Chapter Five: Longing & Boyfriend

Standing frozen for a moment Mizuhara got a hold of herself before either Mami or Kazuya noticed. Kazuya released his hug and smiled.

Mami looked over at Mizuhara and with a friendly look said, "Kazuya, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

Kazuya quickly smiled and said, "Mami, this is my neighbor Mizuara. She borrowed some eggs last night and brought me this cake slice as a 'thank you.' She told me she'd make sure to save me a piece of the cake she was making."

Mami looked at Mizuhara beaming and said, "Oh you're the maker of the famous marble cake! Kazuya told me all about it and I cannot wait to try it."

Mizuhara was again impressed at Kazuya's gift for improv and quickly joined saying, "Yes…thank you again for the eggs, the cake came out well. I should get going. It was n-nice meeting you Mami. I'll not keep you from breakfast. Thanks again for the eggs Kazuya."

Mami gave a warm smile and said, "Oh don't worry, he's not my boyfriend. You're not making things awkward, I'd invite you to join us for breakfast, but this is just something for 'special friends.' I am sure you understand."

Mizuhara looked at Mami strangely and shook her head saying she wasn't sure what she meant.

Kazuya jumped in saying, "Mizuhara, let me explain: Mami and I are part of our own 'modern day Japanese tragedy.' I know that sounds dramatic, but when you're in the middle of something affecting your own life in a way you don't wish it seems dramatic.

Mizuaha looked on confused and asked what he meant.

Mami and Kazuya shook their hands above their heads and smiled like drama students on stage looking overly dramatic and said together, "It's our tragic situation, our own private hell."

Rolling her eyes giving the impression she's told the story a thousand times Mami said, "You see my father is a rather well-known among the local entertainment community. He is a big-time producer of both television and theater. Kazuya here is an aspiring actor. When I first met him he didn't know who my father was and the moment he met my father things quickly went south. My father forbid me to see him after learning he was an actor."

"What? Why?" Mizuhara asked confused.

Kazuya shook his head and said, "A while back she was seeing someone who also happened to be an actor. Mami is majoring in cinematography, it's actually how I met her as she works 'behind the stage.' 'Things were going great until he learned who Mami's father was and attempted to make connections, use him to get ahead. Mami's father was quite insulted at such dishonable behavoir as he comes from an era when skill was the only way to achieve success it and nepotism wasn't tolerated. After that…no actors are allowed to date her while she lives under his roof. The only exception he'll allow is if her suitor has already shown success and wasn't attempting to use her to get to him."

"I'm his biggest fan and cannot wait for him to get his first big break. Either that or wait until graduation and I move out. It's just that this cutie may find another before such time…that would really be tragic, wouldn't it?" Mami said as she squieezed his cheeks making him pucker.

Kazuya laughed and closed his eyes while Mami shot a glance at Mizuhara every woman recognizes.

Mizuhara smiled watching Kazua laugh finding it indeed infectious in a good way. Smiling and giving a bow Mizuhara bid them well & left for the stairs.

With a smile Kazuya led Mami into his apartment after both removed their sneakers. Together the two dined on a rapidly prepared breakfast Kazuya cooked up having learned from watching a short-order chef at a local deli. Eating together they spoke of the week, upcoming plans, and when finished got on Kazuya's couch each lying on their sides with Mami in front. Pulling his arm around her she held his hand tight and smiled. Together they watched whatever trendy show was on Netflix and Kazuya took mental notes when a push into his crotch got his attention. Looking back at him Mami smiled as she felt Kazuya's body start to poke from behind a little. She pushed back again smiling and almost laughing.

Shaking her head smiling Mami asked, "Kazuya, wouldn't you prefer to be dating me for real?"

Kazuya smiled and shook his head back and asked, "Yes, but unless you have enough cash for my tuition or a faster way to make money this is the best we can do."

Both shrugged and kept watching TV.

During a commercial break Mami got up to grab a bottle of water from the fridge and said looking back to him, "You know she likes you right?"

Two hours later Mizuhara was deep in her studies on mass communications and advertising when a knock on her door got her attention. Mizuhara opened the door without thinking to ask who it was figuring it must be a delivery and was shocked to see Mami who glimmered with a smile and asked if she could come inside.

Mizuhara looked back a little strangely and invited her inside asked to as to what she is owed this visit. The moment the door closed Mizuhara looked on with honest eyes awaiting a response.

"You like him, don't you?" Mami asked with cold eyes.

"Who?"

"The only person we both know and don't 'play dumb' or innocent with me! Every woman knows that look. No 'neighbor' freezes when they see their neighbor hug someone they don't know. You froze like a scene from a sci-fi movie. Kazuya is oblivious or in denial, but I know how you feel."

Mizuhara looked at her incredulously & suddenly realized she didn't do anything wrong and her confidant side reemerged as she said, "What business is this of yours? Why would you care anyway? You said he wasn't your boyfriend."

Mami looked at Mizuhara, closed her eyes, and laughed while little shaking her head and said, "I suppose it doesn't matter. If you knew what he did for work you wouldn't want to date him anyway."

Mizuhara tightened her eyes and said, "And what exactly is that? He's a tutor for drama students he told me."

"How cute! You know his cover story. That's not really what he does you know. He's a rental boyfriend, ready to be with anyone who pays him. He says nice things, does nice things, builds confidence, makes one feel like a queen, and can do it with any girl or any women without blinking."

Attempting a bluff Mizuhara paused & said, "A 'rental boyfriend'?"

Mami didn't believe it for a second and said, "Leave the acting to Kazuya. Are you still his client? He said you are especially passionate."

"He told you I am his client?! How could he do that?! Confidentiality of a client is paramount! When did you learn this?!' Mizuhara asked enraged when suddenly felt sick to her stomach.

Mami smiled, "When? Just now. Next time come clean Mizuhara. However, don't worry I am not here to say, 'you're on my turf.' I doubt you would ever want to date him. If you have a crush that is one thing, being infatuated with him is not unheard of…he sees it often in his clients. He's very skilled in his craft, but if you're in love you are in love with an idea-a fantasy, a 'fantasy for hire', but there is little to no reason you'd ever want to really date him anyway."

"And why is that exactly?"

"Could you do it? Could you look a boyfriend in the eye knowing he holds hands with any woman who pays him? Puts his arm around any woman who asks? Sleeps in bed with anyone who requests it? There isn't enough hand sanitizer in the world to clean those thoughts from my head and he buys containers the size of paint cans!"

"Really?"

"No, but it's good visual. Anyway, I couldn't ever date someone like that. It hurts really. He can be such a nice guy, so smart, so endearing, and it is all an act. An act on demand. He sanitizes his hands before & after every client. It is almost a metaphor for entering a sterile world where he works his charms, gets dirty in doing so, and cleans up when he exits that world and returns to this world and its own lies. When he returns home he showers almost like he is washing off the guilt…the thing is he feels none. I shudder thinking about the meticulous process he takes, and takes seriously, before he engages in this 'profession' of his. He clears his mind, brushes up on things his client likes, changes into any physical form his client wants, and works his honing his technique, 'dirtying himself' in this world of fantasy. It's dispictable & I find the profession horrible. It's knowing that which keeps me from dating him in any way. We could try to date in secret, avoid my father's knowledge, but it isn't worth it, and I can't really do it anyway. I can't get past knowing he may have held women earlier in the day, could again after I see him, and likely do it the following day too. So it's with that I am sure you're not going to really date him or if you had the desire to I am sure I just quelled it. Sorry to rip the Band Aid off, but it would hurt a lot more if you pursued this fantasy and cost you a lot…trust me on that last one."

"Uh…thank you…I guess."

"Oh and Mizuhara one last thing:'you're on my turf'…stay away from Kazuya! The moment he finds success short of him being with someone we're going to get together for real."

"…I'm not interested in him; you have nothing to fear—"

"And if he is with someone, I will fight tooth and nail and I don't get into a to fight to see if I can win, I get into them to win. You take care now."

Mami bowed, opened the door before giving a golden smile, walked out, and shut the door gently with grace.

Mizuhara stood at the door shocked. A few moments later she opened the door and walked outside to see Mami walking down the path to the street. Still unable to form any words she clenched her fists and started to run feverishly up the metal stairs to Kazuya's door and was about to pound it when she realized she didn't even know what to say let alone feel. She looked at her fist and the door and then glanced down and saw Kazuya's sneakers, sighed, shook her head, and returned back to her unit.

Kazuya stood by his door figuring the hastened steps had to be from Mizuhara and he knew why. Knowing there was little chance Mami didn't pay Mizuhara a visit to have "a little talk" Kazuya knew he may well be to privy to an unexpected honor of her arrival at his door. Kazuya held his breath ready to confront whatever was said, but never heard a knock on his door. He wasn't even sure what to say. The last time a client had gotten too close to Kazuya it created a lot of misery and he desperately didn't want it to happen again. It seemingly was a lesson every Sapphire and had to learn on their own at one point of their careers. Kazuya texted his student and asked when he would like to get together next for a mentoring session and returned to finish the dishes from breakfast.

Meanwhile Mizuhara returned to her tasks and prepared for meeting with the advertising consultant for the bakery. Reviewing the materials he'd sent online she also wrote down her questions and reviewed the numbers from her family's bakery operations. Page after page she read and started getting tired and realized if she wanted to be fully ready to function she felt she should take a quick nap and hopefully clear her mind. Mizuhara set an alarm for one hour and returned to her bed.

Knowing she couldn't face the afternoon without speaking to Kazuya Mizuhara closed the marketing materials and put her sneakers on and ran up to the second floor. Kazuya's sneakers were outside his door and she rang his doorbell.

The bell ring subsided and over the speaker Kazuya's voice asked, "Yes, who's this?"

Mizuhara stood out of the way and said in an gruff voice, "Certified mail. We need a signature!"

Kazuya opened the door and before he could make eye contact Mizuhara grabbed his wrist and yanked him around the corner.

Mizuhara looked at Kazuya hard as his eyes flew open and she said, "What the hell is up with your little 'groupie'?!"

Kazuya looked down and said, 'Oh…guess she 'had a word' with you. I'm sorry for that and I'll give her a little talking to about this today. However, you may want to say something to her right now."

Mizuhara asked what he meant. Kazuya stepped out of the and with a gasp she saw Mami looking at her shaking her head.

"I told you to stay away from him! I only get into fights to win them Mizuhara!" Mami said as she ominously walked towards her.

Mizuhara attempted to say something, but suddenly felt her back against the railing and Mami looked her firmly and without a moment's hesitation pushed her off it.

Screaming Mizuhara suddenly jerked in bed and felt her legs shake as she woke up.

"Damn it! I gotta talk to Kazuya," Mizuhara thought to herself.

Wiping a little sweat from her brow she stood up and went to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on her face and asked her phone what time it was as she grabbed a towel.

Exiting her apartment she ran up the stairs and pounded on Kazuya's door. Surprised and a little shocked he came to the door and looked through the hole. Angrily shaking his head Kazuya opened the door and, just as in her dream, before he could make eye contact Mizuhara grabbed his wrist and yanked him around the corner.

Channeling her dream Mizuhara shouted,"What the hell is up with your little 'groupie'?!"

Kazuya shook his head and asked what happened. Taking a deep breath Mizuhara told him of his unexpected visitor.

With a look of anger and dishonor Kazuya said, "Mizuhara…why would allow yourself to be caught? I would never reveal my clients! That's insulting to think I would even for a moment! It's your fault for falling into her trap. Well…now she knows. What do you want to do? I suggest you really think fast and decide if we're going to 'break up' soon. If she sees us out on a 'date' she'll get angry."

Mizuhara looked back at him incrediously and said, "You are such a jerk sometimes."

"Why? What did I do wrong?"

"N-nothing. Geez. It's just that she 'caught me off guard.' I guess I am, or thought I was, better than that. It's just aggravating as I pride myself on being able to read people. I need to know to do that. Her body language should have told me she was bluffing, but in my haste she just looked angry and like she already knew."

"Are you angrier at your perceived failure to read her or something else?"

"What are you talking about!? That you think I like you? Get off your high-horse Kazuya!"

Kazuya turned his head trying to read her whether or not she was lying. The two locked eyes, each like a hunter viewing a possible threat, and didn't say a word. Neither could read what the other was thinking at that moment.

Kazuya shook his head and asked with a smile, "Do you feel better getting that off your chest?"

Mizuhara relaxed and smiled a little and said, "Yeah….I do actually. Thanks. Now I am only facing to the stress of seeing a marketing consultant in a little while. I do feel better though. I feel my confidence is off a little bit though. I can feel my hand shaking a little bit."

Kazuya looked both ways and motioned her towards him. Unsure what was about to happen she smiled when Kazuya took her hand with both of his, squeezed with some pressure, and gave a strong look. Mizuhara looked at him as he told her it took confidence to come upstairs to confront him and be ready to accept whatever came and then stand her ground adding that is only done by someone who is sure of themselves.

"Cut yourself a little slack. Seeing an angry woman at the door who you met only a little while come to the door and basically interrogate you and then accuse you of something isn't a business meeting-that played to emotions. I am sure it wouldn't be easy for me if the positions were reversed and some guy came to me telling me to stay away from a woman he was courting or waiting to date. One last thing: Regardless of how you feel you're about to engage in business and the only emotion you should feel is proud of yourself for facing it with confidence and remember that failure or success is dependant on balance."

Kazuya released his hands and Mizuhara gave a smile, nodded her head, and thanked him before heading down the stairs.

Saturday evening arrived and Kazuya joined his friends at the local entertainment center to have a good time bowling & the rock-climbing wall if they had time. Arriving in his usual non-date wear of his sunglasses and beret he went to the bar where he met his friends. After putting his jacket and rest of his "persona" away in a locker he headed for the lanes when he saw Mizuhara and her friends at the far end of the lanes. Kazuya saw her about to pick up a bowling ball when a guy wearing a picture of a cowboy holding a six-shooter began to put his hands on his shoulders and saw her shake him off.

"Excuse me guys," Kazuya said as he walked toward the far end of the lane with determination.

Kazuya watched as the figure started to put his hands back on her shoulder and hold her wrist from behind saying, "It's easy. I'll show you how to 'nail a strike' Chizuru."

Mizuhara shook him off once again and said, "Get off me Niko! You don't get to call me that anymore."

"Come on. I know you wanna learn," Niko said trolling her as saying he could teach her how to do it.

Niko smiled, said he knew what he was doing, and started to move his hands back towards her as she moved away. Not stopping Niko reached out again when Kazuya suddenly grabbed Niko's wrist causing both Niko and Mizuhara to jump as they turned to face him.

"I think you've struck out' dude. You'd best stop. I am rather glad I ran into you…you owe me for your food," Kazuya said looking halfway between stern and ready to fight.

"Oh! Look who's here? You here to claim her for yourself?" Niko asked.

"Actually…I would love to learn how to better bowl. You're welcome to put your hands on me if you'd like, after all you seem to know 'what you're doing.' What do you say? I could use a 'bowling lesson'."

Niko sneered at Kazuya as he started to reach for his wallet and said, "What do I owe you?"

"You sure you don't want to show me how to bowl instead? Mizuhara…why don't you come join me at our lane? I want you to meet my friends, we could use a fourth to make teams anyway."

Mizhuara was still a little shocked and said,"Uhhh….I'm here with my friends. I'm not sure if I should-

"Kazuya! It's nice to see you again. Chizuru! Go meet his friends…after all someone isn't acting like a gentleman we know this guy truly is," Yuki said as she walked up.

"Go go! We'll give you our scores later…you give us the highlights of your game later," Yoko responded as she waved to Kazuya.

Mizuhara was motified before her friends laughed and told her to loosen up.

"Miss Yuki, Miss Yoko it is wonderful to see you both again. Please give my regards to the rest of your friends. Mizuhara? Would you care to join us at our lane?" Kazuya asked with a joyous smile.

Kazuya extended his elbow and a slightly blushing Mizuhara took it and they began to walk away. Under her breath with a golden smile Mizuhara thanked him. Kazuya pulled her close to him twice as if saying she was welcome before releasing it once they'd felt the eyes behind them stop looking.

Arriving back to his lane his friends both jumped up.

"And just who is this old friend?" a boy with glasses asked smiling.

"Kuri, allow me to introduce you to Mizuhara. She's my neighbor downstairs. I saw her with her friends and decided to ask her to join us for making teams. I hope you don't mind," Kazuya said with a smile.

Kuri shook his head with a smile.

"Greetings Mizuhara, my name is Kobi… I take it that your ex over there. Some guys don't know when to take a hint. You're welcome to join us. My girlfriend is off with her friends tonight, but my buddy here could use a girlfriend. I don't suppose you could introduce him to any of your friends," a guy with a slight goatee said.

Kuri looked at Kobi and slapped his shoulder saying, "Dude! Come on…we just met her. She's not here to find me a date. Although…do you know if your friends are single?"

For the first time ever Kazuya saw Mizuhara genuinely laugh as she told him she would ask some of her friends if they were looking for a guy. Kuri smiled as Mizuhara asked him to tell her about himself. Kazuya smiled seeing his neighbor having a good time. Kuri joined Mizuhara on a team to better be able to not be interrupted and Kobi joined Kazuya. The moment Mizuhara got up to bowl Kobi shook Kazuya's shoulder.

Looking over to Kobi Kazuya heard him ask what he knew he'd say.

"No, she's not my girlfriend. She's just a neighbor, but a very nice one. She borrowed some eggs for me and gave me a slice of the cake she was making the next morning," Kazuya said.

Kobi smiled and said,"Kazuya, you are the embodiment of the 'the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.' She seems really nice. When are you going to tell her that you like her?"

Kazauya looked at Kobi incredulously and asked, "What makes you think I like her?"

Kobi responded, "Because…you're not on stage right now. I know you're not acting."

"How do you know I'm not just acting like a nice guy?"

"Well, whether you are or aren't she surely can't tell the difference."

Kazuya shook his head and the four bowled their game. When finished they noticed Mizuhara's friends weren't at the far end anymore and Mizuhara felt her phone vibrate.

"My friends left without me. They just said they were sure I was having too good a time to ask me to leave with them," Mizuhara said not sure whether to be happy or disappointed.

"Well, we're about to hit the nearby tavern for chips and salsa and drinks. You two could join us," Kuri said with a polite smile.

Kazuya wasn't sure what to say when Mizuhara shot him a smile and said it sounded great. Mizuhara extended her elbow and smiled as Kazuya blushed for an instant before giving one of those "Thanks for waiting for my input" smiles.

Inside the tavern the four shared food and enjoyed drinks and laughed about the night. Kobi & Kuri were enthralled by their friend telling Niko that his teaching skills "weren't needed" at the time.

"You should join us another night, maybe bring a some friends who may like to date my friend here, and we go hit the rock-climbing wall," Kobi said as he finished his drink.

"Yeah, that'd be awesome!" Kuri agreed.

Kazuya scratched his head and said,"I uh-I don't know if I'd be any good at that Kobi. I uh-"

"Oh come on…big-time 'Ultimate Frisbee' guy can't climb a wall? It's easy and there's a mat below if you fall," Mizuhara said as she playfully elbowed Kazuya.

Kazuya smiled seeing her back to her usual more confidant self with the actives earlier in the night over.

Kazuya nodded and said he'd give it a try and the four departed when finished with Kazuya hailing a cab and saying he'd see the two of them soon with hard hugs. Kuri and Kobi bowed saying they had a great time and look forward to joining the two of them again soon. The cab pulled up and Kazuya held the door for Mizuhara and she entered the backseat with a smile as Kazuya gave the driver his address and he drove the two of them home.

Exiting the taxi Kazuya extended his hand and helped Mizuhara up out in front of their building. The driver thanked the two after Kazuya gave him a tip and he gave him the credit card receipt and drove off. Kazuya shook his head and said he wasn't sure if he should charge her for his time or not with a smile.

Walking up to Mizuhara's door she smiled and handed him money to help cover for the taxi & the driver. Kazuya smiled and said not to worry about it as he was coming home anyway.

Mizuhara nodded and said, "Thank you-hey, why were you scared to go rock-climbing. Why were you reluctant to give it a try?" Mizuhara asked with a smile.

Kazuya scratched his head and said,"The truth? Well…I was climbing up with a client of mine holding the rope to keep me from falling and all was going well until a bunch of kids, who were really good, got a little too close to me and actually caused me to lose my footing. I dropped and landed right on my client! Thankfully she wasn't hurt and it wasn't that far up."

"My god what happened afterwards!?" Mizuhara asked as she laughed.

"Well…she dusted herself off and assured me she wasn't hurt and the rest of the date went smoothly. When I got home I had a nice review…but I haven't heard from her ever since then," Kazuya said as he shrugged a little with a nervous smile.

Mizuhara laughed hard and thanked him looking at the ground a little for saving her from her "instructor's" overzealous "desire to teach."

Kazuya smile and said goodnight before giving a bow and running up the stairs to his unit.

The following Tuesday morning Kazuya saw he had a booked date with Mizuhara and the instructions said to dress modestly. Unsure what to expect Kazuya dressed modestly and found himself with the address of the shrine. Unsure what to expect he wasn't sure if he should pack anything else and checked again seeing no additional notes. Arriving at the shrine Mizuhara greeted him as she stood before him in her black leather jacket and hair in tight braids. In one hand she carried a black box the length of a cheerleader's baton. With a smile Mizuhara nodded at him and handed him an envelope with money for the date and invited him towards the monastery. Just outside the monastery he asked what she was carrying and Mizuhara simply smiled and put her finger to her mouth. Kazuya scratched his head and followed her inside.

The monk who swept the grounds nodded and bowed to Kazuya as he entered. Many of the monks were present, it seemed the entire fellowship was present. Mizuhara walked with Kazuya into the main hall where he saw numerous parents and children all seated murmering. Pointing to a place in the front row Kazuya sat and was surprised as Mizuhara walked a little further ahead as she sat down in a chair a monk brought out. Kazuya sat dumbounded as Mizuhara placed the box on he floor and opened it taking out a lustrous flute. Kazuya beamed in realization he had a frontrow seat at a concernt and Mizuhara happily nodded.

Clearing her throat Mizuhara began, "I am so happy you all got word of tonight from the bulleting board outside, the monestary's Twitter account, or however else. I haven't played for anyone in some time…but I suddenly had the urge to play again. Tonight's donations hopefully can help others come here in the future. The goal is to help create an ongoing night of events, a new place to enjoy artwork and entertainment…and next time I will bring more cookies."

Mizuhara pointed to a nearly empty large tray and it elicited a lot of laugher. Kazuya smiled and laughed a little too.

With a little smile Mizuhara brought her mouth to the embouchure and began to play her flute. Kazuya actually held his chest for a moment in joy of hearing live music again as it had been quite a while. Lost in music he couldn't remember the last time he had a chance to enjoy a concert of any time. Sitting capitavated Kazuya listened as Mizuhara played tunes of a light nature like seeing the mist of a waterfall, some that made one think of rain, and ended with some gentle tunes making one think of moonlight. When she finished she stood and bowed. Many applaued with grace and Mizuhara genuinely smiled with pride and thanked everyone for coming out and seeing her.

Kazuya stood and was all smiles as she came over blushing asked if he liked her music. Kazuya was smiling like a child showing his teeth and motioned her over to the corner.

"You have no idea how much I enjoyed it. You truly do show skill in playing. I am not sure I should be accepting money to come to a concert you put on, charity or not," Kazuya said with bright eyes.

Clearly flattered and a little flush Mizuhara said, "T-Thank you so much. Consider the payment for tonight's date at least my share for the dinner after bowling and tonight's show and…'a gesture of being a good neighbor'."

"It was beautiful. Maybe next time you could play just for me," Kazuya said without realizing it and suddenly felt himself sick to the stomach. He was worried if he sounded like his Sapphire self or actual self and was even more worried when for a moment he wasn't sure which way he meant it. Focusing hard he returned to his role of the evening.

Mizuhara felt herself blush and fought it off and simply said, "Thank you. I am honored you enjoyed

Regaining her composure Mizuhara smiled and bowed.

Kazuya felt his phone vibrate and thanked her for her time and said he hopes to see her again in his 'boyfriend-mode' realizing he hadn't even remembered to turn it on earlier and felt worried. Kazuya asked if she was leaving at that moment and said she was going to mingle and talk to some people. Kazuya looked at her with kind of a little realization and gave her a nod before saying goodnight and heading back to his apartment as he put the money for the date into the donation box at the entrance to the monastery.

Monday morning Mizuhara received a phone call from her grandmother asking she join her at a restaurant instead of bringing over dinner and she happily accepted feeling it would be nice to get out and not need to have her place "ready for company" with the extra cleaning it entailed. Dressing nicely she went outside in the evening and called for a taxi.

Arriving at the restaurant Mizuhara met her grandmother the greeting area and were led to a larger table than usual when she looked up seeing Kazuya and his parents. Kazuya and Mizuhara locked eyes for a nanosecond surprised, but quickly realized that this was a surprise dinner gathering and both geared up to act as Mizuhara was brought next to Kazuya. In the blink of an eye as a conditioned-reflex, Pavlovian in spirit, Kazuya stood and pulled out her chair before making sure she was seated comfortably. Even knowing that it was an act Mizuhara still blushed a little and smiled at being treated the polar opposite of how Niko on his best day ever treated her. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Kazuya was uncharacteristically a little shocked at this impromptu date.

They picked up their menus and read at the top "5th Avenue Steak New York-style steakhouse. This establishment, serving fine steaks and the like, was not your average family dinner location.

Grandmother Nagomi asked if Kazuya had ever eaten at their restuaurant. Mizuhara asked Kazuya playfully if had been there before to study technique just finding it a little funny to make him uneasy for a change as he was still just a little off his game from an unexpected "date." Kazuya did his best to stay focused and enjoy the meal when his grandmother said how happy the two of them were together.

Grandmother Kinoshita remarked as she smiled, "Chizuru is such a sweetheart Kazuya. I am sure you're treating her like a lady. Isn't that right grandson?"

"Of course. She is a special lady and deserves to be treated as such. She can do rock-climbing she tells me, it truly seems she is strong in character and body," Kazuya said proudly.

"Granddaughter! I didn't know you were a rock-climber," Grandmother Nagamoi said shocked.

"Kasuya here is being too kind. He left out this 'mountain' I climbing is just the 'rock-wall' at the bowling alley & sports complex at the mall, but he is eager to try it," Mizuhara said with a smile.

"I am sure the two of you will climb to great heights both on and off the mountain inside," Grandmother Kinoshita said. Nagaomi laughed as Mizuhara & Kazuya both turned crimson red at that moment. Kazuya took Mizuhara's hand feeling it starting to shake a little. Kazuya then feined a phonecall and excused himself to take it outside. A moment later Mizuhara excused herself from the table and joined him outside after getting a text to come join her.

Kazuya stood outside anxiously and Mizuhara walked up already knowing what he was going to say and remarked, "Yes, I know. You're about to tell me this 'relationship' needs to end and end fast."

Kazuya said a little angrily, "Yes, exactly. This is it. When we go back in there we need to let them know we're breaking up. It doesn't have to be instant, but we need to establish a path of breaking up. I think you're going to tell them your duties are too great right now. Does that sound right?"

Mizuhara looked at his back in the eye and said, "Sure whatever you want. If you want you can say your acting is getting too time-consuming to let a 'relationship' get in the way. That or say you need to teach others lessons…and by that I just mean tutoring."

Kazuya said that wasn't nice and felt she was being just a little passive-aggressive about the whole thing noting he wasn't the bad guy. Mizuhara angrily responded that she wasn't either, at least not that that moment with a half-smile. Kazuya lightened his mood a little and apologized agreeing this wasn't the hospital room.

Kazuya heard the sound of applause back inside the restaurant figuring someone had just been announced as engaged or promoted at work as celelbrations were constantly heard every night. Kazuya shook his head and looked back to Mizuhara.

"You're really a quite special a client I have enjoyed being with you every moment. I know it will hurt, but I am going to go back in there and I will take 'the heat.' I can deal with my family, but I don't want yours to be angry with you. I know part of that sounds arrogant, I do, but believe me your grandmother would be disappointed with you too. At least with mine I can 'put on a performance' that will leave neither one of us looking bad. I am just going to say that our schedules are too in conflict with each other. It's nobody's fault, plausible, and there will be disappointment to be sure-but no anger."

"You're a good man Kazuya. I can't tell if you're acting right now and perhaps that just lends to the fact you're a good actor, but I'd like to believe you're being truthful. I've enjoyed our time together too. Thanks for teaching me a few things about how to better act, think of Niko, and even give me some balance for my upcoming marketing campaign."

Kazuya smiled and was tempted to give her a hug. Mizuhara extended her arms at that moment and the two gave a warm embrace before heading back into the restaurant.

Both returned to the table and each sat quietly next to each other as they looked up and Kazuya cleared his throat.

Shaking his head a little Kazuya said,"I apologize for telling you all this tonight as I had hoped it would go differently, but-"

"Kazuya, grandson I have something to say: Nagamoi and I got you both presents! We know how hard you're both working and it is getting colder by the day. We have gotten the whole family tickets to the local bathhouse and dayspa. It's lovely and at this time of the year higher-priced, but it's not summer after all. What were you saying Kazuya?" Grandmother Kinoshita said.

"Ummm…I uh lost my train of thought."

Mizuhara realized Kazuya wasn't acting feeling no one acts that well and jumped in into the conversation.

Quickly clearing her throat Mizuhara said,"Kazuya is sorry that the two of us are so busy our schedules are in conflict a lot. He knows how busy I am he didn't want to interfere with my duties and wanted to just be friends…at least for a while. He knows how busy I've been as of late, is such a sweet guy, and knows you need me at the-"

"Hush darling! I can get someone to help for a little while. You don't often date and your last boyfriend wasn't 'the best' of guys I have heard. It's okay…Kinoshita can even help out for a few days right?"

Grandmother Kinoshita smiled and nodded.

Mizuhara grit her teeth in her mind. Kazuya saw her put up a valiant effort and wondered if he could do any differently, but knew women are a hard opponent even when not dating or acting and grandmothers were the most advanced adversaries. Mizuhara looked to him wondering what he was about to say. Inside his mind Kazuya shook his head and looked at Mizuhara with a smile.

With a beaming smile Kazuya took Mizuhara's hand under the table and said, "That is a lovely gesture, it would greatly help, but we cannot…"

"Then it's settled! Look Kinoshita! They're so polite they can't even accept help. We'll get you the information by email. In the meantime it's time to order some steaks.

Kazuya smiled and said they both happily will accept such a welcome gift. Both grandmothers happily thanked them for accepting their generosity.

Kazuya and Mizuhara shot each other a glance and then a smile realizing with a hot dinner the night wouldn't be a total loss and they'd "table" their situation for another night.