School. A place designated and designed to suit the different learning needs of all. Lessons brimming with information about the world and its workings filled the timetables in the form of primitive lectures. Although terminals were now integrated into daily lessons to incorporate multimedia learning, not all the needs of the primary learning styles were accommodated. This is particularly glaring since most information was transmitted verbally in a restrictive environment, with the aid of technology such as slides. Lessons that involved practical activities were few and far between, restricting kinesthetic learners' ability to perform. Terminals, meant to enhance learning, instead distracted students from their daily schedule through the access of the web and the multitude of games and entertainment sources online. Oh the irony. Something meant to enhance a product or feature ends up accidentally breaking it by increasing the faults in the system. School, meant for learning ended up detracting students, causing those unsuited to the main perceived learning styles to suffer a loss of time instead. Smiling wryly Tatsuya walked away from the institute of 'education' he currently schooled at. Such were the cryptic musings of Tatsuya.
"Tatsuya kunnn~!" A sweet voice coming from is near right entered Tatsuya's ears causing him to shiver.
Looking toward the right was Mayumi in the regular school attire. She held her bag in front of her, with both her small porcelain white hands clasped unto the handle. She looked exceptionally cute. She looked at him and flashed him a smile. Tatsuya raised his eyebrow and looked at her questioningly.
"Don't daydream so often!" She said energetically
Life pulled an irony there and then. Walking while talking, Tatsuya had to bend Mayumi's head down slightly to avoid her head coming in contact with a dangling branch. Mayumi blushed at the contact. Trying to hide her embarrassment, she asked with a pout
"What was that for?"
"There was a branch"
"E-eh?" Looking back, she saw the branch.
Tatsuya chuckled merrily as Mayumi looked at her feet, she felt as if she wanted to just dig a hole and hide.
"Seems like you just demonstrated your earlier statement. Thanks. I'll remember the lesson"
Mayumi glared at him and began pounding his shoulder with her small fists. Leo wolf whistled drawing their attention. He then placed his hands around his mouth to imitate a loud speaker
"Beware, couple fight ongoing. Do not disturb. Any disturbance will result in eeurk!"
Leo hit the ground with a thud. Shizuku Honoka and Miyuki immediately rushed to Leo. Getting up, Leo held Mayumi's purse in one hand, his other hand nursing his temple.
"Woi calm down Mayumi. That was just a joke. That was a seriously good throw though. Next time I'd pity Tatsuya, he's bound to receive much domestic abuse."
Giving up, Mayumi's hands flopped to her side, her previous task of pounding Tatsuya forgotten. The rest laughed. Seeing Leo was fine, Tatsuya helped him up. He then received the purse from Leo. Feeling its weight, his eyebrows rose. It was way heavier than it looked. He was sure Leo's head would throb with pain that night. Passing the purse cum weapon back to Mayumi, the group proceeded toward the station.
"Good evening Honami! We're home!" Miyuki called as she took of her shoes and proceeded into the house.
"Honami, We're home!" Tatsuya's relatively lifeless voice echoed as he walked toward the living room armed with their bags.
Anyone who didn't know Tatsuya thought he was robot like, but his simple small actions could really determine his mood. Even a slight altercation in his tone could denote his expression. A small twitch or adjustment of the shape of his mouth could help to show one his mood. Suddenly, the head of a black-haired middle-aged woman popped out from the kitchen bearing a huge smile.
"Welcome back Miyuki and Tatsuya! I trust you had a good day?" Honami greeted them energetically.
They responded with an "mmm"
"Honami, we'll be down in a second. Let us place our belongings upstairs first."
Honami nodded enthusiastically, then popped back into the kitchen to continue cooking dinner.
Slowly descending the stairs in a plain white shirt and dark brown pants, Tatsuya walked surely to the kitchen. Peeking into the kitchen, he saw Honami clad in a plain black dress with an apron to prevent staining on the dress. Beside her was a wide-eyed Miyuki gazing intensely at the way Honami was cooking the food. She wore a short summer gown that one would be a tad apprehensive to wear in public. She was absorbing all Honami's explanations and movements as Honami patiently explained in detail the method of cooking. Knocking on the door frame to announce his arrival, Miyuki and Honami gazed at him warmly. Bending her left leg, Miyuki asked
"Onii-sama, how do I look?"
"Cute as always" Tatsuya replied instantly with a warming smile.
Miyuki blushed slightly and turned back to the food. Tatsuya peered over Honami's shoulder to get a glimpse of what was sizzzling. 'Stir-fried chicken in light-soya sauce. Not bad.' He then turned around and made his way to the living room to whizz away the time by completing the day's homework.
"Tatsuya! Dinner is ready." Honami called. Tatsuya did not respond. Seeing this, she called again, louder
"Tatsuya! Dinner's ready!"
Seeing Tatsuya continue reading an article on his terminal, she walked up to him with her hands on her hips. Annoyed, she waved her hand in front of his eyes finally breaking him from his stupor.
"Oh Honami. What is it?" Tatsuya asked glancing around.
Seeing as Tatsuya did not deliberately ignore her, she sighed and her anger left her.
"Such fixed attention on any one thing will not do for a guardian Tatsuya. Anyway, dinner is waiting. Let's eat" It was obvious how Honami was the mother in such circumstances. Nodding apologetically, he got up muttering a 'sorry' to Honami. When they reached the dining room, Miyuki was already waiting. Turning to face Tatsuya, she flashed him a brilliant smile which he returned. Their eyes meeting, they nodded in mutual understanding. It was time to 'interrogate' Honami. After uttering 'Itadakimasu!' They all picked up their utensils to begin the meal. Miyuki and Tatsuya waited for their elder Honami to begin eating before they picked at the food.
"This is good Honami." Tatsuya complimented Honami's cooking.
Miyuki nodded with a 'Mmm'. Honami smiled and thanked them.
"Honami-san, just wondering, how did you come up with all these dishes, were they what you had during your childhood ?" Miyuki asked whilst referring to the chicken and stir fried vegetables.
"Hmm not really. I had really plain food during my childhood, though I actually prefer salted and spicy food. I'd have preferred herbs as well." Honami replied thoughtfully reminiscing the past.
"Then what what do you normally eat during lunch when you're cooking?" Tatsuya pressed.
"Hmm normally simple dishes like steamed chicken with vegetables. It's simple and easy to prepare."
Honami was finding this conversation odder and odder. It was not uncommon to speak about food but her preference and past were topics rarely touched. She filed this for further thought and turned her attention back to the conversation.
"Honami, I've never asked but what is your favourite food culture and favourite dish?" Tatsuya asked.
Opposite him, Miyuki's eyes went wide. It was too much and too obvious a question to ask but alas, it had been uttered. Honami looked from Miyuki to Tatsuya owlishly trying to figure out what was going on.
"As cliche as it sounds, I love traditional Japanese food. My favourite dish would be Chicken cutlets with curry. Dessert-wise, western styled puddings and puffs are so good!" Honami unconsciously starting spazzing uncontrollably about deserts, holding her head in the shape of a flower and shaking her head dreamily.
Miyuki and Tatsuya looked at each other and nodded in understanding. Neither of them had seen Honami in such a way. The fact that a middle aged woman could start hallucinating about deserts and its taste truly showed how much she loved them. In her ecstasy, Honami forgot all about the suspicious behaviour from earlier.
Having completed dinner, Tatsuya and Miyuki gathered the plates and brought them to a waiting Honami who was exceptionally high. She hummed a song about pastries and beamed so bright it was like the sun shone directly at you. Miyuki took her place at Honami's side and began the wash up. Tatsuya sighed as he retreated to the living room to watch the news. Ever since the Okinawa incident, Miyuki wanted to do all the chores at home, not allowing Tatsuya to touch anything be it washing utensils, cutlery or clothes. She would share the duty with Honami. Staring at the monitor, news of stocks going up and down showed. Tatsuya felt a sense of Deja vu as the headline flashed. 'Astronomical increase in stock price of FLT', the last time that happened, Tatsuya had just done a clean up of the CAD software being used. Yesterday, the new software designed fully by himself had been released. Smiling knowingly, he switched the monitor off.
Hours later, Tatsuya sat in his room with Miyuki. A cup of Miyuki's freshly ground coffee was wrapped around his fingers. Miyuki herself held a cup of freshly brewed tea.
"Honami is really a selfless guardian eh? She really loves us." Tatsuya commented.
Honami's simple act of cooking more elaborate dishes when they were at home held tribute to the length she went to dote on them, care for them. Eating simple, plain foods by herself, using seasoning like sugar that Tatsuya and Miyuki preferred over her own preference such as spicy foods really showed how much she cared and was willing to forgo for their sake. Waking up early to prepare food was not something everyone would do even for their own children, let alone charges. What was even more touching was the effort made by Honami to constantly change the menu by adopting new dishes and styles. Miyuki nodded silently as their eyes connected.
"That's why on her birthday we must show her how much we care for her too!" Miyuki clasped her fist energetically.
Laughing, Tatsuya simply nodded and patted her head.
Miyuki rubbed her eyes gently with her small fists and yawned cutely. Picking up the silver fork and knife, she thanked Honami for the breakfast before tucking in. Opposite her, Tatsuya sat in a perfect posture, tasting the food carefully. She herself cut the piece of omelette, causing it to release the hidden steam beneath. She then took small bites. Whilst eating, her mind began to recap what had happened last night. She sat on Tatsuya's bed and they spoke about the plan. Thinking about the fact she was alone in his room late at night, with no adult supervision made her blush. What was worse was that they were on the same bed. She shook her head violently to dispel the thoughts, drawing Tatsuya's attention. He cast her a questioning look. She shook her head and looked down at her half eaten breakfast, drawing her thoughts back to the plan. They would locate a local japanese restaurant willing to cater their party, with dishes such as ramen, pork chops, chicken cutlets and sushi as well as curry. Then, the deserts would be catered from a famous western patisserie which would include creme brulee, cream puffs, various flavoured crumbles and cakes. All would be paid for by their father's company through the request of Tatsuya. She grinned at the thought of their father's reaction to the bill.
Honami who was eating breakfast with the two frowned at Miyuki's odd behaviour. Grinning at one's food was definitely not normal no matter how much she tried to convince herself. Something was fishy. Compounded by the weird questions asked by the siblings at dinner, she knew something was up and it involved her but she could not figure out what. She ruled out the possibility of a prank some time ago, but still the possibilities remained infinite. 'Tatsuya must be involved' was all she could conclude. Flashing a look at Tatsuya, he looked up and replied with a questioning look. Giving up, she resigned herself to filling her stomach while reading the news on her mobile terminal.
Not long after, Miyuki and Tatsuya left the house for school. They walked bathed in a comfortable silence. Today they would take a detour to the station to meet with their friends. Then they would proceed to school together, while being able to discuss their findings from the day before. Stopping at the station, Miyuki and Tatsuya began to wait. Spotting an empty bench, Tatsuya motioned for Miyuki to sit. Taking a seat, they began to wait. Peering at her mobile terminal, the time told her it was about time for them to arrive. Without warning, arms enveloped both Miyuki and Tatsuya in a tight embrace from behind. Feeling the perpetrator's feminine body press against him, Tatsuya could not help but feel embarrassed especially since he concluded it was Mayumi.
"Mayumi you can let go now" Tatsuya said addressing her in as even a tone as possible.
"Mou, issit because Tatsuya-kun doesn't like me?" She said with a pout
"No its perfectly the opposite. Its because I like you that I was afraid that if you held on longer I might not be able to restrain myself" Tatsuya uttered these words in a solemn manner causing Mayumi to shrink back in fear for her safety.
Miyuki glared at her brother then went to assure Mayumi her brother meant it as a joke. Seeing Tatsuya's laughter, she calmed down.
"What's going on?" A puzzled Shizuku and cheery Honoka appeared with an energetic Leo
Assuring them it was nothing hurriedly, Miyuki nudged the bunch toward school.
"So... how goes the assignment Tatsuya, Miyuki?" Leo queried, looking from one sibling to another, bringing them to the main topic of conversation.
"Actually we figured out the entire problem about food already." Tatsuya replied as if the problem was insignificant.
The others looked at one another, Leo and Honoka looked impressed while Shizuku looked bored. Mayumi then urged Tatsuya to continue.
"It appears as if classic japanese cuisine with curry should do, however the focus should be on the deserts. Honami absolutely adores western pastries, puffs and cakes." Tatsuya said so somewhat awkwardly as he remembered Honami going crazy over the thought of desert.
Shelving that thought, he nodded at Miyuki to present the plan of attack.
"Let me continue to the plan. So we have already found a supplier for the food. It'll be a popular local restaurant specialising in curry. We will order small buffet portions of ramen and various curries as well a the cutlets to go. Dessert will be catered by a famous western patisserie with a chef also coming in to prepare certain desserts fresh. This will all be paid for by our father's company," Miyuki managed to maintain a level voice up til the last sentence where the glee in her voice became rather apparent.
Shizuku's eyebrows started to twitch and her mouth curved up slightly.
"Seems like a rather complete plan to be honest." Nodding, she continued
"So the only thing left is presents." She uttered sullenly.
Presents. They were things that were hard to get. It had to be something worth a certain value, yet useful and meaningful to the person. Honami being Honami made it awfully hard to choose a present as she was extremely prudent and always made Miyuki and Tatsuya the priority, to the point where her wardrobe and belongings had remain unchanged since the time of Miya's passing.
"Come to think about it, Onii-sama, when was the last time Honami bought any new clothes?" Miyuki looked at Tatsuya expectantly
"Hmm I'd say at least a year." Tatsuya replied, playing back his memories.
"Hmm then its time to expand her wardrobe!" Miyuki exclaimed.
"Wait wait," Mayumi butt in
"All this time, we were planning this for Honami-san?!" Mayumi exclaimed
Tatsuya nearly facepalmed.
"Yes Mayumi" he replied in a tired voice
"Then I can help with the present selection!" She said with the exuberance of a small child.
Sometimes, with her absent-mindedness it was hard to believe she could handle the responsibilities of being the eldest daughter of the Saegusa. Even further, it was worse that she didn't seem her age at all. Maybe it was the pressure of upholding the image and duties of a member of the master clans that forced Mayumi to develop an alter ego where she could happily enjoy carefree moments that every child should have. Nonetheless, Miyuki and Tatsuya appreciated her help.
Nodding, Miyuki then requested Mayumi to meet them after club that day so that they could procure the presents. She consented eagerly and then bounded off to join her classmates. Turning into school, the rest mentally prepared themselves for another long boring day.
As Tatsuya walked toward Miyuki with his sports bag slung over his shoulder, Miyuki hopped off one of the stands beside the field to cross the field. His hair glistened with water, and his body radiated a faint fragrance from the bath lotion he used. Wearing dark navy blue pants and a simple white shirt, his brown moccasins fit him perfectly. With a crooked smile adorned on his already good looking face, Miyuki couldn't help but blush faintly. She herself had already changed into a light blue summer dress completed with flats. Offering her his arm, they linked arms and began to walk toward the entrance of the school to meet Mayumi.
Passing students couldn't help but look wide eyed at the glamorous couple that stood out like a shining star in a sea of darkness, their casual attire was actually relatively normal, but it was the way they carried themselves (and the outfit) that truly made them seem unlike any student. Further toward the entrance, there was a group of guys apparently crowding around the center of the foyer. Sighing, Tatsuya knew it was Mayumi that gathered such an audience. Skilfully making his presence known, Tatsuya cleared a path to the epicentre of the mess without any usage of violence whatsoever.
"Good Evening my beautiful Ojou-sama." Tatsuya bowed while saying so.
Mayumi began blushing furiously and waved her hands frantically. She was dressed in a simple white summer dress with a summer hat, she wore flats to complement her attire. She truly looked remarkable.
"Mayumi, I believe we have somewhere to head?" Tatsuya asked rather innocently despite knowing the implications.
The crowd of boys glared at Tatsuya. Shrugging, he gently grasped Mayumi's hand. Ignoring her reddening face, he gently guided her away from the swarm of boys. Meeting Miyuki outside the crowd, he signaled for her to follow him. The trio then made their way toward the local shopping district.
Stepping out from the station, one could only see malls and skyscrapers. Tatsuya gestured for Mayumi to lead the way. After all it was her that had an idea of where they could purchase ideal gifts. Nodding, she began plodding ahead at an absurd pace, making it hard for both Tatsuya and Miyuki to keep up. She dashed into an elegant looking store. Entering, Mayumi was gazing around the store like a hawk. Spotting something, she walked to it.
Picking out a dress, she showed it to Miyuki and Tatsuya. It was an emerald green silk dress that reached to about slightly below the knees. It held a classic feel that seemed to suit Honami.
"The shade of green would complement her black hair, what do you think? Mayumi queried.
"Hmm I'm no expert but I'd say it'll look fine. Miyuki?" Tatsuya looked to Miyuki.
"I agree with Onii-sama!" Miyuki announced happily.
Nodding, Mayumi skipped over to the next row which sold blouses. With a mental image of Honami's figure in place, she placed her finger on her lips while thinking. Scanning the row of blouses, she took a sleeveless dark blue blouse and handed it to Miyuki. Upon inspection, it had simple embellishments and patterns shaped liked waves. A moment later, another blouse was pushed into Miyuki's arms. Looking at it, it was a wine red blouse with frills. It was cut to fit one's figure perfectly to emphasize one's curves. Miyuki and Tatsuya looked at Mayumi and blinked owlishly.
"I was thinking that both of you should choose a set of clothing together so that it would seem more meaningful" Mayumi replied swiftly upon seeing their confused faces.
Nodding Tatsuya faced Miyuki.
"Miyuki, which do you think will suit Honami better?"
"I think the red blouse Onii-sama! It would make her look much younger and more vibrant!" Miyuki decided and clasped her hands in her trademark manner.
Nodding, Tatsuya faced Mayumi.
"Then I'd suggest you add the other blouse to the group present. It's too good to waste." Tatsuya pointed his chin toward the blouse on his left arm.
Taking the blouse from him, she proceeded to the next aisle filled with skirts. This time Mayumi hesitated.
"Tatsuya-kuuun, could you pass me the blouses?" Mayumi winked and tilted her head.
At the adorable sight, his heart beat quickened. Willing his face to remain as stoic as possible albeit without success, he passed the clothes to Mayumi to match. At her success, Mayumi smiled internally, knowing that she was important enough to Tatsuya for him to react visibly. Meanwhile, Miyuki's right eye twitched in an irritated manner. She used to be the one who made Tatsuya blush, why oh why was he so entranced by Mayumi? Pushing dark thoughts to the back of her mind, she remained pleasing to the eye. Mayumi hummed brightly as she picked out a few skirts. Placing a set in each siblings arms, she waited for their reaction. In Tatsuya's arms was the red blouse and the new addition was a slim dark grey skirt embellished with frills that reached just below the knees. Nodding Tatsuya turned to see Miyuki's reaction. She held the navy blue blouse and an alternating black and white skirt that reached the ankles. It opened up toward the bottom. On closer inspection, it was multi layered like an olden ballroom gown. Miyuki complemented Mayumi's taste with a smile.
Looking at his watch, Tatsuya announced "Mayumi, I believe it is getting a little late. Miyuki and I have curfew to meet."
"Oh that's no issue. We were about done anyway! Let me handle the accessories hmm?" She looked persuasively at Miyuki then back at Tatsuya.
"Alright then I guess we can leave that to you. Let's head to the counter then." Tatsuya held his hand out for the clothes.
Mayumi instead, cheekily linked her arm with his. His eyes widened in shock. Gazing at the lady on his arm, she herself was blushing hard. Clearing his throat, he hastily made his way to the counter. Despite Mayumi insisting on paying for the clothes meant as their presents, Tatsuya beat her to the punch. Whipping out his credit card, he swiftly charged the balance to his account. Flashing her a triumphant smile, she 'hmphed' and turned away, only to smile secretly at his rare child-like behaviour. She was glad he was willing to appear vulnerable around her.
Making their way back first, Miyuki and Tatsuya walked alongside each other, the clothes on Tatsuya's left hand.
"Onii-sama, do shift the clothes to your other hand will you?" Miyuki pouted while saying so.
Tatsuya obliged. The moment he did so, she grasped his hand tightly and continued to walk as if nothing unusual happened. Chuckling, Tatsuya smiled and lightly kissed Miyuki's head. Upon contact, Tatsuya heard a soft 'Ahh'. A heaviliy flushing Miyuki looked up into her brother's eyes at the rare show of public affection. Gazing into his eyes, Miyuki told herself she would do anything to keep her precious brother happy.
'Knock knock' Tatsuya and Miyuki finally arrived home. It was half an hour after their stipulated dinner timing. Pattering footsteps could be heard approaching the door at an absurd speed. The door was wrenched open with a force that would have jarred other doors off their hinges. Honami was looked furious.
"You're late! Both of you! Where did you go?!' Honami interrogated them.
She stood with her hands at her hip and legs shoulder width apart. Coupled with her angry glare, she looked intimidating. Miyuki and Tatsuya bowed.
"We're sorry Honami, we should have informed you earlier. We were out at the shopping district looking for presents for someone dear to us" Miyuki answered on their behalf.
"Yes, next time please do. It's not that hard to drop a mail is it?" Honami sighed.
She stepped forward and then surprised the two by enveloping them in a motherly kind of hug. Soft sobs then emitted from her. Not knowing what to do, Tatsuya held her tight while Miyuki stroked her back to soothe her.
"I was so worried. I know you two are strong, but I was afraid something like Okinawa would happen again." She said between sobs.
Calming Honami, they then proceeded into the house to have dinner as a family.
A synchronised 'Itadakimasu!' could be heard as they dug into another home cooked meal by Honami. While eating, Miyuki decided to pop the 'invitation'.
"Honami, could you follow us to a friend's house on Saturday? Shizuku's parents insist on us having an adult with us because it might be a bit dangerous on the way there." Miyuki gulped and held her breath, waiting anxiously for her response.
"Hmm?" Honami tilted her head with a questioning look.
"Okay, it doesn't make much sense but I guess I'll help you two out." Honami then smiled.
"Thank you so much Honami!" Miyuki beamed, she then heaved a sigh of relieve.
The stage was set.
A/N: Thank you for following this story! Anyways, I'll be overseas for the next few days so I won't promise an update anytime soon. I hope this chapter was alright hehe. Do review and favourite/follow! Thank you! See you soon I hope~
