Of Spas and Road Trips
One day, Ryuji and Makoto invited Ryuji's mother Nanami and her new boyfriend Koji Sasaki over to their house for lunch. They also invited Sae and the Yajima Family over so they could meet Nanami's new beau. With the Sakamatos, Sae, the Yajimas, and Koji united under one roof, the group of nine partook in a barbeque lunch that Ryuji cooked up. As they ate, they got to know Koji a little bit better.
The group learned that Koji became rich by inheriting his father's chain of 'House Arsenal' hardware stores (Home Depot). Despite coming into money, however, he doesn't let that stop him from being an all around nice guy as he mentions all of the charities he donated to and showed a picture of the last charity event he attended. Koji also showed his generosity by giving everyone gifts when he arrived; bottles of perfume for the girls and bottles of cologne for the guys. Suffice it to say, everyone really took a shine to Koji, especially Ryuji, who saw Koji as a second chance for him to have a father figure worth looking up to in life.
After lunch, Nanami, Ryuji, and Koji went to the kitchen to clean up the dishes while Makoto, Sae, Himari, Hotaru, Hayato, and Hifumi hung out and chatted in the living room.
"That was some pretty good barbecue, Ryuji," Koji complimented.
"Thanks, Koji," Ryuji said, "Makoto is the cook in my family, but I do know my way around a barbecue grill."
"If you have the time, there's a recipe for brisket I'd like to share with you that's been passed down in my family for generations," Koji said.
"For real? You're willing to share your family recipe with me?" Ryuji asked, "Even though I'm technically not your kid?"
"As long as I'm dating your mother, Ryuji, I want to treat you as if you were my son," Koji said.
"Thank you, Koji," Ryuji said, deeply touched, "That means a lot."
"I told you, Ryuji," Nanami said, "Isn't Koji amazing?"
"He sure is," Ryuji concurred, "So, what do you guys want to do now? We could rent a movie if you want."
"Actually I have to head out to the 'Bullseye' store in Tomobe to buy a new T.V," Koji said, "You and those two scarlet haired boys can come along too if you want, Ryuji."
"You want us to tag along?" Ryuji asked.
"Of course," Koji grinned, "I'd like to know you and your friends a little bit better. What do you say?"
"Hell yeah, dude," Ryuji said before realizing he's being a little too enthusiastic, "I mean, yes sir."
"Don't be ashamed of your enthusiasm, Ryuji," Koji said, "You remind me a lot of me when I was younger."
"For real?" Ryuji asked, "Cool."
"Come on," Koji said, "Let's go ask those scarlet haired gents if they want to tag along."
Ryuji, Koji, and Nanami go into the living room where the rest of the group were seen hanging out.
"Hey, Hayato, Hotaru, Koji and I are going to Tomobe to buy him a new T.V," Ryuji said, "You want to come and have some guy time?"
"I'm down," Hayato said.
"Sure," Hotaru said.
"Will you girls be okay if we head out?" Hayato asked his wife.
"Yes, babe," Hifumi answered.
"We were actually going to meet the rest of the girls at the bathhouse soon," Makoto answered.
"I have the place to myself for the next few hours, cool," Himari smiled.
"Actually, Himari, why don't you come with us?" Makoto asked.
"Really?" Himari asked, "You want me to come with you?"
"Sure," Makoto said, "You're 16 years old now. I think you're old enough now to hang out with us. Besides, Shiho started bringing Nariko along last month. If she's ready to join us then so are you."
"This is awesome," Himari exclaimed excitedly, feeling as though she gained access to a secret club.
"You can come too, Nanami," Makoto said, looking at Ryuji's mother.
"Oh, that'd be wonderful," Nanami smiled.
"Alright then, babe, I guess we'll catch you later," Ryuji said as he, Koji, Hayato, and Hotaru prepared to make their leave.
"Later, babe," Makoto said as she watched her husband, potential stepfather-in-law, and two friends make their way out of the house. Not long after they left, the girls headed over for the bathhouse.
We then cut to the four men as they drive out of Tokyo and to Tomobe; Koji's in the driver's seat, Ryuij's in the front passenger seat, and that leaves Hayato and Hotaru to take the backseats.
"You boys comfy back there?" Koji asked the two scarlet haired boys.
"Yes sir, thank you," Hotaru said as Hayato nodded.
"How about you, Ryuji?" Koji asked his stepson-in-law.
"It's actually getting a bit nippy," Ryuji said, "Could you lower the A/C just a little bit."
"Sure thing," Koji smiled as he lowered the car's A/C a few degrees, "Anything for my girlfriend's boy."
Hearing this made Ryuji smile. Meanwhile, Hotaru looked out his window to see a car passing by.
"My question is why do we have to go to Tomobe just to visit a 'Bullseye' store?" Hotaru asked, "We have, like, five of them in Tokyo."
"Hotaru, be nice," Hayato said.
"Hey, your boy is allowed to ask questions," Koji said to Hayato before turning his attention to Hotaru, "You see Hotaru I'm not just looking to get a T.V here. I'm looking to say 'hi' to an old friend of mine. After retiring he picked up a part-time job as a bagger at the Bullseye store in Tomobe just so he has something to do."
"Any reason why you want to see this old friend?" Hayato asked.
"It's personal," Koji said, "If you're that curious you boys can follow me inside the store and meet my friend too."
"Well if you're also going to Bullseye to get a new T.V we'd feel bad if we didn't follow you inside," Hotaru said, "I'd feel bad if we made you carry a big T.V and load it into this car all by yourself."
"Much obliged Hotaru," Koji smiled.
"That's my son," Hayato said as he patted his son on the back, "Always willing to help others."
"You and your wife raised him well, Hayato," Koji said, "You and your wife should be proud."
"Trust us, we are," Hayato smiled.
"You know, I'm kind of glad we get to have some guy time," Hotaru said, "I was actually hoping to talk with folks older than me, if I'm being completely honest."
"Why's that?" Ryuji asked.
"Well, Uncle Ryuji," Hotaru said, "Himari and I have been going steady for a little more than a year now, and while things are going great, I feel like they can be a little better. I guess what I'm asking is, what advice do you three have to give me to be the best boyfriend I could be?"
"Oh, I remember that age, looking to learn all there is to know about love," Koji said, "Well, Hotaru, the way I won my late first wife's heart is by having good communication skills. You know, be honest with Himari while still taking her feelings into consideration."
"Okay," Hotaru said.
"It's also important to contribute to conversations," Koji continued, "Don't just say 'yes' to everything she says. Actually talk to her so she knows what you think about a certain subject. On top of that, always support your woman and her dreams, and show sympathy when she's feeling down. A simple hug should suffice if Himari is feeling blue."
"Sounds easy enough," Hotaru said, "What else?"
"A little affection goes a long way, Hotaru," Hayato told his son, "A little cuddle here, a peck on the cheek there, with a few compliments and pet names sprinkled on top to show Himari that you care."
"I feel like I already do that a good amount dad," Hotaru said, "Himari even says that I'm a good cuddler. And she's not so bad either. Himari is very soft-"
"And how do you know that?!" Ryuji asked, glaring at Hotaru from the rear view mirror. Hotaru was so scared of Ryuji's wrath that he was too afraid to answer.
"I think you said too much, son," Hayato whispered.
"There's no thinking about it," Hotaru said.
"Moving right along," Hayato said, "While affection is nice, you must remember to give Himari her space whenever she needs it."
"Listen to your father, Hotaru," Ryuji said with venom in his voice, causing Hotaru to gulp,
"Thanks everyone," Hotaru said, nervously, "I feel like I've learned a lot from this. Thanks."
"You're welcome," Koji said as he continued driving himself, Ryuji, Hayato, and Hotaru to Tomobe.
Back in Tokyo, we see the group of Makoto, Sae, Hifumi, Himari, and Nanami, approaching the room where the rest of the girls are located. Upon opening the door, the five women see the likes of Ann, Haru, Futaba, Shiho, Nariko, and Sumire. All six of whom were sitting happily in the warm water of their bath and chatting amongst themselves when they entered. The six in the water turned to face their visitors when they appeared.
"'Bout time you all showed up," Futaba said, "We were beginning to think you wouldn't show up."
"Ran into a little bit of traffic on the way here, no big deal," Makoto said.
"Hey, everyone," Himari smiled.
"Hey, Himari," Nariko smiled, "Welcome to the club!"
"Come on in," Haru smiled, "The water's just fine."
Makoto, Sae, Hifumi, Himari, and Nanami remove their towels and get in the bath with their friends.
"This feels great," Nanami smiled as she let the warm water work its magic on her muscles.
"I'm glad we get to do this, everyone," Hifumi said, "I feel like our lives have gotten so busy lately, what with our kids growing up ever faster, and our families and jobs taking up most of our time."
"So what is it that you guys do here?" Himari asked.
"We just catch up on events going on in our lives," Makoto answered, "But sometimes we gossip about others."
"Oh," Himari went, "What kind of dirt are we dishing out here?"
"I was just telling the girls about how Mika is seeing a married man without his wife knowing," Ann gossiped.
"Isn't that one of your co-workers," Himari asked.
"Yup," Ann smiled.
"Oh, I love it!" Himari giggled, "What else do you guys have?"
"In the last gymnastics competition Ichiro and I competed in," Sumire began, "One of our competitors got disqualified for alleged steroid abuse."
"How shameful," Shiho said.
"You think that's bad," Nariko asked, "You didn't hear it from me, but Naomi Sugimura just went through a pregnancy scare."
Hearing that bit of news made everyone gasp.
"Don't worry though, she's not really pregnant," Nariko said.
"Good thing too," Himari said, "I'd hate to think of the Sugimuras procreating any further."
"Don't forget, Himari," Makoto said, "What you hear in this bathhouse stays in this bathhouse."
"Your secrets are safe with me, everyone," Himari said before turning to her grandmother, "Speaking of secrets, Grandma Nanami, what can you tell us about Ryuji when he was younger?"
"Looking to find some potentially embarrassing information on your father, are you?" Nanami asked, "Well, as long as it stays between us, I don't mind telling you all one or two things about Ryuji."
"Oh, we're all ears over here, Ms. Sakamoto," Shiho said as everyone leaned in to listen to what the older woman had to say.
"Well, for starters," Nanami began, "When he was younger, Ryuji had trouble controlling his bladder during bedtime."
"Wait, are you saying Ryuji was a bedwetter?" Sae asked.
"Until he was about nine years old, yes," Nanami answered, causing the other girls to howl with laughter.
"Oh my God, this is priceless!" Sumire guffawed.
"It gets worse," Nanami continued, "Ryuji confided in one of his friends about this fact, but that friend went and told his other classmates and he got an embarrassing nickname because of it…'Ryu-pee'."
Hearing this embarrassing nickname made everyone laugh even harder.
"This is gold!" Sae laughed, "This is comedy gold!"
"Now let me tell you about Ryuji's 'boyband phase'," Nanami said, ready to dish out another secret about her son to his wife, daughter, sister-in-law, and girlfriends.
Back on the road with the four men, Koji was seen getting off the highway. As they drive down the road, they pass by an ice cream parlor that advertised its homemade ice cream.
"I don't know about you boys, but I can go for a nice scoop of ice cream," Koji says, "What do you boys say?"
Ryuji, Hayato, and Hotaru agreed and Koji pulled into the ice cream parlor. The four men get out of the car, enter the shop, and walk up to the counter to place their order. Within minutes, the four of them were sitting at a table licking their frozen treats. Koji got himself a butter pecan cone. Ryuji ordered himself a rocky road cone. Hotaru has himself a chocolate cone with a cherry dip. Hayato got himself a cookies and cream cone.
"This homemade ice cream is delicious," Hayato said as he happily licked at his cone.
"Even the cherry dip is homemade," Hotaru said as he nibbled at his treat, "This is the best ice cream I think I've ever had. Good call stopping here, Mr. Koji."
"Thanks," Koji said, "I actually visited this place often on the weekends with my father when I was a kid. This place has been around since 1947, you know."
"It's been here for a while now," Ryuji said, impressed.
"And it's still open after all these years," Koji continued, "Just comes to show you how much people value homemade ice cream."
"We've definitely gotta bring mom here, dad," Hotaru said.
"Definitely," Hayato concurred.
"Like I said, I used to come here with my father all the time," Koji said, "He'd take me along on fishing or hunting trips, and we'd always stop here on the way home."
"You spent a lot of time with your dad, eh?" Hayato asked.
"Didn't you spend time with your father when you were a kid?" Koji asked.
"Unless I was a beer bottle or a television set, my father never spent a minute with me," Hayato said bitterly, "My father wasn't exactly the nicest guy. He often beat up on my mom just for fun."
"My dad was the same way, Koji," Ryuji said, "He'd beat and berate my mom and me on the regular. That is until one day when he just up and left us without any rhyme or reason."
"I'm sorry to hear that, boys," Koji said, "You two seem like such swell fellas too. You don't deserve the fathers that you got in life."
"Thanks, Koji," Hayato said.
"No need to thank me," Koji said, "Honestly, the idea that a man would get his jollies by abusing his wife and kids doesn't deserve to be called a man at all."
"That's why I do my best to be a great father for Himari," Ryuji said.
"And I do my best when raising Hotaru," Hayato said, "While Ryuji and I aren't perfect, we're certainly doing a better job as parents than our own fathers.
"From what I've seen of your kids I have to agree that you two are doing a fine job raising your kids," Koji said, "I'm glad to see you two break your respective cycles of abuse and become upstanding citizens."
Hayato and Ryuji nod in agreement as the four of them finish with their ice creams. As they did, Koji noticed someone outside on the side of the road selling flowers. When the four males left the ice cream parlor, Koji went up to the flower salesman and bought two bouquets before rejoining the other three.
"What's with the flowers?" Ryuji asked.
"One is for my friend at the Bullseye store," Koji answered, "But the second one is for another personal reason of mine."
"Care to elaborate?" Hayato asked.
"All in good time, Hayato," Koji said as he took out his keys and unlocked the doors for them to get in, "Get inside, everyone. Time's a-wastin'."
When all four males got into the car and buckled their seatbelts, Koji drove out of the parking lot and back onto the road towards Tomobe.
Back at the bathhouse, Himari is seen looking at the other women present. She has something on her mind and she's a little hesitant to open her mouth. Makoto, however, recognizes the troubled look on her daughter's face and decides to address it.
"Something on your mind, Himari?" Makoto asked, "You're being awfully quiet."
"I'm just thinking," Himari responded.
"About?" Makoto asked.
"Well, Hotaru and I have been seeing each other for a year, and while I think things are going fine between us, I feel like I can do more when it comes to being a good girlfriend," Himari said, "I guess what I'm asking is, what advice do you all have when it comes to being a good girlfriend?"
"You want good advice?" Futaba asked, "Don't cheat."
Hearing that made everyone chuckle.
"Well that's my advice, what's all of yours?" Futaba asked.
"Something's telling me that Hotaru is asking the guys how he can be a good boyfriend," Hifumi said.
"How do you know for sure?" Sae asked.
"Mother's intuition," Hifumi answered, "Anyway, the advice he'll get on being a good girlfriend won't be too different from the advice we have to give on being a good girlfriend. So, my advice is to be a good listener. Listen to the things Hotaru has to say and respond accordingly."
"Okay," Himari said.
"I don't know how far along you two are in your relationship," Ann said, "But never be afraid to get seductive. There are three things a woman needs in order to be seductive; sexy, classy, and confident. The last one is especially important. If you're happy with who you are and feel secure with your own self worth, Hotaru will go crazy."
"On that note, I know Ichiro loves it when I get affectionate with him," Sumire said, "When we started dating, displays of affection came in the form of pet names like 'babe', 'baby', 'cutie', and 'honey', but it's also important to cuddle and send romantic texts."
"Well I think Hotaru and I have that part down pat," Himari said.
"As long as we're talking about being affectionate," Makoto said, "It's also important to give Hotaru some space if he needs it. Don't smother him with too much love and affection or he'll feel suffocated. In short, there is such a thing as 'too much of a good thing'."
"Got it," Himari said, "Anyone else have anything they'd like to add?"
"Right here," Shiho said, "As I'm sure you're well aware, Hotaru has other friends like Nariko, Kimiko, Mana, and Mitsu who are girls. When you see Hotaru hanging out or talking with other girls, that doesn't automatically mean he's flirting or he's trying to cheat on you. What I'm trying to say is don't get jealous. Nothing turns a guy off faster than a girl who is jealous."
"That's right," Nariko said, "And even though I've been dating Riku for about the same time you've been dating Hotaru, I want to add my own nugget of wisdom."
"Fire away," Himari said.
"A relationship is a partnership," Nariko said, "You must be ready to support your lover and work as a team. Perfect example, Riku helped me just the other day when baking a cake for my dad's birthday. It really took a load off my shoulders knowing that I had someone to help me."
"Okay," Himari nodded before looking at Haru, "Auntie Haru, do you have anything you'd like to add?"
"Yes, Himari," Haru said, "In any relationship it's very important to be yourself. Guys like when you're direct and honest with who you are. Not to mention it's too much work trying to be someone you're not. In short, don't be fake."
"Alright," Himari nodded, "I think I get what you're all trying to say to me." She then turned to Nanami and Sae, "Do you two have anything you'd like to say?"
"Not really," Sae said.
"Most of what I wanted to say everyone else said," Nanami said.
"Okay," Himari smiled, "Thank you, everyone, I feel like I learned a lot."
"Aww, you're welcome Himari," Makoto said, "Anytime you need romantic advice, come to any one of us and we'll help you out as best we can."
"Thanks mom," Himari said, "I'd hug you right now but we're currently without clothes and…that would just be weird."
"Don't worry," Makoto said, "I understand."
Back with Koji, Ryuji, Hayato, and Hotaru, the four males made it to the Bullseye store in Tomobe. As they got out of the car, Koji made sure to grab one of the flower bouquets he bought back at the ice cream parlor.
Once they made it into the store, the four of them went straight for the registers where they found a man around Koji's age, early to mid 70s, bagging groceries.
"Genji!" Koji called out to the man, catching his attention, "Genji, over here!"
The elderly bagger turned to face his old friend as he finished bagging the last of a customer's groceries.
"Koji Sasaki as I live and breathe," Genji said as he hugged and shook the hand of his old friend, "Who are these gentlemen you came here with?"
"That blonde one is the son of my girlfriend, Ryuji," Koji said, "Those two scarlet haired gents are Hayato and Hotaru. They're father and son."
"Nice to meet you all," Genji said.
"It's a pleasure sir," Hotaru said.
"I'm actually going on break in a few minutes if you want to wait outside for me," Genji said.
"Sounds good," Koji said, "See you in a few."
Koji led the other three men out of the store and out to the front of the store.
A few minutes later, Genji approaches the four men, ready to spend some time with them. As he approaches, he takes a cigarette out from his pocket and a lighter.
"You, guys mind if I smoke?" Genji asked.
"Doesn't bother me," Ryuji said as Hayato and Hotaru agreed with their friend.
After lighting up his cigarette and taking a few puffs, Koji hands Genji the flowers.
"I bought these so you can take them to your son's grave later, Genji," Koji said as he handed his friend the flowers, "Give him my best, will you?"
"Can do, Koji, thank you," Genji said.
"Wait, Genji, your son is dead?" Hayato asked.
"Yeah," Genji said, "Once the Iraq War broke out, my son wanted so badly to go out and fight. My wife and I prayed every day and night for him to fight valiantly and come home safe and sound to us…but I guess it wasn't enough. Today was actually the anniversary of my son's death, you know."
"Oh, geez," Ryuji said in a heartbroken tone, "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm a father too and I don't even want to think about what would happen if I lost my little girl."
"And I don't want to think about what my wife and I would do if we lost Hotaru," Hayato chimed in.
"Oh, dad," Hotaru said as he hugged his father.
"I appreciate your sympathies, everyone, but that's all in the past," Genji said as he took another puff from his cigarette, "I sure do miss him though, and not a day goes by where I don't think about him. Oftentimes I wonder what he'd be doing or where he'd be in life if was still with us today."
"I'm sure he would've been an excellent man, sir," Hotaru said.
"I like to think so," Genji said before looking at Koji, "Especially since he was named after a great man."
"That's right," Koji said to the other three men, "Genji named his son after me. I couldn't even begin to describe how touched I was when I learned about that."
"That's awesome," Ryuji said.
"Yes it is," Genji said, "Please forgive me if your first encounter with me hasn't been the most uplifting one."
"Don't sweat it man," Hayato said, "My friend Daisuke always says it's important to be open with others so that you're not carrying so much baggage."
"This Daisuke guy sounds like a wise fellow," Genji said.
"Yeah, he's pretty cool," Ryuji said.
Genji then turned to Koji, "If you and your friends have places to be I won't keep you," he says.
"We're just here to pick up a new T.V," Koji said.
"Oh, well you're in luck, my friend," Genji said, "Those new Phyllis (Phillips) Flat Screens are on sale right now. You'd better get in there and get one before they're all gone."
"Thanks for the advice, Genji," Koji said before turning to his friends, "We'd better get a move on, guys."
"Right," Ryuji said.
"Nice to meet you, Genji," Hotaru said.
"Nice meeting you too," Genji smiled as he watched his friend and the other three males go back into the store.
As they walked into the store, Ryuji had something to say to Koji.
"So that was your first reason for getting those flowers," Ryuji said, "But what's the second?"
"All in good time, Ryuji," Koji said, "Be patient."
As Ryuji, Hotaru, and Hayato continued to wonder what the second flower bouquet could possibly be for, the three of them followed Koji to the electronics section where they bought a flat screen T.V, paid for it, and loaded it into Koji's car before driving off elsewhere.
Back at the bathhouse, we see the adult females laughing amongst themselves. Himari and Nariko seem to be missing from the group; the two teens decided to take a trip to the bathroom, giving the adults some time to converse about more 'explicit' topics.
"Okay, so let's recap this little contest of ours," Sumire said, "When it comes to the most interesting places we've ever had sex, we have Hifumi in the church confession booth, Ann in a department store changing room, Makoto at the Shujin Academy track field, Shiho in a classroom, Futaba at a cemetery…for some reason."
"I just brought up a random 'What If' scenario with Yuuki one night," Futaba said, "I didn't think he'd be up for something like that."
Everyone continued to look at Futaba with intrigue. They were intrigued that she'd even suggest the idea of making love in a place as dark and depressing as a cemetery.
"Yuuki and I were young," Futaba defended herself, "We were horny. What do you people want from me?"
"Moving right along," Sumire said, "Haru underneath a waterfall, me in Ichiro's treehouse, and Nanami in a movie theater!"
The other eight females present went 'Ooh' as their eyes were on Nanami.
"Don't get too excited," Nanami said, "This was before I met Ryuji's father. I was a wild child growing up, and me and the boy I was dating at the time were the only ones present in the screening room so we thought, 'why not'."
"You are something else, Nanami," Sumire said before looking at Sae, "And then there's Sae who…hasn't done anything sordid with anybody."
"Don't forget I was juggling a job and taking care of Makoto for most of my teenage and young adult days," Sae said, "I didn't really have time to think about love or dates."
"Well what about right now, now that you don't have that much going on in your life?" Ann asked.
"I don't know," Sae said, "I've thought about it, but I don't really know the first thing about dating. Again, I've spent most of my younger days working or taking care of Makoto."
"Man, that's sad," Futaba said.
"Especially since Daisuke's cousin Ryuta is absolutely smitten with her," Shiho chimed in.
"That guy is still in love with me after all these years?" Sae asked incredulously.
"He is, Sae," Shiho said, "He just has a difficult time telling you how he feels. Whether because he's afraid of being rejected or he's not good with words…ironic since he rapped with Daisuke when he was younger."
"We first met each other over 20 years ago," Sae said, "How can he still be in love with me after all this time has passed. Has seriously no other girl come along to snatch him up?"
"Nope," Shiho said, "He told me and Daisuke that he's saving himself for you and only you. He said that you were the most beautiful and badass woman he'd ever seen, and that they don't make women like you anymore. He loves you, Sae, more than you could ever fathom."
Sae wasn't sure what to think. From day one she knew Ryuta had a crush on her, and over the years she felt some strong feelings towards him as well. She just didn't know how deep his love for her went.
"I don't know what to say," Sae said, "Nobody has ever loved me like that."
"Tell you what," Shiho said, "I left my phone in the locker room. Why don't I get you on the phone with Ryuta and you ask him out on one date. If he says yes, pick the time and place…and then we'll go from there. Sounds good?"
"You think he'd want to?" Sae asked.
"I know he'd want to, Sae," Shiho said, "How many times do I have to say that he loves you? Come on, follow me."
Shiho and Sae got out of the bath and put on their towels to conceal their nudity. Once they were all covered up, they walked out of the room just as Nariko and Himari re-entered, the two girls also wearing their towels.
"Where's mom and Auntie Sae going?" Nariko asked.
"They're going to call Ryuta to see if he wants to go on a date with Sae," Makoto said.
"Hey, I have an idea," Futaba said, "Let's eavesdrop on their phone conversation to see how everything unfolds."
"Let's do it!" Sumire cheered as everyone, with towels concealing their nudity, walked out of the room and to the locker room where Shiho and Sae were.
Once the eight females made it to the locker room door, Himari opened it just a little bit so they could hear Sae's phone conversation with Ryuta.
"Okay, Sae, it's ringing," Shiho said as they waited for Ryuta to answer.
"Hey, Ryuta, it's me Sae," Sae said, "I'm at the bathhouse with the girls and we were just talking about things, and that's when they realized that I'm still without a lover. So, Shiho gave me her phone so I can call you. With that said, would you, maybe, be interested in catching a movie with me sometime this week?"
There was a moment of silence while Ryuta talked to Sae on his end of the phone line. The eight women could faintly hear Ryuta ask what movie Sae was hoping to see.
"I don't know if you're a fan of horror movies, but I know the new 'Night Terror on Maple Avenue' is coming out," Sae said, "And before you ask, no this isn't an excuse for me to cuddle next to you if/when I get scared."
Ryuta was heard chuckling at Sae's joke before he gave his answer.
"You'll come see it with me?" Sae asked with a hint of excitement in her voice, "Friday night sounds wonderful…Pick me up at my place at 7 P-M…yeah, it's a date. See you then."
With that, Sae hung up the phone and handed it back to Shiho.
"So, how did it go?" Shiho asked.
"It's a date!" Sae said happily.
"That's wonderful!" Shiho exclaimed, "I knew he'd say yes. How do you feel?"
"I've felt a feeling that I haven't felt in so long," Sae said, "It's, like, excitement and fear all at once, but mostly excitement."
"Welcome to the dating world, Sae," Shiho said, "Come on, let's go tell the others."
Knowing that Shiho and Sae were coming their way, the other eight women backed away from the locker room door just as Sae and Shiho opened it to leave. When they left the locker room, their friends were the first faces they saw.
"How long were you all standing out here?" Shiho asked.
"Long enough to know that Sae set up her first date with Ryuta," Makoto cheered.
"Congratulations, Auntie," Himari smiled.
"Thanks, everyone," Sae smiled.
"If there's any advice you need," Ann said, "Whether it be dating advice, fashion advice, or anything in between, come to any one of us and we'll steer you in the right direction."
"I appreciate that, everyone, thank you," Sae said, "And thanks for giving me the courage to bite the bullet and get out in the dating world again."
"What are friends for, Sae?" Hifumi said as the group of ten walked back to their room so they could continue their bath.
We cut back to Koji, Ryuji, Hayato, and Hotaru one last time as they're seen at a riverside park. They get out of the car, Koji holding onto the second flower bouquet.
"Follow me," Koji said to the other three men.
As the four of them walked up the hill where a tall tree was standing, they passed by a playground where a party of sorts was going on; there was barbecued food, music, and people of all ages having a good time.
Eventually, the group of four made it to the top of the hill where they found a rock at the base of the tree. On that rock, the word 'Michi Sasaki' was painted in bright yellow paint. Koji stepped up to the rock, knelt in front of it and put the bouquet in front of it. Ryuji, Hayato, and Hotaru stood back and watched the elderly man.
"Happy birthday, Michi," Koji said, "I miss you so much, my love."
"Michi," Ryuji said, "Was that your first wife's name?"
"Yeah," Koji said, wiping a tear from his eye, "Michi and I have loved each other ever since we were teenagers. She was my high school sweetheart."
"Reminds me of me and Hifumi," Hayato said, somberly, "She was not only my high school sweetheart, but a very close friend since childhood."
"Cherish that love, Hayato," Koji said, "Cherish that love and never let it go."
Koji got up and turned to face the other three males before he continued talking.
"This hill beneath this tree holds a special place in my heart," Koji said, "It was where Michi and I had our first date, it was where I proposed to her, and on one brisk summer night, it was where we conceived our first child together."
"Gross," Hotaru muttered, only to get elbowed by Hayato for killing the mood, "Sorry, sorry."
"Now this place is where my darling Michi is buried," Koji continued, "I still come here often to pay my respects."
Koji then looked at Ryuji.
"Don't take what I'm about to say next personally, Ryuji," Koji said, "But even though I love your mother dearly and would do anything to see her happy, she'd never truly replace my Michi."
"It's fine, Koji, I get it," Ryuji nodded, "Michi was your first, and you never forget your first."
"Exactly," Koji nodded, "It's been a while since I opened up to others like this. I gotta admit, it feels really good."
"Like I told Genji," Hayato said, "You should never be afraid to be open with others."
"I'm just surprised you feel comfortable enough with us that you can be open almost immediately," Hotaru said, "Seriously, this is the first time we've ever met you."
"I pride myself on being a good judge of character," Koji said, "And you three seem like the kind of people everyone should have in their lives."
"Kind," Koji said, looking at Hayato.
"Smart," Koji said, looking at Hotaru.
"And brave," Koji said, looking at Ryuji.
"Anyone would be lucky to have you three as their friend," Koji said.
"Thank you, Koji," Ryuji smiled.
"Bring it in, fellas," Koji said as he brought Ryuji, Hayato, and Hotaru in for a group hug.
As they hugged, they heard music playing from the party at the playground at the base of the hill. They could faintly recognize the song as 'Stand By Me'.
"I haven't heard that song in so long," Koji said, "They played this at mine and Michi's wedding you know."
"For real?" Ryuji asked.
"Of course," Koji said, "Care to join me?"
"Okay," Ryuji, Hayato, and Hotaru nodded as the lyrics were heard.
"When the night has come," Koji sang, "And the land is dark. And the moon is the only light we'll see."
"No I won't be afraid," Ryuji sang, "Oh I won't be afraid."
"Just as long as you stand," Hayato and Hotaru sang, "Stand by me."
"So darlin', darlin'," Koji sang as Ryuji, Hayato, and Hotaru joined him for the chorus, the four of them singing, "Stand by me! Oh, stand by me. Oh, stand. Stand by me! Stand by me!"
Later that night, we see Ryuji and Makoto getting ready for bed. After the couple's respective outings with their friends, everyone returned to their respective homes. For dinner, Ryuji, Makoto, and Himari had whatever barbecue food was left over along with a nice green salad to get vegetation in their systems. After dinner and a few episodes of Harlem Six-Six, it was time for bed.
As Makoto and Ryuji get their pajamas on and make their bed, they decide to talk about the day's events.
"How was it hanging out with Koji?" Makoto asked.
"It was really cool," Ryuji answered, "We went out for ice cream where we learned a bit about his upbringing, we got to meet one of his friends at the Bullseye Store, and we got to see his first wife's gravesite. I'm surprised that despite knowing us for a short time, he felt comfortable enough to tell us about stuff like that. I feel like I learned a lot about him."
"That's good," Makoto said, "He might be your stepfather one day, don't forget."
"Yeah, I know," Ryuji said, "And how was it with the girls?"
"It was good," Makoto said, "We just gossiped, talked about relationships, and gave Himari some romantic advice."
"What a coincidence," Ryuji said as he and Makoto got into bed, "We just gave Hotaru some romantic advice too."
"Cool," Makoto said, "I like seeing Himari and Hotaru together. I feel like they balance each other out well."
"Meh, I can take it or leave it," Ryuji said.
"Still not comfortable with the fact our daughter is dating?" Makoto asked.
"No matter how old Himari gets, I'll always see that same little girl looking for a hug from her daddy," Ryuji said.
"I know, babe," Makoto said, "But we gotta accept the fact that Himari can't be our little girl forever. She's growing up, and soon she won't need us anymore. Believe me, Ryuji, if I could turn back time and relive the days when she was little I would, but that's not how life works."
"I just want Hotaru to treat her right," Ryuji said, "I can't be too sure but I think they're on the 'second base' of their relationship, if you know what I mean. I swear if Hotaru knocks my little girl up before they even graduate high school…Makie, you don't even want to know what I'm going to do."
"Oh, Ryuji," Makoto smiled, "You're such a Papa Wolf. Look, this is what kids Hotaru and Himari's age do. They get touchy-feely with each other in order to get one another in the mood. Himari's a smart girl, I'm sure that when or if the time comes, she'll take the proper precautions."
"I hope so," Ryuji said.
"Oh, speaking of romance," Makoto said, "Sae has a date with Daisuke's cousin Ryuta this Friday."
"For real?!" Ryuji exclaimed excitedly.
"They're going to the movies on Friday," Makoto continued.
"You think anything will come of this?" Ryuji asked.
"I sure hope so," Makoto said, "Sae and Ryuta have been crushing on each other since we were teenagers."
"Hey, better late than never," Ryuji said as he let out a big yawn, "It's getting late, we should probably hit the hay."
"Great idea," Makoto said as she and Ryuji shut off their bedside lamps. With the lights out, the couple kiss each other good night.
"Good night, Makie," Ryuji said, "I love you."
Makoto smiled and said, "I love you too…Ryu-pee."
"Wait, what?" went Ryuji.
THE END