Chapter 11: We Have Dinner Crashers

Several months later…

"Kotoko, could you come home right after school today?" Dad asks me during breakfast.

I nod my head, "no problem dad, but why? Do you need me for something?"

Dad sits back in his chair a little. "Well, Iri-chan has been so kind to let us live with his family so long that I want to cook dinner tonight in thanks."

"Shigeru, you don't have to." Mrs. Irie exclaims, "I love cooking and it's been a pleasure to have you around."

"No, I would like to do this if you don't mind. I'll treat everyone to my restaurant's special." Dad insists. Mrs. Irie nods her head smiling. "So I'll see you after school Kotoko?" Dad turns his attention to me. I nod my head, standing up. "No problem, dad. I'm going to head out now. Thanks for breakfast." I call over my shoulder grabbing my bag. "Kotoko-chan? What's the rush?" Mrs. Irie calls.

I stick my head back into the room. "Watanabae-kun and I have a bet on who was going to do better on this midterm exam. Marks are being posted this morning so I'm going early so I can gloat in his face."

Irie-kun turns around, rolling his eyes. "What makes you so certain you're going to get a better mark? Watanabae's been second ever since we entered high school."

I wink at the family, "I call it female instincts. I'll see you all tonight." I put my shoes on and dash to school.

When I arrive, I spot a crowd of students loitering around the school doors. Sitting on a bench under a tree, Watanabae waves his hand when he spots me. I jog over, "Have you looked at the marks yet?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "Not yet, I was waiting for you. All we have left is to wait for Irie. I'm pretty sure I surpassed him this time."

I shook my head laughing. "Yeah right, as if you could ever surpass Irie-kun."

Ten minutes later, Irie-kun walks through the school gates, nose buried in his book as always. He looks up and spots us together right away.

I stand up, brushing down my skirt, "You certainly took your time. Come on you two, I want to gloat." Together we push pass the crowd of students reaching the top end of the top 100.

"YES! I knew I was right! In your face, Watanabae-kun. You owe me 20 dollars." I cheer gleefully, laughing at him spotting my name between Irie-kun's and Watanabae-kun's. Watanabae-kun eyes seemed to bulge from his head. He couldn't remove them from the bulletin board.

"How the heck did you get a 498? I know I did better than 495. " Irie-kun rolls his eyes at us.

"Accept it. She beat you fair and square. Don't even consider thinking she cheated. We all wrote the exam at the same time. Even Kobayakawa-san can't argue that she cheated."

I pout, "Like I would ever cheat on an exam."

Irie-kun ignores me, grabbing his bag, "I'll see you guys in class. I need to talk to the school counselor about my university applications before classes start."

"Good point, I need to talk to her as well. See you in a bit Kotoko-san." He hands me my twenty dollars before leaving with Irie-kun towards the counselors' office. I wave goodbye before shouldering my own bag, heading for the classroom.

"I'm back, dad. What do you need help with?" I call into the house as I step inside. I run upstairs quickly to change, heading into the kitchen in less than five minutes. Inside the kitchen, Dad's surrounded by steaming pots.

"Kotoko, could you marinate the chicken for me? Just use whatever it is you make for the store." Dad calls over from where he's thinly slicing the halibut. I nod my head and proceed to mix together in ingredients for my citrus teriyaki sauce. I place the chicken into the finished sauce, placing it into the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Closing the refrigerator door, I spot the potatoes, butter, onion, cheese and milk laid out near the stove. Grabbing a casserole dish from the cupboards, I slice into the potatoes, laying them into the dish. I added diced onions and another layer of potatoes. Over by the stove, I scoot my father over from where he was frying bacon to share the space. Taking a saucepan, I melt the butter, adding flour to make a roux. I add milk and cheese, continuously stirring the mixture until it thickens. I pour it over the potatoes, cover the dish with an aluminum foil and place it into the preheated oven.

I check the time, grabbing the chicken from the fridge; I place them onto a baking sheet, before putting it into the second oven. After setting a timer, I begin collecting the various utensils lying around the kitchen and around my dad who was breading the halibut pieces and place them into the sink. I'm putting away the last fork when the stove oven timer goes off. I take out the potato gratin and replace the space with the baking tray filled with Brussel sprouts and chopped bacon. Setting the oven to bake, I place the gratin on the warm stove top to keep the dish hot. I run out to the dining room to set up the table. Mrs. Irie and Mr. Irie are sitting in the living room, reading a novel and the newspaper respectively. Mrs. Irie looks up when I walk in.

"Kotoko-chan, do you and your father need any help?" She asks. I shake my head, setting the table quickly.

"We're all good in here. Maybe call everyone down? Dinner should be ready in ten minutes." I walk back into the kitchen and grabbing a hot pad and the gratin. Making my way back out, I set the dish down, leaving the aluminum foil on the dish. Dad comes out right behind me with a salad and the plate of fried fish and sets them on the table. I hear the timer go off inside the kitchen. Turning off the oven, I take the chicken out of the oven, plating the meat. When the timer for the Brussel sprouts goes off, I move the food into a serving bowl before returning to the table. Irie-kun and Yuki-kun were sitting at the table, and dad was serving the adults a glass of wine.

"Aihara-san, did you make all of this?" Yuki-kun eyes bug out at the assortment of food.

Dad shakes his head, "I made the salad, the fish and the Brussel sprouts. The gratin and the chicken is Kotoko's specialty." Yuki-kun turns, wide –eyed towards me.

"You made this? It smells so good." I laugh at his expression.

"Why don't you try it first then tell me how it tastes. Ok?" I sit down at the table with everyone else. The Irie family thanks us for the food before digging in.

"Kotoko-chan, the chicken is excellent." Mrs. Irie exclaims.

"I like the potatoes; it's filled with cream and cheese." Yuki-kun states, as he shovels more potatoes into his mouth.

Irie-kun takes a bit of the fish. "This is very good Aihara-san, Kotoko-san. Thank you again for the meal." He continues to eat.

Mr. Irie beams down our side. "Well Ai-chan, you've certainly proved why you own a restaurant. It's also nice to see that your cooking genes were passed down to Kotoko." I blush at his statement.

Dad looks over at me, proud "It's nice to know that I did pass on some characteristics. Heaven knows she's just like her mother. Anyways, I'm glad she such a good cook. She's going to need it for her future family."

"Kotoko-chan doesn't have to worry about finding a husband. She's going to marry into our family." Mrs. Irie pipes up before taking another bite.

I choke on my food. Coughing harshly, I gulp water down from my glass while Irie-kun begins to raise his voice against his mother. "Don't decide my life for me. You have no right to say who I will or won't marry."

I slam my glass down on the table. Still coughing I place my hand on her arm. "Please don't say things like that. Especially since Irie-kun and I don't like each other that much."

"What are you saying Kotoko? Just last night- Ow, Oni-chan. That hurts." Yuki-kun screeches. I suspect Irie-kun pinched him. When Irie-kun glares at him, Yuki-kun turns back to me; an evil grin appears on his face. "Just last night you were telling me about the love letter you wrote to my brother." Irie-kun bursts out laughing.

I turn bright red. "I-I-I did no such thing." I sputter out indignantly.

Irie-kun turns to look at me. "Oh really? Then the letter on your desk wasn't addressed to me? Yuki was kind enough to hand it to me, seeing as the envelope had my name on it." I stare incredulous at him. What was he trying to pull? I thought we were trying to hide our relationship. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, so nobody saw Irie-kun wink at me and mouth the words telling me to play along.

"Kotoko-chan, you wrote a love letter on Naoki?" Mrs. Irie squeals in delight. "That means there's a chance that my wish could come true."

"No it doesn't! I don't even like him that way anymore."

Irie-kun leans back against his chair, smiling thoughtfully. "You gave me the letter at school last year didn't you? How did it go again…?" Before he could finish that thought, a bang outside the house had us all turning our heads.

"Who are they?" Mr. Irie asks astonished.

I stand up straight, making my way over to the sliding door. "They were my classmates last year." I answer Mr. Irie as I open the door.

"Kin-chan? Satomi? Jinko? What are you guys doing here? Better questions, how did you find this place?" I ask. "You can't come barging into other people's houses. Oi! Kin-chan, are you even listening to me?" Kin-chan brushes by me walking into the house.

"Irie Naoki, you may be a genius, but even a genius can be an evil wild man. Don't try anything on my Kotoko!" He shouts.

"Who are you?" Yuki-kun asks, glaring at me. I shake my head at him. Yuki-kun relaxes, a bored expression forms on his face.

"Uh, I'm sorry about barging in like this. You have a lovely home. My name is Kinnosuke Ikezawa. Kotoko and I have a very passionate relationship."

"Kin-chan, we don't. Stop telling lies." I pull at his sleeve trying to drag him out.

"Irie, you hear me? Don't try anything on her. Got it?"

Irie-kun smirks a little. "I can't promise that. You know how it is, being a 'man' and all, people can change their minds. You may hate someone today, but you might like that person tomorrow." He drawls.

"What? You like Kotoko now, is that it?" Kin-chan asks confused.

Irie-kun stands up. "I didn't say that. Just remember, she likes me more than she likes you. She might say otherwise but her motives are there. Why else would she have tried to get into Class A?" He turns away. "Your presence has ruined my appetite. The food Kotoko-san made was delicious too." He turns his head back. "Enjoy your stay." He states sarcastically before turning away and leaving the room.

"Kin-chan, come on. You can't just barge into people's houses." I successfully manage to drag him out of the house. Satomi, Jinko follow us. "What are you doing here you guys?" I ask once we were away from the door.

Satomi and Jinko trade looks before glancing over at Kin-chan. He was standing there staring at the house, a scowl on his face. "Kin-chan followed you after school." Satomi finally says. "He was curious as to why you were improving so quickly and hanging around the smart kids more than us. He watched you walk into the house and was still there when Irie Naoki came home. He called us and we've been outside watching your interactions. Are you actually staying here, Kotoko?" She asks.

I raise my eyes to the sky sighing loudly. "Irie-kun didn't want anyone to know we were living together. He tolerates me at school and barely tolerates me in his house. To be quite frank, I'm starting to hate him a little. You heard his attitude towards me while we were eating. Anyways, it's only for a short while longer, then we're all off to college and dad should be able to find another house. Please don't tell anybody. Irie-kun might murder me in my sleep if this gets out." I beg them.

Kin-chan finally looked over. "We won't tell. No point giving that arrogant genius more ammo than he deserves. Are you ok living here, Kotoko?" He asks me.

I shrug my shoulders. "I would prefer not to live with him, especially since his mom is a little eccentric, but I'm not going to split from dad." I answer.

"Fine, we'll go. But first sign that he's being mean again and we'll be back to take you away. Got it?" I nod my head. "Well, see you tomorrow Kotoko." Kin-chan stalks off into the night. Satomi and Jinko bid me good night before taking off after him. I sigh once they leave. Turning around, I make my way back to the house.

I flop down onto my bed exhausted. Dealing with Kin-chan seems to be more effort each day. I reach my hand over and pat my night table, searching for my iPod. I click play, and music fills the void, thumping in my ear. Closing my eyes, I let the music sweep me away.

A hand covers my mouth. I squeak in surprise, thrashing, my eyes flying wide open. Irie-kun is sitting on my bed his finger to his mouth. I remove my ear buds as his hands drops away from my mouth.

"What are you doing in my room?" I ask, only for Irie-kun to shush me. Pointing at my clock, I follow the path of his finger. "It's past midnight? I only lay back for a few minutes." I whisper.

Irie smiles, "you've been out like a light, I've been in your room for an hour. I went to the bathroom before bed and Yuki locked me out. I've locked your door so no one should come in. I was hoping I could sleep here instead of downstairs.

I blush slightly. "Don't try any funny business." I mutter, sliding over in my bed. Irie-kun lies down beside me. His arm reaches around me and pulls me against his warm body. I sigh at the contact, feeling warm and safe in his embrace. "I love you, Kotoko. Good night." He whispers, kissing the top of my head.

I snuggle closer, breathing in his scent. "Good night Irie-kun. I love you too."

Hey guys, I'm back. First snowfall of the year over the weekend so I'm excited for winter. I hope you guys are watching Love in Tokyo...Did you see today's episode! I don't think it's possible for Yuki Furukawa to get any hotter. He does not look like he's in his late 20s. Anyhow, I need help for the next chapter, the more reviews the more elements I can add to the next chapter. Should Kin-chan, Satomi and Jinko tell the school that Naoki and Kotoko are living together or not? Write me your thoughts as I actually can't decide. I'll probably start drafting the next chapter tomorrow during my spare or later in the week. Write to you guys next time. Ciao.