasa growled.
"Anyway, Tsubaki-Oneesan was the one who made the decision," said Tsukushi, "She left me no room to refuse!" Tsukasa sighed loudly. "Both of you are so alike," commented Tsukushi as she turned to return to her room. "Are you stupid or have you really no clue?" said an exasperated Tsukasa, "I want this Christmas just for the two of us." He felt his face redden and was glad that her back was to him.
Tsukushi, on the other hand, dared not turned around for she too was embarrassed. "I know," she replied softly. Tsukasa was stunned by her reply. "I'll like to spend this season with you alone too," she continued and summoning her courage, she turned around to face him, "Going over to spend Christmas at your sister's doesn't mean we won't have time to be alone." They stared at each other in silence. Tsukasa's face was as red as hers. "All right," he choked finally, looking away, "We'll go to Beverly Hills for Christmas." Tsukushi smiled and not knowing what had overcome her, she walked up to Tsukasa and hugged him, surprising him as well as herself.
As she recollect that day, she muses at the petty quarrels they have had and Tsukasa's childish behaviour. Taking a deep breath, Tsukushi returned her attention to the books. She had not noticed a presence next to her. "Well, what's so funny?" asked the presence. Tsukushi turned around with a shock, holding her hand on her chest. "Gosh!" she exclaimed softly, "Do you have to scare me like that?!"
Tsukasa's eyes twinkled. "Serves you right for daydreaming instead of doing your work," he teased. Tsukushi raised her fist but he caught hold of it. "Now, that's not the way to repay someone who's going to help you with your assignment, right?" he asked innocently. She withdrew her hand and turned away. In normal circumstances, she would have never asked him for help but she had seen his assignment and she had to admit that he's probably the only one who could help her now.
She sighed and nodded. Tsukasa smiled at her final resignation. "Shall we begin then?" asked Tsukasa in English with a teacher-like tone.
The early morning air was welcoming to the girl making her way down Bay State Road. She stared at the path ahead and wondered if it would be the same without him. A smile tugged at her face for she knew the answer - Boston could never be the way it is without him. "Better get to the library fast and finish up the assignment before Doumyoji starts his tantrum-throwing if I were to return late," she sighed. Tsukushi had gotten up early this morning to head to the library and finish up her assignment before meeting Tsukasa for lunch. She had left a message by his table for he was soundly asleep then and she did not want to disturb him in his dreamland.
"Tsukushi!" a female voice called. She turned around and there was Charlotte running up to her. "Good morning," greeted Tsukushi, "Where are you off to so early today?" Charlotte took a moment to catch her breath before answering, "Good morning. I'm going to hand in my assignments. How are you? I haven't seen you for a long while." Tsukushi smiled as both girls proceeded on their way. "I've not seen you for a while too," she replied, "Have you been busy with your assignments and projects?" Charlotte nodded. "I've got a lot to do this year," she said, "Ah! I can't wait for the Christmas break."
"Me too," replied Tsukushi. "Really? So, what will you be doing this Christmas?" asked Charlotte, "I won't be going home this time and so will some of my floor mates. Want to join us in celebrating the season?" Tsukushi hesitated. "It's all right if you can't," replied Charlotte, noticing her hesitation, "You must be going home for the season." Tsukushi shook her head. "I'll be going to Beverly Hills with my...erm..." she stammered and blushed, "...with my boyfriend..."
Charlotte looked surprised. "He's coming here?" she asked. Tsukushi shook her head. "He's meeting you there?" asked Charlotte again. Tsukushi shook her head again. "He's actually here," replied Tsukushi, sparing Charlotte from questioning further, "He's here with me in Boston, attending the same course."
"Oh, I see," she smiled, "But he was not here when you arrived...Never mind, introduce him some time." Tsukushi nodded. "Wow! Beverly Hills! Nice place with lots of shopping to do," said Charlotte, "How envious!" Tsukushi smiled as they came to the end of the road and had to part ways. "Well, I shall see you again," waved Charlotte, "Have a nice day." Tsukushi waved too and head off towards the Mugar Memorial Library.
************
Yuki swirled around in her dress before looking into the mirror again. She wondered if the dress was appropriate for a date with Sojiro. "I think it's a bit over done," she muttered to herself, "After all, we're just going out for lunch at the café. And I must be crazy to wear it in this chilly autumn!" Looking into her wardrobe, Yuki pulled out a yellow knitted blouse and an A-lined brown woollen skirt. "This should be simple enough," she said, "A scarf around my neck would be just perfect."
The switch did not take her long and she was ready to go when she heard the phone ring. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered if it was Sojiro who's called to cancel the date. She listened intently for her mother answered the call. When there was no indication that the call was for her, Yuki made her way down, heaving a sigh of relief.
"I'm going out now," she called, slipping into her boots. "Yuki," called her mother, "Remember to be home early for dinner." Opening the door, Yuki replied, "I will. See you." The chilly wind blew at her face as she stepped out onto the pavement but she felt warm and happy.
************
Tsukasa stared at the note left by her and frowned. "Baka," he muttered, entering the bathroom. Tsukasa had completed his assignment two days ago and it came as a real surprise to Tsukushi. He sighed quietly.
There were indeed many things Tsukushi did not know of him. To her, he was a tyrant and bully who had always gotten his way. And he admitted he was that way until he met her. He never knew what falling in love could do to him. He never knew that he could have that much determination when it comes to her. Falling in love with her was the best thing that had happened and it was the root of all his happiness.
For her, he was willing to give up his inheritance. And it's for her that he was determined to do well in Boston University. Tsukasa had never shown interest in his studies but for her, he was willing. He knew that education was important but there was nothing for him then to do well. But he had her now and it's for her that he's determined to take his education seriously.
Tsukasa looked at his watch. "I might as well go to the library and help her," he muttered. Slipping a sweater over his t-shirt, Tsukasa make his way out of the room.
************
"Welcome," greeted the waiter as he led the guest to the table, "Would you like to place your order now or later?" As he took his seat, Sojiro looked up and replied, "Later. I'm waiting for someone." The waiter nodded and offered to pour him a cup of coffee first till his guest arrived, which Sojiro welcomed with delight as he needed a drink to warm up. As the waiter delivered the coffee, he handed the day's papers to Sojiro as well.
The chauffeur waited along the side of the road as his master sipped his coffee and browse through the day's papers in the café. "Isn't that Sojiro?" pointed a girl to her friend, "What's he doing here?" Her friend shrugged. "Shall we go over and say 'Hi' then," suggested her friend. The other agreed and both approached him.
"Sojiro," greeted the girls. He looked up. "Oh, hi," he returned their greeting nonchalantly. "What are you doing here?" asked one of the girls. "Having lunch," replied Sojiro coolly. "Can we join you then?" asked the other girl, smiling sweetly. "I'm sorry. I'm with someone today," he replied, "And she's here." All three turned towards the entrance.
Yuki scanned the café for him and spotted the trio at the table in the far corner, looking at her. "Oh," she muttered softly, "It's not just the two of us." She hesitated and wondered if she should go over. Sojiro sensed her hesitation and stood up, excusing himself from the duo. Yuki watched as he approached her.
Smiling, Sojiro extended his hand to her. "You're late," he said. Yuki stared speechlessly at his hand. Sojiro shrugged and reached out for her hand instead. "Wa...wait," stammered Yuki as he dragged her across the restaurant to their table. Sojiro pulled the chair out and seated Yuki as the girls stared bewilderedly.
"Well, if you'll excuse us," said Sojiro, waving the girls off. Yuki shifted uncomfortably in her seat as both pair of eyes glared at her. Sojiro took his seat and looked up at the duo still standing at the table. "Did you not hear me?" asked Sojiro firmly. The girls were taken aback by his attitude and saw the cold harsh look on his face. "Er...we're going," replied one of the girls, "We'll catch up with you another day."
Yuki watched as the girls scurried away. "That's better," said Sojiro, "So, what would you like to have for lunch?" His question broke into her reverie. "Huh? Oh," she replied, picking up the menu in front of her, "Er...I'll have...anything." Sojiro raised an eyebrow. "Do they serve 'anything' here?" he teased, "How come I don't see it in the menu?" Yuki smiled and replied, "Why don't you take the liberty of ordering for me? The waiter may not know what 'anything' is!" Sojiro returned the smile and waved the waiter over to take their orders.
************
Tsukushi poured through the books on the table. Lost and confused, Tsukushi wished she had just referred to her text alone. "It would have been easier," she muttered softly, "I'm getting more mixed-up with these readings." This was not the only assignment she has on hand before the Christmas break. She sighed. "If every one of the assignments is as tough as this, I would never be able to finish before the break," she thought sadly, "And I won't be able to go to Beverly Hills."
Tsubaki had invited the duo to spend their Christmas break in her Beverly Hills' home. Tsukasa was adamant about not going, as he wanted to be with her alone this Christmas whereas Tsukushi thought it would be great to take this chance to explore the country, even if it means just going to one destination. The duo had quarrelled over it and Tsukasa gave in only when she promised to spend time alone with him when they got there.
Shaking her head, she recalled the conversation they had that day:
"What do you mean we're going to Beverly Hills for Christmas?" asked Tsukasa when Tsukushi delivered the news, "Why did you agree on my behalf without even asking me if I'd like to go?" Tsukushi frowned and retorted, "The pot calling the kettle black! You'd do the same, isn't it?" Tsukasa growled.
"Anyway, Tsubaki-Oneesan was the one who made the decision," said Tsukushi, "She left me no room to refuse!" Tsukasa sighed loudly. "Both of you are so alike," commented Tsukushi as she turned to return to her room. "Are you stupid or have you really no clue?" said an exasperated Tsukasa, "I want this Christmas just for the two of us." He felt his face redden and was glad that her back was to him.
Tsukushi, on the other hand, dared not turned around for she too was embarrassed. "I know," she replied softly. Tsukasa was stunned by her reply. "I'll like to spend this season with you alone too," she continued and summoning her courage, she turned around to face him, "Going over to spend Christmas at your sister's doesn't mean we won't have time to be alone." They stared at each other in silence. Tsukasa's face was as red as hers. "All right," he choked finally, looking away, "We'll go to Beverly Hills for Christmas." Tsukushi smiled and not knowing what had overcome her, she walked up to Tsukasa and hugged him, surprising him as well as herself.
As she recollect that day, she muses at the petty quarrels they have had and Tsukasa's childish behaviour. Taking a deep breath, Tsukushi returned her attention to the books. She had not noticed a presence next to her. "Well, what's so funny?" asked the presence. Tsukushi turned around with a shock, holding her hand on her chest. "Gosh!" she exclaimed softly, "Do you have to scare me like that?!"
Tsukasa's eyes twinkled. "Serves you right for daydreaming instead of doing your work," he teased. Tsukushi raised her fist but he caught hold of it. "Now, that's not the way to repay someone who's going to help you with your assignment, right?" he asked innocently. She withdrew her hand and turned away. In normal circumstances, she would have never asked him for help but she had seen his assignment and she had to admit that he's probably the only one who could help her now.
She sighed and nodded. Tsukasa smiled at her final resignation. "Shall we begin then?" asked Tsukasa in English with a teacher-like tone.