The two looked both ways before crossing the street, Yayoi's arm
lightly wrapped around Hiro's. It had taken him one-third of the trip
back to her house just to convince her he wasn't trying to imply
anything by offering his arm. Once Yayoi cautiously accepted it, Hiro's
heart felt like it could fly. Maybe it was the wine, or maybe she was
finally softening up to him?
Seeking the truth, Hiro delicately continued the conversation from earlier, "We didn't get to finish talking earlier about Kazuki..."
Yayoi's head lowered. She did not wish to continue discussing such matters with Hiro. She retracted her arm from his gradually, putting a little distance between him and her as they walked.
"I did not mean to offend you," Hiro stated, an edge of concern in his voice.
Yayoi shook her head. "No, you did not offend me, I just haven't discussed it with anyone since... Well, since ever, I suppose."
Nodding, Hiro changed the subject, "I don't believe I told you this before, but you look lovely this evening."
Yayoi blushed, looking away from Hiro and down a dark alleyway they were passing.
The red color quickly faded away as she noticed a brief metallic flash in the distance. Attempting to focus, Yayoi heard a soft muffled voice and some struggling, but could not see what was occurring just beyond the reach of the streetlamps.
Hiro noticed it as well and had stopped a couple of feet in front of Yayoi. Stepping towards the alley, he called, "Hello? Is anyone there?"
There was no response.
Warily, Hiro began walking down the alley, his eyes adjusting to the darkened conditions of its inner depths. He passed a dumpster and heard a suppressed scream. Quickening his pace, he ran toward the end where he could just make out a man standing over someone, his hand over their mouth.
Crossing his arms in an x-shape, Hiro slammed into the assailant, knocking him off the victim with such a force that he slammed up against the wall. The attacker's weapon had fallen too far away to be of any use to its owner, so he pushed past the man who had interrupted his business and headed towards the street and Yayoi.
"Yayoi, watch out!" Hiro chased after the man, hoping he could catch him before the criminal caught his date.
The large shadow moving towards her at break-neck speed stuck out like a sore thumb. Yayoi waited calmly for its arrival, quickly ducking as he took a swing towards her. As he attempted to regain his balance, Yayoi struck the man in a fashion that would bring him down as quickly as possible with her knee.
Doubling over, the attacker muttered some curse before lunging at Yayoi.
Unfortunately for him, Hiro had cleared the distance between them and quickly placed his foot in his path. Once grounded, Hiro pinned the criminal with ease.
"I never realized those wrestling classes would come in handy some day," Hiro looked back up at Yayoi, removing his sports jacket. "Please give this to the young woman down there and make sure she's alright. Once you're done, we're going to need some assistance with this gentleman," Hiro trailed off, easily keeping a hold on the man who was struggling to escape.
Yayoi nodded and headed down the alley. Placing the jacket around the shivering woman, she guided her back towards the street gently. Searching the sides of the street, Yayoi quickly found a payphone and called the police. She then returned to the young woman, who was in obvious need of comfort, and held her until the officials arrived.
Eventually, the perpetrator was hauled off to jail and the woman was taken to the hospital for examination. When she attempted to return Hiro's jacket, he held up his hands, refusing to take it. "Keep it, ma'am. I hope you recover quickly."
She nodded, lowering her head as she entered the back of the ambulance. "Thank you."
Slowly approaching Yayoi, Hiro gave her a small smile and stated wryly, "So much for a quiet evening..."
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
The police had been kind enough to give Mr. Kamikochi and Ms. Schwael a ride back to Yayoi's home. If anyone in the Sanada Household had been awake at that hour, they would have feared the worst, Yayoi mused.
Thanking the police officer for his trouble, the couple watched as the official drove off down the street. Opening the front gate to her house, Yayoi wondered if her grandmother was still awake, but quickly remembered she had decided not to wait up. Sighing, she assumed she'd have to wait until morning to discuss the crazy evening and her thoughts with someone.
Her date broke the silence. "Well, that turned into an eventful evening, didn't it," Hiro smiled his usual tender smile as he walked Yayoi to her door.
Thinking back over the night's events, the shock of all that had happened finally began to settle in. All Yayoi could do was nod her head and say, "I would invite you in for tea, but I fear it is much too late..."
Hiro nodded. "Another time, perhaps," he bowed gracefully to Yayoi as she fumbled for her keys unconsciously. "We'll have to do this again sometime."
Yayoi simply nodded, the ramifications of what could have happened processing behind her hard blue eyes. Finally grabbing the proper item, she removed the keys from her purse and unlocked the front door. "Goodnight, Hiro, and thank you for the dinner." Yayoi bowed her head before continuing, "Until we meet again." She quickly shut the door behind herself, making sure to lock it tight.
Hiro stared at the shut door with a sad gaze. He wished he could comfort her, but her warrior-like nature made for a tough exterior to crack at times. There were signs that some of the resistance was beginning to crumble, but nothing absolute. Then there was the space flight...
What the hell was he doing? This woman was going to be gone in less than a week and would probably not return to Earth in his lifetime. He could not-- would not-- be leaving with her due to his family's business and his being the sole heir. Why was he spending so much time with her only for it to only go to waste in the end?
Was it because he recognized her beauty for the first time a mere day ago? Or was it something more?
Was it regret?
Did he regret letting his mother do all of the talking for him so long ago? Did he wish he hadn't allowed Yayoi to slip from his fingers when he had the chance? From what Yayoi had told him at dinner, he doubted his words then would have broken through the Kazuki haze that covered her eyes at that time, but he could have at least tried. He could have said hello to the woman, for goodness sake!
Maybe this was just his way of making up for lost time? Or maybe this was his way of going back in time?
Chuckling to himself, Hiro pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and called the chauffeur. It was late and his mind was beginning to wander aimlessly. He would simply make the best of his current situation. If all that he had left of his trials were the memory of this evening, it would simply have to be enough.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
She poured her customary cup of coffee and sat at the dinning room table, trying to rub the sleep from her eyes. Sipping the cup of hot liquid carefully, Yayoi pondered what she'd be making for Kazuki this morning. Mitsuki Sanada was probably going to be making her typical scrambled eggs or pancakes and posed no threat to Yayoi. Mitsuki Rara, however, was another matter. Her culinary expertise was hard to beat and even had Yayoi drooling at the mere thought of one of her dishes.
Yayoi would have to dig deep into her cookbooks for something to top her. Rising from the table, she began searching her bookcase for potential munitions. Finally finding a likely candidate, Yayoi turned to head back to the kitchen.
A fully dressed Reika blocked Yayoi's path, startling the young teacher slightly. "Hello, grandmother. How are you this morning?"
"Hello child, I am fine. How are you, dear?" The grandmother's expression was extremely solemn. She obviously had something on her mind as she stood before Yayoi.
"I am fine as well. I was about to make breakfast for Kazuki, but I couldn't think of any good recipes. Any suggestions, grandma?"
A frown crossed Reika's face as she contemplated her next words, "Dear, I need to speak to you for a few minutes if I could." Reika motioned towards the small couch with her right hand and hobbled slowly towards it.
"Sure, grandmother! I must be getting over to the Sanada home soon, though," Yayoi responded as she sat on the couch and awaited her grandmother's arrival patiently.
Eventually Reika made it to the seat and flopped down, sighing heavily. She looked at her loving granddaughter, clearly trying to find the right words to tell her.
The older woman appeared troubled. When she finally spoke, she did so softly, "It is not a good idea for you to go over to the Sanada home today. Neither would it be wise for you to go to school. I normally do not condone taking unwarranted days off, but it would be advisable to call in sick and remain home today."
Yayoi, slightly confused by the older woman's suggested course of action, questioned, "Why would I do such a thing, grandmother? Is something wrong with Kazuki?" Fear began to grip her. Had he been hurt in some way?
Yayoi began to rise from her seat to check on her beloved when Reika's hand grabbed her arm with surprising strength, restraining her. "Nothing is wrong with Kazuki. Just think of this as a request from your old and feeble grandmother," she added a soft smile to try and sweeten the deal.
Yayoi sat back down, her fears temporarily diverted. "But grandma, I've got a lot of information to cover and I couldn't possibly let Kazuki leave for school without having a good meal!"
Reika sighed, "Kazuki will eat, I'm certain. As for your class, I have already arranged for a competent substitute to fill in for you. You do not have to worry about anyone but yourself."
Herself? What did Reika mean by this? Yayoi's interest was piqued, but she knew that further inquiries would yield no further answers. "I do not understand your request, grandmother, but if it is what you wish..."
"It is."
"Very well, I will obey," Yayoi relented unwillingly. She really wished that she could at least make lunch for Kazuki. The thought of him eating out of some vending machine was most atrocious.
She also wondered why her grandmother was so adamant about her not teaching on this day. Perhaps the stormy weather had her worried for Yayoi's safety? This was a ridiculous thought, though, for she had walked to school and back numerous times while it rained. What was going on behind those aged eyes?
Suddenly, it was late afternoon and Yayoi was sitting in the living room watching the rain. Kazuki had passed by her house a few minutes prior, apparently deep in thought. Yayoi wanted to go greet him, but Reika, who was also watching the rain pour down, had told her to remain inside.
Looking at the clock and then back outside the window, Yayoi had almost missed her young pupil darting past her house heading in the general direction of downtown. What was worse: He appeared to have no raincoat on.
Yayoi rose quickly, her hands on her raincoat and umbrella, her feet ready to chase him down. Again, a hand to her arm from Reika halted her progress.
"No, dear. We must remain on the sidelines this time."
"What? What do you mean," Yayoi turned and began questioning her elder in an aggravated tone that was most unusual for the woman's granddaughter to address her with.
The look from her face was full of pity. Yayoi knew something was being kept from her and that that something was extremely important, but she did not understand what it was or even why it was being kept from her.
"We simply cannot interfere, dear. I am sorry."
Yayoi flopped on the couch, irritated by the response, but unable to push the subject further due to her respect of her elders. The two continued to watch the rainfall increase in intensity.
After another hour or two of silence, Kazuki slowly passed in front of her house again, his head hung in defeat. Yayoi looked at her grandmother, fully expecting her response before she had begun to shake her head no. Sighing, Yayoi's eyes began watering. Due to her personal honor code, she could not comfort the one she...
Yayoi shot straight up, throwing her sheets to the foot of the bed. She hated the dreams of that day, but she had been experiencing them at least once a month for two years now. Rolling to the side of the bed, her feet casually searched for the floor and eventually found her slippers. Yawning heavily, she ran her fingers through her tangled hair as she walked down the hallway and climbed the stairs to reach the kitchen. Even with the slippers on, Yayoi could feel the cool floor beneath her feet. Soon sweater-clad couples would be seen walking up and down the streets cheerfully.
Scowling at the thought of couples as much as the bright refrigerator light, she poured a small amount of water into a nearby glass and placed the pitcher back in its proper position, kicking the door shut and terminating the offensive light.
"So, how did your evening go?"
Yayoi jumped almost three feet off the ground, completely startled by the voice. She barely caught the glass before it crashed onto the floor and her feet.
"Grandma! You scared me!"
The older woman stood up, pushing the chair back under the dining room table. "My apologies, my dear. My curiosity got the better of me. I noticed that it was almost time for you to be getting up and thought that maybe you would indulge a little old woman with some gossip," the smile was as easily conveyed with words in the dark as it was with her face in the light.
Yayoi smiled, replying, "Certainly, grandmother. Let me start breakfast and I will give you enough fuel to keep the artifact ship a-buzz for months after take-off."
Reika's chuckles emanated from the darkness before she answered, "Of course, dear."
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
"And so, the police brought Hiro and I back here. He and I parted ways promptly thereafter," Yayoi finished her story, bringing the last bite off of her plate to her lips.
"And you didn't invite him in for tea or coffee?" Reika was always concerned that her granddaughter's manners had been drilled out of her during her time in the military and this occasion was no different.
Yayoi finished chewing her food and swallowed, holding her hands up in a defensive posture. "I told you, grandmother, it was late! By the time I got to bed it was a quarter past two hundred. We both had to work early the next day and it would have been more impolite of me to ask him to remain longer than he needed to."
Reika reluctantly agreed, quickly changing the subject, "So what did you two talk about at dinner and prior to the walk home?" She hoped the discussion somehow involved great-grandchildren, but Reika wasn't holding her breath.
"Various things," Yayoi trailed off, bringing the glass to her lips before adding softly, "Like Kazuki."
Reika's eyebrow shot straight up. "Mr. Yotsuga? Why were you two discussing him?"
Yayoi sighed. Grandmother knew how she felt about him, or at least she should have known considering the fact Yayoi had cried on her shoulder for days after the engagement was announced. Why else would the subject come up?
Her facial expressions clearly showing her disgust with his comments, Yayoi stated calmly, "He felt that, given the situation with Kazuki..."
Reika nodded. She didn't necessarily approve of his blunt approach and would definitely have to speak with him given the next opportunity, but he was correct. The boy had always been a bit young for Yayoi and now that he was to be wed, he was even more out of reach. "I'm sure he did not mean to sound so cruel, dear. His words did hold some validity though, I'm sure."
Yayoi stared at her grandmother.
It was a conspiracy. It had to be.
Suspiciously eyeing Reika, Yayoi nodded, picking up the dirty dishes and rising to take them to the kitchen. "I see. I must be getting ready for work. You'll excuse me?"
"Of course, dear." The sudden change in attitude worried Reika. She hoped that her granddaughter had not discovered the little conspiracy she and Mr. Kamikochi had created. It had required a recalling of a couple of past debts to get Mr. Kamikochi in to the school to help with the Business Club. The fact that he actively funded science projects was just a mere fluke that worked into the greater plan. Reika just wished he had approached her sooner, but knowing what she now did about his mother explained his trepidation. His stalling, however, might have caused his second chance to go flying out of the atmosphere permanently, the poor souls.
Reika stood from the table, straightening her outfit and walking towards the door. Her counseling services would be required at the Academy more so than normal during this week of finals and she did not wish to delay any further, especially since her driver was waiting out front patiently.
Sliding on her outdoor slippers, Reika called, "Goodbye, Yayoi! I will see you after school," but heard no response.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Yayoi rubbed her pounding temples as the few remaining students finished their tests. In a stroke of pure kindness, she was allowing the students to leave after their tests were complete. Of course, this was under the understanding that if they did not have a high enough class average, they were to remain for an extra two hours the following day. She hated making such deals, but she found it tended to inspire students this close to the end of the semester.
As the last student handed her test to the headache-plagued teacher, Yayoi noticed another source of stress barrel through her door like an express train: The Business Club.
It hadn't even been two days and already they were meeting again, and in her room no less! Quickly shoving her things into her bag, she set a direct course for the door, dodging the paper wad that had been thrown at a fellow club member and ignoring the general rants on how club dues should be spent. Normally, she would have reprimanded the offending students for throwing paper at each other, but she wanted to escape before...
"Hello, Yayoi. How are you?"
Hiro entered the classroom casually, approaching the teacher in a friendly manner. His winning smile caused Yayoi to warm slightly, but thinking of her conniving grandmother quickly cooled her mood.
A slight look of mistrust in her eyes, Yayoi found another page out of Mitsuki's book and replied, "I don't know, why don't you ask your co- conspirator?"
Hiro gave Yayoi a questioning look before replying slowly, "And that person would be?" He added a slight shrug to emphasize his confusion on the subject.
Yayoi rolled her eyes. Did he really think she was gullible enough to believe such a thinly veiled lie? Who did he take her for?
Yayoi pointed an accusatory finger at Hiro, "You know who I am talking about! My grandmother, Reika!"
The Business Club members, who had been so enthralled with their discussion of dues, now were listening to the argument unfolding before them with baited breath. The girls shook their heads at the way Ms. Schwael was talking to their beloved Mr. Kamikochi while the boys were hoping that it would break-off any chance of a relationship between the two and give them all one final opportunity before she left for space.
Suddenly aware of how public their conversation was being made, the two looked back at the students and replied in one voice, "You are dismissed for the day. Please go home. Hey! You don't have the right to dismiss them!" The two growled at each other while the students quickly filed out of the classroom, whispering about the little spat as they fled.
"This is my classroom and don't you dare try and change the subject! We were talking about the collaboration between you and my grandmother!"
Hiro defensively assured her, "I have no idea what you are talking about, I swear to you! If I did, I would tell you!"
Yayoi made a noise of disbelief, turning her head away from the offensive man. As she did so, she saw her grandmother pass by in the hallway, her gait much slower than normal.
"Grandmother! Now that you've been discovered, come in here and tell the truth," Yayoi hollered at the figure who paused once her name was stated.
Reika looked up at her grandchild, a small fire still burning behind her eyes. "Do not speak to me in that tone, young lady!"
Yayoi, the reality of her rudeness striking her, apologized profusely.
Reika bowed her head in acknowledgement of the apology and continued, "As for a conspiracy, I asked the principal of the Academy to find a new replacement for the Business Club sponsor and suggested Mr. Kamikochi as this replacement. Any other coincidences are just that, coincidence. Mr. Kamikochi had no prior-knowledge that you even worked in this school until he saw me about a week ago and therefore could not have been in the conspiracy you suggest." It was a little white lie, but if it smoothed out the relations between the two, Reika was willing to do it.
Yayoi, her cheeks bright red by this time, bowed her head towards Reika and then Hiro. "I apologize to both of you. If grandmother says there was no pre-planning, I will accept this. Good day." Pushing past both Hiro and Reika, Yayoi darted down the hallway.
Hiro stepped out into the hallway, shouting, "Yayoi! Wait!"
Reika placed a restraining hand on his arm to prevent him from following. "She needs some time, Mr. Kamikochi. She'll come around, I promise."
Hiro nodded. Her reputation preceded her, so Hiro knew he could trust Reika in such matters. "My only concern is that we do not have much time left."
Reika closed her eyes and bowed her head. "So I suppose this means you won't be coming with us?"
Hiro simply nodded, watching Yayoi run out the front door. Despite his desire to be with her, he couldn't leave his remaining family businesses and their ties in someone else's hands. His father had worked so hard to build their wealth up from very humble beginnings. To shed this duty, even for love, would be a grave disrespect to the memory of his parents.
"I see. Do not lose hope, Mr. Kamikochi. I'm sure things will work out." Reika released his arm and began walking away from the businessman.
Hiro whispered his reply to himself as he began walking towards his limo, "I hope so, Mrs. Nanjyoin. I hope so."
Seeking the truth, Hiro delicately continued the conversation from earlier, "We didn't get to finish talking earlier about Kazuki..."
Yayoi's head lowered. She did not wish to continue discussing such matters with Hiro. She retracted her arm from his gradually, putting a little distance between him and her as they walked.
"I did not mean to offend you," Hiro stated, an edge of concern in his voice.
Yayoi shook her head. "No, you did not offend me, I just haven't discussed it with anyone since... Well, since ever, I suppose."
Nodding, Hiro changed the subject, "I don't believe I told you this before, but you look lovely this evening."
Yayoi blushed, looking away from Hiro and down a dark alleyway they were passing.
The red color quickly faded away as she noticed a brief metallic flash in the distance. Attempting to focus, Yayoi heard a soft muffled voice and some struggling, but could not see what was occurring just beyond the reach of the streetlamps.
Hiro noticed it as well and had stopped a couple of feet in front of Yayoi. Stepping towards the alley, he called, "Hello? Is anyone there?"
There was no response.
Warily, Hiro began walking down the alley, his eyes adjusting to the darkened conditions of its inner depths. He passed a dumpster and heard a suppressed scream. Quickening his pace, he ran toward the end where he could just make out a man standing over someone, his hand over their mouth.
Crossing his arms in an x-shape, Hiro slammed into the assailant, knocking him off the victim with such a force that he slammed up against the wall. The attacker's weapon had fallen too far away to be of any use to its owner, so he pushed past the man who had interrupted his business and headed towards the street and Yayoi.
"Yayoi, watch out!" Hiro chased after the man, hoping he could catch him before the criminal caught his date.
The large shadow moving towards her at break-neck speed stuck out like a sore thumb. Yayoi waited calmly for its arrival, quickly ducking as he took a swing towards her. As he attempted to regain his balance, Yayoi struck the man in a fashion that would bring him down as quickly as possible with her knee.
Doubling over, the attacker muttered some curse before lunging at Yayoi.
Unfortunately for him, Hiro had cleared the distance between them and quickly placed his foot in his path. Once grounded, Hiro pinned the criminal with ease.
"I never realized those wrestling classes would come in handy some day," Hiro looked back up at Yayoi, removing his sports jacket. "Please give this to the young woman down there and make sure she's alright. Once you're done, we're going to need some assistance with this gentleman," Hiro trailed off, easily keeping a hold on the man who was struggling to escape.
Yayoi nodded and headed down the alley. Placing the jacket around the shivering woman, she guided her back towards the street gently. Searching the sides of the street, Yayoi quickly found a payphone and called the police. She then returned to the young woman, who was in obvious need of comfort, and held her until the officials arrived.
Eventually, the perpetrator was hauled off to jail and the woman was taken to the hospital for examination. When she attempted to return Hiro's jacket, he held up his hands, refusing to take it. "Keep it, ma'am. I hope you recover quickly."
She nodded, lowering her head as she entered the back of the ambulance. "Thank you."
Slowly approaching Yayoi, Hiro gave her a small smile and stated wryly, "So much for a quiet evening..."
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
The police had been kind enough to give Mr. Kamikochi and Ms. Schwael a ride back to Yayoi's home. If anyone in the Sanada Household had been awake at that hour, they would have feared the worst, Yayoi mused.
Thanking the police officer for his trouble, the couple watched as the official drove off down the street. Opening the front gate to her house, Yayoi wondered if her grandmother was still awake, but quickly remembered she had decided not to wait up. Sighing, she assumed she'd have to wait until morning to discuss the crazy evening and her thoughts with someone.
Her date broke the silence. "Well, that turned into an eventful evening, didn't it," Hiro smiled his usual tender smile as he walked Yayoi to her door.
Thinking back over the night's events, the shock of all that had happened finally began to settle in. All Yayoi could do was nod her head and say, "I would invite you in for tea, but I fear it is much too late..."
Hiro nodded. "Another time, perhaps," he bowed gracefully to Yayoi as she fumbled for her keys unconsciously. "We'll have to do this again sometime."
Yayoi simply nodded, the ramifications of what could have happened processing behind her hard blue eyes. Finally grabbing the proper item, she removed the keys from her purse and unlocked the front door. "Goodnight, Hiro, and thank you for the dinner." Yayoi bowed her head before continuing, "Until we meet again." She quickly shut the door behind herself, making sure to lock it tight.
Hiro stared at the shut door with a sad gaze. He wished he could comfort her, but her warrior-like nature made for a tough exterior to crack at times. There were signs that some of the resistance was beginning to crumble, but nothing absolute. Then there was the space flight...
What the hell was he doing? This woman was going to be gone in less than a week and would probably not return to Earth in his lifetime. He could not-- would not-- be leaving with her due to his family's business and his being the sole heir. Why was he spending so much time with her only for it to only go to waste in the end?
Was it because he recognized her beauty for the first time a mere day ago? Or was it something more?
Was it regret?
Did he regret letting his mother do all of the talking for him so long ago? Did he wish he hadn't allowed Yayoi to slip from his fingers when he had the chance? From what Yayoi had told him at dinner, he doubted his words then would have broken through the Kazuki haze that covered her eyes at that time, but he could have at least tried. He could have said hello to the woman, for goodness sake!
Maybe this was just his way of making up for lost time? Or maybe this was his way of going back in time?
Chuckling to himself, Hiro pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and called the chauffeur. It was late and his mind was beginning to wander aimlessly. He would simply make the best of his current situation. If all that he had left of his trials were the memory of this evening, it would simply have to be enough.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
She poured her customary cup of coffee and sat at the dinning room table, trying to rub the sleep from her eyes. Sipping the cup of hot liquid carefully, Yayoi pondered what she'd be making for Kazuki this morning. Mitsuki Sanada was probably going to be making her typical scrambled eggs or pancakes and posed no threat to Yayoi. Mitsuki Rara, however, was another matter. Her culinary expertise was hard to beat and even had Yayoi drooling at the mere thought of one of her dishes.
Yayoi would have to dig deep into her cookbooks for something to top her. Rising from the table, she began searching her bookcase for potential munitions. Finally finding a likely candidate, Yayoi turned to head back to the kitchen.
A fully dressed Reika blocked Yayoi's path, startling the young teacher slightly. "Hello, grandmother. How are you this morning?"
"Hello child, I am fine. How are you, dear?" The grandmother's expression was extremely solemn. She obviously had something on her mind as she stood before Yayoi.
"I am fine as well. I was about to make breakfast for Kazuki, but I couldn't think of any good recipes. Any suggestions, grandma?"
A frown crossed Reika's face as she contemplated her next words, "Dear, I need to speak to you for a few minutes if I could." Reika motioned towards the small couch with her right hand and hobbled slowly towards it.
"Sure, grandmother! I must be getting over to the Sanada home soon, though," Yayoi responded as she sat on the couch and awaited her grandmother's arrival patiently.
Eventually Reika made it to the seat and flopped down, sighing heavily. She looked at her loving granddaughter, clearly trying to find the right words to tell her.
The older woman appeared troubled. When she finally spoke, she did so softly, "It is not a good idea for you to go over to the Sanada home today. Neither would it be wise for you to go to school. I normally do not condone taking unwarranted days off, but it would be advisable to call in sick and remain home today."
Yayoi, slightly confused by the older woman's suggested course of action, questioned, "Why would I do such a thing, grandmother? Is something wrong with Kazuki?" Fear began to grip her. Had he been hurt in some way?
Yayoi began to rise from her seat to check on her beloved when Reika's hand grabbed her arm with surprising strength, restraining her. "Nothing is wrong with Kazuki. Just think of this as a request from your old and feeble grandmother," she added a soft smile to try and sweeten the deal.
Yayoi sat back down, her fears temporarily diverted. "But grandma, I've got a lot of information to cover and I couldn't possibly let Kazuki leave for school without having a good meal!"
Reika sighed, "Kazuki will eat, I'm certain. As for your class, I have already arranged for a competent substitute to fill in for you. You do not have to worry about anyone but yourself."
Herself? What did Reika mean by this? Yayoi's interest was piqued, but she knew that further inquiries would yield no further answers. "I do not understand your request, grandmother, but if it is what you wish..."
"It is."
"Very well, I will obey," Yayoi relented unwillingly. She really wished that she could at least make lunch for Kazuki. The thought of him eating out of some vending machine was most atrocious.
She also wondered why her grandmother was so adamant about her not teaching on this day. Perhaps the stormy weather had her worried for Yayoi's safety? This was a ridiculous thought, though, for she had walked to school and back numerous times while it rained. What was going on behind those aged eyes?
Suddenly, it was late afternoon and Yayoi was sitting in the living room watching the rain. Kazuki had passed by her house a few minutes prior, apparently deep in thought. Yayoi wanted to go greet him, but Reika, who was also watching the rain pour down, had told her to remain inside.
Looking at the clock and then back outside the window, Yayoi had almost missed her young pupil darting past her house heading in the general direction of downtown. What was worse: He appeared to have no raincoat on.
Yayoi rose quickly, her hands on her raincoat and umbrella, her feet ready to chase him down. Again, a hand to her arm from Reika halted her progress.
"No, dear. We must remain on the sidelines this time."
"What? What do you mean," Yayoi turned and began questioning her elder in an aggravated tone that was most unusual for the woman's granddaughter to address her with.
The look from her face was full of pity. Yayoi knew something was being kept from her and that that something was extremely important, but she did not understand what it was or even why it was being kept from her.
"We simply cannot interfere, dear. I am sorry."
Yayoi flopped on the couch, irritated by the response, but unable to push the subject further due to her respect of her elders. The two continued to watch the rainfall increase in intensity.
After another hour or two of silence, Kazuki slowly passed in front of her house again, his head hung in defeat. Yayoi looked at her grandmother, fully expecting her response before she had begun to shake her head no. Sighing, Yayoi's eyes began watering. Due to her personal honor code, she could not comfort the one she...
Yayoi shot straight up, throwing her sheets to the foot of the bed. She hated the dreams of that day, but she had been experiencing them at least once a month for two years now. Rolling to the side of the bed, her feet casually searched for the floor and eventually found her slippers. Yawning heavily, she ran her fingers through her tangled hair as she walked down the hallway and climbed the stairs to reach the kitchen. Even with the slippers on, Yayoi could feel the cool floor beneath her feet. Soon sweater-clad couples would be seen walking up and down the streets cheerfully.
Scowling at the thought of couples as much as the bright refrigerator light, she poured a small amount of water into a nearby glass and placed the pitcher back in its proper position, kicking the door shut and terminating the offensive light.
"So, how did your evening go?"
Yayoi jumped almost three feet off the ground, completely startled by the voice. She barely caught the glass before it crashed onto the floor and her feet.
"Grandma! You scared me!"
The older woman stood up, pushing the chair back under the dining room table. "My apologies, my dear. My curiosity got the better of me. I noticed that it was almost time for you to be getting up and thought that maybe you would indulge a little old woman with some gossip," the smile was as easily conveyed with words in the dark as it was with her face in the light.
Yayoi smiled, replying, "Certainly, grandmother. Let me start breakfast and I will give you enough fuel to keep the artifact ship a-buzz for months after take-off."
Reika's chuckles emanated from the darkness before she answered, "Of course, dear."
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
"And so, the police brought Hiro and I back here. He and I parted ways promptly thereafter," Yayoi finished her story, bringing the last bite off of her plate to her lips.
"And you didn't invite him in for tea or coffee?" Reika was always concerned that her granddaughter's manners had been drilled out of her during her time in the military and this occasion was no different.
Yayoi finished chewing her food and swallowed, holding her hands up in a defensive posture. "I told you, grandmother, it was late! By the time I got to bed it was a quarter past two hundred. We both had to work early the next day and it would have been more impolite of me to ask him to remain longer than he needed to."
Reika reluctantly agreed, quickly changing the subject, "So what did you two talk about at dinner and prior to the walk home?" She hoped the discussion somehow involved great-grandchildren, but Reika wasn't holding her breath.
"Various things," Yayoi trailed off, bringing the glass to her lips before adding softly, "Like Kazuki."
Reika's eyebrow shot straight up. "Mr. Yotsuga? Why were you two discussing him?"
Yayoi sighed. Grandmother knew how she felt about him, or at least she should have known considering the fact Yayoi had cried on her shoulder for days after the engagement was announced. Why else would the subject come up?
Her facial expressions clearly showing her disgust with his comments, Yayoi stated calmly, "He felt that, given the situation with Kazuki..."
Reika nodded. She didn't necessarily approve of his blunt approach and would definitely have to speak with him given the next opportunity, but he was correct. The boy had always been a bit young for Yayoi and now that he was to be wed, he was even more out of reach. "I'm sure he did not mean to sound so cruel, dear. His words did hold some validity though, I'm sure."
Yayoi stared at her grandmother.
It was a conspiracy. It had to be.
Suspiciously eyeing Reika, Yayoi nodded, picking up the dirty dishes and rising to take them to the kitchen. "I see. I must be getting ready for work. You'll excuse me?"
"Of course, dear." The sudden change in attitude worried Reika. She hoped that her granddaughter had not discovered the little conspiracy she and Mr. Kamikochi had created. It had required a recalling of a couple of past debts to get Mr. Kamikochi in to the school to help with the Business Club. The fact that he actively funded science projects was just a mere fluke that worked into the greater plan. Reika just wished he had approached her sooner, but knowing what she now did about his mother explained his trepidation. His stalling, however, might have caused his second chance to go flying out of the atmosphere permanently, the poor souls.
Reika stood from the table, straightening her outfit and walking towards the door. Her counseling services would be required at the Academy more so than normal during this week of finals and she did not wish to delay any further, especially since her driver was waiting out front patiently.
Sliding on her outdoor slippers, Reika called, "Goodbye, Yayoi! I will see you after school," but heard no response.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Yayoi rubbed her pounding temples as the few remaining students finished their tests. In a stroke of pure kindness, she was allowing the students to leave after their tests were complete. Of course, this was under the understanding that if they did not have a high enough class average, they were to remain for an extra two hours the following day. She hated making such deals, but she found it tended to inspire students this close to the end of the semester.
As the last student handed her test to the headache-plagued teacher, Yayoi noticed another source of stress barrel through her door like an express train: The Business Club.
It hadn't even been two days and already they were meeting again, and in her room no less! Quickly shoving her things into her bag, she set a direct course for the door, dodging the paper wad that had been thrown at a fellow club member and ignoring the general rants on how club dues should be spent. Normally, she would have reprimanded the offending students for throwing paper at each other, but she wanted to escape before...
"Hello, Yayoi. How are you?"
Hiro entered the classroom casually, approaching the teacher in a friendly manner. His winning smile caused Yayoi to warm slightly, but thinking of her conniving grandmother quickly cooled her mood.
A slight look of mistrust in her eyes, Yayoi found another page out of Mitsuki's book and replied, "I don't know, why don't you ask your co- conspirator?"
Hiro gave Yayoi a questioning look before replying slowly, "And that person would be?" He added a slight shrug to emphasize his confusion on the subject.
Yayoi rolled her eyes. Did he really think she was gullible enough to believe such a thinly veiled lie? Who did he take her for?
Yayoi pointed an accusatory finger at Hiro, "You know who I am talking about! My grandmother, Reika!"
The Business Club members, who had been so enthralled with their discussion of dues, now were listening to the argument unfolding before them with baited breath. The girls shook their heads at the way Ms. Schwael was talking to their beloved Mr. Kamikochi while the boys were hoping that it would break-off any chance of a relationship between the two and give them all one final opportunity before she left for space.
Suddenly aware of how public their conversation was being made, the two looked back at the students and replied in one voice, "You are dismissed for the day. Please go home. Hey! You don't have the right to dismiss them!" The two growled at each other while the students quickly filed out of the classroom, whispering about the little spat as they fled.
"This is my classroom and don't you dare try and change the subject! We were talking about the collaboration between you and my grandmother!"
Hiro defensively assured her, "I have no idea what you are talking about, I swear to you! If I did, I would tell you!"
Yayoi made a noise of disbelief, turning her head away from the offensive man. As she did so, she saw her grandmother pass by in the hallway, her gait much slower than normal.
"Grandmother! Now that you've been discovered, come in here and tell the truth," Yayoi hollered at the figure who paused once her name was stated.
Reika looked up at her grandchild, a small fire still burning behind her eyes. "Do not speak to me in that tone, young lady!"
Yayoi, the reality of her rudeness striking her, apologized profusely.
Reika bowed her head in acknowledgement of the apology and continued, "As for a conspiracy, I asked the principal of the Academy to find a new replacement for the Business Club sponsor and suggested Mr. Kamikochi as this replacement. Any other coincidences are just that, coincidence. Mr. Kamikochi had no prior-knowledge that you even worked in this school until he saw me about a week ago and therefore could not have been in the conspiracy you suggest." It was a little white lie, but if it smoothed out the relations between the two, Reika was willing to do it.
Yayoi, her cheeks bright red by this time, bowed her head towards Reika and then Hiro. "I apologize to both of you. If grandmother says there was no pre-planning, I will accept this. Good day." Pushing past both Hiro and Reika, Yayoi darted down the hallway.
Hiro stepped out into the hallway, shouting, "Yayoi! Wait!"
Reika placed a restraining hand on his arm to prevent him from following. "She needs some time, Mr. Kamikochi. She'll come around, I promise."
Hiro nodded. Her reputation preceded her, so Hiro knew he could trust Reika in such matters. "My only concern is that we do not have much time left."
Reika closed her eyes and bowed her head. "So I suppose this means you won't be coming with us?"
Hiro simply nodded, watching Yayoi run out the front door. Despite his desire to be with her, he couldn't leave his remaining family businesses and their ties in someone else's hands. His father had worked so hard to build their wealth up from very humble beginnings. To shed this duty, even for love, would be a grave disrespect to the memory of his parents.
"I see. Do not lose hope, Mr. Kamikochi. I'm sure things will work out." Reika released his arm and began walking away from the businessman.
Hiro whispered his reply to himself as he began walking towards his limo, "I hope so, Mrs. Nanjyoin. I hope so."