A/N the jacket Sumi tries on at the mall is on the cover of Rent-A-(Really Shy!)-Girlfriend 2. It can be found on Amazon.
Chapter Seven: Farewell and Boyfriend
Sumi took a bottle of hand-sanitizer and cleaned her hands before taking Kazuya's right hand and cleaning it in warm water. She smiled and started to think of last weekend.
"Well, I slept in a little as I often do on Saturday and was awoken by Suzuri. My alarm may not go off, but her reminder for the morning walk always goes off just before 9AM. Usually I start my days at 4AM. I am not kidding," Sumi said with a smile.
"4AM?! You told me you're an early riser, but I never could get up that early. I guess your dog has an internal alarm clock. I grew up with cats. My family took in strays on occasion, but always would feed some of the local 'community cats.' You know what I mean?"
"Oh sure. I had some around me. No owner, food and care from many, and loved by the community."
"Yeah, that's them. I have fish now, I love aquatic life. I have some tropical fish, beautiful betta fish. One is blue and the other red…kind of like your hair."
Sumi smiled and said she has the flowers he got her as a wallpaper on her phone.
Smiling warmly Kazuya said he was quite happy to hear they are still being enjoyed.
Kazuya watched Sumi take her nail clipper and start clipping the excesses and observed just how skilled she was as she seemed to do it without even needing to look down for more than a moment. Smiling to himself he was captivated watching Sumi's hands seemingly working on their own.
"You're quite tactile with those clippers huh? I'd be scared to even look away for a moment," Kazuya said as he looked down.
Sumi gave a warm smile saying, "Thank you. I am very tactile. It comes from doing calligraphy. I could clip your nails with my eyes closed, but don't worry...I won't. So, what did you do on the weekend?"
"Uhhh…I visited a spa with my family and some family friends." Kazuya responded.
"Oh, that's nice, my friend did too. She said she was able to enjoy an outdoor hot tub at night while it snowed. She said it was amazing, she had a really fun time. She says someone was with her, but she is being very private, who drank sake with her. She won't tell me, just saying he was someone who was also staying at the spa. She blushes whenever I ask her about her 'hot tub hubby'."
Kazuya froze and worried she may be talking about Mizuhara and worse if Sumi knew something. Before he could think too much longer Sumi started filing his nails remarking he really needed to come in today and immediately said he should make a schedule for repeat visits with her and only her. Sumi smiled and said it was important to have someone who you trust in matters such as personal care. Kazuya mused about mental care for his problems as well as looking his best. She then started to file his nails making Kazuya's hands start to look quite proper. Continuing her work, Sumi moved onto cuticle cream applying and applying pressure to work it in and ask how things are going in classes and Kazuya spoke of various business classes to assist in possibly taking over the family business someday. Sumi finished his right-hand and took it to place it in a bowl of warm water. Kazuya felt her hand was so soft, warm, and just smiled at her as she started to work on his left hand.
"Why are you smiling Kazuya-Kun?" Sumi asked in a sweet voice.
"Oh, it's just that you're very gentle and caring with your clients," Kazuya responded.
Sumi smiled with pride and said, "I told you: You need to make a regular schedule with someone you trust with your hands…now you know why I suggested it should only be me. Some of the other ladies have been doing this as longer than our parents have lived and while exceptionally good…they aren't always as gentle…some can be 'a little rough'."
Kazuya asked more about Sumi's classes while she worked on the rest of the steps pushing back the cuticles, removing excess, drying, and massaging the hands. Sumi spoke of her enjoyment in the humanities club and her enjoyment for music she is listening to lately during classes. She finished putting on a clear coat of polish. The ladies all remarked Kazuya looked great. Sumi smiled with pride and took Kazuya to a nice reclining chair and removed his shoes and socks to have them soak in more warm water. Kazuya felt like a king as Sumi began clipping his toenails, filing, and it felt tickled as she exfoliated the dead skin away. Kazuya laughed and Sumi couldn't help but laugh too.
Opening Sapphire Kazuya clicked the promotional coupon and bought his new Amazon Prime Membership. In the confirmation page was a barcode to scan at any retailer selling gift cards could be visited to obtain it.
Sumi asked how the weather was outside telling him it was very cold when she arrived. Kazuya looked up and said it was still cold enough to need a jacket. Sumi nodded as she started finishing with the process of a massage of calves and feet, final rinse, and applied clear coat polish. Kazuya gave a nod saying once again she was quite skilled.
Standing up with a smile Sumi bowed and returned to her station and sat down awaiting her next client. Once dressed again Kazuya offered her the Amazon gift card and she eagerly accepted before saying he needed to be given something in return.
"You want to give me something in return? It was a gift for your great service. You needn't get me anything in return, "Kazuya said as he paid at the register and included a generous gratuity for her on the large payment screen.
Sumi thought and thought and suddenly stood up and said, "We need to get you some new clothing to go with your new look!"
Kazuya smiled, was happily taken aback and simply said,"Okay."
Sumi ran up and took his arm and started to walk to the door as Kazuya gave a little laugh and said, "You're really quite precious."
Some of Sumi's coworkers laughed a little seeing their coworker show quite a surprisingly serious and assertive moment and witnessed Kazuya's heart skip a beat.
Remembering she had an hour left in her shift, she looked to her boss worriedly who quickly smiled and nodded saying he'd see her tomorrow one hour before her scheduled shift.
Sumi took Kazuya to the Domed City Mall and led him to a department store. Quickly taking him by the hand, she led him to the men's department. Kazuya smiled seeing her drive as they started going through some shirts with him as well as pairs of jeans she had him try on for her. Sumi was all smiles and applauded at one or two with a big smile saying he needed to get them. Before finishing she noticed a beige hat ringed with a red stripe and said she was sure it would great on him and remarked he looked cool in it. Sumi then led Kazuya to the lady's department and had him give opinions on several outfits. Kazuya attempted to find the best, but noted she looks great in everything she tried on for him. Sumi smiled before trying on a furry black jacket with pink ribbons and brass-rimmed buttons. Kazuya said he needed to buy it for her saying it was perfect, but Sumi politely refused shaking her head.
While waiting in the line for the registers Kazuya grabbed an Amazon gift card from a large spindle of gift cards. Together they left the store with their purchases, headed to a pretzel stand to get one of those hot buttered decadent pretzels, and finished their time together getting bubble tea. Walking through the mall they passed a vendor cart with stuffed animals with a sign noting Christmas is just around the corner. Kazuya kept a close eye on Sumi who looked at three different dolphins and asked if it was her favorite animal. Sumi smiled and said it was and asked him what kind of fish was his favorite to which he mused he really likes them all and just seeing them at an aquarium together. Sumi kept on wanting to ask Kazuya something, but for all her relaxed self with him she could not get the courage up and just figured she'd have to ask him another time.
Kazuya walked Sumi back to her subway station before remembering something important and turned to her.
Smiling widely Kazuya said he was giving all his clients gifts for Christmas and told her to meet him Friday afternoon at the Starbucks across the street and to be prompt at 15:00. Before parting ways Kazuya handed Sumi her new Amazon gift card. With a huge smile Sumi bowed and ran down the stairs as Kazuya quickly jumped online and smiled when he found exactly what he wanted and that it would arrive in two days and quickly bought it.
That evening Kazuya rushed into his favorite coffee bar and nervously went to the corner and sat down in front of his fellow Sapphire as he pulled out his phone and worriedly pointed as he read aloud: 'Come immediately, important need to see you now.' What's going on?"
Shaking his head, the Sapphire looked up and said, "I am sorry for the abruptness, but time is short."
"W-What's going on?"
"It's time Kazuya."
"Time for what?"
"I have done all I can do. The is where the path ends for me. It was exciting, it was saddening, it was sweet, it was something I will always remember, but I am done. I am retiring."
"What?! You…you're great at what you do. I have to say you have skills I've never seen before. You have a fan-base like no other and growing demand. I look at you and see inspiration."
"Thank you, but my time has come. Being a Sapphire was all those things and taught me a lot, it was quite informative."
"Informative?"
"I have learned a great deal being a Sapphire. I deceived you when I spoke about my major in history, I apologize for that. I'm actually a psychology major and I've gathered all I need to at this point, this was hands on research. It was a social experiment and I was both the researcher, and in a way, the test-subject too."
"What happens now? I felt you would be here at least another year."
"Thanks for your support and belief, I will miss it, but I have been given a fantastic opportunity to move on. A transfer opportunity opened a semester ahead of schedule. I am transferring to UCLA…I'm leaving just after Christmas. This is for you."
The Sapphire placed a Swiss Army Knife on the table and looked at Kazuya proudly.
"W-What's going on?"
"It's time…you're being promoted. In my departure you are being given a battlefield promotion, but you're close to achieving professional-grade soon as it is…think of this as a gift, but it is really a tool—a reminder of how to approach things in life both professionally and personally too. Teach others Kazuya, you are now a professional and will be teaching rookies before they go out. It is more than mentoring a single young Sapphire: You will now be conducting orientations, holding seminars, and helping others early on as I did for you. Your rental rate also increases as a professional boyfriend…Sapphire does what it can to retain their best. I told them that I had bigger opportunities, but I did tell them I would give gifts this Christmas to make sure I leave my client on the highest level of professionalism."
Kazuya looked at Ashai with the hint of a smile and rolled his eyes just a little as he said, "That's the only reason, right?"
"Yes, Kazuya. It is nice to get gifts too, but it is more about leaving a good impression. It is things like that which help our newcomers find new business as referrals from others to our agency. Speaking of which Sapphire's gift to you this year for your achievements over this last year is very nice: You have the gift of being able to raise your protégé to the featured spot for one week."
"That is a nice gift."
"Take this knife and instill the knowledge I have bestowed upon you to others. It was from the 'Jedi Master' who instructed me. I pass it to you."
Kazuya looked ahead speechless and then said, "I thought…I thought there was more training."
The seasoned Sapphire smiled as he said, "My dear friend, you have been doing this for eleven months and you already are showing you have mastered my final lesson-that there is always more to learn, always more to refine. Never stop learning. I am proud of you Kazuya."
Reaching across the table Ashai gave Kazuya a firm handshake.
Kazuya started to wipe away a tear as a beautiful blonde woman approached their table. Kazuya immediately stood as Ashai stood and smiled too.
With a large smile and firm conviction Ashai said, "Kazuya, meet my colleague from two realms: Himeko."
Kazuya graciously bowed and said it was nice to meet her and asked what Ashai meant.
Himeko smiled and said, "I too am a psychology major and am transferring with him. I am also the number one girlfriend at-"
"At Diamond, I know. You are a legend in the industry," Kazuya said a tad shocked to meet her.
"You're right…he is a charmer, "Himeko said with a broad smile as she sat down with the two Sapphires.
Himeko handed Ashai a small wrapped present and told Kazuya to open it saying it was his Christmas present.
Kazuya opened it and smiled as he saw it was a framed photograph of the night sky with many stars and in a box at the bottom was written: "The name Kazuya means 'calm', 'peace', 'harmony', 'level' and 'concord' and traces its early origins to the night sky's calm. While we all face many a hardship and challenges in life, times when we are scared, nervous, and sad know that your name carries with it very meaning of what it is to bring a feeling of serenity to those around you for whom you care."
Kazua said it was beautiful and shed another tear as he thanked Ashai.
"Oh, don't thank me. It was Himeko's knowledge and love of etymology that gave rise to my 'trademark end of a first-date gift.' She suggested I give you this along with your Swiss Army Knife."
Kazuya thanked them both and enjoyed some tea and cookies as he told them of his career status and how things are getting a little tighter with some clients. Himeko told him to remember each day what his name means and look in the mirror while remembering and it may help, that it is all about thought, and how we see ourselves.
Before parting ways Ashai gave Kazuya a firm hug which he returned and Ashai once again told Kazuya he is proud of him and reminded him as he gives his clients gift this year to remember it is about sentiment and joked the simplest of gifts carry more sparkle than a diamond if he truly puts thought into it and gives it to his clients with one of his truthful and endearing smiles.
Feeling new inspiration Kazuya quickly returned to the Domed City Mall eager to find a specific gift.
The following Tuesday there was a knock on Mizuhara's door early just before lunch and she opened the door not expecting anyone and thought it was must a package. Seeing a large yellow padded envelope with the handwriting noting, "Sapporo Social INC" as the sender. Feeling that sounded vaguely familiar she opened the Sapphire app and saw at the bottom it was the parent company. Feeling it was a gift she happily opened it, thankful the envelope didn't inform she was a Sapphire client to her neighbors.
Inside the envelope Mizuhara saw a small wrapped gift & thank-you card and smiled as she read a handwritten card: "Thank you for choosing the best rental boyfriends on this island and any other. At Sapphire we take great care to make sure our clients are shown appreciation with all levels of comfort and peace of mind."
Without giving it a second thought, she opened the small wrapped gift feeling it was a bottle and mused if it was skin cream, body lotion, a scented oil, or some other welcome product.
Suddenly Mizuhara's eyes flew open as she dropped a large bottle of hand sanitizer. A Post It stuck to the bottle said: "Piece of mind for touching our hard-working boyfriends."
Mizuhara suddenly felt sick to her stomach and let out a growl as she heard a laugh clearly from a woman followed by rapid steps up the metal staircase to the next level. Ready to throw it at who she had a strong belief it was she took it inside and slammed it on her kitchen counter. Unable to think of what to do she figured the best response would be to simply use it and not let this trolling get to her.
Upstairs Mami knocked on Kazuya's door and said it was time for brunch and happily pulled him outside. Kazuya protested saying he had other matters to attend to as he was busy buying gifts online for his clients. Mami suddenly let go of his arm and looked a little sullen and even scared.
"What's wrong? I told you I was busy buying gifts today, Christmas is a week away," Kazuya said.
Mami felt sick to her stomach as she said, "It's just that I was hoping we could get something to eat together, just us."
Kazuya gave Mami a hug and felt her shaking a little before saying he would grab his coat. Mami smiled as she walked outside. Together walking to a small café Mami smiled more the further they got from his apartment. Once together inside a server came over bringing fresh tea and smiled at Kazuya for quite a few moments.
"A former 'client' Kazuya?" Mami asked while looking agitated.
"I couldn't say and besides I am here with you and only you." Kazuya said trying to lighten the mood.
"Thanks. I'm sorry, it's just hard. I am sorry to be this way, I really am. I hate having this problem."
"What 'problem'? I am out having brunch with a friend under the stress of the season."
Mami smiled and thanked him as they ordered some light fare.
Meanwhile back in her apartment Mizuhara opened the Sapphire app and booked a brunch for tomorrow mid-morning. Upon hearing the distinctive notification tone on Kazuya's phone Mami suddenly felt sick to her stomach again. Kazuya apologized, put his phone on silent, and said it was merely a reminder that working on Christmas carried a huge premium and quickly mimicked him pressing to acknowledge it while seeing it was a booking from Mizuhara.
The following morning started with a chilly wind and grey sky. Arriving at the park across from his apartment Kazuya checked his phone. Wearing his brand new black jeans, a blue sweatshirt, and his rusty red coat Kazuya looked at the path to town and saw smoke rising from some houses. At exactly the arranged time Mizuhara arrived in blue jeans and a modest outfit. After traditional greetings he noticed her looking just a tad anxious and gave a slight smile looking almost lost.
Kazuya looked closely at his client and said,"Shall we be off? You wanted to get some pancakes? Come on."
Mizuhara had trouble making any eye contact and mumbled an okay. She walked at his side looking at the ground unable to really lift her head.
After walking a few minutes Kazuya started to take her hand when she turned to him, yanked it away, and shouted, "Don't touch me!"
Kazuya was quite taken aback and stopped walking and pointed to a nearby bench.
Sitting down Kazuya patted the space beside him with a small smile and watched her sit.
Looking both ways he looked her in the eye softly and with a clear concern said, "I have not accepted your money yet. The date is not official yet. As a courtesy, I don't start 'dates' until we're at the venue. My mentor taught me that. Mizuhara, what's wrong? Why are you acting so strangely? I am talking to my neighbor now. You won't have to pay for any time, I'll cancel the date."
Kazuya smiled and reached for his phone and was about to hit "CANCEL DATE" on the Sapphire app ready to accept whatever penalty may come his way.
Mizuhara shook her head and slowly put her hand out before saying softly, "Take it, please. What do you see?"
Kazuya gently took her hand and answered,"What do I see? I see only the hand of my neighbor, but I feel it shaking. What's wrong? What is making you uncomfortable? What changed since I last saw you?"
"It's hard to put into words," Mizuhara said a little crestfallen.
Kazuya released Mizuhara's hand and watched as she put it on the bench noting it was still shaking a little.
"Try. I am not on the clock; I am your neighbor now. Talk to me that way Mizuhara."
"I don't feel comfortable being in any physical contact with you and now even being with you is making me feel uncomfortable."
"Why?"
"I know what's doing it, but I don't know why it is affecting me this way. Ever feel your rational mind be overtaken by your irrational side? Something you almost regret thinking, but still 'made sense' to you on some level?"
"Some would call that 'survival instinct.' You may see a simulated fire burning behind glass in the lobby of a hotel, but you still think to yourself to be careful getting too close. You know what fire is and you can be burned even when you know it is just reflecting light from colored bulbs and such. What's triggering your response today? What are you trying to 'survive'?"
"I got a gift…and I hate saying this: I feel weak, repulsed, and now worried. I even know why, but I must be able to tell someone this and I considered seeing 'The Zen Practitioner'…speaking of which did you decide what to do with the persona?"
"Yes, he was added to my 'refined self' persona, but enough on me. What's going on?"
"I received this 'gift' from Sapphire or so the return address said…it was 'quite' likely from your 'groupie.' Inside was a large bottle of hand-sanitizer. I felt sick to my stomach the moment I saw it. I took it inside thinking I am not going to let this trolling get to me…or so I thought. I knew that 'the best revenge is living well', but I feel like I am not able to do that. I am more than happy to use it constructively, but I cannot get over this feeling."
"What feeling?"
"That you're now somehow contaminated from every woman you touch. That you're 'dirty' and I am scared to touch you. I didn't feel that way before and it is quite angering. I feel safe around you on my rational side, but this 'gift' is making me feel nauseous being around you and that is quite disconcerting. I need to be better than that, I am better than that."
"Mizuhara, this is linked to someone we both know. You had a similar response last time. You're stronger than that, you're better than that. What is setting you off today? What is the catalyst that really set you off?"
"Christmas is coming and my friends all get together to exchange gifts. Niko will be there, and I am feeling a little bit irked, but not enough to put me off seeing my friends. Kazuya, this trolling normally would not be enough to set me off, but it is knowing I will see Niko too."
"So? Why are these linked? I have a theory."
"What?"
"You likely held hands with Niko and it is a memory which stays with you, things got tense when we ran into him, and then bowling he was touching you in a way you didn't feel was welcome. Then you were happy when we left him behind and you joined my friends and me bowling. He is what's causing this feeling today."
"You really have seen it all, but I have something specific to add: He held my hand while he was breaking up with me. I'd like to think it was out of comfort, trying to be civil or nice, but we associate things without our desire to do so and sometimes no matter what we do to avoid it we cannot change it. It felt so great holding your hand when we first met and holding your arm just before we went 'hot tubbing.' I know you know that."
Mizuhara looked down unable to hold back a small smile and Kazuya nodded.
"Don't play into her hands-"
"I wasn't done. It is just that…alone neither of these events would bother me enough, but this 'gift' at the doorstep really set me off, I am better than that, and now I consciously know something which shouldn't affect me at all is….I guess-"
"I wasn't done either. Do not play into her hands. If she's doing that you should 'one-up' her."
"What? What?! She's…isn't she…isn't she is your 'girlfriend in waiting'? Why would I want to 'stoop to her level'? How could I strike back at her? How could you suggest it!?"
Kazuya looked both ways and said, "There is 'someone' I know, a lot like you, and she is a client of mine. I cannot stand the thought of someone I know making my clients unhappy. It can lead to bad reviews, loss of business, and in general hurt people who are good-natured. There is a special annoyance when someone strikes an innocent party because they're angry at a situation."
"Wh—what? What?! Is this just about money?! Is this only about 'this client's' continued business?! How could you-"
"Someone decided to draw this client of mine into a situation, a situation of which she had no control and surely couldn't help change. The instigator's actions don't really help her at all in the end. They say, 'All is fair in love and war'."
Kazuya then let Mizuhara know he never spoke to Mami about the visit she paid her that afternoon 'warning her about turf.' Mizuhara looked at Kazuya noting he is quite an enigma at times.
"W-what are you suggesting 'the client' does?
"I feel 'the client' should visit the pharmacy down the street and buy a box of rubber gloves. That may teach the instigator a lesson they won't soon forget."
"No, I suppose they wouldn't."
"If I told you that it would be helping me if 'the client' decides to teach the 'instigator' a lesson, do you think 'the client' would feel okay? Think about it: Sometimes in life if a sibling, friend, a loved one, or someone very close to you isn't responding/wont' respond to your requests/desires/call for help doesn't having another speak to them or 'knock some sense into them' have the possibility to help?"
Mizuhara looked at him and again felt he was enigmatic and said, "Perhaps."
Kazuya smiled and said, "You wanna get some pancakes?"
Mizuhara nodded, stood up, and extended her hand to Kazuya to help him up. Together they walked towards town and Mizuhara slowly took Kazuya's hand and smiled at him. Kazuya smiled more feeling the shaking had subsided. A few moments later Kazuya suddenly had a look of happy shock as Mizuhara took his arm and put it around her.
Sitting down at Donny's they ordered breakfast when Mizuhara noticed Kazuya hadn't taken out his phone.
"You didn't start the date. I never even gave you the money," Mizuhara said as she turned to get to her purse.
"Oh no. I didn't start the date, well it's too late now," Kazuya gave a small wink.
Mizuhara smiled and said after brunch he didn't need to walk her back anywhere as she had to visit the pharmacy.
"What's wrong? Is something bothering you?" Kazuya asked honestly forgetting their earlier conversation.
"No, nothing is bothering me. I had quite a stomachache and felt nauseous earlier. However, it has since cleared up. I don't need this bottle of TUMS I bought anymore. I may pick up something else while there," Mizuhara responded.
"What bottle of TUMS?"
"Exactly."
Kazuya smiled and told her to meet him at the Starbucks by the local subway station at 15:30 on Friday to receive her Christmas gift. Mizuhara smiled and eagerly put it in her calendar and said she needed to get him something. Kazuya shook his head and said giving a gift to a client was company policy and the best gift she could give would be a referral.
Mizuhara asked if there was anything he wanted.
Kazuya smiled as he said,"Do I want anything? Usually the most clients give me is a smile and thanks and if I am lucky a nice review too. A few have given me small gifts, but whenever asked what I want I tell them I am sure they're busy buying gifts for family and friends and the best gift is their patronage in the new year."
"Surely there is something you want," Mizuhara responded as she smiled back.
"Knowing you're feeling well during a tumultuous time and stressful part of the year is gift enough."
"That's awfully sweet, but I want to give something."
"I'd challenge you to figure out a gift, but that can be hard. With that I will say again the best gift you could give me is to know you're doing well and look into the sky at night, see the stars for inspiration, stay at peace, and not look down at the ground with worry."
Mizuhara smiled and said that was beautiful before smiling to herself as she set off for the local pharmacy.
Friday afternoon saw Kazuya sitting inside the local Starbucks next to a large bag of various gifts when a young lady with glasses and long dark hair wearing a backpack walked over smiling.
Kazuya quickly stood and bowed before saying,"Ms. Futaba, you look lovely. How have you been? Your beauty exceeds what I remember."
The girl with the long dark hair smiled widely and came in for a tight hug thanking him before saying,"You may call me 'Aoi', consider that an extra gift this year. It is so nice to see you. A friend of mine tried some of the root beer you gave me last year and now she likes it too. She is a huge cream soda fan."
Kazuya smiled and invited her to sit and gave her a gift bag with a box the size of pancake mix from his large bag of gifts and said it was for her.
"Merry Christmas Ms. F- Aoi. Merry Christmas Aoi," Kazuya said with a beaming smile.
Returning with a beaming smile Aoi asked if she could open it now. When Kazuya nodded she gasped and smiled as she opened the gift.
Inside was a soda making kit with three bottles of syrup. A bottle for root beer, a bottle for cream soda, and one for orange soda. Aoi smiled and saw the instructions inside and even a tip for making orange-cream too. Aoi smiled and thanked him saying she would need to get some seltzer water. Kazuya smiled and pulled out a bottle of seltzer water from bag of gifts and she laughed. Aoi thought for a moment and quicky signaled the server and asked for two glasses. Kazuya smiled when she said she was going to make each a glass of soda noting he should get the first taste. Laughing a little Kazuya agreed and requested she make him an orange soda. Kazuya watched her closely measure out the amount of syrup and stir it into a glass. The seltzer water turned a light shade of orange and Aoi handed it to him with anticipation. Taking a sip, he nodded and drank some before offering her a drink. Aoi blushed and thanked him taking a sip and drinking a half the glass saying it was good. Together they shared a second glass, this time of cream soda.
"Oh, I almost forgot: This is for you. Thank you for showing me everything for everything for which this stands," Aoi said as she handed him a single white rose she took out of her backpack.
Kazuya rose up and gave her a second hug and once again wished her a Merry Christmas. Aoi stood and took her gift bag, bowed, and left the coffee shop with a large smile as she saw Kazuya had taped a discount date voucher for the new year to the bottom of the box with a smile on it.
A moment later Kazuya's protégé entered and tapped his wrist. Kazuya smiled and shook his head as his fellow Sapphire waved and sat down at the table near him and put down a small box. Smiling at Kazuya he pointed to the door subtly as an older woman dressed in a fur coat and exquisite scarf came in and after standing and receiving a hug sat down with him and smiled as he presented her a CD he took from a box and pulled out a Sharpie to sign it. The woman in the fur coat smiled and thanked him before giving him a bag of cat treats and said she is sure the cats at the shelter will love them.
The two Sapphires spoke of their plans after gift giving and Kazuya invited his student to join him at his tavern for some food.
At exactly 15:00 hours Sumi entered wearing the same jacket from the mall and Kazuya stood up giving a huge smile as he motioned her towards him. Sumi started opening her arms when he hugged her back warmly and said, "It looks great on you! You look wonderful."
Sumi again turned the color of the setting sun as she took off her coat and sitting down said, "Thank you Kazuya-Kun. I used your gift to help pay for it, I knew I could get a better price online. I have something for you, it's something small…and I really hope you like it."
"Sumi! You didn't have to get me anything. Gifts are about sentiment, I am sure anything you give me will be lovely."
"Thank you. Here, I am sure it will look great with them."
Smiling Sumi handed Kazua a small box she took from her pocket a box of colored glass pebbles and a small treasure chest for his fish tank.
"This will look great; it will add beauty to it and I'll put a picture up on my profile."
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"How about you sit down, and I'll get you something to drink? I could use a quick stretch; I have been here a while."
Sumi sat and smiled as Kazuya returned with a pink lemonade and Dragonfruit drink.
"Oh, you got this to match my pink hair and your jacket," Sumi said as she smiled.
Kazuya smiled and said, "Okay, time for your gift. Stand up, close your eyes, and put your arms out."
Sumi did so and asked on the verge of laughing, "What are you giving me Kazuya-kun?"
Kazuya waved at the barista who brought out Sumi's gift and put it in her arms.
"Okay Sumi you can open your eyes."
Sumi gasped at seeing a life-sized dolphin plush doll.
Putting it down on the table Sumi rushed over giving Kazuya a tight hug saying she loved it.
Sumi sat with Kazuya for a few minutes drinking her lemonade when she got up and said she needed to get her gift to its "new habitat" and off to an evening class.
"Oh, I actually have one other thing for you. Stand up and…uh…close your eyes. I didn't gift-wrap it," Sumi said nervously.
Kazuya stood and felt Sumi place something soft in his hands. Opening his eyes he saw a black wool hat with a little red fish on it.
"I love it, it looks great and will keep me warm. Speaking of which I am glad you have that jacket, it was cold this morning," Kazuya said as he gave Sumi a soft hug goodbye wishing her a Merry Christmas.
Exiting with a bow she wished Kazuya a Merry Christmas. Once at the door she once again could not stop herself from looking towards Kazuya's table.
At exactly 15:30 another woman came in and also received an autographed CD from Kazuya's student. The client smiled and then handed him a box with a cologne only for mature men as she said. A few minutes later another client came over to see Kazuya's colleague and after he finished giving his gift Kazuya smiled at him as he received another hug and a gift card. A moment later he left saying he'd see him tonight giving a wink while tapping his wrist.
Kazuya shook his head as he snickered just a little. A soft clearing of a throat made Kazuya look up to see Mizuhara standing in front of him with a wry smile and jumped up to pull out her chair.
Mizuhara sat and put down her pumpkin spice coffee since all women drink that during the season.
Kazuya thanked her for coming in and handed her an ornately wrapped gift. Giving a sweet smile she asked if she could open it now and Kazuya nodded.
Mizuhara's eyes widened as she saw a beautiful red glass butterfly the size of a grapefruit. She thanked Kazuya and motioned him up to give him a warm hug before motioning over the barista. Kazuya asked what was going on and she said she wanted to keep his gift secret.
"You didn't have to get me a gift Mizuhara, this is just for clients to receive-"
"Stop. You'll love it," Mizuhara responded with a nice smile.
Placing a somewhat long box down in front of Kazuya the barista bowed and walked away. Kazuya asked if he could open it now unsure as it was literally a large gift.
After getting permission he opened the box and his eyes flew open as he saw a telescope and she said it would be perfect for stargazing. Looking both ways Mizuhara said it would make for a great date sometime before quickly saying a great date for client and he should put it into his profile. Kazuya raised an eyebrow and agreed.
Kazuya stood and bowed. Mizuhara came forward and opened her arms a little to give a firm hug saying she loved her present and knew exactly where to place it. Mizuhara then laughed and said she knows his next "girlfriend" will be along soon and she should leave. Waving goodbye, she left as a little girl with a yellow ribbon in her hair entered and smiled eagerly walking over to Kazuya.
Ruka was carrying a bottle of orange juice and she asked if Kazuya wanted anything when he smiled and said he was okay and gave a gentle hug before asking her to sit down. Excited to see Kazuya she started talking about her day and her progression to find a guy. Handing her a small box Kazuya told her to open it and she found a package of an assortment of colors and styles of ribbons. With wide eyes she thanked him as she motioned him up to give a tight hug. She whispered she had something for him and gave him a little essential oil diffuser the in the shape of a fish and a little bottle of seawater scented oil. After a sweet smile Ruka said she cannot wait to try one of these on for her next date. Kazuya smiled and bowed. Kazuya saw a few more clients before heading out and going home to review for finals for the semester.
Saturday morning Mizuhara received a text from Yoko and Yuki saying they should all get together Christmas for a pajama & movie party unless she had plans with her boyfriend. Mizuhara realized she wasn't sure what she was doing and told them she couldn't give an answer just yet as she is awaiting word from her grandmother. The two of them said to let them know what plans she had with Kazuya, not believing it was her grandmother at all which could take her time.
Mizuhara exited her apartment with a small, wrapped gift box and left it outside Kazuya's door and gave a quick knock. Kazuya came out to see the gift at his doorstep with a simple note which said: "To Mami from Mizuhara." Kazuya smiled and took it in and texted Mami that he looked forward to brunch with her tomorrow and he would cook her something especially nice.
Saturday afternoon Mizuhara resumed her work at the family business helping prepare the various treats and cakes of all kinds for holiday shoppers as even with help from seasonal bakers it was busy. Mizuhara practiced her technique for marble cake and even having one of the bakers say it was great and would always cut them off before they said her grandmother still makes the best. They did say her brownies were still the best to them. Mizuhara smiled, and gave a small eye-roll, and threw two small ones into a bag for them. Before finishing for the day Mizuhara's grandmother said they were making plans to have new year's brunch and pray at the local shrine with Kazuya's family on New Year's Day. When Mizuhara inquired about Christmas she said she should see her friends for a party noting it is not likely she will next year. Mizuhara turned a light shade of red hearing her grandmother laughs.
Sunday morning Mizuhara waited at home with a smile as she did her studies at precisely 11:30 her alarm went off and she waited until an email came through on the Sapphire app. A simple email with one word only read: "Now."
Inside Kazuya's apartment Mami finished up the last of her brunch when Kazuya came out holding Mizuhara's gift and said she had a gift for her.
"Uhhh….she bought me a gift?" Mami asked in confusion.
"Yes, why is there anything wrong with that? She liked meeting you that morning before brunch. She told me she wanted to give you something," Kazuya said innocently in his very best of acting.
"N-no, it's just that is awfully sweet of her. I guess."
"Aren't you going to open it?"
Mami worried it would be a glitter bomb or something horrible which would make Kazuya very angry if it were to go off in his apartment and also possibly reveal her trolling Mizuhara.
Mami quickly said she wanted to see it, but wanted to open it outside just to make sure she could see it in the very best light. Kazuya rolled his eyes and said to tell him what it was and went to clear the dishes.
Nervously Mami stepped outside and opened the gift box and saw inside a box of rubber gloves with a Post It note slapped on the side reading "Making sure you have the peace of mind to be close to your rental-boyfriend possible future boyfriend this Christmas."
Mami turned deep red as she shouted, "Bitch!"
From below standing on the balcony Mizuhara laughed as hard as she could ever remember.