Chapter Fourteen: Defense and Boyfriend

"Hello Mizuhara, hello Kazuya, whatcha doing?" Mami asked as she came walking up with Kazuya's manga with a casual demeanor and kind voice.

Kazuya and Mizuhara were both shocked, but hid it well aided by the darkness, waved with a smile, and pointed excitedly at the telescope.

"We're uh…we're looking at the stars," Mizuhara said feeling caught and nervous.

Kazuya jumped with confidence unmatched, "We're 'stargazing' and I'm evaluating it out as a date for future clients. Mizuhara here is helping me evaluate it with feedback. I am actually glad you're here. I was going to ask you to join me another time."

Mami smiled not sure if Kazuya was showing off his acting skills.

"What exactly is this setup?" Mami asked never having seen a hobby-grade telescope up close.

Kazuya laughed and eagerly started to explain the eyepiece, the controls to move it along it along the x-axis and y-axix, show how to focus, and more. Mami knew instinctively she was jealous and felt threatened but told herself that Mizuhara is dating Kousei and to just relax.

"It was a great buy; I saw it the other day and couldn't want to try it. Mizuhara lives nearby so I figure she'd be a wonderful place to start," Kazuya said while "acting."

Mizuhara knew she had to play along, but smiled to herself knowing her gift was actively being used, nonetheless.

Putting down her bag manga and she walked over and looked through the eyepiece and audibly gasped.

"It's…it's beautiful. I didn't think it would look different from looking just up at the sky itself," Mami said captivated.

"I'm glad you're enjoying the view…it…it's really quite something," Mizuhara said smiling warmly feeling Mami's enjoyment.

Mizuhara laughed a little to herself feeling a moment of calm.

Kazuya came up from behind Mami and hugged her gently and Mami smiled and melted just a little feeling a warmth and smiled.

Mami spoke of what she saw and remarked he should definitely add this to his list letting it slip she'd pay for a night of it before catching herself.

"You'd pay for a night out with me? Never have it. I would consider it research…done with someone special to me," Kazuya said with honesty.

Mami again felt herself feel nice and comforted and enjoyed the view. Her thoughts on jealousy and intimidation from Mizuhara faded even more.

Taking a deep breath Mami returned to standing beside Kazuya and thanked him for sharing the moment before asking Mizuhara how she was doing with Kousei.

"Oh, he's the sweetest. I am getting ready to see him again soon. He texted me earlier tonight. He said after practice he wants to get something to eat. He said he found a new drink at Starbucks he thinks I'd like. He also wants me to cheer him on at an upcoming tournament! I'm really excited. I am seeing him Thursday night at practice and then the upcoming tournament is-"

"Next Saturday, one week from tonight," Mami said with a proud smile.

Mizuhara was shocked and was about to ask how she knew when Kazuya smiled and said, "We saw him practice Thursday. Mami encouraged him to try something. Something I was shocked at as she-"

"Encouraged him to take on an advanced student," Mizuhara said with an equally proud smile.

Kazuya had the strangest sense the two of them were somehow competing with each other but wrote it off as behavior of excited women.

"We're attending…you should join us," Mami said with a twinge of evil as she smiled though unseen in the dark.

"I'd love to join you! I'd not miss it…I just hope Kazuya isn't suddenly busy," Mizuhara responded with a smile and slight look of challenge though also unseen in the dark.

Kazuya looked at Mizuhara a little put off and felt he had to be instinctively right that something wasn't right.

"I've blocked off time…I'm not going to miss my former student, colleague, & someone I consider a friend," Kazuya said with a single grain of annoyance.

Mizuhara suddenly remembered offending Kazuya speaking of his professionalism. She remembered it was not he who revealed she was Kazuya's client. A thought swirled in her head that no matter our vocation it hurts when someone belittles it, mocks it in any way, or somehow implies it makes one dishonest or stereotypically wrong for some reason.

"Th—That's quite honorable of you. It truly is Kazuya…after all Kousei made sure to block off his time so he'd not have to cancel on anyone either," Mizuhara responded trying to both apologize and acknowledge Kousei wasn't any different than he was.

Shaking it off she said she should call it a night and thanked Kazuya for the invite and genuinely thanked Mami for her helping her and Kousei get together. Mami smiled genuinely and said it was her pleasure. Bowing Mizuhara quickly left.

As soon as Mizuhara turned around the corner Mami hugged Kazuya tightly saying she was so happy to see him. Kazuya hugged her back hard and said he was too and was taken aback by her extra eagerness and asked what was going on. Mami twirled her hair and just said she was glad to be with him.

The following Wednesday night Mizuhara paced in her apartment wondering what to do after getting an email. Kazuya smiled and shook his head reading the same email from his parents stating there was going to be a dinner tomorrow night with both families present they were invited. Mizuhara sweat bullets seeing Kazuya's night was booked and she knew he would just say he couldn't make it and to reschedule. She knew she couldn't book it and paced and paced. Money was tight, she put away any extra money knowing any advertising campaign would need it and while she knew Kazuya could get out of the date one night she worried about the next. She took some solace knowing he couldn't always be booked. She knew that Kazuya valued his time with family equally…and any college student has to accept a free meal whenever offered. Mizuhara didn't know what to do when she heard a woodchip hit her door and jumped out of her skin. Pulling herself together she opened the door, and a hand swiftly took hers and pulled her around the corner to the far end of the exterior corridor.

Kazuya looked at her with determined eyes and said, "I am booked tomorrow night. I will not cancel the date. If you want to see me, you're going to have to pay for time. Tomorrow night's date is worth a good chunk of money."

Mizuhara felt a tad annoyed and said, "You didn't have to tell me that last part. Now I am curious where you're going."

Kazuya looked at her strangely before Mizuhara told him she was kidding trying to lighten the mood.

"I appreciate the lessons in Excel, and I had a fun time practicing with you the other night, thanks again, but I need to get this date. I hope you understand."

"I understand. Do you need help with PowerPoint?" Mizuhara asked.

"I do actually. How did you know?" Kazuya asked.

Mizuhara smiled and said, "I didn't, just figured you may need it. You know…making a little slideshow…showing off your acting skills…can help. Anyone can give a headshot and resume. You should make yourself a PowerPoint presentation and put it onto a USB stick. I just happen to know someone who could help you with all of that."

Kazuya gave her a look and slight eyeroll followed by a smile and nod before saying, "Really 'you happen to know someone who could help'?"

"Yes, I do. If 'she' helped you with that, would you cancel your date tomorrow night?"

Mizuhara crossed her fingers.

"Tempting, but a lesson on Friday will still lose me a lot of money on Thursday."

Mizuhara thought and thought and offered deferred payment saying that she could do that.

Kazuya shook his head saying, "I need something for my time. I have costs. Mizuhara if money is becoming an issue, we can end this, and we'll be okay. I'll tell them my schedule is getting too busy. We can simply tell them our schedules are starting to get too entangled or we were happier as friends. I hate to think of my clients stringing themselves out and even more so lying to their families and literally paying for it. My family loves you too, but we can end this arrangement and while they may be dissatisfied, they will not disown us."

Hearing the word "costs" caused a light bulb to turn on in Mizuhara's head.

With a hopeful smile Mizuhara quickly said, "How about this: You do the date at cost, this way you can tell Sapphire you got a better offer and you won't have your score affected as a cancellation, and I help you with the USB 'headshot kit'. How about that?"

Kazuya smiled and gave her intrigued look turning his head a little.

"How about you pay me full price for the date with installments?"

"One quarter paid in full."

"Half paid in full."

"Half paid in installments."

"…Half paid in full."

"One quarter paid in full & the USB 'headshot kit."

Kazuya pondered.

"…And I throw in another lesson of Excel…that's my final offer." Mizuhara rolled her eyes with a half-smile.

"Deal!"

Kazuya and Mizuhara shook hands like conducting a business meeting realizing that it was in fact business, but still found it humorous.

Mizuhara sighed and said, "Thank you. This means a lot to me. I would be happy to help you evaluate out any new date you to test run. Consider that a gesture of goodwill for the future."

Kazuya smiled and said, "Mizuhara, I am enjoying this on an ironic level, but this cannot go on. There are rumors circulating that the drama program at the school will be cancelled, along with the rest of the school too…there are fears it may shut down and move. Another school could easily lease the campus, it could be converted into a company campus and lecture halls and stages be repurposed for training and seminars, or the property even be turned into apartment buildings of unique architecture. It is a dicey time, it is almost getting to the point that it is not money, but opportunities at all. I fear a closure of the school would invariably lead to having to go further to get to wherever it moves…if it moves…what else is closer and if any school I find is even any good. It is becoming an incredibly stressful time. I am starting to lose a sleep at times."

Mizuhara pondered for a moment and said, "Do you think you're not going to be able to sleep tonight?"

Kazuya looked back at her and said, "…Now I am. Jeez, I shouldn't have brought that up."

"Wait here."

Mizuhara started to run back to her place.

"Wait! Where are you going?!"

Kazuya stood dumbfounded for a few minutes, eventually sat down with his back against the wall checking Sapphire for any new reviews or opportunities to earn extra, and a few minutes later saw Mizuhara returning carrying a block of wood with two cups with steam rising visible in the darkness against the moonlight."

Mizuhara proudly handed Kazuya a cup and said, "Chamomile tea, steaming and fresh tea leaves from the store and not bags or a K-cup. Here."

"Thank you, this smells great. Thank you," Kazuya said as he inhaled and smiled knowing it fresh from hot water poured over tea leaves and through a strainer.

Kazuya took a sip, gave a nod, and said it was great while Mizuhara bowed, sat down, and took a sip from hers.

"Here, a little something to go with it," Mizuhara said with a smile as she handed him a small cookie from a little tin of Royal Dansk Danish cookies.

Kazuya thanked her as Mizuhara as he took it and Mizuhara smiled at how Kazuya had a sweet tooth.

"The moon is beautiful tonight," Kazuya said as he took a sip of his tea.

"It is…it truly is," Mizuhara said as she took another sip.

The day of the tournament was upon Kousei, and he looked in the mirror proudly. With his equipment in bag, he set out for the bus stop outside his building when he heard the honk of a car and looked up. He saw Mami enthusiastically wave and call out his name and Kazuya yelled to come over.

Kousei eagerly ran out to find Mami behind the wheel of a Lexus and Kazuya waving. Running eagerly to the car he saw Mizuhara in the backseat waiting with a smile and was thrilled and looked bewildered.

Mami laughed and said, "Before you ask the answer is 'We didn't want you to take a bus today, it is my family's car, and we didn't call because it was a last-minute thing'."

Shaking his head Kousei put his gear in the trunk and got in the backseat. Mami started her GPS, and they set off. Mizuhara told Kousei how excited she was to see him in action. Kousei blushed and said he was getting nervous.

Mami smiled knowing he was ready with the energy he was already showing he had. Once they arrived at the community center across town where the tournament was being held Kousei thanked Mami for the ride. Kousei changed and joined his class on the tournament floor while Kazuya, Mizuhara, and Mami took seats in the bleachers.

The matches that followed went in various classes and they cheered Kousei on as they saw Kousei climb in the ranks on the tournament ladder. All three found it exciting to watch him and got worried as he got higher in rankings as he was showing signs of being outclassed facing off against better and better opponents. The other fights in various levels were heard with shouts of points being awarded and loud clacks of swords hitting one another.

Kousei entered the ring again facing an opponent from a faraway school who was clearly skilled having defeated the last opponent swiftly. Feeling nervous he felt the energy growing to a fever pitch and he was teetering on being psyched out & fearful when he looked towards Kazuya, Mami, and Mizuhara. Mami once again held out her hand, made a fist, turned if over, and pulled it towards her with a nod. Kousei nodded behind his mask and set off to the match.

Sizing each other up Kousei focused on his opponent trying to remember any patterns he saw with his last match, but he was changing his style every moment. Kousei attempted to lure his opponent in feigning a poor attack and was able to get a strike in on his head causing a point. Kousei's class cheered and applauded. The second round began and Kousei had to be on the defensive constantly and couldn't find a chance to attack and eventually was overcome, outmaneuvered, and a touch was scored against his shoulder. The other school cheered and applauded their classmate. Kousei kept on thinking there had to be a pattern, there had to be something he could use. When the match began the opponent came in again and Kousei had to continuously defend and couldn't find a chance to attack when he suddenly realized something and decided he would have to take a chance and dodged one direction knowing he'd momentarily have a chance to attack. The opponent looked towards Kousei but was still unprepared enough that a shot struck him on his chest. Kousei had found his opponent's weakness…he too needed to work on his defense. A point was awarded and cheering, and applause came from Kousei's team. Kousei and his opponent bowed and Kousei heard him compliment him on his technique and reminded him to keep practicing as he said they'd surely meet again. Kousei sat down and the girl who got him the bottle of water at practice came back with another and put both her hands up to take his and cheer enthusiastically.

From the corner of her eye Mami witnessed Mizuhara start to look a little uncomfortable. Mami wrote it off, but subconsciously knew what was happening.

The matches continued and Kousei found himself within striking distance for the chance of competing for third place in the semi-finals as the quarter-final round was set to start. An opponent from another school stood across the ring with cool confidence and was about Kousei's size. The match began and Kousei found himself in a match with someone who had superior defense, but not the best offense. Thinking he had an advantage he just had to wait for his opponent's defenses to fall, but it wasn't happened. Furiously thinking he decided to attempt a lure, but the other student wasn't falling for it. Kousei kept on attacking here and there unable to get through his defense when he finally realized he had to play to the defense of the opponent. Clearly telegraphing an overhead strike Kousei swiftly altered the attack, and his sword struck the lower torso causing a point. The students in Kousei's class cheered. The second round went swifter when the student came out with a little rage with a careless move attempting to pull the same trick as Kousei did and was swiftly dispatched as Kousei struck the exact same place. The match ended with the score of 2-0. The two bowed and the opponent came forward and said under the mask Kousei was good and that next time he'd not fall for it, and he'd be ready with a professional tone. Kousei returned to his place with his team and some of the advanced students pat their classmate on the back as he breathed heavily and Mizuhara, Kazuya, and Mami all smiled and gave thumbs up. Mizuhara was about to watch the next match when she saw another female classmate give Kousei a high-five, grip his wrist, pull him in, and pat him on the back. Mizuhara started to feel a feeling she was not sure about, but just wrote it off as excitement.

A few moments later the semi-finals began and Kousei's opponent stepped into the ring. He was about Kousei's height, just a little smaller than him. The match began and his opponent was swift and struck a point on Kousei's wrist before he really had a chance to size him up. Kousei's class gasped. The second round began and Kousei really felt he had to defend fast. The opponent was swift and Kousei really had to fight and retreat. Figuring again there had to be a weakness he stomped on his foot and the opponent fled, but his defense was square. Thinking furiously, he figured he could use his opponent's swift attack to his advantage. Kousei lowered his guard enough that he exposed his upper body. The opponent took the bait and raised up to strike Kousei's head when he ducked and now struck his opponent's exposed chest. Kousei's class cheered once again. The third round started and Kousei felt he was out of ideas but figured there had to be something. He attempted to repeat his moves of the prior matches, but none were working, and he found himself on defense. He kept on working as best he could and felt he was getting nowhere fast. Kousei felt he had to be bold and blocked the next swing and pushed against the sword hoping it would make him lose balance. The opponent turned his blade straight ahead and struck the throat region in a Tsuki strike, but Kousei was on the defense backing away. The judges stopped the match and were about to each give their call when Kousei raised his hand to acknowledge the hit. The opponent's team cheered.

Kousei and his opponent bowed and after that the opponent raised his mask, shook Kousei's hand, and said he was quite good out there.

"Everyone forgets you can strike the throat. It is a hard area to defend against too. The thing is that won't work a second time as my next opponent just saw me use it and will be ready to block. The only reason I won is because you weren't ready for that…but you will be next time," the opponent bowed again and Kousei returned towards the bleachers feeling defeated when the water-bottle giving girl gave him a huge and tight hug. It was matched only by the other girl who exclaimed he was awesome out there. Mizuhara suddenly knew what she felt: jealousy. She balled both of her fists feeling his classmates were getting too clingy. A moment later the guys on the team gave huge hugs and she felt herself calm. Mami saw what was happening out of the corner of her eye and hoped it would settle down.

The tournament continued and Kousei's last opponent was defeated by another school and the tournament ended a short while later. Kousei was called up with the rest and they received their trophies. Heading back to the bleachers the coach congratulated Kousei with a bow and hardy pat on the back. Kazuya, Mami, and Mizuhara were starting to walk over to see Kousei's arm hooked and pulled by his first fan as she gave him a fresh bottle of water. Kousei took a drink and Kousei's other fan girl pulled out a selfie-stick and quickly took a picture. Mizuhara started twitching just a little.

Mami pulled Mizuhara aside and said, "They're just his classmates, they're just excited and proud of him, let it go."

Mizuhara looked offended and said, "Let what go?"

Mami looked at her like a big sister, turned her head a little, and said, "Every girl knows that look Mizuhara. You're jealous & feel threatened. If you admit it you can deal with it, if you deny if you're going to have problems."

Mizuhara looked at her incredulously with a nod and said, "Really?"

Mami said she could choose to believe her or not and that it was her belief that she was jealous before conceding she wasn't psychic or anything.

The following Thursday Kousei knelt on the practice mat with his fellow students. The coach brought the team captain to the center as he bowed and said he was very proud of all his students. The captain of the club said he too was proud of all his fellow students & thankful for all those who came out. All rose and started their practice.

Mizuhara sat watching the kendo team practice with a smile. She socialized with the of the other girlfriends to guys and a few of the boyfriends to team members too. All exchanged thoughts of the tournament from last Saturday. Watching intently, she paused to remove her glasses, clean them, and put them back on when she heard a loud clack and saw Kousei on the ground and gasped when the girlfriend of another member leaned over and said he's fine. Mizuhara caught her breath, smiled, and said she was still getting use to seeing wooden swords and people being struck with them beyond movies.

The girlfriend smiled and said, "My name is Aiko, and I have been watching my boyfriend Ashai practice. Wanna guess which one is him?"

"Which one?" Mizuhara asked wondering how she could possibly know.

Aiko laughed quietly and pointed to Kousei's opponent. Mizuhara looked at her a little concerned or put off before the girlfriend told her to calm down.

"He is getting better. I have seen him here pretty much since he started. He placed third in his division at the tournament. He is quite something isn't he?"

"What do you mean?" Mizuhara asked a little curiously.

Aiko began twirling her blonde hair a little and said, "He is different. My boyfriend down there introduced me to him after one of his first nights practicing when we arrived. He was so shy. I didn't believe he was a member until I saw him put on a mask and armor. I have seen him grow, he has a lot more confidence now, but there is something unique about him. I cannot exactly say what it is, just something different. One night after class he invited us to see him play piano at this nightclub he plays at. Has he taken you?"

Mizuhara smiled and said, "Yes, he actually took me there on our first date."

"Oh. So, there we are. He was playing and the whole room was captivated. When he finished for the night, everyone was applauding, but that isn't what was unique."

"What…what was?"

"A little girl who could not have been older than twelve walked up and gave him some flowers she had picked. She and her grandmother were there together. It was cute."

"…That sounds cute. I was there and-"

"Then a woman well into her sixties for sure…went over and said something which made him smile."

"Yeah, I've seen that before too."

"We had a lot of fun, so he invited us back last night. He said he was doing the entire night. The manager brought the two of us our first drinks. We had a nice meal there and just enjoyed a night out like no other."

"Sounds great."

"And then…"

" 'And then' what?"

"And then…three girls went up to him. Three. It was like he had a fan-club. Two walked up to him and each bowed solemnly like they were greatly moved by his music. It was weird. The third one nodded her head approvingly and made some gesture with her fist pulling it towards her chest. It must have meant something as he just gave a nod. There is one more thing actually."

Mizuhara looked a little strangely at her and said, "Oh…what's that?"

Aiko smiled and said, "It is weird…when I heard him play Ashai and I felt like we were somehow much older, like an old married couple. It was background jazz. I am not sure if it was a real song or his just him 'tooling around,' but it sounded so nice. I felt older, he did too…and not in a bad way. It was surreal. We smiled all the way home together. I must sound stupid."

Mizuhara smiled and said, "No, not at all. He has that effect on people, making them feel a different age. Older people say they feel younger when he plays for them it seems."

Aiko and Mizuhara watched the rest of the practice and when over Mizuhara started to walk down to meet Koesi when his teammate gave him a bottle of water. Koesi thanked her, took a drink, and put it down to say something when unexpectedly and enthusiastically grabbed held his hands up in front of her waving them enthusiastically over their heads.

"You were great out there! You were so great at the tournament…I hope to be as good as you someday," the teammate said.

The teammate let go, Kousei took a drink, and said, "Thank you Sutea. I am learning, but you're better. You helped me practice. I am only getting better due to your help."

Sutea turned bright red and clearly wanted to hug him, almost shaking with a little with excitement, but just took his hand and held it tight.

Mizuhara felt jealous immediately and had to fight it off hard. Suddenly Mizuhara felt a hand grip her shoulder and stop her. Aiko came closer and quietly said to let it go.

"Let what go?!" Mizuhara asked, but clearly knew and her anger proved it beyond any doubt.

Aiko smiled and rolled her eyes just a little and said, "I cannot tell if he is your first boyfriend or if you were recently dumped, but every girl knows that look. You're very eager to tell her to back off your man and feel she is way too clingy. Friendly sisterly advice/one girl to another: let it go."

Looking slightly offended Mizuhara said, "I'm fine."

"No, you are not. 'Fine' is the word that always means things are not well. You need to drop it now; it is imperative you do it now."

"Why?"

"Well for one he's looking at us."

Mizuhara looked shocked and flew around before seeing Kousei was walking to the locker room to change and breathed relieved. She then turned back to Aiko a little exasperated.

Mizuhara looked at her and said a little coldly, "Not cool."

Aiko shook her head a little saying, "Sorry Mizuhara, but you're clearly quite threatened and ready to fight. I had to break the tension a little. You know how I know you are upset?"

Mizuhara felt angry that she was somehow giving something away and asked, "How?"

"Other than the fact your hand is in a fist your tone is a giveaway. I'll forget that you're shaking a little. Look, calm down. He's sweet, he's unique, he's endearing, cute, and surely something attractive on numerous levels, but no guy likes a jealous girl. Fine, there may be a few-but their egos aren't something you want to be around, that much I can tell about you. Take a deep breath."

Mizuhara calmed and started telling Aiko about how she doesn't like when emotions get through and spoke of her pride on being strong mentally. Aiko smiled said it is okay.

"How is it okay? I need to be better than this!" Mizuhara angrily exclaimed.

Aiko smiled and said, "Because you're human. If you didn't have any emotion or feel threatened in anyway it would show you are devoid of emotion or are so confidant, it is overdone…arrogant. You can be strong, you can be trusting, but no one else touches your man."

Aiko smiled and kind of pushed her shoulder before walking off to meet Ashai by the locker room door as Mizuhara smiled and waved while giving a nod.

Mizuhara kept thinking with thoughts swirling all through her mind and shook her head back and forth and kept on trying to get the jealousy out of her head.

The following Saturday in late afternoon Kousei stood in a park by the entrance and saw Mami walking up to him with a smile. Unsure of what was happening Kousei started to say something when Mami put her hand up to stop him.

"So, I woke up this morning and found a disheartening text: 'Mami, last night Mizuhara told me she would just prefer to be friends so I will understand if you want to cancel'…and you're wondering why I am here."

Kousei nodded and said, "Exactly. Why didn't you cancel? Mizuhara broke it off. There's no more to talk about with her."

Mami smiled and said sweetly, "Relax, a deal is a deal. I said we'd go out after your next date. Do not turn away good business. It will come in handy later, I'm sure of it. You are a great catch Kousei, someone else will be lucky to have you. Come on."

With a small smile Kousei extended his arm for her to take and Mami blushed as she took it and started walking with him until they came to a bench, and she pulled him down. With calm conviction she handed him money for the date, had him fill the receipt, and he put it away. Kousei started to slip into his "boyfriend mode" when Mami smiled and said to just be himself.

Kousei started to say, "You want me to be 'myself'…I'm supposed to be…you know what? I am myself when I'm with you. Happily."

Mami smiled and said, "There's the confident Kousei I so enjoy. So, tell me, what happened?"

"Well after practice she joined me all smiles, but it seems forced. We went to get tea, and she took the time to again tell me I was great in the tournament and even gave me a little kendo sword keychain."

Kousei took it out and handed it to her.

"It's cute. Don't throw it out. Keep it. Use it. It was a gift and to toss it just means you're getting rid of something you like and regardless of emotion now remember it was given to you by someone who cared for you…and likely still does too. So, what happened after that?"

Kousei smiled and put the keychain away saying, "Well we each had a drink of tea and things became lively again. It was really nice. We listened to the music playing, heard the everyone around us, and it was nice. We even shared some pound cake. She says she makes them better, but she remarked they are all likely baked offsite and brough to them and not made by hand fresh. I laughed and at the end of the night I walked her to the curb and waited for her to get in an Uber and I took one back home. She texted me when she was home, and I felt great. Last night we were to meet for a real date! It was going to not be for coffee, this was to be official. We went to a lovely place, a place she said she went before to enjoy Italian food. Things were going great. We talked about school, we talked about our friends, she showed me a small article from the local paper covering the tournament. I am even in a photo in the background. I'm not cited, but it is me. Things were really going great until…

"Until what? This was getting good."

"I pointed at myself in the picture and said the teammate standing next me taught me a lot and she is my practice partner."

"Sutea?"

"Yeah…how'd you know?"

"I talked to her while you were changing the first night I saw your practice. She seems nice. What happened?"

"Well Mizuhara got uneasy and just mentioned how she was so happy that my practice partner, the club president, and coach were proud…before mentioning my other teammates."

"Go on."

"I have no idea what made her feel strange. They're classmates, I am happy they're proud of me. I am proud of them too. Why did she get uneasy? I switched the topic, but it didn't seem to be going well anymore. She suddenly went from 'a girl I was dating' was to 'a girl conducting an interview for businesses' with me, and it was a little unnerving. I felt bad. She was still polite and friendly, even smiled here and there, but it no longer was the same girl. I don't know. I must sound strange. Want to get something to eat?"

"Not unless you're hungry. I want to hear more. The sunlight out here is nice, let's enjoy it. Not too long from now it will start to get hotter. So, what happened next?"

"Ummm…oh next, she and continued our meal and when we finished, we went outside. She looked a little sad. I looked at her and asked what was wrong. She smiled and then she looked like she wanted to hug me but stood still. Then she started to shake a little and even turned just a twing angry, but then calmed. She took a deep breath and said she had a wonderful time and was sorry as there was a lot on her mind. She hailed a cab and as she got in two of my…two 'ladies I know' came up the sidewalk and each gave a small wave. After that I could see her angry again."

"Oh boy. You know what happened right?"

"She saw other clients and was reminded of what I do?"

"Exactly. I know that feeling well, I know it too well in fact."

"She knew what I did. She knew I was a rental boyfriend from the moment we met. She saw me see other clients before. I don't understand what happened."

Mami looked at him, smiled, and nodded before saying, "You're such a sweet boy, a little naive, but sweet. Kousei, the reason it is bothering her is because suddenly you weren't the boyfriend she was helping practice. Suddenly you're dating her. Seeing your clients just came off to her, only subconsciously, like they're your exes. That or she just flat out doesn't like it now and she feels they're going to try to take you away despite knowing they're not former girlfriends. I will tell you something Kousei: Kazuya isn't my boyfriend. He's very special to me, but I cannot date him for the same reason Mizuhara doesn't want to date you anymore: It is hard seeing someone you like with other people. Even if you know it isn't for real…even if they know it isn't for real…it's weird. It's unnerving…I mean how would you feel it Mizuhara would just hold hands with any guy who paid her?"

Kousei nodded and said, "I understand. I guess it is different when you're an actor on stage, you know it is make believe, but the whole idea is to have people believe it is real-to get lost in the idea."

Mami thought and thought and decided to take Kousei into the park further until they reached a river and began to walk on the path.

"Kousei, will you take my hand?" Mami asked while they walked.

"Of course, any time," Kousei said happily.

"You've been to this park before I read, your dates say they have nice talks with you, that you're insightful. I know that's true," Mami said smiling warmly.

"I don't think I am that much; I just am honest with people but am happy that I make anyone happy really."

"You're charming. I am so happy to be out here today."

Mami smiled back at him as she walked with him hand in hand when Mami slowly took Kousei's arm and wrapped around her as they walked. Kousei was shocked, but never missed a beat. At the end of the park trail by the river and Mami pulled him to gently sit down on a bench nearby. Mami got out from under his arm and placed both hands on her lap and looked a little nervous, felt the little girl inside her getting nervous when she heard the voice tell her to be honest. Mami started to say something but couldn't finish it.

"Mami, what's wrong? You look like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. What's wrong? You can tell me, you have my promise I'll not tell anyone as your rental, as your student, as myself. What's wrong?" Kouesi asked with concern.

Mami winced a little, but tried to stay calm, and just said, "Kousei…I…I…"

"Take your time, what is it? No rush. What's going on?"

Mami started to struggle and looked at Kousei's hands and he reached out and took hers and told her again to take her time.

"Kousei…I like you. I feel so happy when I'm with you. I'm sorry to say that I know it must sound strange, even scary, you're obviously very respectful of Kazuya, you take your vocation seriously, and I am sorry to say that, but I had to say it."

Staying quiet Kousei nodded and asked her to continue. Mami went on to say she knows she is crushing on him hard, consciously, but wanted to say it aloud.

"I am flattered, very flattered, but I can't understand how that could be possible."

Mami smiled genuinely and said, "My prince, my charming Prince Kousei, I taught you how to act, you are naturally charming, and attractive when you're confident. You followed my lessons and while I never fell into a trap… your learning what I taught you…well it works on me too."

Mami smiled while the little girl inside her approved and nodded.

Kousei was speechless but said, "I am very flattered, but I am only like this because of what you taught me."

Mami remarked again how it is endearing to know her lessons helped, and he is actively using them.

Kousei gave a warm smile and said, "There is no better teacher I could have asked for in matters in which no one could help."

Mami nodded and laughed before jokingly saying, "Stop you're making it worse. I do have a request of you though."

"Anything. What is it?"

"I want you to sit down at the base of this tree."

"Okay…"

Kousei got up and sat down and watched as Mami slowly walked over with a smile, sat down with her back to him, and laid back down on his chest and gently took his arms to wrap around her.

"Kousei, let's enjoy in the sun together. I just want to be with you in the sun with you until the end of the time we have together."

"Oh…okay."

Kousei slowly relaxed his back against the tree trunk and gently pulled Mami against him as she smiled in his arms and closed her eyes. Kousei did the same and fell asleep in the sunlight with her both tired from the day.

"Excuse me sir? Miss?" A voice called out as Kousei suddenly woke up startled.

A police officer and his partner were walking standing over them when Kousei suddenly realized it was dusk and the park lights around the river path were lit up.

Startled Kousei said "Oh my! I am so sorry! We f-fell asleep. We're not-"

Kousei was about to stand up when the police officer motioned to stay down and said, "It's okay, it's just the park is closing soon. You both looked comfortable, we're sorry to have woken you. There are taxies nearby if you want a ride."

Mami woke up looking shocked when the second police officer told her to relax, and it was time near closing time for the park. Kousei looked at his phone realized he forgot to actually start the date, and no vibrating notification of the end coupled with being cuddled up under the sun put both of them to sleep. Mami slowly got out of Kousei's arms, and he quickly stood as extended his hand to help her up. Mami apologized and walked with the police to the entrance of the park where a few taxis were waiting. The police waved and returned to patrolling the park for anyone still there.

Kousei walked up to the nearest taxi and help the door for Mami. Once they arrived back at Kousei's apartment building Mami got out and thanked the driver.

"Do you live nearby?" Kousei asked dumbfounded figuring there were no large houses in his neighborhood.

"No, no I don't. I just didn't want to keep the driver waiting. Come here," Mami said with a smile.

Mami asked if she could give him a hug. Kousei opened his arms and warmly hugged her. Feeling a sense of calm Mami pulled him in closer feeling joy, took a deep breath, and released.

Mami then called for an Uber and said it would be there any minute and said he needs to listen closely to her final lesson.

"What is your final lesson sensei?" Kousei asked with the look of a student.

Mami smiled and stood tall before saying, "When you meet your princess remember your lessons to walk like you belong, be confident, be charming, and above all share who you are on a deeper level, and she will truly be your queen."

Kousei bowed and said, "I have something for you. Should my teacher ever wish to have tea with me bring me this when you come to see me."

Mami asked what it was and Kousei pulled out a 50% off voucher. Mami smiled and gave him a second hug saying, "Farewell my prince, perhaps our paths will cross again."

The Uber arrived and Kousei bowed like a musketeer, opened the door, watched Mami get in with a smile, closed the door, and waved as she rode off into the night.

One week later on Sunday morning Kazuya walked towards a local shrine, stopped at the red Shinto gate, and looked down the street. The morning was still arriving, and a few streetlights were lit. Walking towards Kazuya a figure arrived, bowed, and asked him to follow and indicated to sit down in a courtyard where a pond of coy swam.

"I must say I didn't think I'd hear from you, but I am more than willing to listen, and be my professional self so long as you follow all rules you've agreed to when you made the date", Kazuya said genuinely and in a friendly voice.

Niko looked up and said, "I am ready. I will abide by all rules. I wanted to talk to you today. Here is the payment."

Kazuya smiled, took the money, signed the receipt, and took a deep breath.

Kazuya began, "Mizuco, it is a pleasure to meet you. I wish to know, what kind of name-"

"Listen, call me Niko. I just didn't make a new account. Before you ask it simply was a combination of 'Mizuhara' and 'Niko'," Niko said while looking at him in a wistful and almost sad look.

"Okay Niko. Your notes said you wanted to meet here at sunrise. It is beautiful. I have any number of topics we can talk about, but your notes simply said you wanted to talk. What's on your mind?" Kazuya looked at him with genuine curiosity.

"Kazuya, I need to talk to someone. I cannot talk to Mizuhara, I cannot talk to my friends as they don't know anything beyond bits and pieces, and surely not everything, and…ironically with you in a sense I am talking to someone and somehow talking to no one. That thought especially has me wound up."

Lost in a moment of thought knowing he heard those exact words expressed before Kazuya paused and said, "Okay, start at the beginning. What's going on?"