Booyah ! :D The new chapter is up ! I am thinking of the further plot of this story. I have three kind of plots of this one and currently confused which one to pick :/ But, since this story is supposed to be a school life one that is considered "light", I won't make any kind of hard "twist" to it. I took longer time to write this one since I am kinda confused getting depressed easily these days :(, and school has already started -_- I hope I can back to my usual pace of writing again. And this time I will take you guys around Yanagi family.
To reviewers who have kindly spare their time to write reviews, thank you so much xD I love you guys ! xoxo , just the word "keep going : D " has made my whole day :'D.
To Honou no Megami-sama : Hmm, I always think "Sebastian" is the default name of butler *u* it is cool and have the butler aura in it. Because other butler's name is not that suitable :and thanks for your support :') I love writing chapters to see my view's reactions, I am glad you like them :)
To Ninja99 : I am living in Indonesia, and truth be told, my Chinese is poor :') I only follow school's subject and memorizing them for my exams ~ I want to review your stories as well but I don't read naruto... #gotfacepalmed
To whyyousoserious : Ehe :P that's another mystery I will reveal later MEHEHEEEHHE ! And keep working at your story as well~ Ganbatte for both of us !
Alright, here you go :D The new chapter !
~*Infinity*~
Chapter 4 : Celebrating Birthday
Sebastian is busily directing all the chief in my house that night. Well, even though they are chiefs, you can't call them with that name. More like, ryori shokunin in my house? We even have our own itamae. Oh, and actually you don't call maids as well here, you call them by kaseifu.
As you can guess, my house is traditional-like. Father and mother loves nature and traditional Japanese culture. Even though, they don't apply this to our life and philosophy, they make our house traditional-style and even call the people inside it with the old terms. The kaseifus here wears light blue dandelion pattern yukatas with white obis, also they wear white socks and brown getas if they want to go outside. We have men kaseifus as well and their "uniform" is the same as girls, different models of course. For the ryori shokunins and itamaes, they wear white yukatas without obis. Again, women and men, the models are different too. The people who wear modern clothing are the three head servants of this house. We call them, head ryori shokunins and itamaes or chief, head men kaseifus or butler, and head kaseifus or maid. Apparently, all of them have the authority to direct other henchmen freely. Example? What Sebastian, the butler, MY butler, is doing now.
"Shoukunin #1, steam the water right now ! Make sure the temperature is hot enough for the ingredients to be boiled,"
"Shoukunin #3, cut the ingredients that needs to be fried and make sure to cut them small, Yanagi-Aijin-sama likes them easier to be eaten,"
"Shokunin #10, have you checked the mushrooms that needed for Kaiseki Ryori?"
"Itamae #5, the salmon we need to make sashimi, have been confirmed their freshness and originality right from the deep sea of Japan, right? We can't allow dead rotten fish to go inside Yanagi-Aijin-sama's stomach,"
"Shoukunin #14, remember to make the cold soba sauce a little salty since last time soba's proves to be too sweet for her likings," all being said by Sebastian.
"YES, SIR !" all replied by them, in the same second with the same unison.
I can only sweatdropped from this scene. Sure, we want today to be perfect for my mother. But who knows, actually everyone puts their hearts to it fully for her. Seeing all of them like this makes me smile and glad to have them as my family.
"Ojo-sama, please come this way to the other side of kitchen so we can start to bake the cake," said one of the three kaseifus behind me.
"Alright," I said, closing the kitchen door in front of me so they can do their job with more concentration.
"This way, Ojo-sama," said Miteki-san, the oldest kaseifus and gentlest one in my family, she is the second closest to me after Sebastian. She is fifty years old now. She has white (of course) hair that always kept into a bun like other kaseifus, and some fine wrinkles on her face. She is a very gentle person and usually I talk about my life problems too.
I followed them to the back side of the kitchen. When I open the door, the other kaseifus have prepared the ingredients and themselves. Themselves, for teaching me, of course. Why ,you ask? Last time I cooked, I nearly blowed the whole kitchen by myself. The steamer which I used somehow got really heated and had produced lots of steams and burnt smells. Gladly I was called by my mother so I don't have any injuries. All of the servants in my house also away from the kitchen at that time mainly because it was three p.m and no one is cooking. But that can't be said to the poor kitchen which sustained many damages. Well, forgive me. It was my first time setting my foot in the kitchen. The curious thirteen years old me couldn't forget the cooking show I watched the night before the "incident", so I ended up trying to cook ... and booming everything.
And after two years, I can't believe I set myself in this place. Again.
"Ojo-sama, shouldn't you add Aji Mirin before mixing the dough?"
"Ojo-sama, shouldn't you use flour instead of wheat flour? It will make the cake expand better,"
"Ojo-sama, shouldn't the texture to be thick, triple by volume, and very pale? This one is completely the opposite,"
"Ojo-sama, why are you frying the yeast?"
"Ojo-sama –"
"You guys, rather than to critize every single step I took wrong, why don't you actually help me in the process?" I said dejectedly.
"But it has to be made by yourself or else it won't have any meanings," all the kaseifus said in unison. Did Sebastian teach them how to do choir recently?
"Well, true. Kaa-san said that as well," I said.
Mother taught me to put my heart into something I want other people to like or to enjoy. She said that no matter how pretty, glorious, stunning something is, it will be pointless if it doesn't have any love in it.
" I want Kaa-san to be proud of me. I want her to smile," I thought.
We decided to make castella. A traditional Japanese cake with minimum ingredients and efforts. My kaseifus have searched food that I won't make mistakes with supervisors. And yeah, this cake is considered easy for all beginners. But somehow no matter how easy it is, I still make some mistakes here and there. Fortunately, I don't destroy our kitchen again. If I did, there will be lots of victims on my precious mother's birthday. Ultimately, that won't be her gift from me right? Right ...?
And all done ! Poof , all we need to do is putting the cake in the oven, bake it for seven minutes and voilà ! We have something edible. I mean castella for my mother. When I have put the dough in, all the kaseifus are relieved and wiping their sweat from observing me cooking.
Now, the only thing left is for Kaa-san to arrive home.
I take a bath quickly and dressed up for my mother's birthday dinner. We don't celebrate it grandeur and make a ball out of it. Just the warmth from my family is enough. And father? He has his job, my mother is very understanding so it's okay. I take my dark purple with crimson petals pattern yukata. I let my hair loose and my face free of makeup. Then, I heard the sound of my mother's car arriving at the front gate.
My mother is coming home from work, always at half past eight, except she got extra class. She is a psychology lecturer at Tokyo University. Even though we are already loaded, it seems she does it just for fun. She doesn't like being a rich mistress from a well-known family and just sitting all day, waiting for her beloved daughter and husband to come home. She is just too extrovert for that. She is reaching thirty-seven today, still young and having a daughter just twenty-two years apart. Because of her division of job, she is very understanding and have many friends, although the one she trust is countable. Just like me.
"Okairinasai, Yanagi-Aijin-sama," said all Yanagi house servants while bowing at the same time.
"Tadaima, minna-san," said AzusaYanagi, smiling.
"Welcome home, Kaa-san. Happy birthday. May prosperity and good health always be in your favor," I told her while hugging her.
"Happy birthday, Yanagi-Aijin-sama," said all of my servants again. Yep. Sebastian DID teach them do choir.
"Happy birthday, Aijin-sama," said Sebastian while kneeling to her.
"Coming home from work and be greeted like this by you guys really boost my stamina up. I don't even feel tired anymore," she said.
"This is not our only greeting, Kaa-san. Something else is waiting for you at our dining room," I said, pulling her arms.
"Where are you taking me,Yuka?" she asked.
"You'll see," I replied.
When mother opened the dining room's door, lots of food have been prepared on the grand table. Starting from appetizers such as cawanmushi, deep fried calamari, vegan gyoza,nikujaga,oyakodon,chicken cashu. The main course, the famous kaiseki ryori, katsu curry, monkfish miso nabe, full course oden, katsudon, asari miso soup, even omurice. The sushis of course, sashimi, california roll, dragon roll, avocado roll, negitoro sushi. The highly end dessert such as namagashi, sakura mochi, amanatto, suama, wasanbon. The fruits that are displayed at wooden mat on the table are freshly picked at that day as well. Seems Sebastian really makes everything pur-fect~
"Surprise!" we all said, even some of the men kaseifus blow new year trumpets to make it better.
"Why thank you everyone! Everything on the table is for me? You must be kidding me, these are all my favourites," said Kaa-san with very happy face.
"Of course Kaa-san, we've made everything today for you specially," I said clapping my hands.
"I have reassured everything will be delightedly savoured by Aijin-sama," said Sebastian, taking us to sit on tatami.
"Oh, since it is too many for only just me and Yuka, I declare all of MY people to sit around us and enjoy the feast together," said Kaa-san with a wink.
Kaa-san words really make everyone pleased. The birthday dinner runs smoothly and merry. Although, my mother orders some expensive liquors and sakes for us to drink, I am still underaged and drink the sweet sake Sebastian offered me instead.
"Kaa-san, I have something more to show you. Please close your eyes," I said.
"Hmm? What is it? Don't make me waiting too long, Yuka. You know I am a curious person," she said while closing her eyes with both her hands.
" Please take the castella out," I whispered to one of the kaseifus.
"Kaa-san, open your eyes now," I said.
"What is-?"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY YANAGI-AIJIN-SAMA/AIJIN-SAMA/KAA-SAN," we all said.
"A birthday cake? It's been so long since I got one. A castella?" she said.
"Yes, and it is home-made by yours truly," Sebastian said.
"Yuka ... made this? By herself?" she asked, giving me a staring look.
"Yes mother. Although I am helped by -, UWAAH !"
"Thank you Yuka. You don't know how much it means to me. I love you so much. This is the best birthday ever," Kaa-san said while hugging me.
"I am glad you like it, Kaa-san. I love you too," I said, returning her hug.
After Kaa-san blows the candle, we all sing Happy Birthday song, the time everyone has waited come.
"So, how about we took a decisive decision on the taste?" suggested Sebastian.
" Appearance can be deceiving," I said slowly..
"Let me have the first taste," Kaa-san said.
She takes a bite of the castella and ...
" ... Surprisingly it is not bad, it is good actually. Just less sweet," she said with a smile and a thumbs up for me.
"Really?" I said with amusement. All the kaseifus whom helped me before smiles in relieve and happiness.
"I won't lie about something like this, Yuka. Once again, thank you, you all."
When all servants are clearing up the plates and tables, I see something on my living room. A red carnation bouquet. The flowers are very pretty and wrapped with a red ribbon with a red card hanging. When I want to see the card, suddenly Sebastian calls me.
"Maybe it's from father," I thought.
Then later that night, I sleep soundly, waiting for tomorrow to come.
"Aijin-sama, here is your bouquet," said Sebastian, giving Azusa the red flowers.
"Ah, thank you Sebastian. I forget to bring it with me because Yuka was there," she said.
"Talking about Milady, she nealy saw the card," Sebastian said with careful tone.
"That was careless of me to ask the doraiba7 to put it there," Azusa said.
"Aijin-sama hasn't told her?" Sebastian asked.
"No, not yet. She will find out by herself in no time anyway. Sebastian, please give my regards to him. I've received the beautiful bouquet this year, the flowers are like usual, very enchanting," Azusa said.
"Yes, Aijin-sama," Sebastian bowed then walked away.
"Sebastian?" said Azusa.
"Yes, Aijin-sama?" asked Sebastian.
"Please ... take care of her,"
The next morning, I wake up earlier than usual. Sebastian has been waiting for me at the front door of Yanagi house. Even though I don't want to be escorted again, Sebastian reminded me of my promise yesterday which make me powerless.
When I set my foot again at the school's gate, I am greeted at another scene today. Five, I mean, six Generation of Miracles' members are walking together to school. Staring from students and the fangirls' squeals and giggles can be heard clearly. It's like seeing school's celebrity from afar, surrounded by other students.
"Shintaro-san is cold again today. He brings his neko-nyan lucky item again today," Neko-nyan?
"Kise-kun is so handsome today, he wears a different rubber band," You noticed?!
"I want Murasakibara-san to eat this dessert I bought at the pattisiere. I wonder if he will accept it," You even do that?!
"Aomine-san is very hot today. I won't mind being his second third even fourth girlfriend. Look at that toned muscle," What the?!
"Kuroko-san is so cute, his eyes remind me a lot of a lost puppy I saw lately. I want to eat him up," Eat him? What are you? Cannibal?!
"Look, Akashi-sama is heading towards this way. Oooh, I want to be his wife, no, just maid or even slave is enough. I want myself to be raped by those eyes," ... Sama?!
As I am observing them, suddenly I heard running footsteps behind me.
"Ohayouuu Yukaaa-chaan," Tetsumi is hugging me again from back with full speed.
"Sumi-chan, this is a habit, isn't it? Ohayou," I said, smiling to her.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Hmm, just checking our school's six most popular men? They have so many fans," I said.
"Uh-huh, what can you expect? Everyone admires them and have high expectations on them," said Tetsumi seriously.
"High expectations, huh? Normally it won't lead to anything good," I said.
"Yep. Let's go Yuka-chan, the bell will start ringing soon," Tetsumi said.
At class, it is history time now, our teacher is Rondo-sensei who is an old man. He keeps going on and on about Shingoku Era. Nearly three-quarters of students have gone to their la-la land soundly. Because I am bored and Tetsumi have collapsed as well, I decided to check the school a little. I excuse myself going to the restroom.
Coincidentally, I meet Aomine-senpai with Kise-kun at the hallway. They are talking with each other and Kise-kun's eyes set up on me first.
"Nagicchi, what are you doing?" he asked, making tip-toes to my way.
"I am bored at my class and there's another hour before history ends," I said with a sigh.
"Rondo-jii-san? I always skip his class. I copy my class top student's notes in the end," Kise-kun said with a laugh.
"Me two," Aomine-senpai said.
"Oh shit. I got P.E after this, catch you guys later-desu," Kise-kun said, waving his hands to both of us.
"So, Yuka Yanagi, isn't it?" asked Aomine-senpai.
"Yes, Aomine-senpai?" I said.
"Aomine-senpai? Satsuki called me with 'Aomine-kun' is gross already and you have to add 'senpai' in the end? Che," Aomine-senpai said with a disgusted face.
"Then, what should I call you? Aomine-kun?" I asked.
"Hmm, it is better than 'Aomine-senpai', you can call me that, Nagi," he said while ruffling my hair.
"Oi, Nagi?" I said , trying to catch his hand.
"Yuka Yanagi, right? Nagi !" he said with one thumbs up.
"Okay then," I said.
"You're in history class now right? I have a good idea rather than making you sit there the whole hour," he said with a big grin.
"Uh-oh, I have a bad feeling about this," I thought,
"Let's skip class ! I am skipping myself. And I will take you a detour around the school since I bet you don't know the outlook of the school by now," he said while dragging me.
"Don't I have a word in this as well?" I said resigned.
Turns out Aomine-kun always picks Kuroko-senpai from his home, and because this year Tetsumi enrolled as well. He picks both of Kuroko twins from yesterday. His house is not far away from Kurokos and since his parents always already go to work, he decided to get breakfast in Kuroko's house as well. Both parents is in very good term with each other because Aomine-kun sometimes spends his night in their house. What's more funny is Tetsumi always gets "kicked out" from her own room, because she always loses in jankenpon and ends up sleeping in her parents' room.
It is another reason why "Generation of Miracles" members were together this morning. When they walked to the school, they crossed Mura-senpai, Kise-kun, Akashi-senpai and Midorima-senpai. Since Tetsumi saw me this morning, she quickly rejoined me and let her brother to walk with them.
" Even though I know Sumi since I met Tetsu, I never see her playing basketball. Funny,huh?" he said.
"Never? She did tell me she is prohibited from playing sports," I said.
"Really? Che, that girl never told me. Tetsu didn't help either. Whenever I suggested to play basketball together, Sumi always declined, and Tetsu always rejected the idea. She said it was okay just to watch. But where is the fun?" he said with a bored look.
"You have played basketball since small?" I asked.
"Uhh, you have to ask Satsuki for it. I don't even remember when I started touching that ball and getting thrilled," he said with a big grin.
While we were walking around the school, we spot Akashi-senpai and Tetsumi together. If I remembered, Akashi-senpai vanished suddenly yesterday. I wonder what happened. Isn't Tetsumi supposed to be in class? Why is she here? I see a different look from Aomine-kun's face as well. And because curiosity gets to us,
"Nagi, I know you are thinking the same thing as me,"
"Let's hide behind the bushes,"
We decided to eavesdrop. It is hard to hear what they say because they are conversing with small voice. But Akashi-senpai's voice in the end is the only thing we heard clearly. No, crystal clear.
" ... Tetsumi,"
Hold on. First name basis?!
A/N : I am very sorry for the late updates :( Please enjoy. Read and Review as always. Xoxo See you next time fellas ~
1 Ryori = cooking in Japanese language
2 Shokunin = terms for someone who is profesional at their jobs (Japanese language)
3 Itamae = terms for chefs who prepare sushi in Japanese
4 Kaseifu = terms for maid in Japanese language
5 Kaiseki ryori is regarded as Japan's most exquisite culinary refinement. Consisting mainly of vegetables and fish with a seasoning base of seaweed and mushrooms, the dishes are characterized by their refined savor.
6 Aji Mirin = Japanese sweet rice wine
7 Doraiba = Chaffeur in Japanese language
8 Jankenpon = rock-paper-scissors in Japanese
