“Are you getting ready to sleep?
–Kota-“ lately its been a habit that Kota and Tsubaki exchange texts before
going to bed, there’s one time even Kota keep on texting her that she fall
asleep with her phone under her head.
“yes, you should too, its getting late.
-Tsubaki-“ after sending her reply, she automatically look to her dinning room
clock its 10 already. Tomorrow is Sunday even so Tsubaki always believe it’s
wiser to hit the sack early and wake up freshly in the morning.
“what are you wearing
tonight?-Kota-“ Tsubaki furrows knit in
puzzle, yet she looks at herself, wondering why is he even need to bother about
her clothing? She shakes her head and decides to ignore it and put her phone to
her pajama pocket. But as Tsubaki drink down the last drop of warm milk she
always have before bed, her phone vibrates again.
“a blue pajama, huh. –Kota-“
“lucky guess. -Tsubaki-“
“I’m not guessing. Turn left. –Kota-“
after knitting her eyebrows, she did what the message says and nearly jumped
seeing Kota peek from the door way of her kitchen, grinning.
“what are you doing here?!” Tsubaki
even needs to look up and check the time again.
“you’re father didn’t tell you?”
“about?” her note was anywhere near
pleasant, it is not a rare occasion for either Kota and Tsubaki to visit each
other house at any time, still his presence was unexpected.
“he’s going to Nara for the retirements
conference.”
“I know that.”
“well, how come you didn’t know he
asked me to watch you over.”
“watch… me…excuse me I’m not a baby.”
“hahahaha, no but you’re a lady.”
Kota’s laughing as he casually slides the chair in the dinning room and sits
himself. “its common sense not to leave a lady alone in their house, right.”
“…”
“Yukito san used to stay over whenever
your father went on an overnight trip, but he said Yukito san has been terribly
busy, so he asked me.”
“…of all people…” but Tsubaki couldn’t
argue any further, he knows if there’s a man outside Sanada that her father
would trust, it would be Yabu Kota, alone. “have you ate dinner?” Tsubaki
decides to make him some coffee, even before asking him.
“no… I’ve been too busy…”
“skipping your meal again? That’s not
nice, you should eat properly.”
“okay, can I have some dinner, please?”
“…alright I will make you some.”
“thanks, honey.”
“…” the honey calling is probably just
a joke Kota made to agitated her, not wanting to give in to his playful desire,
Tsubaki only stares and heaved deeply. Tonight meals have been cleaned so she
decides to cook something new. “there’s miso soup left and some onigiri, do you
mind if I make some miso porridge ?”
“anything its fine with me. oh do you
have pickles!”
“I do. Do you want it as side dishes?”
“yes please.”
“…you’re like an old man…” Tsubaki
whisper quietly to herself, holding the laugh inside.
Kota eats contently and asking for
second so many times until there’s hardly anything left in the pot.
“aaaahhhh, now that I’m full, I’m a
happier man!” walking to living room with his both long arms stretch up Kota
smiles contently.
“well, isn’t that nice…” Tsubaki
answers flatly and give him his cup of coffee while he looks to the dark tv
screen. He deliberately reaches to the remote and turns the tv on.
“oh, honey my drama is on. Lets watch
it together.” Kota leans forward and his one hand tapping to the tatami below
him, inviting Tsubaki to sits by his side. Tsubaki sits down and look at the
screen, a title appears and a romantic opening song plays. The previous
episodes plays as the drama opening, its hard to believe that the scriptwriter
of this adult drama is the man sitting next to her. Tsubaki look from the
corner of her eyes, Kota seeing the drama with a satisfied smile on his face.
“why haven’t you tell anyone about your
work?”
“hm?” from the screen, Kota moves his
eyes, smile still roses on his face. “ah, its not really a big deal for those
kids to know.” He shakes his head, sounding like what he does really not thing
to be proud about.
“its enough for me, just you who know
it.” He smiles, his smile looks different though, it was not his usual flippant
or mischievous smirk, it was a genuine, kind and warm honest smile.
“I really do.” He nods, convincing her
with another matured smile and tousled hair behind her ears.
“oh, i like this scene, here. It was so
hard to write it.” Kota now change the subject as he heard the male lead
talking, he’s looking to the screen, his eyes filled with joy and satisfaction.
She knows Kota can’t freely enjoying his work like this at his own home, since,
his father didn’t approve his dream to be a scriptwriter. So Kota refused to be
acknowledge even by his friends, not before his father approve and proud of his
choice of path. Tsubaki probably the only one knows this side of Kota, it
always pains her when Kota came to her place to avoid a fight with his father,
before. Now that he managed to get a project and even get his script to be part
of famous drama, Kota could deal with his father refusal with more confidence,
still he’s yearning for his bless, since Kota admired his father so much.
“when will you leave to NY for your
study?”
“oh, after graduation probably.”
“has your… father give his permission?”
Tsubaki’s question was somehow delivering with a hint of doubt. Kota heaved
before nodding. “he says… Kota once you’re graduated you’re a fully grown up
man, your life is at your own risk.”
“its rather ambiguous…I’m worry.”
“hahahaha, you don’t have to, it’ll be
fine, I just have to prove myself. Thanks anyway.” He rifles a hand guiltily
through her hair.
His expression remains utterly neutral…though
his eyes tell her that he knows he’s also worrying about himself. Tsubaki takes
his hand still resting in her head and smiles. “you’ll be fine, if there’s
someone can do the impossible, it would be you, Kota san.”
Suddenly something rare happens, Kota
blushes, his knits his brow though as if tries to deny his shyness. “Tsubaki,
that’s an unfair move… Don’t give me hypothetical, just tell me you trust me.”
Somehow seeing Kota being timid out of
sudden, Tsubaki couldn’t help but chuckles merrily and nod. “very well, I trust
you Kota san. Do what you want and make your dream come true.”
There was a moment of silent just when
Tsubaki going to apologies for causing him to think so much, Kota brings his
hand and cover his mouth, his blush hasn’t gone from him completely “Hearing
you say something so cute makes me want to take you to NY with me…”
“huh?!”
“But again, its impossible with your
plan to enter police academy and not to mention running the Dojo too. Its your
dreams right, I want to see your dreams coming true too.”
“your talk is completely absurd…”
Tsubaki let her exasperated sigh escapes, sounding any less interested.
But instead of laughing like he always
did when he messes around with her, this time Kota just poses a faint smile and
a light chuckles before moving his attention back to the drama still playing on
the TV.
“what is this story about again?”
“its about man and women, they fake a
relationship in order to get their dreams. The woman tries to evade an arrange
marriage cause she wants to be an stylist and the man, wanting to move on from
his broken heart and shows his ex he’s already moving on. It’s a love story
came from obligation.”
“hmmm… is that so…”
“but eventually they fall in love with
each other, but…things happen from there, testing their mutual feelings…not
really a typical love story happens in our age.”
“I guess not… but, Kota san.”
“yes?”
“do you have anyone that you like?”
“hm… I don’t call it as like… but I do
have someone I really love.”
“really, how surprising.”
“so it does…huh.”
“But what’s the different between like
and love?”
“well like is a more universal feeling,
for friends, for people we knows well or idols, we like them. But love has a
deeper meaning, when you love someone you would want to spend your life with
them, grow old with them, you care but also respect them.”
“and you have this person you want to
grow old with?”
“I do, I want to marry her and have a
family with her.”
“I don’t suppose you would tell me
who?”
“hahahaha, curious aren’t we, but I
rather keep it to myself for now. I’ll let you know when the time is proper.”
“so you were, well fair enough.” After
agreeing without further arguments Tsubaki sips her coffee. Her mind wandering
though just want kind of girl would Kota fall in love with, the curiosity
nearly get the better of her but she shook it off by changing the subject.
“tomorrow is the last day of our one week date.”
“yeah, we have to go on a date huh.”
“they gave free vouchers.” Tsubaki gets
up and went to a drawer. From inside a journal she takes several free vouchers
and places it on the table. Kota’s long and thin fingers scrabble the voucher,
looking for anything appealing to him.
“movies free passes, aquariums entry
passes, zoo passes…” he looks one by one as if just reading them.
“they really not your kind of thing…”
“I enjoy a home-date, you know just
stay home and do something together, I do want to visit Meoto Daigokusha though,
you know that shrine for married couples.”
“you’re not even married.”
“well, I will.”
“and that place is in Kansai, Nara. Its
not a day trip.”
“Tsubaki… I only say I want to visit it,
I didn’t say I want us to go there on our date. Well, maybe later when you have
become Lady yabu.”
“that joke again…I’m feeling a bit
drowsy, I will sleep now, I’ll prepare your bedding on the guest room, kay.”
“yes, thank you, honey.”
“you’re welcome, dear.” Tsubaki
replying Kota’s teasing with a fake smile while calling him romantically, Kota
laughs even when she has turns away letting an annoyed sigh, Kota’s chuckling
amusedly to himself.
Its Sunday morning, Tsubaki thinking
Kota must be still fast asleep, so she decides to leave him and head for her
routine at the Dojo, yet he’s already there, joining the rest of senior member
and give instructions for the training.
“…” Tsubaki watches as the tall and
slim man, showing his serious side and gave quite the training.
“come at me, what are you doing! hit me
like you hate me!”
“y-yes!”
“and you, how long are you going to
warm the ground, get up!”
“Yes!”
Sanada Dojo technically built by Sanada
and Yabu nearly 200 years ago, but Kota rarely shows up, since he decided to be
a scriptwriter, about 3 years ago. But Tsubaki couldn’t lie how happy she is
seeing him in his trainer mode again.
When the training is over, sitting on
the pavilion facing the garden. Tsubaki came and place a tray with cold ocha
and ohagi for him.
“good work today.”
Kota smiles at her, take the glass and
let a deep sigh. “that was fun… it has been awhile…”
“you’re a great trainer, you know.”
“are you trying to make me return
here?”
“of course I am.”
“hahahaha, you never hold back, Lady
Sanada. This is part of our date… today, we’ll do things together.” He winks at
her while take one of ohagi in one bite. “um, this is good!”
“it is, Ryosuke made that.”
“so he does.” Kota nods showing an
interest look.
“and his dango is very delicious too. I
wish I can have it everyday.”
“hehehehe.” Laughing as he takes the
last ohagi, Kota stares to the garden.
“what’s so funny?”
“nothing.” He answers immediate with
firm shakes, yet that flippant smirk of his, telling her different thing. “you can if you marry him, but nah I’m not
going to give the idea.”
“so, what do you want to do after this?”
“hmm…” Kota looks up and tilts his head to
one side. “I’m waiting for a package, can we leave after the package came?”
“you will go back to your place?”
“no. I’m asking to send the package here.”
“…”
“don’t give me that suspicious look, the
package is for you, honey.”
“that, is even more suspicious.”
Leaving behind to whatever Kota has prepared
for her, Tsubaki went to take her bath. She was still drying her hair when Kota
knocks and asking permission to enter her room.
“Honey, I hope you’re not mad at what I’m
going to tell you.”
“what did you do, Kota san?” stop her hands
from wiping her hair, Tsubaki locks her gaze at Kota who looks guilty while
standing at the door frame.
“I try to help you, so I decide to do the
laundry… I put too much soap and now…the foam is overflow.”
“!!!” Tsubaki quickly jolts out from her
room and run towards the washing room.
She was too shock to see the whole bubble,
bubbling from the machine, behind her Kota bite his bottom lips, clearly worry
of Tsubaki’s scolding after this.
“sorry…” he whispers from behind her,
sounding very guilty.
After cleaning the mess Kota just made,
Tsubaki went to the kitchen, its nearly lunch so maybe she should make
something for them, but then Kota took the apron Tsubaki tries to put on her.
“we’re going to have lunch outside. Oh! I
think that’s the package!” snatching Tsubaki’s apron now Kota happily went to
the front door after the bell rings.
He went for several minutes, and Tsubaki
puts back all the ingredients she took from the fridge. When she closes the
fridge door, Kota went in with a box on his hand.
“the package for you has arrived.” He
smiles while opening and peek what’s inside.
“what is that?”
“here, wear this for our lunch date,
honey.”
Tsubaki receives the package from Kota and
realizes it was a dress, a beautiful dress, something Tsubaki unfamiliar with.
Knitting her furrows while asking, “um… what is this?”
“a cocktail dress.”
“yes I know that, I’m asking you why should
I’m wearing such extravagant outfit?”
“because we’re going to have lunch at
Intercontinental Hotel.”
“where again?”
“the reservation is in one hour again, go
and get dress, meanwhile I’ll be changing too. I look forward to see you in
that dress, honey.”
“…I only do this due to my obligation as
your date partner.”
“I know that.”
With a taxi but without any further
explanation on why they have to have lunch date at such luxurious place.
Tsubaki is agreeing to go on a date, with the dress he gave him. it was a nude
satins and sheer chiffon reference the old Hollywood screen sirens.
Tsubaki feeling a little uncomfortable
wearing a short skirt, she pulls her hair and tucks it into a simple bun. “…”
she notices it was a mistake yet it was too late.
On her side, Kota couldn’t stop staring
with a rather seductive look.
“please do not stare, it is rude.”
“where should I put my eyes when you look
so nice, milady, I mean… your neck is so alluring.” The line of Kota’s eyes
sight making her feels she’s been naked.
“Kota san!” Tsubaki’s cried out while
covering her neck.
“hahahaha, you’re so adorable when you’re
angry like that.”
“there’s a limit on how much one could take
a joke.” Tsubaki’s turning her head to the window and watches the scenery
outside, not knowing Kota’s letting a deep sigh with a forced smile. “I never
joke about you.”
As Tsubaki stands there gasping, Kota takes
her hand and weaves it through his bent arm, guiding her inside.
“w-wait this is a little-“
“this is a proper adult date, milady. Just
allow me to escort you.”
When Tsubaki and Kota enter the restaurant,
everyone is dressed in their finest, and a banquet is laid out on a huge round
table. Kota holds her against him protectively, but the flashes keep coming
from every direction.
“wh-what exactly is this, why is there even
reporters?!”
“a small celebration.”
“for?”
“the finishing of second season script for
the drama we watched last night.”
“…oh, congratulation Kota san.”
Kota just strikes a smile at Tsubaki still
having her in his arm. Some staff came to him and a press conference is held.
After the opening speech from the drama producer, he calls Kota’s name.
Kota stands from his chair and bow while
checking the attendee with a smile, “Thank you all for coming, I’m the
scriptwriter Yabu Kota thank you all for the support.”
the questions season went shortly
afterwards, all the questions were related to the new season of the drama,
suddenly one of the reporters lifts his hand.
“Yabu san, we notice you came with a girl,
may we know who she is?”
Kota looks at her and his eyes turn into a
smile that his eyes become into a thin line. “my lady was the one on my side,
which reminds me I have to apologies, I will leave early to attend another
matter. Thank you.” Hearing his sudden declaration the reporters only shower
him with more curiosity but with a firm gesture and a small bow while walking
away, Kota refuses to answer any more than he already has.
“…”
“hey, say something, why are you being so
quiet?” after leaving the hotel behind, Kota peers to Tsubaki who walks with
her lips sealed. She only looks to him with a faint shake and a sigh.
“mad for being called as my lady, aren’t
we.”
“…you didn’t do anything wrong, I am your
lady at least until today is over… still…”
Kota laughs while tousled her hair. “what,
still not moving on from Yuto?”
“…”
“its been years don’t you think its about
time to make a new page?”
“I…I was wondering what did I do with Yuto
before?”
“huh?”
“now that I think about it… it doesn’t feel
so complicated as now…”
“now…? You fell in love with someone now?”
“…I cant call it love… I don’t even know
what I feel…”
“hmm…” Kota slightly pouts his lips while
his eyes look to the sky. Kota was always there and knowing everything that
happened around her including her relationship with Yuto and all. Tsubaki has
no hard time sharing and opening herself to him, for the odd even when they
like nemesis, they found comfort at each other’s company.
“never mind what I said, I was thinking
aloud.”
“are we talking about…”
“oh hey bucho and Lady sengoku too. Whoa…
you look… “ Hikaru’s sudden greet startled them both. Hikaru studies Tsubaki
from her head to toe and make a face like he wants to whistle but swallow his
desire as Kota stare at him with his devilish look.
“are you two on a date?” Keito stands
beside Hikaru with his guitar case, and so is Hikaru.
“yes, we just have lunch date.”
“I bet it was not the usual lunch date.”
Hikaru make a pressure at the word usual.
“nope.” Kota just smiles while shaking his
head, making both Keito and Hikaru goes, okay…something is happening here…
“going on band practice?”
“oh, yeah, me and Keito, I was thinking to
ask Daiki but he says he cant, I try to ask Yuto too but he has thing to do. So
yeah, lonely singles here.”
“hahahaha…” Keito makes a desperate laugh
as Hikaru acting sad and wipe on his shoulder.
“why don’t you join us bucho! Oh yeah
you’re on a date…”
“Kota san do you want to practice?” hearing
Hikaru’s invitation Tsubaki turns to Kota.
“well…”
“then you should go, if you don’t mind
though I really love to come along and watch.”
“oh! good idea, thank you Tsubaki!” Hikaru
smiles from ear to ear and gives her a thumb.
“are you sure about this?”
“yes, I want to see you playing Kota san.
Besides today is the day we do our things together. You have accompanied me
this morning on my routine, allow me to accompany you to do your things.”
“…” Kota stares at her briefly as if he was
being hypnotize before his trademark smile return and he pats her head
playfully. “lets do it!” he claps with excitement, and Hikaru strikes a winning
pose with two peace fingers.
They walk ahead, Tsubaki then realize Keito
is left behind, he walks to her side and looks a bit doubt about something.
“say, I know it is not my place to ask you this…”
“yes?”
“um, no sorry never mind, I forgot what I
want to ask you.”
“?”
Keito seems to swallow his words and leave
her, but after few steps he stops and turn at her again.”Ryosuke, fall really
hard for you, I was just thinking… does he stands a chance…” Keito turns his
head, few steps ahead of him Kota and Hikaru walks circling each others
shoulders, laughing while walking. “is just my bias opinion but… you do realize
how Kota always sets his eyes on you, right.”
“I…don’t quite follow, Okamoto san.”
“…” he smiles seeing Tsubaki clearly
looking confuses at his statements. Yet he cannot bring out the next things he
wants to say. “he looks at you differently, man’s eyes cannot lie…as a man I know when
there’s another man in love…and Kota…surely loves her…probably as much as
Ryosuke.”
“hey, you two, Keito and Milady Sanada
Tsubaki, you’ll fall behind.” Kota’s voice snaps them back, Tsubaki nods yet
she tries to let Keito to finish his words, but Kota calling seems to disturb
him and he sets a smile at Tsubaki. “we better catch up.”
“…Yes we should.” Keito jogs at them with
few apologetic words and behind him, Tsubaki follows, looking very puzzled.
The band practice went amazing, even when
tsubaki can only watches she keep on giving a round of applauses every now and
then. “everyone is so talented.”
“oh, you’re flattering me.” hikaru’s laugh
with a clear proud.
“its true, it may just a practice but you
look like a pro.”
“oh stop it, no keep the praises going,
please.”
With a laugh Kota slaps Hikaru’s head
jokingly. Everyone taking their drink at the waiting area, hours has passed and
now the sky has turned orange.
“so, where are you going next?” Hikaru just
throws his empty bottle to the bin, Kota sitting next to a vending machine.
“dinner of course.”
At Kota reply, Hikaru quickly raises his
hand “oh allow me to come!”
“I’m not going to treat you.”
“you don’t have to, Keito will pay it for
me, right?”
“why me…?”
“…” none of the gang looks quizzically with
Kota place for dinner, except Tsubaki. Now they’re standing in front of
Tomokorner.
The bell above the door is ringing as Kota
opens the door. “oh bucho what a surprise.” Ryosuke welcomes the man who went
inside with a bright smile, or to Hikaru especially Keito but he was like stuck
in his breath to the last one entering the café.
“we’re on a date.” Kota says casually and guides
Tsubaki to sits on his side.
“the one week date.” Keito add was rather
awkward, but it seems making ryosuke realizes something and he nods with a
forced smile before bring the menu for them.
He stands there while everyone reading
through the menu.
“Keito, I’m going to order the most
expensive meal.”
“please be kind to me…”
“you look beautiful…” Ryosuke’s probably
saying the words unconsciously, or simply just spoke his mind aloud unnoticed.
“what?” Tsubaki brings her eyes to him, it
was clear to Tsubaki since he stands closer to her.
“the dress suits you well.” He says a bit
bashful, a gentle smile roses on his lips. For a moment he seems to forget who
Tsubaki is with,
“um… thank you.”
“waiter! Order please!”
“ah! Coming, what can I get you Hikaru
san.” Hearing Hikaru’s loud declaration Ryosuke snaps from his daze and pulls
out a note from his apron.
As they wait for their order, Kota uses the
chance to bring the cultural festival topic up since he’s here with the event
coordinator committee and request any update from them.
Tsubaki listening to their conversation but
at the same time her eyes scanning to the cozy café room, that’s when she
notices a baby sitting on baby chair trying to reach his mother’s hot
Vietnamese coffee pot, the pot starts to shake to his touches.
“Look out!” Tsubaki reacts and covers the
baby just when the hot pot fall and spill its boiled water inside. The mother
quickly takes the baby with apologetic and thankful words, but before tsubaki
could say “its fine.” she feels her body lift into the air.
“what are you doing!” Ryosuke shouts while
take her in his shoulder and dash to the backroom of the café.
“oh my…” Hikaru says half shock and half
amazed on how fast Ryosuke react to her. Keito too following them before he
notices that despite his faint smile, Kota looks a bit disturbed but distracts
himself by looking into the menu again.
“I’m sorry, its going to be cold.” He says
before open a faucet at the bathroom with Tsubaki under the running cold water.
“c-cold!” she cries but before anything
else, Ryosuke reaches to her, looking at her shoulder, it was red from the hot
water. He let a painful sigh before looking down to the floor.
“your skin burnt...”
“its fine, its better that I’m the one who
gets burnt and not the baby… oh how is he?!”
“…he’s unharmed, I believe.”
“look I’m fine, really, this is nothing.”
“Sanada san! Are you alright? Oh, you got
burnt, Ryo kun get me the medical pack please.” Tomoko who also witness the
scene earlier, runs to the bathroom.
“…” after biting his lips together, Ryosuke
nods and leave them.
“oh no, the coffee will leave some nasty
stain on your dress, take it off so I can wash it. Meanwhile if you don’t mind,
please wear this.” Tomoko is carrying a
clean towel in one hand and changing clothes in another.
Tsubaki is a bit hesitate to exit the
changing room after she sees that the changing clothes Tomoko gave her was a
maid uniform, it was a long dress type with white clean frilly apron in front.
“Sanada san, if you have changed, you can
go back to your chair your order has been
placed.” Tomoko calling from outside the changing room. Hesitantly Tsubaki went
back to her chair, through the bar. “Tsubaki, this looks better than your
previous dress!” Hikaru gives two thumbs up but then he turns to Kota. “sorry
bucho no offense.”
He laughs to Hikaru’s apology and give
tsubaki a nod while his eyes studying her carefully.
Tsubaki sits back on her chair, but not
long, someone calling out.
“miss, I want to order please…miss!” the
whole gang turns and its clear that group is calling for Tsubaki. And since
Ryosuke left to buy some groceries for the café and Tomoko is at the kitchen,
no one here to serve them.
“they must think Tsubaki works here.” Keito says after wiping his lips with napkin,
trace of beef sauce on the white fabric.
“I…better take their order.” Tsubaki’s half
standing, when Kota reaches to her arm. “they look like a group of drunken
dude, stay here, I’ll take their order.”
Kota approaches the group that clearly
looking pretty high, Kota gesture is polite and he smiles as he asks for
anything needed help. Grabbing a note left at the counter bar, he writes what
they want.
“Tsubaki, could you give this order
behind?” Kota gives her the note, she nods and quickly look for Tomoko. Behind
the bar, Tomoko just walk out the kitchen she seems surprise to receive an
order from tsubaki and gave a “thank you” before head back to the kitchen to
prepare it.
But just after that, more groups came to
the café, like it or not Tsubaki has to serve them, she cant ignore people
calling at her, she cant sits down with the maid uniform it feels awkward and
she’s afraid people misunderstand and thinks tomokorner has a lazy waitress.
Kota helps her as soon as she guides the
first group enter the cafe, but soon seeing them effortlessly trying to help
here, Hikaru shrug and decides to help too, Keito soon find it weird to sit
alone and start trying to do anything to aid.
Tomoko knows of this but decides to pretend
she didn’t see it, she couldn’t help but smile as she feels a strong emotion
calls nostalgic. Ryosuke who sees his friends serving his customers quickly
jumped in yet tonight’s guests was impossible to handle by him alone not to
mention a sudden reservation from a group of 20 pax.
At 10 o clock, Tomoko decides to close the
café early. Everyone sat down, Keito especially looks tired, he was not used to
handle so many people at once and it was draining quite the energy.
“Good job today, everyone. Please enjoy a
complimentary from Tomokorner for your kind helps.” Tomoko has prepared 5 boxes
of patisseries for everyone to take home.
“but, I’m surprise to see how well you
work, I’m open for waiter and waitress if you willing. Especially you Sanada
san, I knew that prototype uniform fits you.”
“Tomoko nee…” Ryosuke is half sighing while
puts down a cloth to a table, hands on waist
“what is it Ryo kun?” Tomoko turns at him
making an innocent smile.
“I start to feel you give tsubaki that
cloth on purpose.”
“well we have to be persuasive these days.”
“she didn’t even deny it.” Hikaru’s sitting
in front of a table with drink in hand.
“has anyone thought of running a café on
cultural festival?” Tomoko continues, her eyes looking to each one helper she
has today.
Putting back all the menu back to a rack is
Keito, “a café…?” asking while cocking his head.
“you know what people look for in a
festival, food and beverage… combine it with a cozy spot and charming host, I-I
mean servants…hehehehe. Trust me you would overwhelm to handle it.”
“…its actually not a bad idea.” Hikarus’s
lips curled down and nodding in agreement. “Kitagawa never has café before.”
“but we don’t have time to make the
costume, selecting menu, preparing it and everything.” Keito is coming closer
to the group surrounding the bar while counting with his fingers.
“oh you have Ryo kun, he can make
tomokorner dishes, and for costumes, well… I have a friend who is a designer,
Susumu fashion house.”
“ah, yeah I know that brand, its famous and
very limited.” Keito nods, his eyes shows a hint of admire, apparently it is a
brand well known to his family.
“wouldn’t it be a problem to him if we ask
for a costume not to mention how are we suppose to pay for it.” Hikaru’s arms
open up as he speaks, turn to his bucho and Tomoko continuously.
“don’t worry, if it’s a maid or butler suit
he has plenty of stock to rent, for free.” Tomoko smiles calmly.
“lets do this!” Hikaru exclaims excitedly,
Kota pushes himself from his position, leaning on the table.
“I’m very sorry.” Tsubaki that has been
wiping the counter raises her hand.
“yes, Sanada san?”
“if it is came to conclusion of making café
and we to be the servants… this is the costume for the girls, correct?” she
looks down to the maid costume on her body, it was a long skirt and very
traditional.
“um, well actually its going to be the cute
maid costume like what maid café uses, you know short skirt with lost of laces
and frills.” After looking up and down at her, Tomoko speaks in rather lower
pitch, she knows Tsubaki will be objected.
“I refuse.” And she did.
“what, come on its going to be so cute!”
Hikaru protesting as he’s imagining someone wearing it.
“no.” Tsubaki refusal is so firm, that she
leaves no room for anyone to question her decision.
“it is going to be uncomfortable for the
only girls in school to wear such costume.” Ryosuke nods while looking at
Tsubaki who stands near him.
“oh come on Ryosuke, you’re a guy, just get
along with it!” Hikaru’s body language and tone was clearly showing he’s
annoyed hearing Ryosuke’s opinion.
“excuse me, Tsubaki costume will be my
responsibility.” Everyone turns when Kota raises his hand and makes a
declaration. “I remember seeing a servant costume fits for her.”
“…” Tsubaki turns, her eyes narrowed,
studying his real intention.
“its going to be perfect for you, Tsubaki,
trust me.” Kota’s eyes quickly laid on her.
“…should I trust you?”
“Did I ever let you down?”
“I feel like I put my life in it.”
“I wont fail you Lady Sanada.” He winks
playfully at her.
Tsubaki replies coldly with her sarcasm
tone and rolling her eyes. “of course.” Seeing her react, Kota laughs before he
speaks again regarding this new idea they discussing.
It was almost 11 when everyone is getting
ready for home, Tsubaki changing herself into her dress again, Tomoko has
washed it quickly and the dress looks brand new. Kota is helping Ryosuke
carrying some plates behind.
He presses his lips tight but after heaving
deeply he turns to the tall man putting down dirty dishes into the sink. “say
bucho.”
“yes, Ryosuke?”
“how was the week date?”
“oh, it was fun, I cant believe it’s a week
already.”
“you, have feelings for her… aren’t you.”
“I cant express my love in a short sentence
like that. But yes, I do.”
“…” he knows he sees this coming, still for
some reason that he cant quite explain…hearing that makes him a little ill,
somewhere in the depth of his heart.
“she’s beautiful but more than that she has
a strong personality someone you can rely and trust, a completely independent
and determined person. Someone finds these personalities of her disturbing… but
I’m sure, like me, you think of it as her charms and we cannot help but drawn
by it… right?”
For some reason, though, that Ryosuke
cannot explain… the more he speaks of her, the more the needles of jealousy
rattle in his heart.
“I wont pursued her to chose or stop her
from loving anyone, like I have said before… I don’t have intention on dating
her.” Kota smiles calmly and folded the cloth. “taking her as my wife is a
different story though, so no matter who she’ll date I wont mind, I want her to
experience her youth to the fullest. But years from now, I’d do anything in my
power to get her.” Even when he speaks with a smile, that smile feels so
intimidating and challenging.
“bring it on.”
Seeing Ryosuke eyes lit with a strong
determination, Kota finds it amusing and chuckles. This side of Ryosuke he
admits is his strong trait and he secretly admires it, the reason of his
decision about certain other thing.
“calm down, our rivalry begins in the
future.” He replies, flippantly, striding ahead of him before Ryosuke has the
chance to talk again.
Few minutes later, a clicking sound heard
and Tsubaki walks out already changing back to her dress.
“oh, hi Yamada san, thank you for
everything earlier.” She bows lightly and returns the maid uniform to him.
“…” Ryosuke looks to the uniform he
accepted resting in his hands before look up to meet her eyes looking straight
at him. he makes a big smile, yet even Tsubaki could tell he was forcing it,
his eyes are actually looking really pained. She swallows, hard, as if she
needs to put cork in her own heart, to stop the unexplainable sadness welling
up inside.
“are you alright, Yamada san?”
“huh? Ah yeah, I’m good just a bit tired.”
He replies, rifles a hand guiltily through his hair.
“so you were. Summer will be over but the
heat still could drain your stamina. Please be sure to have plenty of rest and
proper meal.”
“I will, thanks for your concern.”
“if you’ll excuse me.” she bows once more
with a kind smile and walking away from the kitchen.
Ryosuke following few steps behind her,
standing at the door way of the kitchen and the bar. He sees Tomoko’s back, she
seems to be talking with Hikaru and Keito who takes note probably asking a bit
more about the café things. On the different table, near the windows. Tsubaki
approaches Kota to take her purse that he’s been holding, as he looks at her,
he quickly took his coat and draped it over her shoulders, Tsubaki seems to
refuse it but Kota’s laughing and tousled her hair, Tsubaki sighing and finally
let his coat warms her. The two finally joins Hikaru and Keito, saying thank
you and all to Tomoko.
“Oi, Ryosuke!” Hikaru’s loud voice snaps
him, everyone waves their hand at him. Ryosuke return their smiles and wave
back.
“bye, thank you.” Keito was the last one
leaving, bowing before he closes the door.
“…” once they leave, Tomoko notices her
cousin let a heavy breath.
“is that the obstacle you mentioned
before…?” Tomoko peers to his face, her tone is a clear tease.
“yes…”
“hmm, pretty big challenge.” Tomoko smiles
almost playfully, elbowing him. Kota somehow actually reminds her of his own
husband, a typical guy who went straight forward when they like someone and
taking anyone or anything from taking what they like but at the same time,
enjoying the hard process they has to deal.
“I’m not going to lose from him… even when
I cannot imagine how…”
“hahahaha, time will tell Ryo kun, just
enjoy the process, dealing with it hardly will only drain you. Take your time,
this is part of being young.”
“I will.” He replies Tomoko with a more
genuine smile and returns to finish everything and ready to close the shop for
the night.
After separating their ways, Tsubaki and
Kota return home with just the two of them. Kota shows his usual self as they
walk, but what he just shared with Ryosuke left him intensely troubled, the
sick anxiousness rising in his chest… “am
jealous, ridiculously jealous…” he makes a light chuckle but faint enough
that Tsubaki doesn’t seem to catch it. “Love
increased one retard-ness, it seems.”
“sorry about everything I did today.”
“huh? Um… why are you apologizing?”
“I sure end up nagging you too much when it
comes to anything having to do with you. You’re a lot… cuter than you think you
are, Tsubaki.”
Her heat skips a beat at his slightly embarrassed
appearance. He hesitantly threads his fingers through hers and squeezes.
“wh-what is it???” she feels the urge to
free her hand, yet his fingers winded up holding her even harder. “let my hand
go, please.”
He lets go without any further attempt and
just threads his fingers through her hair, soothingly without any words. After
a smile and “wait a minute.” Kota checks his phone, he nods to himself and type
seriously. It looks like as they practicing their band, without her notice,
Kota, Hikaru and Keito decided to make a performance at cultural festival,
Kota, Hikaru and Daiki will play together, Yuto will perform solo and Keito
will asks Ryosuke to play a song on piano. It’s a secret plan from them and to
have fun together at school too for the last time.
“first
Yamada san and now Kota san too… just what in the world is happening?” Tsubaki’s knitting her brows remembering that it was not Ryosuke
alone making a pained gaze, even Kota is giving her the same look at her. Not
understanding the reason her hand goes immediately to her chest, as if trying
to force down the burden of her feeling.
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