The Unfinished Story - Chapter Twenty (Part 2)
xXxXx
Yamada kept nodding here and there as Anne seriously pushes him the menu and keeps talking to him about what he should try and so and so.
Seeing as her mother seriously just won’t stop, Louise settled herself into pasta right away; and even ordering one for Yamada. “Well, you’re a dictator…” Anne uttered the moment Louise handed hers and Yamada’s menu to the attending waitress.
“Says someone who keeps throwing things on his face…” Louise uttered and she and her mom just started their little bickering.
Jiro, sitting beside Anne and across Yamada just rubbed his temples, shook his head, and smiled apologetically towards the young man across him who looks like he’s having a hard time trying to figure out how he’s supposed to react on the situation.
However, as Yamada listens and occasionally helps Jiro calm both Louise and Anne, he has learned that Louise after all is in some ways just like her mom - they both just don’t give up. Hearing them discuss things as they eat lunch, Yamada feels like he’s learning so many things about Louise, her family, and everything else in a very interesting fast manner. He often thinks that at this moment, in front of him, with what he sees and hears, he understands why Louise is the way she is. Every bit…
Also, in between bickers and when Louise and Anne realizes how embarrassing their little petty fights get, Yamada gets to talk as Jiro asks him questions - he talks more with Louise’s dad and somehow he’s feeling more at ease… It’s as if he’s being brought back to sanity after being wrecked by Louise and Anne’s chaotic world.
“Soccer, huh?” Jiro murmured as Yamada just answered his question. They were on the topic of extracurricular activities, which Louise blatantly said she has no interest in any, and points that Yamada’s actually a varsity - which by the way got Anne excited again.
“Handsome, well-mannered, has a pretty good sense of humour, and he’s even a soccer player.” Anne uttered, and Louise rolled her eyes right away. “You’re just a perfect male lead character in a manga.”
Yamada smiled shyly, not sure how to take that, but Louise took a deep breath, “You act like a teenager addicted to shoujo mangas and is close to being an otaku over bishounens.” She then looked at her dad as if telling him to just drag her mom out of here. “Mom, if it’s not too obvious, it’s embarrassing.”
Anne just laughed - it’s pretty obvious by now that this woman just loves making her daughter angry. “I’m not embarrassed sweetie, but thanks for the concern.” Louise snaps easily when it’s her mom talking and Anne enjoys every bit of it. “Seriously though, that’s really cool Yamada-kun.”
He nodded curtly, and Jiro followed, “Maybe we can have some passes one of these days” what he said seemingly shocked everyone except Anne who beamed more.
“No one really knows he used to be a soccer player back when we were in High School…” Anne answered the silent question on Louise’s face. “Your father’s the sporty type. You didn’t get your hoodlum boyish varsity skills from me you know.”
Yamada shot Louise a look, “You play soccer too?” He asked. It’s more of an awed response and is directed to both Louise and her dad.
Louise was quick to react and shook her head almost violently, “No, no… me… Impossible.” and looked at her dad, “But I think my dad does…” her voice was fading little. Somehow, she felt awkward having been reminded of her childhood days where her father teaches her how to play soccer, how to dribble a basketball…
“Regardless… It was a long time ago” Jiro meant to put the subject away with this statement, and sure enough, Anne was quick to build another topic, and Yamada was somehow more comfortable with talking. Louise on the other hand minimized her talking.
Until of course, dear Anne shots another interesting topic, “So… do you have a girlfriend?”
Louise and Jiro were looking at Anne with the same, shocked and ‘stop-talking-already’ expression. Yamada chuckled though - it seems this guy has gotten used to Anne’s words now, “No ma’am…”
“Oooohhh…” Anne nodded, staring at her daughter as she rests her elbow on the table, “Why so?”
Yamada was intrigued with the follow up that he actually took time to make an see that he’s forming a good answer, “Well…” he didn’t know why he suddenly glanced at Louise’s way, which Anne saw. Eventually Yamada just tried to escape the topic by letting his words fade.
“Forgive her, she just can’t accept the fact that she’s an old woman now, and that she’s way past her teenage romance years…” Jiro shocked them, even Louise, with this statement. It’s just like those little conversations they have once in a while talking about how Anne was back in the days.
Anne shot her ex-husband a look, and pouted - it looks just like Louise’s pout. “You’re way past your teenage days too…” With this, the two oldies started teasing each other a little, this lightened up the atmosphere more, and Yamada - well, he just can’t stop listening.
Overall an interesting lunch, Anne was the one to stand up from the table first saying she’ll take care of something, and Jiro was quick to follow her. Louise followed her parents’ figures half-way wherever they were heading and took a deep, really deep, sigh. “I’m not entirely sorry you got trapped in this mess, but I’d apologize for having kidnapped you like this.”
Yamada chuckled, “I see where you got your unique personality.” Then he smiled as Louise rolled her eyes, “Nature has played well with your parents’ genes, so it seems.”
“Urgh…” She grunted and Yamada chuckled more. “I’m a proud product.”
He laughed - he kind of figured that Louise often uses sarcasm as an escape, but also as a way to say something she really means. Her sarcastic remarks are usually half-true. “An interesting couple indeed...” he said while nodding; as if he’s paid to observe.
She shrugged casually, “Sou?” then there was slight chuckle, “This is the first time I’ve seen them together after so many years, to be honest.” She noted Yamada’s confused looked and continued, “Oh… My parents are divorced.”
The way she said it, the casual tone of her voice; it tells him right away that it’s no longer a big deal to her. She was expecting him to act a bit different - after all, that’s what everybody does when they hear this fact about her family, but to her surprise, he nodded and said, “It looks like they’ve moved on pretty well.”
With this, Louise laughed, “That’s new.” She eyed him, “So mature…” she’s actually saying this in a teasing manner that Yamada was fighting off laughs between denial sounds.
“What? They’re divorced and yet you see them together in one room, talking naturally, no awkward moments - I say your parents knew well what they’ve decided on…” he smiled, satisfied to have validated his statement.
“Yeah. They just left me out…” This came more like a whisper, but Yamada heard it clearly. Louise looked like she was kind of surprised what came out of her mouth and there were some seconds of silence before Anne and Jiro were back with them.
---
It was a fast afternoon, to conclude things, and before he knows it, Yamada was being driven home by this unique family. The trip was rather fast, nonetheless, Anne’s questions still kept going, along with Louise’s irritated grunts, and Jiro’s occasional responses. However, having heard that single line from Louise a few minutes before they left the restaurant, Yamada can’t help but think that this family’s hiding something really big deep inside of each of them. It’s like, they all appear as if nothing is wrong, but really, everything is.
As they got in front of their house, one of Yamada’s sisters, Misaki, appeared at the doorway and blinked at this luxury car parked in front of their house. “Sorry for the trouble.” He uttered, feeling rather embarrassed; Anne has forced that they drive him home.
Yamada then got off, Louise did so too. “Sorry to have dragged you into this.” She winced, “Yeah, yeah, I am sorry to have dragged you after all.”
He laughed and soon Louise bid goodbye, and Yamada waved at Anne and Jiro inside the car. As their vehicle drove off, Yamada was surprised at his sister, Misaki, who just jumped out of nowhere and started rubbing his head. “STOP IT YOU LITTLE BRAT!” he uttered, having a little wrestling match with his sister. It is rather annoying how they are almost the same height.
Misaki then yelled, “Kaa-chaaaaaan! Nii-chan’s got a girlfriend!!!”
Yamada’s eyes went wide and tried to shut his loud sister, “She’s not my girlfriend!”
“Ah! You’re blushing!!!” She laughed, poking on her brother’s cheek. “Is she even from around here? I don’t think I’ve seen her before. She looks different… foreigner of some sorts…?” Misaki kept firing “Why haven’t you introduced her to us yet, huh!?”
Yamada pushed her sister a way and fixed his hair, “She’s NOT my girlfriend…”
“But you wish she is…” It was his older sister Chihiru who spoke next; she’s wearing her apron.
“DESHOU!?” Misaki teased and she soon ran towards her older sister as Yamada threatened to just strangle her.
“You should’ve invited her over for tonight.” Chihiru uttered, smiling - obviously, these two loves teasing their brother.
“Tsk…” Yamada looked like he heard the worst news ever, “And make her taste your cooking?” he was pointing at both of them, “I’d like to save her from a week of upset stomach and horrible taste flashbacks, thank you…”
“WHY YOU!!!” Chihiru then snapped, and just now, Yamada noticed she’s holding a spatula and they’re now like wild kids running around their yard.
xXxXxX
“LINE-CHAAAAAAN!!!!” Ayu-chan just squealed having seen Line and she practically jumped on her - lucky enough Line has caught her.
“You’ve grown so tall!” Line uttered hugging her and putting her down. “Gosh, you’ll be taller than me!”
“Mama wasn’t lying, you are here in Japan!” she hugged her again and soon, Ayu’s father, Hinami Soujiro, appeared and Line shook his hand
“Welcome to Japan, Line-chan.” He uttered, and ruffled Line’s hair. “We did tell you you’ll eventually get here, ne?”
Line smiled, “Yeah…” When this family had a vacation back in Canada and stayed at The Laririt’s household, Line was barely seeing any chances of stepping into Japan. Now about two years later, here she is, and Hinami Saya and her husband Hinami Shoujiro were right - all she had to do was believe in what she wants and she’ll get it.
She owes this family big time… her more love for Japan, her eagerness to learn more, if this family hadn’t stayed in their home two years ago, Line might not really be where she is right now nor would she have any idea what she really wants. Sure for starters, Line has really taken Japanese lessons since she was in Junior High (having the initial interest with the language) but when she met The Hinami’s, her passion just grew more and more and she became more serious as to how much she really wanted to know everything about Japan.
Even with her photography, this family has contributed a lot, inspiration-wise. It was when the Hinami’s where staying at their house that Line grew very fond of taking pictures, and Ayu and Tomoko were her favourite subjects. When Line comes home from school, the first thing they‘d do is walk to a nearby playground and just run around, ride a swing, enjoy the slide - it’s like a little patch of happiness with these two kids. Their smiles were additional purposes as to why she wanted to take pictures and keep those memories.
“Wait till you see Tomoko-neechan!” Ayu uttered raising her hand just above her chest, “We’ll play again like we
used to!”
They then talked for a bit, and Soujiro left Ayu to Line’s care for a while saying that he’ll just have to get something done and that he’ll be back. It was probably that emergency business thing Hinami Saya-san was talking about.
Line brought Ayu up on her room, where Ruby, Alex and Mei all just crowded over this cute bright girl and they pretty much just kept Ayu talking while Line checks her things one last time.
“So, Ayu-chan, do you have a boyfriend?” It was Mei who asked, and Line practically had to throw something at her - she ends up throwing her toothbrush. “Euuuoooowwwww!” Mei glared at Line who’s practically already fuming at her. “You threw a toothbrush!!!”
But fuming, “What kind of question is that!?” Line shouted
“Actually, I do…” And as Ayu said this, all eyes were on her - big and shocked.
Line blinked, “Ayu-chan…” She uttered, “…but you’re ten…?” feeling really weirded-out.
“Ha! She beats just about all of us except Ruby-chan! Mwahahahaha!” Alex spoke, not being able to control herself.
“Eh? Line-chan doesn’t have a boyfriend?” Ayu asked as if she’s really surprised.
“I’m not entirely sure you should have one too, Ayu-chan…” Line wasn’t sure how to say this, but she just went off and Ruby, Alex and Mei just laughed at Line.
“Kids are usually sweeter and bolder with their feelings Line-chan.” Mei uttered
“AND they are WAAAAAY less dense as well.” Ruby added and this got a slicing look from Line.
To their surprise, Ayu was suddenly pointing at picture taped on wall just near Line’s study desk. It seems, just like Daiki, Line keeps this printed picture of theirs somewhere they can see easily. “Line-nee-chan has a boyfriend too.” With that, everybody looked at the picture of Line and Daiki.
Mei and Alex started agreeing with Ayu, they then started teasing Line who just kept denying it. But Ruby knows her friend is thinking about something else.
xXxXx
Yuto seems to enjoy being out in the streets of Gunma like this. It feels as if he hasn’t been here for ages. Tagging along with him is his new friend who seems really clueless - poor guy - and nor is he really easy to teach basic Japanese phrases that’ll help him a lot when he’s just on his own. Actually, with Yuto’s English - it’s a kind of a lose-lose situation for the both of them. “Ne… Ermm… Hungry?” Yuto asked, trying to build a good conversation as they walk towards the train station.
This friend of his, Kenneth, just smiled and tapped Yuto on the shoulder, telling him that he’s just really in awe looking at the variety of street foods and tiny restaurants/dine-ins he is seeing as they walk.
It can’t be helped, Kenneth gains attention right off the bat - with him being really tall (even taller than Yuto) and his face is screaming Caucasian. His brown hair, pale complexion, it’s just impossible not to be noticed especially by the locals.
Although Gunma isn’t really far off from Tokyo, nor is it really provincial-like, you could say that it is still a lot less city-like than Yokohama area. As the two boys walked and occasionally gets into some talks, Yuto tries his best to teach his friend a little bit Japanese and also some gestures he might like to practice or take note of.
After about half an hour walking here and there, they’ve decided to try some takoyaki, and finding a bench to sit on, Kenneth munched on this foreign delight rather excitedly. As Yuto smiles, being happy that his friend seems to be feeling a lot more comfortable with his surroundings, he felt his phone ringing…
He clicked and soon they were on video call. “Ruu-chan…” He waved, showing her his takoyaki.
“Ahhh… I better buy me some of those later.” She uttered and soon she was telling Yuto random things about Raido and Tamu and how she’s guilty of leaving them suddenly.
“That’s interesting. Your mom sure knows how she wants to spend her time.”
Louise felt irritated, “She drags everybody! Even Yama-chan!” Her eyes were wide - yep, she’s furious about her mom.
This made Yuto curious, “Yama-chan?” He asked -he sounded surprised. “What about Yama-chan?”
Without stopping, Louise ranted about the sudden mix-up of Yamada Ryosuke with her family. She was about to tell Yuto the story about what happened while they were eating when she was shocked to hear someone speaking in English just beside Yuto.
“Ah…!” Yuto exclaimed, apologizing to the person next to him. “I totally forgot I’m with a new friend today.” He was struggling with his words, Louise can hear him talking to the other person going, “…It’s my friend… I introduce you…”
Frowning, Louise looked at the screen on her phone as Yuto pulled his phone farther from him so that his and his friend’s face can be seen on the camera. Louise tried her best to put up a good smile, but it was instantly gone the moment she realizes the face next to Yuto’s… The same one she saw this morning, “….Kenneth Dickson…” She uttered, whispered rather, and she’s not sure if Yuto and Kenneth from the other line heard her.
It seems like Kenneth has recognized her though - you can tell by his super wide eyes, yep they’re blinking. “…Aren’t you Louise?” He asked and Yuto was looking at Kenneth then at Louise.
“Ruu-chan…” Yuto uttered, speaking in Japanese but still looking at Kenneth. “You know him?”
xXxXx
BLAG! BLAG! BLAG! This has been the most violent Inoo Kei has been to a door - or at least that’s what he can recall. One more BLAG but still Daiki didn’t even scowl or shouted back at him. “You’re such a loser just locking yourself like that! TALK TO ME YOU IDIOT!”
Actually, Inoo’s really concerned. Daiki hasn’t come out from his room the moment he got back from meeting Line. Inoo has tried calling Line and asking her what happened, but she’s not answering either. Something must’ve gotten wrong.
As Inoo got a hold of Ruby, Ruby was nice enough to tell him what she knows and after knowing that Line is to leave for Gunma, Inoo instantly thought that Daiki feels miserable. The puzzle then fits like magic.
Then again with his friend sulking like this, it’s not going to help him solve or even do anything about the situation.
Inside his room, Daiki was just lying lazily on his bed. He was excited this morning, no, more like… this morning was a moment he’s never really imagined ever happening. But now, it feels like this morning was decades ago.
He sighed hearing Inoo occasionally trying to break his door, but to Daiki, he can only hear the songs playing on that iPod of his that Line has given him. That’s right. All her songs are in here. Holding onto that penguin charm he has tried to re-tie over and over, he can’t help but feel really, really frustrated deep down.
As he looked at the time, he figured that Line’s probably on her way to Gunma now.
The song has changed, and this time, it played that one song Line told him that she really, really likes. It’s that English song. That same song that was playing that day he saw Line sleeping at a bench outside. That day they shared an earphone, the first time he’s been close like that to Line.
Everything about me leads right to you…
But don’t get any closer…
Let me doubt a little longer…
Till I turn it over, and give in…
Line has just managed to mount the only bag she’s pack for this holiday trip. She won’t be back till the start of school on the 4th.
Yeah sure, it’s not that long, but she won’t be able to celebrate Christmas with Daiki and Inoo and Ruby and Yuya and everyone else as planned.
Ayu hugged Ruby, Alex and Mei as she runs to her dad and gets inside their car, while Line says good bye to her friends as well.
Reiko has already handed Line her Christmas present, “I was really looking forward to having you with us on Christmas, but I do wish you enjoy your stay at Gunma dear Line-chan…” Reiko uttered, hugging Line.
Line just smiled and nodded - she handed Reiko her little gift to her as well, and soon, she was saying good bye to Mei and Alex who both forced her to keep their presents till she gets back.
---
“ARIOKA DAIKI!!!” Inoo’s really mad now and Daiki actually heard him even with his earphones on that Daiki had to force himself to at least tell Inoo to just leave him alone.
“Urgh… Kei!!!” he shouted, pounding back at his door. “What do you want from me anyway!?”
“YOUR GUTS, DAMN IT!” He can tell that Inoo’s really mad - and to both of their surprise, Daiki opened his door. “I know I shouldn’t make a big deal out of this, Line-chan will be back before we know it anyways, but you’re seriously just going to let her go like that?”
Daiki frowned, thinking of the way Line looked at him as she tells him she’s really sorry, and how she looks like she’s not sure of what to say.
“You’re old enough to know there are things you can only grab once.” This is one of the rare moments where Inoo’s dead serious, it’s scary.
And is if it’s really necessary, Inoo formed a fist and hit Daiki square of the face Daiki cursed - well, Inoo cursed too since his knuckles are screaming. “WHAT THE HECK!?” Daiki complained holding onto his newly cut lip.
“I’m tired of dragging your butt!” Inoo shouted, and Daiki’s furious at his friend too. “No matter what I do, you’re hopeless!”
Daiki brushed his lip with the back of his hand. He can taste his own blood, and soon, he bites on his lip before glaring at Inoo. “It’s not like she’s going to stay if I ask her to…” Daiki’s words sounded very defeated. Surprisingly, even with Inoo punching him on the face, he’s not really angry at Inoo after all.
With this, Inoo just patted on his friend’s shoulder after taking a really deep breath, “Who cares if she stays or not…” Inoo pulled Daiki out of his room and even pushed him towards the hallway. “What’s important is that you ask her to stay.”
Holding onto that iPod, that penguin, and that smile of Line from this morning, Daiki dashed off, swearing at Inoo as he hurries out of their dormitory.
---
The moment Line approaches Ruby for a hug, “Sorry Ruby…” She uttered, seeing her friend being the most frustrated with how things have suddenly turned out.
“I’m upset with both you.” Ruby uttered rather angrily. “What with you just leaving like this, and him not even trying to stop you…?” She rolled her eyes, “Tsk.” And glared at Line, “You guys are both hopeless.”
This made Line laugh a little though - somehow, Ruby reminded her of her friend Louise back in Canada. If Louise was here, she’d probably say the same thing. “I’ll be back in a few days anyways, I’ll settle things then…”
But as Line broke their hug, Ruby poked her on the head, “There are things that can only happen once, Line-chan…”
Line looked down on her feet and stepped back, as she saluted, “I guess I just have to let them pass sometimes…”
With that, Line gets inside the car as well. As she buckled in on her seat, she held onto that box Daiki just gave her. As she lays it on her lap, she keeps thinking of Daiki’s face - that expression. She felt a really heavy feeling inside her chest.
---
He doesn’t have much to run, but Daiki feels as if his legs are screaming.
----
Line took a deep breath, as Hinami Soujiro asks his two passengers if they’re all set to leave. Ayu excitedly beamed and Line nodded as well. Soon, she felt the engine running and thus, they were on their way, slowly moving away from the dormitory grounds. As they passed by the boy’s dormitory, Ayu frowned seeing a guy running past by them.
“Ne Line-nee-chan…” She uttered, but Line seems to be busy talking to Soujiro about something. With that, Ayu heard her dad calling her and asking her about her short stay at the girl’s dormitory - soon they were talking, and Ayu forgot about that familiar guy she just saw.
----
The moment he reached the front of the girl’s dormitory, he felt his heart skip a beat. There’s no car. Line’s gone.
Breathing heavily, Daiki sat on a nearby bench and just held onto that penguin charm - his and Line’s pictures smiling at him from the iPod’s lock screen. “…Damn it Daiki…”
xXxXx
Louise can only stare at Yuto who’s trying to figure out what’s going on. Soon, Kenneth was speaking in English and she can only try to calm herself down - the images, the posts, everything that has hurt her dear friend and senpai Line come flashing before Louise’s eyes as she listens to Kenneth talk.
With the way Kenneth talks nonstop, it seems he doesn’t really know how much Louise knows about him. It’s just that, to him, he’s really happy to have found someone that can actually help him at where he is right now. Having someone who can speak English and Japanese is a real gold to him at the moment.
After a lot of talk, which is honestly all talk about how cool Japan is to Kenneth’s eyes, how he’s having both a hard and fun time, and about how he wants to stay yet go back to Canada already, he ended with, “What a small world that you actually know these folks that invited us!” He was beaming - he looks genuinely happy, more like really relieved, “And Yuto here… he’s a friend of yours eh?”
Of course, Louise was lost for words. Come on, put yourself in your shoes, what do you think you’d say to this guy? To Louise, Kenneth was just a senpai - he was never a friend of hers, nor did she ever have the chance to talk to him. His peak in Louise’s life was when he was messing up Line-chan’s life. That really isn’t a peak is it?
And how Kenneth knows Louise? Sisler is a pretty crowded school, but Kenneth’s the friendly guy type. He’s been introduced to Louise a lot of times, and there was this one time that they actually got to talk during volleyball season - yes, Louise used to be in volleyball as a trainee and Kenneth is already a varsity player.
Then again, these little encounters of Louise and Kenneth seemed ages ago to Louise, but Kenneth seems to remember her well. Well, I guess he forgot that little detail that Louise is really close friends with Line.
After a few more English talks, Louise excused herself and talked to Yuto in Japanese - poor Yuto who’s just been staring at Kenneth and Louise for some good minutes as they exchange casual, yet too fast English words. “Yuu-chan, this guy…” she uttered, and Yuto waited for the rest of her words, “He seems to really like you and your family.” With that, Yuto just smiled. Louise told Kenneth what she told Yuto, and for a good hour (man, she didn’t notice the time flying) she served as their translator that both Yuto and Kenneth hoped to have the first time they’ve met.
The call was cut when Kenneth and Yuto realized that its time they actually go back to that house they were staying in and Louise was also hearing her mom calling out for her.
As they hung up, Louise can only stare at her phone. That hour that past - was it all just a trick? See, with that hour, Louise felt as if she suddenly knew this Kenneth she never knew - that Kenneth was not exactly what she thought he was but perhaps bit of both bad and good.
They say you can tell a person’s inside by just a few exchange of words. If only Yuto wasn’t there, maybe Louise might’ve sworn occasionally. See, all Kenneth could talk about afterwards was how hard it is to be a tourist - ‘In reality, he’s just dumb’ Louise thought to herself as Kenneth tries his best to tell Yuto that Yuto’s a real exception. Sure he said he loves the place, but he also expressed his difficulties with everything else - the small spaces, the different roads - ‘A GUY LIKE THIS SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED OUT OF HIS HOUSE.’ Louise heard her self-talking spatting out rants.
Lost in her thoughts and ignoring her mother’s annoying cries from the kitchen - it seems she’s trying to cook - Louise fumbled inside her head, thinking how she’ll get in touch with Line.
The thought of going to Gunma hit her - but how would she find Line? She knows nothing about who Line’s staying with, what her cellphone number is, where to start looking for her - and with the holiday season… it’s pretty impossible.
Sighing, Louise just let her thoughts rest for a moment. It’s Christmas soon, and here she is ransacking her brain about something new.
xXxXx
It’s half-past six, and people are busy getting ready for the party. It’s not gonna start till nine, but since it’s a pretty formal occasion, a lot of them really take time to prepare and get dressed up well.
Inoo just got his tuxedo from the drycleaners (man, they work even on holidays, haha!) and yes, as mentioned, this party is as formal as it can be, and he took a deep breath upon looking at Daiki’s door when he passed by it.
See when Daiki got back, all he did was lock himself inside his room. This time Inoo didn’t try to bother him. It is true, Daiki might’ve been too late, but Inoo realizes that his friend did try his best.
Inoo can’t really tell what he should be doing right now. Even the ever so clever Inoo sometimes has things he can’t control. With Line being some distance away from them, this night can’t possibly be a good one for Daiki.
Then again, it’s as if it hit Inoo. He knocked on Daiki’s door, “Ne Dai-chan…”
“Kei… please…” Daiki’s words sounded like he’s buried under his sheets.
Inoo cleared his throat, “Remember when we both celebrated about you finally studying here at Meiji…?” Inoo smiled, the image of those days fresh to him. “We were two desperate boys trying to find a good company at this miserable university life…” He chuckled, “Well, okay… I was the only desperate one….”
He heard some steps and Inoo realized that Daiki’s probably standing near the door.
“Back then, I already thought of spending this Christmas Party, finally with a real friend.” While saying this, Inoo feels like for the first time, he can actually tell Daiki how thankful he is for being here with him. “I know it’s tough with Line-chan and all that… but…” Inoo took a deep breath, “I’d really be happy to have my buddy with me.”
With this, Daiki opened his door and spotted Inoo smiling sheepishly at him. “You sound like a girl confessing…” Daiki uttered and Inoo was quick to gesture that he’s about to punch Daiki again - playfully of course. But really, this is just Daiki trying to take advantage of these rare times he gets to outsmart Inoo.
“I hear they’ll be having tons of food, it’ll be a waste.” Inoo winked and nudged Daiki. “And come on, think of this a night out. Like erm… oh! Like a bachelor’s party! A night without your woman!” he grinned and Daiki winced at his words - Inoo sometimes doesn’t really know what he’s talking about. “Like, one night of freedom!!!”
“You know what, I’ll get ready.” Daiki practically pushes Inoo away from his door. He was murmuring stuff like how he’s not really planning on going anymore but for the sake of shutting Inoo up, “Just stop talking Kei-chan…”
With that Inoo grinned and watch as Daiki shuts his door. Hey, Inoo loves Daiki and Line together (come on, you’ve been with him for 18 chapters already, I’m sure you know this is true) but he can’t just let Daiki sulk it off away. And besides, if Line can do things as she pleases, Daiki should try doing the same too. Honestly, Inoo feels a little pang of anger for his dear Line-chan. He pulled out his phone, typed some words, and hit sent. At least that made him feel a little better.
xXxXx
Dinner’s almost ready, and Louise finds it interesting just watching her parents help each other prepare for it. Lounging at their living room area with Tamu, Raido and Suoh, Louise tries to make it look like she’s not paying attention to Anne and Jiro.
She’s not gonna lie - it’s still a bit awkward, but not in a bad way anymore. It’s more like, she’s not sure whether she’ll believe all this or not.
For seven years, she’s celebrated Christmas without her dad. A few years with just her mom actually, and now here they are - all three of them in one room hours away before Christmas.
For a moment, the thought of Kenneth and Line gets to be pushed far back inside her head as Louise tried to take in this very moment.
However, even to her dislike of it, images of past Christmas played inside her head as if its forcing her to remember.
That last Christmas with her dad was very foggy, she can only recall him giving her very first sketchbook and set of sketching tools. That was when she started sketching - when she developed more her passion of capturing things in her paper.
It’s true, even with her not really liking it, most of what she likes and does right now are all because of her dad. Actually, she’s a self-proclaimed daddy’s girl, sometimes she wished she was a boy - she tries so hard to be like him.
Then, as if on cue, flashbacks of how they started crawling back into a healthy relationship these past two months crept inside her. Those little talks that may seem useless, looking back at them now, Louise felt as if she and her dad have come a long way. From that first day where she can’t barely breathe just thinking he’ll come out of the doorway, to those silent mornings when they eat breakfast.
Eventually they talk about her friends, her life at school - heck even about her being bullied, it all seems like they’re all not real. ‘But they are…’ Louise uttered, getting back from her thoughts.
To her surprise, as her mom and dad called her to the table - which is beautifully done, if she say so herself - a thought came to Louise. ‘What if I ask them now?’
She took a deep breath as she approached her parents who are happily talking about the adventures upon making this dinner. Louise was feeling that thud - that heavy flow of blood in her veins as she keeps her thought locked at the moment. ‘What if I ask now…?’ She heard her own voice as she sat down, her parents beaming at her. All this time she has played the silent card - the ‘I-don’t-care’ face. But she really, she cares - so much that she’s prefer to brush the thought away instead of letting it run her life
She’s lived these past seven years pushing away her questions, convincing herself to accept the new situations, but really - Louise is no one special. She’s just like each and every one of us - that at some point, she can’t hold it anymore.
‘Why did you leave? Why did you just leave me like that?’ She can feel her tears inside her mind but her body does not recognize it. As they say their thanks, Louise took a deep breath. She was about to open her mouth when…
“Merry Christmas…” It was Jiro who said this, looking at Anne then at Louise. Louise has her mouth open seeing her dad’s eyes glimmering a little being hit by the candlelight.
“Merry Christmas…” Anne replied, smiling as she reached for Louise and Jiro’s hands - one hand on each.
At this simple moment, Louise felt like a little girl, that girl from years ago - who loves just sitting at the dining table on Christmas Eve as they greet each other, eat dinner, and eventually put gifts under the tree. At this moment, she felt like she was back to those years. And even with her head filled with hundreds of questions, Louise just smiled, reached for her dad’s hand as she greeted back, “Merry Christmas mom, dad…” she blinked - finally, her body has caught up with her head as she quickly blinked off her starting tears. She hates crying. “You guys love drama so much, I’m hungry…”
It was a few minutes after nine - surely their dinner is late but it’s only normal for Christmas Eve.
With this light statement of Louise, Anne and Jiro laughed and they started on their feast. Louise thought, if she could wait seven years, it doesn’t really matter how much longer she’ll have to wait. She can still hold on to her questions after all…
xXxXx
Upon arriving at the Hinamis residence, Line was warmly welcomed by Saaya and Tomoko-chan. Quickly, they got ready for dinner, but Ayu and Tomoko were excited to just help Line get comfy inside the guest room where Line is staying for the rest of the holidays.
As Line unpacks her things carefully, she left that box Daiki gave her on top of her bed, where Ayu and Tomoko happily sat as they tell her stories and ask her questions.
Soon, enough as Line was busy unloading some stuff, Tomoko spoke, “Line-nee-chan, what’s in this box?” she asked, waiting for Line to reply.
“Nee-chan has been holding on to that since we left.” Ayu was the one to answer, tapping at the box, “Is it a gift from your boyfriend?” She grinned and Line just chuckled. These girls sure don’t talk like kids anymore.
“Ah no… A friend gave it to me…” She smiled, looking at the box. “Would you like to see what’s inside?” She smiled, trying her hardest to not feel so sad upon looking at this gift from Daiki.
The moment the girls nodded excitedly, Line asked them to open it, and the girls were more excited seeing that beautiful dress. “KYYAAAAAA!” They screamed, and Line just tried her best to calm them down.
“Nee-chan you’ll look really pretty in this dress!!!!” Ayu excitedly pulls on Line’s arm, “You should try it on!!!”
Line looked at them confused, caught-off guard and well, she’s just suddenly feeling blank, “W-what? No… not now…”
“PLEEEAASEEE!???” The girls beamed and Line then found herself trying on this precious dress.
As she walks out of her washroom, the girls squealed louder and pulled Line so that she can see herself in the mirror. “Nee-chan’s really pretty…” Ayu uttered, hugging Line and Line just thanked her.
Really, Line can’t believe what she’s seeing. It feels like it’s not her - that person she sees looking back at her. And as if Tomoko has found the right words, she said, “It’s like this dress was made for you Line-nee-chan…”
With this, Line felt a pang inside her chest. The face of Daiki just walking away, that blank expression on his face as he tells her to take-care, it’s a torturous memory to her.
“Ah… It’s got a letter…” Ayu spoke, which made Line frown. Line asked Ayu what she meant and the little girl handed her a cream-coloured envelop.
Opening it; there was a little scribbled message on a card inside:
To Chibikko who’s always glowing,
Thank you for brightening up my every day.
I can only wish I can be with you every second.
It’s a bit dark without chibikko, you see. ;P
PS: I know you’ll say it’s cheesy.
“…Cheesy…” Line uttered, then she felt like she’s not where she’s supposed to be. She’s never felt this lost in so long. She sniffed - is she actually crying?
“Line-nee-chan’s Christmas party is tonight, right?” Ayu spoke, surprising Line once again (what else can these kids know???)
Tomoko looked shocked, “Eeeeehhhh?” She looked at Line, disbelief in her face, “Could it be…” Tomoko, since she’s fourteen, Line can tell that she thinks a little more mature now - and perhaps even more mature than Line herself…
“Ruby-nee-chan told me earlier, she even showed me her dress.” Ayu smiled, “I meant to ask you Line-nee-chan why you’re not attending, but then again, you looked like you don’t really care…”
“But you do, ne Line-nee-chan?” It was Tomoko who replied and Line was just standing there, staring at her reflection as she listens to these kids seemingly pulling her words from her heart.
Then as if she has decided to take the nee-chan role, Line took a deep breath, “I’m happy to be here…” She uttered and was on her way back to the washroom, “Aaaah… I better get changed, we’ll be eating dinner soon.” She smiled and pointed at her little girls, “You girls better get ready too…”
“Line-nee-chan…” Tomoko uttered, but Line just told them to get ready, obviously just changing the topic.
As Line shuts the washroom door, she leaned on it and again, she’s face to face with her reflection. “…Face it…” She uttered, holding onto that card, she looks down on it and watch as a single drop makes a mark on the card, “You’re an idiot…”
xXxXx
Louise has just finished having a little talk with Yuma - it’s nice enough that this guy gave the effort of being online even for just a few minutes, and he also gets to greet Anne and Jiro. It’s not really Christmas yet since it’s only quarter past nine, but what the heck.
“Yuma!!! I’ll be back there soon, don’t miss me too much!!!” Anne waved as Yuma was about to sign off.
“Really Anne!?” Yuma, knowing Louise’s mom really well, just mocked that he misses him and soon, Louise pushed her mom away and she bid goodbye to Yuma as well.
“How long to do you plan to stay here anyway?” Louise asked, the moment she and her mom joined Jiro on the living room as he fixes the presents under the three. For a family of three, they sure have lots of other gifts under that tree.
Anne looked at her daughter, faking a cry, “You want me gone already?”
“Urgh, be serious…” Louise uttered, catching Raido before he runs off with a sock.
Jiro joined the conversation while giving Tamu a belly scratch, and Suoh’s just lying lazily on Anne’s lap. Oh yeah, they’re all on the carpet floor. “Actually, I have to leave on the second of January.” Anne, as if switching her ‘normal’ mode, spoke, playing with Suoh’s drop ears.
“Tsch…” the ever so ‘eugh’ expression from Louise to her mom came out, “You always do as you please.”
“I live in the business world sweetie… I don’t really have much of a choice but go with the flow…” Anne uttered in her usual office-girl talks. Louise has heard a bunch of them in her lifetime so she’s used to it. “Besides, your dad and I talked and he said you’re on graduating class.” She looked a bit surprised with her tone then she smiled, “If you stay here, you’ll even graduate ahead than your classmates back in Winnipeg…”
“You’re the one who hinted one time that you’ll take me back…” Louise uttered this and Anne heard it well enough and she laughed.
“I just love making you angry…” Anne spoke and this made Louise furious. “No, but really… after graduation, we’ll see where you’ll head off…”
Louise looked at her mom then to her dad, then to her mom again “Wait - WHAT?” she’s trying to process things in her head, “W-what do you mean by that?”
“Anne, will you please just talk to her first… talk to US first before you decide on things…” Jiro spoke calmly, but you can tell he’s not really sure what Anne said either.
Anne took a deep breath, “Okay, okay… We’ll settle things next time…”
What’s running inside Louise’s head are crazy things - will she be going back to Canada or not? If she is, the plan she has is to actually still take senior year of high school there and to obtain her Canadian High School diploma and get into a university. But with her mom speaking loose ends like this, what the hell is this woman thinking?
Wincing at the thought of her having to stay here in Japan for good, Louise automatically thought of the horrendous preparations she should be starting on right now so to get into a good university. She’s been spending her time with going back to Canada in mind that this sudden ‘hint’ of proposal of her mom can literally drive her insane.
After all these thoughts, as Raido and Tamu run around beside her, Louise was reminded of the only good thing she can think of if she is to stay here in Japan… ‘My friends…’ She heard her own voice once again, and this time, she can’t really tell what she wants to happen either.
---
Yuto’s been trying to get to know more about Kenneth and Louise since they got back; there was something about the tone of how Louise and Kenneth talked that Yuto didn’t really like.
After dinner, Yuto felt a bit relieved that Kenneth was pulled by his parents, and thus he is left back to his normal life with Raiya. He and Raiya chose to stick with the Akita dogs while their parents and other adults talk at the dining area. Most of their cousins were with them as well. Yuto was happy to see his brother getting busy - at least Raiya will never get bored.
Later, they will be waiting for the fireworks scheduled to go off at midnight. It’s still pretty early; it just turned ten in the evening. As he holds onto his phone, he’s not sure why he suddenly thought of calling Louise. This is the first Christmas that she’s this close to him - yet he actually hates that he has to be this far away, but then again, the thought that she’s just a call away makes him happy.
‘I’ll give her a call later…’ he told himself.
---
Ryosuke has just finished helping his sisters clean and put away the dishes. Overall, it was an acceptable meal. “Be honest, you liked dinner…” Chihiru uttered, she’s kind of glaring at her brother
Shrugging, he played it cool, “Well done nee-chan…” Ryosuke smiled and Chihiru was already pinching his ears. “Okay, fine! Fine! For the love of… it was good!!!”
Misaki, who’s actually taking a video, cheered, “YATTA!! NEE-CHAN YOU FINALLY DEFEATED HIM!!!”
“WHAT? NO WAY!!!” Ryosuke protested, but hey come on… he’s strong and all, but with his sisters, he’s just hopeless.
With the ruckus dying down, and their parents scolding them a little, the Yamadas finally drove off to the usual park they go to so to watch the annual fireworks that go off at midnight.
It’s pretty chilly, but they’re all used to it. Misaki’s actually expecting snow to fall. As they got to the venue, a lot of families are already settled. They’ve found their spot, and Ryosuke listened as Misaki tells him that Chihiru is actually expecting a confession tonight. Ryosuke teased her sister, “I’m gonna warn the guy before he makes the biggest mistake of his life…” Chihiru hit him on the head and Misaki just giggled - really, this is how their relationship as siblings is.
---
“Hurry, hurry!” Anne beamed, as she carries Suoh with her - his, Tamu’s and Raido’s leashes and everything else packed in Louise’s backpack.
Louise complained as out of the blue, while watching the news, her mom suddenly forced her and her dad to get dressed as they are going somewhere. “Mom… did I ever tell you to stop dragging everybody!?”
Anne ignored her comment and just went on her way, saying they don’t have to drive far off.
“You know dad…” Louise uttered as she and her dad were left inside the unit. They were putting on their jackets, “Sometimes, I don’t really know how much more I can take…”
Jiro patted her shoulder as he picks up Tamu while Raido snuggles on Louise’s arms, “I feel the same…” Yep. With this moment, Louise realized one thing fully - she may be a lot like her mom, but in reality, she’s her dad deep down inside. Want proof? They’re probably the only two people that can actually put up with Anne.
___________________________
Chapter Twenty - Part 3