AN: Chapter 4 Came along really fast. It kinda flowed out of me once I got some stressfull things finished. There might be a guy you want to hit in this chapter. Miss Yumi belong to Guest Poster over on the Katawa shoujo boards. Kong-sang, Basho, & Hisashi belong to me. Everything else belongs to Four Leaf Studios.
Sunday finally comes. I go with Hanako on her trip to Yamaku. I decided that I would look around the school some while she is having her session with Miss Takawa. I walk with her into the Auxiliary Building & up a flight of stairs. She stops in front of one of the doors & knocks.
Miss Yumi
"Please come in."
Hanako gives me a quick kiss then opens the door stepping inside letting it close behind her. I walk back down the stairs & out of the Auxiliary building. I mindlessly wonder around the grounds when I hear yelling that bring me out of my reminiscing of the year before.
?
"WATCH OUT!"
I barely jump out of the way as a boy in a wheelchair skids to a stop just past where I was standing. Looking back at him I notice he is one of the the students in Mutou's classKong-sang Yang
Kong-sang
"Sorry my brakes can't stop on a dime & I was rushing to meet up with my friends"
Hisao
"Yang it's OK I wasn't watching where I was going."
His eyes go a bit wide when I turn to look to him.
Kong-sang
"Mr. Nakai? Aren't you off today?"
He is right I'm not scheduled to be here today.
Hisao
"Yeah I am. My girlfriend has business here so I'm just walking the grounds"
Kong-sang nods.
Kong-sang
"OK Mr. Nakai I got to go I'll see you in class tomorrow."
Hisao
"Bye"
Kong-sang quickly leaves to meet up with his friends.
I resume my walk looking around but paying more attention for speedy students. I make my way back to the main building heading inside. I figure I'll check out my old haunts since during school hours I am either in Mutou's classroom or the Staff room. I quickly find my way to the second floor. The first place I stop is the Tearoom. It looks like it hasn't been touched since the last time Lilly, Hanako, & I ate lunch here. I then head to the Library. I know Yuuko isn't here she always works the weekends at The Shanghai. Maybe Hanako & I will stop there before heading home.
I wave to the Librarian I recognize her as the person who always took over for Yuuko on her days off. I walk around slowly looking over everything. It's just as it was last year except for the Beanbag chairs. They are empty instead of occupied by Hanako. I smile remembering how she was sitting there when I met her right before she ran off. I look at my watch. I don't know how long her sessions are with Miss Takawa but I should probably start getting back to meet her.
I make it back to the Auxiliary Building in time to see Nurse going back to his office. He sees me as well & gives me his huge grin.
Nurse
"Mr. Nakai very nice to see you. I was hoping to catch up with you a bit can you please come into my office."
Hisao
"Eh... OK"
I follow him in & take a seat. He sits behind his desk.
Nurse
"I was wondering how things have been since you graduated. Emi told me you still go on your morning runs with her. How is the doctor I referred you to?"
Hisao
"Things have been fine. My heart hasn't acted up I keep up on my medication, Yes I do still keep up with the exercise schedule you drew up for me, & Dr. Nakayama is OK I seen him a few days ago for my routine checkup."
Nurse
"I heard you're living with Ms. Ikezawa now. So you are probably getting some extra exercise have you been keeping your heart in mind instead of getting carried away?"
He gives his playful grin as I sigh. I figured he would want to talk about that or at lease joke about it.
Hisao
"It's not like it's a nightly thing & yes I keep my heart in check so I wont keel over. Is that all?"
Nurse
"Yes. I'm glad to hear you are more responsible these days."
By the time I leave the office Hanako is coming down the stairs at the end of the hall. We leave & stop by The Shanghai. It is quiet with only a few people as always. Yuuko meets us as we walk in.
Yuuko
"Hisao, Hanako welcome what can I get for you?"
Hisao
" Just Black tea & our usual Sandwiches. Hanako?"
Hanako
"Yes... I'll have t-that too."
Yuuko
"Coming right up please take a seat anywhere"
She gives her normal deep bow hurrying off to the back. Hanako & I find a seat relaxing into them.
Hanako
"What did Nurse want?"
I sigh again
Hisao
"He wanted to make sure I was still looking after my heart, wanted to know what I thought of my new doctor, & to take a jab at me about our sex life"
I roll my eyes at the last part but Hanako's eyes grow wide as her face turns beat red. Just then Yuuko returns to our table placing our order in front of us with the same grace we've gotten use to with her.
We finish our food, pay, then leave for home. Hanako is quiet the whole way till we step inside our Apartment.
Hanako
"Um... w-what did you tell him."
At first I don't know what she means then I realize what she is wanting to know.
Hisao
"I didn't give any details I told him I make sure to keep tabs on my heart so I don't keel over. I would say asking was just his job but I think he likes messing with me."
I decide it is best to change the subject.
Hisao
"How did your appointment go."
Hanako
"It went fine. I t-told Miss Yumi about my business idea & she said I should do it."
Hisao
"Ok then how about on our next day off we go take a look & get a price to rent the space."
Hanako nods but still doesn't look all that sure.
Hanako
"Ok that is fine."
The following Sunday Hanako, Lilly, & me head to the shopping street. The shop is in a nice part of the street. I call the number & talk to the representative telling him we are thinking of renting one of the shops & if it would be OK to look it over. After I get told they will send someone to open the shutters for us to look around we say our goodbyes & hang up.
Hisao
"They are sending someone to let us look around the shop"
Lilly
"That is great. You are on your way to starting your own business Hanako."
Hanako looks a bit nervous but nods. I'm starting to think this maybe wasn't the best idea but I need to have faith that she can do this. I'll talk with her tonight to make sure this is really what she wants.
A man comes with the key to unlock the shutters. As we look around the place Hanako holds on to Lilly's arm to help guide her around the space but keeps her head down using her hair & hat to block the guy's veiw of her scars. I describe everything as we walk through. It's a bit dusty but the kitchen in the back is nice & already has display areas I think Hanako will be able to put the items she plans to sell. After we look around our tour guide gives the the price for the space. Monthly payments aren't that bad but the down payment is a bit more than I thought it would be. I tell him we will be in touch with our decision. After the place is locked up we head home.
Lilly
"Hanako if this is what you want I will be more than happy to help you."
Hanako
"Thank you Lilly"
Hanako & I go into our Apartment after saying our goodbyes to Lilly. She sits on the couch pulling her hat off.
Hisao
"Is this really what you want? I'm not going to push you into it."
She shrugs a bit with her shoulders slumped over.
Hanako
"It will b-be nice. But w-what if I mess up? The only people I ever cooked for is us & Lilly."
I sit down next to her
Hisao
"I think you will do fine you only have to have faith in yourself like Me & Lilly do. There is no doubt in our minds that you can do anything."
Hanako
"C-can I think about it?"
I smile & nod to her. I know this is a big step for her & if I don't give her the time she needs to think it through it will blow up in everyones face. She leans over & gives me a kiss to show her appreciation.
It took a few days but Hanako decided she would like to open the business. With any luck this could help her feel more comfortable around a lot of people & if not she could always hang out in the kitchen area & let someone she trust deal with the customers. Lilly & I chip in to help her pay for the area. Because of my & Lilly's busy days it does take a while to clean & set up the shop. Hanako did a good job ordering everything she would need from her tools in the kitchen to the supplies she would need to make the food. It's a Friday, the day before we plan to open. I come home from classes it's weird Lilly left school early today so I rode home alone. I get up to my floor & see someone I haven't seen in over a month. It's Akira sitting on the floor against the wall across from Lilly's Apartment.
I walk over to Akira & sit down next to her.
Hisao
"Hey Akira it's good to see you but why are you out here instead of hanging out with Lilly?"
She smirks then sighs.
Akira
"She is talking with Mom & Dad. There was some trouble with the Japanese branch that they needed to come see over. But in the end I'm moving back here with my boyfriend."
I'm surprised to hear this. She left for work where she was being promoted I hope she didn't get demoted or anything.
Hisao
"Why what happened?"
Akira
"Long story short the head of the legal department wanted to be transfered to the Scotland branch. He wasn't too happy that I got promoted to the head there & quit. So I'm being transfered back to take his place. It isn't all bad I missed Lilly. I'm glad she had her little family here."
Hisao
"You know Akira your part of our little family too."
Akira pats me on the shoulder with a bit of a smile.
Akira
"Ah Hisao! Don't make me get all weepy on ya."
I smile back & shake my head
Hisao
"Why not come inside. I'm sure Hanako would love to see you.
Akira nods as we stand up. I walk to the door opening it & gesture for her to enter. She walks in & I follow her in.
Akira
"Hey there Hanako"
Hanako jumps when she hears Akira then runs to her giving her a big hug.
Hanako
"Akira w-when did you get back?"
Akira
"Just today. Mom & Dad came to fix a problem at the Japanese Branch so we are all visiting Lilly."
The three of us sit down on the couch as we talk.
Hisao
"How did your boyfriend like Scotland?"
Akira
"He liked it OK but being a chef from Japan he said the knives there sucked. Oi speaking of chefs I heard you opened your own shop."
Hanako nods.
Hanako
"Yeah... we open tomorrow."
Hisao
"We are still looking to hire someone to help make dealing with customers easier on Hanako."
Akira
"I got an idea of someone who would be perfect. My Boyfriend needs a job he is good with people. What do you say Hanako? You think he will cut it?"
Hanako fidgets a bit I don't know if she ever met Akira's boyfriend I know I haven't.
Hanako
"If you t-think he will be able to help me I t-trust your j-judgment."
Akira smiles like she won a prize.
Akira
"Great! I'll bring him by your shop bright & early."
This will be great. With Akira & her Boyfriend helping out I can focus on work until I can show up after morning classes.
There is a knock on the door then it slowly opens. We can see Lilly poke her head in a bit.
Lilly
"Hanako? Hisao? Is Akira here with you two?"
Akira
"Yeah Sis I'm here just hanging out"
Lilly pushes the door open the rest of the way coming in. I guess she is relieved Akira didn't run off or what ever she might have thought. Behind Lilly is a man & woman that have to be her Parents. Mr. Satou is wearing a Black business suit & Dark frame glasses. His eyes match Akira's in color yet are more serious. His black hair is combed neatly & he has a small beard on the end of his chin. Mrs. Satou looks like an older version of Lilly. She wears a red business suit, brown frame glasses, a cross Necklace that matches Lilly's, & cross dangle Earrings. Her Blond bangs hang around her face a bit like Akira's.
Hanako & I stand & bow to the Satous.
Hisao
"Welcome to our home Mr. & Mrs. Satou would you like a drink we can make tea."
Mrs. Satou's face lights up as I talk.
Alexandra
"Your Lilly's friend Hisao Nakai. It is good to put a face to the voice on the phone."
I smile that she recognizes my Voice
Hisao
"Yes Ma'am. The feeling is mutual"
Lilly
"OH! Please forgive me. Mother Father these are my bestfreinds Hisao Nakai & Hanako Ikezawa. Hisao, Hanako these are mine & Akira's parents"
Mr. Satou bows politely
Jotaro
"My pleasure. Lilly speaks highly of you two. You will have to forgive my rudeness but we have pressing matters to attend. Akira if you please."
Akira sighs & nods
Akira
"See you all tomorrow. Lilly since I'm moving back invite me over some time yeah?"
Lilly
"Of course"
Lilly's family leaves closing the door behind them. Lilly stays at our place for dinner before we all head to bed. Tomorrow will be a trying day & we will need our rest if we are going to get through it.
I finally show up at the Shopping street. After morning classes I ran to the bus to get here as soon as possible. I get to where Hanako's shop is the first thing I notice is the shop sign Miss Takawa had made up as a gift of good luck & I'm sure as part of Hanako's therapy. It's a wooden sign with a picture of Hanako scars & all holding a bowl of bread with me in the background both of us dressed in old time shop employee uniforms. Under the picture is the name "Bakery". Behind the counter dealing with costumers. Is a guy I never met before. He has three earrings in each ear, Red Orange hair a lite goatee. His clothes consist of a blue dress short sleeve dress shirt, Brown sweater vest, sleeveless leather jacket, Blue jeans & sneakers. Is this Akira's Boyfriend? He sees me as I walk up.
Hisao
"Hello I'm Hisao. Are you Akira's Boyfriend?"
He smiles at me
Boyfriend
"Yeah I have that title. Name's Hisashi Okada. Please call me Hisashi. Thank you & Hanako for the job."
Hisao
"No problem you're helping Hanako just as much I'm sure."
Akira walks from the back with Hanako.
Akira
"Oi Hisao bout time you got here. What do ya think?"
I look around the place a bit.
Hisao
"Looks good. It seems the place is doing well for it's first day."
Hanako smiles then notices something behind me that makes her smile turn to a frown quicker than I ever saw before. When I turn to look I see some students in the orange uniform with grey shirt of Edokama Academy. I'm still not too sure what wrong until a boy with green hair gets a cruel smirk & points to Hanako.
Green Haired boy
"Hey look it's Hanako of the Toilet. Didn't think I would see her after middle school."
Now I get it this asshole is one of the kids Hanako went to school with before coming to Yamaku. One of her Bullies. My Blood starts to boil out of the corner of my eye I see my girlfriend's head drop as she slowly walks back into the kitchen like she broke. Just as I'm about to go beat the hell out of this kid there is a hand on my shoulder. I look back it's Hisashi.
Hisashi
"Talk to your girlfriend, Akira & I will take care of things here."
I look over to Akira who looks as mad as I am. The more that piece of shit laughs the more her body shakes in fury. I have to calm myself if I'm going to help Hanako. I start to walk toward the back. Akira blows up making even me jump back a bit.
Akira
"HEY PUNK YOU WANT YOU MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE?! LET'S SEE YOU MAKE FUN OF SOMEONE WHEN I STICK MY FOOT UP YOUR FUCKING ASS!"
This must be the famous Scottish anger I read about I don't want to see anymore of that. I hurry into the back to Hanako as Akira marches over to the bully.
Hisao
"Hanako It's me Hisao you OK?"
I find her sitting in a corner of the supply room with her knees hugged to her chest. Tears flowing from her eyes. I sit over next to her.
She takes a deep breath as I sit down.
Hanako
"T-that was Basho. We w-went to the s-same Elementary & Middle School. He was a-always a g-grade behind me. B-but after my ... accident it w-wasn't hard for everyone to k-know who Hanako the s-scared g-girl was. T-the first t-time I ran away to hide when t-they were bullying me I ... I hid in one of the stalls of the restroom."
I put my arms around her holding her close.
Hanako
"Every...one k-knew the u-urban legend. I-I didn't even think about it at t-the time but I gave them s-something else to p-pick on me about. M-maybe opening this w-was a bad idea."
I stroke her hair & shake my head
Hisao
"No this shop is a good idea. Don't let some jerk ruin something you enjoy. If it helps you can just stay back here I'm sure Hisashi can handle the front just fine. You quit now people like him will win show them you are as strong as I've seen you be."
Hanako look up to me then shrugs but doesn't move. Akira comes back to check on us.
Akira
"That guy is gone. How is she doing?"
Hisao
"Right now still upset but I think she just needs time."
The rest of the day I sit with Hanako she doesn't talk. Akira helps Hisashi wait on costumers. He sometimes comes to the kitchen to prepare new Box meals or bake bread. At the end of the day we close up with the rest of the shops. Except for how Hanako is feeling right now business did well. Akira drives us back to the Apartments. I help Hanako get ready for bed. I call Lilly after I leave the room & tell her everything that happened.
Lilly
"Oh Hisao. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help out. It must of been horrible for her."
Hisao
"You haven't been with your parents for a while we both understand. I know she will come out of this we just need to give her time. Just like before."
Lilly
"I know just let me know if you need anything."
Hisao
"I will Good night Lilly"
Lilly
"Goodnight"
AN: I hope I wrote Basho to wear everyone want to beat the hell out of him. I hope you all enjoyed please rate & reveiw I enjoy hearing what you all think.