Making Changes 3: Bad News Bearers
The following morning at the hospital, Futaba and Yuuki were seen approaching the hospital's mortuary to identify Sojiro Sakura's body. Mai and Riku weren't with them as they went to the Watanabe Residence to tell Nariko, Kaito, and their parents.
The nerdy couple entered the mortuary where they found the mortician waiting for them.
"Mr. and Mrs. Mishima I presume?" the mortician asked.
"Yes sir," Yuuki said.
"Is…Is Sojiro…I mean, is my father here?" Futaba asked, holding back tears.
"Right this way," the mortician said as he led Futaba and Yuuki to where Sojiro was located.
Once they made it to the unit where his body was stored, the mortician opened it up and pulled out a table with a body bag on top of it. The mortician unzipped the body bag to reveal the face of Sojiro Sakura; his skin now pale and his eyes once full of life closed shut. Futaba gasped in shock and she quickly started to cry again as she buried her face in Yuuki's shoulder.
"There, there, sweetie," Yuuki said soothingly as he rubbed her back, "Everything will be okay. I'm here for you."
"I'm so sorry for your loss, you two," the mortician said, "I guess he meant a lot to you two?"
"He was her legal guardian and, in a way, my father in law," Yuuki said, "Actually, he was kind of like a father to our whole friend group."
Futaba looked up at her husband, tears in her eyes, "What do we do now?" She asked.
"Well," Yuuki began, "We need to make arrangements for a wake and a funeral. Then we need to make plans for a memorial dinner. But, before all that, we're going to need to tell our friends about this."
"How do you think they'll take the news?" Futaba asked, wiping more tears from her eyes.
"I don't know," Yuuki said with worry, not liking to make others upset, "But what I do know is that this is going to be one of the toughest things I've ever had to do."
Meanwhile, at the Yajima Residence, we see the likes of Hayato, Hifumi, Ryuji, Makoto, Himari, Sae, Ryuta, Yutaka, Reina, Nanami, and Koji, all gathered in the living room while Hotaru is upstairs getting himself ready for the big interview with the International Studios CEOs.
"Thank you all for coming to see Hotaru off as he leaves for his interview," Hifumi said.
"Are you kidding, Hifumi?" Sae asked, "We've watched Hotaru grow up from a little boy to a proud young man ready to take on the world."
"Ever since Hotaru and Himari started dating, we've always looked at your son like he was one of the family," Makoto said, "We're happy to be here so we could give him some last minute advice for his interview."
"This is a potentially life changing moment for the boy," Koji said, "We want to help him any way we can so he can secure his dream job."
"He's taking a while up there," Himari said, beginning to worry, "I hope he's not getting cold feet about this whole thing."
"He's probably trying to make sure everything about his appearance is just right," Hayato said, "You have to dress to impress for something like this after all."
As everyone continued talking, they suddenly heard Hotaru's bedroom door opening from upstairs before they heard him walking down the steps. The group watched as Hotaru descended the staircase, and when he entered the living room, they were able to see his appearance more clearly.
Hotaru has his scarlet hair gelled back as he was seen popping a spearmint breath mint, to ensure fresh breath. His get up consisted of a black suit with a white undershirt and a raspberry tie, some black loafers, and a silver wrist watch for decoration. In his hands he has a binder which contains copies of his resume.
"Well, guys," Hotaru said with a smile that exudes confidence, "How do I look?"
"Very handsome," Hifumi said.
"Very sexy," Himari said with a blush.
"You look like you're ready to rock this interview, man," Ryuji said with a fist pump.
"How are you feeling, Hotaru," Hayato asked his son.
"I'm a little nervous," Hotaru said, "But more than anything, I'm excited! I know that once they see me the way that I am now, they'll take me on board."
"Ensuring a successful interview is about more than just your appearance, dear," Reina said to her grandson, "Which is why we have some advice that we think will help you."
"Okay, lay it on me," Hotaru said.
"Well, first off, before and after the interview, make sure you give whoever is interviewing you a nice firm handshake," Koji says, "It shows confidence, strength, and enthusiasm. Three things every employer looks for in a potential employee."
"Alright," Hotaru nodded.
"Make sure you have several copies of your resume at the ready," Sae said.
"What do you think is in this binder?" Hotaru asked as he held the binder up.
"When you speak, make sure you watch your grammar," Reina told her grandson, "Employers love an employee that's well spoken and well educated."
"And on that note, when you do talk, make sure you enunciate so your employers can understand you clearly," Nanami said.
"Got it," Hotaru nodded.
"Asking questions isn't a bad idea either, son," Hayato said, "Just as long as they pertain to the interview. By asking questions to your employers, it tells them that you care and are cautious and interested in whatever position they're offering you."
"What position are they offering you anyway?" Himari asked.
"I emailed Mr. Yamagata yesterday and he said that the position involved needing someone to direct some movies that International Studios had lined up," Hotaru answered.
"Very nice," Makoto said.
"Anyway, moving on to the aspect of answering questions, Hotaru," Hifumi said, "Don't ask about salary or benefits. Wait until your employers bring them up."
"Furthermore, if you have trouble understanding the question your employer asked you, don't be afraid to ask for clarification or restate it in your own words," Makoto chimed in.
"Make sure you answer their questions as clearly and concisely as possible," Ryuji said, "Also, if there's one thing employers hate, it's when you lie during your interview. Make sure you tell nothing but the truth, Hotaru."
"Lying isn't going to be an issue, Uncle Ryuji," Hotaru said, "I may want this job more than anything in the world right now, but I'm not about to sink to low levels to get it. If I'm going to get this job, I want to earn it with nothing but honesty and integrity."
"Good attitude," Ryuji said with a thumbs up.
"Some interviewers may ask you some personal questions," Ryuta said, "You know, what is your home life like? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What does friendship mean to you? You know, things like that. Answer those questions honestly too while making sure to keep your composure."
"I don't mind personal questions to be honest," Hotaru said, "I have nothing to hide."
Himari then got up and walked up to her boyfriend to give her advice.
"My advice to you babe, is to just focus," Himari said, "Focus on your attributes, your skills, and your willingness to learn. Describe your strengths in terms of what you can do for International Studios and sell yourself to them. This is what all of those films you've made and all of those awards you've won have been building up to. You go in there and get the directing job you were always meant to have. And no matter what happens, just know that I love you."
"I love you too, Himari, always," Hotaru said as he and her shared a peck on the lips, warming the hearts of everyone present.
With all of the adults having given Hotaru their advice, everyone was now looking at Yutaka to see if he had anything noteworthy.
"I don't know what you expect of me, I'm just a 10 year old," Yutaka said, "Uh…best foot forward? That's all I got."
Hotaru then looked at all of his friends and family, happy with all of the advice he received. He knew that he would make everyone, including himself, proud.
"Thank you guys for everything, for always believing in me," Hotaru said, "I'm ready!"
"Knock 'em dead, son," Hayato said.
"I will, dad!" Hotaru exclaimed confidently, "International Studios, here I come!"
With that, Hotaru walked out the front door and into his car, which was currently parked in the driveway. When Hotaru turned the engine on, he looked up to find that everyone had followed him outside as they wanted to see him off. The young scarlet haired man gave a nod and a wave as he backed out of the driveway and drove off for the International Studios Corporate Building.
"Well, there he goes," Hifumi said, "Off to make us all proud and get the job of his dreams."
"Yeah," Ryuta said, "Hope it goes well."
"You think he'll take our advice?" Yutaka asked the grown ups surrounding him.
"I hope so," Hayato said.
After a brief moment of silence, Himari had this to say, "Am I the only one tempted to follow him and eavesdrop on the interview to see how it goes?"
"Nope," the other ten with her said in unison.
"I thought so," Himari said as everyone piled into their cars and followed after Hotaru.
Meanwhile at Cafe Kitamura, Haru was seen putting freshly baked muffins in the display case when she heard the door open. She looked and she saw Yusuke enter.
"Hey, sweetie," Haru smiled.
"Hey, Haru," Yusuke said, "Do you have a minute? I want to talk to you about the offer from the Art Association."
"Of course," Haru said as she put the last of the muffins away, "I was just about to go on my break anyway, so you came at a very good time."
Once all of the muffins were put away, Haru put the tray they were originally on back in the kitchen before she guided Yusuke to a vacant table where they sat down to talk about the decision he had to make over some coffee.
"So, have you made a decision yet?" Haru asked.
"Not yet, darling," Yusuke said, "I'm weighing out the pros and the cons as we speak though. On the one hand, an offer like this is everything I could ever dream of. I get to share my passion with others and inspire them to become artists as great as myself. On top of that, I'm getting paid handsomely if I go on this tour. But on the other hand, I'll be away from everyone that I know and love, you and our daughters especially. I can't remember a time in recent memory where I wasn't apart from you girls. You three are my whole life. I don't know what you girls would do without me, just like I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Sounds to me like the only thing you'd be missing if you accept the offer is us," Haru said, "Yusuke, our daughters and I aren't going anywhere. We can take care of ourselves, and we'll be right here when you get back."
At this point, Haru reached across the table to take Yusuke's hands in hers.
"This offer is a huge opportunity to not only see the world, but also share your knowledge and experience with the masses in hopes of inspiring others to be great artists like you," Haru said, "I won't be upset if you accept the offer, far from it, and I'm not saying this as a way to tell you that you should definitely go. It is your decision at the end of the day. I'm just telling you what I think, and what I think is that life is too short to waste it hanging around here, seeing the same people and sites that you can see any old day. Like I said, we'll all be here when you get back, and everything will be exactly how you remember it."
Yusuke sat in silence as he let his wife's words sink in. It was Haru's words in fact that gave the blue haired artist some clarity of the situation, and he started to get a better idea as to what he had to do next.
"I really needed to hear that, darling," Yusuke said as he smiled at his wife, "I haven't completely made up my mind yet, but thanks to your words, I think I'm getting an idea as to what I want to do. Thank you."
"Any time, sweetheart," Haru smiled.
Haru and Yusuke were about to kiss when suddenly, Yusuke's cell phone started to ring. He got up and took it out of his back pocket and saw that it was Yuuki calling him.
"It's Mishima!" Yusuke exclaimed as he answered the phone, "Hello…Yes, Mishima, it's me…I'm at Cafe Kitamura and Haru is with me. What's going on?...oh…I see…that's terrible. Poor Futaba…okay…thanks for keeping me informed. Bye."
Yusuke hung up the phone and he looked at his wife with sorrow in his eyes.
"What did Mishima want, Yusuke?" Haru asked.
All Yusuke had to say from there was, "Sojiro's dead."
With that, Haru gasped as tears started to form in her eyes. The floofy haired woman got up from her chair and hugged her husband so she could cry into his shoulder while he rubbed her back to comfort her, some tears leaving his eyes as well.
As that was going on, we cut to the Watanabe Residence where we see that Riku and Mai had informed the likes of Daisuke, Nariko, Mana, Mitsu, Kaito, Kimiko, and Kas of Sojiro's passing as all seven had somber looks on their faces.
"So," Daisuke said, "Sojiro is no longer with us?"
"No, Uncle Daisuke," Mai frowned.
"He got hit by a distracted driver," Riku explained, "Thankfully it wasn't a hit and run as the driver was the one who called the ambulance. But it didn't matter, he was dead by the time they got to the hospital."
"Poor Uncle Sojiro," Kimiko sobbed as Kaito held her in his arms.
"He must've suffered so much in his final moments," Kaito said, equally distraught.
"I can't believe it," Mana said, "One minute he's here, alive and well like the rest of us, and then next…gone."
"That's life for you, sis," Mitsu said, "Tomorrow is promised to no one."
"Any word on when a funeral service will be?" Kas asked.
"Dad is going to plan all of that later today," Mai said, "When we know, you'll know."
"Got it," Kas said.
"Mom and dad should be telling our parents about Sojiro's passing as we speak," Riku said.
"I was just about to leave for the stadium so I can give Shiho her lunch," Daisuke said as he held up a tupperware containing Shiho's lunch, "Hopefully I get there before Mishima tells her over the phone. I want to tell her personally."
"Okay, dad, we won't keep you," Nariko said.
"Catch you on the flip, Uncle Daisuke," Riku said and Daisuke made his leave.
Once the eight young adults were sure Daisuke was gone, they knew it was safe to talk amongst themselves.
"I thought he'd never leave," Nariko said, "Okay, Mai, Mana, Mitsu, Kas, we're glad at least you four could make it, because I have something to tell you guys."
"What's going on, Nariko?" Mana asked.
"If I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone until I say it's okay," Nariko said, "Can I trust you?"
"Of course you can trust us, Nariko," Mai said.
"I was mainly talking to one of you," Nariko said as she looked at Mana, causing everyone else to look in her direction.
"Geez, I accidentally spoil a surprise birthday party one time and everyone thinks I have loose lips," Mana pouts.
"Anyway, here it goes," Nariko said before taking a deep breath, "Riku and I…are expecting a baby."
Hearing that made Mai, Mana, Mitsu, and Kas gasp.
"You mean you're pregnant?!" Kas exclaimed.
"When did you find out," Mitsu asked.
"A few days ago," Nariko said, "Riku and I are having a tough time trying to find a way to tell our parents without them forcing a vasectomy onto Riku."
"I am wholly convinced that a Watanabe Special from Uncle Daisuke can do that, by the way," Riku chimed in.
"We were hoping you guys would have some advice for us in this regard," Nariko said.
"Well, it's hard to say considering none of us have been pregnant before," Kimiko said, "But, the way I see it, the only way to do it is to just rip the bandage off and tell them."
"But in the event things do take a violent turn, I'd probably tell them in a place where there's a lot of people, particularly a restaurant where you can butter them up with good ambience and delicious food," Kas said
"It may also help if you two pay for the dinner," Mitsu said, "It'll show them that you two are responsible and mature enough to raise a kid of your own."
"Smart thinking, girls," Riku said as Nariko thought of a place.
"The Wilton Hotel Buffet sounds like a nice spot," Nariko said, "It's a little pricey, but nothing out of our price range."
"Alright, sounds like you've got this whole thing under control," Mai said, "Could you all excuse me, I have to use the bathroom."
"Sure, you know where it is," Nariko said.
"Yup," Mai said as she left to use the bathroom, meaning Kas can throw her hat in the ring.
"Okay guys, I need a little help as well," Kas said.
"Why, what's going on?" Riku asked.
"As I'm sure you all know, Mai and I have been together for a few years now, and I feel like we've gotten closer than ever before over the course of those years," Kas said, "Well, sometime later this week, I want to make things official by popping the question and giving her this."
Out from Kas' pocket came her wedding ring, causing her other six friends to gasp in amazement.
"What a lovely ring!" Kimiko exclaimed.
"Thanks," Kas said, "It took me a while to save up the money needed, but what matters is I have it now, and I'm ready to move on to the next step in mine and Mai's relationship. The problem I'm having, though, is coming up with a proposal. I've used all of my brain power to try and find the words, but I keep coming up short. I just don't know what to do."
"I think I know the problem," Kaito said, "You're trying to come up with a speech by using this," Kaito pointing at his head to represent the brain, "What you really should be using is this," Kaito putting a hand over his chest to represent the heart.
"Kaito is right," Riku said, "I know you love Mai with all of your heart, Kas. So, use that big heart of yours to come up with the words needed to tell Mai how you feel about her. Just take a long look inside of yourself, and think back to all of the good times you and Mai share. That'll be the driving force behind your proposal speech."
Just then, Kas' eyes widened with realization, almost as if she was waiting the whole time for profound advice like this. Just then, she knew exactly what she had to say.
"Thank you, guys," Kas said, "I think I know what to do now. I've gotta go now, I have no time to lose!"
Kas ran out of the Watanabe Residence just as Mai made it out of the bathroom to rejoin her friends.
"Where did Kas run off to?" Mai asked.
"She just remembered she had an errand to run," Riku said to his sister, lying for the red haired woman.
"Oh, okay," Mai said with a small frown.
Mai may be sad now, but the rest of the group knew that in a few days she'd be beaming like never before.
We then cut to the Japan National Stadium where Shiho was seen training up her team for the upcoming season. While most of her team was on the court, there were a few sitting on the bench, Saki Kamoshida being one of them. As Shiho watched her team practice, she blew her whistle when she caught one of the players doing an illegal move.
"That's foul, Ogawa!" Shiho said, "Hit the bench!"
When Ogawa was benched, Saki's face lit up as she thought she was finally going to get a chance to practice with the rest of the team. But instead…
"Kojima! You're up!" Shiho called as Kojima ran over to the volleyball court, disappointing Saki.
"Uh, coach," Saki asked.
"What is it, Kamoshida?" Shiho asked.
"I'm not trying to second guess you or anything, but I can't help but notice you haven't let me play all of last session or this one," Saki said.
"Trust me, Kamoshida, I know what I'm doing," Shiho said, stone faced.
"Is this about what my uncle did to you?" Saki asked, "Look, I understand what he did was horrible, but that's no excuse to take your misplaced anger out on me and deny me the chance to practice so I can show everyone what I'm made of."
"I think I've heard quite enough out of you, Kamoshida," Shiho said, raising her voice ever so slightly, "Now, you will sit there and wait your turn or I have half a mind to cut you from the team right now."
"Yeah, and when is my turn," Saki muttered, "Next century?"
"You want to test me right now?" Shiho asked in an annoyed tone of voice.
"No, coach," Saki said, defeated.
Shiho continued to watch her team practice until it was time to take a break.
"Alright, girls, you get a ten minute break," Shiho said as her team dispersed to take a break. As Saki got up from the bench to use the bathroom, she passed by the irate coach and the two of them glared at each other. When Saki was out of Shiho's line of vision and out of earshot, the black haired coach let out a huff and said, "Freaking Kamoshidas."
Just then, Daisuke appeared with Shiho's lunch in hand and a somber look on his face.
"Hey babe," Shiho smiled as she gave Daisuke a hug and a kiss before taking her lunch from him. It was at this point when she saw the look on her husband's face, "Babe, what's wrong? Is everything alright?"
"Something terrible happened," Daisuke said.
"What happened?" Shiho asked with worry and curiosity, "Is it someone in our friend group? Is it the kids?"
"No," Daisuke said, "It's Sojiro, Shiho…he…he's dead."
Shiho gasped in horror before sitting back down to take the bad news in.
"No way," Shiho said in utter disbelief, "Not Sojiro."
Shiho hung her head in a depressed manner as she placed her hand on her forehead. Meanwhile, Daisuke knelt next to her and rubbed her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.
Meanwhile at the Amamiya Residence, Minato was seen laying on the bed in his room looking up at his ceiling with a guilty look on his face. He's still thinking about how upset he made the likes of Mana, Mitsu, and Ann over his announcement about moving to Africa to pursue his dreams of becoming a doctor.
Minato lets out a sigh as he reaches for his phone on the nightstand. He grabs it and tries to call up Mana in an attempt to reach out to her. After the phone rings a couple of times, he goes straight to voicemail.
"Hello, you've reached Mana Kitagawa," came Mana's usually cheery and bubbly voice, "Sorry I can't come answer the phone but please leave a message and I'll call back as soon as possible. Buh-bye!"
Beep…
"Hey, Mana, it's me Minato," Minato said, leaving a message, "I don't know if you're still mad at me over my announcement at the party the other day, but I was hoping you, Mitsu, and I could hang out and talk. Alright, catch you later."
After hanging up the phone, he then tries calling Mitsu only to get her voicemail too.
"Mitsu here," came Mitsu's usually chill and collected voice, "If you're hearing this then that means I can't come to the phone right now. So just leave a message and I'll ring you back as soon as possible. Thanks."
Beep…
"Hey, Mitsu, it's Minato," Minato said, leaving a message, "I guess you're still peeved about my announcement about my move to Africa. I was hoping that you, Mana, and I could hash things out. I don't want to leave things on a sour note. I left a similar message on Mana's phone so hopefully you girls can call back so we can hang out. Alright, catch you on the flip."
When he was done, Minato hung up the phone and put it back on the nightstand before he went back to looking up at the ceiling. He let out a groan before he started talking to himself.
"Way to go, Minato," Minato said to himself, "In the span of just a few days you've become a bad brother, a bad son, and perhaps worst of all, a bad boyfriend. And all because you want to be the best version of yourself and use your degree by going to Africa. *Sigh*, there's gotta be something I can do to set things right."
As Minato continued to lay in bed and think, he suddenly remembered his encounter with Kas the night of his graduation party.
"What a lovely ring!" Minato remembered saying.
"I was hoping to propose to Mai sometime soon now that we're all graduating from college and moving forward with our lives," Kas said.
And just like that, Minato knew what he had to do to not only set things right between himself and the Kitagawa Twins, but also take the next step in their relationship. But, before Minato could do anything else in that regard, a knock came at his bedroom door.
"Come in," Minato said as he sat up in bed, allowing Ren and Ann to enter. The two parents weren't smiling as they faced their son, ready to give him some bad news, "What's going on?" Minato asked.
"We just got a call from Uncle Mishima," Ann said.
"About what?" Minato asked, curiously.
"It's about Sojiro, son," Ren frowned, "He was on his way home from work last night when a car hit him in the crosswalk."
"Oh no!" Minato exclaimed, "Is…Is Uncle Sojiro…"
"Yes, Minato," Ren said, "We're afraid so."
Minato was speechless. Two days ago Sojiro was at his graduation and his graduation party, alive and well. Now he's getting the news that he's kicked the bucket, and in such a harrowing fashion no less. Minato just couldn't believe the news he was hearing, and Ren and Ann went up to their son and hugged him.
"This is unbelievable," Minato said, "This can't be real."
"It is real, Minato," Ann said, a tear rolling down her cheek, "We're as shocked as you."
"It'll be okay, guys," Ren said, trying to salvage whatever optimism was left, "We'll all pull through from this somehow."
Meanwhile, the group of Hayato, Hifumi, Ryuji, Makoto, Himari, Sae, Ryuta, Yutaka, Reina, Nanami, and Koji made it to the International Studio's Corporate building. They run up to the front door and windows of the building where they see Hotaru handing in some forms to the receptionist in the lobby. From inside, they heard the receptionist say.
"Your interview will be held on the fourth floor, Mr. Yajima," The receptionist said.
"Thank you, miss," Hotaru said in a kind and cordial tone.
Hotaru was seen entering a nearby elevator so he could go to the fourth floor.
"He's heading up to the fourth floor," Yutaka said.
"Alright, gang, how are we going to eavesdrop on Hotaru's interview to make sure everything goes well?" Himari asked as she noticed everyone looking up at the fourth story window, "Y'all aren't thinking what I think you're thinking are you?"
"Human ladder?" Ryuji asked his daughter.
"So we all are on the same page," Himari said, "I guess there really is no other way. Alright, who's going to be the base?"
"I'm the tallest, I think I should," Hayato volunteered.
"Good man," Ryuji said with a thumbs up.
"Make sure you be careful with my baby boy," Reina worried, "He bruises easily."
"Mom," Hayato said with an embarrassed blush.
As Hayato got close to the building he awaited for most of the rest of the group to pile on top of him. Ryuta was the first to get up on Hayato's shoulders, so Sae get up on his shoulders, so Ryuji could get on her shoulders, so Makoto could get up on his shoulders, so Hifumi could get up on her shoulders, so Himari could get up on her shoulders, so Yutaka can get up on her shoulders and be the top of their Human Ladder looking in on the fourth floor. The three senior citizens, Koji, Nanami, and Reina just looked as the eight younger members of the group stood in their stack.
"I'm no safety expert, but this looks like an accident waiting to happen," Koji said.
"Do be careful, Ryuji," Nanami worried.
"I'm trying, mom," Ryuji said, trying to hold up the combined weight of the four people on his shoulders.
"Alright, Yutaka," Himari said, "Do you see Hotaru in there?"
"Uh," Yutaka went as he looked through the window to find an empty room, "Nope, no one is in there."
"Alright, Hayato, move it over a little," Ryuta said.
"You got it," Hayato groaned as he used all of his strength to not only carry his friends, but also move to the right so Yutaka could peek in on the next room over.
"What do you see now?" Himari asked as Yutaka peered in on the next window to find some employees in the breakroom, either sipping on coffee, talking, or collecting some forms from a printer.
"Nope, just a break room," Yutaka said.
"Here we go again!" Hayato grunted as he moved over some more.
"How about now?" Himari asked.
When Yutaka peeked in on the next window he gasped in shock as what he saw was two employees engaging in sexual intercourse on the desk. It took all of the young boy's strength to keep him from screaming in horror, but he just shielded his eyes and turned away.
"Nope," Yutaka said, shaken, "Definitely not it. Move over some more."
"Gonna get a hernia soon!" Hayato complained as he moved over one more time.
This time however, Yutaka looked into this fourth window to see Hotaru enter the room and face a group of three CEOs, Hideki Yamagata being one of them. He sees Hotaru graciously shake all three CEOs hands before they offer him a pace to sit so the interview can begin.
"This is it!" Yutaka said, "I found Hotaru!"
"Thank goodness," Hayato said.
"Can you hear anything that they're saying?" Hifumi asked Yutaka.
Yutaka tried to listen in on the conversation Hotaru and the CEOs were having, but to no avail.
"Aw, no good!" Yutaka lamented, "This building must have soundproof windows. Kind of like in that one scene with the sliding glass window from that movie about that pet detective guy." Remembering that scene made Yutaka chuckle, "That was a funny movie. I should really show it to Nayoko when I get the chance, I know she'd love it."
"Focus, please!" Sae said.
"Right, sorry Ha-Ha," Yutaka said.
"Can you try and read his lips?" Makoto suggested.
"I'll give it a try, Auntie Makoto," Yutaka said as he looked through the window, "Alright one of the CEOs said something about…a kangaroo and a carton of yogurt? And Hotaru is saying something…about a tow truck lost in the middle of Alabama."
"There's no way that's right," Hifumi said.
"So sue me, I can't read lips," Yutaka said before looking through the window to find Hotaru and the CEOs laughing their heads off, "Okay they seem to be laughing about something now."
"Oh, good!" Hayato said, still struggling to hold up everyone's combined weight, "I gave Hotaru a joke that I thought the CEOs would like. Glad to see it working its magic."
"What's happening now, Yutaka?" Himari asked.
"They're just talking some more," Yutaka said as he continued to watch the interview unfold, "But the body language of the CEOs is telling me that they're liking what Hotaru is saying to them."
He continues to watch the interview unfold. Once Hotaru was done talking, he watched as Mr. Yamagata started to talk to Hotaru. It must be good news as the more the CEO talked, the more excited Hotaru seemed to become.
"Oh, something good is happening in there," Yutaka exclaimed.
"What do you mean?" Hifumi asked.
"Hotaru is looking mighty excited about something," Yutaka explained, "I'm not one to count my chickens before they hatch, but I think Hotaru got the directing job he told us about!"
"Really?!" Hifumi said, excited for her son.
"Alright, Hotaru!" Ryuji cheered.
"Uh-oh," Hayato said.
"What do you mean, 'uh-oh'?" Ryuta asked, "Aren't you happy for your son?"
"I-I am," Hayato said, feeling an uncomfortable tickle in his nose "It-It's just that…I'm…I'm gonna…ah…ah…"
"Hayato, please don't sneeze!" Sae exclaimed.
"Ah!" Hayato inhaled.
"Oh, this isn't going to end well," Koji said as Reina and Nanami shut their eyes.
"AH-CHOO!" Hayato let out a powerful sneeze. So powerful in fact that it caused the whole 'Human Ladder' to come falling down as all of the people on top of Hayato scream as they plummet to the ground. As the disaster struck, from inside the room, Hotaru and Yamagata were seen leaving the office, leaving the other two CEOs to not hear the commotion outside due to the soundproof windows.
Back outside, the group that took part in the Human Ladder were getting up and dusting themselves off.
"Damn it, Hayato!" Sae scolded, "You couldn't have held in your sneeze for a few seconds more?"
"Do you know how hard it is to hold back a sneeze?!" Hayato snapped back, "One doesn't simply hold back a sneeze! The human body doesn't work like that!"
As Sae and Hayato argued, the front door to the International Studios Corporate Office opened up for Hotaru and Yamagata to come out. The moment they walked outside, they saw the group of 11 standing there looking at them.
"Mom, dad, Himari, guys," Hotaru said, genuinely surprised, "What are you guys doing here?"
"We were trying to eavesdrop on your interview to see how it went," Yutaka explained.
"How did it go, son?" Koji asked.
"Well, if you were eavesdropping on our interview, you should know that it went better than great," Yamagata said before Hotaru jumped in by saying.
"It went outstanding!" Hotaru cheered, causing his friends and family to cheer.
"Hotaru is just downright terrific," Yamagata said with a smile on his face, "I've never seen a young man more dedicated to the art of filmmaking in my whole career. We'd love to take him on board as a director for some of our upcoming films."
"For real?!" Ryuji exclaimed, "That's awesome!"
"Hotaru, baby, you did it!" Himari screamed with joy in her voice.
"Damn right I did, babe!" Hotaru exclaimed, "I'm International Studios newest director! WAHOO! I MADE IT, BABY!"
"Let's hear it for Hotaru!" Ryuta cheered as everyone went over to the young scarlet haired man, picked him up, and threw him up in the air repeatedly. As the 'Celebratory Body Tossing' unfolded, Hotaru was laughing and cheering along with his friends and family.
"I'm the king of the world, baby!" Hotaru cheered…but the festivities stopped when Hotaru says, "Now it's on to Los Angeles!"
"Los Angeles," Himari said in shock.
Everyone was so thrown off by Hotaru's announcement that they ended up tossing him into a nearby bush. Hotaru stepped out covered in leaves and twigs so he could explain himself.
"Yeah," Hotaru said, "Turns out the movies that need directing are being shot in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Yamagata offered me a contract that stated I'd live and work there for five years, and if all went well over there, then I could work on films back here in Tokyo."
"I have a few friends over at Toho Studios," Yamagata chimed in, "Once the five years are up and Hotaru comes home, I can pull some strings and set him up with some directing jobs there."
"Yeah, that's great, sir, but let's not miss the forest for the trees here," Hayato said, "You're telling us that for the next five years, our son is going to be living in Los Angeles; a place that's thousands of miles away from here with a whole ocean separating us?"
"That's the general gist, yeah," Yamagata said.
"Ho-Hotaru…my baby…" Hifumi said, a panic attack quickly ensuing, "He…He's not gonna be here…for five years."
Suddenly, the Shogi player started to feel light headed.
"Hayato," Hifumi said, "Hayato, babe, I'm feeling faint. Catch me!"
Just like that, Hifumi passed out as Hayato quickly caught her.
"I can't believe this," Himari said, visibly heartbroken about the news, "Hotaru, I'm glad that you've found your dream job, but are you really going to leave us?"
"Who says I'm going alone," Hotaru asked.
"Huh?" Himari asked, having an idea as to where this was going.
"Come with me to Los Angeles, Himari," Hotaru offered, taking Himari completely aback, "I don't want to go one day without you, my love. Let's build a life together, Himari."
"You…you want me to come with you?" Himari asked, a blush coming to her cheeks as Hotaru nodded his head warmly.
"No freaking way!" Ryuji said in disbelief, "Hotaru wants to take my little girl away from me! This can't be happening!"
And just like that, Ryuji started to feel lightheaded.
"Makie!" Ryuji cried, "Makie, I'm feeling faint! Catch me!"
With that, Ryuji passed out as Makoto caught him and tried to keep him upright.
"This is so sudden, babe," Himari said, this act of spontaneity catching her completely off guard, "Do I have to give you a decision right now?"
"Take all the time you need, Himari," Hotaru said, "But I leave at the end of the month if you're looking for a time window."
"Okay, thanks," Himari said.
"Hotaru is leaving home, and he wants to take Himari with him," Sae said in disbelief, "What other bombs can be dropped on us today?"
Suddenly, Hayato felt his phone vibrate in his back pocket.
"Oh, that's my phone," Hayato said, still holding the passed out Hifumi in his arms, "Can someone take Hifumi from me, please?"
"I got her," Sae said as Hayato passed his wife over to her so he could answer the phone. He looked to see Yuuki calling him, "Mishima?"
Hayato answered the phone to see what his spiky blue haired friend wanted.
"Hello?" Hayato answered, "Mishima, what's going on?...You're kidding me!...Oh man, I'm so sorry…thank you for letting me know…okay, take it easy."
Hayato hung up the phone and all eyes were on him now.
"What's going on, dad?" Hotaru asked.
"Yeah, what did Mishima want?" Makoto asked as she continued to try and hold her unconscious husband upright.
"He wanted to tell us that Sojiro is dead," Hayato said as everyone around him, with the exception of the passed out Ryuji and Hifumi, gasped in shock and horror.
Meanwhile, at the Tanaka Residence, Sumire is seen watching Ichiro as he lays back in his reclining chair with his broken leg, looking out the window and taking sips from a glass of wine. He's clearly depressed and drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Sumire wasn't sure what to think in this situation. She had never seen Ichiro this depressed before. Nevertheless, the red haired woman walked into the living room to try and talk with her husband.
"Ichiro?" Sumire asked, only for her husband to continue looking out his window, "Ichiro you've been like this for the last 24 hours. This isn't healthy. Please talk to me."
After a moment of silence and one more sip of wine, Ichiro finally spoke.
"Just say it, Sumi," Ichiro said.
"Say what?" Sumire asked.
"You were right, I was wrong," Ichiro said, "I fooled myself into thinking my gymnastics career would last forever, and meanwhile you, Kas, the doctor, and everyone else said that I should've retired a long time ago. I deserve an 'I told you so', Sumire. So, go on, let me have it."
"Babe, you know I'm not one to do something like that," Sumire said as she got closer to her husband, kneeling next to him, "I hate seeing you like this. Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"
"Nothing you can do can change how I feel," Ichiro said, "It's over for me. I'm old news. My career is over."
"You'll find better things, sweetie," Sumire said, "It's not the end of the world."
"No, you don't understand," Ichiro said, "Other than you and Kas, gymnastics made me feel truly alive. Just going out there and putting on a good show for crowds of people as they chant my name really meant something to me. Doing all of those tricks, and twirls, and spins, and expertly crafted stunts gave me a feeling of euphoria that I can't find anywhere else. I felt like I had a purpose in life with gymnastics, and I felt like I had a place in this world where I truly belonged. But now that I can't do gymnastics anymore…what good am I? I'm worthless."
Hearing her husband's words broke Sumire's heart. She carefully wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek as tears went down both of their faces.
"Oh, my Ichi," Sumire said, "You are not worthless. You are a beautiful person. A loyal friend. A wonderful father. A loving husband. You are truly the living definition of perfection to me. I couldn't have asked for a better person to share my life with. You're everything to me, Ichiro."
"Babe," Ichiro said, deeply touched by his wife's loving words.
"We're going to get through this, Ichiro," Sumire said, "I'll never leave your side for a second through this trying time. I'll be with you every step of the way as your leg heals, and when it does we'll go out and find you a new passion. I'm here for you, babe. I always have been and I always will."
"I love you so much Sumire," Ichiro said as he and his wife shared a passionate kiss, Ichiro being out of the dumps. As they kissed, Kas finally returned home holding a piece of paper with words written down on them. These words were her wedding proposal to Mai.
"Well isn't this a beautiful site?" Kas teased as her parents stopped smooching so they could acknowledge their daughter.
"Oh, hey, Kas," Sumire said, "Where's you been?"
"I'll tell you in a minute," Kas said, "Right now I want to know if you got the news."
"News?" Ichiro asked, "What news?"
"About Sojiro," Kas said, "I was over at the Watanabe Residence where Riku and Mai told Daisuke, Nariko, Kaito, Kimiko, and I."
"What did they tell you?" Ichiro asked.
"Guys," Kas said, remorsefully, "Sojiro is dead."
Sumire and Ichiro's faces drop as depression quickly fills their hearts once more.
"You're kidding," Sumire said.
"No, mom," Kas frowned, "He got hit by a car on the way home from Leblanc last night. He's gone."
"Aw man, poor Sojiro," Sumire said, "Did they say how Futaba was taking the news?"
"I can imagine she's not taking it well," Kas said.
"Wow," Ichiro said in disbelief, "My career ends one day, and the next Sojiro buys the farm. What a week."
"In lighter news, I just got back from the library," Kas said, "Where I think I wrote the perfect wedding proposal for Mai."
"That's great!" Ichiro said as he and Sumire perked up. For a brief moment, though, the couple saw Kas, not as a 21 year old ready to propose to her girlfriend, but as the five year old girl they wish she still was; no matter how old Kas gets, she'll always be Sumire and Ichiro's little girl.
When they were brought back to reality, Ichiro asked, "Care to share your proposal with us?"
"Of course," Kas said as she started to read from the piece of paper she was holding. As Kas read the proposal, Sumire and Ichiro cuddled each other close, happy that their daughter is taking the next step in life with her significant other.
Later that night at the Yajima Residence, we see Hayato and Hifumi getting ready for bed. Hifumi is seen looking out of the bedroom window as Hayato comes back from brushing his teeth. He sees his wife staring out the window, the reflection showing a truly troubled look on her face.
"So," Hayato began as he stood at the doorway to their bedroom, "Can I get you anything?"
"Hmm, what can you get me?" Hifumi asked in a rhetorical manner as she turned to face her husband, "You can get me my son back, that's what you can get me!"
"I don't think anything we can do or say will change Hotaru's mind, Hifumi," Hayato said as he entered the bedroom, "He seems pretty certain that this is what he wants."
"But Los Angeles, Hayato?!" Hifumi exclaimed, "We might as well have packed him in a crate when he was a baby and sent him to Los Angeles ourselves if we knew this is what was going to happen!"
"Okay first off that sounds very illegal," Hayato said, "Second, Hotaru is a man now. Did you really think a man of 22 years wants to hang around in his parents house his whole life?"
"In a perfect world," Hifumi said.
"Babe, your acting like Hotaru is staying in Los Angeles forever," Hayato said, "It's just five years. He'll be back home before either of us know it."
"But what if Hotaru loves Los Angeles so much that he does decide to stay there forever?" Hifumi worried.
"He can't," Hayato tried to reason with his wife, "The contract he signed is only good for five years?"
"Ever heard of contract renewals, Hayato?" Hifumi snapped, "For god sakes, a whole ocean separates us from Los Angeles. Do you know how much one round trip ticket from here to LA costs?"
"At what point did you forget I'm a successful writer and we can pay for as many airline tickets as we want?" Hayato asked.
"That's not the point!" Hifumi snapped.
"Okay, if we can't visit him, maybe he'll come and visit us," Hayato said.
"And what are the odds of that happening," Hifumi asked, "Every parent loves their kid more than the kid loves the parent. And besides, if Himari goes with him he's not going to need us for anything."
At this point Hifumi sits down on the bed, her head in her hands. Hifumi hasn't felt this stressed out in a long time.
"I don't know what to do, Hayato," Hifumi said, "I want our son to grow up and be successful in life, but I also don't want him to go away, even if it is just for five years. This is just another example of how I can't have my cake and eat it too."
"Our little boy isn't so little anymore, babe," Hayato said as he sat down next to his wife, "He's all grown up, ready to leave the nest and take a sip from the cup of life. I know it hurts, and I don't want you to think that I don't care because I do, but we'll get through this. Come here."
Hayato brought his wife into a hug; Hifumi nuzzling her face into his chest as Hayato rubbed her back.
"I'm sorry for acting so hysterical, Hayato," Hifumi said, remorsefully.
"It's alright. I understand" Hayato said before coming up with an idea to lift his and Hifumi's spirits, "But, you know, with Hotaru being absent for the next five years, I was thinking we should give him this house when he comes back."
Hearing her husband say this gave Hifumi a good idea as to what he was getting at.
"Babe, are you suggesting we go for that dream we had when we first got married?" Hifumi asked, stars in her eyes.
"Yes, love," Hayato said, "With Hotaru gone, we can finally make our move to Katsuura."
Katsuura was a city along the coast of Japan's Chiba Prefecture, and just two and a half hours away from Tokyo, so they could still drive or take a train there if they ever wanted to visit their friends. Katsuura was certainly a lot smaller than Tokyo, but that was weirdly what drew Hayato and Hifumi to it. With the smaller population, it meant there was a lower crime rate. Not to mention, Katsuura had a lot of beautiful beaches that Hayato and Hifumi often fantasized about watching the sunset on. Since Hotaru was moving on with his life, now seemed like as good a time as any to plan this move.
"What do you think?" Hayato asked.
"Let's do it," Hifumi said with a nod, "We've been talking about Katsuura for so long that it's high time we actually act on those dreams. I can't wait to move there with you, my love, it's going to be great."
"You know it," Hayato smiled.
"Ahem," came Hotaru's voice.
Hayato and Hifumi look to see Hotaru standing at the doorway to the master bedroom.
"I couldn't help but overhear," Hotaru said, "You're giving me the house?"
"When you return from Los Angeles, yes," Hayato said.
"And you two are moving out of Tokyo?" Hotaru asked.
"Only to Katsuura about two and a half hours away from here," Hifumi said, "So we'll be within driving distance if you or any of our friends want to see us."
"That's okay with you, right?" Hayato asked.
"I don't know why you're asking me if it's alright if you guys move out," Hotaru said, "Much like what I'm doing with my move to Los Angeles, you two have every right to live your lives the way you want. As your son, I support whatever dreams you two have; the same way you support me and my dreams. This move is a welcome change, and I'm very honored that you're leaving this house to me when I return from LA."
"Well, we're glad you like our plan, Hotaru," Hayato said.
"Like I said, dad, we're all free to carve our own path," Hotaru said, "I'm not going to stop you from living your life, and I'm glad to hear that you're not letting my move stop you or mom from living. I just want to wish you guys the best of luck in this endeavor, and I also wanted to thank you both for everything you've done for me. Supporting my filmmaking dreams, taking care of me during my younger days, and, you know, just being there and being amazing parents. I really don't think I'd be where I am right now if it wasn't for you two, and I hope that one day I can be as great of a parent as you two. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart, mom and dad. Thank you."
Hayato and Hifumi were becoming very emotional from their son's loving words. So emotional in fact that for a brief moment they saw Hotaru not as a 22 year old man ready to leave home, but as the five year old boy they wish he still was. Hotaru can grow up as much as he wants and move as far away as he wants, but to Hayato and Hifumi, he'll always be their little boy.
"My son," Hayato said.
"My baby," Hifumi said.
"My parents," Hotaru said.
With tears welling in all three of their eyes, we cut to an outside shot of the Yajima Residence, with the next thing we see and hear being a large torrent of tears breaking through the bedroom window as Hayato, Hifumi, and Hotaru sob loudly.
(Think of Deku and his mother from Season 5 Episode 14 of 'My Hero Academia)
Meanwhile at the Mishima Residence, we see Yuuki and Futaba in their bed. The latter is still heavily depressed as she's laying on her side, facing away from Yuuki, and she has the blankets pulled up to her chin. Yuuki, meanwhile, just stares at his wife with a sympathetic look on his face.
"Oh, Futaba," Yuuki frowned, "I hate seeing you like this. Isn't there anything I can do to see you smile again?"
"There's nothing you can do to change how I feel," Futaba said, "Glitch is going down, our kids are moving out, and now Sojiro, the man I viewed as a father figure, is gone forever. On top of that, Sojiro left Cafe Leblanc and half of his coffee and curry recipes to me in his will. While I can cook and make coffee well, I don't know the first thing about running a restaurant. I don't want to sell it because that cafe is a part of our lives…but I just don't know what else to do with it."
"I understand, Futaba," Yuuki said as he caressed Futaba's hair.
As he lovingly stroked his wife's hair, he suddenly got an idea. He wasn't sure if it'll cheer her up, but he had to try.
"Wait, Futaba, I just got a crazy idea," Yuuki said as Futaba turned to face him, "You remember what I said the other night about 'when one door closes, another one opens', and how the universe has a weird way of working things out?"
"Yeah," Futaba answered.
"Well, don't be offended when I say this, but maybe Sojiro's death and him leaving Leblanc to you is the universe trying to send you a message," Yuuki explained.
"What are you getting at?" Futaba asked, curiously.
"I'm saying, what if you go to school and take some management classes so you can learn how to run Leblanc," Yuuki explained, "Maybe even get yourself a degree in business or hospitality to sweeten the deal."
"You really think I can do it?" Futaba asked, perking up a little bit.
"No one else knows Sojiro's recipes better than you or Ren," Yuuki explained, "It would be a shame if Leblanc and its food got lost to the sands of time. Running Leblanc and continuing Sojiro's legacy could be your new purpose in life. I know it's probably not what you were expecting, but take my word for it, there are so many times when life doesn't give you what you expected…and it instead gives you something better than what you expected. So, what do you think?"
Futaba sat up and thought for almost a full minute before giving Yuuki her answer, a smile on her face for the first time that day.
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Yuuki," Futaba smiled, "I'll go to school and take management classes so I can run Leblanc just like how Sojiro did. That cafe and his coffee and curry won't fade into obscurity as long as I'm here. But more important than that, I finally have a purpose in life again! Thank you, Yuuki!"
"You're so welcome, babe," Yuuki said, "I'm glad I was able to help you not only find a purpose in life, but also pull you out of the doldrums."
"And you know what else," Futaba said, a naughty smile appearing on her face, "I think I feel happy enough to give you a little 'something' to really show my thanks."
"Oh, come here you," Yuuki said as both he and Futaba started to giggle naughtily and cover themselves up with the blankets.
Nothing like a little sweet lovin' before bed, right?
TO BE CONTINUED…