"Things couldn't possibly get any worse than this…could they?"

Rafael nervously looked around, his wondrous mind working overtime as it soaked in every conceivable shred of information that could be useful. Surely there was something he might have somehow missed…something that could help him figure a way to solve this unsolvable problem.

Miko was borderline hysterical. Normally she kept her more vulnerable emotions concealed by a nearly impenetrable barrier of bluster and bravado. The sight of her in tears made Raf's insides clench and twist into painful knots.

At first glance Miko's mother appeared to be the picture of stoic composure as she remained eerily silent, but the look of utter shock in her wide-blown eyes was practically screaming. The dichotomy was extremely unsettling.

Even Miko's twin cats Chi Chi and Ding Dong were hissing furiously. Their hackles were raised as they spat and yowled, the tension in the room quickly reaching a fever pitch.

Reluctantly Raf slowly turned his attention back to Miko's father, whose steely gaze impassively stared back. There was no discernable sign that anything Raf might say or do would manage to change that unyielding look, nor any indication that after this debacle things would ever be the same again.

Raf finally blinked, unable to maintain the impromptu staring contest.

Well, that didn't work. What now? I guess if I were a character in an overly dramatic fanfiction story, I'd wonder how this started and segue into a flashback…

…

"Both shoelaces…?"

"Yep, and then he broke his comb!"

Miko and her mother both giggled like schoolgirls as they gleefully discussed the evening's series of unfortunate events. Raf continued to suffer in silence while walking alongside Miko. As they made their way towards the Nakadai family's parked luxury car, Raf happened to glance to his other side and caught Miko's father looking back at him with an inscrutable expression. Hoping that he had finally found a sympathetic ally, Raf grinned happily. The grin evaporated when Mr. Nakadai huffed and slowly shook his head.

Mrs. Nakadai suddenly tittered nervously and spoke in flawless English, "Ah! Forgive us, Esquivel-san! We do not mean to make light of things, but we have just never encountered anyone who has managed to survive for so long while cursed with so much bad luck!"

"That's my Raf-kun…takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'!" Miko gave Raf a saucy wink, hoping that her mother would miss the not-so-subtle remark.

Raf blushed and smiled shyly, "Daijoubu, Mrs. Nakadai. It's all right, but I'm just sorry you and Mr. Nakadai had to wait for so long until we had cleared up things back at the airport."

"It was no trouble, Esquivel-san." She glanced at her taciturn husband and asked, "Sou ne, Anata…?"

Mr. Nakadai's only response was a low incoherent grumble as he focused on searching for his car keys. Mrs. Nakadai shrugged and smiled apologetically at Raf as they patiently waited for the car to be unlocked.

Raf put Miko's luggage into the trunk and politely held the car door open for Miko as she entered the vehicle and eased herself into the back seat. After situating himself in the driver's seat, her father grumbled again and glowered at Raf sitting next to his daughter.

Oblivious, Miko grinned excitedly, "Yokatta…we're finally on our way, Raf!"

They soon entered the brightly lit Tokyo Midtown area, a town of art and culture in Akasaka. This was a residential and commercial district of Minato, a special ward or municipality of Tokyo.

Tired as he was, Raf could not help but be thrilled to finally be here in Japan.

"We're fairly close to Roppongi Station, aren't we?"

Mrs. Nakadai looked back from the front seat and smiled quizzically at Raf, "We are, indeed. Have you visited Tokyo in the past, Esquivel-san?"

Raf shook his head, "This is actually my first time, but I have studied everything I could find about Japan. I almost feel like I've already been here!"

"Sou desu ka?" Everyone in the vehicle practically jumped when Mr. Nakadai finally spoke in a gruff voice. He followed up with a barrage of Japanese too fast for Raf to follow. Confused, Raf glanced at Miko's mother for assistance.

Mrs. Nakadai translated, "My husband would be interested to know what you have learned from your studies about our immediate surroundings." Her expression was slightly uncomfortable as she added, "He wants you to be…specific."

Raf nervously rubbed the nape of his neck and said, "Well…Tokyo Midtown is a relatively new landscape that appeared in 2007. It has everything! There are famous restaurants like Hinokizaka, Azure 45 and Suju Dining Rokkaku…somewhere around here they even have a Denny's! There are International label clothing shops like Beams House, Cruciani and Lucien Pellat-Finet. The Suntory Museum of Art is also here, and in addition to having one of the biggest collections of Japanese arts and crafts in the country it even stages authentic tea ceremonies once a week! Over that way is Hinokicho Park, and over there is a walk lined with Sakura trees. It's too bad that I missed the Sakura Festival in early April when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. I understand that it's absolutely spectacular."

Mrs. Nakadai smiled, "I am impressed, Esquivel-san." She glanced at her husband and asked, "Sou ne, Anata…?"

Mr. Nakadai huffed as Miko stifled a high-pitched giggle. Her eyes suddenly lit up and she happily chirped, "We're here!"

Raf looked out the window and his jaw dropped at the tremendous sight of Midtown Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Japan.

"Y-you live here?!"

The impressive structure jutted high into the night skies as their vehicle slowly pulled into the private parking area located in the building's basement.

Miko smirked, "Be it ever so humble…"

Raf slowly rubbed his temples and fought to maintain his composure. He murmured to himself, "How did I miss this? All the clues were there right in front of me and I totally missed this."

"What, that my family is rich?" Miko laughed, "Duh…it was kinda obvious, Raf! I told you and Jack both that I went to the best schools in Japan and took piano lessons from the age of three! Do you know how expensive all that gets?"

Raf groaned, "Even Shaggy would've solved this mystery before me. Soy tan estupido."

Miko smiled, "Usted no es estupida, no eres mas que un poco lento a veces!"

Raf rolled his eyes, "Thanks, Miko…I feel so much better now!"

She replied, "Hey, at least I know you don't love me for my money!"

Raf chuckled as he retrieved Miko's luggage and followed her and her parents to the elevator.

When the elevator doors slid open, Miko and her family entered the traditional entrance hall or genkan and removed their shoes. They promptly replaced them with indoor slippers or Uwabaki.

Miko offered her outstretched hand and said, "Here ya go, Raf…I'll take my suitcase from here."

"It's all right, Miko. I can manage." Raf managed to take off his shoes and carefully avoided stepping onto the tiled floor as he exchanged them for his own pair of Uwabaki, all the while holding onto Miko's heavy suitcase.

"Sugoi! Did it without using your hands, too…I'm impressed, Raf!"

Raf shrugged, "Who knew breaking both sets of shoelaces would actually come in handy?"

Miko rolled her eyes at the lame pun.

The door to their condominium opened and Miko happily cried, "Tadaima!" as she crossed the threshold and announced to the world that she was finally home. It felt like it had been an eternity since she had last been here.

Raf nodded his thanks as Miko's father silently took the suitcase from him. Raf whistled softly as he looked around.

The interior of the condo was rather spacious, especially for a Japanese household where space was extremely hard to come by. The living area was all modern and stylish, producing an elegant and sophisticated air. There were elements of both of Miko's parents' artistic professions. Paintings and sculptures decorated the room while a vintage Bechstein piano had been placed in the corner next to a huge window. Outside the window was a magnificent view of Tokyo, where the city lights twinkled almost magically as Tokyo Tower stood proudly in the distance. Raf turned to admire the rest of the interior, noting that in addition to the living room and kitchen area there were three bedrooms and a single bathroom.

"There's my babies!"

Miko all but squealed in delight as two purebred Japanese Bobtail cats appeared out of nowhere and quickly trotted towards her. Chi Chi and Ding Dong purred happily as she crouched and showered them with adoring coos and lovingly stroked their bellies.

Raf cautiously approached and stood next to Miko. He asked, "So which cat is which…?"

No sooner had the words escaped his lips when both cats hissed viciously at him. Raf started in surprise but then sighed, "Typical Rafael luck…your cats hate me."

Miko was indignant as she hugged her feline friends close to her.

"They do not! My babies don't know the meaning of the word!"

The cats hissed again and Miko blinked rapidly.

"Okay, they hate you. We'll just have to work on that together, later. In the meantime I have got to grab a quick bath. I'm all gross and sweaty."

Raf sighed again as Miko set down her cats and vanished. He stifled a yawn as he valiantly fought the urge to nod off. He shook it off and stood in front of the window, watching as the city lights danced before his eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was to be rude by falling asleep in front of Miko's parents. It might ruin everything.

Several minutes passed and Raf heard Mr. Nakadai loudly harrumph behind him. Mrs. Nakadai slowly walked up beside Raf and asked, "Esquivel-san, how long has it been since you last slept?"

Raf blinked uneasily as he struggled to think clearly.

"Almost a full day, give or take a couple of hours. I…I didn't doze off just now, did I?"

She chuckled, "No, no…I can just tell that you are exhausted."

Raf smiled, "Please don't worry about me, ma'am. I'll be fine."

She returned his smile, "We have prepared the guest room for you to stay in. Please make yourself welcome in our home." She then bowed elegantly.

"Domo arigato gozaimasu." Raf thanked her and returned the bow. He tried not to notice as Miko emerged from the bathroom, wearing nothing more than a smile and a comfortable-looking white bathrobe.

Loudly she announced, "Bathroom's clear!"

"MIKO!"

She rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically, patiently assuring her father in exasperated Japanese that she wasn't naked underneath the bathrobe. He glared suspiciously for another instant before sitting down at the couch and turning his attention to the television.

She grinned conspiratorially and whispered to Raf, "'Course I would be naked, if you didn't count my belly button piercing!"

Raf flushed a bright shade of scarlet as Miko giggled and pushed him towards the bathroom.

"The water is still nice and hot. A long soak will do you some good after you clean up, Raf."

Raf sluggishly made his way into the bathroom and closed the door. He disrobed and placed his glasses and clothes to the side, then proceeded to fill the washbowl with water from the tap. His sleepy eyes snapped open as the cool water shocked him fully awake. After scrubbing himself clean he rinsed off and slowly eased his aching body into the tub of steaming hot water. Placing his towel atop his head, a groan of bliss escaped his lips as Raf finally relaxed and he slowly began to feel human again.

He remained motionless for awhile but was suddenly startled by an insistent pounding at the door.

"Hey, you fall asleep in there or what, Raf?"

He squinted at the wall clock and mentally kicked himself, realizing that he had indeed almost fallen into a deep slumber. As he hurriedly exited the tub, Raf stammered, "I-I'm sorry, Miko! I'll be right out!" He quickly toweled himself dry and suddenly realized his clothes were missing.

Raf blushed and asked, "Um…wh-where are my clothes, Miko?"

On the other side of the door, Miko giggled, "While you were snoozing my dad came in and got them. They're in the washer now and should be ready for you in about an hour."

"B-but what am I supposed to do until then…?"

"Don't worry, Raf! There's a fresh robe hanging by the door!"

Raf put on his steam-shrouded glasses and saw the robe that had been left for him. He sighed in relief and placed the comfortable robe on his body before finally opening the door.

Miko met him at the doorway, still dressed in her own robe. She smiled seductively and purred, "Mmm…so how was your first Japanese bath, Raf-kun? Hot enough for ya…?"

Slowly Miko drew closer to Raf until only a few discreet inches separated them. A nervous bead of sweat trickled down Raf's temple as he sputtered, "M-Miko…!"

Her low voice was filled with longing as she whispered, "Do you have any idea how hard it's been to keep myself from kissing or even just hugging you? All this scrapping proper Japanese behavior…it's driving me crazy, Raf!"

"M-Miko, wh-why are you still just wearing your robe…?!"

She grinned, "Oh, this old thing? Look, if you don't like it I can always take it off…"

Raf suddenly felt faint but somehow managed not to pass out.

"Th-that won't be necessary, Miko. It-it-it looks great on you."

She laughed and murmured, "I'm sorry, I'm just having a little fun with you, Raf! You should know by now I plan on waiting for that until after we get married, right?"

"Miko?"

"Yeah, Raf?"

"You should know it hasn't exactly been easy for me, either."

It was Miko's turn to blush a bright shade of crimson. She quickly regained her cool and said, "Listen, my dad had some extra sleep clothes that should fit you. They're waiting for you to try on in the guest room. After you get dressed we can discuss what's next on our agenda!"

"A-agenda…? Miko, I'm practically asleep on my feet right now! How are you still awake?"

"Miko has always been full of energy, Esquivel-san." Mrs. Nakadai smiled as she appeared. She walked up and hugged her daughter. "Ever since she was a little girl it has been a challenge to keep up with her."

Raf chuckled, "When we first met Miko, we found out we were always having to chase after her to make sure she stayed out of trouble!"

"That certainly sounds like my daughter!"

Miko poked out her bottom lip and pouted, "Yeah, yeah…what is this, 'Gang up on Miko Day?'"

Raf sighed, "Count your blessings, Miko…at least you still have your clothes. Mine were lost, remember? It's too bad…you helped pick out most of those outfits!"

Miko shrugged, "Enh, they were already starting to get out of fashion. This way I get to help you start a brand new wardrobe…Miko style!"

Raf shook his head and protested, "Miko, that won't be necessary. I mean, it's not like it was your fault…!"

Miko held up her hand and waved him off.

"Yip, yip, yip…I've already decided."

Mrs. Nakadai chimed in and added, "It is the least we could do for you after everything you have been through, Esquivel-san."

"But - but - but…!"

Miko reached out and gently pressed her finger against Raf's lips, an intimate gesture that caused Mrs. Nakadai's eyebrow to raise in surprise.

"Hush, you. Let me do this for you, Raf. Please…?"

Raf knew he was beaten. He smiled gratefully and murmured, "You're being too good to me. I don't deserve - !" Suddenly his eyes widened as he remembered something monumentally important.

"Oh! I almost forgot…!" He quickly found his sole remaining piece of luggage and reached inside the carry-on bag. Raf sighed somewhat forlornly as he slowly turned back to Miko and her mother, producing a small package.

He smiled sheepishly, "Well, originally this used to be wrapped. I guess the security guards searched through my belongings while I was - detained." He bowed apologetically and offered the box to Miko's mother. "Please…this is for you and Mr. Nakadai."

Hearing his name, Mr. Nakadai rose to his feet and came over to see what was going on.

Mrs. Nakadai began to object, "Esquivel-san, you are our guest…! You shouldn't have - "

Raf gently interrupted, "You were kind enough to let me stay with you during this visit. It's the least I could do to show my appreciation."

Finally she relented and bowed.

"Domo arigato gozaimasu, Esquivel-san."

Miko began to get impatient with the proper gift etiquette and whined, "Aw, hurry up and open it already! Raf wouldn't even let me see what he had gotten - "

Her words abruptly trailed off as Mrs. Nakadai opened the box and revealed a hand-carved wooden horse. The tiny horse was reared up on its hind legs as it kicked at the air.

"Raf…!" For once, Miko found herself struck speechless. The focus on intricate detail was astonishing.

Mrs. Nakadai whispered in awe, "Th-this is beautiful, Esquivel-san!"

Raf blushed shyly and murmured, "I know it isn't much, but I wanted you to have a token that represents my home country. I was born in the United States but my family is originally from Mexico. My father has a horse ranch there and raises Andalusian horses. In my native tongue they are also known as Pura Raza Espanola or the Pure Spanish Horse."

He chuckled fondly, "Since I was a little kid my nose was usually buried in a book or my laptop. My Papa tried to show me how to ride horses but I was too small. He settled for the next best thing and taught me how to do woodcarving."

Mrs. Nakadai bowed and said, "You honor us with your gift, Esquivel-san. Thank you."

She glanced at her husband and asked, "Anata…?"

The older man stared for a moment at the woodcarving and finally nodded perfunctorily. He grumbled a half-hearted apology and turned to walk away.

Miko was shocked, "Otosan…?"

Mrs. Nakadai admonished him with an embarrassed, "Anata!"

He did not respond and disappeared into his bedroom.

As she gingerly placed the woodcarving on a nearby mantle, Mrs. Nakadai said, "Please forgive him, Esquivel-san. I do not know what has gotten into him…!"

Raf smiled sleepily, "It's okay, ma'am. It has been a long day and we could all use a good night's rest."

Miko laughed, "Not me, I'm too keyed up to even think about sleep! Besides, it's like only two hours before daylight. Why even bother, Raf? Raf…?"

Looking over at her boyfriend, Miko giggled as she realized that Raf had actually fallen asleep while standing up.

"Raf…!"

"I'm awake, I'm awake!" Raf's bleary eyes snapped open and he looked around in a confused panic. Miko and her mother laughed softly as they helped steady him and guided him towards the guest room.

Mrs. Nakadai smiled as she bid them good-night, "We look forward to seeing you at breakfast, Esquivel-san. Oyasumi."

After her mother closed her bedroom door behind her, Miko looked into Raf's eyes and grinned.

"Finally."

She quickly stood on her tiptoes and planted a fierce, passionate kiss on Raf's lips.

Raf swayed slightly when their lips parted. He smiled dreamily, appearing to be in a blissful daze.

Miko smirked, "I guess that'll have to do for now. To be continued…?"

"D-definitely."

Miko smiled shyly as she slowly closed the door.

"G'night, Raf."

Raf breathed deeply and contentedly as he continued to watch the door, long after Miko had closed it. Finally he snapped out of his happy reverie and turned to look at his room.

It was sparsely decorated, focusing on the minimalistic theme of 'less is more.' Raf smiled and appreciated the emphasis on a lack of clutter, as his overactive mind had a tendency to become easily distracted. The peaceful room décor featured neutral tones that gave it an earthy feel and soft tatami mats covered the floor of the room. Warm accent lighting was provided by rice paper lanterns that hung from the ceiling and a bonsai tree rested atop a small bamboo dresser. A futon mattress had already been unfolded for him.

Raf yawned in spite of himself as sleep beckoned. He changed into the pajamas that had been provided for him and lay down, nestling under the warm covers. He set his glasses to the side and closed his eyes. Before a deep slumber claimed him he had one final clear thought:

Good night, Miko. Sweet dreams.

"Wake up, sleepyhead!"

Miko grinned as she playfully shook Raf awake.

Groggily he slurred, "Si, si…estoy despierto, Mama…"

Miko giggled and said, "Confia en que yo, no soy tu madre!"

Raf's awoke with a start and his head jerked up from the pillows.

"M-Miko…! What are you doing? I…I just closed my eyes - !"

Miko smirked, "Yeah, over three hours ago! We let you sleep in, cutie!"

Raf suddenly realized the impropriety of the situation and whispered, "Miko, y-you shouldn't be in here! Your parents…!"

"Breathe, Raf. It's okay, they asked me to come get you. Breakfast is ready so don't be late, Raf-kun!" Miko winked playfully and sauntered out of the room.

Putting his glasses on, Raf noted that his cleaned clothes were neatly folded as they sat atop the nearby dresser. He quickly changed and joined Miko and her parents in the kitchen.

Everyone bowed slightly and gave thanks for the food, saying, "Itadakimasu!"

Mr. and Mrs. Nakadai began to eat but paused when they noticed that Raf's eyes were closed as he quietly said grace. They were even more surprised to see Miko holding his hand as she joined him in prayer. Miko's mother shrugged as she accepted this new development, but Miko's father scowled and began to read the newspaper as he ate.

Raf opened his eyes and smiled, "It all looks so good…I don't know where to start!"

Mrs. Nakadai asked, "Have you ever had a Japanese breakfast before, Esquivel-san?"

Raf shook his head, "No ma'am, I haven't."

Miko grinned, "You are in for a treat!" She then explained the best way to go about enjoying his first home-cooked Japanese meal.

"First try a bite of the main dish, which is yakizakana or grilled fish. Then have a little steamed rice and follow that up with some miso soup. Remember, we don't have spoons so sip it straight from the bowl. On the side there's some tamagoyaki or rolled egg omelette, and over here we have tofu, nori or dried seasonal seaweed, and some natto or fermented soybeans. Oh, and be sure to save some rice for the tsukemono or pickled veggies!"

As they sat and ate, Raf gushed with praise over the meal. He was especially enthusiastic about how oishii or delicious the miso soup was. Mrs. Nakadai blushed slightly at the compliment, while Mr. Nakadai simply huffed from behind the newspaper.

"So how are your studies at the government university going, Miko?"

Miko nodded animatedly as she answered her mother's question.

"Pretty good, actually…it's been almost two years since we began training, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of things." She stole a sideways glance at Raf and grinned, "I couldn't have done it without Raf's help. He's been great at tutoring me whenever I ran into a problem I couldn't solve."

Mrs. Nakadai's eyes twinkled as she smiled, "I am pleased for you, Miko. You look very…happy."

Miko glanced up and suddenly realized that her mother knew there was more to her relationship with Raf than mere friendship. Miko blushed and whispered, "I am happy, Okasan."

"Then I am happy, as well."

After they finished breakfast, Raf bowed as he remembered the proper Japanese phrase to express his appreciation for the meal's preparation and said, "Gochiso sama deshita."

Soon after that Miko's parents excused themselves to get ready for work. When they were alone Miko grinned happily as she boldly took the opportunity to hug her boyfriend and secret fiancé. She was so excited she was practically bouncing off the walls.

Besides, it wasn't just every day that you planned to announce to your parents that you were getting married.

The day that stretched before them was full of hope and promise. They could not wait to get started.

That hope was destined to be tragically short-lived.

In all too brief a time Raf and Miko's happiness would soon come to a screeching halt.