Since now both Sanada Tsubaki and Asano Mayu officially a student in Kitagawa, with their identical uniform as the rest of the male students. The glaring, staring and sinister gaze are become lesser, the two girls blend in really easily. Even their classmate that usually cold towards them, are now becomes more open and friendly.
“Today task will be to paint your partner!” the art teacher announcing today’s art class assignment. Before, Mayu always ended up alone without a partner, today she couldn’t help her smile, having someone sitting in front of her.
“ehehehee…”
“Asano san you’ve been giggling the whole time…” the boy across of her, smiles, her happy face is actually looks funny for him. “Its hard to draw you like this.” He laughs faintly.
“oh, sorry te-he.” She knocks her head lightly. Though she has try, she couldn’t help but smiling.
“I’m just happy we become friends…” she says, her face a bit bashful with a clear contentment.
“…” the boy pauses momentarily, his pencil stops above his sketch book, then he too broke into a kind smile. “I’m happy that you stay, Asano-san. I always take you as a classmate, sorry if any of us were so cold before…” he continues, starts drawing in between his speak.
“But we’re friends now right.” He continues, his smile wider. Seeing his sincerity, Mayu freeze, she feels so happy she wants to cry.
“yes!” she cries with a strong nod.
“you there! Work with your hand not your mouth! Unless you can draw a picture with it!” suddenly the art teacher that has been wandering looking at his student one by one, yell at Mayu and her partner.
“y-yes sir!” the boy quickly apologizing, and turn his head to his sketch book, while the rest of the class laughing at them.
Even though everyone is laughing at them, but it wasn’t feel bad at all, doesn’t really humiliating at all. In fact that laughter makes Mayu even feel like she’s already inside the circle of her classmate now.
“I’m so glad that I stay!”
It wasn’t just Mayu now, after the Japanese literature class, Tsubaki who performs a traditional poet and gained applause from her teacher, now being surrounded by her classmates asking her assistance to work on the Haiku and Tanka.
“one at a time please…” she has starts to get really tired with so many people gathering and asking.
“ahahahaha, Tsubaki is looks like a single flower surrounded by a flock of flies.”
“what am I a rotten plum?” she asks, Yuri leaning on her side, he has learns about this traditional poet from the study group so he has no problem making it now, instead enjoying seeing Tsubaki struggling to help each of her friends.
“its so like her, trying to answer anyone questions.” Keito says a bit sympathize, standing outside 2B classroom.
“yeah… she is, isn’t she?” Ryosuke smiles, but his eyes seem sorrow, almost empty as he too looks into the classroom.
“Yuri! Lets go!” Keito calls from outside, its lunch break now, yet everyone needs the poet to be done for the end of today’s class.
“okay, okay, stop, stop, no more questions please.” Yuri suddenly swings his hands up and down like a bodyguard cutting through the paparazzi, once there’s enough space, he snatched Tsubaki’s hand and take her out the classroom.
“That was intense!” Yuri cried out, while chewing an octopus shaped sausage in his mouth. “everyone was gathering like flies.”
“flies?” Keito cocks his head, furrows slightly knit.
“the idiom was supposedly like flower and butterflies, right… or was it bees? Anyway, butterfly and bee are hard worker, those kids are just being lazy knowing there’s someone capable of making poems with closed eyes.” Yuri that has been looking the sky, turns to keito, waving his red chopsticks.
“my eyes perfectly open when I made that…” Tsubaki sighs, lunch box on her lap. They enjoying a relaxing lunch at the rooftop.
While they bantering with each other, Ryosuke sits quietly with a slight distance from the group. Even after they’re all finished, Ryosuke barely eat his lunch. Tsubaki sits next to Yuri, and next to Yuri is Keito, Ryosuke sits looking at his lunch beside Keito.
Keito notices Ryosuke solemn behavior and let a sigh with a weak smile. “hey Yuri, I want some tea at the cafeteria, accompany me?”
“hm?” Yuri looks up, Keito already standing. “oh, yeah me too, a cold tea would be nice.” He nods, knowing what keito really means.
Yuri stood up and cleans his pants. “anyone want some?”
“May I have some bottled ocha?” Tsubaki asks while closing her lunch box.
“ocha it is. You ryosuke?” Yuri after a nod, turns his eyes to his best friend still hanging his head.
“I’m good.” Ryosuke replies with a smile and a thumb up.
“be right back!” Yuri waving excitedly at them.
Ryosuke accidently look to his side and sees Yuri lunch box still scattering on the floor.
“sigh, that kid, never clean up after himself.” He mutters and moves closer to clean it up.
As he’s bending to fix it, Tsubaki too having the same mind to clean it up. Tsubaki sudden move is unavoidable by Ryosuke, he accidently landed his face to her head, stops just inches away, Tsubaki looks up but that only results in a meet between Ryosuke’s lips and her forehead.
Everything happens so quick, both Tsubaki and Ryosuke frozen in place. And what’s mysterious is for a moment, they cant hear anything around them, and each other eyes in the only thing they can see.
“uh oh…sorry I didn’t mean to-“ Ryosuke quickly jumps back heat creeps to his face even his ears. While Tsubaki eyes were still widen in shock. She had never seen Ryosuke move so fast. He didn’t blink this whole time. He touches his finger to his lips.
“o-of course I know you didn’t mean to…” she says, finally could move her eyes away. She quickly darts sideways and tousles her bangs, where Ryosuke accidently pecked with his lips.
With Yuri’s scattered lunch box between them, Ryosuke and Tsubaki slip into awkward silence. Tsubaki slowly bring her eyes up, Ryosuke turns at her, his face registers a moment of surprise before he smiles, genuinely, showing the laugh lines at the edges of his eyes.
“that was…erm… awkward…”
“I know.” Tsubaki laughs faintly.
“oh yeah…” Ryosuke suddenly reach to his trouser pocket, a tiny package in his hand. “I found this… and I was thinking… it’ll suit your new hair cut.” Ryosuke open her palm and put the package in it.
“for me?” Ryosuke nods with a smile. “may I open it?”
“I think you should.” He says, sitting on the floor, his face shows a clear anticipation as Tsubaki slowly unwrapped the gift, inside she found a pair of small hair clips.
“its beautiful, thank you.”
“allow me.” he asks and open his palm, Tsubaki puts the clips to Ryosuke surprisingly large and strong looking hand. “let me put this for you.”
Tsubaki still sitting, she lowers her head, her eyes hidden by her eyelashes, as Ryosuke put the clips on her hair.
“oh!”
“what is it?” Ryosuke sudden’s cry startled her.
“girl’s hair is so…soft…”
“pardon?”
“er…I… never touch-… never mind…” His brows seem to be permanently knit in a trouble expression, his eyes hazy. “Tsubaki.”
“yes?” and now, his eyes has found hers, and he’s gazing steadily. “I know I have told you once, but… I want to tell you again, I…. really like you.”
“…” seeing the obvious blush across his sincere yet determine face, Tsubaki feels contagious as she too feel the heat creeps to her cheeks.
“It’s a nice and warm weather today, huh?”
“GAH!” Both Ryosuke and Tsubaki haven’t even notice that Kota was up on rooftop with them until he speaks in that chipper voice of his.
“oh look, who left his lunch box like this?” the already bend Kota, starts picking and stacks Yuri’s lunch box neatly. Then he carelessly sits between them, Ryosuke has to slide a bit otherwise part of his legs will be under his bucho sit.
Kota takes a deep breath and releases it with a satisfaction. “hah, life feels much better without a burden.” He says almost as if talking to himself.
“So Tsubaki.” He turns at her with a wide grin.
“firstly, you’re so obnoxious.”
“…” Ryosuke eyes widen hearing Tsubaki saying that words flatly almost annoyed. After what happen at the last council meeting, Ryosuke has raises his cautions bar towards his bucho.
“aww, Lady Sanada, that again, I thought we’re friends now.”
“just so you know, you are my friend, one obnoxious friend.”
“you hurt me right in the gut.” Kota touches his chest and makes a pained expression like he was rejected for a date.
“how can you just walks in without a sound, sit here in the middle of people without permission and above all that’s Yuri’s juice don’t take others belonging!” Kota found a juice as he cleaned up and deliberately drink it.
“can you please save the lecture for later… my ears has done enough hearing…” he’s whining with a straw between his white teeth.
“I’m not done yet Yabu Kota san.”
“…oh geez…” Kota hangs his head, his shoulders dropped in a perfect powerless slump.
Ryosuke watches their exchanges with mount of curiosity and admiration. “how can she’s so carelessly lecturing and complaining at him like this… if bucho ever snaps again, she’ll be the only one brave enough to face him or even tame him back.”
Today, after school, with Kota invitation. Mayu and Tsubaki are expected to join the council meeting. “I wonder what now?” Mayu says, her voice is between anticipation, nervous and excitement.
“we shall see.” Tsubaki replies with a smile, walking on her side.
“…” Mayu take a closer look at her senpai hair. “that hair clips so cute Tsu nee, the model is so much like you.” Mayu cheerfully praising the new accessories on Tsubaki’s dark hair.
“thank you, it’s a gift.”
“it does huh, hehehe then that person must know you well.” She says innocently with a sunny smile.
“…it does, doesn’t it.”She murmurs it like she’s talking to himself, but her voice is warm.
“thank you for coming!... women are always the one arrive on time…” Kota scratches the back of his head, while gesturing the two girls who just arrive to take their seat.
“everyone will be here shortly, so before that.” Kota move and sit at the table, where Tsubaki and Mayu sit side by side. “starting tomorrow you are member of Kitagawa council board.”
“say what now?” Mayu is the only one surprise with Kota’s announcement. She never been in a club before let alone a council board. A place for her so far off her imagination.
“Asano Mayu, you will be member of Event Coordinator committee-“
“Senpai!” Mayu raises her hand immediately.
“yes?” Kota replies with a smile.
“I-I-I I never been in council board before… I don’t think I know what to do…”
“you wont be alone Mayuchan, the other member will surely guide you.” Tsubaki from her side, speaks calmly, “who’s the other members in Event coordinator?”
“you will be with Okamoto keito and Yaotome Hikaru.”
“…” Mayu suddenly turns a bit quiet when she hears the last member name.
“and Lady Sanada will be fit like your previous committee. Disciplinary, along with Yuya and Yuto.”
“So I was…” Tsubaki nod firmly, understanding her position.
Suddenly from outside they hear noises of chatters from the usual gang heading the council room. Mayu sits stiffly on her chair, anticipation built as one by one the council members walk in. but she looks pained in an instant as seconds, and minutes passes yet certain person doesn’t come to the door.
“why didn’t he come to the meeting…?” Mayu eyes turn gloom, it almost painful to watch.
“…” Tsubaki watches as Mayu’s eyes wander emptily.
“Kota san.” Tsubaki raises her hand, not long after everyone taking their seat. “we need to use the bathroom.”
“both of you?”
“oh Kota san, ladies go to bathroom together.” Tsubaki raises and taps Mayu shoulder, with a smile Mayu nods and follow her.
Once they’re inside the bathroom, holding Mayu’s shoulders Tsubaki speaks while they’re facing the mirror. “Mayu chan looks so cute in this uniform. But it’ll be cuter when you put that sunny smile of yours.”
Mayu turns slowly to Tsubaki, her eyes glazy and her face redden.
“wh-what’s wrong?” Tsubaki asks a bit panic, Mayu looks like could broke a dam any moment.
“This morning, I got stuck by a very strong urge, and I say to myself no Mayu you cant do this, this is prohibited. Getting distracted is prohibited, I have to stay focused on my new exciting days… but I can’t thanks to this urge.”
“…Mayu chan wants to show this new Uniform to…him, don’t you?”
“erm… but we haven’t spoken since…well the thing at the theme park…”
“Mayu chan.” Tsubaki takes both her hands. “the uniform is a good reason enough to start talking to him.” she smiles gently. “you should really show it to him.”
With strong resolves and encouragement from Tsubaki, Mayu’s running to where she thinks he will be.
“she’s so determine and innocent, but that what makes Mayuchan cute.” Tsubaki says to herself, after watching Mayu running towards the opposite direction of council room. “you can do this!”
“To be honest, I don’t even know why… even after his rejection… I want Inoochan senpai to see me in my new uniform so badly. Am I expecting something from him?” she thought while running, she wants to get there soon, she ran fast she feels she could leap and fly.
Behind the school building where a single bench shaded by lushes trees, sitting by himself surrounded by the comfy cats, Kei turns once Mayu come in his sight.
He blinks almost confuse on how to face her.
“I-I was passed by… and see you… no…” she shakes her intention to lie. And put a sunny smile. “I want to show you the new uniform… what do you think?” she smiles and strike a pose confidently, yet her body almost trembling in anxious. She was so afraid kei will ignore her.
“Yup, that uniform suits you well Mayuchan.” Yet he smiles, it was not his usual happy smile, yet its rather to a gentle almost timid smile.
It might just a normal compliment for a friends… she doesn’t even get it, yet she laughs bashfully feeling really happy she gets to talk to him again.
She wants to say more but suddenly an arm swings around her.
“you do know the meeting has started, right?”
“H-Hikaru senpai?!” Mayu startled and squirm under his arm. “l-let go, please!”
“what do you say we head back there, you are to be with me in the committee right.”
“B-But…” half irritated half sad, she could only let herself dragged from Kei. “from now on, you little girl, should start listen to what I say.” Hikaru stops momentarily posing a mischievous grin.
“hey Mayu chan! I was looking for you!” Daiki carelessly lift Hikaru’s arm around her and take her arm a bit forceful. “hey Kei! You should come too, Ryosuke make fish balls for everyone.” Daiki walks back towards Kei with the confuse looking Mayu in his strong grip.
Hikaru’s smile that was once curl on his lips, vaporized and turn into an intense gaze to the three people now gather. Soon Kei follow them, each one in Daiki’s hand, like a nanny dragging his babies. “Come on Hikaru, lets head back!” Daiki cheerfulness almost too eager for the situation.
“of course.” Hikaru nods and give a defeated smile, watching those three from behind. “its not over yet, its just getting started…” he says almost playfully to himself, but Kei seems to catch that and look behind, tentatively.
Tsubaki only learns about Yuto suspension by the next day, when she asks Yuya to take a patrol.
“I thought yuto was just sick…” Tsubaki said with a sigh, today she went to his house for a visit after the school.
She presses the door bell, it has been years since the last time she came here.
“Tsubaki, welcome, it has been awhile.” Yuto’s mother welcomes her with a wide smile. “come in, come in. I’m preparing meal for Yuto and Junpei.”
“its too soon to make dinner, is it.” Tsubaki’s following her to the kitchen. Its clear that she’s in the middle of making lots of food. Mostly are food that can be fridge and re-heat.
“are you going somewhere?”
“tomorrow is our 20th anniversary, so…” she says shyly. “we’re going on three days trip to Hokkaido for an onsen date.”
“that’s very nice, congratulation.”
“thank you, you know we joke about how old would us be if Yuto has his anniversary…” she states while folding onigiri in neat seaweed. “and he says it will be miracle if he interested in having…um…sorry Tsubaki.”
“hm?”
“Yuto…doesn’t seem to be interested in dating since you two breaking up…” suddenly her cheerful words turn sorrow, her slender fingers stop for a moment before sighing and finish what she’s doing.
“Yuto taking his future seriously, I’m sure he will open his heart when the time is proper.”
“I believe so too.” She smiles with a nod. “Yuto hasn’t come from school, so why don’t you wait in his room?”
“…” Tsubaki stay silent, Yuto seems to be didn’t tell his family regarding his suspension. “Yuto still likes keeping things to himself… he didn’t change…”
Yuto’s mother let Tsubaki’s walk to Yuto’s bedroom upstairs. Tsubaki stops at the closed door.
“I remember to the time when Yuto school’s score in Jr High suddenly dropped. He was always the top scorer and I was the second, but that time on our 3rd grade, Yuto score was… at the bottom. Since then he started to act strange, pushes himself harder than before that his mother called me one day. “Tsubaki could you make something for Yuto. He doesn’t want to eat anything that I made, maybe he’d eat something if its from you.”
“Yuto has stop eating properly only took a bite out of each food his mother made. So I thought if he doesn’t want to eat main dishes maybe some light snacks will do, chicken skewers, egg roll and gyoza. When I get to his house to deliver the food, as I stand in front of his bedroom I heard a loud noise, Yuto collapsed and lose conscious.”
Tsubaki turns the knob. “We brought him to the hospital and the doctor declared that it was due to exhaustion and malnutrition. What I learn later, make me realized I don’t belong on his side, and so when he told me he wants us to break up I accept it, even though I want to refuse it, I know I have no right, even though I love him so much. But I don’t want to be weak, cause I know he loves me because I was always stay strong.”
“Oh wow…” Tsubaki is welcome by colorful pictures decorated the bedroom walls. Seems like pictures around Shonan. “Did Yuto take these pictures?”
“Wow…these are beautiful! I never knew Yuto has liking to photograph.”
The sea, the train tracks, trees, people surfing and island in the distance…so many different things, with soft halos of light or dappled shadows. Seen through Yuto’s camera, everything seems totally different. In his photos, familiar scenes come to life and even shine. “so this is how he sees the world…” Tsubaki glances over at the pictures freshly printed over the desk. “he sees beauty in things like that…”
The sun has start to set, Yuto’s mother peek to the room, Tsubaki is reading a magazine about photographic.
“tsubaki I’m very sorry but we should leave now to get the last train.”
“oh, yes of course, don’t let me hold you.”
“I’m sure both Junpei and Yuto will be back soon, so please wait for them.”
“I will.”
“thank you, its alright to lock the door. Both the boys have the key.”
“yes, have a fun anniversary journey.”
After Yuto’s mother leave for rendezvous with her husband at the station, Tsubaki locks the door as she requested while waiting for Yuto to come home. “he suspends from school, so I guess he spend his days at the studio, practicing his drum?” Tsubaki talks to herself. “and Mrs. Nakajima has asked me to wait for any of her son to come home…” Tsubaki turns toward the living room and sits, stiffly at the sofa.
“well, then…!” she’s all alone in the house. Even though she tries, she can’t relax for now. Usually whenever she visited she’d gone up to Yuto’s room. But now being in his room somewhat…feel strange. “Come to think of it, Yuto’s home doesn’t feel like changing at all.
DING DONG
“uh…” Tsubaki hears doorbell ring. “if its Yuto or Junpei…they wouldn’t ring the bell…right… but…” she look at the time. “who’d be coming here at this hour?” Hiding behind the curtains, she carefully looks outside. There’s a pretty college-age woman standing outside the gate. “who is that…? Maybe Mr and Mrs Nakajima acquaintance?”
DING DONG
“But…” Tsubaki feels there’s something off about her. Her eyes are narrowed and her shoulders scrunched together. She’s obviously angry. “I don’t think I can confront someone that I don’t recognize at others place…” Tsubaki searches for her phone… its been awhile, but she decides to call Yuto for the first time since forever.
DING DONG DING DONG DING DONG
Instead of giving up and going home, the woman starts ringing the bell nonstop.
“…” Tsubaki standing facing the locked front door, she decides if in 15 minutes Yuto didn’t show up she will face the angry unknown lady outside.
“Gah!”
“huh, wha… no way!” as Tsubaki peeks from the window, the woman at the gate rushes at Yuto. She starts grabbing at him, Tsubaki quickly open the door and rushed to him.
“Yuto!” she rushes out of the gate. Once she’s out on the street, she sees that Yuto’s got the woman pinned to the ground.
“Grrr…”
“Yuto, is she…”
“She’s fine. I’m not using that much force. I don’t know why, but she just attacked me…”
Finally after the woman promise she’d calm down, Yuto released her. She is leaning sullenly against the wall outside and explains the side of her story, “Well, what was I supposed to do? I didn’t know what school he went to!”
“So you just show up at someone’s house…?” Yuto’s note was still in deep annoyance.
“Yuto.” Tsubaki’s voice and gentle touch at his the side of his arm, somehow calm him a bit.
“So.. you’re a local college student… and you’re my brother’s ex girlfriend?”
“Ex-girlfriend?! B-but… isn’t Junpei in 8th grade?”
“He told me he was in high school!” Now that she knows Yuto is his brother, her tone is harsh and accusatory. “I went out with your brother. For just about… three months. Everything seemed to be going pretty well at first… and then suddenly he just sent me an email telling me he found someone else! After that he stopped answering his phone. Since I don’t have another way to get to him…Tricking me like that by a brat, I was furious!”
“so…why did you attack him?”
“From behind he looks the same, it was a mistake, okay?!”
“Junpei and I have a huge gap in height… can you at least tell?” Looks like she was too angry to think about things like that.
After Yuto and Tsubaki tireless effort to clear the situation and Junpei are not yet home too, she finally agrees to leave, for now. The two of them sighing and slumped at the sofa.
“that was… unexpected…”
“sometimes, I cant believe we’re related. He’s in at 8th grade and like…has 7 exes!”
“what do you mean, your face actually look like one another.”
“hahahaha, we both a pain in the neck too.” Yuto’s laugh amusedly. Tsubaki a bit dazes with his laughter, it has been forever since she saw him laughing. For a moment Tsubaki swallows her intention to ask about his suspension.
“I’m sorry Tsubaki…”
“hm?”
“things would’ve been better if we… me, put a stop to the bullies from the start.”
“it is. Isn’t it.”
“ouch….” Yuto hangs his head to her cold and frontal agreement.
“yet… it was not your solitary mistake, its everybody’s including me. so why don’t we all forgive each other and try not to let any of these to repeat in the future?”
Yuto still hanging his head, staring to the floor between his legs. He heaved a deep sigh and lean backwards, resting his head to the sofa behind him.
“and if you have a week of school-free, why don’t start the morning with a good running, prepare healthier meals-“
“I have been practicing drums again, sometimes even play with Hikaru and Keito.”
“that’s nice, you always love drums, many council members play music aren’t they, Ryosuke is playing piano too.” After a moment of pep talk, Tsubaki look to her wrist watch and quickly stood up, “Its getting late, I must go home.”
“Tsubaki.” Yuto, seeing Tsubaki raises from her seat, Yuto grab her wrist, stopping her from moving away.
“wh-what is it?” she looks back at him.
“Did something happen between you and Ryosuke?” he returns her gaze, look into hers strongly.
“…” Tsubaki unable to give him a reply when the image of Ryosuke plays in the back of her mind. Her lips part but she lost her voice box.
“tsubaki.” His voice drops as he says her name, trailing off in a husky half-whisper…though Tsubaki lost in her thought. She didn’t realize when Yuto take her other wrist with his free hand, he pulls her slowly towards him. for a moment there, Yuto seems want to close the gap between them and take her in his arms.
“I’m home, Yuto you’re here?” the loud voice coming from the front door snaps Tsubaki away, when she comes to her senses again, Yuto face is right in front of her.
“the thing I ordered online supposed to be came today.” Junpei’s loud noises came closer to the living room, the boy in baseball cap busy looking into his bag. “I cant find my phone… oh, sorry I didn’t know you got company.”
“long time no see Junpei.”
“…oh, Tsubaki, hey nice to see you again! Its been a while doesn’t it!”
“it has, yes. Well I must be going its getting late.”
“I’ll walk you home.” Yuto quickly stands from the sofa.
“its fine, really.” Tsubaki walks quickly passing Junpei and head to wear her shoes.
“Its dark, let me walk you home.” Yuto too, hurriedly reach to his shoe rack.
“Yuto, its fine.” Tsubaki is looking to the floor, with her both hands above his chest.
Slightly she grabs his shirt before lift her head and show her face. “its just few blocks.” She turns away quickly and her voice nearly shattering “I-I bring some books and lend my notes for the whole week of your suspension, kay. Bye.” She said without showing her face at him again. Defeated, Yuto purses his lips and devours his protests with a hard swallow. And could only listen to the faint sound of his gate being open and shut.
“usually when woman say its fine, twice. It means to leave her alone.” Junpei states, poking his head with a chewing mouth.
“speaking of woman… I think we need to talk young man.” Yuto turns, his air fierce and Junpei soon knows he’s in deep trouble.
Tsubaki runs at the empty road, she feels strangely… odd right now, that running might help her forget about the pain in her chest. “I…I still have feelings for Yuto…I still love him, I want to give in, so why…why when Yamada san images come to my mind I feel awful, I feel like…guilty. Anxiety and guilt make my stomach ache every time I think of him.” She’s so anxious, not knowing her feelings for the first time that she’s at a total loss.
At the intersection, Tsubaki stops and catch a few breaths. HONK
She turns and from a red sedan, a pretty worker lady pokes her head. “Tsubaki!” she waves.
“ah, Umeko san. How are you?” Tsubaki’s politely bow at her.
“I’m great, here, hop in.” she turns to the passenger seat and throw most of her scattered items to the rear seat.
“thank you but-“
“Tsubaki.” She calls, using a more powerful tone. Tsubaki went silent immediately.
“Its been awhile I want to chat with you.” Her smile is somewhat convinced Tsubaki that she has no option but to obey.
“very well.” Sighing, Tsubaki climbs to the car. And Umeko’s red sedan, take her further from her home.
“Mom, dad, baby bro!” she shouts once she steps into the house, removing her branded leathered boots while Tsubaki removes her school shoes hesitantly.
“Umeko?” an old lady, in kimono walks and her face lights up seeing the young girl behind her. “Tsubaki, welcome!”
“forgive me for coming such late hour.”
“don’t be so formal Tsubaki, mom and dad will be happy to see you.”
“you didn’t tell me you’d come.” the old lady turn to her daughter still wearing her work attire.
“I was nearby so I thought I visit, where’s my brother? Kota!” the nearly 30 lady walks and heads upstairs.
“…”
“you must’ve been drag here by Umeko, like always.” Mrs Yabu laughs bitterly while taking her arm and propelled her inside.
“my husband has retire to sleep early though, he has been feeling unwell lately.”
“is he alright?”
“oh he’s fine. a quick rest will perk him back.” She smiles as she sits Tsubaki in the living room.
“Hey Tsubaki.” After the loud footsteps coming from the stairs, in an old fashioned warm clothe Kota came to the living room, smile widely.
“I’m sorry for bothering.”
“what’s bothering?” Kota’s laughing and sits himself on her side. “you know, you’ll always welcome here whenever the time.”
“thank you.” She smiles, it is always awkward to be here, in Yabu Residence. In the house of the guy long ago arranged to be her husband, until it was canceled.
“oh, I have some delicious manju from Osaka.” Mrs Yabu speaks from the kitchen.
“oh, please allow me to help.” Seeing her hands full of plates and cups, Tsubaki rushes to her aid.
KRIIIIIIIIIIIING
“oh, that’s my phone.”
“I will take from here if you may.” Tsubaki says, and preparing the tea and Manju. Mrs Yabu smiles and nod then went to pick up the phone.
Kota walks in, his hands hiding inside his traditional robe. “oh the tea tin is empty, can you put the new tea in?” Kota says and moves to the kitchen cabinet. The new tea is at the highest shelf, with Kota height he has no trouble reach it, but he didn’t notice that Tsubaki is in front of him.
She turns away when she notices Kota’s tall posture at her view, his chest even slightly touching her face.
“here, oh yeah… scissors…” Tsubaki trying to ignore what just happened when Kota is searching through the kitchen. “oh yeah, Tsubaki.”
“hm?” Tsubaki boils some water on the kettle.
“Do you think you can arrange a time for us to meet Fujiwara council?”
She turns, Kota still looking for a pair of scissors. “you’re going to meet them?”
“yeah… ah, here it is!” he found it inside a drawer. “Can you inform the president and vice president about our visit. The time is completely at their favor.”
“…” Tsubaki have a hunch on what the visit is all about, she smiles faintly before the hissing kettle disturb her.
“do you have…” Tsubaki turns left and right looking for a pot holder.
“here let me.” Kota, hides his hand to his robe take the kettle from the stove.
“careful that’s hot!”
“…” he pours it carefully to brew some tea and quickly return it to the stove. “ah hot! Hot! Hot!” he waves his hand around. Tsubaki quickly wet a cloth and reach to his hand.
“I told you its hot! Look at you! Why did you do something so dangerous!”
“you know lady Sanada, your protest wont cure the burn.”
“don’t be such a baby. You have all the right to be scold.”
“…alright, I’m sorry.” Tsubaki carefully cooling down Kota’s redden palm, while Kota watches her with a mischievous grin. “I did that on purpose, you know.”
Umeko and her mother, quietly watching Tsubaki and Kota in the kitchen. Each with a wide smile across their faces.
“if only their engagement didn’t canceled, I could face my old days in huge relief.”
“yeah, Kota never let himself getting scold by anyone but her.” Umeko giggles. “but we should respect mrs Sanada will, to let her daughter find her own love.”
“true, we should do that, still… I wish…” Mrs Yabu shakes her head, heaved deeply.
“TSU-NEE!!!!” Mayu’s cheerful greet as she walks in to her class the next day, was way too eager yet most Kitagawa has used to her happy-go-lucky attitude.
“yes?”
“ready? We’re going on a shopping date for the summer vacation, kya!”
“…ahahahaha…” Tsubaki’s couldn’t understand why going out for shopping could make Mayu even more hyper than she already are.
Mayu remembering what Kota said this morning to her. “Tsubaki always have problem with choosing dresses on her own, could you accompany her and pick out the latest summer get up for our vacation?”
Mayu excitedly agreeing with her bucho request and now the two of them strolling at the shopping district and head to the summer collection.
“oh! we need new swimsuit!!!” Mayu happily flips her fingers through the garments.
“do we, I mean we’re going to a mountain.”
“summer is about swimsuit, beach or mountain, I hear from Daiki senpai, there’s a lake for swimming there!”
“still… two girls in swimsuit with nine guys are…”
“here senpai, try this!”
“eh?! But that’s….is this even swimsuit?” Tsubaki’s eyes nearly popped seeing the costume Mayu shows to her. “aren’t they just strings?”
“maybe a little too expose?” Mayu tilts her head before put it away.
“a-a little, I don’t think there’s even a thread covering our body!”
“okay….how bout this one, this is super cute!”
“why are you giving me bikini mayu chan?”
“oh Tsu nee, mature girl definitely should go with bikini not old fashioned one piece.”
“and who is this so call mature girl?”
“I’ll go with this one!” Mayu took a cute bikini of her own and head to the register. “or maybe that one, oh wait, this look so pretty!” but her track stops “ah! I cant decide!” and she starts taking more than she should.
“I guess this is why most girls having it hard with their budget…” Tsubaki let a sigh escapes her lips.
Today, Yabu Kota and Arioka Daiki as President and vice president of Kitagawa council board came to Fujiwara, behind them walking carelessly with a cat in his arm is Inoo Kei.
“this is a really nice school. Oh look they even have lama.” Daiki says pointing out with a huge grin.
“those are alpaca.” Kei explains, before patting the cat on his arms again.
“and you know this because…?” Daiki turns, his face in total confusion.
“Thank you for having us, my name is Yabu Kota, this is my vp Arioka Daiki and our number one supporter Inoo Kei.” Kota introduces himself when they arrive at Fujiwara council room.
“Thank you for coming, I’m the current council president Ayase Saori and my colleague Ieyasu Kiara.”
“hi everyone.” Kiara greeting with a warm smile while places a warm tea for everyone.
Before anything Kota lower his head in apologetic bow to Saori. “on behalf of myself and my position I offer my deepest apology for any inconvenient we have caused, I’m truly sorry.”
“…” Saori knits her furrows before sighing. “we owe apology to Kitagawa too, I’m sorry for any selfish decisions we made… we can avoid so many bad experiences if we could speaks more openly between councils.”
“I agree.” Kota lifts his head and smile. “you know more than I could tell regarding your transfer students.”
“I do, yes.”
“what happens behind cannot be undo but, we will do our best onward even if it means to do it alone.”
“you’re not alone. Don’t forget those two girl are originally Fujiwara, even when they decided to be Kitagawa after what they have through.”
“yes, this time they will be under our wings, you have my words.”
“so you were. Well, here what I want to say to you. We may unable to lend a hand, in formal way. Yet we will do the best we can to save Kitagawa, to respect the sacrifice of two former Fujiwara.”
“thank you, truly.”
When the Summer Vacation day finally arrive, everyone gather at the station except Keito, Daiki and Kei who went to the villa since Daiki house is closer to Keito, and Keito must get to the villa before his friends. While Kei just tagging Daiki.
“Good morning!” Hikaru waves happily. The one already waiting at the station is Kota, Yuya with Mayu, Ryosuke with Yuri. “so Keito and Daiki plus Kei went to the villa first right?”
“yup.” Kota looks into his watch. “they probably arrive in 10 minutes again.”
Hikaru peers a little to Mayu who sits at the bench, on her side Yuya leaning behind, spread his one arms behind her.
“tsubaki sure is late…” Yuri speaks while looking at Ryosuke who seems restless.
“morning.” Everyone eyes follows the coming voice, Tsubaki bows slightly, a summer straw hat on her head. “thank you for waiting.” Since they live close by Yuto pick her up and walk together to the station.
“so, is everybody ready?” Kota claps his hands. “the trip will take about 2 hours by train, make a travel buddy so everyone will be responsible for their own buddy. Understand. Lets go!” Kota shouts while holding to Hikaru’s shoulder.
“lets go Mayu.” Yuya says, helping her to carry her bag.
“I guess you’re my travel buddy.” She says smiling cheerfully.
“good for you.” Yuya smirks and ruffles her hair while following Kota.
“so…” Yuri looks at Ryosuke and Yuto who stands still, looking to each other.
“Chinen san.”
“yes?” Yuri turns and Tsubaki smile at him. “be my travel companion?”
“sure! Cuties should stick together!” he excitedly wraps his hand on tsubaki shoulder and takes a selfie. “oh cool! I’m still cuter!”
“…yes, you are.” Tsubaki’s laughing weakly, his narcissistic could be annoying but its hard to hate someone like Yuri.
Ryosuke and Yuto were the only one behind, they both let an exasperated sigh before following the rest of the gang.
When they arrive, Keito welcomes them. On the front yard, Kei sleeping on the swinging hammock.
“wuaaaahhh… Inoochan senpai looks so peaceful… I see him sleeping… how lucky!” Mayu covers her mouth with both hands, avoid her giddiness for being seen.
“right, now its time to clean up.”
“eeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhh” the whole gang replies lazily at Kota sudden declaration.
“what, you think you can just enjoy a summer vacation on a private villa for free, Keito family give their permission if we clean it up ourselves, so start working.” Everyone sighs at Kota steadfast refusal to admit any fault.
“slave driver.” Yuri’s mutters while drop his bag to the floor.
“where’s my vice president?” he looks around, everyone has start cleaning with curses under their breath.
“what are you doing?” Kota finds Daiki up on one of the tree around the villa, just sitting enjoying the view. “Come down and help too! I don’t feel like yelling up at trees, and you’re no monkey, either.”
“okay, okay.”
“and wake your soulmate too.” Kota points by his thumb over the shoulder, behind him. Kei is still fast asleep on a rocking hammock.
“Ryosuke I leave the cooking to you so you handle the kitchen.” Kota said, taps Ryosuke’s back, while he wipes the window.
“sure.”
“Tsubaki.” Kota calls out again, taking a broom.
“yes?” from the stairs she climbs down.
“go to do some grocery shopping with Ryosuke for tonight’s dinner.”
As their name being called, both Tsubaki and Ryosuke eyes search for each other. Once they met Ryosuke’s showing an obvious pleased by smiling at her.
The closest supermarket is 1km and could only be reached by walking.
“…”
“…”
None of them say a word as they walk, Ryosuke though, stealing a glance every now and then while smile shyly to himself. He looks around, the scenery is amazing and the weather seems fine, even when they wrap in silence, it still feel so special to walk side by side with her.
“oh!”
“what is it?” Ryosuke turns at her, Tsubaki shows a disturbed expression.
“forgive me, yamada san, would you go to the supermarket ahead of me, I left my phone and purse behind.”
“I can walk back with you.” He offers, yet Tsubaki shakes her head and smile. “its fine, it wont take long.” She turns on her heel and start running, luckily she wears a flat shoes, it makes her easier to sprint on.
After watches her back receding to the distance, he turns and head to the supermarket.
“how can I forget to bring my own belonging…” she mutters when she finally reaches the public market area. But as she searches for Ryosuke, she hears a familiar voice.
From behind the bushes, she sees Ryosuke bend on his knees talking to a little boy, the boy seems to cry and Ryosuke caresses his head gently.
“my mommy is gone.”
“did she asks you to wait here?”
He nods while wipes his tears with both hands.
“there, there, I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Why don’t you play with me? lets ride that swing over there.” Ryosuke with a kind smile pointing to the playground near the supermarket. The boy nods.
Ryosuke pushes the swing, then he encourage him to try the monkey bar and the balancing pole. Letting the boy plays while he’s staying close by to look after him. Before long the little boy laughing and pulling Ryosuke here and there like a big brother and his baby brother. Tsubaki doesn’t understand but she’s enjoying this side of him. “He’s always so considerate and kind to others…” she smiles, this side of him always make her heart goes pitter patters. She adores Ryosuke kindness since the event when he helps a lady and her baby stroller at the train.
“thank you very much, sorry for the trouble.” Minutes later, a woman bowing and the little boy waving excitedly at him. he heaved with a relief smile before sitting on a bench and watch them go.
“you’re always so kind, yamada san.”
“ah!” he jumps when he notices that Tsubaki is already sitting on his side, peering to his face with a gentle smile. “Tsubaki, you startled me…”
“you seem very happy.”
“well….yeah…” he scratches the back of his head, looking a bit bashful. “children is my weakness… they’re so pure and innocent, make you just want to protect them, make them smile all the time.” He says, his eyes look to the horizon. He turns to look at her and laughs faintly “I never could get a younger sibling due to my mother health condition so I tend to think all children as my own lil sister or brother.”
“your mother is ill?”
“no but due to an accident her womb should be removed…”
“oh, I’m terribly sorry.”
“it’s fine, what’s important is she’s healthy…oh…” Suddenly realizing something ryosuke covers his mouth. “I’m sorry…I’m talking about my mother so casually…” Ryosuke knows Tsubaki has no mother.
“I don’t mind, my mother leave before I have any memories about her so… I really don’t know what should I feel when I remembering her…”
“well I know one thing, she’d be proud of you.” Ryosuke says with confidence, his smile wide.
“you think so?”
“I don’t think Tsubaki, I know she is.” This time he speaks his words with utter sincerity and a gentle smile.
“…” even when she’s surprise with his answer, she couldn’t help but feeling happy to know another thing about him.
Tonight the gang enjoying a nabe. “Nabe best enjoy during winter.” Daiki speaks, while sitting on the folding table, Kei on his side.
“I’ll eat all your portion then.” Kei says carelessly with a cheerful smile.
“he-hey I didn’t say I don’t want to eat it now.”
“hah…that was tiring!” Yuri stretch himself when he walks out the kitchen. Behind him Hikaru removing his apron. “me too, that was hard work.”
“you guys barely do a thing but getting in my way!” Ryosuke glare, his hands on his waists. His apron is the only one dirty, obviously he was the only one doing all the cooking. “don’t even try to help me again.”
“but you’d be lonely if you cook alone.” Yuri turns, sitting on a sofa, looking innocently at Ryosuke.
“I better off alone than having your company.” He turns but not before throw a cloth to Yuri’s face. “hey, my cute face could get dirty!” laughing he throws the cloth back at Ryosuke.
“the girls take their time with the bath.” Hikaru folds the apron and put it on his lap, lean behind and look towards certain door.
“Ladies have rituals…” Daiki says while looking to what inside the boiling pot.
“of course it takes long, especially Mayu chan.” Kota who just walks down from upstairs joins his friends.
Everyone cocks their head.
“everyone bring what I ask on the list right?”
“ah…” after a brief of silent, everyone making a knowing answer.
“…” Tsubaki look behind, Mayu making a rather uneasy face. “do I look okay?”
“everyone looks good in yukata Mayu chan especially you.”
“…” Mayu bring her eyes and look at Tsubaki who combs her hair and tight it up, make a bun over her head.
“my yukata motif is so…cute… with bunny pattern… Tsubaki yukata making her look like she’s a princess!” Mayu doesn’t know what to feel, she wants to look cute, but at the same time she wishes she has a bit of adult-ness in her like Tsubaki.
“whoaaaaaa….” The boys, awing as Tsubaki and Mayu finally returns from their bath.
“h-how do we look?” Mayu the only one speaks, looking a bit shy as she strikes a pose, in attempt to get attention from everyone her eyes wander to one person, who looks at her briefly before bring his chopsticks and eat again.
“summer is about Yukata.” Kota gives a thumb up.
“…” more than Kei who actually doesn’t know where he should put his eyes. Daiki and Hikaru make an obvious look at Mayu summer look.
Ryosuke, who poke his head from the kitchen, even drop the spatula he’s holding, “so-sorry…” he quickly picks it up and jogs toward the kitchen to hide his redden face. “darn it, Tsubaki looks too sexy…”.
Yuto watches Tsubaki silently from his seat studying each curve of her body, Yuya who sees everyone reactions can only sigh and use the chance to take the biggest meat in the pot. “more for me.”
“you two looks super cute!” Yuri snaps few pictures with his phone, after that he aim it at himself. “But you cant beat my cuteness.”
“yeah, yeah we all know that, all hail the king of cuddle.” Kota makes an irritated look as he replies Yuri, before asking everyone to take their seat and enjoy the meal before having private fireworks party.
“Lets play!!!” once all the boys has take their bath and wears Yukata too, Yuri waving both hands holding firecrackers.
“we bought plenty of it so play till your heart content.” Keito puts down a card box full with vary of firecrackers.
“hey Ryosuke play that one, play that one!” Yuri taking out the largest rocket and handed to Ryosuke. Yuya standing on Mayu side. “want to play some?”
“huh, y-yeah sure lets!” after looking around in vain, Mayu nods hiding her disappointment and join Hikaru and Yuto who already choosing which firecrackers to play.
Daiki approaches Kei, who’s watching everyone from the bedroom. “don’t you want to play Inoochan, its fun!”
“sure.” He smiles with a nod.
“no, seriously, if you want to play than you should move from the bed.”
“the gravity pulling me harder, here.”
“are you still avoiding Mayuchan.”
“I’m not avoiding her… its just… I don’t really know how to face her.” Kei fall to the soft bed underneath and rolls.
Daiki sigh with a weak smile. “Mayuchan is an easy going and happy go lucky girl, I’m sure she has put behind what happened between you, you’ll only break her heart even more if you stay like this.”
“…yeah, I suppose so.”
“ah, that Hikaru, Yuya just left Mayuchan a second and he makes his move! I gotta help her!” Daiki runs, Kei pushes himself up and stare the now empty door way. “…”
Yuto brings his camera and enjoying taking pictures of the colorful and playful expressions of his friends, he seems a bit relax knowing Tsubaki standing closer to Kota than Ryosuke.
“come here for a second.” Kota’s walking away but inviting Tsubaki to follow him. everyone enjoying the summer celebration at the front yard, Kota walks through the night and sit at an old log a bit far from the villa.
“its dark here…”
“it is, so peaceful…” after stretching his long arms Kota leans backward, lazily. A little hesitate Tsubaki sits next to him, looking to the dark lake, the moon reflects on the surface and water insects flying above it.
“its, beautiful here.” Tsubaki follow Kota eyes sight and stare the empty lake.
“quiet surrounding fits you better than noisy places, you feel at ease here, right.”
Tsubaki nods with a small laugh. “yeah.”
As she looks ahead, Kota watches her, studying her profile from one side.
“Ah… K-Kota san!” Tsubaki covers her neck after she felt his finger suddenly drags lightly down her neck, the flat of his nails sending goosebumps over her skin.
“what if I say, I told everyone to wear yukata so I can see your neck.” Kota then turns to her with that roguish grin of his, giving her a conspiratorial look.
“m-my what?!”
“I got a neck fetish. Oh, sorry that was a pervy of me,” he grin showing his wide teeth, while Tsubaki puts her both hands to cover her neck.
“you are always so cunning!”
“hahahaha, even when you always ended up laughed, and when you do it made me so happy that I couldn’t help messing with you, and then you get angry at me… and the circle goes all over again.”
“so you do admit, that you’re a total nuisance.”
“this is my last summer in Japan.”
“huh?”
Kota smile is still curling on his thin lips, his eyes filled with hopes and determination like never before.
“I got accepted to study and deepen my interest in scriptwriting, in one of university in New York…”
“that’s a great news, Kota san congratulation!”
“I was so happy… knowing that someone, even if just one person, believes in me. Besides no one knows I’m already a scriptwriter except my family and you, Tsubaki.”
“you haven’t tell any of your friends?”
“I don’t need to, I want to make a grand entrance when I return to japan as a renowned scriptwriter.”
“…lets just hope that dream came true.”
“oh, come on have faith in me.”
“I wonder.” Even when Tsubaki is making a playful laugh, she’s admiring Kota persistency “I’ve seen so many sides of Kota san. But he’s more of a vision than he’s ever been. But underneath it all, he’s a kind, earnest person who follows his dreams with intensity and passion…”
as the two exchanges jokes and sarcasm comments, behind Hikaru who just shooed by Daiki from Mayu watches the scene with utmost suspicious.
Late that night, passed midnight. Mostly the senior who still wide awake, Hikaru waving an empty bottle and place on the table. “lets play truth or dare!” he declares, his voice sounds a little too eager that everyone look at him, curious.
Yuya, Yuto, Ryosuke, Kota, Hikaru and tsubaki are the only one still awake. Tsubaki though cleaning the messes while the rest just sitting and enjoying some compliments at the living room.
“oh! interesting, I’m in!” Yuya replies and spin the bottle, the green colored bottle spin above the table and everyone suddenly turns anxious. The neck pointed at Ryosuke and the bottom to Yuya.
“yosh!” Yuya getting a bit excited and rubs his both hands. While Ryosuke as the victim starts to squirm in nervousness and a “damn!” word escapes his lips.
“truth or dare!” Yuya leans forward.
“ugh…” Ryosuke rakes his dark hair roughly before deciding. “dare… I think.”
“I dare you, to admit something you never tell anyone before.”
“admit something I never tell anyone?” he repeats a bit unsure. He cocks his head, both hands folded across his chest, his lips slightly pouting as he thinks hard. “I’m a pervert…?”
“YOU ARE?!”
Ryosuke’s startled at his friends reaction.
“h-how pervert are you?” Hikaru lean forward following Yuya, his eyes nearly popped.
“I…like….certain woman part of bodies…” he replies innocently, still looking from one friend to another in total confusion.
“is that consider as pervert?” Hikaru turns to Yuya,
“depends.” He replies, eyes still on Ryosuke. “and so…what is this part of body you like?”
“I don’t want to talk about that.”
“come on, spit it out!” Yuya slams the table, couldn’t resist his curiosity.
“I have done the dare! I admit something I never tell anyone. End of case.”
“just one thing.” Hikaru’s bring his finger up.
“what is it?”
“is it breasts?”
“no.” Ryosuke quickly shakes his head, in denial.
“do you keep lost of pictures of that part of body you like?” Yuya added.
“No, I’m not that extent.”
“what’s that, you’re so not fun.” Both Yuya and Hikaru moves back to their seat with disappointed look.
“okay, I turn the bottle now.” Ryosuke now has the right to spin the bottle. This time the bottom faces Hikaru and the neck towards Kota.
“oh, is it me?” Kota sits straight getting ready to accept anything with a playful smirk.
“truth or dare?” Hikaru is asking, a slight of mischievous grin play in his eyes.
“hmm…dare.”
“okay…” Hikaru’s brief of silent makes the other turns their eyes on him. “I dare you Kota, to tell everyone what is happening between you and the sengoku girl.”
Kota smiles banish for a moment, Yuto and Ryosuke eyes were automatically jerked at him, locking Kota under their anxious gaze.
But Kota suddenly curls a devilish smile, and shouts. “tsubaki!”
“yes?” Tsubaki pokes her head from the other room.
“may I have some coffee please?”
“sure, does anyone would like some too?”
Still confuse with Kota sudden request, everyone shakes their head rejecting the offer. "The usual okay."
"alright."
Kota didn’t say any word, until Tsubaki returns with a steamy cup on her hand. “Kota san, your black coffee with one lump of sugar as usual.”
“thank you, Tsubaki. And oh, here I found this at the sweet shop near my house. Your favorite.” From a pocket on his chest, he takes out one colorful paper wrap.
“oh! konfeito candy! Thank you. Now if you’ll all excuse me I would retire for the night.”
“…” Tsubaki went upstairs, everyone watches her before bringing their eyes back to Kota, looking nothing but more confuse.
“that didn’t explain anything.” Hikaru’s protesting.
“I like Tsubaki, I like her very much.” Upon Kota’s honesty both Yuto and Ryosuke soon turn tense. “but not to the point of wanting to date her.” He brings his cup and sips his coffee carefully, releasing a delightful sigh.
“marrying her and make her Lady Yabu is a different story though,”
Just when they thought they could relax, what came out of Kota’s mouth making Yuto and Ryosuke even more restless.
“what?” Yuya shakes his head while knitting his brows, trying to understand Kota’s statement.
“exactly what I said.” After posing his flippant smile at Yuya, he turns and looks at Ryosuke and Yuto, he didn’t say anything, but his silence is enough to declare a war with the two boys now staring with murderous intent-like gaze at him.
“sneeze!” Tsubaki covers her nose when she suddenly sneezing.
“five more minutes…mom….” Mayu replying in her sleep, and turn her body.
“I wonder if I get summer cold?” Tsubaki rubs her nose before join Mayu and drift herself to sleep.
When the next day arrive, today Keito taking his gang to a special place, a cliff where they could jump into the lake below.
As everyone walk to the edge of the cliff and look to the water underneath, Kota look behind with an intimidating grin at Hikaru and Yuya that soon leap following him,
SPLASH the three boys jumped and dive in with a loud splashing sound.
“Yuto, I bet you cant flip mid air like me!” Daiki exclaims before run and jump, make a spin mid air before hitting the water. Yuto gets challenged, smirks and copy what his senpai did.
Mayu still feel a bit hesitate to join in. “come on Mayu chan!” the sudden friendly greet, startled her before Kei’s back leap in front of her eyes and follow by a loud splash. “Yes!” she replies enthusiastically, with a bashful smile of her own.
Ryosuke, Yuri and Keito were the last boys at the cliff. “whoa, its so high…” Ryosuke peeks below.
“just jump don’t think!” shouts a voice below, it wasn’t clear whose voice it was.
“say Keito… if I fall catch me kay…” Yuri asking while climbs the cliff down instead of jump.
“and how am I suppose to do that?” Keito asks from above.
“you’re going in?” Ryosuke look behind where Mayu holding Tsubaki’s arm tightly, and Tsubaki holding on into her jersey.
“what’s wrong, you’re not feeling well?” Ryosuke walks to them , his face look concern.
“no…i…is it okay for me to swim with my jersey on?”
“I don’t think that’s good, the jersey could drown you.”Ryosuke is commenting.
“well that’s true.”Tsubaki hold into her jersey.
“do you feel unwell Tsubaki? Maybe you should rest at the shade.”Ryosuke is asking with a concern face.
“i-I’m fine…” she smiles faintly.
“Tsu nee just not used to wear a bikini.”Mayu who is now following Tsubaki to the edge of the cliff said, in low whisper.
“bikini?” Ryosuke turns to Tsubaki as she slowly unzipped her jersey and stand in front of the cliff, she’s revealing the bikini Mayu has chose for her.
“but I never jump off a cliff before, sorry that we come last Mayu chan.”
Suddenly from behind, Tsubaki’s jersey that she put on a rock covers her body and second later Ryosuke drags her.
“we’re forfeit!”
Ryosuke with Tsubaki in his tight grip passes Daiki who just climb back to get another jump “wh-what was that all about?” Daiki asks a bit confuse while widen his eyes in shock.
“sigh… he could be so … childish himself…” Hikaru is commenting with unpleasant look.
“awww Ryosuke senpai is so cute when he’s over protective.” Mayu brings her hands and squeeze her cheeks and grinning widely.
“hihihihi, I knew it’ll worked out.” Kota is sneakily laughing as he sees the event. Kota told Mayu to accompany Tsubaki and find a new swimsuit; he knows Mayu would go for a mature costume when it comes to Tsubaki. After snickering merrily, he obviously turns to Yuto who watches the scene with pained expression.
“this is too much fun, I feel like a devil…”
“Yamada san! What was that all of a sudden?” Tsubaki is struggling to get out from Ryosuke’s hand. After he’s been dragging her a bit far from the other.
“why did you wear something so revealing?”
“I-I don’t like it, but Mayu chan went all the way to choose me this, so I want to appreciate her kindness…”
“wearing this kind of swimsuit you got to be kidding me!” Ryosuke where he was once always so comforting… now his tone is harsh, his words abrupt.
“M-maybe I was wrong to wear this kind of costume… he’s so terrifying!”
“we’re your friends, some even act like an older brother, still, we’re just a normal boys too… don’t wear something so inviting and risqué…please.” Ryosuke has calmed down, yet his furrows still knit together. He tries to sound as if he is giving her tough love… but he doesn’t seem to be all that bothered.
He is intensely troubled, the sick anxiousness rising in his chest. “I don’t want other guy to see you like this…” now that he has managed to completely calm down, the image of Tsubaki slowly sliding her jersey over her body and reveals her turquoise colored bikini, teases his memory and Ryosuke couldn’t help but blushing fiercely.
Seeing him like that Tsubaki couldn’t help but feeling her cheeks burn, her poor heart beating so fast, it might shatter her ribs. When she looks up, he is looking back at her, a profound sadness behind his eyes. suddenly, everything is comforting and warm.
Ryosuke presses his forehead against hers. Then, he nuzzles her nose, a labored sigh spilling across her lips. “I’m sorry… I hope you don’t hate me for doing this.” The only thing revealing Ryosuke’s discomfort… is the slightly higher pitch at which he makes the request.
Tsubaki can only give a firm shakes and a faint of smile, its hard to say anything with her heart beating so hard, and she doesn’t want him to know it either.
“lets return before everyone worry about us.” He cups her cheeks in his hands, giving her a brief smile.
As they return to the lake, everyone is still enjoying and having fun like has no care in the world, except Yuto. There’s tension in his shoulders, and his hands are in tight fists.
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