Chapter 33

It had been a little less than a year since their road trip to the fjords in Norway. It felt like eons ago. Hana hadn't even been working at the company a year and it felt like she had aged a decade. Early mornings were nothing new to her. The sun hadn't even risen but the house was bustling with Kaina following to and from each room while Hana packed.

"How long are you planning to stay?" Takashi raised an eyebrow at her. She was taking longer than expected, pacing around the house and looking around for something that she couldn't seem to find.

Hana shrugged. "It's Kaina – I don't know what to pack for an animal. The dog has never been on a road trip."

Takashi peered into the duffle bag. Leash, disposable bags, a blanket, food, and water. He looked at her, her expression filled with anxiety while her eyes darted from place to place. She was not worried for the animal, she was worried for herself.

"It'll be alright," Takashi slung the bag over his shoulder and grabbed his jacket. He led the way out. It was a little before 7 in the morning. They would attempt to beat the traffic as they left the city. Hana settled down after a deep breath, gathering her own things before heading to the car and following Takashi.

It was like riding a bike. Her hands found their way as she steered slowly through their neighbourhood, shifting gears became second nature after a couple tries. Scenery began to transform, from the bustling streets of the city to the quiet wilderness. Trees sprinkled with dustings of snow lined the edges of wet pavement that Hana was careful not to skid on.

Hana looked in her rear-view mirror to keep watch on the dog. The animal was a little anxious at first, holding up her paws against the windows and travelling from each end of the car, whimpering at the sudden new environment. All Hana could do was make noises of comfort, her soft shh that Kaina only responded with eyes of fear.

"I know," Hana spoke to the animal as though she were human. "It's scary being in new places. It'll be okay. I promise. Shh…"

Kaina settled down as soon as they left the city, laying in the backseat and napping off her anxiety. The soft rumbling of the car and smooth ride had eased her nerves to the point that it rocked her to sleep.

"She needs some time," Takashi told her when Kaina had fallen asleep. He could see Hana's eyes darting back and forth from the mirror. "She'll adjust."
"I hope so," Hana sighed. Bringing an animal was a reckless decision, but one that Hana refused to deviate from.

Her grip loosened and she exhaled. She too, was anxious. Though unsure of what exactly. Was it the unpredictable weather? Was it Kaina not being able behave?

"He's fine," his voice cut through her own thoughts. "Sawada-san is well cared for."

Hana sighed. He knew exactly what was gnawing at the back of her mind.

"I know he is," she murmured. "I just wish… I could do more."
"You're enough," Takashi reassured. He wished that he could reach over to hold her, but he settled on enveloping her hand within his own.

Hana frowned. "I don't know about that."
"What are you guilty for?" He whispered, trying not to wake the sleeping dog.

She shrugged. "The usual." He should have known by now about how she felt. Guilty for not fulfilling society's expectations of her, guilty for not being able to uphold the honour that was so desperately needed for the Sawada family for a place in their social circle.
"Start somewhere," Takashi offered.

"I'm guilty for not being enough for you," she quietly admitted. It was different from the same-old feelings that cycled through her mind. "I'm guilty for not being the kind of girl your mother probably envisioned you with."

Takashi stayed silent, letting her words sink into his brain. He could not deny that she was wrong. It was never in his nature to lie, after all.

"You were never the kind of woman I envisioned myself with," Takashi admitted. She already knew this, he figured.

Hana chuckled, unsure of how to take that statement. "I've always been… quite abrasive." Her raw personality was impulsive and brash, learned only from the best. Yet she was gentle and good-natured but only to those who she felt worthy of. Hana was trained to fight, and only grew to be more suspicious of her opponents as she grew older.

"No," Mori shook his head. "One is never meant to be with the sun. You were so… far out of my reach and yet…"
"Here I am," she glanced at him with a smile. "I was never out of your reach, Takashi."

Takashi disagreed. "You were… so different from me. Your mannerisms, your eloquence, your life was so complex… you were—"
"Pretentious, it seems," Hana whispered to herself.
"You were not made for someone like me," Takashi explained. "Someone… embroiled with such tradition, humility, and simplicity."

Hana focused on driving, trying to analyze his words. "Do you think we were never made for each other?" Her voice turned meek. Afraid of the truth. A look of doubt casted over her face. She exhaled to keep herself calm.

"The sun and moon can share the same sky," Takashi reminded her.
"But they can't be together," Hana pointed out.
"That's why they're only analogies," he smirked. "Hana, you are my sun – but you are human. You were not made for anyone but yourself. You are allowed to choose your own fate."

He reminded her of things that she had forgotten. He calmed her heart when it felt like a storm had been brewing within.

"But your mother," Hana still had to face the issue at hand.
"She is happy, so long as I am happy," Takashi assured her. How could anyone deny that Hana was not someone to bring home? She already had the approval of the eldest of elders in the Morinozuka family.

"Are you happy though?" A part of her couldn't believe his words. How anyone was willing to put up with her?

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"I'm… just so… troublesome," Hana was unsure how else to say it. Trouble always found its way towards her. Life never gave her a break. It was difficult to keep building her resilience towards each hardship when she hardly had any chance to get back up.

"You can be," he teased. Hana rolled her eyes. "But I don't mind. You are not as troublesome as you think."

She bit her lip, suspicious of his words. He had to just be saying that to make her feel better, she thought.

"Hana – your life is not a series of debts you must repay," Takashi explained. "You do not owe me anything. You do not owe your parents anything. You do not owe society your happiness in exchange for some kind of miserable life you trap yourself in."

She listened to him intently, her eyes softening at his words.

"My conscience says otherwise," she murmured. "You are too good to me."
"And you are too good for me," he countered.

Takashi placed is palm over her hand that gripped the stick shift. Her fingers slowly relaxed beneath the warmth of his hand as he ran his thumb over the grooves of her knuckles.

"We were born with privilege that we should never forget," he spoke with such wisdom, balancing the worries that weighed on her mind. "So we stay humble to our roots and our traditions. Hana, you are far from abandoning any of that."

She contemplated his words. Of course, she respected tradition and its values. They were the core of her upbringing and her moral compass.

"Tradition…" she repeated aloud. "I… don't like it," Hana admitted.
"Neither did Sawada-san, it seems," Takashi commented. They were the kind of people who liked to break rules. Break out of the mold that society had set for them. They hated being told what to do, or even worse: what they couldn't do.

She nodded in agreement. "But you… you seem to be alright with it."

For him, tradition was always an accepted way of life. But times were changing and people were evolving towards a new era. Takashi, too, was learning to abandon tradition to pave way for his own life. But that did not mean he did not make room to respect the traditions of his elders or his culture.

"I respect it," Takashi answered. "As do you," he told Hana. She carried around the omamori which her grandfather had always given her, year after year. She used to accompany her grandfather to temples while she was young, and even attended tea ceremonies when she could. Hana too, respected tradition but refused to be bound by it.

"You worry too much," he told her. Hana stayed silent, watching the road and paying attention to driving. "Our lives are too insignificant to matter to the universe." A healthy dose of nihilism was not so bad every once in a while.

"So live," Takashi told her. "Live how you want to."

Hana hated hospitals. Hated the white coats, the smell of antiseptic everywhere, the bustling floors of the ER and the chaos.

She walked into the modern building that was adorned with glass to allow as much natural light into the atrium as possible. The Ootori facility was nothing short of luxurious and far from feeling like a hospital. It almost felt like a resort, with nurses and doctors about. With the sea to the south side of the facility, the mountains and the forest to the north, the entire place felt like it was hidden gem from civilization.

Takashi waited patiently with Kaina in the car as Hana checked into the facility. It was smoother than expected, given that Hana had already been on the list of authorized visitors. She was led to Ojii-san's room, though it was empty when the nurse had slid open the door after hearing no response.

"He must be in the recreational area with some other patients," the nurse explained. Hana was led down the white halls, into what looked like a greenhouse. A sudden gush of warmth covered with lush greenery and patients that bustled about. Some were reading newspapers, some were chatting on benches by the windows, others were eating their morning snack. Hana's eyes darted around to find a familiar face.

He sat by himself, his wheelchair faced the view of the sea. His hair had turned from a peppering of grey to snow white. His hands struggled to keep still, but his expression was calm. He stared straight into the grey ocean, watching each wave trickle in and out, listening to the soft humming of the background noise behind him.

The nurse left Hana and told her to check herself out when she was ready. She smiled politely and nodded. A part of Hana could not move.

It was a painful experience to watch the man she had grown to know as the fiercest, to succumb to his own disease. She gulped down the tension growing in her throat, blinking away the tears that had welled up in her eyes. A few escaped down her cheeks before she quickly wiped them away.

"Ojii-san," Hana whispered.

He did not turn. He tilted his head and blinked at the sea, as if wondering if the sea had called for him instead.

"Ojii-san," she repeated again, louder this time.

He was dreaming of his granddaughter who had called out to him. This was how he was going to die. Drowning in the voices of his lost mind. He was sure of it.

Suddenly, she appeared in front of him, she kneeled down and held his trembling hand with a smile. Her eyes said it all. She had been crying. Bawling her eyes out. Hana blinked a couple times and gathered her thoughts.

"Morinozuka-san gives his regards," she told him. He was still in disbelief that she was real. That her cold fingers which enveloped his own was a sensation that he was feeling and not imagining. That her cracked voice was not a fragment of a dream he had of her suffering on the floors when she was left alone.

"What are you doing here?" he whispered, his eyes narrowing. Was he hallucinating?

"I can't visit my own grandfather?" Hana smiled. "Come on." She stood from the ground, her ponytail bouncing along with her. She wheeled him around the facility, with him still in a daze. Hana could tell that her grandfather was not as sharp as he usually would have been. It must have been the medication, she figured.

Hana asked if it was alright to wheel a patient through the gardens.

"It's winter," the nurse looked at her as though she was crazy.
"Fresh air is good," Hana explained. Her grandfather was equipped with a wristband to alert the staff of any emergencies. It was perfectly safe, Hana told the nursing staff.

Ojii-san did not argue. He was not himself, Hana realized. But that was quite alright. Once they were outside, Hana texted Mori to bring Kaina around the back. Opening the gate, Hana allowed the guests through and the dog was ecstatic to see her owner.

Jumping on her hind legs to prop herself against the wheelchair, Kaina smiled. Sawada-san shakily rubbed the back of the furry ears before telling the dog to sit. It felt like a strange dream to him. He craned his neck up to look at Takashi, who towered over him despite bowing is body out of respect to the elder.

"Don't… don't you two kids have… better things to do?" he asked.

Takashi shrugged. Hana took over the leash while Takashi wheeled the elder through a thin layer of snow. Their pace was unhurried as they took in the sights of the forest which were sprinkled with dustings of snow. The garden was barren and empty, but the three found a strange aura of peace while letting the dog explore the area.

"Are you cold?" Takashi asked.

The elder did not respond. Takashi looked to Hana who shook her head before kneeling in front of her grandfather.

"Are you cold?" she whispered, gently as if the slightest wind could shake him.

The grandfather shook his head. His eyes narrowing at the sight of his granddaughter – still, it did not seem real. He was ready to live his last few days, or months if Kami-sama decided to drag him out for that long, alone and by the sea. He would watch the waves every day before he could float away.

"Why, Hana?" he asked her. He whispered it, in case anyone would think he was actually insane. If he was actually hallucinating his grandchild in front of him.

"Why, what?" she responded, in the same hushed tone. What secret was he trying to keep from her?

"Why are you here?" His head was clouded. His reality felt augmented and cozy. Something about the painkillers, something in the air – it left him numb, the pain in his bones which faded away took a part of his conscience that let him live only in his head most of the time.

"What do you mean?" Hana was confused. "I'm here to visit you."
"But… how?" He reached over to touch her cheek. Her skin was cold, and wind had kissed her cheeks to become a rosy colour.
"By car," she patiently answered.
"I didn't get you an omamori for a car," he looked down at his hands, disappointed in himself.

Hana shook her head and laughed. "Don't be silly, Ojii-san. I don't need an omamori to keep myself safe. Right, Takashi?" she looked up to him for support. He made a noise of affirmation.

"Takashi," he murmured to himself. He looked around for him, remembering that he was with Hana. Takashi stepped from behind the wheelchair to kneel in front of the elder, just as Hana was.

"Your grandfather still owes me 5000 yen," he closed his eyes and nodded to himself. "Yes, yes, that last chess tournament was my victory."

Takashi chuckled to himself and nodded in agreement, having nothing else to offer.

"But you kids need to go home. And bring the damn dog with you," he scolded.

"We brought you food," Hana tried to appease him. "Morinozuka-san cooked it for you."
"This is a strange dream," he grumbled to himself. "Why would the guy cook for me?"
"Because he misses you," his granddaughter explained.

The elder shook his head in suspicion. "I don't believe you."

Hana tilted her head in confusion. "Why not?"

"Because I don't deserve to see you."

Hana hesitated for a moment, and looked up at Takashi. It was a glimpse of what she imagined Takashi must have felt. Listening to her ramble about how she did not deserve this or that, letting herself drown in her own guilt, feeling as if she was not good enough for anything or anybody.

"I left you behind."

She patted his knee that was covered by a warm fleece blanket and shook her head.

"I came to you," Hana told him. "I'll stay for as long as I can."
"But… I'm leaving," he quietly admitted. "I feel… like it's right around the corner."

The granddaughter nodded. "I know. I won't stop you." Or rather, she couldn't even if she tried to. Nature would always take its course. Takashi watched the two, blending into the background as the grandfather and granddaughter shared a moment. The harsh reality had already sunken in for the two of them. Now it was just a matter of time, waiting for the moment to rid the anxiety and anticipation that had both of them on edge.

Sawada-san cautiously reached over to the dog, still in a daze. The fur felt so soft beneath his fingers, the warmth of the animal emanating through his palms. It was strange how real it felt. But even so, his heart felt more at peace when he watched the tides come in and out.

"I want to be by the sea."

Hana nodded. "I'll take you back. Eat well, okay? Morinozuka-san spent a lot of time cooking for you. Listen to the nurses. Be good."
"I'll do whatever I want," he grumbled to himself. "I deserve that much."

The granddaughter sighed before smiling to herself.

The two grandchildren settled in the car after Hana had spoken with the nurses about Sawada-san's medication. He could tell she was uneasy by the way she gripped the steering wheel, her fingers clenched tightly against the soft leather and her shoulders hunched towards the dashboard. Kaina had settled in the back, more comfortable about the car ride this time.

"Why does he love the sea?" Takashi's voice pierced through the silence of the wind that blew against their car. Hana sat up a little straighter, his voice bringing her attention back to reality.

"His wife loved the sea," Hana explained. "He used to tell me how she was born by the ocean and how she always longed to go back. The sound of the ocean is… comforting to him, I think."

She leaned back in her seat, her hands loosening the grip around the wheel.

"He's dying. I knew this. I saw this coming. But it still… it's hard to watch," she murmured. "The medication numbs the pain, they said. Taking him off it would… well, it would be harder for him to function." Hana sighed. Decisions became more difficult to make.

"I don't… I don't think he wants to see me," Hana whispered. "It makes… his heart heavier than it needs to be."

He listened intently to her, letting her voice her thoughts. He let the silence sit for a bit, until he heard her sniffle. She quickly blinked away the tears which brimmed in the corners of her eyes. She tried her best to focus on driving. Thankfully, the roads were clear.

"Your heart is heavy," Takashi told her. "Heavy with guilt. His is too. Until one of you learns to let go, both of you will drown."

"My heart is heavy…" Hana repeated quietly. "Is it too heavy to carry, Takashi?"

"I am not one to carry your heart, Hana," he smiled. She would never let him, even if he tried to. Hana was not one to allow him to bear her own burdens, if she could help it. The kind of stubborn nature she shared with her own grandfather, the hot-headed and impulsive pride that she always tried to suppress would always be revealed to him, at the very least.

Hana breathed a sigh of a relief. "You know me too well."
"Too well?" He repeated, smiling at the thought. It was always a privilege to get to know someone, especially after seeing them at their most vulnerable.

"I don't mind," she admitted. "It's… it's nice."

Takashi gently wrapped his hand over hers that gripped the stick shift. His own way of telling her that he was happy to be the only one to know her in the way that he did. Hana welcomed his touch, a tired smile danced upon her lips.

Their neighbourhood had always been familiar to her. The two knew all the alleys and shortcuts beyond and within the park. After a long day, Hana had dropped off Takashi at the Morinozuka residence. He was reluctant to leave, watching as she sighed first and tilted her head at him.

"You must be tired."

Takashi shook his head. Not when I'm with you.

"You should rest. Catch up on all the marking you missed today."

He shrugged. No big deal.

She pouted at him in frustration. "Takashi, you have to go home."
"Do you want me to?"

She groaned. No. "Don't… you miss your bed? Or… not having to pack a bag—or, I don't know."

Takashi was rather indifferent to it all. He could make himself at home anywhere, so long as he had what he needed. The young woman shook her head and turned the car off before opening her door. It felt good to stretch her legs after hours of being on the road. She made her way over to the other side of the car, opening the door for the passenger. It was already the evening and the sun had set. It was a long day for the both of them, as they set off before the sun had risen.

"Come on," she gestured for him to get out of the borrowed car. He obliged without a word. Takashi stood about a head taller than her. He smiled down at her, curious about her next move. It only felt natural for her to embrace him, despite his height. His broad shoulders enveloped her without hesitation.

That was all she needed. A moment of peace in the midst of the emotional turmoil that broiled at the back of her mind. He rocked with her side to side, kissing the top of her head. He'll let go when she did.

It'll be alright.

Hana held tightly onto him, her arms slithering up to his neck before she pulled him down for a kiss. Her fingers ran through his soft hair while he dipped down to return the same affection. His hand was placed on her back for support as she bent backwards, all while smiling.

Hana pushed against him so she could stand upright, slightly breathless.

"Thank you for today," she whispered. "For being my rock."

Takashi only nodded. Of course.

She patted him on the shoulder, sending him on his way. Hana pursed her lips and looked up to him with pleading eyes. She hated how stupidly attached she was. But Takashi didn't seem to mind one bit. He only smiled warmly at her. Hana wanted to tell her heart to stop beating so fast. To tell herself to breathe normally.

"Get home safe," he whispered in her ear after planting a kiss at her temple. Hana watched as Takashi walked through the gates of the Morinozuka residence. He turned to look at her before he passed through the door of the home. He nodded to her.

Love you.

Hana waved.

I love you too.

They had learned to adapt. Kaina was more than happy being at the Morinozuka residence during the day while Hana was at work. And of course, the Morinozukas had no issue with Hana coming by on the daily basis to pick up the dog. Every few weeks, Hana made the trip to Shizuoka with or without Takashi. Kaina had gotten used to travelling with her.

"How is he?"

Hana stood in the middle of the President's office, as she usually did after every visit to her grandfather. The heiress was often called up early in the morning so as to not impede the rest of her day.

"You should already know," Hana pointed out. He always had daily reports on the condition of his father from the centre.

"Confirm what I know then," the President countered.

It hurt Hana to talk about. Each visit felt like another part of her grandfather being stripped away from her. First it was the medication to cloud his mind, and slowly the paralysis in his legs began climbing its way to other parts of the body.

"He can't walk," Hana gulped. "He has trouble… lifting his arm. He speaks, on the occasion. He's cognisant of…"

"You?" the President finished.

Hana nodded slowly. "You… you too." She showed him a picture of the President being featured in a business magazine. It was a story on the Sawada Corporation and its struggles from a small start-up in the 90s to where it was today. The daughter sighed.

The President seemed unfazed by the news. Instead, he moved onto a different topic.

"I will send you overseas for a business trip to meet with investors," he declared. Hana needed to gain more experience in expanding their board and increasing funds to funnel back into the company. It was a good idea for Hana to travel and make international connections, given her years abroad.

Hana crossed her arms. "I don't think it wise for me to leave Japan for now."
"He is in the utmost care," the President sighed. He shared the same concerns. "You already know this."

The heiress shook her head. "Look how fast his condition has degraded," Hana explained. It had only been three months. "If I leave and… if I leave and I'm not here when—" she stuttered.
"—It won't happen." The prognosis was 6 months, at best. He had to admit that he did not want to schedule any lengthy business trips during this period of time either. But someone had to represent him in these meetings.

Hana was still not convinced. But she had a job to do.

"You don't know that," Hana said, trying to be rational about the idea. "I respectfully decline this offer, sir."
The President scoffed. "You cannot refuse. Your flight has been booked already. Your arrangements have been made. Refusing this would only make you seem incompetent. I will send Tanaka-san along so you will learn from him. Your itinerary has been sent to your office below."

Hana tried to argue. "But Sir—"
"It is a short business trip. Not far at all. It is only a week long," his stern voice was quick to cut off any more excuses. "You have a job to do, Hana."

Hana bit her tongue and reluctantly took her leave.

He saw her every morning. And every day after work. Hana came to drop off Kaina in the early morning, and would pick her up in the evening. She would be at his doorstep in the morning, other days she would catch up to him through the park after work. It didn't matter to him when he saw her, or how often he saw her.

It still made him feel so lucky.

He noticed the small things. Like ravelling in the new shade of lipstick she wore. Sometimes, he'd find it on his cheek after he had given his seminar. It was embarrassing – but it did not bother him. Takashi would smile at the faint pigment on his fingers after wiping his cheek. He only figured this when he caught his students grinning at him at the front and he shook his head at how silly he was.

When he told this story to Hana, she laughed on their way back to the Morinozuka residence. Like music to his ears, he found it ridiculously endearing. She apologized over and over again, always making sure to wipe his cheek whenever she kissed him goodbye.

"It's fine," he told her, smiling down at her.
"It's not fine," Hana shook her head. "Can't have soon-to-be Dr. Takashi Morinozuka ridiculed by his peers because of me."

Takashi shrugged. It would take more than a couple giggling students to ruin his reputation, he thought.

Tonight was different though. She did not laugh at the story of his student falling asleep in the midst of their final seminar. She merely smiled and intertwined her fingers with his, snuggling closer to his torso.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Hana pouted. "I'll have to leave for a week."
"To visit Sawada-san?"

She shook her head. "Business trip overseas."

"Ah," Takashi nodded. "I see." It was understandable. He squeezed her hand to let her know that he did not mind. But she was still uneasy about it.

"I don't want to leave – not at this time," Hana explained. "Ojii-san is in too fragile of a state for me to leave…"

He pulled her closer to him, patting her back in comfort.

"He is stronger than you think."
"I hope so…" she sighed. "I leave in a few days. Will you be okay with taking care of Kaina?"
"Of course," he answered without hesitation. "Do you need me to send you off to the airport?"

Hana shook her head. "No. I can take care of that myself," she assured him. Hana had travelled alone many times before. Airports became her second home during her formative years.

"I'll miss you," he murmured into her hair. Only she could hear him.

Hana smiled. "We've been apart for longer, Takashi." Though she had to admit, she too, would miss him dearly. They had been spending a lot more time together nowadays. She'd grown awfully attached to him.

"I've been spoilt," he admitted.

She laughed. "Me too."

They had a routine now. Mornings had her dropping off Kaina at his home and they would walk to the subway station. She'd kiss him good morning on the cheek, sometimes a quick peck on the lips. Fast so that they wouldn't draw too much attention before they parted ways to work. He welcomed the affection with no complaints, grinning on his way to work.

There was honestly no reason why anyone should be as happy as he was on a Wednesday morning.

Hana too, looked forward to getting off work every day. Their schedules would usually align for them to at least find each other in the park. It was often Hana who ran later than he did, and her heels that clacked against the pavement always gave her away. Takashi would turn around expectantly, waiting for her to hurry up – even though there was no rush.

Hana always caught onto his arm, as if she was stopping him from running away. Her trajectory was often enough for him to hold her in place, so that she would not stumble too far and fall. She naturally fell into his arms, and he would look down at her rosy cheeks and smile.

She'd mirror his image, a stupid grin would form and she would look away embarrassed.

But today she looked down to the grey pavement, her mind wandering elsewhere. Takashi could only keep her close, bringing her home and back to reality.

Her schedule was cleared for the afternoon – perhaps out of consideration for her to prepare for her business trip. Hana had never seen her calendar so clear. She slyly made her way out of her office after tying up some loose ends.

It was odd having free time. What would she do with her free time? Go shopping? Eat? Her legs made her way down the subway station, and she caught the next train over to Toudai. It was a gorgeous spring day, cherry blossoms lined the paths along the sidewalk. Hana let her hair down from her ponytail, taking off her grey cardigan while she was in the sun. She wore a white floral dress that hugged her hips and stopped at the knees. The clicking of her stiletto heels down the stone pavement drew little attention in the empty halls of the Humanities building.

Murmuring became hushed whispers as she approached where Takashi's office was located. A small line-up of students poured to the entrance. Drafts of their final essays were clenched in their hands, anxiety was brimming over their heads.

"Office hours?" Hana poked her head into the office. Takashi was sitting beside a student, reading through a draft of their essay and making comments. He had his reading glasses on. His favourite red Muji pen was between his fingers as he marked the paper with comments and counselled the student. "How long does it go until?"

"It was supposed to end half an hour ago," a student answered her politely, noting the unfamiliar face. She was older than they were, her attire was certainly much more formal than they were used to seeing. All were curious to see what relation she had with their TA. Some whispered to each other that it must have been his girlfriend. Others commented at how beautiful and classy she looked. Was she another graduate student? Perhaps in a different faculty. Economics, maybe?

Hana ignored the hushed comments and smiled to the group of students. She gave them a nod out of gratitude before making her way to a campus café to grab a sandwich and a cup of tea for Takashi. It was half past 1 already, and Hana figured that he sacrificed his lunch hour to help his students. She returned to the Humanities building, settling on a bench outside his office and watched as the line slowly diminished.

"Hana?" an unfamiliar voice called out to her. Hana looked up from her phone, to which she had been responding to a few new emails that arrived in her inbox after she left the office. An elder woman with her hair in a bun smiled at her, and within seconds Hana jumped up from her seat.

"Morinozuka-san," she bowed deeply at Takashi's mother.

"Did I startle you? I apologize," the woman placed a hand on her arm, a warm gesture to try to make Hana feel more comfortable.

"N-no," the young woman stuttered. "I- um," Hana looked around for Takashi.
"Was visiting Takashi, I see?" his mother finished the sentence for her. "Did you bring him lunch?" She peered over to the bench with the packaged food and the now, lukewarm tea. "How thoughtful of you."

Hana shook her head. "It's nothing, really – I just had some free time. Thought I would surprise him but… he seemed to be quite busy."

The mother nodded. "Yes, the term is coming to an end. It is always like this. Do you know when his hours end?"

Hana shook her head. "It should have ended at 1." It was now a little past 2.

"Ah, I see. May I take a seat with you, then?"

The young woman nodded profusely, making room on the bench by shuffling the food closer to her legs. "Of course."

"Do you usually come visit?" Morinozuka-san asked out of curiosity.

Hana shook her head. "No. I thought I would surprise him," she sheepishly answered. "Do you?"

The mother nodded. "I try to come by every week or so. Satoshi lives at home, so it is only Takashi that I have to come see."

Hana nodded in understanding. "How is Satoshi? He was studying kinesiology from what I remember."

The mother smiled at the details that Hana had remembered. "He is doing well, he does sports therapy for athletes. Perhaps one day he will open his own clinic. How about you, Hana? Your job must keep you busy." The topic changed quickly.

Hana gave a polite smile. Busy was an understatement.

"Do you enjoy it?"

If she had to be honest, "Not particularly," she answered with a shake of the head. "But we… all have expectations to fulfill. I do my part."

"What would you rather do, Hana?"

Hana smiled. "Probably some day trading. Live a simpler life. Enjoy the sunshine. See the cherry blossoms. Travel. Escape."

The elder woman raised an eyebrow at her. "I see. Well, Hana – you are a capable young woman. I am sure you can make things work."

"I… sure hope so," she quietly murmured. "I apologize for intruding on your visit with Takashi. I should have known, really. He is… he's always been more of a listener than a talker."

"Not at all," the mother placed a hand on Hana's knee, assuring her that it was not an unwelcomed visit. "I've been wanting to get to know you better."

"I as well," Hana reciprocated. "Would you be free tonight? Perhaps all of us could go out for a meal."
"That would be wonderful," Takashi's mother smiled, her eyes twinkled with the wrinkles that adorned her eyes. "But I have prior engagements with some clients to meet with. Perhaps another time. When Takashi has settled down and you find time in your busy schedule."

Hana nodded. "Of course."

The mother took a good look at the young woman and nodded.

Hana's long hair fell down to the middle of her back, curled to perfection. Waves that fell over her shoulders were held behind her ears with a pair of sunglasses. Her fingernails pristine, with no colour. The florals of her dress balanced her simple makeup, while her crossed legs were elongated by the tips of her black stilettos. She kept her grey handbag near her, her hands that held onto her phone as if it was a permanent fixture to her. Her shoulders were broad but her body lean. She was certainly still fit to be a model if asked. Anyone could tell she was raised with class and privilege.

Hana smiled sweetly, as if asking what was wrong. Her eyes had no ulterior motive behind them. She leaned closer with her head tilted. There was some sort of innocence that she carried with her, a genuinely good-natured spirit. She had a humbling presence that Takashi's mother easily detected when Hana spoke about her job.

"I can see why he's in love with you."

Hana blinked, her eyebrows raised in surprise. She let her guard down, unable to control the expression on her face. She lips curled back into a smile.

"He's more than anything I could ever ask of."
"More than an Ootori?" Takashi's mother raised an eyebrow at her.

Hana sat up straighter, her eyes glazing over to a fiercer look. As if she had been provoked and asked to fight. She was on the defense – but most of all, she was afraid. This woman had done her research and she was not afraid to get to the bottom of the truth. She was only looking out for her son, after all.

"More than an Ootori," Hana firmly answered.
"And does Takashi know this?"

"He does," she told her. Or rather, he should know.

"Takashi was not raised to play the politics you do, Hana," his mother reminded.
"I am aware," Hana answered. "He is not subjected to the same kind of politics I begrudgingly am a part of. The Ootori is a relationship of convenience on both our counterparts. Nothing more."

"How so?"

Takashi's mother was asking the real questions here. Ones that Takashi never quite bothered to delve into, of which Hana was always grateful for. But Hana could not deny that she was expecting these to come one day, just not today. It had blindsided her – because her guard had been down.

"We both have jobs to fulfill. Omiais are a waste of our time. For the sake of keeping up appearances, we are a part of each other's lives in the public eye. Banquets, benefits, galas… we will attend them on the occasion together."
"Is that so?" The tone of her voice was unconvinced. And Hana could understand why. With the photos of the Ootori and Sawada together, high class circles have already made it a well known fact amongst each other.

"This seems like a rather permanent arrangement." It did not seem like this would be a relationship of convenience that would end, considering the benefits of both sides.

Hana sat back on the bench, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her phone.

"If it is between you and me, I have already predicted that this will end as soon as the end of next year."
"Oh?"

Hana exhaled. "The Ootori President's health is failing. Kyouya Ootori is already being expedited to take over. I will be of no use if he has already gotten what he wants."
"You are not part of the deal, Hana? You are quite the candidate. Heiress to a corporation. Well versed in the industry of finance. Highly educated. Well-dressed and well-mannered."

Hana shook her head.

"Kyouya is well aware of my relationship with Takashi. No matter how ruthless he may be as a businessperson, he is still a friend to Takashi."
"Is he?"

Hana raised an eyebrow at the woman. "I see you're quite reluctant to trust me."
"I am at the age where I am no longer naïve enough to believe such fairy tale endings, Hana."

The heiress agreed. "Well. I have been honest with you, Morinozuka-san. It is up to you what you want to do with that information."

The mother nodded. "Well, what will you do when the Ootori believes you are of no use to him?"

Hana shrugged. "If you still think I am capable – I would hope that you will have faith that I will sort it out on my own."

"Very well then. I am curious to see what you have up your sleeve, Hana."
"I won't disappoint," the young woman answered. She was biting far more than she could chew. Hana damn well knew that this was something she was more than willing to fight for – she just did not know how.

"Do not take offense to my questions," the mother consoled.
"I understand," Hana said, softer this time. "I bring more politics to the table than meals to share with a family." She looked down to her hands, empty and cold.

"Hana," a deep baritone voice called out to her. Takashi stood in front of the pair sitting by the bench. Hands in his pockets, his head tilted at the peculiar sight. "Okaa-san," he greeted.

He pursed his lips, his expression neutral. Unreadable. Neither of the two had realized that he had been standing there. For how long, they could not tell.

"What are you two doing here?"

A/N: I'm awful at updating regularly. You should all know that by now - so thank you as always, for keeping up with me and continuing to read. I appreciate it. Your thoughts are always welcome.