It's been a week since our date. Another massive chunk of our relationship is over. Now, we eat lunch together every day, alternating between friend groups. We also see each other in band, usually eat dinner together, talk for a long time and then spend the night together. I've been able to make him feel good a couple more times too, and I'm really enjoying that.

We don't have a whole lot of time left where we'll get to see each other outside of band, lunch, and bedtime, so we're using this Saturday to go down to my mom's house so he can meet her and my grandparents.

I think normally when you introduce your family to your significant other, it's sort of a sign of, "This is serious, and it's going to go on for a while," but…we know that's not the case. He really wants to meet them though, which means a lot to me, even if I know it doesn't have the same meaning as it might have otherwise. I think he wants to meet them because he cares about me and wants to get to know me better. That's enough for me.

We're waiting at the gate for my mom to pick us up. He is surprisingly nervous. He's rocking back and forth on his feet and very fidgety in general.

I hug him and say, "Hey. You don't need to be so nervous."

"Isn't it normal to be nervous when you meet your girlfriend's parents?"

I look up at him, "I guess so. I'm just trying to help."

"What do I say…if they ask what I'm doing after this year?"

He knows I haven't told them about the fact that this ends in less than two months. I guess it makes sense he's this nervous.

"Yeah…that's a good question."

He frowns, "I really don't want to lie to them."

"I know. But I don't want to tell them. Not yet." I reach up and put my hand on his cheek. "They will look at you differently. They will think…things that aren't true if they know. Like you're just using me or something. They won't get it. "

He nods unenthusiastically.

I think for a moment.

"If they ask you can say, 'Well, I have the Tokyo entrance exam coming up.' That's not a lie. They will just assume it means you're going there. Let them."

He looks down, "I guess that's better than a total lie…"

I sigh. "If you think it's better to tell them what you're really doing, you can. I will support that. But know that it will be followed by a question of how we will possibly stay together if you're in the U.S. And then we will have to tell them everything. To be honest, there's a chance they ask that about you going to Tokyo too, it's just a lot lower."

"Hmm…"

"You don't have to decide how you want to answer now. You can decide if they ask, and then we will go with the flow from there. Maybe we'll get lucky, and they won't ask at all."

"Okay. I will decide if they ask. I'm…really sorry that this is…how it is."

I smile up at him, "The only way you could change it is by giving up on your dream that you're already well on your way towards. I…don't want you to do that. I know you don't want to either."

My voice was on the verge of wavering several times there, but I don't think he noticed. What I told him is the truth, but that doesn't make it that much easier for me to say it.

"Oh, here's my mom." I squeeze his hand and smile at him. He looks less nervous than he was at least.

My mom leaves the car running but gets out with a huge grin on her face.

She says, "Hi Hideki, it's really nice to meet you." And in the next instant she is on him hugging him tightly. Poor Hideki isn't sure what he's supposed to do for a moment, but then he gingerly hugs her back.

He says, "N-nice to meet you, Mrs. Nakai."

"Oh, come on, just call me Emi. I already feel like I know you so well."

"Um…okay, Emi."

Then I hear my mother say something to him very softly, but I can't quite make it out. Whatever it is, Hideki turns red. The next instant my mom lets him go and gets back in the car while asking us to join her.

In retrospect, I probably should have given him more of a warning about her.

Before we get in, I ask Hideki, "What did she say to you that has you this flustered?"

He shrugs.

"Really, you won't tell me?"

He shrugs again, smiles, and gets in the car.

When I get in, I say, "Mom!? What did you say to him?!"

She smiles approvingly at Hideki in the rearview mirror and says, "Oh, nothing dear. I'm sure you're imagining things."

"Wow. You two just met and you're already keeping a secret from me. I see how it is."

This gets no response from either of them.

A minute later I say, "Fine, I don't even care anymore. Keep your secret."

They both ignore me.

Then my mom asks, "So, Hideki. How's the exam cramming going?"

He groans softly.

My mom laughs, "That well, huh? I think I probably made a similar sound when people asked me that in my third year at Yamaku. Alright, I won't ask about it anymore. I'm sure you'd like to get your mind off of it."

He laughs and says, "Yeah, that would be good."

Not long after we pull up to the house. Hideki takes my hand as we walk in. My grandparents aren't here yet, which is probably nice for Hideki. He can get a little comfortable with everything first.

My mom says, "I am going to the kitchen, you two don't mind me."

Hideki asks, "Do you want any help um…Emi?"

She smiles at him and says, "That's sweet of you to offer, but why don't you stay out here with your lovely girlfriend."

She heads for the kitchen before he can respond.

After she leaves, I whisper, "I probably should have warned you about her ahead of time, huh?"

He laughs, "Maybe. She's a little intense. But also very nice."

"Yeah, that about sums her up." I take his hand, "Here, most music people like to spend a lot of time over here, so let's make sure you see it."

I guide him to my piano and Saki's bookshelf. He notices the piano first.

He sits down on the bench and strokes the wood so enthusiastically that it makes me a little jealous. Then he says, "How do you have a way nicer piano than me?"

I sit down next to him and mimic his stroking. "Oh, this old thing? It was a hand me down."

He smirks, "Your aunt, huh?"

I laugh, "Yep. She has an even nicer one at her house, as I'm sure you can guess."

Now he notices the picture on the piano, "Speaking of your aunt, that's her, isn't it?

"Yep, that's her, my dad, and Saki when they were your age. Pretty crazy, huh?"

"A little bit, yeah. I mean, we all know deep down that our teachers used to be young. But actually seeing it is always a surprise."

We hear the front door open.

"That must be my grandparents. Let's go greet them."

We get up and meet them in the living room and they both smile broadly when they see us.

I say, "Grandma, grandpa, this is Hideki, my boyfriend."

My grandma responds first, "Ah yes, the handsome young man I watched play piano the other day. It's nice to meet you."

My grandpa scoffs, "You make it sound like he gave you a private performance." Then he turns to Hideki and says, "It's very nice to meet you."

Hideki responds, "It's very nice to meet you too, Mr. and Mrs. Nakai."

We sit down together in the living room.

I say, "How are you two doing? Enjoying living here?"

My grandpa nods and says, "Very much. Our house is perfect, and we have a very nice neighbor who makes us dinner most nights. She usually even plays a game of chess with me."

I laugh, "Have you lost yet?"

"A few times, but I mostly win. I think that's pretty good for my age."

I giggle, "It is."

My grandma smiles and asks, "So, how are you two doing? I must say you look quite well together, and so happy." My grandpa nods in agreement.

Hideki takes my hand and smiles as he answers, "We're doing well. We are really happy. I'm a really lucky guy."

I smile at him and say, "I'm really lucky too."

My grandparents smile at our answers just as my mom comes to tell us dinner is ready.

We make some small talk while we eat, but as is often the case, the conversation really gets going once we're done eating.

My mom looks at us a bit with a smile and then says, "I have to say, Hideki. You remind me a little of my husband."

I scoff, "Because that's not a weird thing to say."

My grandma says, "Actually, I was thinking the same thing."

I look to my grandpa hoping for an end to this, but he nods too.

"What!? Really!?"

I take a look at Hideki in an attempt to understand what they mean. I come up empty.

My mom laughs, "Just a little. It's the eyes mostly. The same color and just…very kind."

I look at him even more closely and sigh before saying "Yeah. I guess I see it."

Hideki laughs and looks at me, "Why do you sound so disappointed?"

"I dunno. Isn't that…kinda weird?"

My mom responds before Hideki can, "I don't think so. No one said he looks just like your dad. Just that he reminds us of him a little. It isn't strange that you would like a man with a few of your dad's traits."

"Yeah, I guess…"

Hideki says, "Well, I think it's a compliment." He looks down for a moment and says, "I know…I didn't know him as well as any of you…" he looks at my mom. "But your husband," he looks at my grandparents "your son, was my teacher, and I really thought he was an amazing man. I think that even more from what I've learned of him from Kayoko. So, I would be proud to have some of his traits."

I grab his hand under the table and smile at him.

My mom and grandparents are a little choked up.

My mom says, "Well…thank you for saying that. It was lovely. I'm glad you got to know him."

My grandma looks at Hideki and says, "Hichan would have liked you, I think."

Hideki looks confused for a second, after all, how would he know who Hichan is? Surely his science teacher in his 50s didn't go by Hichan, right? But he figures it out from context in a few seconds.

He replies, "I hope so."

My grandpa is ready to change the subject, I think because he was getting too emotional.

"So, Hideki, you graduate soon, right? What's next?"

I squeeze his hand under the table, letting him know I'm behind him however he answers.

He takes a few seconds, weighing his options. Then he says, "I'll be taking the Tokyo entrance exam in March."

I try not to look too relieved. But this is the best answer in the short term. There shouldn't be a painful follow-up where we have to explain that we won't be together very much longer.

My mom says, "Well good luck with it. I hope you get in."

Hideki nods politely and smiles.

Then she says, "So, I made sure to get us some dessert tonight for this special occasion. I got a whole strawberry cake from the Shanghai. Would anyone like any?"

I think maybe we're in the clear.

Everyone wants some of course. From here, the conversation is less tense.

My grandpa asks, "What do your parents do Hideki?"

He says, "My mom is a translator. She grew up in the U.S. speaking both Japanese and English in the home. She is the head translator for an advertising firm that translates Japanese ads for American audiences."

My grandpa nods, "Interesting. Sounds really good for her background. And your father?"

"He's the CFO at the same firm where my mom works. They met there when they were both new hires and sort of moved up together."

My mom says, "Workplace romance can be nice. I met Kayoko's father when we were both young employees at Yamaku." She laughs, "Well, the second time. We were students there first."

Hideki nods and asks, "How has Yamaku changed since you two were students?"

"Well, almost all of the buildings from back then are gone or thoroughly renovated. The school building is probably the least changed, I guess. But we didn't have the medical building, or your nice new dorms, or the indoor athletic facility back then."

I say, "Pretty crazy how much has changed. But when I think back to all the stories you and dad told me about Yamaku, it still feels the same, as it does in those, somehow."

My mom says, "I think that makes sense. The overall philosophy of the place hasn't changed. I think it's an incredible place for students who need it. When you're disabled, meeting others your own age who have similar challenges is an amazing thing that just…doesn't happen in normal school."

Hideki nods, "I agree. It's a great place" He looks at me and adds, "I'm…really going to miss it."

—-

We're back at Yamaku after our successful visit. We're in my dorm room tonight and snuggling in our underwear. This is how we generally sleep now. Me in a T-shirt and panties and him in boxers and a shirt. He's laying on his back and I'm resting my head on his chest. We have our arms around each other.

"They really liked you. I'm glad."

He says, "Yeah. Me too. They are really great people."

He shifts around a little.

"I did…kind of realize they will probably hate me one day. But I will worry about it later."

"Why would they hate you?"

"Well…they will know the Tokyo thing wasn't exactly true."

"Maybe. They don't have to find out."

"How will they not find out?"

"Do we have to talk about this now? I just…wanna pretend that whole…you leaving this isn't happening. For now, at least."

I can tell he's uneasy about this. I think I'm going to distract him. I've learned I have that ability.

I slide myself off him, smile at him mischievously, and take my shirt off. He still drops his jaw every time he sees my breasts. I don't think I'll ever get tired of that. I press myself against him and start kissing him. He reaches around me and puts his hand on my butt while we continue our kiss.

After doing this for a while I peek and see that he is fully erect. I move my hand down from his chest to the top of his boxers, but just when I am about to touch him, he gently grabs my wrist. I still kissing him and ask,

" You don't want me to do that for you?"

"I love when you do that but…can I …do something for you tonight instead? You have for me a few times now, so…I wanted to for you. I want to make you feel the same way you make me feel."

I am very uncertain about this. I haven't shown Hideki that part of my body yet. I've always had my underwear on. I haven't decided if I want to, or if I want to save that for someone else. But…he wants to do it for me. And he has shown me that part of him. He's really special to me too. I wanted to save this for someone I love…and I do love him, even if I can never say it. I can still save sex for someone else. That's kind of the biggest thing anyway.

He notices my hesitation and says "I…um, don't have to. If you're not ready for that "

I respond by kissing him and moving my body away from him a bit to create some space for him to work. I take his hand and guide it down to my panties and press it against me..

I gasp softly. This is the first time a boy has touched me like this. I think it's good that it's him. It does feel right to do this. We continue to kiss as he begins to move his hand up and down with a little more pressure. As the feeling of pleasure in my groin intensifies, I find myself unable to remain in the position I am in, so I roll on to my back. Now he sits up and kisses me while continuing to rub me. He used his other hand to caress both of my breasts at the same time.

My body starts to convulse a little bit and I try to keep my moans quiet.

He breaks the kiss and says, "Is it okay if I take these off?"

I hesitate for a moment and then nod. This is the first time he or any boy will see me completely naked.

He slides my panties off and then says, "Your whole body is so beautiful, Kayoko."

I smile at him, "I'm glad you like it. You're the first to see any of these intimate parts of me, you know."

He smiles back and says, "I know," before we resume our kiss, and he goes back to touching me how he was before. Now with that last layer of fabric gone, it feels even more intense. His hands are so big and strong, but he's using them deftly, delicately. I guess it makes sense for a piano player. I can tell he doesn't exactly know what he's doing, and I wouldn't expect him to. What he's doing still feels amazing.

This continues for a while, with me moaning softly as he touches me all over my body. I love how his hands feel all over me. I get lost in the sensation for a while. Eventually he sort of bashfully says, "Let me know if you have any…guidance."

I smile at him and move his hand, which was largely focusing on my opening to the area above it. He's done so much work already that this really won't take long. He takes my lead and begins rubbing where I put his hand. Now my body really starts to convulse, my stomach and legs start to tremble.

"Hi…Hideki…"

He smiles down at me as his hands continue to work. A few seconds later, I am nearing the edge. I take his hand that is fondling my breasts and press it against them more roughly. I really want him to grab them. Hard. This is one of the few parts of me he can safely do that with. He gets the hint and pushes against them harder than he usually does, and that plus what is going on down below pushes me completely over. Shockwaves flow throughout my body from my groin to everywhere else, I do my best to muffle an incredibly long moan, but I'm not very successful. I'm pretty sure all my neighbors know what's going on in here now, but I definitely don't care in this moment.

Once it's over I pull him down towards me and kiss him, then I whisper, "You're really good with your hands."

He lays down beside me and smiles proudly. I wonder if I smiled like that the first time I did this for him. It does feel great to make someone you care about feel that good.

Now, he snuggles my naked body. That was so intense that I'm exhausted. I wanted to do something for him, but between my exhaustion and how he's holding me, I don't think that's gonna happen. I hope he isn't too disappointed.

—-

I wake up the next morning in Hideki's arms, but it's a little different than usual, because I'm not wearing anything but my joint braces.

I smile remembering what he did for me last night, remembering another wonderful first we had together. I don't know what time it is, but I think I'm going to enjoy being cozy and naked with him a little while longer.

Only a few minutes after I close my eyes, his alarm goes off. Crap. He has to get up and get to studying.

He starts to stir. I turn around and give him a kiss that wakes him up a little more. He opens his tired eyes and realizes I'm naked. He gets a silly smile on his face, and he says,

"I already loved waking up next to you, but I really like your new pajamas."

I laugh at him and say, "I bet you do."

He sits up. It really stinks that he has to go. I won't see him again until tonight. I'm tempted to use my body to distract him. I'm almost sure it would work. But he needs to study, and I need to let him.

As he's getting ready, I throw on some clothes of my own.

Before he leaves, I hug him and we kiss. I say, "Last night was really great. And not just the orgasm part." We laugh. "I'll be looking forward to seeing you tonight. Have a good day."

He smiles and kisses me again and says, "You too, Kayoko."

I hate watching him leave my room.

When he does, I lay back in bed happily. Not too much later, I hear Akari's distinctive knock.

"Come in, Akari."

She does and closes the door behind her with a huge smile on her face.

I say, "What has you so happy this morning?"

She giggles, "Last night…d-did you two…?"

I don't know what she's asking at first and then I turn bright red and put my hands over my eyes.

I say, "You heard, didn't you?"

She laughs, "W-well, I know I heard something I haven't heard before. S-so you guys went all the way?"

I sit up and bashfully say, "No. Not all the way." I sigh. "I guess since you heard I may as well just tell you. He gave me an orgasm with his hands. It was so amazing I immediately fell asleep afterwards."

She nods and smiles, "Th-that's really nice. Do you think you will with him?"

"Will what? Go all the way?"

She nods.

I shake my head. "No."

"Why? Y-you don't love him?"

I frown and wring my hands together. "No. I…I think I do love him. But…I can't tell him."

Akari frowns, "B-because he's leaving?"

I nod, "I don't wanna say it to him. I can't when I know I'm going to lose him. That's why I also don't want to give him my virginity. I think…I'm going to have all my other firsts with him. But I'm saving that one for someone else. Someone I think I could be with forever, maybe."

Akari sits next to me on the bed and hugs me. I don't really know why at first. But then I notice a few tears on my face. So far, I haven't cried about the situation at all. I've thought about it a few times, but never really sat down and let the tears flow. But apparently, I need to.

I hug Akari back and allow myself to cry about the love I know that I'm destined to lose.