Chapter 9
The rest of the semester had passed without anything interesting happening. Takashi was in his last week of classes, his exit exams upon him. The end of the week wrapped up with Nationals in Tokyo. He had been completely consumed with his studies and training he had almost forgotten Asuka was going to be at Nationals as well.
Mitsukuni had refused to give him Asuka's phone number stating that he was happy he figured out it was her, but she really wanted the first time they speak to be in person. He hadn't quite understood that, but he dropped the subject and didn't ask for her number again.
Takashi had revealed to his parents who was sending the photographs. His father hadn't said a word about it until a week later. Takashi presumed he was too angry to say anything coherent. His mother, however, seemed less shocked by the news. She told him to be careful and to proceed however he felt was necessary. When he had finally spoken with his father, the conversation was very straightforward.
"Takashi-kun," his father had announced when he came home from school. "I'd like to have a word with you."
Takashi had nodded and followed his father into the study. He entered and his father shut the door. They sat and it was a few moments before his father spoke. Takashi hoped he wouldn't scold him for being unobservant, having known the woman and yet not remembering who she was.
"Asuka-san is a talented young woman who has figured out how to rise to success despite her hardships. I respect that, but she will not weasel her way into this family. Do I make myself clear?" Akira asked.
"Otousan, I don't believe she means harm. She wanted to get my attention, but stay out of the public's eye as not to bring attention to herself or our family. She is discreet," Takashi had answered.
"I understand your mother does not feel the same way on this matter, but I am telling you now," Akira paused. "She is bad news and so is her father, Hideo. I don't want any part of it. You will break ties with Asuka-san at Nationals."
Takashi couldn't place what he felt at the time, but he later realized he was upset. He liked Asuka; he had always held a small bit of affection for her since they first met in high school. He hadn't agreed with his father's decision, but he didn't want to anger him further.
"Understood," Takashi answered. "Is that all?"
"Yes, you may go."
Takashi stood quickly and exited the room without another word. His mother passed him in the hallway with a smile. She greeted him, but he was too wrapped up in his own thoughts he hadn't answered her. Her face fell and she immediately went to her husband's study.
Takashi was pulled out of his thoughts by a harsh yell from his mother, "What did you do, Akira?!"
Takashi was pulled out of his thoughts as Mitsukuni plopped down in the seat next to him in the library.
"Hi Takashi!" Mitsukuni greeted his cousin. He noticed Takashi's pensive look. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Takashi answered.
Mitsukuni gave him a knowing look, but didn't say anything else. "How are your exams going?"
"Very well," Takashi answered with a small smile. "And your's?"
"Great!" Mitsukuni said. "Especially calculus. I love math."
"Good," Takashi said and patted Mitsukuni on the head.
"It's only two days until you meet Asuka-chan," Mitsukuni smiled.
"Yeah."
"Are you excited?"
"Yeah," Takashi smiled. He remembered what his father told him and his smile vanished.
"Takashi, tell me what's wrong." Mitsukuni demanded.
"Otousan wants me to cut all ties with Asuka-chan," Takashi said.
Mitsukuni nodded, "And what do you want?"
Takashi thought for a moment. What he really wanted was to get to know her. He hadn't seen her in almost five years. He remembered how mean their peers were to her after the story got out about her bloodline. He wondered if she was lonely.
"Takashi?"
"I want to get to know her," Takashi answered.
"Then you should do that," Mitsukuni smiled.
Takashi's head snapped to look at his cousin. He was surprised by what he said. Going against his father's wishes would get him in a lot of trouble with his family.
"Mitsukuni," Takashi began.
"No, Takashi, listen to me. Asuka-chan really likes you. It would shatter her if you refused her. Your father shouldn't tell you who you are allowed to date and be attracted to," Mitsukuni said looking right at his cousin's face.
Takashi thought for a moment. If he refused his father's wishes and followed his own intuition, it might put him in bad standing with his father, but he'd also be happy he stood up for himself. He sighed inwardly and looked at the ceiling. He was really in a sticky situation.
"I don't know, Mitsukuni," he finally spoke.
"I won't push the subject anymore," his cousin gave him a soft smile.
"I'll know what to say when I see her," Takashi decided aloud.
xxXxx
Today was Nationals. Takashi was feeling very stressed. His exams were over, but a new strain was put on him. Although he had been training every day for over four months he didn't feel ready. Asuka also consumed his mind making him unfocused.
Takashi sat in the back seat of the family car next to his brother. Satoshi was practically jumping out of his skin he was so excited. This was his first year competing at the same level as Takashi. Their mother sat by the opposite window, their father in the front seat. Takashi was grateful he didn't have to speak with his father. His insides felt like mush as he thought about what he'd say to Asuka-chan. He'd thought about it a lot since his conversation with Mitsukuni.
Before he'd realized it, they arrived at the event center. There were people everywhere, milling about with children and teens in their competition robes. Some people were filing into the arena, just there for the entertainment. The driver pulled to a stop at the side entrance to the building where competitors went to check in.
"We'll see you in a few hours, boys," Hiromi smiled at them. "Good luck."
"Thanks, Okaasan!" Satoshi beamed.
Takashi was barely able to form a smile before he exited the car. Before he had made it to the door his father called out the window to him. "Remember what I told you about the girl, Takashi."
Takashi nodded once and turned his back to his father before resuming his pace to the check in area. Frustration bubbled up in his throat.
"Taka-nii, are you okay?" Satoshi asked.
He tucked away his emotions as he turned to look at his brother. He offered his a smile and patted his head, "Yeah."
They approached the kendo table together and signed in before receiving competitor passes and registration confirmation papers. As the brothers walked to the changing rooms, Takashi couldn't help but scan the area for either Mitsukuni or Asuka.
"Hey, Satoshi!" they turned at the familiar voice. Chika was running toward them, already dressed in competition attire. "You guys are running late."
"Oh, yeah, Okaasan took too long to get ready," Satoshi laughed.
Chika nodded and looked directly at Takashi, "Mitsukuni is waiting for you in the changing rooms."
"Thanks," Takashi left the boys to talk. Takashi had to navigate through a sea of people to reach the changing rooms.
"Takashi," Mitsukuni greeted him with a smile.
"Mitsukuni," he answered with a nod. "Is she here?"
"I haven't seen her yet," Mitsukuni said turning to walking into the changing rooms with Takashi. "But everyone from the Host Club came. They're all sitting in the stands already. First match in four to ten year old level is set to begin in fifteen minutes."
Takashi nodded and set his bag down. He began undressing until he was standing in only his boxers. As always, he folded his street clothes neatly and set them aside to change into his competition robes. Setting his street clothes in the bag and zipping it up, he placed his bag in one of the empty lockers and checked out a padlock from a bin to secure his belongings. Mitsukuni had been silently observing him the entire time, and it was starting to make him anxious.
Just as he was about to address his cousin, Satoshi and Chika rushed in. Satoshi quickly pulled his street clothes off and dressed into his robes. He shoved his street clothes into the bag, zipped it up and then shoved the bag in an empty locker before turning around and heading back toward the door with their cousin.
"Satoshi," Takashi spoke up. "You should lock up your things. You don't want anything to be stolen do you?"
His brother huffed and waved him off, "Nobody wants my clothes Taka-nii. They'll be fine." He rushed out of the changing room with Chika speaking animatedly about Nationals and where they should sit until it was their turn to compete.
Takashi shook his head and Mitsukuni giggled. They really were opposites. Takashi sighed and grabbed his brother's bag from the locker. He unlocked his own padlock and placed his brother's bag on top of his before replacing the lock.
"Should we go watch the first match?" Mitsukuni asked.
"Yeah," Takashi answered. They walked to the far end of the stadium where karate matches were about to take place. A small boy of about four years bowed to his six year old opponent. When he rose, the six year old made his first move, but the younger boy was quicker. He dodged and landed a quick punch on the older boy's ribs as his momentum pushed him forward. First point went to the four year old.
"Damn!" Takashi heard his brother shout with a smile on his face. "That kid is quick!"
After two more rounds, the four year old advanced with a score of 2-1. Takashi had to admit he was impressed. He thought he recognized the boy and his memory was jogged when Mitsukuni mentioned the boy trained at his family's dojo.
The following matches weren't quite as quick. They seemed to drag as the opponents were evenly matched. After the fourth match was won by a particularly tall eight year old, Takashi took the chance to take a look around again. His parents sat with Mitsukuni's parents in the private boxes. Both of their fathers seemed to assess each match with a pensive look. Takashi scanned to the lower stands and noticed the rest of the host club sitting together chatting. Not too far away from them sat Kazuaki. Next to him was a young girl he was speaking with animatedly. He couldn't see the girl's face.
"Look, Takashi!" Mitsukuni pointed to the stands. "Tama-chan and the rest of the host club came to cheer us on!"
Takashi smiled, "I noticed."
xxXxx
An hour later, Mitsukuni was taking the stage for his match. As usual, he won easily. Mitsukuni had a gift. The young man could barely put forth any skill and still win every match in the first two rounds. He advanced to the final rounds which would take place at the end of the day.
Takashi had to wait another two hours until the kendo matches began. He warmed up during the last half hour before his level was up. Satoshi warmed up with him, but was so nervous he slipped up a few times on his movements. Takashi hadn't been able to adjust and smacked his brother in the face more than once.
"Satoshi," Takashi said after the third incident. "You will be fine. Just pretend you are sparring with me."
Satoshi took a deep breath, "But they aren't you."
"That's okay. Just breathe slowly. Don't let your nerves get the best of you."
"I'm not sure I can do that. You're so much better at staying calm Taka-nii!"
Just as Takashi was about to protest, the bell rang signifying all competitors needed to make their way to the stages.
"Good luck, Satoshi-nii," Takashi said ruffling his brother's hair.
"Good luck, Taka-nii!" Satoshi grinned.
