The alarm went off and it was shut off before Sango could reach for it. Morning sunlight was just starting to peek through closed shoji, promising a day of sunshine and good weather. She rolled over with a mild groan, not wanting to wake up quite yet, but knowing she had to get ready for another busy day.
"Ohayou Sango-chan." Kagome muttered. A sound of rustling cloth came as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. With a yawn and stretch, Kagome dared to leave the warm cocoon and stood.
"Ohayou Kagome-chan." Sango drawled back, rolling to her back. She stared at the ceiling to mentally wake up, idly watching from the side of one eye as her friend spread her comforter out and folded the futon. Knowing hers was next; Sango gradually sat up and stretched.
"Today promises to be nice and warm." Kagome mused, edging the closet door open with a foot. She dropped the folded bundle inside and turned. "If you like, you can leave this to me and use the toilet room first."
Sango stood, taking some time before that to open the balcony door and walk to it. It wasn't a good idea considering she was in haphazardly closed yukata, but Sango wasn't awake enough to worry about modesty. She draped arms over the wooden rail, looking out at the minute view. The air was crisp and she watched the sunrise for a few seconds, taking in the simple wonder with deep appreciation.
Kagome joined her friend when she finished putting their beds away, inhaling the air. "What a gorgeous morning. Will you just look at that sunrise!" Arms stretched again before Kagome adjusted the folds of her yukata.
Sango smiled at her friend before giving the view her attention again. "We should open the doors today, ne? Something like this is too stunning to waste."
"I agree. That sounds like a fine idea Sango-chan." Kagome laid a hand on her friend's shoulder, getting brown eyes. "Come, you can get ready now while I go start breakfast."
"I'll help Kagome-chan." Sango offered, straightening and heading inside with her friend.
"Thanks Sango-chan, but won't you be getting ready while I'm cooking?"
"I can put my books and notes together before I leave. Please...I want to help out this morning."
Kagome smiled and nodded. "I welcome your assistance then."
Sango headed for the toilet room to use it and wash her face to wake up. She let her friend use it next as she shut the balcony door to get dressed. If the morning temperatures were any indication to this afternoon, it was going to be warm. Sango started pulling out clothes as her friend exited the toilet room and stood above, looking at the hung clothes. The pair dressed together and exited for the upstairs floor, Sango letting her friend go first.
"I'll get the eating room balcony Kagome-chan, you get the kitchen."
"Can do Sango-chan."
Sango turned for the room and jumped at finding it occupied. A hand rested over her heart as she took a breath to calm it. She pasted on a smile and paused in her mission. "Ohayou nasai Kikyou-sama."
Said woman put down her teacup and gave a congenial look. "Ohayou nasai Sango. What was this about balcony doors?"
There was no need to ask for permission if no one was in the room, but Sango didn't want to be haughty and open the shoji if Kikyou-sama didn't want it open. She was situated right next to the doors to see the view, so the wind would hit her more. Besides, this was not Sango's home. If someone else was in a room she was planning on changing, it was polite to ask for the okay first.
"Kagome-chan and I were going to open the balcony doors to let some air in. We were outside and it's beautiful weather right now. Plus the sunrise is nice."
Kikyou stared at her cup in thought, face masked. They were high up enough to keep most dust from coming in if the door was open and wind blew something in. The hotel wasn't well sealed due to old construction methods, but this morning didn't feel too bad when she stepped out of her futon. Kikyou finally nodded and sipped her tea again.
Sango stepped around her senpai and opened both all the way, letting in a strong sunbeam. She blinked, not expecting the light to be so much already. Turning, she looked to the back of shining raven. "Is the sun bothering you Kikyou-sama?"
"No Sango, it's fine."
Sango nodded and stepped back, taking in the room. It might not be a problem for Kikyou-sama, but she and Kagome-chan had to sit facing the window. The sun would be right in their faces. Sango's lips pursed, not wanting to close the windows just for that, but not wanting to eat blind either. She could only hope the sun rose enough by the time breakfast was ready.
As usual, Sango cut up all the vegetables to be eaten, grabbing things from the fridge as requested and watching her friend make breakfast. It seemed like such a simple thing to do, but looks were always deceiving. It was even an exact science to wash rice to get it the proper texture and consistency and throughout the many years Sango washed rice for her friend, she still hadn't gotten it down. Water temperature, amount of leftover bran, and washing time were always going to be different.
Sango watched as her friend put everything in dishes to be taken out, taking the tray for her with the silent offer to get things set up. She probably wouldn't be able to do it quite the same as her friend, but practice was always a good thing. Long ago, she asked for help from Kagome-chan about all the details of a good cook and the first thing she was told was presentation.
0-
"Please understand Sango-chan, taste is important, but by arranging your food in such a way to make it look beautiful is just as crucial. Your skill as a cook also shows in this aspect. From what you tell me, you never bothered so long as it was edible?"
"Ee. I never troubled myself to do everything like a chef can. I lived with my father and brother - it was more significant to have food on the table on time. Do you think you can help me Kagome-chan?"
"I'll do what I Sango-chan, but I can help you get some basics down before we get to the harder stuff."
0-
At the time, it took a lot of nerve to ask for help, but Sango felt foolish whenever the memory came back. She wanted to laugh at herself for feeling like she was asking for a ton of money without being able to pay it back. She wasn't good at requesting things when she should already know how to cook, but that was the problem with having to do so much. There was the matter of time and the lack of a supply devoted to proper cooking which always escaped her.
Bowls and plates were arranged quite nicely by the time she finished and Sango was satisfied with the setup. Kagome-chan, as always, did a good job at appearances; she only hoped to do it justice by putting everything the way it should be.
Still unsure with her beginner level, Sango turned for the kitchen and stopped next to her companion. "Kagome-chan, I've got everything arranged. Do you think you could double-check it?"
Kagome smiled and craned her head around her friend to take a peek at the table. Whether Sango-chan did a good job or not, Kagome didn't really want to admonish her friend if she did a bad job and make her feel awful. She understood the delicate position of trying to teach someone, but also knew the woman wouldn't learn if she didn't know how to do something right. If that meant correcting her, Kagome would have to open her mouth. "Sauces go next to the main course Sango-chan. Otherwise, it looks perfect."
Sango turned to fix the tiny dishes. She saw movement in the stairwell and looked to it. A smile graced her face as she stopped for a second. "Ohayou Rin. Ohayou nasai Kaede-obaasan."
"Ohayou nasai Sango-san." Rin answered, waving a hand. She openly sniffed the air, an appreciative look on her face. "Breakfast smells good as always." Kaede smiled in greeting, arm around Rin's, as they made their way up.
Sango left the pair and made to finish what she started. In a minute, everything was the way it should be and Sango studied the look, trying to ingrain it in her mind until the other two wandered in to eat. She stepped aside to let the elder sit, offering her hand to help her down. After that, she set the cane in an easy to reach spot before heading back to the kitchen. "Are you ready to sit down Kagome-chan?"
Wiping her hands, eyes scanned the area to make sure everything was as picked up as it was going to get until everyone finished eating. Quickly, Kagome poured water from a heater to teapot, setting it and glasses on a tray. "Let's head over." She replied. A quick balancing act and the tray was emptied.
"It looks very good you two." Kaede announced.
A round of 'itadakimasu' sounded before everyone grabbed chopsticks and started in.
Sango didn't want to hurry to eat, but intuition was soon telling her the hour was ending and she should be heading off if she wanted to get to class on time. There was no clock in this room and she didn't want to just get up in the middle of eating to check the time. There was one wall in another room, but Sango couldn't see it from here.
Sitting mere centimeters next to her friend, Kagome could tell the subtle shifting under the chabudai and knew exactly what it was about. There was only one thing Sango-chan would get so nervous about this early in the morning. Checking the level of tea and seeing it could use a refill, Kagome stood without much explanation and headed to the kitchen. She noted the time, filled the pot, and returned. Positioning chopsticks to continue eating, Kagome cast a glance to her left. "Sango-chan, I do believe it's about time to leave for school."
Brown widened as Sango mentally thanked her friend. She practically stuffed the remaining food in her mouth and gathered up her dishes. "Gochisousan." She mumbled.
Kagome placed a hand on an arm as the woman made to rise. "I'll take care of your dishes Sango-chan - you need to hurry and get your things ready."
What would she do without her friend? Sango shot a smile of gratitude and left them in an easy pile to pick up before bowing to the masses. "Ittekimasu." She announced. It wasn't necessary to say anything until she actually left, but they wouldn't hear her when she would say it.
"Itterashai." Kaede returned, nodding as she hurried from the room.
Sango waved before totally out of sight, rapidly walking to the steps. She skipped down as fast as possible to the other level without risking a fall. Now out of hearing and criticism about running in the halls, Sango jogged to her room and snatched the backpack sitting on her study table. She mentally tracked the classes for today and made sure all books and homework were inside. After that, she jogged back for the stairs and skipped steps to the ground floor.
It was almost nostalgic to see such an old-fashioned hotel so early in the morning and no matter how many times Sango passed it in such early hours, the feeling never escaped her. Any work on these floors was done at night and the atmosphere was entirely different. This look was almost homey and it was hard to connect what they were actually used for.
Shaking herself from such things, knowing it was only eating away precious seconds, Sango hurried to her sneakers and shoved the front doors open. They easily closed behind her and she tried to keep from slamming them. Shouldering the bag, Sango grasped both straps and started trotting. It was thankfully a close walk to the station, but this early assured large shopping and business crowds. There was no getting around them, so the only hope Sango had was to beat them and find a decent spot on the train.
She managed to find a ring to hang onto the whole way to her stop. After getting off, she checked her time on a nearby wall clock and found she was about on like always. That was a relief and she slowed to a general walk to keep from getting sweaty in first period.
It was nice being only one district away; it was a faster ride to college. That was an overstatement though, because Hongo campus was HUGE and Sango always took the campus shuttle to weave around everything just to get to the outskirts.(1) It was a pretty efficient system, kind of like a mini-subway system mirror to Tokyo's, so it never took long to get on a bus. Luckily most of her classes were next to Akamon, but the walk around buildings was as bad as getting to the subway.
Finally entering the edge of campus, Sango waved to a few students she knew in the few years and some of her current classmates headed her way. She slowed to let them catch up, smiling in greeting when they came in earshot.
"Ohayou Tsuyoi-san."
"Ohayou." She returned, brow furrowing as one went back to looking at a few sheets of paper. "What do you have there?"
Brown eyes met hers in mild confusion. "Don't tell me you forgot about the quiz in our second class Tsuyoi-san."
Sango stopped for a second, brain rapidly recalling all of last week. Announcement of the quiz sprang to mind and Sango smiled. "You caught me off-guard, but I haven't forgotten it." A finger waved as a teasing grin popped up. "Are you trying to give this poor woman a heart attack?"
Chuckling sounded as one held the door open. Nods of thanks came from everyone as the group trickled into the hallway. A general hum of talk and bobbing head filled the hallways. Sango and her fellow students managed to weave around most of them until a few split off for their classes. Goodbyes were practically shouted to be heard until Sango reached her first class. She held the door open for the remainder with her and headed for an available seat. She shared small talk with some while pulling out books, immediately paying attention when the teacher walked in.
Classes were long and difficult. Most of them were at least one to two hours. Most were lectures with a few labs. Sango kept all books and notebooks from every class, occasionally going back through when she had vacation time to rewrite for better handwriting and more comprehension. It seemed pretty pointless since she already had everything written down and notes in the books, but she didn't like forgetting things.
She had four classes this semester and they easily filled up her week. They started just after sunrise and went till mid afternoon. Of course, Sango made sure to put some extra time for walking between classes and a lunch break down since she never brought food with. It would be nice to have Kagome-chan pack her a bento everyday, but that was not only asking too much, but Sango didn't mind cafeteria food. It also gave her time to associate for a bit with some students and, when eating with someone else from a class, go over misunderstood stuff.
It was a secret wish she had to get through the four-year program in less than four years. The faster Sango graduated, the quicker she could get a job in a hospital and move back with her brother.
'Kohaku...' Her heart panged, longing to see him again. It'd definitely been a while - perhaps sometime in March? - since they spent time together. Sango felt a little guilty for that, although she wrote to him as faithfully as the first month they were apart.
The wish to move back with her brother was another secret desire connected with wanting to graduate early. Sango prayed it would be a successful aspiration, though she seriously doubted it. Not many students graduated early from such a hard choice of study. Plus there was fieldwork to do in hospitals before one could consider themselves ready to go at it fulltime. Hospitals and places that needed nurses wouldn't accept someone who hadn't put in real time beforehand.
Sango had yet to get out and see any actual patients, but that would arrive faster than it should. Final year students left the classroom and put their skills to work and Sango wondered if, considering it right now, she had what it took next year to start fieldwork. Every time she felt this uncertainty, she always drove herself to study harder and put those fears to rest. All she needed was practice and the harder she studied, the better she would be when she got out there.(2)
-.-.-.-
The cafeteria was a sight for sore eyes and Sango hurried to get a good place in line. Breakfast wore off last class and her stomach was starting to growl. She tried to quell it to keep it from voicing an opinion of what she should be doing instead of taking notes and suffer embarrassment.
Loading up a tray and paying the cashier, the second she turned and looked for a place to sit she locked eyes with a few classmates waving to her. Sango smiled and headed over, setting her tray down on a cleared spot. "Tsuyoi-san, konnichiha."
"Konnichiha" She answered, steadying the pack on the back of the chair. "How is everyone doing today?"
"Can't complain."
"Speak for yourself; you know we have that quiz coming up. Mou...I'll never be ready in time!"
Sango grabbed utensils and dug in, but gave her friend a look. "Which is that for?" She already got done with one quiz and this person was in one of her classes, it wouldn't do to forget another test.
"Don't listen to the whiner...she's just overreacting. That quiz isn't for a few days and you know it. Don't worry; you'll manage to cover everything in time."
"I don't know...did you check out the chapter?"
"What chapter is this for?" She piped up, still curious.
"Repertory track and pulmonary diseases."
"I've taken that class already."
"Perhaps you can help me review it?"
Sango gave an apologetic look, feeling a little bad that she would have to squash such a hopeful expression. "Sorry, I've got work after classes tonight or I would help you study. Gomen that I can't help."
The eyes never lost their sparkle. "But you know this stuff already? Do you think you could go over a few things with me before you head off to class? I'll take that over nothing right now."
Sango smiled and nodded. "I'll do my best to answer whatever you want. Pardon me if my brain is a little rusty."
The rest of her hour was spent in a mini-tutor session. Sango considered it productive for not having any notes and only memory to go on. She helped out a lot from the profuse thanks, but there was no real life talk at all once she started in. It was a shame because Sango felt like conversing with her companions about something other than college for a change. Her days were full of college at home, so why should she expect anything else when at the topic of her life? She mentally sighed, recognizing her selfishness. 'I helped someone out today. I should be happy I did that.'
Though she told herself to feel better, Sango felt somewhat cheated from a little fun. It wasn't everyday she got to joke around with others outside the hotel. Sango did talk a little before classes, but that wasn't enough time to get a good conversation going.
Dumping her tray in the trash, Sango shouldered the bag again and waved to the remaining who didn't have another class and headed for the exit doors.
-.-.-.-
Classes finally ended and Sango stuffed everything in her bag. Time to head home and get ready for work. She wanted to have extra time in between classes and work just in case something happened and thankfully the schedule with this job gave her two hours. There was no need to rush around like she did two semesters ago with her old job.
Since it was the beginning of the month, Sango took a trip to the post office to check her mail. Normally, she checked it once a week, not ever expecting much. She kept a separate post box address instead of having mail sent to the hotel. It may've been more convenient to send it to her place of residence, but having a p.o. box kept anyone from looking into her temporary home. She was too mortified to let the world know where she was living.
It also kept Kohaku from knowing too.
Every time Sango thought of Kohaku paying a visit to the hotel her heart clenched and she almost panicked. She refused to tell her little brother anything about the hotel or details of the people that lived there. The less he knew, the better it would be for them both. Sango knew if Kohaku ever found out, she would never be able to face him again. It was too disgraceful - this main job she had that paid so well. It wasn't as if she hated the people; far from it.
Any good mood she had disintegrated with thoughts of the soaplady business. It was a secure job, oddly enough, even for its origins. Men paid the standard fifteen thousand set down years ago by Kikyou-sama and Kaede-obaasan.(3) Expenses like electricity, food, water, sewer, etc were taken from that money and the rest was Sango's. She had enough to send to Kohaku every month for rent and put some aside for books. Business was never lacking and most of the men who came in were those who could easily pay the amount specified.
Fifteen thousand was quite a bit, which was why Kikyou-sama demanded everyone earn it. If they were going to please a man, they had to play their parts and know all the tricks.
The woman was shrewd, but a good businesswoman. She had the beauty, manners, and grace men could only imagine finding in a woman nowadays. She was near perfect and quite the ideal model for girls aspiring to be upright, but Sango still didn't like her that much. She never voiced her displeasure to anyone because she had no desire to find another place to live. She knew the expressions 'cutting off one's nose' and 'biting the hand' very well and tolerated the woman whenever they were in the same room and had to speak to each other.
Their personalities were too mismatched. Kikyou-sama was cool about so many things in life and never seemed to get angry. Sango couldn't imagine what it was like to never get frustrated or laugh at something or cry when she wanted to. During some geisha training, she tried to imagine herself quiet and refined and almost wanted to quit. She considered her spirit too much to be tied down like that. She was attached to the hotel as it was, but once that was over she would leave and not regret it. That's what happened when you put rabbits and tigers together...conflict was sure to ensue unless one gave in.
Automatic doors swung open and Sango jolted to the outside world. She smiled and bowed her head in general greeting, stepping out of the way for people leaving. Hands reached for keys hidden in a pocket in her bag as she made for a wall of metal slots. She fished out the key for her box and opened the small door. A grin lit her face as she found a letter sitting inside. Kohaku's handwriting was on the front.
She wanted to open it now, but Sango restrained herself and set it amidst books to keep it from getting squashed before heading home. She had to get her uniform and get a snack prior to heading out. Sure, she could probably find something at a nearby market, but saving money was a good idea.
The train ride was quick and she went immediately for the uniform kept safely in a drawer. She didn't exactly want to change here and then head over - what happened if something got on her clothes? Dumping everything from her bag, save for maybe some homework that could get done later if she had time, Sango tucked clothes inside and headed for the lower level. A bite to eat and she'd be gone.
"Eh? Ayame-chan? What're you doing here?"
Said woman looked over and smiled. "Konnichiha Sango-chan. I have work tonight, so I thought I'd come a little early and do some homework beforehand."
Sango nodded and stepped past the threshold, setting her bag aside. She stopped in front of the fridge and started digging around.
"Ah, Sango-chan...I just remembered something. Kikyou-sama wanted to talk to you about work tonight."
Brown furrowed as Sango looked up. "Kikyou-sama?" Work? What in the world could the woman want? She hoped she wouldn't have to call in if something was going to happen. "I'll find her in a bit. I need to get something to eat first. Where did you see her last?"
"She was in her room last I knew."
Sango nodded and pulled things out to put together. It wouldn't do good to have her boss waiting longer than she had already, so Sango resolved to make this a fast meal. As much as she hoped to eat a little leisurely today, she now hoped to get out of here on time.
Fifteen minutes later, Sango checked each room on the top floor and the sleeping rooms, but Kikyou-sama was nowhere to be seen. With a sigh at having to search, Sango ventured into each floor, listening for anything on the familiar voice. It wasn't quite late enough for men to start entering and unused rooms were left open. Still, no Kikyou-sama.
Oddly enough, just as she was ready to head out and speak with her later, Sango saw the woman in the check-in area with her plants. Sango suppressed annoyance at finding her all the way at the bottom and spending so much time looking. Punctuality was important and she didn't want to lose her job over something like tardiness.
"Kikyou-sama? You wanted to speak with me?"
Immediately, Kikyou stopped her care on a flowerpot and took off the gardening gloves. "Sango. I have a job for you tonight when you get back from work."
Brown widened in shock. "A - already? But, I don't know if I'll be able to make it back in time. Tonight?"
Kikyou looked to the woman, eyes narrowing the slightest of degrees at the hesitant tone. "I made sure it is past the hour you specified when you come back from your part-time job. You will have close to an hour to freshen up and get ready."
Fifteen thousand yen... Sango mentally sighed, not wanting to give up so much easy money. Steeling herself, telling herself this was not for her own benefit, her shoulders squared as she nodded. "Understood. I will try to hurry home and not dally afterwards."
-.-.-.-
Sango didn't have too many jobs in her life. Some of them were okay, some were easy and some hard. She didn't like to be like some of those people who switched jobs that they didn't like or didn't pay enough. Sure money was a factor, but hours were way more important. She needed something that could make money, but would work with her schedule. College was second most important thing after Kohaku and she wouldn't let anything jeopardize graduation time. Not even a job. As much as Sango didn't like to give up on something, jobs were discarded if they didn't fit into her schedule. It was the only reason she had more than one job since high school. Almost every semester she had to start over and relearn what she should be doing and Sango kind of felt bad for it, but not with this.
Waitressing wasn't quite so bad once one learned the tricks. The biggest one was how to deal with people. Most of it was upstarts who wanted to put someone down in front of their friends or men who wanted her number. Sango had become quite evasive in uncomfortable situations and managed to wheedle her way out of them easily.
It wasn't a bad establishment though. La Boheme was classy and Sango liked the setup - plus it was in Shinjuku.(4) It was a little crowded with so many tables, but one knew how to thread their way through after a few days. It attracted some high-payers who liked Italian.
Working the sunset shift was always busy, since many shoppers or tourists seeing the Gyoen decided to have dinner. Sango didn't mind, as it always made time fly by that way.
There was a hum of quiet talk in the air and Sango felt ready to work as she passed the doors - definitely feeling a little out of place in jeans and shirt at seeing so many women in nice dresses. She made for the employee bathrooms in the back. Her bag went in a small locker section set up for employees and she finished slipping into the provided loafers.
Everything was formal wear. Waiters wore black slacks, white shirt, black tie, black apron; women wore long black skirts with black tights, white shirt, black tie, black apron. Shoes were black. It made her feel rather professional and Sango almost slipped into a role, much like at the hotel, as she stopped at the board to find the tables she would cover tonight. She quickly made to put her hair up in a ponytail to keep it out of the way before heading out when movement caught her eye.
"Well if it isn't Tsuyoi-san. Konbanha."
Sango smiled and scooted out of the way as the swinging door pushed aside to let someone by. "Konbanha to you too Nakama-san. Has it been like this long?"
Said person shrugged and adjusted the tray in her hands. "It picked up about half an hour ago. You know how it is sometimes. Do you have your book and a pen?"
A hand dove into a pocket in the apron specifically for keeping the order book in. A pen followed the book as Sango held up her contents. "All ready to head out. Looks like I get to cover the upper alcove tonight and take the stairs a million times."
Nakama grinned. "Exercise is good for you. Now shoo, I'm making someone wait."
0-
Sango took her only fifteen minutes around eight, taking enough time to snag a dish brought back by a finicky customer - why bother wasting perfectly good food which would only be thrown away?(5) - and rub her feet. Despite the comfort of loafers, standing on one's feet for hours on end still hurt.
She had to've seen almost two dozen tables since starting. Having around a dozen to administer, Sango didn't have much to think about besides food and drink orders. Her brain shut down from the outside world ten minutes after punching in, but one thing flared as she made for the alcove.
Brown widened as adrenaline hit her with such a force, Sango nearly dropped the tray she had in one hand.
To her back sat a familiar ponytail...a woman across from him. She was pretty, though Sango had no clue who she was. The face was obscured mostly by messy, black bangs until it shifted to the side.
Sango's heart almost stopped. It was enough to have to see him once, but now she had to deal with him again...because he was sitting at one of her tables. Quickly, Sango went to the waiting table and took their order, maintaining professional cool and keeping her distress hidden until she got to the kitchen and posted the sheet.
She leaned against the wall, taking deep breathes. She couldn't possibly face the man like this. She didn't want to face him at all again - unless he was paying for a repeat trip and then it was strictly business - and here she was interacting with him. Someone like him was bad news the way he acted and Sango avoided player types like him.
"Huh? Tsuyoi-san...what's wrong? Are you feeling okay?"
Sango looked up, blowing bangs from her eyes and came face to face with her manager. She cringed for a second before hiding her eyes with bangs and straightening. "Excuse me sir. I felt a little woozy, but I'm fine now." She forced a smile for show. There was no way she could say she was feeling odd because of someone she didn't want to serve. She would be fired before her manager shuffled staff around just so she didn't have to take that single table.
"If you need to, take a quick second and get some water. It might help. We don't need you fainting out there if you are sick."
Sango bowed, feeling a little bad for lying. "Really, I am fine now. I must get out there before the customers get impatient." Without another retort to keep her in the back, Sango turned and exited the swinging doors.
She would have to be his waitress. As much as she wanted to keep from making chitchat, she would have to force herself to endure. She only hoped he wouldn't make any comments to her other job; it was a big fear she always had.
She stopped at his table, pad ready, and barely gave him her eyes. "Please excuse me for keeping you waiting. My name is Tsuyoi Sango and I will be your waitress tonight. Can I get you anything to drink?" She got the woman's, but he remained silent. She forgot his name again, never resolved to remember it, and was glad. Sir was distant.
She met his eyes and found them confused, but he had a little smile as if it was a pleasant surprise. She bit the inside of her lip, fearing he would mention the hotel and praying he wouldn't. "Sir...do you care for anything to drink?"
Miroku couldn't believe his luck. Fate was kind to him for once and he almost forgot the date in front of him for the one waiting on him. A full grin broke out. "Well, isn't this a surprise. I never expected our paths to cross like this."
Sango's hand clenched a little around the book. She gave him a polite smile. "Yes, we do meet again. Is there anything I can get you to drink sir?"
She quite abruptly changed the topic and a brow rose. He dumbly gave the order; also that he knew what he wanted to eat and ordered for him and his date. He watched her write it down and made to speak again, but she cut him off with a bow and excuse that she would be back. She exited before he could ask details of how long she was employed and why they never met here before now.
Sango walked on eggshells every time she was within a meter of his table. She feared he would catch her attention to want something or to say something of her being here. She made sure to use the learned elusive methods to get out and made sure to make fewer trips to his table than needed. Her only hope for almost noticeably rude behavior was that he didn't report her to management.
He saw her strolling around and couldn't help to watch her walk away. The skirt left so much to the imagination and a few times Miroku had to remind himself he was on a date and his attention should be paid to the other woman. His curiosity was so much, his questions never answered each time she visited their table, and Miroku took it upon himself to get a reply. He made an excuse for the toilet and noted the main causeway. He observed her heading in and subtly made for that direction.
Miroku took into account that she might be carrying something out, so thought up away to stop her physically without making her drop something. He didn't want a scene, but she wouldn't pause if he asked her. With the way she was so far tonight, he knew that for certain.
They would be gone soon. Sango felt quite proud of herself for sticking it out and handling it. She grabbed an order and deftly balanced it. She pushed the doors open with one hand and then latched onto the edge. A small tug on her waist jolted her a little and fearing she snagged her skirt, Sango's head turned...almost dropping the tray in shock.
Miroku smiled and let go. "Hello Tsuyoi-san."
Sango's grip on the edge tightened to painful proportions. She nodded. "Was there something you needed sir? I apologize for any delay. If you will give me a few minutes to get this delivered, I will be over there to get to you."
Her tone was almost patronizing and certainly isolated. Miroku's brow furrowed. "Well Tsuyoi-san, I wanted to ask you something, but you never stay around long enough for me to inquire."
Sango's jaw clenched momentarily. She masked any emotion except professionalism and bowed her head. "Please forgive my rudeness, but this second is not a good time. I must get this food to the table before my customers complain."
Miroku didn't trust the woman to come back right away, not with as busy as the place was. They had good food - he would know good Italian after all - and they weren't lacking clientele. "I suppose they were only trivial things." He looked away, scanning the area. "I was pondering why I never saw you in here before. This is one of my favorite restaurants."
That was just perfect; Sango didn't need him as a regular just because she worked here. "Well, it is a big district I guess."
Why she was being like this he didn't know. The first time they met, Miroku figured she was just stunned at seeing him again, but this was too much. He met her eyes, searching them. "Yes it is. But I've known about this place for quite a while now. How long have you been employed here?"
Why did he care? Sango shifted the food, praying someone would come out and take her away. She hoped he would take the hint, but he didn't let her go. "This is my second semester. Why do you ask?"
A brow rose. 'College?' This was getting interesting.
Before he could ask anything else, Sango cut him off. "Sir, I really must get this to the table. Your food will be up shortly and I will bring it to you."
He watched her head off, mystery and intrigue about her rising with each meter. Miroku pondered her behavior all the way back and even after he sat down, wondering why she would be so formal when they were on rather close terms. He wouldn't mind a date with her and maybe get to know her, but she wasn't making it easy to drop a proposal.
He was kind of confused. He didn't know how you could sleep with someone and then treat them like a total stranger. It was hard to do after seeing every inch of skin and feeling places not many could get access to. He would have to find a way to get an answer to quell his interest if he wanted to put her out of his mind. Especially now; he was supposed to be on a date.
-.-.-.-
Sango managed to avoid much more talk with the man and breathed a sigh of relief when they left. She finished out the remaining time as if a weight was taken off her shoulders.
When her shift ended, Sango immediately changed and folded everything in her bag. She waved goodbye to some of the cooks and servers who had some time left and exited. She took the first train back to the hotel and was back in no time. Kaede-obaasan greeted her at the desk, informing her of her time to get ready and a few details on who she would be with. Sango took it in and left to get ready.
She finished in no time and had nothing to do for at least twenty minutes. Her hair was drying from the bath and other than towel drying it, the only thing left was homework. Sango felt too anxious to study, but she had to do something. Kohaku's letter came to mind, but Sango immediately rejected the idea. His letters always tended to sway her emotions to places no one needed to see them go and she would be no good for the man if she read it.
Sango dug the envelope from the stack of books on her table, sitting and staring at it. Her eyes softened as she stared at his handwriting, heart panging. How she missed her baby brother...she would have to find a free day to spend with him soon. She missed the only family she had left.
0-
The city was so noisy at night. It was also too bright. Sango could barely see the stars from the hotel roof. She frowned as she tried to search, finally giving up and switching the flashlight on. No one was up here except the laundry; she had the whole place to herself.
Fixing the towel around her hair, Sango shivered a little against the chill of night. Her skin had yet to dry from the second bath after being with that man, though part of her was insistent to be alone and let everything out of her system.
0-
Aneue,
Are you well? I am doing okay. School is hard and cram schools keep me busy, but I'm getting good grades.
How are your classes doing? Is college keeping you just as busy? Hope you don't get too stressed out with that and all your jobs. I hope you don't work too hard just for my benefit. I received your payment for rent on time. Thank you for your continual help.
I miss you aneue. I hope to be able to spend time with you sometime soon.
Kohaku
0-
Sango's eyes squeezed shut as tears lined them. Thankfully she was already seated or the will to stand would've left her a while ago and it would be a painful landing. Arms went around her legs, hand carefully clutching the paper against the wind. She quietly wept for want to see him and joke with him and try to teach him something about life that she already went through.
'Kohaku...I miss you too.' How she loved her ototo. He was all she had in this world after their father died. Her mother died when she was young, when Kohaku was still a baby. She took care of him afterward to help their father who worked for them. Then he passed and Sango took it upon herself as the elder and closest relative to work.
A hand finally rose and wiped her face, sniffling a few times. She took a few breaths to compose herself and stared at her mail. Now more than before she wanted to make time to spend with him. This isolation was getting worse and though she made him move to the center of Tokyo, she hated being away from him like this. Part of her was ashamed to see his sweet face, but part of her couldn't believe she would put herself through this.
Tomorrow...tomorrow she would surely look through her calendar and check for the next holiday that would let out of college and his upper secondary school(6). She would plan on a district to take him shopping and general window-shopping and spend the day together.
But right now, she was tired. It must be past midnight and she had classes in the morning.
I am a BEGINNER Japanese learner, so if these are not 100 correct, please let me know if you care to do so. I only have a web page and a dictionary to learn from. This spot dedicated to new vocabulary only.
Translations: Ohayou-(Good) morning (many ways to say this) - Ne-Right/huh/etc (used a lot in Japan, doesn't really have an exact meaning) - Ohayou nasai-(Good) morning (more polite)
Ee-Like hai - Hongo-Campus housing the graduate school of medical science - Akamon-Red gate (one of the many entrance gates) - Bento-Box lunch - Mou-Sheesh/geez
Gyoen-Imperial garden - Nakama-Company/fellow/colleague/associate/comrade/etc - Aneue-Older sister (old-fashioned way of saying) -
Having done much research, this story will be highly Japanese orientated and probably confusing at points. Numbers at the end of sentences will describe the whole sentence, while numbers next to a word will describe only that. If any of these are wrong, please correct me.
1:That was an overstatement though, because Hongo campus was HUGE and Sango always took the campus shuttle to weave around everything just to get to the outskirts.: http/www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/campusmap/cam010202e.html and http/www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/campusmap/map0102e.html Links to Hongo campus.
2:All she needed was practice and the harder she studied, the better she would be when she got out there.: I've tried to figure out a nursing degree and it turns out it's not like a regular arts and sciences degree. You take the classes and you're either a CNA, LPN, RN, etc. Degrees don't really come into play, but for s's-n-g's, they do here.
3:Men paid the standard fifteen thousand set down years ago by Kikyou-sama and Kaede-obaasan.: 15,000 yen with an exchange rate of 107 (currently) is almost $139.36. Seems a little expensive, but some places can charge what they want. :shrugs:
4:La Boheme was classy and Sango liked the setup - plus it was in Shinjuku.: An actual Italian restaurant as it is in the story. Don't know what the Italian means though. http/ (Second down)
5:why bother wasting perfectly good food which would only be thrown away: My friend used to be a waitress. She says that the waiters/waitresses snack on the meals brought back because they were made wrong (finicky tastes) during breaks or free time because they'll just get thrown away anyway.
6:upper secondary school: The Japanese educational system is divided into five basic levels: kindergarten, elementary school (six years), lower secondary school (three years), upper secondary school (three years), and university (usually around four years). This corresponds to the American kindergarten, elementary school, junior high/middle school, high school and college.