Disclaimer: It's a work of fiction and just having fun with my favorite SNS pairing
After the 100k words milestone, We have also reached the 100k views milestone!
Thank you for the reviews! It really was a motivating factor to get me writing this one! I really do appreciate that you take time to give me feedback and the motivation they give! I love to hear what you think and seeing good response makes me want to write add the next chapter faster too!
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, has its roots in China. It is a collection of health and healing practices, folk beliefs, herbal remedies, food, diet, and exercise. With medical specialisations, many schools of thought, literati theory based on Confucian philosophy, there is an accumulation of knowledge that could fill a whole library.
Literally.
Nanjing TCM university is one of the largest of such libraries where I had the pleasure of visiting whenever I am in China.
Contrary to the stereotypical dark toned hardwood shelves, elegant tables of old libraries lit by soft lighting, the TCM library was mainly white vinyl and chipboard shelves, lit by hard fluorescent light.
Almost utilitarian, like a hospital ward.
However, it was not so much about the ambiance that I was here for, but rather the comfort and familiarity it offers.
Of course, I could have stayed in the family villa; but I thought the library would be more entertaining.
This place brought back memories of times of me exploring the variety of books: from worn yellow time-aged thread tied books that wrote about the philosophy of TCM, to the pristine white pages of encyclopaedia fresh off the press, and even an odd binded bamboo roll that contained instructions on how to treat a nosebleed. I read them all with interest.
Afterall, I was usually here whenever my parents were busy with other matters.
Not that I minded…I got used to it.
Ever since that meeting with that mommy's boy candidate, Mother has decided to cancel all further meetings, on grounds for a review of the whole effort. I would guess Mother was less than impressed with what she saw.
Then again, it gave us a way to reconnect as we griped about the issues we found about the candidates, sharing jokes on having similar assessments on each one.
It was in our conversation that I learned that she married into the Arato family after going through the hoops that my paternal grandparents made her jump through: arts, sciences, body proportions, etiquette… all the archaic tests that you can think of, Mother passed all of them
Motivated by the fact that she wanted to be with Father.
"Fortunately, we have decided to do away with the more… traditional tests."
"What kind of tests?"
Being a medical focused family, it would be as one would expect: Herb identification, anatomy, diagnostics, treatments…
The medical requirement for suitors has been waived ever since the family has diversified that other fields of expertise are welcomed. In exchange, children born in our family will have to reach a certain level of basic competency to carry on the legacy.
Nonetheless, there are additional skill assessments to be met later.
For the prospective ladies: flower arrangement, archery, basic home making;
For the gentlemen, business acumen, horseback riding and, would you believe, carpentry.
Old fashioned, right?
"Having been through all that, I understand the hurdles Yukihira Soma is facing. Of course, tradition is tradition, he will still have to pick up the required skills before marriage." With a light smirk, "I trust Soma will be up for it."
Soma riding a horse, eh? Now, won't that be a sight?
Speaking of Soma, he has not been online since this morning after telling him my plan to spend the day in the library. While we are not the type to get obsessive in texting each other since we have grown up independent, I have come to enjoy receiving his simple greetings, photos of his chef's special of the day, and random musings that he sends outside the restaurant business hours. This afternoon, however, Soma was curiously quiet. My messages still have not turned into blue tick marks.
I would assume that he was busy or something.
Although, I cannot help having a sense of missing… of missing him.
And so, I distracted myself with reading and my secretary work.
As we got closer to the end of the Summer break, there came an influx of bookings requests for Erina-sama talents.
No, I have not neglected my duties as her secretary. Contrary to what one may imagine, the revelation of our respective families' wealth is not going to change the respect I had for her in this relationship that we formed since we were kids. I have been her closest confidant since Father introduced us about 10 years ago. I just recently learnt that it was at the behest of Mother who felt that Erina-sama could use a friend after the traumatic experience she suffered with her father.
Our relationship was symbiotic in a way: I was there to bring her out of her slump, while she brought the opportunity for me to grow my character. I will admit that Mother is pretty clever with making this arrangement.
Although we may have our respective roles as the "God Tongue and her secretary", the fact that I have not told her about Soma gave me some guilt.
There were many chances to notify her as we re-established communication prior to our return next week. For some reason, I could not find the appropriate opening to break the news. I still cannot say if it was because I was waiting to tell her in person, or that my parents have not officially approved of Soma, or that I am still not convinced that my personal life was something that was of importance to her concern.
This relationship stuff is new and complicated for me.
A deep sigh, as I took a break from my thoughts with a scan of my surroundings while adjusting Soma's hoodie (well, to be precise, it is now mine).
We may be in a prestigious university, but its students are still typical of the young adult age group: There are those focused on their studies, those taking naps… I even witnessed a couple playing footsie, and another holding hands across the table.
If it was before, I would have rolled my eyes at such displays of affection. Now that I am in a relationship, such a thing does not seem as disagreeable.
Wonder if Soma and I would be doing the same in the same setting.
"Hey, how are you?" A first year freshman, from his looks, stood in front of me. Considering the timing, he must have waited for me to look up from the books before approaching. "I was wondering if I may join you." He gestured to the seat diagonal to me.
Not finding it disagreeable to share a public table, I nodded and got back to my reading.
"The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor" the freshman read off the title of my book, "How do you find it?"
I am guessing this was his attempt to start a conversation.
It is weird that random guys have been hitting on me since the start of this Summer. Not least of all, that Aida Shion character who has got me stuck in out of Japan until the return to school.
Not really keen on engaging the freshman, I pretended not to hear him. Now, this is when the Asian culture of discretion should kick in: if someone is not responding, it suggests that they do not want to be disturbed.
However, this guy must just be a little different. "I find the chapters on the balance of qi very enlightening."
Urgh, I hate that I had forgotten my ear phones. I should have picked a more quiet area to sit in rather than this conspicuous spot directly visible from the entrance.
"Would you like to get a cup of coffee with me as we talk about it?"
I shook my head, "No. Thanks." I flashed him a stern look to signal an end to the matter.
He seemed unphased. Fortunately, before he could continue, one of the librarians who happened by shushed him. Getting told off this way made him take the cue to leave his seat, likely to fetch some reference books or whatever.
As for me, I decided to leave after checking my phone:
Yukihira Soma, 4:16pm: Heya! What are you wearing today?
Seeing his name saved as that made me make a note to myself to change it into something less formal to reflect our new status.
Back on the matter of his message: That was the first time Soma asked me such a question. It was odd but I replied accordingly, adding a light chiding that he forgot to message me that afternoon.
He responded with a sly smirk emoji.
What is that supposed to mean?
…
"What am I wearing"...
…
"What am I wearing"... followed by a sly smirk.
…
"What am I wearing"... followed by… a sly smirk.
…
Waiiiiittt…
Could he… be asking… for what am I wearing… underneath?
…
No no no no no. This is Yukihira Soma. I have not seen him sending such messages before, so that was not what he meant, right?
…Then again, are such questions sent from a boyfriend to his girl not unexpected? We have to keep in mind that Soma is a person who goes straight for what he wants.
For him to send this, I assume that he was testing the waters.
Although, to be honest, I am not really against that request.
Well, I can send him a View-Once for-Soma's-eyes-only pic; no face in frame, of course.
I will take it later.
I bit my lower lip to suppress a smile in anticipation.
Shhh.
"Hey." a whisper came from behind me, stunning me for a second.
That voice!
I turned to look back, and the moment the identity was confirmed, I could barely contain my excitement as I jumped out of my seat and pulled him into a tight hug.
Here is my boyfriend, Yukihira Soma, in the flesh.
We held each other for a long moment. I felt my heart beat as I relaxed, enjoying the warmth of his presence, and musky sandalwood scent. In turn, he pressed his nose against my temple and took a deep breath and gave it a peck.
"I missed you." our words came out almost simultaneously, which elicited our amused smiles.
We have much to talk about.
Without prompting, he then helped to pack up my side of the table and we made our way out of the library.
On the way, we walked past the freshman from earlier. He noticed us, but avoided my sight.
"How are you here?" I tried to keep my voice to a library whisper.
"It took a few days for my passport to be renewed." Soma whispered back, "I flew here immediately once the new one was issued." as we walked out the doors. "You said you'd be in this library, and I took a cab here."
Oh? "You managed to tell the driver where you wanted to go?"
"I pointed to the library address on my phone; I wanted to surprise you." He stopped and turned to me, "I just needed your shirt colour so that I could spot you. So, that's where my hoodie went."
Oh… so you were not asking for…
"Asking for what?" Soma asked, surprising me that I actually said that out loud.
"Oh, nothing." I guess I had read too much into it. I gazed into his eyes, "I missed you so much."
Let's keep that photo idea in my back pocket for a special occasion…
Soma returned my gaze, "I missed you too." He gently lifted and kissed the back of my right hand, before resting his cheek on it, "the bandana's still there."
I responded by pulling close, "Always."
We walked and caught up, talking about things that the other have missed in the past few days, as well the whole situation with my parents.
How I missed his voice after being apart for a few days.
I like being next to him.
Guess it is true: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
"So, do you have any plans this evening?"
"I had originally planned to just have dinner then head back to my parent's place. But now that you're here…" I said. "How about you? You don't seem to have any luggage; you got a hotel or something?"
"Well, honestly, I was more focused on wanting to meet you, and came straight here. "
I was both impressed and touched by his level of commitment. "Well, now that we are together, what do you have in mind?"
Soma broke into a wide grin, "Let's go for a date!"
The Confucius Temple 夫子庙, is a popular tourist destination in Nanjing, an ancient Chinese capital for many dynasties. It has a rich history of being the place where ancient Chinese scholars would gather to attempt the annual Imperial Examinations, as well as the school of Confucianism.
Naturally, merchants gather where people are most concentrated, setting up shops to ply their trade, which attracts even more people. And thus that was how it became one of the high traffic must-go places in Nanjing.
Being the summer holidays, there were people everywhere, surrounded by shops in restored period shophouses with bright lights to grab visual attention, smells of delicious food to whet the appetite, and upbeat instrumental music in the air.
The atmosphere was filled with festive energy with lots of things to do and see.
An ideal dating location.
To keep with the ancient theme, there were red paper lanterns hanging from the edges of the roofs, creating an immersive atmosphere. As part of the immersion, like the costume shops in Kyoto, there were traditional Chinese clothes for rent too.
"I think you'd look great in one of those." Soma remarked as we walked past a girl wearing a traditional Chinese dress.
"You sure you weren't just checking out the girl?"
"Well, if I was, I would be inviting trouble by mentioning it for you to look at the girl too."
He had skillfully deflected my tease, which earned him an eye roll and a smile, "Fair enough."
"Sooo…?"
"So what?"
"Wanna change into that?"
I looked over to him, an eyebrow raised, seriously?
To which he nodded eagerly, "I would love to see my girlfriend all dressed up; you've the perfect body for it." Hearing his flattery made me happy.
And he unabashedly called me his girlfriend…I like that.
We eventually chose a form fitting red qipao that showed off my curves with fine gold patterns and a side slit that went all the way up my thighs. I was initially self conscious, being that I rarely wore such clothes, but the stunned open mouth look on Soma's face the moment the curtain was pulled back gave me confidence to make this selection.
A ponytail, a pair of hooped earrings, thigh high stockings, and heeled shoes completed the ensemble. Everything else was kept in the store's locker.
"It's the boyfriend's role to treat his girl." Soma insisted with a puff of his chest.
After some light makeup, the shop helped us with a commemorative photo taking. "This is a great photo!" the staff remarked, "Both of you make a lovely couple!"
That was a good start to our date.
Soma could not help but turn into a shutterbug, snapping pictures of me at every opportunity. This was another side of him that I discovered to find amusing.
I indulged in his enthusiasm while we explored: window shopping, sharing small eats, taking random selfies, we even tried our hand in a noodle making demonstration which left the instructor a little speechless as Soma and I had a little friendly competition that inadvertently showed off our culinary training.
Spending time like this is enjoyable as we bonded over shared experiences.
"You're pretty good with a rifle."
"Thanks, It's an air rifle, though: Yoshino would offer us shooting lessons back in the Polar Star dormitory."
"That dormitory is full of surprises." I picked up the rifle, "Do you have any tips for me?"
"Yeh, here's what you do: raise up the rifle and rest the butt on your shoulder," Soma tucked the hair behind my ear before getting close behind me and helped to make adjustments accordingly: foot positioning, canter, aiming, squeezing instead of snatching… his body pressed close to mine, seeming intent to steady, dropping his voice to mutter in my ear "Now time your breathing. Squeeze the trigger after you fully breathe out. Ok, ready… and in… and out… now."
*SNAP* Thud.
"Yes! We did it!"
"Well done!" pulled me into a side hug and kissed my temple.
"Congrats," the busy short-staffed stall holder muttered and presented us with a palm-sized soft toy before immediately heading off to attend to others.
"What's this?" Soma asked, observing the black top and white bottom half animal with a snout. "Some mascot?"
"It is a tapir, a Malayan Tapir to be precise: a forest animal in the same family as rhinos and horses."
"I love how knowledgeable you are. You like it?"
"Of course!" I held up the toy close to my chest, as if cuddling a baby, "It's a result of our teamwork. Although, if I were to have a doll, I'd like to have one of you."
Soma had a mix of visible pride and a rare blush at those words.
"Hey, wanna take a break?" Hmm, he changed the topic; it seems like my boyfriend is not particularly partial to blushing, "That dessert store we passed seems good."
"Sure, it seems to be less crowded than before." Which was a pleasant surprise as the store seemed like one of the more popular ones with its foot traffic.
"Thanks for the suggestion." I slipped off my footwear when we settled down, "I can use a break from my heels."
"Yeh, I noticed."
"Wait, why are you resting my foot on your lap? What are you doing?"
"lI'm helping you massage your feet."
"How can you say that so naturally? People will see!"
"Don't worry, we are in the back of the shop, no one will notice."
"B-but I've been walking in heels for awhile…"
"I don't mind; because it's for you." There goes his charming grin.
My heart swooned at this level of sincerity that I could not help but give in, even guiding him to the places that brought the most relief. I watched as he gently worked his magic on my sore feet, letting my mind wander on how well he is treating me and the progress we made in our relationship.
Overcoming initial awkwardness, sharing interests, aligning goals, creating something we can nurture together… all these formed a foundation for us.
Meeting the parents was naturally the next step.
From what I gathered, there had not been any signs of rejection for his vetting despite the more thorough process that he had to clear. I am not really sure what will be their decision,
However, my decision about Soma never wavered.
We will figure something out together.
There was an unspoken trust he had for me that he left me with his unlocked phone while he went off to the washroom to scroll through the pics he took.
There was quite a collection of photos, mainly capturing me in the red dress as best as he could.
By force of habit, my finger swiped at the Home button when I reached the last photo, switching the screen to a background for the Home page: It was the one that he took of me when we were at the beach, straw hat atop my head, in a blue bikini with flower pattern, with a green sarong wrapped loosely on my hips. I was holding a tray of drinks in one hand and an order pad in the other.
..Wait a moment, I remembered this picture and recalled insisting that he delete it!
Then again, even though it was a candid shot that had a surprised expression, giving it a second look made me realise it actually took me in quite a flattering angle. And he had made me his Home screen background…
I find it pretty sweet.
"I've collected our order." Soma returned and sat down with the tray.
"Thanks." I said as he positioned a spoon for me. I took a few moments to bring up a subject we have to discuss, "So, I wanted to ask: What do you think about my parents?"
"I haven't met them in person. All I had was the vetting process that they made me do. If I have to say, I think they want what's best for you."
"Are you suggesting that you are what's best for me?" I teased.
"Oh, I know I am what's best for you." said without hesitation, as is his style.
We shared a giggle, digging into the dessert bowls, enjoying the tastes that made the shop popular. Such light hearted jokes feel so natural whenever I am with him.
"Seriously though, I'm hoping to find a way to get them to know you. While we may not be close, I'd still like to have their blessing."
"I understand," Soma nodded. "I have a plan that I would like to carry out." he met my eyes, "I will need your support."
Hearing his plan impressed me. "That should work. I will make the arrangements," tapping on my phone as I replied.
"Would they mind, though?"
"It should be fine. Mother insisted on having the family spend the weekend together. Can't think of a better time."
With Soma here, that plan should go smoothly.
After finishing our desserts, Soma brought me towards one of the street vendors nearby outside the shop. The vendor recognised Soma and beaconed him over, proudly holding up his creation: a small Soma doll, which captured his features quite accurately. Soma appraised it and thanked the man with rudimentary Chinese.
"It's for you."
"R-really?"
"Yep. You mentioned you wanted a doll version of me." he winked, "Of course, I won't turn down your request, and now you can have a mini-me to accompany you!"
"Thank you." I appreciated him making such an effort over a small remark, giving the two dolls a squeeze to my chest.
It was getting late. There was reluctance for the night to end while we made our way back to the costume shop hand in hand in comfortable silence,
As we walked over a canal, lined with red lanterns, and wind chimes twinkling softly in the breeze, Soma asked, "I would like to take a pic, would you stand there?"
"Here?"
"Yeh."
I perched the two soft toys on the bridge's parapet, and proceeded to touch up my ponytail. With a camera click, Soma took a candid shot while I was in the middle of gathering my hair back, rubber band between my lips.
"Hey! I was not ready!"
The redhead grinned, "You still look beautiful."
Hooking a stray strand behind my ear, "Take it again!"
"Sure, I love taking pics of you."
To give due credit, I later saw that candid pic, which gave a natural and innocent vibe, actually looks good.
I can say it would be comparable to his current Home screen background.
Finally, all good things come to an end.
After returning the costume, I had one concern, "What are your plans for tonight?"
"After seeing you off, perhaps I will look for a place to stay around here."
I considered his words, wanting nothing more than to invite him home with me, not in the adult sense. Alternatively, maybe find a hotel room for him to settle in and stay with him until my pickup arrives.
But I hardly think either would be proper…
Right?
A thought came to my mind and I decided to take a plunge and ask.
Picking up my phone, I made a call.
A/N: Soma has a plan, any guesses on what he has in mind to win his girlfriend's parents over? And who is Hisako calling for the night? Stay tuned for the next chapter of the 3rd Arc of their Summer holiday!
Thank you for the reviews and support! 100k views, 375 reviews! I doubt we would have got this far without your continuous support!
Here are the answers for the questions in the last chapter!
1) What ingredient did Hisako contribute to Soma's dish to kick off the story?
Goji berries (Chapter 1)
2) What is/are Hisako's hobbies?
Goes shopping for rare teas (Chapter 5)
3) What is Hisako's Father's name?
Arato Hiroyuki (Chapter 30)
4) Which wrist does Hisako put the bandana on?
Right wrist (Chapter 7)
5) Where did the Nakiris head to for their summer?
Sweden (Chapter 2)
6) What were the words on the beach restaurant sign?
"Western Restaurant Mitamura" logo with "海の家" dominating the sign, with additional "Napolitan style Yakisoba" tagline (Chapter 6)
7) What kind of magazines does Soma keep in his cupboard?
Food porn (Chapter 21)
8) What is the alcohol content of that tea drink Hisako downed? (Should I make a between the lines story on what happened there?)
2% ABV (Chapter 8)
9) What business does Koganei's parents do?
Owns a jewelry shop (Chapter 20)
10) How many songs Aida Shion produced using Hisako as his muse?
4 Songs: Lemon, Kimi Dattara, Zenzenzense, Ainekuraine (Chapter 26)