Ryozanpaku 11:07 am...
"Alright Kenichi that's all for today." Akisame stated matter of factly.
"Really sensei, normally you push me to well after sunset? Is this some kind of elaborate ploy?" He noted that his Karate teacher was sitting rather oddly. With one hand behind his back, it was suspicious.
"Don't be so nervous it is the last day of the calender year. We're not ogres after all. You should prepare for your New Years greetings." The Jujutsu instructor rubbed his mustache nervously. 'Sakaki wouldn't dare do that to a boy, would he?'
"Honestly Kenichi the Lunar New year is still a ways off. However, I accept that most of the world does it differently." Kensei Ma walked over with his hands behind his back. "Move over Akisame it's my turn to train him now. Guess what my boy I have a very special lesson for you today." He held out some traditional Chinese cookware. "I'm going to teach you my family recipes. Traditional cuisine is a must when it arrives." He smiled with a touch of mischief. "That way you can help me in the kitchen during the festival time. Just think how happy your future wife will be."
Despite himself Kenichi laughed lecherously along with his master at the thought. He visualized Renka in nothing but, a red apron. With that come hither look of hers. "As they say master, women love a man that can cook!"
"That's the spirit my boy!" The two headed for the kitchen like old friends.
"Sakaki, something important seems to be missing! You are the most likely culprit." The blonde teenager glared daggers as she noticed something behind his back. "Show me what you have now!"
"I have no idea what your talking about Miu?" He began to sweat nervously.
"Is that right! Alright then I guess I'll look elsewhere." She turned away as he visibly relaxed. Suddenly, she turned back with all the speed she could muster and charged. Unfortunately, for her he was a true master.
With one hand Sakaki easily deflected her numerous attacks. "Excellent Miu, you've really improved lately. However, my level is still beyond you." The man laughed while having an unplanned spar.
Ryozanpaku 4:45pm...
Shigure rested the painted fan in her hand. As her disciple breathed heavily. "Good job Kenichi. Though you'll never stop a longer weapon at this rate."
She looked at him with focused eyes. Meanwhile, Tochimaru did a little cheer on her head with tiny fans of his own.
Kenichi lowered his head in shame. "I know Shigure-san. I'm hopeless. Say, what does that fan say anyway?"
"Oh." She held it open.
Courage for Kenichi
"That's cool thanks. Is it your New Years wish?"
She nodded slowly. "You need all the help you can get."
"Kenichi, Appachai brought you tea to celebrate! Honoka taught Appachai yesterday, yeah!" The Muy Tai master joyously decreed. "Shigure can join too, great excitement!"
"Sure, okay." The mistress of weapons stated.
"That sounds nice, thanks Appachai." The first disciple had certainly had a weird day.
"Look Kenichi, a tea leaf is floating on top! Appachai knows what that means. Your going to get lucky tonight!" The Thailand native grinned at remembering the good sign.
Shigure sipped her cup. "This is good."
"Appachai your phrasing is.. You know what never mind." Kenichi hid his prominent blush behind his drink.
Ryozanpaku 7:23pm...
"Hey Kenichi! You know if you want I have a present for you." Sakaki patted the boy roughly on his back. He was blushing as he spoke.
"Uh, sure sensei." The muscular man handed him a small bottle of saki. "You know I'm underage."
Before the karate master could respond. Faster than the boy could see a different larger bottle replaced it. Miu's grandfather was responsible.
"That's why this bottle of sweet saki is the surprise. Go share it with your family." The blonde master slapped the back of Sakaki's head while he spoke.
"Understood masters. You two really had me going for a moment." He turned away as Miu called him to the gate.
"Hurry up already Kenichi! We'll be late to your family dinner." The girl wore a nice purple dress.
"Coming, see you guys later!" Then the pair of teenagers headed out.
Shirahama residence...
"Hey Busty, do you love my brother?" Honoka thought she knew the answer. However, her Onii-chan was unlikely to ask himself. He was too faint hearted about stuff like that.
Renka had just placed the final part of the nights meal on the table. "Feeling awfully sentimental tonight huh Honoka-kun. Don't you still think stuff like that is gross at your age?"
The youngest Shirahama recoiled at her words. "I'm not a kid Busty! I am a refined young woman, darn it!" The brunette bit her lower lip trying not to yell. 'This girl really annoys me sometimes. Though, I guess I can respect her a little.'
"Honoka, be nice to our guest!" Shiori Shirahama stated in her authoritative voice. She glared at her youngest.
"Yes mom." The little girl caved under the pressure of those eyes.
The black haired teenager smiled. That was such a normal family interaction. Not like her mother's iron discipline at all. 'Sorry kid, but he'll be the first to hear that from me.' Her usual confident demeanor wavered slightly. 'Besides my boy hasn't told me either. Though I'm certain he feels the same way I do. A girl still needs to hear it out loud, sometimes.'
"Hey everyone, we're here! Kenichi shouted from the front door. "It smells awesome!"
As Miu reached the kitchen table she bowed formally. "Thank you all for inviting me."
The three females answered in unison bowing back. "Welcome to the party."
Then Renka swayed over to Kenichi. She posed with a flirtatious wink. She wore a white yukata covered in a tiger lily pattern. "What do you think Kenichi."
His mouth went dry at the sight. At first he nodded then managed to speak. "You look amazing Renka!"
Honoka jumped between the two near her brother. Trying her best to get his attention. "I helped her put it on correctly!"
The elder sibling placed an affectionate hand on top of her head. Without looking down he praised her. "Great job Honoka."
Miu looked around noting the missing man. "Where is Mister Shirahama?"
Shiori sighed sadly. "Stuck in holiday traffic I'm afraid. He should be here soon though."
That was when Kenichi snapped out of his fascination with his girlfriend. He held up the bottle of sweet saki he received earlier. "Elder gave us a gift." He carried it over to the fridge and put it inside.
"Honey, I'm home! You'll never guess who I ran into outside our door." The oldest man inside approached the kitchen with excitement.
"Hey everyone, I'm Haruo Nijima Kenichi's best buddy. I brought a twelve pack of Space Cola. Let's party!"
Shirahama residence 11:11pm...
Honoka was passed out on the couch. Miu and Haruo had just left about ten minutes ago. Meanwhile, the Shirahama parents had just clinked together a pair of wine glasses full of red liquid.
Mister Shirahama was already a little drunk. "Alright Kenichi, be a real man and take Renka home!"
Shiori waved as the pair headed out. "Don't go doing anything you'll regret tomorrow."
Later, one block away from Hakabi's restaurant...
The young couple had been holding hands since leaving the Shirahamas. The two locked lips as the clock tolled midnight. Then watched the fireworks going off in the sky.
The boy blushed as he gathered his courage. Then he looked his lovely girlfriend in the eyes. "Renka, I love you."
She was shocked for a moment. Once her fluffy warm brain cleared up she spoke. "I can't believe you actually said it first. You deserve an extra special reward for having the guts. I love you too Kenichi." Then she stole his breath with another passionate kiss while undoing her sash. The formal wear fell loose. "Give me a hug you sappy fool." Without giving herself or him the chance to process. She held him close wrapping the folds of her robe around them both.
Kenichi felt the pillowy softness of bare skin against his body. "Renka why are you naked?"
"Silly boy, haven't I told you before? The proper way to wear such things requires no under garments." She giggled in a sultry way as she felt something poke her abdomen. "Well at least I know you like your surprise."
'I wish I could see everything. Curse you flashing lights in the night sky!' The boy held her close until the booming sound of explosions quieted. Then he smiled in pure joy. "Looks like Appachai was right."
The girl quickly fixed her outfit. "How so Kenichi?"
"He said I would get lucky tonight."
"You better believe it, lover boy."
Next day, Shirahama residence 8:08 am...
Kenichi rose from the couch as his doorbell rang. When he opened the door he saw the best girlfriend ever Renka Ma. "Hey, mom and dad headed out earlier. You will have to greet them later at lunch." He took all of her in as she wore a gold Chinese dress this time. A small red lung dragon went from neck to stomach across the front. "Nice outfit, you look wonderful."
"Thank you, Kenichi. I've never seen you in a suit before. You look very dashing."
The boy subconsciously loosened his tie again. "Thanks, Renka. I'm just trying to look less out of place beside you."
"So, do your parents actually trust us enough to be alone now?"
"About that, well."
"Back off Busty, my Onii-chan's arm belongs to me today." Honoka clutched his right arm tightly. She was wearing a formal looking red dress.
Renka quickly hid her annoyance. "Honoka-kun don't you look cute today. In a few years you might fill out more. For emphasis the Kenpo girl cupped her prominent chest. Then she held her boys left hand. "Shall we get going to the shrine?"
Kenichi laughed heavily. "Yeah, I think this is going to be the start of a great year." Soon the trio headed out to start their New Year's greetings.