Future Ouran AU

[Robert Ashter]

Now sitting at the vanity, brushing her hair, Sakura had all the time to ponder about things. Maybe she went a little overboard with Ichiro earlier. She knew he was trying hard, she could tell, just as she could see he was no happier about things than she was. But the feelings overwhelmed her and she could not hold herself. Their situations were not similar. Ever since they found out she was pregnant, she had been kept away. It was worse than before. The two married, her parents chose to keep the baby, but there was no way they would let her out, using Momoko as a pretext that she needed to stay with her at all time. On the other hand, Ichiro could go out. He was still going to school, he was working. And he went out to meals and drinks with his father's associates and who knows who else while she had to stay in her cage and wait for a promise of better days that frankly felt like it would never happen the longer she had to wait. It was why, when she found him on his phone when he came to see her and their daughter, she understood. It was their parents' lives all over again, the husband out and about, the wife at home, and the kids only being a commodity. He tried to justify himself, that by the time he would leave Momoko would be asleep anyway, that she wouldn't know. That he was not living with them in the first place. He said that he was doing this for them. It did not matter to Sakura.

She sighed heavily, eyeing her figure in the mirror. She loved him still. She thought so. But it was hard to be happy. She wanted out of this life, she wanted something else. Something where she could have some control over her life, where she could go out and meet people whenever she wanted. She often dreamed of doing like her sister, to just run away. But Ichiro... Once again, she wondered just how much he really cared for them and what his reaction would be if she took Momoko with her and left. Tears started welling up in her eyes at the thought, or maybe it was the frustration or the fatigue. She looked away. Some could argue she wasn't too well off. Her parents turned a wing of the mansion into her and her daughter's living quarters. It was not like she missed of anything. But could you call this living when you were only allowed to watch as the days passed you by? And she thought of Momoko. Will the same fate await her? She could not accept that. The mere thought of this shook her to her very core and made her want to explode. She could barely live in these conditions herself, there was no way she would put her daughter through the same fate. Why did they choose to have her keep the child if they were so ashamed of this?

Sakura finished preparing herself for the night. She applied the cream on her face and neck, letting her fingers lay against her skin for a little while longer than necessary. This fight she had with Ichiro did nothing for her mood. Once again, she was caught wondering what was the point. She was about to end a day where nothing of note happened only to wake up to another one like this, and the same thing would happen the day after, and then the next. Momoko was really the only light in her life. She had been so happy to see her father. She always was. She asked him to talk of the house they would be having when they would be allowed to be together. He let her tell him how she would want that house to be like, although he did admit it would be significantly smaller than her current house. Momoko started talking of all the things she wanted to see, from flowers in the garden to the color of the curtains in the living room. Particular attention was put in what her bedroom would look like. She also wanted Ichiro to read her a story. He always looked so lost whenever he picked a book but he always did, with Momoko asking that he did voices, something he struggled with. Did it happen this time too? Sakura had been too upset about the phone call he had with his father to have joined them at that moment. She even let him out without much of a look or word more. Maybe that was the part where she went too far. But everything was getting just too much for her.

Replacing the cream in its spot, she stood up and tugged at the belt of her robe. She might head to Momoko's room first, to see her sleep. Maybe that would calm her down a little before heading to bed herself. She exited her room when Tomoyo arrived. Her faithful maid was still with her and helping her care for her daughter. "Master Fukuda came back and would like to talk to you," she said on a low voice. Sakura frowned. She did not expect him to return. Did he feel the need to come and continue their argument now that his dinner was over? She had a mind of turning him down but she stopped herself. As much as she didn't want to see him right now, she couldn't bring herself to ask Tomoyo to do it for her. She should do it herself. With a heavy sigh, she thanked Tomoyo, asked where he was, and moved towards the small living room.

Ichiro was sitting when she arrived. He was the same as the Ichiro who left only a few hours ago and yet there was someting different that Sakura felt from him, forcing her to stop and stare at him. Maybe he looked more tired? Or that could just be her who was too tired and seeing things as she only wanted to go to bed. But she needed to deal with this first. "It's getting late, you couldn't wait for another time?" she asked as she entered. Hearing her voice, Ichiro stood up. His movements seemed nervous, as though he startled up rather than got up by himself. In another situation, she might have wondered what was going on, but she simply didn't have the energy anymore for this. "I needed to talk to you," Ichiro explained. But Sakura already turned her head and sighed. "I think we talked enough for today. I'm sorry if that hurt but maybe we should both think about it on our own." She didn't want to have that arguement again, to hear his excuses. She didn't have the energy to fight again and express her point of view. It was too easy. She wanted to make it clear to him that it would be all for today and was already turning around to leave when he spoke. "I told them."

She stopped in her tracks, wondering what he was talking about. Did she want to know though? Ichiro made one step forward in her direction. "At the gathering, I told them all, about us." She closed her eyes. That was all? He should have done so a long time ago. No doubt his father prevented him, just like her parents kept her there, but shouldn't he have done so already? They married while she was pregnant, since she was to keep the child. That left plenty of time and opportunities to talk about it. So she wondered why now? Could it be that he drank and said too much? She really wondered if that was not the case, making things even more annoying for her. Ichiro still seemed to be waiting. Did he really think it was what she meant earlier, about him having to do something? And he would have done it only because of alcohol? She was frustrated about it. She wanted to lash out and felt like she could give him one last chance to avoid it before sending him off. "What did your father say about it?" she asked. It was Ichiro's turn to look down and away. "He didn't say anything. I think he was shocked that I spoke up. I told them I was already married." Yes, Sakura figured out this much. But married, that was only half of it, wasn't it? That was not even the most important in her eyes.

Ichiro must have felt it, or maybe he thought the same. He was still averting her gaze. "I should have said it long ago. And I didn't even bring up Momoko. I guess I really can't do enough for you even now." Sakura couldn't look at him either. She understood this feeling, all too well, but she had enough to deal with her own feeling of helplessness, she couldn't also help with his. She didn't know what to say to him. She could tell he was waiting for a reply but she didn't know what to say. It all angered her and doubted she could say anything that would reassure him. As he said, this wasn't a whole lot to be worthy of praise.

"Can I make you happy?"

This question shook Sakura, chasing any anger in her. It was not the first time Ichiro asked her something like that and she normally did not react to it, but something felt different this time. Part of it was due to the tone he used this time around, but the main reason had to be his brother's words that echoed back to her. Jiro was one of the few people allowed to visit her, knowing already about Momoko. The little girl loved her uncle and it was nice to see him for Sakura also. He was always so happy and could bring a smile up her face, if only for the time he was around. The last time, however, he waited for an opportunity to talk to Sakura away from Momoko's ears. He wanted to talk about his brother. He was worried about Ichiro and wanted to hear what she had to say. Not much, to be quite honest, and she wondered what was going on with Ichiro. Jiro explained that he kept mostly to himself, focusing only on studies and work. He dropped out of any club and was barely interacting with anyone unless it was work-related. He said it was because Ichiro cared only about Sakura and their daughter and pushed aside anything else. Sakura felt as though he was blaming her then, and seeing as to how she wasn't able to meet with anyone, she grew defensive. But Jiro explained that what really worried him was how he kept hearing his brother say how he worried he couldn't bring her joy. And, recently, he started pushing even his brother away. That made Sakura frown, knowing how close the brothers were. Jiro was his brother's best friend, the one who knew him the best. Ichiro said it was so Jiro could be with his friends and not worry about his brother, but that did the exact opposite. Sakura couldn't say she suspected anything about Ichiro and his state of mind.

She didn't give more thought about it until now. She felt rather miserable herself with the situation they were in. Even if she didn't want Ichiro to feel this way, she also didn't want to be the only one like that. His words though, they shook her. Suddenly, the worry Jiro shared with her came to her also. She paid a closer look at Ichiro, trying to read his mind. Was it really some call to help from him, one last request to mean something to one person?

Her heart skipped a beat. She loved him still, she knew for sure. It was not just her not wanting him to do anything dangerous to himself, she didn't want to lose him. She wanted him with her. But could she answer this truthfully by saying yes? She wanted to believe it but each day she grew to wonder more and more if happiness was something she could feel again.

She pushed that thought aside. Right not, she couldn't think that way. She had to say what she needed to keep him with her. Sakura moved closer to him at last until they were face to face. "I hope so. I want you to." Ichiro dared look at her. He seemed so ashamed of himself. Sakura sighed. She wished she had the right words for him, but she was tired. This had been enough emotions for one day. "You should head back home, it's getting late. We could talk again tomorrow." Was that enough? Probably not, but she was drained of her energy. She turned to leave but felt herself stopped by Ichiro as he held her in his arms and pulled her against his chest.

Again, her heart skipped a beat. She found herself catching her breath as she closed her eyes. They had not held each other like that for so long. And she could feel by the way he held her, how tightly her grabbed on her shoulder and buried his face in her hair and neck just how much he needed it. She felt tears welling up and had to fight them back. Slowly, she raised her hands to hold onto his arm. He reached out with his other hand to hold one of hers.

"You and Momoko mean everything to me. I should have fought more for you." This time, the tears fell for real. She agreed, he should have, but at the same time, so she should. She was so used to standing up to her parents leading to nothing good that she let it happened. She never should've accepted this fate, for her and her daughter.

All of her emotions were swelling up, making it difficult to breathe. This was too much. But above the pain and the frustration of her situation, more than the need to feel like Ichiro still cared for her, she started to fear for him. Jiro's words still echoed in her mind and she was now able to see why he was so worried for his brother. Was he really standing on the edge with only her preventing him from falling? The thought of losing him caused a surge of panic in her. She turned around and wrapped her arms around Ichiro. She didn't quite know why, her body reacted on its own. He was her last contact with the outside world, her ticket out. No, there was more than that. She loved him still and refused to lose him.

Once she felt she was able to let go, she moved back and look straight into his eyes. "You promised me that we would be together, free of our parents' grasp. I still want to believe it's possible." Ichiro was looking down though. He seemed defeated by her words. She placed a hand on his chest to get his attention again. "And I want it to be with you." This time, Ichiro looked at her. Was there disbelief in his eyes? Maybe a little but he also looked a little bit relieved. She hoped she was not imagining this. She didn't want him to think anyone else would have taken her away from here already. She wanted him to understand that he still could do it. If she had to be honest, she did wonder at times if someone else wouldn't have been able to take better care of her, but she also never doubted that she'd rather it be Ichiro. She needed him, just as much as Momoko needed her father.

She clutched onto his shirt and got closer to him again, her head touching his chest. If she was his last thread keeping him alive, she had to do something. "Your brother is worried about you. And so am I." She stopped talking though, scared of saying anything more, unsure of her words. "I just want to be with you," he told her. She took a deep breath. She loved hearing that, it was reassuring. Feeling his arms clumsily holding her was also nice. "It can still happen," she assured him. "But for now, you should head back home. Your father will come looking for you otherwise. And hold onto your promise to me." It was almost funny, the way he nodded his head. He was like a little boy. "Yes," he said.

Suddenly, Sakura didn't want to let him go. Funny, considering how much she wanted to send him off without hearing him just a moment ago. But she didn't want to think of her parents' reaction if they heard he spent the night. They may be married, but they were not allowed to be together. Not yet. Soon though, she hoped. He just managed to get her hoping again, something she was not sure she could anymore. She walked with him to the door. She could feel Tomoyo's presence nearby. She couldn't see her but she knew she was watching over her, as always. "Good night," Ichiro whispered after a moment of hesitation. She smiled at him. It ight not be the bright smile she used to have but it was still better than what she showed as of late. She also wished him good night. The light kiss coming from him was more than welcome. She even stayed there by the door for a long moment after he had left. She did not expect him to run back but still wished it inside. Eventually, she heard Tomoyo coming to her side and she sighed. That day had been a rollercoaster of emotions and as her maid suggest, she should go to bed. She really hoped that things would get better from now on, and that this was not simply a break of sun amidst the clouds.

---

Every time Ichiro approached the Koizumi estate, a part of him felt at peace. There was no place that could calm him more and meant more to him than by Sakura's side. At the same time however, it was always accompanied by a sting to his heart. That was because, if being with Sakura and Momoko was all he required to be happy, he knew she was not. Him coming over only reminded her that, for the past six years, she had been trapped in here. Ichiro was also in a prison of sort, doing only what was required of him by his father and moving between the houses, the university and work and nowhere else, but that still meant that his cage was bigger than hers. He had promised her that one day, after he was done with his studies, he would buy a home for the three of them and they would be free and happy. She didn't seem to believe it anymore, or it was too little too late. He felt like he was not enough for her, that he could not make her happy. If he knew for certain that she would be, he'd give it all up to make it happen.

Still, today was very special. Momoko was turning five. Jiro was with him, his brother having promised to be there for his niece's birthday. For a second, Ichiro hesitated ringing the bell. He couldn't help it. It was the pain that made him hesitate, always. He wanted to be with them so much though, he simplybut he didn't seem to get this point across. Having Jiro helped him gather the strength to do ring the bell. They barely got through the door that a voice exclaimed "Papa!" Momoko ran towards them, a bright smile on her face. She was always so happy to see her father. Unlike her mother, she didn't seem affected by the confinement she was stuck through. The house was a castle to explore. And she was too busy being happy to see her father to complain that he was always leaving and did not stay with them. Ichiro kneeled to receive her in his arms. He was always a bit clumsy when holding her but that was another thing she didn't seem to care. He just couldn't understand how someone could be this happy to see him and wanted to be with him as much. Still, he hugged her, a smile slowly forming on his face. She was really happy to go out with her father and mother together. She even put on her coat already, so eager to leave. Ichiro said they would go to the aquarium. Depending on the weather, they would then either eat outside or in some restaurant. Then they would go see the maple trees with their leaves changing colors in this fall season. They would finish it at a restaurant, a room already reserved with a cake prepared for her. It was not just to give her and Sakura a day out, it was the only way to make sure they could see Hanami. They had no idea how her parents would react to her presence, so she would make an appearance in the afternoon and leave before they head out for dinner, her grandparents being present for this part of the day.

Ichiro grabbed his bag. The gift would be for later but he still had a little something for her now. "You'll need this," he said as he pulled out a hat witht he face of a cat on it, ears and all. She jumped out of joy. She even seemed to have trouble standing still as he placed it on her head, pointing out that it might be a little cold outside for her and needed to protect herself like that. Her health was very similar to Sakura's and Ichiro didn't want her to catch a cold. It was only after this and hearing Momoko calling out her mother to see her hat and get ready to go that Ichiro looked up at Sakura. She had arrived while he paid attention to their daughter. The pang happened again. She may look more tired but Ichiro still found her so beautiful. He was unable to speak up though. He got up and only looked at her. She looked back and didn't seem to know what to say either. It was a good thing that Jiro was there to do some small talk and push for everyone to go. Momoko was already sitting on the floor and putting on her shoes for that to happen. Another small smile appeared on Ichiro's face and he tried to keep it as he looked once again at Sakura. She was smiling too at their daughter. They may not be fully happy about their situation in life but it did not matter as long as Momoko kept smiling like this. "Shall we?" he asked Sakura. She shook off from her thoughts and agreed, putting on her shoes as well. Momoko grabbed both of their hands to lead them out of the door.

Jiro looked amused at the sight. Ichiro's eyes narrowed slightly as he stared back at him. "Don't you all look like the perfect little family?" Ichiro thought his brother was jesting. He was looking at Momoko while saying it, no doubt because she was the one most likely to agree with him with the nod she gave and a smile. It also prevented her from seeing how her parents seemed a tad uneasy. Ichiro noticed though, as he looked towards Sakura. It was always like that between them. he had wished it was not the case. There was no place where he was happier than whenever he was around the two of them. Momoko was glad when he did, but he wished he could make Sakura feel that way as well. But she said she wanted him and he had to prove himself to her. He had now graduated university, he had to provide and care for his family, it was his duty now. He needed to do so.

"Are you excited for the aquarium?" Jiro asked Momoko. She nodded again. Well, at least one person looked really happy of this outing. Ichiro looked once more towards Sakura. She did seem less tense, so perhaps it would go well. Momoko was happy to hop into the car where everyone else joined her. She was squeezed between her parents while asking about all the creatures she may see at the aquarium. Searhorses? Sure. Dolphins? Certainly. She wanted her father to name other fish. He tried his best, and to describe what they would look like to her. It kept her entertained throughout the ride there.

She was just as eager to hop down the car than she had been to get in. She was impressed by the size of the aquarium. "It's bigger than home!" It was true that she rarely left the place. Funny how their parents agreed for her to be born and to stay with them, yet kept her hidden like a shameful secret. Then again, he could not recall his parents taking him to places such as this. He would have to make sure to take her there more, and elsewhere too. He wanted her to stay this happy, if he could. She did not need to have her parents' childhood.

Hanami was there, at the entrance. When she spotted them, she jumped out of enthusiasm. They could see on her face how much she wanted to run towards them and hug them, but she also seemed clumsy and worried about it. She had barely been able to see them all those years, not since she ran away. Sometimes, Ichiro managed a way for Sakura to go out and meet with her, but that was before the pregnancy. They were still able to talk, sometimes even see each other through their phones, but bothing else. This was a much longed after reunion, but also one where none of them knew too much how to do.

They joined her and it was Sakura who hugged her sister. Hanami smiled, relieved of this interaction, and hugged her back. Ichiro felt Momoko's tiny hand tugging at his. "Who is the pretty lady?" she asked him, looking at Hanami. The sisters pulled apart and awkwardly smiled, laughed even. Hanami kneeled to look at Momoko. She had a quick look at both Ichiro and Sakura, wondering how to introduce herself to Momoko without cusing everyone trouble. "You can call me Hanami," she said. Ichiro was brushing Momoko's head as he stayed near her. "Auntie Hanami," he added. To call her an aunt was no problem, as any older woman could be called that by her without it raising too much suspicion. But, as it was real in her case, it was also a way to include her in the family. Hanami chose to believe it was what Ichiro meant, at least, and had a grateful smile and the young man. "Auntie!" Momoko repeated. She was a tad naive, not having met a lot of people in her life, and was ready to be friendly with Hanami with even less than what happened. Hanami laughed. It was weird to be called that, but it was also pretty heart-warming. "I'M Momoko," she said, to introduce herself, using the proper etiquette afterwards. "So I've heard. And that it was your birthday today." Momoko seemed surprised that the stranger knew so much about her. "Are you a psychic?" she asked. Hanami laughed again. "How about we find out? I'm sure I can tell which one is your favourite fish," she replied. Momoko jumped up and down at the idea of seeing all those fish. It was time for them all to get in.

Momoko was running from one tank to another, getting fascinated by all the creatures, tracing their movement on the glass with her finger. The brothers stayed a bit behind, watching as Sakura and Hanami finally got their reunion. They wouldn't be agaisnt them being around, but Ichiro told his brother to leave them have their moment and Jiro did not object. Besides, they had to look at Momoko as well. And Jiro also looked at his brother. He had been so nervous at the prospect of this day, and up until they picked them up, but he seemed more calm now. He was pleased of that. Ichiro was far too serious and grew more and more secretive over the years, even to his brother. Jiro always thought he took too much on his shoulders. But the weight seemed to have lifted a bit, if only for a time. He hoped it would stay like that.

"Papa!" The voice resonated. Ichiro naturally walked towards Momoko who had called out for him. She wanted to know what the sign said. He lifted her up so she could have a better view and read along with her, to help her learn the kanji. She might go to school only next spring, but it was no excuse to not educate her.

Sakura and Hanami looked at the scene as well, a bit afar. "He seems to have gotten into the role of father well," Hanami commented. Ichiro had shown no embarrassement to being called Papa in the open despite his young age. He was also interacting with his daughter without the shyness that normally accompanied his every social interactions. "Momoko loves him," Sakura admitted with a smile. She was also glad that Ichiro was not awkward around her. Momoko would be hurt of this, and Sakura wanted to protect her daughter more than anything. "And you?" Hanami asked, looking at her sister. Sakura blushed, looked away. "Yes," she said softly. Their marriage was not ideal, it barely looked like a marriage, but they had each other. She was clinging onto that, hoping for brighter days soon.

Sakura was also amused, as she remembered this was the place of their first date. Did Ichiro think the same when they planned this day for Momoko's birthday? She recalled how, surprised by her trying to reach for his hand, he moved away to read a sign and focus on a fish. He was not moving away from Momoko's hand. She firmly gripped it and was walking him around towards every tank that caught her attention. She smiled again. Ichiro did end up holding her hand later, in the car. He shyly reached for it and held it, refusing the let go during the whole way back home. He was conscious back then. Momoko was erasing a bit of that. It was a good thing.

The girl likely would have stayed there all day, but they went through the aquarium, and the promise of food and autumn leaves finally took over the excitement of this place. That, and a trip at the souvenir shop, where Ichiro bought her a book on filled with pictures of the various fish on display, and a notebook with a similar design.

----
"Someone told me it was your birthday today," Hanami told her. Momoko, now used to this Auntie being with them, nodded her head in response. "I knew I was right. And I have something for you," Hanami added before showing her a plush she had with her the whole time, of a cat. Momoko exclaimed out of joy. "For me, really?" she asked, her voice high with the excitement. Hanami laughed as the other smiled at the scene. "Yes, for you, from your Auntie," she said. "Thank you!" Momoko replied before her parents even needed to tell her to do so, grabbing the doll and hugging it tight. It made sense that Hanami would give the gift now. She preferred not to try and see how her parents would react to her and so wouldn't accompany them for the dinner. It was time for her to leave. Sakura moved closer, her hand extending slightly as to keep her there. But she stopped her movement, knowing it would be best if she did not come along. Like Hanami, she feared their parents' reaction, and they didn't need that. Not today.

[Robert Ashter]

Ichiro-sakura, Momoko-Ryuta | Hideo-Ryoko, Taiki-Kazu

Taiki had a different expression on his face as he arrived to his school this morning. He was a bit rattled and yet couldn't quite tell why. As usual, he was ignored by everyone. It was no form of bullying, he wanted it that way, much to the dismay of both his parents. He still had a vague memory of them fighting when they discussed him going to Ouran. From what he understood over the years, his mother hated anything that could have him turn like his father. Funny that she married him then, especially since he knew it was not because she got pregnant. The dates did not add up, he was already born, as the pictures could also show. Yet Hideo was still his father. It was all very complicated.

If Taiki was usually ignored, it was because he was an awkward kid. He was agile but not strong. He was not good at basketball or baseball and would only stumble upon his own feet while playing soccer. His father wished he did some martial arts or kendo like he did, but those sharp move and yells you had to do always startled him too much. He wasn't too bad at swimming, but to join the team, he would have to be comfortable in a small suit, which was not the case. He didn't have a problem with his height but he felt like he had too much arms and definitely not enough weight. You'd think he would fly away at the smallest gust of wind. And there was his jowl, that he thought was too wide comapred to his mouth. He didn't get that, because his parents were both so attractive. And he had to look as though he was constantly smirking and looking down on people. The fact he tended to talk from a corner of his mouth did nothing to help. With all this, it meant no sport for him. The only thing he found to keep in shape was something he could do alone: biking.

It was weird, a kid going to Ouran Academy on a bike. He didn't do that every day. But he was always a bit weird. When he first joined, he thought his family was in the business of patisserie. His mother might have sold the rights to some of her desserts to a large company but she still only owned this one shop. Hardly enough to warrant a spot at Ouran and definitely not at his rank. Their house too, the only one he remembered living in, was spacious sure, but no mansion. People without their income could afford it. It took him some time to realise that he owed his status to his grandfather and his family's hotels. His father was now working for the company but to Taiki, the business always seemed to be the bakery shop. This misunderstanding early on go him ostracized a little at first. Afterwards, he did that himself, preferring to study on his own and choosing clubs where he wouldn't have to deal too much on others. Anyway, what was the point of doing things in groups if he would do most of the work? He'd rather get all of the rewards for doing it himself. He didn't want to think what their reaction would be if they knew his uncle Kyousuke sometimes dressed up as a woman!

Maybe it explained why a simple encounter got him so shaken. She was not the first girl he met after all, there were plenty at the school. He recalled that in his first years, he was friends with some girls. It pleased his father who taught him how to be pleasant to them and charming. His mother hated that and stopped him straight away, saying he should be kind and helpful and nothing else. She didn't have to worry, her son never dated anyone. He did not have the charm of his father on that regard.

She was on a bike. He didn't know what happened, but when he saw her fall down and hurt herself, he quickly jumped off his bike to see her. He didn't care whether she was from his school or not or that she was a student, he only wanted to make sure she was alright. She had hurt herself. He didn't have much, but Taiki found a water fountain he used to wet his handkerchief and give to her so she could wash away the blood from her scraped knee and hands. He knew she thanked him and felt really embarassed. Somehow, he grew embarrassed too as he ended up bowing in rhythm with her. It was as though his brain refused to function right and line up more words than the required ones to assure that she didn't need to thank him and whatnot. He helped her with her bike and watched her leave. It was only after that he realised the logo on her uniform was that of Ouran. And only once he was at the school that he realised why it still felt odd in his eyes. She was not wearing his uniform, she was wearing that of the middle schoolers, the one he wore before. She was in Junior High!

That only made it worse, in his own mind. Was he having a crush on a junior? No way! It had to be just the fact that he didn't know someone else would think of using a bike to go to school. Oh well. He shouldn't stress over it. He'll forget about this incident over the course of the day. He'll make sure to focus on his work instead.

The next morning though, as he arrived to school, he saw her. She was waiting by the entrance of the high school building, playing with her hands in nervousness. It was impossible not to notice her. He wondered how come not more people turned to look at her or ask what she was doing here. She was still wearing the middle school uniform, the one he remembered from his previous year, when he was one himself and all the girls wore it. He had already hopped off his bike and was walking next to it when he spotted her and stopped in his tracks. She also noticed him and straightened up, her gaze locked on him.

Was she really there for him? He didn't get why. What happened yesterday was nothing and she already thanked him. She had no reason to be there for him. But she was still staring at him. He feared looking behind himself and see another person she was actually waiting for. That would be embarrassing. He walked towards her, slowing his pace a bit. If she was really there for him, she would come closer, right, or at least try to get his attention? She did and it had him stop for yet another time. She too stopped, as though shaken by this, but eventually joined him. "Hmm..." she began. Could she really be as shy as he was? He still didn't get what she was doing here. But he seemed to get that he was the older one here and should probably put her at ease. "Yes?" he asked her. She fidgeted for a little bit again before pulling out of her pocket a handkerchief and handing it to him, head low in a bow. "Thank you again for yesterday," she said at the same time. "I'm returning this to you. I had it cleaned."

Oh. Taiki had forgotten about his handkerchief. He didn't think it was of this much value that it needed to be returned so quickly. Still, he gently took it from her hand. It was awkward to have her bowing her head like that in front of him. "Are you alright?" he asked her, as he failed to see what else he could say. "Yes, thank you," she answered. The two grew silent after that. "Hmm, I'm Yamaguchi Taiki,"he introduced himself. "Oh. Fukuda Momoko," she replied. He had a nod but didn't know what else there was to say. He was not even sure that he should say his name. What was the point? It was awkward again. She must have felt it for she apologized and said she should go. The two bowed their heads once again and he watched her run off to her school building. It took him some time before he did the same.

Once sat at his desk for his first class, two students were quick to join him. "Hey Yamaguchi, who was the girl who talked to you? Are you picking your girlfriends in Junior High?" Taiki sighed. He knew something like that would happen. It was why he thought it was silly to find someone like her pretty. And it had to come from two boys who'd normally pay little attention to him, of course. He'd rather keep it that way. "She just wanted to return my handkerchief I lent to her yesterday when she hurt herself," he answered, doing his best to ignore them otherwise an prepare for the lesson instead. "You know who she was?" the other guy asked. A quick flashback to that moment when she introduced herself. Yes, he did pick on her name. "Fukuda-san." "Whoa, like the politician!?"

That was why he knew the name! Then again, it was a fairly common name, maybe she was from another Fukuda family. The other guy even pointed out that his son might barely be thirty or something. Taiki preferred not to point out that it was also the case of his parents. He wanted them to go back to their seats and so had no itention of further engage on this conversation. He had too much to think about already. Was she from that Fukuda family? If so, and if her parents were also very young, that made something else they had in common. It was kind of weird to think about. In fact, he'd rather not think about her at all, this was just confusing him further. Luckily for him, the teacher arrived and everyone had to get to their seat.

---

Momoko was lost in her thoughts as she rode to school. She was still shaken by what she heard yesterday. It kept her from sleeping well, constantly going back to it. She had hoped it would be gone but the thoughts crept back up. While returning to class after a break, she overheard someone she thought was her friend talk badly of her. "She's such a little princess! She knows she's cute and uses it to get everything she wants from people. Then she pretends to be modest to look better than you." It really hurt her to hear such a thing. She got inside the classroom as though she heard nothing but it stung, especially coming from a friend. She tried to convince herself that she said that only because she was hurt herself. The boy she loved confessed to her friend instead. Momoko rejected him but she might have seen only a sign of pity from her and this was why she said those things behind her back. Still, to imagine that someone close to her could think that of her...

It was not the first time she dealt with such comments. When she started at Ouran, she was so happy. She managed to make friends easily. Then the kids got things to say about her parents. They found them young, or maybe it was their own parents who talked of it and they repeated it to her. Momoko never thought about it back then. Her parents were old enough to be parents obviously since they had her. It was only years later that she started doing the maths and realised they were indeed very young. But what could she do about it? They loved her and were together so it changed nothing. Kids also laughed at her when she explained her situation. It was true that it was weird they only started living together when she turned five, right before school. Being teased for it made her cry back then. She was over it now. It was just the odd situation of her family.

Then, there was when she started middle school. She had joined the basketball team. She liked it. One day, during a practice, one player slammed in her hard enough that she lost her balance and fell to the ground. The teacher stopped them, lectured the other girl and told Momoko to sit for now. She heard the girls claimed she did it on purpose to look cute and that she was not cut for the game if she couldn't take something so small. It took her by surprise. Still, after hearing that, she chose to opt out. She had no idea she would have to go through another moment like that.

She was not really paying attention. Did she step on a rock or something? She couldn't tell but she felt the front wheel of her bike going in a direction she was not telling it to and before she knew it, she was on the ground. The surprise was what she felt the most, more even than pain. That came after. She sensed a boy helping her out, taking the bike away and letting her sit. He was also the one who noticed she was bleeding although she was not paying attention to what he was saying. She looked at her hands. They were grazed slightly but nothing too bad. She then paid attention to her knee and realised it was what was bleeding. It wasn't much but she scraped it good. Next thing she knew, the boy was once again in front of her, telling her 'here' while handing over a handkerchief. She finally paid attention to him. She realised he was from her school. She could see the logo of Ouran Academy on his clothes. But the design of the uniform was different. He must be in high school, she then thought.

She blushed. Would he also think she was a princess? She had spent the last night wondering if she was one. It was true that her father tended to buy her everything but she never thought she was spoiled. It wasn't like she demanded it. It was his way of compensating for not being there often. She timidly took his handkerchief and washed the blood and dirt off her knee. When it was time to get up, he helped her out again, asked if her knee hurt. It did a little, but not to the point to make it impossible for her to ride her bike. She said she was fine. Embarrassed, she bowed her head and thanked him. She was only able to think that if people saw them, would they think she was flirting with high school students? He bowed his head as well while saying it was alright, only to get her bike. His kindness only made it worse to her. She averted his gaze as she apologized, got on her bike and left.

When she joined her friends at school, they noticed her knee. Sadly, it was right below the length of the skirt, making it very visible. "What happened!?" they exclaimed. She explained the situation, not mentioning the boy who helped her. She didn't know why, but she grew conscious of this fact and couldn't bring herself to mention him. They suggested she went to the infirmary before their first class. She agreed and went there to properly wash the wound and put a bandage on it. She sighed though. If her father noticed this, he'd forbid her to ride her bike. He could be so overprotective sometimes! She knew she had a weak constitution - like her mother they would often say - but she would not die of a simple fall off her bike and a scraped knee. He already allowed her ride it only on perfect weather. She didn't like to lie to her parents, but it might be best to have a small one here.

She returned home that day, relieved to not hear her father around. Her mother did welcome her, but Momoko was quick to run to her room before she could notice the wound. She could then change and cover it properly, not letting them see it. She thought she was overexaggerating this. It was nothing, certainly not something worth hiding from your parents. Yet she couldn't bring herself to let them see this. She recalled one day, when she was much younger. She was out with her parents, a rare occurence. She hurt herself in a similar fashion as she fell. Her father was so quick to grab her and bring her to a bench. She had tears welling up but it wasn't that painful in fairness. Still, he ran out to look for a store and buy everything to clean it and put a bandage. Wold he do the same now, or would he get that she was old enough to deal with it herself? As she changed, she noticed the handkerchief. She forgot to give it back to the boy! She couldn't just hand it over though. It was dirty, and there was a bit of blood. She had a bit of a panic at first, wondering how she could take care of that. She relaxed, thinking that she only had to give it to Tomoyo. It was true that she was mainly loyal to her mother but she helped raised her children and Momoko was certain that she would not tell her parents about this, as it would only stress them over something so little. Plus she was the only one Momoko believed would know how to properly clean the handkerchief of the dirt and blood. She never had to do any laundry in her life herself.

Tomoyo was distraught at first when Momoko came to her with the handkerchief. "Oh my poor child, did anything happen?" Momoko was quick to reassure her. It was nothing but someone gave her their handkerchief after she took a stumble and she wanted to give it back clean. The woman understood the sentiment. She also agreed not to talk of this. If this was really just a little accident, and Momoko assured it was, then there was no reason to worry her parents over it. She too was aware that Ichiro tended to overprotect his daughter. With this, Momoko could go back to her family.

Later, as she was in her room, studying, she found herself thinking about what happened. Normally, she wouldn't have cared more than to make sure she would have the handkerchief with her tomorrow to give to him. She was mostly thinking of her friends. Did they think she was dramatic with that accident, eve though she minimized it? And what if they knew she had someone who helepd her? She hated to question them like that. It was not what friends should do. They should trust each other and care for one another, not think you were acting cute to get all the attention. Particularly when it was not the case. The boy seemed nice though. And he didn't try to flirt so she figured he didn't think she was either. She hoped she could see him tomorrow. She would have to get to school early to make sure he wouldn't get in before she arrived. She didn't even know his name so she couldn't just ask random high school students if they knew him to deliver the handkerchief to him for her.

The next day, her knee hurt a little. It didn't seem swollen though and you could barely notice the scratches. She thought it would be alright. Her father was already out for work, which helped. Her mother noticed the knee and demand an explanation. Luckily for Momoko, her mother was more understanding. She only wanted to make sure her daughter had not been injured anywhere else and that it didn't hurt. She did ask if she would use her bike again. Seeing hot she wanted to go to school early today, she said yes, as she would have to drag her brother with her otherwise. Sakura said nothing about it, other than remind her to be careful. Momoko promised and got ready for school.

There were already a few people at the high school part of Ouran but Momoko saw no bike. He could not ride a bike everyday, it was true, but she wanted to see in it the proof that he was not there. The longer she waited though, inspecting every boy's face to try and recognize him, she grew more and more nervous. She felt out of place and could swear that everyone was looking at her and thinking the same. She almost wanted to run away. It was just a handkerchief after all, not even an embroidered one at that. He probably didn't care for it at all. Maybe she was being dramatic after all.

As she thought that, she spotted him. He as still driving his bike. She straightened up and pulled up a hand shyly to get his attention. Not that she needed, he clearly saw her, having stopped to stare at her before walking towards her. She suddenly started to doubt. Would he think she was overdoing it? He stopped and she felt like he was telling her to get to him if that was what she really wanted. Although embarrassed, she still did it. She didn't know what to say though. It was so simple and yet now that she had started regretting coming here, she didn't know how to say it anymore. "Yes?" he said. There was nothing in his tone or his face that suggested he was annoyed by her presence or how long it took her to talk. This encouraged her. "Thank you again for yesterday," she said before pulling the handkerchief from her pocket. "I'm returning this to you. I had it cleaned." The boy took it. She could feel awkward and not avoid looking at him, she bowed her head to thank him. She was still in this position when she heard him ask if she was alright. She raised her head. "Yes, thank you." She pulled her hair back behind her ear as it got in front of her face. She should probably go now bt would just a goodbye sound impolite? She was thinking that when he introduced himself. "Oh. Fukuda Momoko." She answered automatically, without thinking. That embarrassed her further. She apologized to him with another bow of her head, said she should be going and left, trying not to look as though she was in a hurry to get out of here.

Her friends noticed the direction she came from. "Eh? Momoko, what were you doing at the high school?" they asked, quite curious. They knew she had a brother, but he wa sin elementary school. "I needed to give something to someone there," she there. She was not trying to sound so mysterious but she didn't think it was a big deal now that it was over. She nearly made a mountain of a molehill herself. "What? Did you confess to someone there?" Momoko could feel herself blush at this. "It was nothing like that," she assured. But her friend realised she was onto something, even if maybe not what she originally thought. "But it was a boy right? Who was it?" Momoko blushed even more. She did catch his name. "Yamaguchi Taiki," she whispered. She would have to correct her friend on what was going on between them but she needed to stop blushing first. And there was nothing wrong in letting them tease her a little first, right?

---

Momoko had forgotten about the accident and that Yamaguchi boy. It was such a small thing after all. Her parents did notice the wound on her knee at some point but it was already well on its way of healing and she simply mentioned taking a stumble. Her father didn't try to stop her from riding her bike. It was nice, because she enjoyed it. She felt that a reason why she was so weak physically also had to do with how little sports she was doing, not just her health. She needed that. Plus it cleared her head.

It would all have meant nothing to her had one of her friends not brought it back to her. "I was curious of that Yamaguchi boy you mentioned," she stated after sitting by Momoko's desk. They had some free time before the class would start. Momoko had planned to read but she put her book down to look at Mizuki. It took her a moment to get who she was talking about. Soon, the image of the boy came back to her. She felt herself blushing a bit, though she was not certain why. He was not the most handsome boy in their school. She could point to some boys in her very class that would no doubt be a lot more popular and striking than he was. And yet, something stuck with her, popping a clear image of him now that she thought of him. Her friend was apparently waiting for her to saw something for she was just looking at her. Momoko shook herself and smiled, embarrassed to have been lost in her mind there. "What do you mean?" she asked her. Mizuki didn't seem to mind how she made her wait and just straight into it. She loved gossip a bit too much but she looked so enthusiastic right now. Or maybe it was Momoko who should be more interested in the first place. "His family owns a bunch of hotels. And apparently his mother also owns a bakery. They say his parents married afte rhe was born, so maybe his father isn't his father?" She didn't let her say anything about it, Momoko barely had the time to open her mouth that Mizuki was back at it. "They say he's weird and keeps to himself mostly. Isn't that weird then that he talked to you?" Was it? She didn't take him for an antisocial. Then again, it wasn't like she knew anything about him. The more she thought about it though, the less she thought it was weird of him. She shook her head. "Don't forget that he was just helping me out." "Exactly! He doesn't strike like the kind who does that." Momoko couldn't agree. Maybe he was shy or an introvert, but he didn't look cold at all.

Mizuki leaned closer to her to whisper "You think he's got the hots for you?" This had Momoko startle. No, she didn't think so. Why would people think that? she didn't see what was so special about her to fall in love with her at first sight. She thought she was pretty ordinary.

"Maybe you should go see him again, see how he reacts. Wouldn't that be awesome to have a boyfriend in high school?" Momoko was so glad that no one heard her say that. It highly embarrassed her and she could feel herself blush from this. "There was nothing like that," she objected. Mizuki was getting ahead of herself. She needed to stop acting as though they lived in a shojo manga. Luckily, the class was to start and the conversation ended there. Momoko didn't want to think of that. He was just someone from her academy. She doubted they would even meet again and she certainly didn't want to force it. What would she have to say anyway? No, that story was behind them.

As the day went on, it started to pour rain outside. With the clouds, everything looked rather grey. Momoko sighed. She couldn't take her bike to head home in that weather. Should her parents hear she did, they would worry, especially her father. She knew he only cared for her but it was a little overbearing at times. She had to admit this time though that she didn't want to take the risk of catching a cold. It always happened so easily with her. With a car ready to take her little brother home, there was no reason to risk getting sick. She'd ride with him. The driver would be fine with it, as she always came along when the weather was not ideal to be walking outside.

She found her brother in the elementary school building of the academy. He was waiting with a friend of his, safely tucked under a roof as they waited for their ride to arrive and take them home. He noticed her as she was walking, dragging her bike with her and waved at her. She smiled and waved back as she joined them. Little Ryuta was seven years younger than she was. Her parents had him not long after they all moved in their house together, and she was in age to go to school. Normally, Momoko would have called and asked to be taken by their chauffeur when she'd be done. She didn't need to walk the distance between the two buildings. But she felt like doing so. She preferred doing that than wait with the others who didn't want to risk getting all wet from the rain as they waited. Ryuta was happy to see her also. He introduced his friend. Momoko already knew of him but she still bowed her head at him. "You take the car today?" Ryuta asked. She nodded. In this weather, it was best. A simple look at the sky showed that it would likely get worse, not better.

"Onii-chan!" It was Ryuta's friend who exclaimed like this. She heard a voice reply. "Kazu." She turned and froze. She recognized him. It was Yamaguchi Taiki. Her brother never told her Kazu's last name, as they always called each other by their first name. She had no idea. And even if, she didn't know of Taiki before and wouldn't have made the connection. Taiki also stopped in his track when he saw her. Kazu ran to grab his brother's hand and pulled him towards their group. He too made the introduction. He didn't seem to realise that the two older siblings were looking at each other with surprise. "How's your knee?" Taiki asked her. Their younger siblings seemed puzzled by this weird introduction. Momoko nodded. "It's fine. Thank you for your help last time." "Eh? Sis, di you hurt your knee?" Ryuta asked. "It was nothing" she said, shaking her head. She didn't want it to look worse than it was. Her father might decide riding a bike was too dangerous after all and she didn't want to give it up for one scraped knee. "You know each other?" Kazu asked. Again, Momoko felt embarrassed. She didn't get why. She shouldn't. Nothing happened that was worth acting up in this way and yet here she was, unable to do otherwise. She wasn't sure which one of them asked if they were in the same class. "No," Taiki answered since she couldn't say anything. "We just met like that." In a way, she was glad he didn't mention the fall. Perhaps he sensed that she was embarrassed to bring it up herself. "I think it's your ride," he pointed out. She looked to see a car moving close to the door now that the previous one had taken in its passenger. The driver came out to help take Momoko's bike into the trunk. Ryuta and Kazu said goodbye to each other. Momoko looked at Taiki and gave him a light bow of her head. "Goodbye." He nodded in return and watch them leave, making sure his brother wavez goodbye to his friend while remaining under the roof so he wouldn't get wet.

Momoko was very nervous. Her mother, and Tomoyo, had helped her put on the kimono. She chastised herself. She shouldn't be this nervous. It was just the summer festival, she went there before. She would meet with her friends, they would play the game, eat some street food and watch the fireworks later on. But she was not able to think of that. Her head was full of Taiki. She did not fully understand it herself. She would still blush just remembering when her mother asked if she liked the boy, before taking her side to allow her father to agree to it. Because Taiki was to pick her up and walk with her to the festival. A boy, it was the reason why her father was so uncertain. Because he didn't know him, so he could nto judge him on his character, or background. Momoko didn't fear. There was nothing to say against Taiki. But she didn't know if she could say she liked him.

No, it was not quite true. She thought she did. She liked being with him at least. They went through different yet similar hardships growing up, they understood each other. It drew them closer to each other. How close though, that was what Momoko wasn't sure about. She didn't want to admit liking him, not when she wasn't sure he liked her too. But she was very happy that he suggested they could go to the festival together.

Tomoyo finished tieing the obi and Momoko looked at herself. The light colored kimono was beautiful, with its floral pattern and the bright pink obi to contrast. She kept her hair simple but noticed that her mother placed a head pin with tiny sakura flowers going down from it on strings. "You are very pretty," she told her daughter. Momoko smiled. She knew her parents would go as well, accompanied by her little brother, but they were letting her be with her friends. "I didn't want to tell you, because you apparently did not notice, but Taiki-kun is already here," she added. Momoko startled. So it was why her mother joined them! She could feel her heart beating faster, making her hesitate. She both wanted to run downstairs to meet with him and take her time. In the end, it was her mother who told her to come along and Momoko adjusted her pace to that of her mother. The whole time, she could hear her heart beating in her ears and she kept telling herself to relax.

Taiki was talking with her father, Ryuta also present in a kimono already. Taiki was not however. He wore regular clothes. She didn't mind. Was he handsome? She never looked at him and wondered that before but ever since her mother asked her about her feelings for him, she wondered. Yes. She thought he was handsome. Maybe others didn't see that in him, but she did. "Sorry for the wait," Sakura said as they walked in, thus announcing their presence. The two men looked up at them. Momoko could feel Taiki's gaze her on and it made her blush. She looked down to avoid her gaze.

Their was an awkward moment when all stood there. "Well, we'll be there later as well if there's anything. Have fun," Ichiro told his daughter. Momoko nodded her head. She was glad it was all he said. He really hesitated at first, because she 'd be out of their sight, and with a boy. But he finally agreed and did not take it back. Taiki was still looking at her when she stared at him. Their eyes met and he nodded as she looked away. "Everything will be fine. I'll watch ove her. Thanks for your hospitality," he told Ichiro, giving him a light polite bow. Momoko also thanked her parents and said goodbye to them before walking towards the door with Taiki. Her parents accompanied them to the door and watch as they walked out of the house into the street, on their way to the summer festival.

---

Momoko couldn't believe what was going on. When she left her home, she still had in mind what her mother asked. Was she in love with Taiki? That sounded crazy! And yet... She got along very well with him. They could talk openly, she didn't fear he would think she was being a princess or putting up a front. She felt like he could understand what she had gone through and that she could understand what he experienced. But was it love? And, more importantly, did he think it was love? As they walked towards the festival together, she kept throwing glances at him, wondering that.

She wondered which group of friends they would meet first, his or hers. Taiki looked very relaxed and fine either way, asking her what she wanted to see instead of looking for something in particular. They walked around the stalls, amazed by everything they had prepared for the festival. Momoko was trying not to jump from one to another while Taiki followed around. Eventually, they fell on her friends, who wondered about the boys around her. They asked if he was her boyfriend. She blushed at the fact she was being put on the spot like that and would have objected, but Taiki stood right next to her and said "Yes, I am." She startled and looked at him. Her eyes grew wide with surprise. Her friends found it really amusing and nice. They teased, pointing out it must mean this was a date for them and leaving them, saying they could join later for some of the activities. One suggested a game they had set up. To tell the truth, Momoko was not listening and almost missed the opportunity to say goodbye to them as they left. She had looked at them after Taiki's 'confession'. Were they really fien with it? And Taiki, was he serious? She talked only once her friends left. "Why did you say that?" she asked him. It was a legitimate question. They never said they liked each other. Even today, they did not explicitly said it was a date, not in that sense at least. Taiki looked at her and shrugged as he turned his gaze where her friends left. "They would have teased more or made rumours otherwise." He looked back at her. She could feel his gaze piercing her. "Is it a problem?" She was a bit intimdated by his gaze. Flustered, she shook her head. Fine with that answer, he grabbed her hand and walked with her.

It had been very surprising, but Momoko relaxed as the evening went on. They played games, ate some dango and some shaved ice. She was getting a good time and from what she could see, so did Taiki. They sometimes met with her friends and walked along. Taiki was quiet during those times. Momoko too, if they asked anything about them. It was embarrassing a bit. But they could have fun while playing games. Later, as tey walked around, they met his friends. There was more teasing. "You pick your girlfriends in primary school, Taiki?" Momoko blushed. There was no way they thought she really was in primary school, but she got that it was them teasing him because he was in high school and she was not. She'd be next year though. "At least I've got a girlfriend," he pointed out. Again, it shook her. He was saying it so effortlessly. Even his friends seemed stunned by it. Taiki brushed it off with a sigh. "If that's all you have to say, we're going," he told them, once again grabbing her hand so they could leave. She was too surprised to do anything. She could only follow. Again, she wondered what his friends may be thinking but also what Taiki meant by doing that.

It was getting dark. The fireworks would soon start. "Should we find a good place to watch it?" Taiki suggested. She nodded and they walked up the hill. There were already a lot of people, couples, families, groups of friends, all gathered together. It made Momoko wonder where her family was. She knew they were going too. She had such a good time that she forgot to look for them. She felt a little bad, but it left quickly. They wanted her to have a good time, they agreed to it. Still she blushed. It was the first time she was doing something like that and she really enjoyed herself. "How about here?" Taiki brought her train of thoughts. He was pointing at a spot. She nodded. They both sat there. He asked her if he would rather sit on his shirt, as they didn't bring a cloth to sit on. The evening was warm still, but she didn't want to force him to do that. "It will be alright," she assured, sitting directly on the grass. Taiki sat next to her.

There fingers could touch. It made Momoko blush again. She saw her friends once more and waved as they picked a spot elsewhere. They were giving her place for her 'date'. She bit her lips. She could barely believe it. But what else could it be, when Taiki said twice that she was his girlfriend? "Are you all right?" he asked her. She startled and was about to answer, but the fireworks started. Both looked at the ray of light piercing the sky before breaking in a bang. People were applauding at this.

Momoko kept her head up, looking at it. She felt Taiki getting closer to her. She was not sur if his shoulder touched hers or it was just his body warmth. Eventually, she turned her head. Her eyes grew wider as she noticed how close he was of her, but she did not move away. She stared, waiting to know what would happen next. More than seeing him, she felt him leaning closer. Her eyes closed by themselves ad then, she could feel his breath, his lips on hers. Her own breath caught up in her chest. It was her first kiss, and , to her, it was perfect.

---

Sakura could not remember the last time she saw Ichiro so nervous to go to the summer festival. The last time might have been back when Momoko was young and they were doing it for the first time as a family. She remembered how scared he was of watching her running off ahead of them yet also wanting her to have a good time. Jiro had to tell him to relax, that lots of other kids were there, doing the same thing. He was somehow more relaxed with his son. She didn't think it was him playing favourite, more that he understood he didn't need to worry as much. Funny, the nerves were back again a little, and it was once more because of Momoko. Well, she supposed it had to be expected. It might not be the first time she left them at one point to be with her friends, but it was the first time she went with a boy. He was not ready for his little girl to be at this stage in her life already. To be fair, Sakura was nervous too, but she wanted Momoko to experience it and not live in a bubble. She wished she had that too at her age.

She poked Ichiro's elbow. They had been walking together through the various activities but she noticed how lost in his mind he seemed to be. "You know she is alright, and if she is not, she knows we are here," she reminded him. Ichiro nodded. It was true that they were young and felt too young to deal with that, but it was happening. It was a normal thing to happen too. One day, the same will occur with Ryuta.For now, the kid also chose to join his friends to play the activities aimed at kids their age, leaving the two parents together.

Sakura took a deep breath, wrapping her arms together. "Are you cold?" Ichiro asked. She shook her head. "I was just thinking that we do not have a lot of moments like this, just the two of us." She looked at him. He was wearing a rather austere yukata for the occasion. Hers was light blue with flowers - sakura, to stay on brand - and birds around. It suited him though.He looked noble that way. Ichiro had a small smile at the thought. "That's right," he admitted. She unwrapped her arms only to place one around his, so they could stay together. They didn't walk too long like this before he pointed at a stall. "Do you want some shaved ice?" She laughed softly and agreed. Ichiro bought two cups but was mainly eating from hers. When they found Ryuta again, he gave the ice to him. Sakura loved watching Ichiro that way. It took a long time, but they were happy now and such scene proved it had been worth it. The fact he was bad at the games only made it more memorable in her eyes.

When came the time for the fireworks, Ryuta was walking along with a small kite. Ichiro forced him to stop playing with it once they found a good spot so he would not bother the other people. Sakura tended to her son so he would behave while they waited until she noticed how Ichiro was still standing up. "What is it?" she asked him. He was looking at something it seemed. No, someone. "Isn't it Momoko?" he asked. She followed his gaze and, as he said, there was their daughter, sitting down with that Taiki boy who took her here. Sakura looked back at Ichiro, hoping he wouldn't want to go and see her. She understood his desire to watch over his daughter, but everything was fine and she wanted the girl to have a good time. "You sitting down?" she asked him, to sort of force him to change his mind before it was set. He shook himself up and sat with them.

Sakura leaned closer against him with Taiki slightly in front of them, in between. The firework display was nice. She noticed that Ichiro was not always looking at it though. She could guess where his gaze went and looked towards their daughter also. Just in time to see them kiss. She could feel Ichiro tensing up next to her. She placed a hand on his. "It is just a kiss," she told him. But she could tell he was worried. Ichiro had kissed only one person, her. With their unique relationship, they couldn't say they had that kind of experience, to flirt, date and kiss other people like that. "Isn't she-" he began to say. She squeezed his hand a little to quiet him. "Let her be. She wanted that. And it's really just a kiss." She knew. He didn't want her to end up in the same situation they got into. But it was not a kiss that would make it happen. They had the time to have this discussion if need be. For now, she should be allowed to be a normal teenage girl, one who had no idea her parents witnessed her first kiss.

[Robert Ashter]

hideo starting a bakery with ryoko to prove his father he can be serious
hideo gets a house near the bakery for ryoko because annoyed she keeps mentioning having to get home early for their son
hideo gets jealous taiki calls kyousuke father and demands he calls him father and kyousuke uncle
ryoko forces him to learn at least the basics of bakery so he would know the products theyre selling. they get closer this way, ends up kissing in the kitchen. she puts an end to it as she doesnt want the same thing that happened in the past to occur.
she hates how he wnats pretty girls to work as waitresses and smooth talks the customers, hes jealous ofher sous chef
he starts walking her home every now and then. ends up sleeping there too after a very busy week of work for the two of them. taiki questions what he does there the next morning.

---

osamu at airport and wondering if matsumi is already back in the country or not. they meet and he sees her brother satoshi

---

eiji breaks up with hiroki so that his relationship with a boy does not cause a scandal when his career is starting to go very well
hiroki feeling down and seeing eiji
hiroki shocked to see that eiji's got a girlfriend
akemi tells hiroki that her brother dated the girl to encourage hiroki to do the same
hiroki visiting eiji at university dorm and say he doesn't care, it's better with him

---

aki feeling envious because aya is dating daigo openly and he can't say anything of his relationship with souma
souma ends up doing an interview where he suggests he is bi and might have or had a relationship with a man, friend of his. tells aki he did that with aki's manager aware to calm him down a bit
souma gives him a ring but warns him not to be an idiot and not to wear it as though it's an engagement ring even if he can see it as such

---

maemi broke up with ryohei
maemi comes back to tokyo. ryohei heard it and seeks her out. tries to win her again
maemi visiting ryohei's home/family "shop". talk to his sister. she cals ryohie bug and explain why. asks if maemi is in love with her brother and maemi is shocked to think it possible.

---

-visits at home, tells him he shouldnt enter a girl's room its not appropriate, argues hes at the door while trying to smooth talk her.
-she calls, he says hes at work but can leave and talk to her if she wants, she says no will talk later and hangs up. he finds out shes at his workplace when she calls so goes down to call her, pretends its a wrong number and hangs up. calls again, when she sounds mad points out she shoud have better manners and say hello. she does, he laughs tells her it isnt as sweet as she should sound, tells her the direction of a good sushi restaurant, explains he cant leave the office right now but she should order everything that takes her fancy and bring it up to his office so they can eat together and talk. asks to be fed when she comes back just to tease her.after one, she teases by giving another one with lots of wasabi
-child goes missing. they find the kid and everything is fine in the end. he buys a bracelet for the child with both their phone number engraved on it so its easier to contact them if that happens again. has a bracelet for the woman and him too with each other's number, saying they are each other's guardian from now on.
-drunk, he goes to see her, asks if she thinks he is all that awful, if he just messes everything up all the time. she was bantering at first but gets serious as he says he is letting his father's expectations of him down. says his mother si worried and angry at him. sorry for not making it easier for her. she points out hes usually so carefree but its just a facade and he cares a lot. he points out that if they promised to be together, he should stop blaming himself for everything and work with her to make it better.
-comes to pick her up, sees she's working on something. Quietly watches her until she notices him and he starts flirting.
-"we separated not that long ago, msis me already?" "can't you be serious?" "I'm always serious with you"
-"Don't let our destined relationship be separated again"

[Robert Ashter]

Everyone had gathered for the wrap-up party. It was Hiroki's first big drama coming to an end. He was happy to have been part of it but also sad to see it end. After spending roughly a dozen weeks with those people, it was a bit hard to say goodbye. Everyone seemed happy though. Hiroki was also at first. They all gathered, sat at tables, talked, laughed, ate together, remembered some moments during the filming while thanking each other. His mood was good at first. It made sense to be a bit sad but he was mostly proud to have been part of it, seeing how popular it got and all of the promotion he did for it. Yet, at some point, a heavy feeling overtook him. It was as though he felt himself being emptied up, that the end caused a void in his life and heart. He didn't get why, but the feeling slowly sank in. Eventually, it made him think of what he lost for this role.

Eiji had broken up with him when he heard he was in talk to play this role. He said, since people were all so hyped already, he would get popular in an instant. And if you could make a good career starting off dressing up as a girl, being in a gay relationship was still not something well received. He'd be dropped out of the role, of sponsors, be pushed into only a certain type of role far worse than the girly cosplay they put him to. It really hurt him, it was even worse knowing all that Eiji said was sound. But it was not a good enough reason to break up with someone. Hiroki thought you should only if you stopped loving the person and Eiji never said anything in that regard. But he did put some distance, saying they could be friends but more would pose an issue to Hiroki's future career. In the end, it happened, whether he wanted it or not.

So now he no longer had a boyfriend, and his work was done. What was left? He wanted to hold onto someone all of a sudden. But, at home, he knew he wouldn't get that. The others at the house weren't really the cheering type, they wouldn't just hug it out of him. The fact that he would end up even more alone at home than here, made it worse somehow. He didn't want people to see him cry over this. In the end, he excused himself as he left. Anyway, a few had already and he heard some of the older members in age suggesting going for a drink after this. Not being of age, he could leave now without it being a problem.

The fact remained that he didn't want to go back home. He wanted to be with someone. And only one name came to his mind. He pulled out his phone, hoping to get an answer. "Hello?" "Eiji. Are you busy?" There was a silence. No doubt Eiji realised he was the one who called him, or noticed it now. "What is it?" he asked Hiroki. Hiroki bit his lower lip. He didn't say it on an upset tone. If anything, he sounded a bit concerned. Yet Hiroki felt as though he was about to get rejected. He looked around, not wanting people to hear this conversation. "I just... we finished filming and..." He stopped himself. That sounded as though he was trying to find an excuse to get back with him. It was not it. But he wanted to be with him. "I just don't want to go back home and be alone," he added. Eiji was silent. Too silent. He didn't like that and started fearing the worse. "I'm at home right now, you want to meet somewhere." Hiroki sighed of relief. It took him forever to answer, at least it felt to him. But he was fine with seeing each other. "I can come over." "Alright." After the goodbyes, Hiroki hung up and sighed again. Somehow, he already felt a tiny bit better knowing he he could there.

He took a taxi and went to Eiji's family home. It was a bit stressful to go all of a sudden. Akemi was the one who opened the door and was surprised to see him. "You alright?" she asked him. "Yes. I called your brother, he said I could come over for a bit." Just as he said that, Eiji appeared at the top of the stairs to tell his twin to let him in. Akemi knew of their relationship and the breakup. It was awkward for a moment but Hiroki ran up the stairs to join Eiji. He walked into his room. As he looked at the desk, he realised tht Eiji had probably been working on his new robot. The parts were all over the small tools were set next to them. He walked towards the bed to sit on it. "I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I don't know why, but I felt so lonely all of a sudden and when I thought about it, I thought of being with you. Because I would be alone at home." Eiji listened to him. Hiroki always found it hard to read him, as he was always so quiet. Was he fine with that? "You can continue your work, I just wanted to be with someone." He supposed he could go down and talk to Akemi too if anything, but he didn't want that. Now that he was here, he really wanted to stay. It felt right. Eiji nodded. "You can talk though, I don't mind," he assured Hiroki as he sat at his desk. Despite being told that, he wasn't sure what to say. He was even wondering why he came and if he shouldn't have. He was calmer though, so that was something. "How was the filming?" Eiji asked. Slowly, Hiroki started talking about it and about the wrapup party. It suddenly didn't sound as sad as it did when he lived it, allowing him to get better. Eiji barely talked, he only listened while working at his desk. Hiroki didn't stop to wonder if he minded all that talk, he just let it out. Never did Eiji stopped it. With time, he started feeling tired. Being on a bed, he lied down. He still talked a bit but slowly dozed off.

He was certain he only had a brief nap and yet, as he reopened his eyes, he felt soemthing weird. First, Eiji wasn't in the room. And then he realised the most important detail: it was day. It was nighttime when he came. That meant he slept there. He felt bad, especially as he wondered where Eiji slept. Because he would have known had the boy joined him. The bed was too small not to. He was embarrassed thinking of the trouble he caused. He hopped out of bed to find him and apologize, and probably leave too. He didn't want to wake anyone else though and hoped he was not in another bedroom. Luckily for him, Eiji was sleeping on the couch. He noticed him as he walked down the stairs. He was still sleeping and for a moment, he doubted about waking him up. But he couldn,t just leave and Eiji should be able to go to his bed if he preferred. He gently shook Eiji's shoulder. It took a moment, but it woke him up. "You're awake," he said as he sat down on the couch. "I'm sorry about that, I didn't mean to do it." Eiji was rubbing his eyes then shook his head in answer. "You were tired, I didn't see the point in waking you to go back home at this hour of the night." Did he fall asleep this late? Or maybe Eiji did not pay attention until much later, since he was working. Still, it felt good, so Hiroki felt like maybe it was a good idea to come. "You should stay for breakfast. My parents know you are here, I'm sure Mother is already preparing something for you too." Hiroki realised there was some muffled noise from the kitchen. He didn't take the time to see if anyone else was awake but he could now see the woman in there. "I've been a bit of a bother, haven't I?" he admitted, feeling embarrassed about it. "Of course not. I never said we couldn't meet, and you needed it." Hiroki smiled. It was tough still to think they broke up but he was glad they could at least remain friend. "You should stay for the meal," Eiji repeated. Hiroki nodded. He had completely forgotten about the feeling of emptiness and sadness he had just the evening before. He was back to himself now.

---

"Tadaima." "Okaeri," could he hear back, the voice muffled by the walls. Eiji must be in his workshop, Hiroki thought. He took off his shoes and considered getting inside the room but stopped himself. He didn't want to disturb Eiji when he was working. He was sometimes manipulating very small pieces or tools, and they all cost a lot of money. He didn't want to disturb him. He might as well just take a shower and a bath. He had been working all day and felt the need to relax. He walked to their room. It was still a bit weird a time, to think of it as their room. But this was their apartment after all. Fans knew he moved in with a non-celebrity friend. It did not surprise them, as he had admitted in the past hating living alone. And a friend, it was better than a lover. They just didn't know that Eiji was his friend and his lover.

He looked for his sweatpants but couldn't find them. He frowned. He could have sworn he set his indoor clothes before goign to work this morning. He was about to ask Eiji about it when a sudden impulse pushed him to look in the bathroom. As he thought, his clothes were there, sitting neatly above a fresh towel. And the bath was already prepared for later. A smile formed at the corner of his lips. Eiji was not very good at expressing his feelings but he would do things like that now and again. No doubt he timed it with his text saying he was leaving the studio, making sure it would be ready when he'd get home. He wanted to go and see the young man, but he might as well enjoy his attention first. Hiroki took a shower before getting in the bath. There was an aroma. He was not quite sure what, but Eiji must have put something, no doubt meant to relax or something. He was the kind to think of such thing.

He enjoyed the bath for a few minutes longer before exiting the bathroom in his indoor clothes. Eiji had left his room. Hiroki could hear him in the kitchen, cooking something. Neither of them were great cook, at least not Amaya's level, but it was always pleasant to have a homemade meal. He joined Eiji, wrapping his arms around his waist. "Careful," Eiji said on a low tone. He was using oil to fry some meat. "Kara-age?" "Hmm," Eiji answered. Hiroki stayed there for a moment, ooking at his boyfriend cook the meat. He moved away to leave Eiji free of his movement and went to the rice cooker. He filled two bowls with the rice in it while Eiji finished with the meat. Simple, but Hiroki couldn't be happier.

He was not in the mood to eat the the table though. Once he saw Eiji set the fried meat on a plate, he held onto his hand and directed him to the living room. They didn't often eat on the couch but he wanted to stay close to Eiji right now. Eiji did not stop him, he followed along and set the plate on the table by the couch, moving it so he would be close. That left little room for their legs but Hiroki did not mind. He let Eiji sit down and lounged next to him, resting his head against the man's shoulder. "Did you bathe too?" Hiroki asked. "I was busy working on something for class." He might have said that, but Hiroki caught a scent. The same as the one in his bath. "You bathe before I arrived," he retorted. Another thing he must have thought of doing real quick before Hiroki arrived. Hiroki looked at him. He thought he could read him pretty well, but there were still times when Eiji looked too stoic for him to tell what he was thinking. He smiled again though and placed his head back on Eiji's shoulder, closing his eyes. "Aren't you hungry?" Eiji asked after a moment. The smile reappeared, but he did not open his eyes. "Just a little while longer," he answered, snuggling against him.

[Robert Ashter]

Maemi looked at the building in front of her. She had no idea what she was doing here. Her day had been nothing but a series of troubles and bad news. She wanted some comfort, some peace and quiet, and, as she wandered around town like a lost soul, her steps took her there. As she stared at the building, she thought that she never went there. It was another bad idea. And yet, she pulled her phone out. Again, she hesitated, staring at it with the same intensity she did the office building mere seconds ago. He was probably not even there, so why bother? And why did she think of him at a time like this? She slowly convinced herself it was a bad idea to call and yet that was exactly what she did. Instead of just cancelling the call, she put her phone next to her ear and waited. It didn't take too long before she heard his voice. "Hello?" Did he realize she was the one who called? Probably not, or he would have mentioned her name. He apaprently checked though as she said nothing for she could then hear him call her. "Maemi? What is it?" Well, it would be stupid, and impolite, to end the call now. She sighed heavily before answering him. "Are you busy right now?" He had to be at home right now, or on his way to meet some friends. "I had some things to finish at work, why?" Oh. So he was still in there. She looked up at the building. Of course he was. It wasn't that late after all. Wasn't it why she made her way here, because in all logic, he'd still be there? And she was disturbing him when he should be focusing on his work right now. "Did you want to meet?" he asked. She startled. She forgot to say anything after this, she didn't even explain why she called. "Hmm. I just had a rough day and felt like talking to someone, is all," she explained. She tried not to sound too tired, to minimize everything. People were walking all around her and she didn't need to make a scene for them all to witness. She was not having a good day and didn't need to make it any worse. "Tell me where you are, I'll come right away," Ryohei told her. She shook her head as she moaned an objection. "It's alright. You finish your work. I'll call you later." And to not give him the idea to convince her otherwise, she ended the conversation.

She sighed again. It was true that Ryohei had, somehow, a way of making things better. For all the flaws she could give him and the reasons she could find for them to avoid one another, he had a reassuring effect on her. But she didn't want to get in the way of his work. It was important. And it was not like they were dating again, even if he'd argue against this. He was adamant that they were good together. He may be right, but she knew she would have to one day explain why she broke up with him and left town all of a sudden and she didn't have the strength for that.

She didn't feel like heading back home just yet. There was nothing else for her to do but she knew she would not feel any better there than she did here. She found an area where she could sit and get lost in her thoughts for a while. She hated feeling this weak. She always thought she was a strong person, who could handle anything coming at her. This proved to be difficult though. She knew that, after thinking about it with a clear head, she'd find a solution and realise thigns weren't as bad, but it was too many frustrations in one day. She just wanted to have someone to lean on for a while. When did she become like this?

Ryohei did not lie, he really was working. He was at his desk, writing down something for a client on his computer when he received her call. He was intrigued when she hung up. It had to be a lot for her to sound so defeated, but it was also very much like her to pretend like it was nothing urgent and leave him with that. He wanted to leave and see her but she didn't tell him where she was at all. He couldn't simply start running around town in case he'd find her. Besides, he really needed to finish this. So he couldn't go ad try to find out.

It turned out that he wouldn't have to. His uncle had returned to the office and walked to his desk. "I thought you've already left for the day," he told his nephew. Ryohei shook his head. "Still had something I wanted to finish first," he explained. Ryohei took his job seriously. He was not just relying on the fact his uncle owned this firm. It was great to have someone who could support him but he wanted to prove he earned this place and was not only here thanks to his connections. "Didn't you have something with your girlfriend?" the man asked. "Maemi?" Sure, his uncle knew he was seeing her. He never made it a secret, even when she tried to object to the contrary. But he wondered what got his uncle to think that. "It's just that I thought I saw her at the door when I came back." Ryohei frowned. Could she really be there? He apologized to his uncle and ran out of the office.

She was probably long gone by now, he argued, but he had to check. A call would have been more reasonable. But Ryohei did not call her, he went to the building's lobby and looked around, before going outside and scanning the area. While certain she would be gone and this was silly, he ended up seeing her. She had her back at him yet he still hid, in case she'd turn and notice him. What was she still doing here? Clearly, it had been more than a rough day if she stayed there. His first thought was to go to her but he then got another idea. While staying hidden enough, he called her back. He could see her startle as she saw his name appear on her phone. "Yes?" she answered. A playful smile formed on his lips. "What kind of answer is that? That is not how you should answer on the phone." He could hear her sigh. "What do you want?" "That's even worse. There's nothing sweet in you today." He was certain she wanted to sigh again but she restrained herself. "I'm hanging up," she threaten. "Sure, but before that..." He began. He waited, to see if she would really hang up. She did not, she was still waiting for him to finish his thought. "I cannot leave the office right now. If you walk left, you'll find another street that has a very good sushi place. Order what you want and come back." She startled. "Eh? Where are you?" He hid as he saw her looking around. He said enough to make it clear he knew she was still hanging around and she was trying to spot him. He didn't intend for that to happen. "I like Anago sushi," he simply told her before hanging up on her. He kept watching her. She was baffled and stared at the people around, then her phone, debating what to do. She eventually stood up and walked in the direction he mentioned. She was still looking around but it seemed like she had not seen him. Knowing she would go and get food, he returned to the office to get back to work.

Maemi arrived several minutes later into the lawyer's office. Ryohei did not have his own office there, he had a desk in a corner. She could see him as she walked in, helped with the fact that there weren't that many people around at this hour. "I have your sushi," she told him, raising the bag as proof of it. Ryohei nodded and gestured for her to sit by his desk. He put some papers aside neatly so she could place the sushi on the table between them. "I still have some work left to do but feel free to eat," he invited her. maemi felt a mix of surprise and annoyance at his attitude. She didn't get what he was doing and started blaming herself for playing along instead of just going back home. She ended up sitting down though, and opening the box of sushi to prepare everything. She had bought a bunch, of various kinds. She opened the small pots of sauce as well and sampled one. Ryohei did not lie, they were good.

She froze when she saw him opening his mouth. Was he just telling her to feed him? She could not believe it and was tempted to ignore him. He was taking some of his time to be with her despite working though. So she picked one, the type he claimed were his favorites. She put a little bit of wasabi on it and gave it to Ryohei. He turned his eyes just enough to locate where the chopsticks holding the sushi were before moving his mouth and eating it. She found it a bit funny but mostly bothersome. She was not here to feed him. His strong, alpha side was coming out in such moment and rubbed against her own. "What happened to you today?" he asked her. He was still working but willing for her to talk while they ate. She however, didn't feel like it. "Nothing in particular," she replied. It wasn't true. She felt like everything teamed up against her today, forcing her to go from one obstacle to another. She didn't know why she thought of talking to him about it. Must have been a moment of weakness. She wouldn't do it again.

She noticed him opening his mouth once again to ask for another sushi piece. Her eyes narrowed for an instant before she looked away. A smile formed at the same time an idea came to her. Since he was not looking, she put more wasabi this time. A lot more. Again, his eyes just focused on the location and not what the sushi was, and so he ate it without question. And he choked on the strength of wasabi. He coughed as he looked around for a tissue so he could spit it out of his mouth. Maemi started laughing at all of this. She did freeze briefly once he spat the sushi out and was looking at her. He could lash out when angry, she knew that very well, but the thought did not cross her mind until she saw his expression now. He didn't look angry per se, msotly shocked by it still. But she held her breath, wondering how he would react. "Well, at least I got a laugh from you, I guess," he finally said as he put the tissue aside. She sighed of relief. Of all the reactions he could have given her, it was probably the best.

He finally stopped working to focus on her. "You really don't want to say what had been so rough about today?"

[Robert Ashter]

Standing at the airport brought all sorts of memories from the last five years to Osamu. Five years ago, he stood not too far from there. He dared not enter, as Matsumi asked him not to. It would be too painful otherwise, she said. She was not wrong, just being near the place had hurt him more than anything had before in his short life. She was leaving to Europe, where she would study fashion, while he was to stay here and study law. They broke up too. Again, her idea. She said it was to not force themselves to stay together should the distance not extinguish their feelings. It made him want to say it would never all the more. She said, that way, they shouldn't feel bad if they started having feelings for someone else. It scared him of what she intended to do over there. The, albeit small, silver lining was that she said that, when she'd return, if they still had feelings for each other, they could try and go back together.

It was not why he was here at the airport though. He was here for a client. But Matsumi wrote to him not that long ago that she was coming back. Based on where she was, she either arrived already or would soon, he estimated. That was, if her flight was not delayed or anything of the sort. They wrote to each other a lot over the years. Well, maybe not a lot. He often felt like he should have written more, but he didn't know what to say. He felt his life was quite boring without her around. So he wrote a lot about the others and what they did over the years.

She saw the opening of Hideo and Ryoko's bakery. The idea of the two of them working together was so weird, even now. But they made it work. More than that, they got together with time. They were married now. They tied the knot shortly before their son would start school at Ouran. Osamu went, along with everyone from the house. Hideo said it was because Ryoko complained that without them, the only guests Hideo could bring would be former mistresses. Osamu helped with the legalities of the business over the years, even as a student. With his father's firm being about business, Osamu continued. Hideo still helped managing the bakery, but he was also working at his father's hotels. He proved he had it and that he could be responsible. Ryoko was rather popular too since some variety show or something like that asked to film a segment in their bakery. She then went to another show to advertise their products. He heard Ryoko was pregnant again.

There were times when it was Matsumi who told him things about Yoshihiro and Amaya. She was still in contact with the other woman, unsurprisingly. They both witnessed Yoshihiro convincing Amaya to stay at the house, then Amaya doing the same to him when he considered quitting university after being scammed of most of his money. They cared for each other, it was obvious, even if they were not saying so themselves. But the real proof of that was during Yoshihiro's last year. His mother injured herself and couldn't work for a while. He moved back with her to take care of her. They all understood but Amaya started to go depressed. At least it was the best way to describe it. The boys had to find Yoshihiro to tell him what his attitude did to her. He finally stopped ignoring her and came back to talk to her. After that, she made food for the two of them. After Yoshihiro was done with university, he did a formation to become a security guard. In the meantime, Amaya slowly found her place in a restaurant's kitchen. They were now living together, all three of them, Amaya, Yoshihiro and his mother. Amaya and his mother shared the largest bedroom. It was not a big apartment, but it was theirs and they seemed content with it. Osamu could see Yoshihiro from time to time. He worked for a building not too far from the one the law firm was located in. Sometimes, when they left around the same time and met with each other, they would go and have a beer together. Amaya also invited him a few times. They were not married, they barely acted as though they were a couple, but everyone knew. It was their weird way of showing their feeligns to each other.

It was through Amaya and Yoshihiro that Osamu got news of Hiroki. It was weird to see the boy coming over but he did, from time to time. Hiroki was a rather famous actor now. He knew he had been dating Eiji for a while, until the guy broke up with him. Hiroki said his reason was that their relationship wouldn't put his career in danger as he started to get popular among the teenage girls and was hired to appear in a few rom-com shows based off popular manga. Hiroki had been heartbroken for a while. But he was doing better now, since they were back together. Osamu didn't know the full details other than Hiroki came to see him one day and said he didn't care, he valued his relationship with Eiji too much. Who knows what they talked about but it ended with the two of them moving in together. Hiroki picked on purpose an apartment close enough of the Tokyo University of Science where Eiji studied. No doubt was he paying most of it too, but he didn't seem to care. Eiji sometimes accompanied him. He was quiet most of them time, unless someone started him on robots or other scientific fact. In a way, Osamu thought they were alike. But they also had very few topics of conversation in common, so they barely talked.

Ichiro and Sakura got married after university. Their parents offered them a house as a wedding gift. Osamu saw Ichiro a lot, since he became a lawyer in charge of his business. Since they were the same age, they sometimes talked of more private matter. He was also invited to the wedding. Ichiro tended to be very nervous about Sakura at times. While Matsumi admitted also talking to Sakura a lot, she refused to tell Osamu what he should say to Ichiro, claiming the man needed to figure it out himself. Poor guy, he often thought. But it was clear to him that Ichiro loved her. It just got worse now that Sakura was pregnant and he kept reading stuff about it. The guy was not great with handling his feelings.

[Robert Ashter]

"Papa, Papa, again!"

It was so rare for Ichiro to have time for his family like this that whenever he joined them at the park, Momoko always wanted his attention. He had to push her on the swings, he had to build castles in the sand with her, he had to hold her hand and go through the leaves. And he had to lift her up and place her at the top of the slide, again and again. Sakura didn't mind. She could rest for a moment. Plus she too lived for moments like this one, where her family was all together. As much as he promised their lives wouldn't be like their parents, he sure spent a lot of time away from them. But that was mean. He was right, they were different. Their parents never took them for a walk to the park, they never played like that. "Mama!" Momoko chirped, waving her hand at her mother. She did not go down the slide until Sakura waved back. She didn't hear Ichiro telling her it would be the last slide for the day.She watched at father and daughter walked towards the bench she had been sitting on since they arrived. "Did you have fun?" Sakura asked, to which Momoko nodded with a smile on her face. Sakura lived for that smile. She looked up at Ichiro who also broke in a smile. Having a daughter really changed him. He could still be so serious at times yet she just had to ask him for anything that he would give it to her. Maybe they were spoiling her, but Sakura didn't care. She refused to think it was bad. They were giving her what they never had. They were trying to break the mold they were stuck in. Besides, it was charming. Ichiro was opening up and Sakura enjoyed watching it.

"Shall we head home?" Ichiro asked. Sakura was caught by surprise. Did he need to leave early to go back to work? She looked at her watch and realise they had stayed here longer than she thought, but she wished they had more time. Still, there was already enough of Momoko wishing they would stay here longer, Sakura felt like she had to be on Ichiro's side here. She calmed their daughter's complaints as much as she could, pointing out there would be a meal, and a bath, and maybe daddy would read her a story later or play some more at home. Was she putting him on the spot? Maybe. But if he wanted to leave them early, he should assume the consequences. She was not entirely against reminding him what he was leaving behind whenever he did this.

Ichiro and Sakura were walking alongside each other. Ichiro dared not offer his arm or hold hands with her. Sakura knew it was not his thing. She still wished he would a little, but she focused on the walk. It was pleasant, and they were together. Momoko was skipping a few steps ahead of them. Ichiro did not tell her to be careful this time, only to not go too far. It was hard to tell whether she heard or not, she was just skipping. Until she fell. She lost her balance, or stumbled on a rock, or anything like that. She hit the ground on her hands, elbows and knees. Both of them startled and in a second, Ichiro was by her side. He promptly lifted her up and looked if she was hurt. Sakura didn't think it should be that bad but she saw her daughter's face. The poor girl looked scared and sad at the same time, probably due to how unlike his character her father's actions were. He grabbed her and carried her to the nearest bench. "Show me your hands," he told her, inspecting the bruises. They seemed minors but Sakura, who had joined them, could see the palm of her hands redder than the rest. Ichiro also asked if it hurt anywhere else and Momoko mumbled 'her knee'. He lifted the leg of her pants to see and it was a bit red there too. "Stay with your mother, I'll be right back" "Where are you going?" Sakura asked as she sat next to Momoko. He gestured towards the street. Sakura frowned, confused at first. It was not where they asked the chauffeur to wait for them. She then noticed it was a commercial street and figured he wanted to go to a store, pick something up. It was exaggerated, but she didn't have the time to tell him that before he was already gone.

"Is Papa mad?" Momoko asked. Sakura looked at her. Sure, it must have surprised her to fall and it must hurt a little, but Sakura couldn't think it was painful enough to explain her tears. To her, Momoko's question did. She was afraid to have disappointed her father. Sakura wrapped an arm around her daughter and brought her closer to her chest. "Of course not. He was just worried about you when you fell. Does it still hurt?" She couldn't tell if Momoko was trying to be brave or not, but the young girl swallowed back her tears and shook her head.

Having to wait made it feel all the more longer than it truly was, but Ichiro eventually returned, with cotton tissues and a small bottle of water. He didn't explain, he just squatted in front of the bench. He opened the bottle and poured some of th water on a tissue. He then took Momoko's hand and gently cleaned it. "This is why you must be careful when you walk, understand?" He tried to soften his voice as he talked to her. "Sorry Papa," Momoko told him. He stared at her and for a moment, a frown out f worry and a smile seemed to battle against him to show up only to disappear in an instant. "You're not injured badly right now, but we should clean this, alright?" Momoko nodded, let her father do it. He gently cleaned her hands, then her knee and asked to see her other knee and elbows, but they seemed fine. He also brushed off the dirt of her clothes that got there from the fall. Sakura noticed their car moving towards them. "I told him to come on over," he explained. Sakura always thought having a chauffeur was a bit much, especially when they had a private moment like this, but she was glad he was there for once. Ichiro seemed unwilling to let Momoko walk back home and she didn't know how strong was the man, if he could carry their daughter all the way back.

He coud however all the way to the car. Their chauffeur exited and opened the door for Sakura. Ichiro moved to the other side and put down Momoko only to open the door from that side. "Join your mother," he told her to have Momoko climb in. Sakura secured her between them in the back as Ichiro got inside and told the man to drive them back home. He looked down at Momoko, saw that she still looked sad. "Does it still hurt?" he asked her. Momoko shook her head and this time Sakura believed it. She caressed her daughter's hair and when she turned her head towards her mother, Sakura touched the corner of her lips, smiling at her to encourage her to do the same. "It was a nice day at the park, no?" Momoko had a timid smile but this slowly brought back the way more important memories of this day playing and she could nod at this.