恋のシグナル - aqua - ch 13: Finally, in love again.

This year Sport Festival the student council, actually Kota decision alone, will make an event for all the singles in the school called matchmaking fair. There are some competitions to participate and the winner gets a week dating with student council most popular (only) female students, Sanada Tsubaki and Asano Mayu.

“what in the world does this means?!” Tsubaki protested while half-throwing the announcement banner to the council president’s desk.

“because girls attract boys. Its always hard to get them to participate and the event will be completely boring.” Kota replied calmly from behind a newspaper.

“B-but… a date… dating someone we barely know?” Mayu sounds discontent as her memories brought her to the date she has few days ago…  

“we have to show to the neighborhood around Kitagawa that we are a high spirited school with tons of sportive students. It’s a good campaign.”

“I can sure, that is not your real intention.” Tsubaki’s words were sharp and Kota nearly bursts and laughs at how easy she sees through him. 

“but I don’t want to go dating with a random guys not to mention for a week its so troublesome.” Mayu starts pulling Tsubaki’s sleeve as they stand side by side facing Kota.

“if we have lots of participants it means it’ll be easier to get sponsorship which means more attention from the public too, which means... .” Kota puts down his newspaper on the desk.

“…publicity to save Kitagawa…sigh, I’ll do it then.”

“you’re not serious!” Mayu turns to Tsubaki who’s put down her debate with an unexpected agreement.

“good this is for the sake of saving Kitagawa remember that.”

“BUCHO!!!” the two girls still standing, when the loud voices coming from the door.

Daiki, besides him Ryosuke, Yuya, Hikaru, Yuto who tries to peek in and Yuri snuggling his way in get inside of everybody.

“it looks like I’m going to explains this all over again.” 

After sighing, ignoring the protest attacking him from almost all his members, Kota put his flippant smirk. “before any of you questioning about this.” He cuts. “let me tell you something, if you want to save your ladies, which I believe you would. Get plenty exercises and win. Easy pizzy.” Kota raises his shoulder making this such an easy thing to solve.

“exercises you say… this is summer!” Yuya shouting, his body leaning across the desk, even Kota has to pushes his face away.

“hey, no pain, no gain. It’s a good motivation for you lazy bumps.” With a folded book he slaps each one of his member surrounding him.

“auch…. Why did you hit me too…?” Yuri, Keito and Kei some bending on the floor some still standing rubbing their head in annoyance.

“you okay with this?”  Yuto turns to Mayu and Tsubaki who stands a bit behind from the rowdy member.

“I’m…not…okay…” Mayu sits with head hides on her folded arms.

“I don’t mind… I will fight for myself.”

“for yourself?” Yuto turns his body at her.

“I will join the competition and win for myself.”

Everyone turns to the determine voice.

“so, you’re going to…compete against the men… for yourself.” Kota’s eyes drift before return to her as if he was trying to convince he didn’t hear things wrong.

“yes.” Tsubaki nods. “we don’t forbid to participate, correct.”

“you…wont ask for help?” again, Kota’s expression is like he was questioning her decision.

“I guess no… well I take my leave now, the next two weeks I’ll be using it for more intense practice.” Tsubaki takes her bag from the table and head out of the council room.

“ah, Tsu nee, wait for me!” Mayu quickly jolts out from her chair and run chasing her.

Today there aren’t any meeting yet everyone gathers due to the posters that been placed all over Kitagawa.

“she’s really independent.” Ryosuke’s eyes still locked on the door, where Tsubaki and Mayu left. He speaks with a clear admire on his face.

“so…who wants to sign up?” Kota lean forward, rests his chin over his two hands, striking a challenging pose.

“I will.” Ryosuke raises his hand high, and write down his name to the paper Kota slides on his desk to him.

 “Ryosuke so fired up… dating with Tsubaki must be the reason.” Yuri speaks while peeking from Ryosuke’s shoulder.

“yup.” He states with a strong nod and a confidence smile. “Yuri you’re always good with sport, I sign you up, kay.”

“okay.” Yuri just smiles innocently making a round sign with his fingers. “everyone should join in, competing with friends is lots of fun.”

“keito, I have put your name too.” Said Ryosuke as he returns the registration paper back to Kota.

“eh, but I didn’t agree yet.”

“Ryosuke, my pen!” Kota shouts his left hand reaching out while his right holding the paper Ryosuke just gave him.

“oh, right, sorry bucho.”

Hikaru turns his attention to Kei who’s looking down like he was thinking hard. His white fingers rub his chin and his lips slightly pouting. Hikaru then smiles while walking to his bucho.

“count me in.” he bent to the desk and write his name. “I look forward to a full week with Mayuchan.” After writing his name with a strong ending Hikaru turns and look at kei. He knows Kei hate and really bad at sport. Doing this feels like a jackpot for Hikaru. Kei following the still smiling Hikaru as he leaves the room, then he moves his eyes to Daiki who look obviously annoyed, he too looking at Hikaru.

“you should sign in too, Daichan.” Kei elbowing his friend, snaps him from daze. “y-you think?”

“Nobody could help Mayuchan if Hikaru wins you know.” Kei lean and whispers in his ears.

“Bucho!” with the loudest noise, Daiki raises his hand. “allow me to join in.”

“oh! that’s the spirit, write your name.” Kota claps his hands excitedly and welcomes Daiki who steps up to him.

“Lets practice now! The gym near school open till night, lets go there.” Yuri jumping while Ryosuke and Keito walking behind him, even after leaving the room, their noises echoing through the hallways. “you look more excited than anyone.” Keito states lazily, he’s fine with sport but running in long distance is such pain to him.

“Kei, you’re not signing up?” Kota turns to the only member looking less interested.

“nope… I don’t want to humiliate myself…” his both hand waving in refusal, stepping backward.

“alright, then can I leave the emcee-ing to your care.”

“yeah I can manage that much, as long as I don’t have to run around.”

“you’ll be sitting prettily under a shade, Kei.” Kota smiles, shooting like you did to a child.

 “right…oh no, I could be late for my work. I leave you, kay.” After look to the wall clock, pointing 5 pass 45, Daiki turns a bit panic.

“yeah, yeah, just leave me like always Daiki.”

“thanks bucho! Come on Kei!” Daiki slaps Kei back before bouncing out of the room. Behind him, Kei waving at Kota and Yuto.

 “hey I was being sarcasm you know!”  he let an exasperated sigh hearing no reply from his vp.

Yuya has left without bothering to sign up, yet. He concerns more of what Mayu would think about this than anything else and decides to search for her.

“that… vp…” Kota shakes his head, and picks the paper. “Yuto… you’re not interested?”

“I… wont be able to join, as matter of fact, I will leave school for a day. I have to come to the open campus.”

“already? Is there a campus already holding an open house?”

“for those who aims for scholarship, yes its limited and can only be attend with invitation.”

“ah… congratulation then, I hope you got accepted Yuto.” Kota makes a clear earnest compliment as he says this, like an older brother proud of his younger sibling.

“thanks bucho.” Yuto smiles in relief yet he didn’t move an inch.

“hm…? You need something else?” Kota brings his eyes tentatively before writing something on a journal.

“say… I’ve known you and Tsubaki for a long time… how come… I didn’t see this coming.”

“see…what?” Kota’s furrows knit but a small laugh escapes his lips, he’s making a confuse expression.

“that you two are more than friends…from the way you talk to each other, your body language, most of all… I never see you so…” Yuto looks around finding the right words. “radiant… you were the one most happy about Tsubaki transfer, weren’t you.”

“…” Kota puts down his works, folded his arms across his chest and lean behind. “does it bother you, Yuto?”

“…”

“it shouldn’t.” he smiles, that devilish smile that always makes a cold sweat runs on anyone’s back. “tsubaki is no longer your concern, Yuto.” Still resting his chin on his hands, Kota looks up to Yuto and sees a surprise lit in his eyes. “you’re broke up with her, then do it properly, remove her from your life completely.”

“…” Yuto’s eyes darted sideways, he didn’t even bother to show Kota that his words tight a knot in his chest.

“you cant do things half-hearted including dumping somebody, if you do that both you and Tsubaki will be hurt, not to mention others.”

“but…no matter what I feel, I cant have her, not now… I cant get distracted.”

“you’re the type that can only focus on one thing at a time… its not a bad thing. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to get what we want, this time you chose to sacrifice your feeling.”

“…yeah…”

“it shows that you’re a mature guy. Besides as long as she’s not married, everyone has a fair chance.” Kota smiles with a playful wink, he stacks his file before put it inside the cabinet and lock it.

“lets go home.” With his head, he invites Yuto to come along, turn the light off. The two men leave the school.

So as the Kitagawa Sport festival starts all the boys are so eager to participate in the game.

“don’t push yourself, you could get even hurt.” Yuri says, his voice trails of pure concern. On the floor bending is Keito looking both pain and sorry.

“what happen here, whoa, what’s wrong with your toe?” Kota who was just arranging the event, happens to notices his member gathering at the changing room.

He looks down, Ryosuke toe swallowed and his lips closed tightly into a thin line as he holds the pain from trying to put his shoe on.

“hey, hey don’t force it, you’ll make it worse. Keito fetch me some ice pack from the nursery.” Kota sits on the bench next to Ryosuke and grabs his hand from forcing himself.

“got it! I’ll be back Ryosuke.” Keito taps his shoulder before sprinting out.

“what happen?” from Ryosuke, Kota eyes move to Yuri.

“after some time at the gym yesterday, we came across Ryosuke’s neighbor kids playing soccer at the field.”

“I kick a ball hard…ahhh…” Ryosuke massages his feet when a pain stings him.

“he kicked it while wearing a summer sandals.” Yuri makes an obvious mocking face while talking to his bucho.

“that was smart.” Kota added patting Ryosuke’s back.

“but… I got to…awwww…this is painful…” Ryosuke’s voice nearly cries when he hangs his head low.

“you’re going to run at the mid marathon right, there’s no way you’d survive with that foot.”

“Yuri’s right, don’t force yourself, you wont get anything but a more severe wound. Ah thanks Keito.” Keito returns half panting and gave the ice pack to Kota that places it gently on Ryosuke’s toe.

“you’re panting already? Are you sure you’ll make it to run for 8 k?” Yuri peers to Keito who tries to catch some breaths, hands on his waist.

“I didn’t say, I want to join, did I?”

“hehehehehe.” 

“But… I really want to…”

“its just a game Ryosuke, besides Tsubaki participating too, she wants to win it for herself.” Yuri now bend in front of him, so he can look him in the eyes.

“its not just a game to me, awawawaw, please don’t press the ice pack too hard.”

“oh…sorry.” Kota releases his hand from the ice pack, now Ryosuke holding it by himself. “anyway just rest don’t give yourself a trouble. If Keito wants to accompany him its fine.”

Hearing Kota’s statements, Keito face lights up in an instant. “really?”

“Yuri, you should prepare yourself with the rest mid length participants. The short length marathon will start about now.” Kota look to his wrist watch before taking the board he puts at the bench, he pats ryosuke’s head. “get well soon, kid.”

“there are total 213 boys participating in this game. You are amazing Mayuchan, this is all the boys that want to go out with you.”

“Inoochan senpai…that doesn’t make me feel better at all.” Mayu stands near the emcee table where kei is incharge as this event announcer.

“oh come on, out of these boys some popular one are also participating, just don’t stop praying so you could end up with Daichan and not the others.”

“eh, Daiki senpai, participating too?” somehow hearing that name, brings a spark of joy to Mayu sullen face.

Kei smiles at Mayu change of air, she smiles and nod eagerly. “I will keep my fingers cross for Daiki senpai.”

“me too…if only I could, my toes too.” Along with Mayu crossing her small fingers, Kei doing the same, crossing his fingers and his eyes tightly shut.

“ahahahaha, how did one do that?”

Daiki huffing at the starting line, he’s moving his neck and lift one leg after the other as the participants gathers at the starting line.

“so…doing a favor for a friend, Daiki?”

“huh, oh hey Hikaru.”

“Good luck.” He winks before went to his desirable position.

“…yeah…” Daiki replies half-conscious, his eyes already looking straight to the long road ahead. “I’m not going to let Mayu chan going out with anyone, I have to protect her!”

BANG with that the hand gun makes a loud banging sound and everyone starts running, getting further and further away from the school.

15 minutes later, the participants for the mid length marathon are gathered at the starting line.

 “my beautiful lil kitten you’ll soon be mine, don’t worry I’ll have your all in just a week.”Tsubaki turns to the weird seducing voice behind her, and sees a completely unfamiliar face, posing a playful wink at her, causing her to Goosebumps. 

Yuri sees Tsubaki in complete eerie, she looks slightly disturbed gaining gaze as the only female and obviously the prize for the winner.

“Tsubaki…do you want me to save you?”

Tsubaki turns, she heaved in relief seeing a familiar face. “Chinen san.”

“you look good in pony tail.”

“um, thank you, I guess…”

“Ryosuke and Keito couldn’t make it sadly.”

“oh, Did something happen?”

“Ryosuke got a lil accident yesterday, sprain his toe so Keito accompany him.”

“that’s awful, how is he now?”

“still awww-ing and auch-ing.” Yuri’s laughing. “he’s not very good at handling pain, sometimes I wonder who’s childish.”

“hahahahaha. Well good luck to both of us.” Tsubaki reach her hand out, Yuri welcomes it and they shake hand before entering a ready position.

Everyone running, some trying to escape the crowd wave to get a better running position. “Sanada san!” a voice calling. The group from kendo club running side by side.

“y-you guys participating?!”

“of course we are! A chance to date with you is something we would never miss.” Hideyoshi the club president smiles brightly, gains a nod from his fellow club Kendo.

Hours later, the distant between one runner from the other is becomes obvious. Tsubaki though thanks to her routine since childhood, manage to be at the top position, with several followers behind her. Yuri running few meters behind her, when he notices someone with a steady pace, passing him.

 “hey is it okay for a president council to join in?” Yuri’s questions between his panting breaths sound more like a protest.

“there are no rule that says I cant.” Kota replies, steadily passing Yuri, with that flippant smirk of his.

“really?!” Yuri sounds a little annoyed seeing how easy he was to pass him. “why didn’t you tell us earlier.” He shouts while trying to get faster “I want to win so I could pass Tsubaki to Ryosuke…gah! That Kota could be a plan buster!”

“if I told you so, no one will working their ass for this competition.”

“well, that’s true…”

“well who ever it is, Yabu Kota will not lose to anyone.”

“…yeah sure.” Yuri’s narrowing his eyes and his brows knit almost joint together.

“what’s with that tone!” Kota’s laughing and made a bigger gap between him and Yuri and surely approaching Tsubaki who runs alone, ahead of him.

Tsubaki so focus on make it to the finish line she didn’t notice anything around her anymore. Until…

“race to finish line?”

“K-Kota san!” her heavy, tired tone, slightly went pitch high seeing someone running on her side. “w-what are you doing?!”

“racing.”

“I can see that, but why?” even Tsubaki sounds a bit desperate seeing Kota here, she knows if it comes to fighting technique she aced him, but to endurance Kota has the upper hand.

Kota didn’t reply and only keep his smile on his face.  And so the game continuous on, unfortunately for Tsubaki, Kota managed to win over this competition and she only came in 2^nd place.

“the winner for the male matchmaking fair for short length marathon goes to Arioka Daiki, your prize is a week dating with our cutest council lady  Asano Mayu along with free voucher to most favorite dating spots!” Kei as the announcer practically bouncing knowing his wishes come true, Daiki still panting with a drink bottle in hand waving his hand to the crowds below.

“and…the winner for the male matchmaking fair for mid length marathon goes to Kitagawa council president Yabu Kota, your prize is a week dating with our noblest council lady Sanada Tsubaki along with free voucher to most favorite dating spots!! For the rest participants, who managed to cross the finish line, will get a free voucher for a week at Kitagawa cafeteria, and a voucher from our sponsors, thank you all!” Kei waves the microphone over his head and everyone cheering.

Some students look really disappointed including Ryosuke and Hikaru.

“sorry Ryosuke, I did my best.” Yuri walks and stands in front of Ryosuke, sitting on a bench facing the school yard.

“why are you apologizing?” Ryosuke’s laughing while offering yuri a cold canned juice.

“I try to win Tsubaki for you… I didn’t know that bucho is also participating.”

“don’t feel bad, you’ve done your best.” Ryosuke smiles, there are earnestly in his steady gaze. “besides, if you win Yuri, I wont disturb you, you earned it.”

“you okay with that?”

“I’m okay if its one of us, one of the council. I’m glad Tsubaki or Mayu didn’t end up with unknown guys.”

“yeah, I think so too. Kota senpai wont do any reckless plan, he always has a hidden objective.” Keito sits on Ryosuke side nodding. “he probably aiming for a high number of participants, I mean he did break the last few years record, and gain quite the sponsor too, even local newspaper covers our sport festival for the first time ever, this will gain Kitagawa some good reputation.” Ryosuke nods to Keito eager explanation.

“true…” half-opening his juice, Yuri sat down joining his friends. Letting a deep sigh. “I think winning this and get Tsubaki is also part of his hidden objective…” but he swallows hard his opinion since Ryosuke seems to keep a positive mind and smile happily as the closing ceremony comes to an end.

“Yamada san.”

As they laughing and make a light jokes with each other, Tsubaki with her sport jersey came to the group. “how is your feet?”

“oh, ah… its okay, still a bit swallowing but it’ll be better soon. Good job for being in second place.”

“thank you. If you don’t mind I have some ointment.” From her pocket, Tsubaki takes a small glassed container. “this will helps you.”

“you always carry that?” Yuri points at the ointment with a widen eyes.

“yes, I do martial arts so sprain is something unavoidable, so packing a first aid is a must.” While she talks she bent down in front of Ryosuke, reaching to his feet.

“w-wait, hold down a minute!” Ryosuke turns tense in an instant.

“is something wrong?” Tsubaki knits her furrows. “I’m just helping you to put it on your feet.”

“y-yeah I-I know that….just…”

“just?”

“I-I-I-I”

“Ryosuke never touched or touching a girl before.” Yuri’s whispering but loud enough that Tsubaki, Ryosuke even Keito hears it.

“shut up!” Ryosuke slaps Yuri’s shoulder, and Yuri just shakes it off with a laugh.

“Ryosuke’s just being shy, you should ignore it and apply the medicine Tsubaki.”

“yeah, let him be, he’s hopeless sometimes.” Both Keito and Yuri ignoring the fierce blush on Ryosuke’s face and encourage Tsubaki to tend him.

“but, if Yamada san isn’t comfortable…”

“I’m fine… sorry for acting so dumb, p-please be gentle though…” covers his face with one hand, Ryosuke couldn’t help but blush even deeper and avert his eyes sideways avoiding a contact with Tsubaki’s.

“understand.” She states and gently places Ryosuke’s feet on her knees.  

“aaaah, I’m so thirsty I want another juice, Keito buy me some!” Yuri jumps from his seating position and pull Keito’s sleeve.

“okay, okay just don’t pull me so hard…” without any fight, Keito surrendering and let Yuri takes him away.

Tsubaki tries to be gentle, massaging Ryosuke’s toe with her ointment, every now and then Ryosuke hissing to muffle his desire to scream in pain. Tsubaki looks up and Ryosuke quickly forcing a smile on his face. “did I hurt you?” she asks in concern.

“mmm….no.”

“Good… tell me right away if I hurt you. I don’t want to force you to do anything you cant handle…”

He nods his head with a wide smile, but, underneath the hems of his sleeves, his nails were digging into clenched fists. Between the intense pain and nervousness from her touches, Ryosuke mind’s gone blank and he’s trying to hold on to his sanity.

“That was really close huh!” Yuya grabs Hikaru’s shoulder from behind.

“ahahahaha, coming in second is not bad but I still want to win.” Hikaru’s replying with less enthusiasm like his usual self, and Yuya’s frowning in wonder.

“but, its still fun. Why didn’t you join?”

“well I do want to save Mayu from ended up with wierdos but, when I know Daiki is participating, I say nah everything will be fine.” still hanging his hand over Hikaru’s shoulder, Yuya make a relief expression while looking to Mayu, Kei and Daiki standing near the emcee table.

“…anyway.” Shuffling Yuya’s arm, Hikaru wipes his damp hair. “I need a bath.” He taps Yuya’s back before turn his heels and went to school building, his expression pained. “why do you make things harder on me…” he whispers quietly as he gazes to the orange colored sky… questioning the universe.

“Daichan so cool! dashing and leaving everyone behind.” Kei with his hand swishing his hand, picturing Daiki’s speedy run.

“I didn’t expect that Daiki senpai is so strong, you’re so cool!” Mayu’s eyes make a line of happy expression, Daiki for a moment frozen and her smiling is the only thing he could see.

“there are lots of thing you would never expect from Daiki.” Kei slings his arm and grabs Daiki’s shoulders. “like how he could swallow a whole bowl of noodle.”

“is that a compliment?” Daiki quickly turns with a puzzle expression.

“hehehehehehe.”

“don’t laugh like that.” Daiki slaps Kei’s face lightly but Kei only giggling even louder, leaving Mayu wondering but she feels really happy for unknown reason and laugh along with them.

The day after school festival both Mayu and Daiki acting as if nothing is happening.

“you two!” Kei yelled. “aren’t you guys missed something?”

“what is it Inoochan senpai?” Mayu tilts her head when they gather for lunch at council room.

“you two are the matchmaking fair winner, you’re a lovey dovey for a week at least show us something.”

“but Daiki senpai did that just to protect me so…”

“do you really want to make all the students think that we’re playing? That there are no dating to begin with? Do you want everyone to take us as a joke?”

“…why is Kei so fired up?” Yuya asks, standing in front of a large bento box, Ryosuke made for everyone.

“then, what do you want?” even Daiki looks completely confuse, a carton milk in one hand.

“look, act more like Tsubaki and Kota, walk to school together, she makes bento, eat lunch together and most importantly by weekend you should go on a date.”

Kei, with hands in waist, scolding Mayu and Daiki that lost words to argue back, slowly they glance at Kota and Tsubaki, sitting side by side. This morning Kota picked her up, walk to school together and now he’s enjoying a lunch made by her.

“Tsubaki unexpectedly went along with it…” Hikaru’s with his legs on table, commenting his hand holding a roll egg.

“if it has decided as so then I will fulfill it, Sanada Tsubaki is no liar.” She says with a determine face.

“pfffhhh” Kota covers his mouth.

Tsubaki turns and glare, Kota is still struggling to chew and stop from spitting the food inside his mouth. Once his done, he opens his mouth. “Lady Sanada is so adorable.”

“you….” Tsubaki gave an icy hatred look at Kota.

“hahahahaha. Ehem, Sorry, don’t mind me.” he waves his hand before pick some food from the bento again.

“someone is in a good mood.” Yuri sounds a bit irritated as he’s elbowing Ryosuke.

“…yeah…” he smiles faintly but hardly looking at Kota and Tsubaki, and keep his head low. Yuto who eats there too, didn’t bother to comment and try to just smile along like the rest.

“see…that’s how it should be.” Kei with his both hands pointing.

“…ah…” Mayu make a slow nod, before cocks her head again. “how again…?”

“…do you hear me Daichan?!”

“huh, what?…sure.” Daiki lifts his head after take a big bite of his lunch, and talks with his mouth full.

Kei sighing while hanging his head, shake from side to side from annoyance.

The next day, after the last school’s bell ringing, Kota went to 2B. Standing at the door way where everyone is busy packing, he shouts. “Hey Honey I came to pick you up!” and quickly draws the attention of the class. Tsubaki slams her table hard as she stood up. “stop it, its embarrassing.” She whispers agitated as she stands in front of him.

“its just for a week.” Kota says carelessly watching Tsubaki already walking away irritated.

On their way to the council room, Yuto who was arrived there first, heading out in a dash.

“hey, the meeting will be started.” Kota turns as Yuto passing him.

“my homeroom teacher is calling.” He stops and waves his phone in his hand. Tsubaki looking at him momentarily before open her mouth. “I’ll go ahead to the meeting room.” And get a nod from Kota.

Once she’s walking from them, Yuto taps his bucho shoulder before running again. “I’m rooting for you bucho!”

“thanks.” As he turns he’s halting and quickly turns his body again. “wait, rooting me for what again?”

Yuto’s still running as he turns at him and pose a wide smile with a big wave.

“…thanks!…for whatever it is you’re rooting me for.” His voice fades as Yuto’s back slowly receding to the long hallways.

After today council meeting, Kota needs some assignment with Disciplinary and Student Relation committee. Yuya and Yuri were asked by Kota to run some errand to the principal office. While waiting, Kota reading some papers, Ryosuke couldn’t stop staring, on the opposite side of him Tsubaki fall asleep on the table. Yuto sitting on Ryosuke’s side watching him, Ryosuke’s eyes look painful as Kota took his coat from the hanger and place it on Tsubaki. As he does that he unconsciously tousled her hair and smile kindly, lean on the table by her side and continues what he did. 

“…” Ryosuke make a clear irritated face and his fingers make a quick taps at the table.

“say, Ryosuke how is your feet?”

“better.” He turns and smiles before looking to Tsubaki again.

“…will you give up?”

“huh?” this time he turns with a knits eyebrows.

Yuto’s eyes were showing a pain too yet he smiles, look at Tsubaki and Kota tentatively before press his lips into a thin line and swallowed hard. “i…gave up on her.”

“and why are you telling me this?” Ryosuke’s tone was anywhere from being nice, Yuto’s declaration seems to irritated him even more.

“so you would do to.”

“me, why?” now he turns all of his body facing Yuto who sits with one leg above the other.

“they look so natural together don’t they.”

“they probably are, but. I don’t think that matters.” With his knitting brows, Ryosuke shakes his head.

“what?”

“what matters is what Tsubaki feels right, so…as long as she hasn’t give her heart to anyone, I’m not giving up.”

Yuto startled at how easy it is for Ryosuke to make up his mind no matter how things ahead of him. “when you love someone… no matter what happens, you shouldn’t give up on them.” With that Ryosuke lean behind on his chair, returning his gaze to the sleeping lady in front of him. the orange sunlight bathe to the room, enlighten his face making his profile looks stronger than usual.

Yuto look to the floor a bit before standing up, feeling strangely shame of himself. “Bucho! I need to use the bathroom, be back in seconds.”

“huh? Oh sure, in seconds okay.” Kota turns his head and Yuto already at the door way.

“yeah, yeah.”

When the whole meeting for today is over, Kota headed to his part time work, Yuya already went home and Yuto leaves for his drum practice.

Tsubaki is still standing reading the Kitagawa news board. She looks really serious.

“I wonder what Tsubaki is reading.” Yuri with Ryosuke who happens to passed by on their way home decides to approach her.

“Tsubaki.” Yuri cheerful greet turns her head and she quickly smiles.

“Chinen san, yamada san, oh Yamada san how is your feet?”

“its all better, thanks.”

“did you find something interesting?” Yuri is now looking at the board too trying to see what interests Tsubaki so much.

“oh…this.” She points to one poster. “I didn’t find many today’s café sells dango.”

“ah…Ryosuke knows the place, lets take her there now.” Yuri’s resting one hand on Ryosuke’s shoulder with a knowing grin.

“you want to eat some dango?” Ryosuke asks without even looking at the poster.

“it doesn’t have to be today.”

“but the dango only sells once a week, today.” He continues. Pointing at the poster.

“hmm…true. “

“you really want it, right, I know you do.” Yuri’s laughing while pointing his finger at the shy Tsubaki.

“I do, I really like dango.” She says looking trouble yet shy. 

“whoa…you do?! Lucky you!” Yuri turns at Ryosuke making Tsubaki wandering. 

“so, the Tomokorner is where again?” now Tsubaki following Yuri and Ryosuke to the train station.

“one stations from Fujiwara.” Ryosuke explains with his hands in his pockets.

“it’s a really cozy place, you’ll love it, most of the customers are workers though but I think Tsubaki will like the hommie ambience.” Yuri sounds excited as he stands moving side to side.

“you know it very well.” She smiles, and Yuri’s just laughing while glancing towards Ryosuke who watches the train coming in.

“this is our train.” He states after the train stops in front of their line.

They arrive only about 15 minutes later, in front of a small café cover in veins imitating a Spanish housing. A wooden signage hanging “TOMOKORNER” feels very vintage.

The door bell chimes merrily as Ryosuke opens the door.

“welcome!” a happy adult woman welcome them with a huge smile. “oh, Ryo kun!” she exclaims happily. “today is not your shift right?” she turn to see the hanging calendar.

“no, I brought some friends, they want to try your dango.”

“oh, please, please!” she walks Tsubaki and Yuri to a table and give them a menu.

“Yuri, your usual?” she asks and Yuri nods with a big smile and a thumb up. Tsubaki watches as Ryosuke went behind the bar and wear an apron. “you don’t work today.” The lady that seems to be the owner taps his shoulder.

“its fine, I don’t see the manager.” Ryosuke looking around while sling the cord behind and tie it in front of him.

“yeah, we running out of apples for apple pie. So he has to look for it.”

“they’re my friends so let me serve them.”

“thanks, Ryo kun. I’ll handle the rest customers.” She smiles happily and head to the kitchen.

Tsubaki watches their exchange with a clear curiosity.

“that lady is Yamada Tomoko, oh wait its Ooishi Tomoko now, she’s Ryosuke’s cousin. Couple days a week Ryosuke work here, he’s the chef pastry, so to say.”

“oh wow that’s amazing.”

“that dango you want, it was his idea, he made it by morning and her cousin sell it after the café open, every lunch.”

“…” Tsubaki is nodding while hearing Yuri’s overly excited story.

“Ryosuke is so cool, right.” Yuri’s smiling, but it was rather to a challenging smile at her, his eyes fill with anticipations.

“yes he truly are.” Tsubaki nods with the menu in her hand.

“so…you like him?” Yuri’s taking the straw to his lips, smile teasingly.

“…I know that you do.” Tsubaki replies flatly with her own teasing smile, backfiring Yuri.

“hey! I was talking about you!” Yuri’s protesting, pout his lips cutely while charging leaning his body across the table.

“hahahaha.” Tsubaki’s laughing seeing the cute yet irritated look on Yuri’s face.

“what’s the fun?” Ryosuke came with tray in one hand and a water jug in others, as he fills the complimentary water into the glass, he look at Yuri and grumble. “don’t knit your brows so hard you’d grow wrinkle.”

“w-wrinkle?! No way!” Yuri’s acting panic and look to his reflection on the window.

Ryosuke’s laughs while puts down two plates of dangos, as he did he look at Tsubaki and caught her staring at him. “y-your dango, enjoy.” He says half nervous.

“thank you, they look delicious.” She took one of the dango and eat it, her face lit up and she smile contentedly. “mmm…. Its so delicious.” 

Ryosuke nods as he walks backward, trying not to smile too wide in front of her. As he turns he balls his fist and a “yes” escapes his lips as he makes a winner gesture. So obvious that his cousin, tomoko laughs at him. “is that your girlfriend? She’s bijin (a naming for woman who has a traditional Japanese beauty)”

“she is, right.” Ryosuke didn’t even bother to hide his excitement, his cheeks a bit redden and he smiles widely. “but…she’s not my girlfriend though…yet. I got too many obstacles…”

Tomoko makes a small laugh while caresses his back. “if she’s amazing she wont be easy to get, if she’s worth it, you wont give up. If you give up, you’re not worthy for her… truth is, everybody is going to hurt you, you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.”

“…I bet you learn that from Jin-nii.” Ryosuke’s grinning mentioning Tomoko’s husband. They’re still newlywed so bringing him up, blushes her immediately.

“i-its wasn’t an easy task for us too, I mean I started it by hating him and put my life on the line to avoid him… I hurt him in many ways, all my rejections and coldness yet he didn’t give up on me.” she smiles, her hands holding patisseries plates. “and look at how happy I am.” Her eyes steal a glance at the wedding ring sits beautifully at her finger before walk to serve her customers. “so don’t give up. Women weak to persistence guy.” She winks with a low whisper.

“I wont.” He nods with a confidence look, stealing a glance to a table where Yuri and Tsubaki’s laughing with dango on their hands.    

“will you stay a bit longer today?” it was nearly dark when Tomoko came to Yuri and Tsubaki’s table, clap her hands above her chest.

The two of them cock their head. Tomoko continues with more eager explanation. “soon it will be autumn right, its time for new Tomokorner’s signature dessert, I plan to make cinnamon apple pie and toffee pudding for the season, so I need you two to be volunteer to try it.”

“I like this kind of volunteering, I am in!” Yuri’s raises his hand high, looking forward to taste some free cakes.

“you could stay a bit late right, Sanada san?”

“umm…” she looks at the wall clock it was passed seven already.

“don’t worry I’ll drive each one of you home.”

“come on its fun, I mean free cakes! Cakes made by Ryosuke is always supper yummy.”

“I think anything is super yummy for you Chinen san.” After commenting her friend, Tsubaki turns and look at Tomoko and gives her a nod. “Yes, I would love to.”

“great.” Tomoko clinched her fists in excitement. “but make sure to let your parents know that you’ll be home late, kay. Meanwhile I’ll hang the closed signage.” Tomoko walks to the door and swing the signage showing “closed” at the door. “we’re closing early for new menu develop. Sit tight and wait for a moment, oh I’ll give you free coffee too.”

“Tomoko san is the best!” Yuri gives two thumbs up to Tomoko who just smiles as she walks to the kitchen and help Ryosuke. “hey can I see how the cake is make?” Yuri skipping his way following Tomoko and their voice become faint as everyone gathers in the kitchen behind.

Tsubaki took her phone, she receives a message few minutes ago but only now she manages to open it, it was from Kota. “where are you? I stop by at your place and your father said you’re not yet home. It’s getting late, let me pick you up. –Kota-”

“I’m at a café with Chinen san and yamada san, I’ll be home late. –Tsubaki-“

“will you be okay? I’m worry. let me know if you need anything. –Kota-“

“…” Tsubaki sighing, this messages exchanging feels like when she was with Yuto, Kota makes her really feels like she’s in a relationship with him. “its just for a week.” She’s exclaiming and hits her touch screen again. “thank you, but Yamada san’s cousin will drive us all home. –Tsubaki-“

“Good then, text me when you’re home. I’m seriously worried here. –Kota-“she smiles faintly, Kota even when he could be so deceiving and manipulative but he always so considerate and understanding Tsubaki more than anyone, and she finds this side of him quite comforting, even more than what Yuto could gave her, she realizes that now, she could overcome her breakup not only because of her family and Mika but Kota too. They often exchanges texts but this time, it feels different, she feels there’s something different about Kota but she couldn’t figured out what or why, and she decides to think to their “a week date” as a safe excuse. Not knowing that Kota DOES changing…

“Tsubaki.”

“y-yes!”

“wh-what’s wrong?” Ryosuke’s widen his eyes in shock hearing Tsubaki’s loud reply. It was more to his sudden presence startled her.

“um… nothing.” She smiles and shakes her head. “you called?”

“yeah, I make extra of this ohagi, I have shared it with Yuri, this is for you.” He places a box inside a flourish paper bag. 

“thank you, I’m sorry for the trouble.”

“don’t apologies.” Ryosuke’s laughing while walking back to the kitchen.

“…” holding to her cellphones in her laps tighly, Tsubaki’s struggling with the anxiety and guilt she feels once more. “why is texting with Kota could make me feel so guilty… just like when I was at Yuto’s place… that night when we were getting too close… I thought of Yamada san and this unpleasant feeling made my stomach aching… and now its happening again…”

She feels she’s the only having these weird thoughts, and end up keeping her mouth shut, embarrassed to even talk about it with anyone even her closest friends.