Chapter Six: Comfort & Boyfriend
Kazuya walked to the back of the café by the fireplace and gave a wave to his student who raised his cup. Upon sitting down his student suggested they have hot chocolate. Nodding in agreement he asked the server for a second cup and some shortbread cookies.
Kazuya looked outside at the fresh snow coming down and noted it took him longer than expected to get there before turning back to his student. The server came over with their cookies and hot chocolate and bowed as she left.
"So 'Billy Joel', how goes the life outside the business?" Kazuya asked while taking a quick sip from his cup.
"So far so good, I am getting involved with a volunteer program with the local animal shelter. The administrator says I am especially good with the cats. I told her I'd been around them most of my life and even adopted two new a few years ago," 'Billy Joel' answered.
"That's great. I have always liked Maine Coons, they seem so stout, like a stage performer almost. Much like a performance the moment it is over they change over into these affectionate and gentle fellows. Gingers are especially nice. Do you have a favorite kind?"
"Oh, none specifically. Well…. I did have a very special black cat many years ago. I always think of her when volunteering, I guess that is why I enjoy doing it…helping strays find home and those who need someone special in their lives, keeps other memories alive and makes one reflect on their fortune and do whatever they can to better it. Sorry if I sound like a fortune cookie at all."
"No, no it is beautiful. I get to see another side of you, a kind of 'behind the music' documentary almost."
"Again with the music sensei?"
"Touché….tell me, do you hear from your colleagues anymore? Have you heard about them at all? Do they still play?"
"I haven't heard from either really since graduation. I did get an email from both just as the semester began through Facebook, but just replied with a few lines, but got off it soon after as I don't find it constructive. I was just doing the high school's music department's outreach page as admin, but being online can be an addiction and I know that 'online friends' are meaningless. I gave admin over to an aspiring violinist, he is a wiz at Facebook. I was a little active online with 'friends' during the height of lockdowns during Covid, but I am trying to get out into the world, not stay in the dorm."
"I know, you want to help 'create the music' of the world and not merely listen to it. I have to say that is truly poetic. Anyway, I am glad to hear of the volunteering with the shelter. That could be a great way to make new friends and maybe even meet some ladies…and this time they wouldn't all be 'cougars' like at the piano bar."
Kazuya smiled as he watched 'Billy Joel' give a little blush and roll his eyes too.
"Thank you and I hope so. I am going to be getting involved with some other ones. My roommate said I should consider the gaming club as they play a wide variety of games. I am excited to try kendo though, it seems like it could be a lot of fun. Lastly there is a group that goes to several art shows and expos and such, a humanities club."
Nodding Kazuya smiled and asked, "I also wanted to ask if anyone has recognized you yet. I am kind of surprised when you told me you still haven't been. Hasn't anyone at all?"
With a small shrug and sigh 'Billy Joel' looked outside at the snow and back to Kazuya before saying, "No, not really."
"What do you mean 'not really'?"
"Well, no one recognized me, but a few people have told me I look familiar. Actually…one even asked if I was myself, but quickly stopped saying I couldn't be as I was too tall. I guess they only would see me seated or rarely standing."
"I am shocked."
"Sensei, you're cultured, your family is cultured, you followed me on stage, you have seen other musicians play with your family and more, but not all are like you. To put it another way: Few outside the true fans of the music world recognize me and most are older than us, a fair amount older than us. Other events kind of dropped me out whatever 'public eye' you seem to think I had."
"What do you mean?"
"When Covid first hit all concerts were stopped. The longer it went on the more it stopped concerts, competitions, and even classes from taking place. Having concerts on Zoom really, really dropped interest fast. Going out to a concert or competition was a family event, but tuning into watch it at home wasn't largely happening. A lot of us felt strange performing pieces on stage in Towa Hall to an empty house save the judges and some technical crew. It was like something out of a bad dream where your joys were but a hollow shell. It was a little unnerving like all your friends, families, fans, colleagues, and those most special to you weren't there or even worse like they forsake you. I don't know, I hope I am not being too dramatic."
"No, not at all. I can only imagine what it would be like for someone such as yourself. I can only imagine it being like I was at a concert with my friends, family, loved ones…and the musician didn't show. It is an eerie feeling and sounds like a bad dream. I could make it a lighter version and tell of how my friends didn't show up in the quad by the northern dormitories before a game of 'Ultimate Frisbee', left me alone at the karaoke bar, or skipped meeting me at the tavern when they said they would. To that end we should meet there next time."
"Thank you, that sounds nice. It was a difficult time sensei. People have short attention spans, our generation especially, and Covid didn't help. There was a lot of isolation and perhaps that too fed into my desire to become a Sapphire."
"That's a good segway. Sapphire wanted me to relay that there is good news and bad news, though it isn't 'bad', but more of an observation. It isn't a 'warning' or 'concern', just a friendly observation."
Kazuya stared at the snow coming down harder and remarked it was beautiful. His student agreed before asking what Sapphire had to say to him.
"Well, they love how you're doing with the older ladies. Word has gotten back to the office that you've been offered a weekly gig at your favorite piano bar. Your fans are creating a demand and the owner wants you. I think that's great, our colleagues think that's great, but do you? Don't answer just yet. Sapphire is quite happy as you're bringing great reviews and more clients. However, that is also the observation: Your clients are mainly cougars it seems. You're more than welcome to stay predominately with them, but the app's algorithms will not feature you under our age group on the first few pages of searches…you'll be at the last few pages. You'll only get featured on the first few pages if you date more clients our age. The inverse of this that when other parameters are searched, you're coming up as featured recommendations for more 'mature' women. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but the agent advocate department-those who look out for our interests/make sure we're having fun and want to keep working-asked me to help you focus more on our age group…if you want to… and find more clients closer to our age group. There's nothing business-wise wrong with being the arm candy of more mature ladies, some are very attractive and can show great appreciation with gratuity-but remember those ladies are just 'listening to music' and if you want to help create it you need to be with younger clients. If you're having trouble with being comfortable around them, I am glad to help. I have a few ideas. I may be able to pull in a favor."
Kazuya's student raised an eyebrow to him in confusion. Kazuya smiled and said he's going away on the weekend and would contact him when he returns and remember to relax as he's being the one taken out and not to worry so much when with people around his age reminding him they too are often nervous.
The following morning Kazuya stood with his luggage in tow on the local train station platform awaiting the train to take him to the spa. Kazuya was relieved to be taking the train and being able to avoid the fear and unease of talking about his "relationship" with Mizuhara during a car ride. He was surprised when his parents and grandmother quickly agreed. Kazuya pulled out his phone feeling it vibrate.
Opening the Sapphire app he saw he had a message: "Hey dummy, look behind you."
Kazuya was shocked and read the recipient and rolled his eyes and saw Mizuhara in her black leather jacket with a goofy grin.
Kazuya suddenly realized why his parents were so eager to allow him to take the train.
"You're taking the train too huh? That's neat," Mizuhara said with a smile.
"Mizuhara…do me a favor and show me your ticket," Kazuya asked looking like he already expected something.
"What? Why? What's wrong?" Mizuhara asked.
"Nothing, just pull it up."
"Ummmm….here it is: 42A"
Kazuya nodded and took out his phone and opened the email with his ticket and rolling his eyes showed her saying, "I figured that…look at mine."
"How could you have 'figured' anything? What's your number?"
"Just look."
Mizuhara looked confused and gasped as she suddenly grimaced. Kazuya nodded as he closed the app.
The train arrived and both headed to their seats with Kazuya putting his luggage away and sitting down in seat 42B.
A server smiled while looking down at Kazuya and Mizuhara and asked, "Would you like something to drink? Soda? Water? Tea? Coffee?"
Kazuya looked to Mizuhara and she nodded as she asked for a bottle of water and Kazuya signaled to make it two. Mizuhara sat looking out the window just staring at the scenery as the train rode making the distinctive sounds of "clickity-klak."
Mizuhara attempted to break the silence and asked him if he'd ever been to the spa.
Kazuya looked at Mizuhara and responded with a smile saying, "No, I've never been, but I have heard of it. A client got me body spray from the gift shop there once. She said it was amazing and it was eucalyptus scented. She told me spread some on your chest before going to bed as it assures a great night's sleep."
Mizuhara smiled and said, "That sounds cool. My grandmother went on and on about the rooms themselves saying they had a number of rooms with premium amenities. She said she and my grandfather spent weekends up there. She told me they had a bunch of loyalty points she never ended up using."
The train sped along the tracks and both started to feel that strong feeling of sleepiness from being on a fast-moving train early in the morning. Mizuhara leaned her head towards the window, but there wasn't any way to get comfortable. She then tried to relax against the seat itself, but it wasn't good enough.
Kazuya smiled and offered his shoulder. Mizuhara was taken aback, but Kazuya just said it doesn't violate any rules and he was about to go to sleep too. Mizuhara shrugged a little and put her head down as he stretched his arm out to rest across the seat. Kazuya slowly put his head down on hers after she got comfortable. Moments later both were snoozing. When the train came to a stop close to the spa Kazuya awoke to a warmth and softness on his arm and chest. Opening his eyes he saw an aqua blue blanket had been draped over him. He laughed softly as Mizuhara awoke in mild shock. Asking the obvious question Kazuya joked there are "blanket fairies" on the train as he looked up and down the aisles with a small smile to himself.
Arriving at the station Kazuya had a feeling to just wait at the station plaza by the taxis and found his family along with Mizuhara's grandmother waiting for them. After checking in Kazuya's parents put all the luggage into their room saying everyone else's room was being made up from guests leaving soon and they'd get their key cards later in the day. Everyone put on their spa robes and headed onto the main floor. They quickly saw many people going all about and realized it was quite crowded.
Inside the spa Kazuya's parents spent some time in a big stone sauna made of red brick with people pouring water of burning coals enjoying the heat with some steam. Kazuya sat down in dark room with reclining chairs with people just watching TV, silently reading from their phones, but virtually everyone was just snoozing. Meanwhile Kazuya's grandmother along with Chizuru's retired to some of the large baths and invited Chizuru along, but she said she wasn't comfortable.
"Chizuru, why aren't you comfortable? We're all women here," Grandmother Kinoshita asked.
"That's just it…I'm not comfortable around strangers while I bathe," Mizuhara said with a shrug.
Both grandmothers shrugged and went off. Mizuhara didn't know where to go, but wondered through the large area seeing people in all manner of saunas, steam rooms with aroma therapy, people getting massages with hot stones, people eating at the health food bar, and saw Kazuya on his phone in one of the rooms of people watching a large monitor while soft music beats played. Mizuhara smiled when she saw on the TV an animated girl in a green hoodie and pink scarf with a big orange cat in her lap both snoozing as soft jazz music played. Walking over softly she took his phone from him.
"I know this is a chance to relax, but don't you think you should put your phone away for at least a few minutes? Are you going over 'work'? Seeing what is available? Reading news? Expecting news? Are you corresponding with your fan base?" Mizuhara asked softly with a grin.
Kazuya was about to swipe it back when he realized she had a point. Mizuhara smiled as she hit the lock-screen button and put Kazuya's phone in her robe's pocket and got into a chair next to him. Kazuya said he was texting his friends about getting together in the week. Mizuhara nodded and asked if he was planning on just being in here or going to truly enjoy the spa elsewhere to relax.
"This is one way of enjoying the spa you know, not everyone gets a massage…although. Some people come here just to get into a nice chair, listen to music in a darkened room, and simply fall asleep. It can be relaxing you know. It is doing what we want to do, but always seem to lack the time do it in during the week," Kazuya said quietly.
"There are tons of other things to do here you know," Mizuhara said to him with a smile.
"Well, stay with me for a few minutes with me off my phone. I love Lofi Girl and I feel this is one of their best videos. It's called 'Cozy Winter'…pretty fitting for the day don't you think?"
Mizuhara nodded and jokingly asked if his shoulder was still available when she smirked at him and closed her eyes. Kazuya shook his head and the two snoozed in the dark just enjoying the music for a while. When the music paused for a few minutes the two woke up and stretched.
"Did you have any place in mind you wanted to hit?" Kazuya asked her as he looked her in the eye like he was her rental.
"What?" Mizuhara responded just a little confused.
"You came here and encouraged me to do something else. I figured you may have an idea."
"Well, they have a bunch of brick saunas. One has very few people in it now. I saw it on the way here. Why don't we go make use of our time there?"
Kazuya nodded and stood as an older man approached the now open chair and bowed. A little boy who looked like he could be the grandson bowed to Mizuhara sitting down in the other chair. Together the two found a nice large domed sauna with beige brick and looked like a large igloo. Inside they got on their backs on the warm wood enjoying the heat and soft light. Together they spoke of no specific topic while others had quiet conversations. The two felt the tension of the day and last few weeks begin to truly release and felt their grandmothers' gift was truly nice and they'd make sure to thank them for it later and show their appreciation.
After some time Kazuya said he was going to enjoy the large bathing area in the men's locker room. Parting ways Mizuhara decided to get a hot stone massage and bowed before leaving.
Inside the men's locker room Kazuya smiled as he walked over to the cleaning area. The counter had tons of disposable razors, toothbrushes, toothpastes, little shampoo bottles, bars of soap, shaving cream, and more cleaning products. Kazuya smiled at how the very best spas allow one to really clean their entire body before the privilege to be in a large hot tub with other spa attendees. No bathing suits allowed are allowed in the largest hot tub as it mimicked and harkened back to the day of true bathhouses. After making himself as clean as possible Kazuya joined several men of all ages in a deep hot bath and just conversed in all manner of topics from their lives including women. When finished Kazuya showered once again and dressed before finding the families together at the health food bar. Kazuya looked over the menu and was tempted to get a Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream along with some other things. The two grandmothers told them to order now at the counter and they'd have it delivered later for dinner. Everyone exited the spa and headed back to their rooms. Mizuhara grabbed her stuff, went back to reception, got her room key card at the front desk, and left eager to enjoy a hot bath and have it all to herself.
Arriving at her room she opened it and found herself in a sitting (some would call it "living room") room and glanced at the layout starting at sitting room, washroom, bathroom, and then bedroom. After changing Mizuhara entered the shower. Meanwhile down the hall Kazuya entered his room and put his luggage down by the closet, took at look at the nice bed, a bucket with a clear bag for one to get ice on a large flat dresser, a large TV next to it, a coffee machine by the ice bucket, and some mints on the pillows. Kazuya smiled at the large room, felt like a king, and grabbed his overnight bag to put his toothbrush and such by the sink. Suddenly he heard a noise and wondered what was going on.
Kazuya knocked for a moment and opened the door figuring housekeeping was not actually finished and said, "I thought the room was already made-"
Suddenly Kazuya gasped as he glimpsed Mizuhara sitting in the bathtub leaned back in the hot water and jumped and looked at Kazuya with nothing but shock and couldn't say a word and froze.
"My, God! COVER YOURSELF!" Kazuya yelled and quickly threw a towel as he made haste to avert his eyes.
Mizuhara shouted and asked the obvious question which Kazuya quickly realized the answer.
"What am I doing here? Can't you see?! There are two women, two very important women, in our lives attempting to set us up…and got us! If you'll excuse me."
Kazuya stormed back to the bedroom and put on his sneakers. The distinct sound of water moving off one's body and splashing in the tub was heard as Mizuhara stood in the bath and she yelled to wait. Kazuya waited as he heard Mizuhara feverishly putting on her clothing and the two raced for the elevator when Kazuya opened the door to the stairwell.
"Hey, the elevator's gonna be here in a second, it's only one floor down. Why would you want to take three flights of stairs up?!" Mizuhara asked in shock.
Kazuya glared at her, "I have a lot of anger! I need to 'run it off'."
"Then I'm coming with you! I have anger and embarrassment."
Kazuya let out a half-smile and nodded. Together they raced up three flights of stairs each shouting something they'd like to say.
Arriving at their grandmothers' rooms they pounded on the doors to see them coming out laughing. Before the grandchildren could say a word both women said they shouldn't be so proper and worried and stop acting like they aren't allowed to be together in the same room. Both tried to explain while the gesture is appreciated they didn't feel it was right.
Kazuya said with a polite and firm voice, "Mizuhara is a proper lady, I don't wish to be intruding on her personal space on a weekend which was supposed to be a restful time. I am sure she doesn't want-"
"Oooh…he is such a proper young man! Such a sweet boy Nagami! He is so well-suited for my Chizuru here. Last of the gentleman he truly is," Sayuri said with a large smile.
Mizuhara was blushing at being called a 'proper lady', but quickly composed herself as best she could and said, "Y-yes, he truly is…but I wish to honor his beliefs too. To that end I'd…we'd prefer…separate rooms. Please don't feel your kindness isn't appreciated. We just feel we're too new a couple to share a room."
"Kazuya…Sayuri used a lifetime's worth of points to get you two such a nice room. It is one of only a few with such a nice hot tub. Don't turn aside such generosity…we couldn't afford such a nice room if we wanted. Most have only regular baths, few even with such nice wash rooms, and even fewer with proper sitting rooms and…that room has something nothing else does," Grandmother Kinoshita said with a smile.
Kazuya and Mizuhara smiled showing they appreciated the gesture and both asked with softer voices, "What?"
"A hot dinner being delivered in ten minutes," Sayuri said with a smile.
The grandchildren both bowed and thanked them as they headed down the stairs cooled off and giving each other a small smile. Both realized on a packed night during this time of year changing rooms would be difficult to say the least.
Entering through the other side of the suite Mizuhara laughed and appreciated the intricacy of the plan and when asked what she meant Mizuhara said she was told the entrance to her room was down the hall from his and thought it was a different room entirely. Giving privacy this time Mizuhara had a proper chance to calm and dress for the evening in a Yukata robe as did Kazuya. Sitting down on the bed they looked at the time and a moment later a knock came on the door. A cart was wheeled into the room and the waiter pushing it took off a large silver platter and placed it on the dresser. The two of them couldn't help but smile at the gesture as the man took out from under the cart a small folding table and two chairs. Placing the covered tray on the table he bowed and told them to enjoy their meal
Kazuya stood to get his wallet when the waiter bowed again saying, "Two very nice ladies already made sure to reward me for my service."
After leaving the room Kazuya and Mizuhara smiled like children getting a gift which was likely what was intended to happen. Looking at the tray Mizuhara took off the shiny metal cover and wondered what was underneath. Smiling like a little girl and Kazuya like a little boy they saw freshly made warm Belgian waffles with whipped cream, cut strawberries all around, a small glass bottle of real maple syrup, a few strips of turkey bacon, and two glasses of orange-protein smoothies to balance out all the sugar. They toasted the notion of meddling grandmothers, sweet gestures, and facing an unexpected situation with a sense of adventure. The two eagerly set out to enjoy their dinner.
When finished Kazuya placed the covered tray outside the room on top of the table with folding chairs with a thank you note. Looking back at Mizuhara and the single bed he looked up with the obvious question in mind.
"I don't know if room service will have a cot for me, but you should take the bed. I'll find get some extra pillows and use the floor," Kazuya said.
"Seriously?! That's your solution to the fact there is only one bed?" Mizuhara asked with a surprised look.
"Well, we can't both sleep in the bed."
"Why not?"
"It's not proper."
"For the love of-you're not working right now…and don't give me any talk about your personal rules. This is a busy weekend; I doubt housekeeping will have much in the way of extra pillows or cots. There are a few pillows, blankets, and even two fresh robes in the closet…but you're not even considering sharing the bed?"
"You are?" Kazuya said with firm eyes turning head head a little
Suddenly Mizuhara's confident side slid back, and she felt a nervousness return as she said, "W-well maybe. I mean this was a gift. You're going to clearly conduct yourself with 'Behavior becoming of a gentleman at all times'…so I am not scared."
Kazuya smiled, "Well you are right about that, but I don't feel comfortable doing it."
"What if I request it?"
"What? I am not rented-"
Mizuhara smiled and grabbed her phone. Kazuya looked nervous and started walking towards the closet to get whatever extra pillows he could find and started placing them on the floor parallel to the bed.
Mizuhara looked at him and turned her head away while saying, "Really? You're going to make me pay you to get in bed with me? I don't know whether to be impressed with your professionalism, annoyed with you feeling you're a real jerk at the moment, opportunistic for a client during a time which is a gift from our grandmothers and should be appreciated, or find you funny. Oh and don't ask why they can't all be present at once."
Kazuya gave a half-smile and said, "Is there a way to compromise?"
Mizuhara asked what he meant.
Kazuya proposed he'd sleep above the sheets and she could below. Mizuhara nodded and said that would be agreeable. Both smiled feeling a somewhat tense moment was over and decided to enjoy some time watching whatever they could agree upon. For a little while they watched some trendy streaming show on NETFLIX and when finished Mizuhara flipped though until she stopped seeing the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra doing a live concert at Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. The music being played were holiday songs from around the world. Kazuya sat captivated and Mizuhara commented he really had a love for orchestral music. Kazuya looked at her with a half-smile and shushed her. Mizuhara was taken aback and gave him a joking sneer as she smiled to return to silence and listen to the music and nothing else.
When the concert was over Kazuya said they needed to have a serious discussion.
Mizuhara looked down and said, "I know what you're about to say, but I don't know what to say in response."
Kazuya nodded and said," This is as hard for me as you. It truly is, but we're getting close to the PNR."
"PNR?"
"The Point of No Return. If we keep this up much longer it will be nearly impossible to stop without significant harm to our families on their emotional state."
"Does that mean we're going to always be together?" Mizuhara asked attempting to lighten the mood.
Kazuya smiled a little and said, "I don't know, but at least we know some of each other's interests already. Obviously, we need to really find out what we're going to do."
"I am sorry I am a problematic client. I am sorry for getting us into this whole thing," Mizuhara said as she looked down.
Kazuya smiled and said, "You can rent me a little longer, it takes two to Tango after all. I didn't speak up when I was asked."
Mizuhara laughed and said she supposed not. She then asked if Kazuya was thirsty as she went outside to get a bottle of water for each of them. Kazuya thought and thought of what do when he looked outside and noticed it had started to snow just a little. Mizuhara returned two bottles of Ocari and placed one on each side of the bed's nightstands. Kazuya smiled.
Mizuhara asked with genuine eyes, "What are you smiling at?"
Kazuya smiled back at her and asked, "Do you feel tired?"
Mizuhara immediately said, "No, not really. I have too much on my mind. I feel bad about that, this is supposed to be a relaxing time. You're laying all this complex stuff on my tonight…well we each have it on our shoulders really. Why?"
Kazuya stood and said, "It's snowing. It's dark and the air is just right. You have a bathing suit, right? Grab it! It's time we enjoyed one of the spa's best attractions."
Mizuhara smiled, grabbed her overnight bag, and ran to the bathroom and changed while Kazuya did the same in the bedroom.
Standing up Kazuya grabbed the room key card and extended his arm. Mizuhara smiled and blushed just a little as she took it and they headed outside.
Standing outside they looked up at the sky seeing fresh snow falling and gave each other huge smiles and made their way to the large outdoor hot tub. Heat lamps glowed by some lounge chairs and a couple headed inside saying the water was great with the girl giving Kazuya an extra-long smile.
"An old client?" Mizuhara asked.
"I couldn't say," Kazuya responded with a sly smile.
Snow flakes fell all around hitting their skin, landing on the lamps, falling into the hot tub, and collecting a little on the pathway and grass.
Mizuhara eased herself into the hot bubbling water holding Kazuya's hand as she did so and he sat down a moment later as she thanked him. As they watched the snow more heavily falling all around them each smiled. Together they remarked on the stillness of the air making it just right and the feeling of the hot water all the better. Gazing at the night sky they remarked it truly was a beautiful night.
Mizuhara looked at Kazuya and said, "May I ask you a question?"
Kazuya looked over and said, "Of course. What would you like to know?"
"What's your favorite song or composure?" Mizuhara asked.
Kazuya smiled and said, "'Jupiter: The Bringer of Joviality' from The Planet's Suite by Gustov Holst."
"What is your favorite song or composure?"
"Well, I guess I am a little bit of a romantic beneath all the business, maybe it comes from reading a lot of shoujo manga…my favorite song is from an old classic movie."
"What movie?"
"From the 'golden age of cinema' the film Casablanca and the song is 'As Time Goes By.' It has a feeling romance, how things can change and yet be the same, and really a depth to it of feeling and charm. I don't know, I hope I don't sound goofy," Mizuhara said as she kind of shrugged a little.
Kazuya smiled widely and said, "You do not sound goofy at all. Not at all."
Mizuhara thanked Kazuya and the the two enjoyed the hot water and saw the same waiter from dinner bring out two glasses of sake and a small bottle on a silver platter. Before either could say anything he quickly said it was a perk of all premium guests at the the spa and placed the silver platter at the edge of the hot tub. As he left he winked at Kazuya while Mizuhara was eagerly taking the glasses in her hands and handed one to Kazuya. After enjoying two glasses of sake each Mizuhara said she was feeling sleepy and stood up offering her hand to Kazuya to help him up when he agreed.
Returning inside both felt very drowsy and Mizuhara offered a final time to Kazuya if he'd like to get under the sheets as they just came in from a snowy night albeit in a hot tub. Kazuya smiled and said he appreciated the gesture and would let her know if he wished to change his mind. Mizuhara went off to brush her teeth and Kazuya thought to himself if he was making a mistake and ironically realized to not do as requested could push things further the wrong way if he acted so maturely and could possibly trigger a stronger pursuit of him. Kazuya suddenly grimaced and wondered if he was being arrogant and any concerns of his were merely in his head. Meanwhile Mizuhara had the exact set of thoughts on the inverse wondering if she appeared to be playing "hard to get" if she requested his staying on the floor could drive him towards her. Shaking it off she figured it may all be in her mind too. Returning to get into bed Kazuya went off to brush his teeth and arrived back in the darkness and grabbed a spare blanket from the closet and got on top of the bed and said goodnight.
Kazuya couldn't sleep and worried it was awkward for Mizuhara and wanted to ask her if she was okay. He stared into the darkness and finally turned over and heard Mizuhara quietly breathing and realizing she was asleep. Kazuya smiled to himself and thought of the concert they'd seen earlier and pictured the snow falling outside and drifted off to a deep sleep.
The following morning both awoke in a jump to the sound of the phone call and neither remembered setting a wake-up call. Picking up the phone the laughter of Grandmother Kinoshita she asked how they slept last night. Both rolled their eyes and said soundly so no jokes could be made. She then said to meet them downstairs in an hour for breakfast. Arriving downstairs the families had a light fish and rice dish for breakfast. Getting back on the train Mizuhara was wide awake from the quite restful sleep she had the prior night. Kazuya, while sleeping deeply the prior night, felt tired and wondered if it was from the sleep itself being deep or the sake. He attempted to sleep on the seat, but couldn't get comfortable. Looking over with a smile Mizuhara offered her shoulder. Kazuya smiled and accepted her offer putting his head down and within moments of doing so fell asleep.
A gentle nudge woke Kazuya who once again found a nice soft blanket draped on the two of them. One of the conductors said in a gentle voice, "Your stop is coming up." The two got up and Kazuya started to hand the blanket back to the conductor when she handed it back saying it was a gift.
"That was nice of her," Mizuhara commented as the two stepped off the train.
Kazuya smiled to himself saying, "Nice indeed as they're not for free you know. Here, take it back to your place. I'm not heading back home right now. I'm meeting Kobi and Kuri for coffee."
Kazuya waited until she was out of sight and left for home feeling that blanket while a gift from the "blanket fairies" would be better used by her than him at least until they may need to share it. Kazuya mused at the thought of a date under the stars with her reading poetry and quickly shook his head wondering what was wrong with him.
The following morning Kazuya awoke to a notification on his Sapphire app with an email of the monthly newsletter. Inside the newsletter, as one would expect, was industry news, updates in policies, new earning opportunities due to them, some jokes, tips, stories, and in the end a set of coupons from local vendors. Kazuya scrolled through them and saw a bonus if you buy an Amazon Prime Membership how you'd get a free gift card and how it'd make a great gift for a client at year-end.
"What if I want a gift?" Kazuya mused to himself.
Scrolling through coupon after coupon of things like discounts at local movie theaters, restaurants, discounts on gift certificates from various merchants, and stopped on an ad for a salon. It showed a photo of one of their prized boyfriends getting a manicure-pedicure and laughed. Feeling like spoiling himself, fresh from the spa still feeling like a king in such a nice room, he bought a coupon for a 'mani-petti'."
Arriving at the salon Sunday afternoon Kazua saw several people having their nails done and a few chairs empty awaiting new clients. Kazuya was shocked to see Sumi sitting waiting for her next client. Sumi saw Kazuya and jumped up with a huge smile immediately coming around. Her boss wondered what was going on, but figured just from Sumi's energy it had to be someone special she knew.
"Kazuya-Kun! Did you come into get your nails done? I'm available!" Sumi said with a huge smile.
"Hello Sumi. Yes, I'd love to get my nails done. I came in with a combination coupon," Kazuya said with confidence.
Sumi walked over as red as the setting sun and motioned Kazuya closer. Kazuya smiled and leaned in a little and smiled wider with a near-silent laugh.
"Sure, if you'd like," Kazuya said as he opened his arms smiling warmly.
Sumi quickly went in giving a warm hug saying it was great to see him.
Kazuya hugged her back saying it was great to see her as well. Sumi took Kazuya's hand and started to lead him to her station when Kazuya motioned her closer. Sumi smiled as she rose a little to come closer in and Kazuya said with a warm smile, "You don't have to ask next time."
Smiling warmly enough to melt the Polar Ice Caps she invited Kazuya to sit down and put his hands on her table and tell her what he did last weekend. For a moment Kazuya wasn't sure what to say, but smiled back and asked her what she did first.