Chapter Thirteen: Battles & Boyfriend
Mami asked what the dessert was and Kousei realized it was time to talk about the connection.
"Do you remember when you said you hope I could tell you about the violinist who inspired me?" Kousei asked.
"Of course, why?" Mami asked, looking pensive.
"Because this dessert is tied closely to her, to my muse," Kousei said looking her straight in the eyes with a calm conviction.
Mami looked back smiling at little at his conviction and said she was eager to hear the story and ready to listen.
Kousei signaled the server, whispered to her the order, took a deep breath, and started the story. Mami sat and listened, went through all kinds of emotional responses, and when the dessert arrived looked at it bewildered.
"What are these?" Mami asked.
Kousei smiled and said, "These…these are canelés and Kaori's family made these a lot, they were extremely popular. I had gone so long without having any. These are what Mizuhara and I made back at the bakery. These are what we were baking that night. These look incredibly good, but her bakery makes them better, but each is special…especially when you make them yourself. Kaori loved these, but I hadn't had one is so long."
Mami suddenly looked confused and said, "Wait a moment. You baked when you were together? I thought you were merely feeling close since you each shared a joy for cooking or baking. Were you baking in the kitchen at The Passionate Piano? Where did you bake something in the evening?"
Kousei said without blinking she was one of the bakery's top bakers, but nothing else.
Mami didn't give it a second thought knowing managers of businesses often have keys to the business. Mami asked Kousei to continue and he told the rest of the story right up until meeting Kazuya for tea that first night.
Mami nodded and said he has had quite a journey.
Kousei nodded and said, "It was a lot to take in and there was some hard growth. What I have come to realize in life is that sometimes moving on can be harder than dealing with the situation from which you're attempting to move on."
Mami agreed and said, "I have seen it before. A girl I went to high school with lost her grandfather to Covid. Her grandfather was older, lived a great life, but it wasn't old age which ultimately took his life. She was really saddened the entire year. I wish I could have done more. My friends and I ended up just spending time with her at her grandfather's gravestone, at a local shrine, took her out for tea & her favorite treats, and while she acknowledged our efforts and told us she was feeling better due to our efforts we just saw it pulling on her the entire year."
"Did…did she get over it? Feel better?"
"Well, I did help introduce her to a guy and they started dating. They're still together and I know they bring each other a lot of joy. Ironically and horribly his father lost someone due to Covid also…it was early on, and it wasn't part of the hysteria. It may be clichéd they came together over pain, but I am sure helping each other with that kind of thing helped. I didn't know of his family's loss, but then again why would I?"
Kousei nodded and gestured to try the canelé and Mami said it was indeed delicious and appreciated the fact that a sweet food provided sweet memories.
The two finished their meal and Mami asked what Kousei's plans were for the rest of the day as their time ended. Mami paid for the meal electronically and Kousei put his hand out to help Mami stand up & looked at his phone, "I have a date tonight, nothing spectacular. A client wants to go out for ice cream at a place I know and likely go for a walk through the park near it. What about you?"
"Me? Nothing special, just likely going to go home and do some chores, study, and oh hey: When is your next kendo practice?! I'd love to come see you in action."
"That'd be great! They are on Thursday evenings in the alumni arena's gym. We have the entire place to ourselves at 19:00. Come by! I'd love to have you see me in action. If you're interested in learning we're always looking for new members."
"That sounds nice. I'll come out and see you this Thursday."
"It's a 'date'!"
Kousei caught himself and looked a tad embarrassed.
Mami smiled like a little girl and said, "It's a 'date,' I'll see you then."
The two walked outside and waited for the light to change to walk across the when Kousei noticed a Nissan Leaf approaching near silently and saw the driver on his cell phone clearly about to run the light.
"Look out!" Kousei yelled as quickly wrapped his arm around Mami and pulled her close as he quickly returned to the corner. The driver suddenly looked up and hit the brakes, hearing Kousei shout, and a loud screech was heard. People stopped on the street hearing the brakes.
Kousei ran over to the driver and yelled out, "What the hell is wrong with you?!"
The driver was a lot older and bigger than Kousei and looked angry as he said, "Sorry, I was talking on the phone regarding a large real estate deal and—"
"I don't care! You nearly hit us!" Kousei shouted.
"…Listen 'First Year' you need to back…"
"I'm in college and I'd ask you if you went there, but it doesn't matter. The light is changing, you need to move it."
"What? What did you say?!"
"I said 'You need to move it'…now!"
Kousei looked at the driver with eyes aflame. The driver looked at him incredulously and said, "You have a lot of guts for—-"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, 'guts'. I have plenty, you have a lot of nerve arguing with me when you're the one who wasn't paying attention, nearly hit us, and is now holding up traffic. Move it," Kousei said and pointed.
The driver looked at him with an imperceivable nod and drove off safely. A woman on the other side of the street shouted out words of encouragement. A guy nearby told Kousei and said he really was tough. A couple nearby saw the female nudge her guy saying he needs to be braver and walked over to them.
Mami held her breath and felt her heart beating fast.
The female of the couple asked, "Are you okay? That guy was a jerk! Thankfully, this guy was here. He is quite the good Samaritan."
"He's a hero! Who is this guy?" a few high school girls in uniform came over eager to compliment Kousei.
"Oh, he's a hero alright and…he's my boyfriend," Mami said to the girl with a look of half appreciation and half warning as she latched on to Kousei and pulled him close to her.
The high school girls all smiled and bowed, but all figured she was kidding around.
Kousei was shocked but didn't flinch and just gave a polite smile and nod to the girls.
Mami smiled and told Kousei to come with her as they walked across the street as Kousei kept his eyes forward.
Almost lost in a moment of joy, Mami suddenly realized what she said and told herself it was merely "The Suspension Bridge" effect and loosened her hold on Kousei's arm just a bit. As they reached the other side Kosei felt his phone vibrate indicating the date would be over by now and he forgot to officially start it.
"Mami, I am sorry. If forgot to officially start the date. We could go somewhere else and officially start it," Kosei said looking a little nervous.
Mami smiled and said, "Remember what I said: 'You're cute when you're nervous, but attractive when you're confident'."
Kousei smiled, extended his hand, and said, "Mami, come join me for a walk in the park. It will be beautiful, but not as much as you are wearing those golden threads."
Mami blushed, gave a huge smile, and took his hand as she went with him to the park where Kousei officially started the date & accepted payment. Mami had calmed down from nearly being hit on the road but felt her heart still beating fast.
Wednesday evening Mizuhara sat in her apartment attempting to study right up until Saturday evening after the bakery had closed for the day. She thought of Kazuya and looked forward to the date for next week to go stargazing. She returned her focus to her work when a knock on the door caught her attention. She looked through the peephole and saw Niko standing in his biker's jacket looking dejected.
Annoyed at the interruption Mizuhara pushed her the intercom button and outside Niko heard the speaker give feedback before Mizuhara's voice came over and said, "What do you want?"
Niko jumped a little hearing her anger and stuttered, "Uh-I wanted to talk to you-without anyone around."
Niko again heard feedback coming from the speaker and Mizuhara's voice came booming over, "Speak quickly! I am busy!"
"Mizuhara, please let me in…I promise to act with honor…I am 'that Niko' right now," he said trying to lighten the situation.
Inside the apartment Mizuhara gave a small smile and rolled her eyes as she unlocked the door.
Niko quickly removed his sneakers as Mizuhara motioned him inside.
"Can I offer you tea? I have ginseng, raspberry, and peppermint," Mizuhara said with calm, but professional demeanor like she was running a meeting.
"Oh, uh, oh, do you have any black tea?" Niko asked.
"Are you sure? That can keep you up." Mizuhara looked at him with a little concern.
Niko nodded, "It's okay, I don't think I'll be sleeping much tonight anyway."
Mizuhara looked at him slightly offended and said, "What do you mean you're not going to be sleeping—-"
"Oh stop! I am not implying anything; I just haven't been sleeping well lately anyway. I'm only tired…don't flatter yourself," Niko said slightly offended.
"Sorry. I'm sorry, what brings you by?"
Mizuhara brought over a cup of black tea and poured herself some almond milk and knelt at her table prepared to listen.
"Mizuhara…this isn't easy, but there is stuff-difficult stuff-that happened to me. Stuff before I met you, while we were together, and after."
"What happened?"
Mizuhara started to listen with genuine concern. Down the path to the street Kazuya was returning from a date at a movie dressed in his 'oldee brother' persona and glimpsed Niko in Mizuhara's apartment as he walked up the stairs but tried to keep walking as whatever was going on wasn't his business and set aside to go upstairs and shower.
Niko looked at Mizuhara and said, "I-I know."
Mizuhara looked at him confused, but empathetic knowing he was clearly dealing with something imposing."
"You know what?" Mizuhara said, attempting to get him to continue.
Niko started to look sad and then paused. Mizuhara encouraged him to talk to her and promised confidentiality.
"Do you think I'm a good person?"
"Well, 'good' is a subjective term. You're not evil, but you're not a gentleman who I'd be honored to always have with me. You've shown favorable-"
"Yes or no."
Mizuhara looked at him incredulously with some annoyance and said, "Not right now it seems. What's bothering you?!"
Niko sighed, apologized, and said," Yes, I know 'good' is a subjective term. However, I suppose I mean overall am I bad person?"
Mizuhara looked at him with honest eyes and said, "No, you're not a bad person. I don't consider you one. You can be hurtful, but also nice. You have made me both happy and sad, but you've never done anything horrible to me-"
Niko looked a little nervous as Mizuhara quickly seemed to be putting something together and said, "What?"
"Don't 'What?' me. You're asking my opinion of you since you consider me neutral. You don't, as far as I know, have a girlfriend and we're not dating. You consider me someone who will always be honest with you, whether feeling you're 'a good' or 'bad person' isn't it?"
"Sharp as ever. You are good at reading people."
"You think so? Not always Niko, but what's bothering you? I have enough decency to care."
Niko drank the entire cup of tea to Mizuhara's shock and took a deep breath before saying, "If you could know something important, but it wouldn't change anything, but still could know it would you want to know?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You know…resolution, closure."
Mizuhara turned her head at him and said, "You're asking if I want closure on something?"
Niko couldn't look Mizuhara in the eye, but said, "No, not you."
"Then you?"
"…A friend of mine."
Mizuhara rolled her eyes again and said, "Listen, I am busy. I brought you in here since I am willing to hear you out, but don't give me the 'Psych 101' answer. This 'friend' of yours is you. You're not in a bar, there is no 'friend,' it is you. That's why you're here. You going to be honest with me or do I need to send you out? I have little patience, but I am trying to be nice."
"Fine. It's me. It's just that what's on my mind if difficult to speak about, but I can tell you something."
"What?"
"…I know Kousei is a rental boyfriend. I know that Kazuya is one too. What are you doing with rental boyfriends?"
Mizuhara looked at him appalled and shouted, "What business is this of yours?! I invited you in since you looked like you needed help."
Niko attempted to say something but wasn't given the chance as Mizuhara grabbed him by his shoulders and started to push him towards the door.
"Mizuhara! Wait, I wanted to know if this was due to me," Niko said as he was struggling to stop from being pushed to the door.
Niko kept struggling but was no match for Mizuhara's blood-pumping anger and opened the door and shoved him outside.
"My life is my business and no one else's! It is neither your concern, nor is it something I need to speak about. You're not paying my rent, you're not paying for my food, and you have no business asking about my personal life! SCRAM! Don't come back!"
Kazuya heard the noise and immediately came outside and leaned over the railing viewing the argument, but neither saw him.
"It ties into what I was going to tell you. Mizuhara! Please, I just want—"
"I don't care! Beat it! Beat it before I get angry."
"Did I drive you to this?"
Mizuhara froze and said with a muted voice, "It doesn't matter. No matter what I say it isn't going to benefit you. Now then, last chance: What is really bothering you?"
"Uh…it's just something happened…and it reemerged…and now it is changing things. It's just that…"
"What!?
You know what? Never mind! It was a mistake coming here! Forget it! You could never understand! Thanks for hearing me out! For someone who prides themselves on—"
"SCRAM!"
Mizuhara slammed the door and went to her room in tears with rage. Niko shook his head angrily and reached into his pocket feeling the voucher Kazuya gave him.
Kazuya watched Niko leave and came down the stairs ten minutes later. Taking a deep breath he gave a small knock. Mizuhara came to the door.
"Uhhhh…uhhhh. Usually, I'm not at a loss for words, improv skills and all," Kazuya said clearly with nothing to go on.
"It's nice when you're at a loss for words, it makes you seem far more human," Mizuhara said with an amused look.
Mizuhara motioned Kazuya to walk to the far side of the level by the steps making sure Niko was gone.
"Sounds like you had a less than 'cordial' visit just now. Are you okay?" Kazuya asked.
"Oh, I am fine, just not a conversation I wished to have. Ironically, it started off pretty well. My 'visitor' wanted my opinion on him, said it was something important, and then mentioned…mentioned some 'things' about me…about us actually."
"Let me guess: Your 'guest' knows about me right?"
"Yeah, how'd you know?" Mizuhara asked that a little shocked.
Kazuya quickly bit his tongue and said in his best acting, "The only thing that would cause such a ruckus about personal lives and such had to be about relationships, past or present."
"Yeah, well it wasn't pleasant. This isn't over either. It was revealed his questions tied to his past, our past…whatever that means."
"You wanna get something to eat?"
Mizuhara looked at him strangely at his question, "Huh? You mean like a 'date' or something?"
Kazuya smiled and said, "No, just two people who know each other getting something to eat. I meet a lot of clients who want to eat since something is bothering them. Others eat to celebrate and sadly…others don't eat when punishing themselves. I just figured you may have an appetite from the 'activities' which just transpired."
Mizuhara suddenly heard her stomach growl and nodded saying it sounded nice.
The following Friday morning Mizuhara walked over with two cups of black tea and set them down by a slice of lemon pound cake and sat down at the bakery's back table and looked up.
Yuicci sat looking at Mizuhara with a huge smile and slid a folder towards her.
She opened the folder and looked over the materials in front of her, looking over several pages, raised her eyes, and then looked up.
"You sure about this?" Mizuhara asked with trepidation.
"Absolutely," Yuicci said with firm conviction.
"It's just not in our budget right now," Mizuhara said with a fair amount of concern as she put down the proposal.
"Chizuru, relax. You don't have to do it all now, we can start in smaller amounts, but it is time. It is time to drop the paper ads. It's time to go bigger, it is time to really expand. Competition is increasing and you need to set yourself apart."
"Okay…what is your suggestion to start?"
"I suggest an ad on the evening news."
"Will that cost a lot?"
"Depends on which station, how long, and how many of course…but there are always ways to cut back on pricing. That's what I can do to help you with more. For instance, there are tv commercials you can make which are just photos, basically slideshows with audio backgrounds. It's all about production costs. You find a way to reduce production costs, you've got a terrific opportunity. What few businesses know if you can take your own commercial and bring it wherever…that is the secret weapon There are great chances to make things work. That's the good news."
"What's the bad news?"
"There is also the question of quality. Do you remember the last ad you saw with still images on TV, like a car dealership or such?"
"No, not really."
"That's the problem. I bet you remember the last normal one more, a lot more. The real key is to both find a way to make advertising memorable and cut costs too. I have other tools to provide you with and some clever ideas. The main thing to do is get together a budget. For now, here are the networks and times I think you should investigate and costs with each plan."
The two set out to look at them while in the back of Mizuhara's mind she realized that having any extra money to pay Kazuya for dates just likely came to a screeching halt.
The following Monday evening Kazuya received word that he was to join his family and Mizuhara's at a local steak house for dinner on Friday. Moments after reading the email he heard footsteps off the metal stairs and held his breath waiting for a woodchip to likely hit his door when he heard one, he smiled and rolled his eyes. Walking to the far end of the level Kazuya knew exactly what she was going to say
Mizuhara couldn't quite look up and said, "Kazuya…I don't…"
Kazuya shook his head and smiled a little saying, "You don't 'have the means to pay you for my time' right?"
Mizuhara looked up and pouted a little before saying, "Yes, that's right. I guess it's obvious huh?"
"Yes, but don't worry about it. I didn't have a date Friday night as it is, but if one comes up, I'll need a tutoring lesson for spreadsheets. I am having trouble learning all the little formulas in Excel," Kazuya said.
Thrilled to know she didn't have to pay Mizuhara jumped saying, "You can have a lesson from me whether or not you end up missing a date!"
Kazuya smiled and said, "Tell you what…why don't' we go stargazing after dinner."
Mizuhara smiled at him and gave him a slight smirk.
Kazuya felt he was caught off guard and just gritted his teeth and said, "I meant as test run! The stars should be out when we're done with dinner."
"Sounds good, seems we'll be having a long date or two dates on Friday."
With a small smile Kazuya agreed.
On Thursday night Kazuya and Mami entered the alumni arena gym and heard murmuring and heard squeaks on the polished floor as people walked around the bleachers and basketball court. Suddenly they heard the instructor shout to begin and seven practice matches started. Mami tugged at Kazuya's arm and took a seat on the lowest bleacher row joining students who were friends of club members, families, and spectators. It was crowded. The sound of wooden swords clacking off each other was heard all around and shouts of instructors and points being awarded to students. Mami smiled seeing Kazuya's amazement.
"This is amazing. I never had a chance to attend a practice before. You came two weeks ago, you said. Was it this crowded?" Kazuya asked
"No, but they're practicing for an upcoming tournament. These are just the rookies. You should see the advanced class. They're next," Mami said as she pointed to a second set of students putting on their practice armor and stretching.
"Tournament? 'Rookies'? 'Advanced class'? How many practices have you attended?"
"Just one, but I stayed the entire time and heard the bulletins and upcoming events. I didn't think I'd stay the entire time, but I was fascinated. I met some of the female members of the team last time, but it's hard to tell who's who out there."
"It is. Do you know which one is Kousei?"
Mami smiled and pointed to the practice fight in the center of the floor. The two fighters fought like leopards with smooth motions and striking. Suddenly a load clack was heard as a sword found its way past the opponent's guard. The student who was struck put up his arm acknowledging a hit and returned to the starting position.
"There's our warrior. He's exceptionally good with sword, wielding his weapon, but there's just one thing about him."
"What's that?"
Suddenly Kousei's opponent lunged at him and struck his sword enough to knock it out of his hands.
Mami shook her head and said, "He needs to work on his defense."
Kousei and his opponent continued their match with Kousei scoring some better hits, countering an attack, and ended disarming his opponent. Mami and Kazuya cheered when they bowed. Shocked Koeusi took off his face mask and waved enthusiastically.
One of the coaches blew his whistle and told everyone to take a break and most went to their bags to grab their bottles or water or talk and a few made phone calls.
Kousei came happily with a big grin on his face and said like a little boy and, "Did you see me out there!?"
"Of course we did! We wouldn't miss it. Mami here spoke about her last time visiting and I had to see it for myself. You're quite good," Kazuya said with genuine feelings of being proud of his former protégée.
Mami nodded and said, "You're getting better. You learn better defense and you'll be unstoppable!"
"Thanks! I love it. I think it's really cool. My high school had a team, but I didn't really have any free time as you could imagine," Kousei said panting just a little.
Kazuya nodded in agreement and asked how much longer practice typically is before Kousei said they didn't need to stay the entire time.
"I'd love to see you practice more; I have been wanting to visit. We can stay longer, I'm done with my studies for the evening & not working later," Kazuya said.
Mami gave Kazuya an angry glance he didn't see and latched onto his arm smiling at him when he looked over.
The instructor blew his whistle, and the advanced students began prepping for their practice rounds when Mami noticed there were only seven present.
"You want us to stay for another practice-round Kousei?" Mami asked with a smile.
Kousei looked excited and said, "Definitely! It means a lot to me that you're, but those are the advanced—-"
"Sensei! This eager beginner is ready to take on advanced students. He feels his skills have entered intermediate level," Mami shouted to the team's coach.
Kazuya looked at Mami shocked and Kousei looked frightened.
The coach walked over and gave Kousei a look and asked him if he was sure.
Kousei looked nervous & realized he wasn't running or jumping to accept and then looked to Mami.
Mami gave the look a warrior and extended her hand in front of her, made a fist, turned it over, and pulled back towards her.
Feeling determination and strength building Kousei took hold of his fearful energy and pulled it back towards him, redirected it, faced the coach said, "I'm ready."
Kazuya was shocked, but Kousei walked towards the center of the arena and the advanced student, who was among the best in the class, motioned him over with a smile and a nod.
The student asked if he was ready to face him as he wouldn't hold back. Kousei said he knows, but wanted to see if he could advance and there was no other way to find out. The advanced student gave him an approving look, nodded, and watched Kousei put down his mask.
With a look of shock and brotherly protection Kazuya looked at Mami and anxiously asked, "Wh—what are you doing?! You're putting him in a match with one of their best. What are you—-"
"I'm not doing anything. He is doing it all. I gave him a suggestion, I gave him encouragement, but he was…he is…free to step down any time. He's advancing. At the very worst he'll learn a lesson, at the very best he'll learn a lesson, but either way he's learning from an advanced student," Mami said with a determined look and a nod.
Kazuya nodded before Mami said he is a kind and protective teacher, mentor, and even friend, but it was time to watch.
The other students had all stopped, eager to see such a challenge and while not like a school yard fight the eagerness to see it was there.
The coach laughed to himself thinking any way to garner interest is good.
Kousei and his opponent bowed and began circling and measuring each other when the advanced student lunged and Kousei quickly went defensive and blocked a few strikes. Attempting to attack Kousei went on offense and moved to strike, but his opponent was ready and moved before he could finish a swing. Thinking furiously, he was overmatched a swift strike against his sword knocked from his hands and his opponent struck his shoulder.
The match stopped as the coach yelled out, "Ippon!" indicating a point.
Nodding and ready to resume he noticed anytime he moved back at all his opponent would lunge. Figuring he may have found a weakness and attempted to lure his opponent closer and began to retreat but was unable to defend and the opponent struck his sword down on Kousei's head scaring him enough to momentarily drop to the ground.
The advanced student came over, as the coach yelled out another point, lifted his face mask, and reached his arm out to help Kousei stand saying he could stop if he wants noting it was still good practice. Glancing towards Kazuya and Mami Kousei saw Mami put her hands out and mimicked playing the piano. Kousei wasn't sure what she was attempting to convey, but suddenly thought of playing notes and remembered what he said about learning songs from notes and pondered for a moment before saying to the advanced student he'd like to try again. The advanced student nodded and put his face mask down returning to the starting position.
The coach said to begin again Kosei started furiously thinking that his opponent was quick to retreat, and he was having trouble defending in close quarters. Realizing at the moment he may only be able to use his offensive abilities he feigned a retreat and his opponent came rushing in when Kousei stomped on his front foot and his opponent stopped to quickly retreat, and go defensive, when Kousei struck a touch on his opponent's wrist causing him to drop his sword as he retreated. A point was awarded.
The class cheered and applauded. Kosei's opponent asked if he wanted to go another round and nodding the coach signaled to begin again. Kosei attempted to lure his opponent again and raised his sword seeing his opponent lunge, but the trick didn't work a second time and Kousei was faced with rapid defense and held for a while before getting hit right in the chest. The coach awarded a point and stopped the match and Kousei and his opponent exchanged bows.
The advanced students all returned to their matches and rookies came over to congratulate Kousei saying he was really good out there. Kousei's opponent came over and said he was great on offense, but still needs to work on his defense, but can see improvement. A girl in Kousei's division came over a little shyly to tell Kousei he was really good out there and returned to her bag to get her water and came back with a fresh bottle for Kousei saying he was really brave to go up against such a skilled student. A few moments later she left with a smile and her face bright red.
"Well, well, well…seems you have a few new fans," Mami said as she came over smiling with pride.
"I can't believe it! I am still shaking; he was so powerful. I felt my arms vibrate right to my shoulders from his strikes," Kousei said excitedly.
Kazuya nodded before saying, "I can see improvement, even one match away, but you surely have ways to go…but you can never go back, you've truly advanced."
"Well, if I don't practice it will be lost," Kousei said with a semi-serious look.
Kazuya suddenly got a notification from Sapphire offering a late-notice date and said to both he had to run and both nodded. As soon as Kazuya was out of sight Mami eagerly congratulated him saying he was brave out there noting it took confidence to go out there suddenly feeling her heart racing a little before calming herself.
"Brave? I was quite nervous, wasn't ready to proceed or run, but you helped me again, otherwise I wouldn't have tried. I drew in the power, but what did you mean by your signal? What were you trying to tell me? It looked like you were playing the piano," Kousei asked.
Mami smiled and said, "I was telling you that you could 'play him like a piano' if you just kept at it, to approach it differently."
Kousei went onto explain how he interpreted her signals. Mami stayed for the rest of class having nowhere else to be and approached Kousei asking if he wanted to get something to eat saying they should talk about his next date with Mizuhara.
"I'd love to join you, if you're sure, but there isn't much to tell. We met at Starbucks for about 10 minutes because that was all time either of us could spare and while fun, we haven't been able to see her again for an 'actual date', something to do beyond that," Kousei said kind of shrugging.
"It's a 'real date' if you're doing more than talking on the phone in my opinion," Mami said.
"I see. Well Starbucks is open if you're like to go there."
"Sounds great, come on. You can tell me more about your date there. After your next 'real date' as you say we'll get together again. Maybe get lunch…or do something else…if you'd like."
Mami suddenly felt the little girl's voice getting louder in her head and had to tell herself to focus.
Mami came into her house smiling enough to have her brother ask what was making her so happy. Mami looked at him and said she was merely out with some friends earlier. Making herself a quick snack in the kitchen, Mami eagerly prepared for bed knowing she had a busy day in the morning.
Locking herself in her bedroom Mami was all smiles and felt herself drifting. Sitting on her bed she thought about her friends saying she had a crush and started wondering if it was only that. She kept thinking about Kousei and tried to shake it off and figured leaving a review would be an effective way to put him away by closing the app and turning off her phone for the night.
Sapphire had a reminder to leave a review for her two earlier dates. Writing some very thoughtful and detailed reviews, she gave both dates five stars. When finished she glimpsed some of the reviews smiling a little reading some of them:
"Took a walk with him by a river and he is a good listener and insightful. Kind and courteous, he is everything my last boyfriend wasn't. I wanted to invite him upstairs for tea afterwards, but I may rent him again soon because he is really nice when need to speak of sometimes difficult things." –Rivergirl2024
"My favorite pianist took me to The Passionate Piano where he surprised me by playing just for me that evening. He wasn't even going to play that night. When I am with him, I feel like I am his age even if I am a little 'wiser' in years than he is." Goldenone65
"I have noticed that while with him I feel better about myself just because of how he acts. He walks like he belongs, and I feel more confident with him. I saw him once and just had a great time getting a burger and fries at A&W, but last time when we walked around town on the way to the mall- I felt like he was a shield against anything bothering me for the day, it was kind of strange. I look forward to seeing him again." RocketRuka2001
Mami smiled and was about to put her phone down when she saw a review that caught her eye:
"I went out with him to the aquarium on a Saturday night. We enjoyed our time so much and he just makes me happy to be with him. He says nice things, does nice things, builds confidence, & makes one feel like a queen." angelfish418
Mami looked at her phone a little angrily, closed the app, put it aside, and looked grumpy as grabbed the pillow and turned the lights out.
The following morning Mami started thinking about her time and relationship with Kazuya more and more. She found herself pondering this "complicated relationship" she was in with Kazuya. She remembered she couldn't date him right now as the moment her father even suspected something she could find herself losing a lot of her freedom and or kicked out of the house at worst. She didn't like being friends with him as the moment she was "friend zoned" she knew it could lead to falling into a pit, one with which she could never escape. She felt there had to be a third option and spent her time in thought so deeply her mother asked her if she was okay at breakfast.
"I'm sorry mom, just thinking about classes," Mami said with an excuse any Japanese student could easy present and have believed.
"Don't think too hard, you may miss what is right in front of you after all," Mami's mother said.
Mami looked at her strangely for an instant wondering if she knew what was bothering her but shrugged it off. She thought about Kazuya being busy all weekend and got a little angry at herself for dwelling on things when she set out to focus on something she could a affect and finished her breakfast and dashed off to school.
Kousei started his day a little sore from last night, but still excited from last night's practice and time out, prepped for his day and set out. Looking at himself in the mirror he saw a positive change and smiled back at himself.
Kazuya awoke and stretched trying to remember the night better and remembered he drank a little too much with his client but was able to make sure she got into a taxi, before getting into one himself. The Sapphire app showed he had a new review and laughed at the funny lines from his client saying, "I don't know what made me happier, me laughing or seeing him laugh as we talked about all kinds of stupid things at the tavern while waiting for our food." Kazuya smiled, shaking his head a little but welcomed one more five-star rating.
In the early morning light Sumi jogged with her dog Shiro and came up to a bench where an old man greeted her. Sumi bowed a few times before sitting.
"And how are you Ms. Sakursawa? The days are getting longer, brighter sooner, and staying light longer," the old man asked as Shiro came over to be pet.
Sumi smiled and said softly, "I am well, thank you. How are you?"
The old man smiled and said, "I am well. How go your studies?"
"They are intriguing, I am learning new stuff every day, but also about boys a little more."
Sumi smiled.
"Are you dating someone?" The old man asked with a smile excitedly.
"No, not yet. I am getting closer. There is a guy I to date, but I am still too nervous to ask him out."
"Really? That's wonderful. It will be a journey to be sure, but it's an opportunity to take growing confidence and really direct it."
Sumi blushed and agreed.
Saturday morning Kazuya walked over to the nail salon and smiled as all the ladies looked over and smiled as the door's bell rang as he entered. Kazuya started to walk towards Sumi's station as she got up, ran over, and gave a hug saying he was right on time and to sit down. Kazuya hung up his jacket and took off his beret and sunglasses before sitting and saying he was glad to be back.
Sumi began as always sanitizing her hands, putting Kazuya's hands in warm water, and clipping Kazuya's fingernails as she smiled and asked how he was doing. Kazuya spoke of the prior night's client.
"Well last night I 'this lady' who'd I'd only met last night," Kazuya said giving a corny kind of wink.
"Oh really? Just last night huh?" Sumi said smiling a rolling her eyes just a little.
"Yes, just last night." Kazuya said just a little over the top.
"So, what did you do?" Sumi asked as she started continued clipping Kazuya's nails.
"Well, we went out to the movies and then a local tavern."
"Sounds nice, just a normal time out I take it?"
"No, not really. We ended up doing karaoke too."
"You ever go?"
"Me? No, I am too shy to sing in the shower Kazuya, let alone in front of strangers."
"Really?"
"No, I can sing there, even when walking Shiro, just never in front of people. Well…I can think of one instance."
"Oh, what's that?"
"If you were there with me."
Sumi smiled and turned the color of her hair.
"Is that so? Let me know if you'd like to go sometime."
Sumi's coworkers looked at each other enamored that the shy one among them would be quiet with anyone except Kazuya and all remembered what it was like when they were younger.
Sumi got very red in the face and said she would before be being asked what she has been up to lately.
"Oh, the run of the mill stuff. Studying, working, and always trying to talk to more people at the park, in classes, and the like. My best friend is dating someone she can't stop gushing about."
"Oh? Do tell."
Kazuya was led by hand to the massage chair and once seated Sumi started removing his sneakers.
"Well, she tells me he is somewhat of a tortured soul."
"Oh? I know some people like that. I try to do whatever I can to help. I know guys and girls like that, it affects everyone it seems at some point in their lives."
"It does. Anyway, she tells me she went to a nightclub and listened to music with him while having drinks. She just said he was going through a lot. She says he really opened up to her about past pains. He sounds like quite a guy, deep in thought and mature too. She says he's nothing like any other guy she's met."
Kazuya nodded and said, "It's hard to find people beyond superficial and even if there is more to them, they don't always show it. Thankfully, you do show it."
"Th-thank you Kazuya. You always know what to say."
Sumi washed Kazuya's feet, clipped his nails, and asked about his weekend's plans as she worked on his feet making them look their absolute best.
"Well, I actually have plans tonight with 'someone I know' to go stargazing.
"That sounds nice."
"Yeah, if it goes well, we could go one time."
Sumi blushed deep red and said it sounded great.
In the evening Mami grasped a bag of manga that belonged to Kazuya along with sterling silver fork she took from the kitchen drawer. She held close to her chest and walked towards Kazuya's with a slight frown.
"Kazuya, what we had is great, but I think it's time-no," Mami said in the darkness walking along the street under the streetlamps.
Shaking her head she began again, "Kazuya, I have been thinking…. no."
Rolling her eyes Mami tried again, "Kazuya, I met someone, and I cannot get him out of my mind and since we're not a real couple I figured maybe we could 'take a break'—no that's terrible!"
"Kazuya, I have here a silver fork. It's the same one we shared marble cake with the first time you visited my home. I want you to have it. Think of me whenever…bleah! That's too cliched."
Mami clenched her fist and said, "Kazuya, we can't go on like this. Your little 'profession,' your way of making money, makes my stomach churn. I cannot think of you out with any woman who will pay you. It makes me sick to my stomach. Honestly how can you do it?!"
"Calm down, it will be okay. Just tell him the truth. He'll understand," the little girl's voice in Mami's head said.
Mami calmed and smiled realizing while she may feel anger, grief, sickness, worry, sadness, and more she realized there was always hope and always opportunity.
Mami paused at the street corner waiting for the light to change.
Taking a deep breath Mami said, "Kazuya, I came to return your manga, I loved reading it. I will always be supportive of your acting career as your happiness is more important than mine…after all I cannot be happy knowing you're not if you're with me," Mami said aloud at a traffic light.
"This guy must be quite special for you to talk like that," a voice said from behind her.
Mami jumped out of her skin seeing an older lady sitting in the shadowy light seated on the bus stop's bench beside her.
"Oh sorry, I must sound stupid," Mami said turning stark white.
"No, not at all. Practicing what to say can help, but remember to trust your gut, go with your first instincts. Just say what you feel, and it will be okay," the woman said.
Mami thanked her and walked towards Kazuya's door when she passed by the quad and looked up seeing Kazuya's sneakers weren't in front of his door. Mami shrugged feeling he must be off with his friends as his schedule wasn't taken.
Turning around, Mami started to walk away when she saw a light in the distance on the lawn. The nearest light on the building was nearly a football field away from the light she saw in the field. Mami started walking towards the light and started to hear voices. She saw a small battery-operated lantern next to a telescope and saw Kazuya when she noticed someone walking towards him. Though far away she could see in the light it was Mizuhara who came to look into the telescope's eyepiece.
Though silently said in her mind Mami dropped the bag she carried, balled both of his fists, and with eyes aflame screamed, "Bitch!"