Eiji:
I finally got out of the Akebeko. Sheesh! That place has gone crazy lately with the new ad that Tae-san took out in the Shinbun newspaper. She really does have a head for business. I look up and there’s still some light out but it will get dark in an hour or two maybe.
Going up the hill I can feel my heart is racing somewhat. I haven’t been able to put my plans into motion but tonight I will! I’ve made up my mind! Do not hesitate Eiji! Do not hesitate!
I knock on the gates. I really need to stop doing that right? After all I’m family now? I think the celebration is for Tsutomu so I brought some Gyu-nabe perfect if we’re also going to be grilling outside.
Al Fresco
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We finally get home and I get the fire going. The children of course are drawn to the fire but I indicate the stones that’s to serve as the barrier that they shouldn’t go beyond.
Tsutomu still looks quite pleased and I’m not sure about Makoto. She’s been keeping distance from her mother? Why? Oh yes we didn’t go see her in Kyudo. But that’s no reason to… I should speak to her. No… Maybe. I don’t know.
I take out the skewered sweetfish put them to the fire in a makeshift grill that holds 4-5 at a time. Yukiko is by the door in the kitchen and I’m not sure if perhaps she’s helping Hide. Where is Hide?
No don’t go look for her. You never did deserve her you idiot. A man who can’t hold on to his beliefs is pathetic.
I sigh at the thoughts in my head. Pulling out a cigarette, I place the end on one of the embers. It’s hot and almost burns my hand but I guess I don’t care. Lit up, I stuck it in my mouth. I fan the fire.
I guess I forgot to bring something to place the fish in. I look around and we don’t have much seating outside. I should go inside and bring the seats outside. No… Not yet. Maybe later.
Suddenly Yukiko disappears into the house. I suppose it was a rough day for her as well.
I heard someone calling at the gates so I leave watching the kids and Uncle. I don’t know where Yagi-san is. She must have been shaken from the events of today. That man with the cape truly must’ve scared her. She went from taking refuge, to trying to run, to being quiet, to being reckless?
I’m still worrying about the house as I open the gates.
“Yuki…ko.” I look up and I see Eiji-kun. He’s smiling like a very bright smile this afternoon. I am so glad to see him. He was someone I could always talk to.
“Eiji-kun, please come in.” For the first time since we left the school, I find myself smiling. “I’m so glad to see you.” If he only knew how much I meant that. “You know you don’t have to keep calling at the gates and just come in.” I look up at him but I’m not sure what’s painted on my face as the smile I just sported easily disappeared as it came.
Suddenly I look away. I’m not sure but I felt the start of something welling up from the corner of my eye. I see he’s brought something and I reach out for it. “Here let me carry that. And close the gates will you?” I tell him.
I turn and closed the gates as she asked. She looked beautiful with that smile. But why did she look away?
She reaches for the Nabe and I tell her, “It’s heavy. Let me carry it.”
I planned to tell her today. It’s been a week after all that I’ve been carrying this around. A week since I got my answer with Otou-san’s help. She starts to leave quietly and I follow her across the garden.
“Yukiko, do you have a moment?” I ask. “Can we stop by that bench over there?” Before everyone sees us, especially if Kinosuke is in the house.
She stops, still turned away from me and nods. She goes on ahead and sits down on the bench in the garden. Placing the nabe down, I find her fidgeting with her hands and then…
Tears?
I reach out to cover her small hands in mine as I kneel down and try to search for her eyes that are hidden under her thick locks of hair. It seems my plans will have to wait.
“Do you want to tell me about it? Is it about Kinosuke-san?” I swallow, I know I shouldn’t pry especially about their relationship but she rarely allows herself to cry and even now the tears hardly escape her.
She shakes her head. On one hand I’m glad it’s not Kinosuke on another, what could affect her so? “Tell me?” I lightly squeeze her hand, “I always keep your secrets.” I remind her and smile a little.
“It’s Uncle and Yagi-san. This afternoon a powerful man with a red cape…”
And she tells me the story of that afternoon. I’m quiet for a moment. It is I who know the most of everyone during that time in the wilderness. I had pushed those days away wishing only for my dearest wish. It seems time has caught up to us all. I reach up to tuck Yukiko’s hair back.
“Don’t cry. It will be all right.” I blink as I touch her cheek, so soft against my fingers. “The first step is to get through tonight and we have good food and each other.”
I stand up and hold out my hand. “Come. I need your help inside.” I know she won’t show those tears to others. She will be strong.
(OOC: Eiji and Yukiko goes inside. There may or maybe no one there. After a while i will proceed them to the backyard to grill).
Yukiko-san noted that I looked tired and offered to work on the dinner preparations. I don’t even protest, only offer my thanks and go to our bedroom.
I try to rest but I can’t – I’m hot and tired and mentally exhausted. What was meant to be a fun day has gone very badly – well, at least Tsutomu-kun did well.
Instead I get up and change into something lighter – unfortunately none of my yukata can wrap around me decently anymore so I have to stick with a regular kimono, which are made with more fabric. I look at myself in the mirror.
Today I’ve wronged my daughter.
Today I’ve wronged the man I love.
The thoughts in my head only remind me of my failures. How I hurt the people I love most. How unsuitable I am –
No.
NO.
I shake my head, which tumbles my untidy hair. With some force, I take out the last of the pins and brush it out.
The one who slept all the time wouldn’t have done that. She would have been perfect. You -never- will be. And one day he’ll realize and where will you be? And him?
No.
I pull my hair back with a ribbon, to keep it off my neck, but otherwise leave it down. I’m 40 now, but ah… Looking more myself, I have to leave this room. I have amends to make – and while I know what was torn up today cannot be put back together again so quickly – Makoto is getting older and can no longer be distracted. I think back to the woman I once was, the hopeless, sad creature in Ito that she knew as a mother the first few years of her life. Had Hajime never returned, would I have remained as such? Would she have come to pity me, or despise me?
I cannot be that woman again. Hajime… one day he’ll look at my many failings and… We can’t just keep in our corners, not talking, withdrawing. I shake my head, and look out he window.
I see him alone, working on the fish.
They’re almost done and I don’t see a plate?
The next right thing
Downstairs, I see Yukiko-san and Eiji-san out in the front garden… is he? It’s a reminder that it’s more than just me and him in this house. Taking a platter from the kitchen, I go out back and kneel next to him, and softly touch his shoulder, hoping he won’t flinch, or turn away.
“You’ll need a plate, unless you plan on eating those all yourself.” I smile a little.
Hajime:
“You’ll need a plate, unless you plan on eating those all yourself.”
I take the plate that’s been handed to me. “Thanks.” I fan the flames, “I was going to get a plate. I just couldn’t leave the fire because of the children.” I always have an excuse for my incompetency don’t I?
I look at her for a moment, “You should stand back. The smoke isn’t good for you…” We spoke about it this morning. I wasn’t going to say anything. I shouldn’t be directing her. A fool shouldn’t at least. I place the first set of fish onto the plate and start on the next batch. How many people are in the house? I can’t think.
Eiji:
Yukiko and I find no one in the kitchen and I put the still hot Nabe on the burner.
I smile at Yukiko, “Just in case we need to heat it later.” She nods and smiles back at me.
That’s more like it.
I look out to the backyard, since the door is wide open. I see Yagi-san out there with Otou-san. That’s good too.
“Let’s go out there and see what they’d need.”
Yukiko follows me outside.
“Otou-san sorry I’m late.” I smile at him and at Yagi-san, “Can I help you with anything?” Oh I know he needs help. He has that look in his eye. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that look but he used to wear it all those nights wasting time on the engawa.
Hajime:
Eiji comes. Saying he’s late but we both know he’s not. I’m still amazed at how he turned out. My brother does a good job on young men.
“We probably need seating and a table.” I stand up. “Yukiko, can you watch the fire while Eiji and I get things together?”
“Of course Uncle.”
“I’ll help carry some of the chairs.” Tsutomu says. I didn’t even notice him come up.
I look at Hide for minute but I can’t seem to hold her gaze. “If you and Makoto can please stay a few feet away from the smoke.” Why do I keep repeating that? I don’t know. Stop directing her you fool. She has her own mind! Besides it’s not like Makoto is even coming near us.
(Hide)
He tells me twice to stay out of the smoke. But it’s not like this morning. He won’t look at me… I blink and it’s not the smoke.
I put my hand on my belly and… Run again. That’s the only thing you can think of, isn’t it? -That- past came back and all you can think of is to run again. You couldn’t deal with it then and you’re no better now, ne?
Suddenly Tsutomu-kun comes by, carrying a chair. Where did he come from? Where’s Makoto? Oh, Eiji-san is here. Wait, I saw him a moment ago.
“I’ll be in the kitchen,” I say quietly, the small bit of confidence I felt earlier dissipating like the smoke. I suppose I can… do something in there. That’s what I do, right?
I turn and leave the group outside, Makoto almost running into me as she runs outside. She gives me a weird look and then goes away.
I look around at the empty kitchen. I don’t know what I’m doing. You’re useless.
(OOC – Hide is inside)
(Makoto)
I’m bored, so I go up to my room. “Stay away from the fire, Makoto.” “The ladder isn’t done yet, Makoto.” SIGH.
I’m looking for one of the books from Uncle Yuunosuke and in the closet… that’s the package from the store we went to? That was a -nice- day. We had sweets for breakfast and… now all of the adults are grumpy and I’m still MAD at Hahaue. This is going to be just like when the baby comes – that’s what my friends said.
I take the package and hide it in one of the secret cubbyholes, the “escape routes” that hahaue told us about. It’s not fair! Nobody cared about my special day… Tsutomu-niisan can have his, though. he did really, really good today. And Hahaue? Just stayed and talked to the grown-ups. She -promised-.
I feel bad… outside I see… Eiji-san? I run downstairs. It’s a big garden. I can stay away from the smoke.
(OOC – Makoto is going outside)
Saitou:
We manage to get the kitchen table outside and with it the chairs. We all stare at the lone platter with 5 fish in it. Wasn’t there supposed to more than just fish?
“I’ll go check on Yukiko-nee-san. Maybe the rest of the fish is ready.” I hear Tomu say as if he’s far away.
I can’t think. All I can think of is how I failed today. Earlier I was too angry to even realize I’d have no fighting chance nor was it the place. I even had the gall to threaten that man whom my wife saw behind my back. Why was I so angry? By that time I already made up my mind to give Tokio up to him. Ah but she left me and I returned to my wife and no one saw me already made up my mind. Instead they all thought, I was back to shacking up with my wife which wasn’t too far from the truth. I start smoking just lost in thought.
“Otou-san. Isn’t it Yagi-san’s birthday today?”
I nod. And I’ve ruined it. He doesn’t know of course how -many- times I’ve ruined it.
“I brought some Nabe. It would go well with the grilled fish.”
I nod again.
“Were you planning on anything else? Is there food inside?”
She said there was somen but I doubt it’s ready. “Oh we bought cake.” I suddenly remember the blur from earlier. “I’ll have Tsutomu-kun get it.”
Then I remembered we had a gift for her. I should get that too upstairs.
(OOC: Saitou heads upstairs to get the gift. Unless i’m mistaken he won’t find it since Makoto hid it?)
Tsutomu:
I’m told to get the cake! There’s cake and it’s a -good- day!
Stepping into the kitchen, I notice the Nabe Beef and go up to smell it. Good.
I look around but don’t find the cake. I can ask Makoto’s mother but she doesn’t look like she even wants to see me. But we can not, not have cake.
“-He- asked me to get the cake.”
(OOC – Makoto jammed the bag in there, so the wall panel didn’t close flush. Up to you if Saitou sees it)
(Hide)
I… I know I said somen. I get the pot of water boiling and it’s done – I’ve cooked so long that the motions come automatically for me. There’s something about cooking… and for a moment I feel my grandmother’s hand on my shoulder, looking over my work, and I realize how -lonely- I am right now. Everyone in this house is his family. The family that kept me going during his long absence. Once I could confide in Yukiko-san… but I have to keep her out of this.
And who I wish I could talk to… he can’t even look at me. That tells me so much, doesn’t it?
-He- asked me to get the cake
It’s Tsutomu-kun. The -one- good thing today. Turning to him I smile, the first real one I’ve had in hours. “You did well today, Tsutomu-kun. He was a tough opponent.” He wasn’t much taller but was bulkier than Tsutomu-kun. “I was very impressed by your focus – and speaking of that, how is your ankle?” I have to remember to “leave out” wrap material on my sewing basket.
I hand over the bag, which contains actually two boxes, “one is a chiffon cake with fruit and cream – but since it’s your day as well, I made sure to get something chocolate.” At least there will be cake. “Please let everyone know that I’ll be out with the somen in a moment, but I could use some help with the nabe.” It’s in the heaviest pot, after all.
I look out the window. Why are there only a few fish on the plate? I bought many more, didn’t I? I look down at the stove. “I’m sorry, Tsutomu-kun. This isn’t my best try at a meal, and I’d hoped to go out a little better than this.” I didn’t even prepare the somen slide, so it will just be plain and in a bowl, with tsuyu but still… not what I had wanted to do. I blink rapidly. I’m not going to let myself cry, and certainly not in front of Tsutomu-kun. Children shouldn’t see that.
(Makoto)
“We had field day today at school. Well, the upper school did. Ours isn’t until the middle of September.” Oh – isn’t that when the baby is coming? I frown. I guess nobody will come then either?
I look up at Eiji-kun, who I’ve been talking to. “Oh! You can come, right? I’ll need -somebody- to come.” Yukiko-san will probably be busy -too- but boys don’t take care of babies, so I’ll have my brothers.
Chichiue went inside so I go closer and look at the fire. I hope there’s more than just a couple of fish. It’s been a long time since lunch.
Tsutomu:
“You did well today, Tsutomu-kun. He was a tough opponent.” “I was very impressed by your focus – and speaking of that, how is your ankle?”
I nod. I won but I had questions and -he- didn’t look like someone who could answer it. Like was my form good? Why was Encho called? “It’s fine now.” I pause. “Umm thanks.”
She hands me the bag and i see there’s TWO cake. -GOOD-. I’ll put the chiffon out first of course.
“Please let everyone know that I’ll be out with the somen in a moment, but I could use some help with the nabe.”
“OK.” I tell her. Will she be fine? Well she did get the somen going. I leave with the cake.
Saitou:
I can’t find the damn gift! I go over the closet again, losing my patience. Everyone was outside and for a moment, I’m suspicious of…
That boy… Did he?
I close my eyes. No. He may hate me but he doesn’t hate others -enough- to do that. It’s then that I realize how off-kilter I’ve been. To think, I’d go storm down there and scold him. Standing up I open the window and smoke some more. Calm down you fool!
There are things that I need to prepare Hide for. Thinking about my failures will do us no good and flying off the handle like I used to will only alienate them.
Turning back to the room I blow the smoke from the side of my mouth and scan the length of the room. There just peeking out is the handle of the bag. I sigh but more out of relief. I wasn’t sure if I could take another failure today.
Pulling the bag out, I find the gifts I’ve been looking for. I’ll just give it to the children. They can give it to her. It’s probably best that way.
But who would try to hide this? I think for a moment. I think I know who. I suppose I cannot let this one pass. I’ll deal with it tomorrow. It’s too late and I’ve had enough problems today.
Going outside, I hear Tsutomu tell Eiji that Hide needs help.
“But Otou-san is right there.” Eiji whines and I narrow my eyes at him.
“She said the pot was heavy.”
“That’s all the more reason Otou-san should do it.” He makes a motion swiping his hand on his temple, “I just got back from work and it was so tiring Tomu. You -know-. You’ve been there.”
Yukiko comes over with the rest of the fish, “Mou… Leave him alone Tomu.”
I sigh, “Tsutomu, call Makoto-chan and make sure you two give Hide’s gift when she comes out.” I tell him.
“Aren’t you going to.. You bought it.”
“I told you two, it was a gift from all of us.”
He gives me a look, “Fine I”ll go call Makoto.”
Throwing Eiji a -look-, I say, “I’ll go get the Nabe pot since you two got the plates and chopsticks out.”
Going back inside. I hesitate for a moment, just watching her go back and forth in her cooking. I don’t precisely know why but I shut the door completely and lock it. It will only be for a moment.
“I’m sorry for today.” I walk up and stop her hand from stirring. We both know the cooking is done.
(Makoto)
I was looking at the tree. trying to figure out, if I wear my boots instead of zori, if I could climb the tree. I’m behind the tree when chichiue comes out and I hear them all, talking and talking. Then I see..
he found it
I try to hide behind the tree.
“Makoto-chan!” I hear Tsutomu-niisan. I peek out from behind the tree. Chichiue is inside and I don’t see Hahaue anywhere.
(Hide)
Drain noodles.
Plate noodles.
Make tsuyu.
If you don’t do it with love, don’t bother cooking.
Even for them?
Granddaughter, they are our guests. I don’t like them being here… but they are guests, and at least in this, we show them the courtesy of this household.
What about the broom?
That’s my own business, Hide-chan.
I hear the door, and the click of the lock.
I’m sorry for today
I feel his hand on mine and I take the tsuyu off of the flame. I turn and fold myself against his chest. “-I’m- sorry for today. I should have ran when you said instead…”
I lean against him. I still feel… so many things but something about him helps me to focus, to find something that I’ve needed all afternoon. I -know- how badly I failed him today but… I take what I can, and offer what I can as I unbend my arms to go around him. I can’t only think about myself. This day went badly for -both- of us.
“-He- said we should give the gift to your mother when she comes out.” I look back at the kitchen, oh it’s closed? I look back at Makoto.
“There’s 3 here, so which two are you going to give her?” I have her look into the bag. I guess if she doesn’t take two I’ll just have to give the rest.
“What were you doing behind the tree?”
“-I’m- sorry for today. I should have ran when you said instead…”
I shake my head. We’re not going to rehash that.
“The Tanuki was right.” I look down at her and finally able to hold her gaze. If you are ever in Hiko’s presence again, don’t run.” I’m tempted to break our line of sight but I don’t, though I’m not sure what’s painted on my face. “If he see’s you, you’re as good as caught and should just cooperate until he tires of it.”
I told myself I shouldn’t tell her what to do but I guess an old dog can’t learn new tricks. And that’s not what I would’ve done but I am different from her. I don’t care what happens to me.
“Don’t get so worked up over him.” I look down to where our child is. And try not to think of that time in summer. I try being casual about it, “He’s more of a nuisance than a real threat.” That’s a lie but she wouldn’t know.
Her arms go around me and I hold her for a moment. I don’t really know what it’s worth anymore but there are people waiting outside and it’s her day. I should try to smile and I do.
“I’ll bring out the pot with the Somen first and you can bring the tsuyu. I’ll come back for the Nabe.”
We can have a quiet dinner outside. Maybe even sit together and watch the people close to us. Until circumstances forces me to move again.
“I don’t want to give her anything,” I mutter, kicking the dirt with my zori. “She didn’t come see me today.”
What were you doing behind the tree?
I look down. He’s going to think I’m a bad girl. I’m mad at hahaue but I’m not bad! Am I?
I look over where Yukiko-san and Eiji-niisan are. “What kind of cake is it?”
If he see’s you, you’re as good as caught and should just cooperate until he tires of it.
I nod, but I don’t plan on leaving this house until I leave to go to the hospital. Although I don’t like it… it’s the only thing I can do now to defend myself.
He’s more of a nuisance than a real threat
I sigh, both at his tone and his words. “Hajime… please… don’t you think I know real threats when I see them? I may have never crossed swords with anyone or feel ‘ki’, but… he’s trouble. He was trouble when he was interested in me, and now that he’s found you and we have a connection…” He holds me back and I see a smile… but it’s all so restrained. Forced.
He speaks of the food and yes, we should but I feel every second where we amble along in silence, more and more is lost.
I put out my hand to stop him. “You told me the other day what he did. He -meddled-. And he comes today – a threat – do to this again. He brings up the past – certain parts and places that we…” I look down, “we have a -lot- of past, don’t we? And while at the time I put a lot on myself for the breakdown of your marriage – we know now that it took a lot more to push to its final collapse. None of us have clean hands. Don’t let him put it all on -you-.” The wilderness and the wounds it left… even though it’s long ago and those who drove it are long gone, what they put into place is still wanting what it wants. To punish him for ending an unsuitable marriage with an unwilling woman. To punish me for welcoming him, loving him.
The Princess and the Wolf… She was lost, alone in the wilderness, locked away from a world where she could never be. But the wolf came and found her, and would come to see her when she was lonely, because he was lonely too. Where he lived… they weren’t kind to wolves, but she always was. I never told that story to Makoto again, because, since then, I’ve been fighting to change the ending I told her that night.
“You’ve told me more things in the past week and a half than you’ve done in the -years- we’ve been together.” I lay my head against him. “Don’t withdraw from me. I need you now more than ever… and I think you need me too.” I remember back – ‘need’ was once something we had a hard time talking about. “I’m not going anywhere. I always love you, believe in you, believe in -us-.” As I say that some of the terror, that little voice that says that -she- would do better or to run is quieted. “I can’t stop you from questioning, thinking, doubting – and I wouldn’t – it’s a part of how you work. But… keep talking. I don’t know everything, I certainly don’t understand anything but I’m -here-.” My arms go back around him.
I’m stumbling again, blindly, but I have to follow -my- truth. From my obi I pull out a piece of folded cloth and slide it in his pocket, now carefully dried and folded. It’s a precious thing, after all.
“I don’t want to give her anything,” I mutter, kicking the dirt with my zori. “She didn’t come see me today.”
Tilting my head, I lightly flick the bangs in front of her temple. “Don’t say silly things. Things happen sometimes and you’ve got to perservere!”
I grin at her. I could tell her I think there was a problem with that red haired man and the man with the cape but Kenji is her friend and I don’t know the story either.
“Your haha-ue’s birthday is only once a year and if you don’t give her, her present you wouldn’t be able to make it up until next year.” I look at the bag and say, “But then again, I can be the -good- boy and your haha-ue will think I’m a very good boy and maybe only boys are good?” I wink at her but keep the bag just out of her reach.
She nods but is quiet when I tell her to just cooperate. She’s going to do what Tokio did, isn’t she? Tell me she didn’t like going out but then actually go out but in this instance it maybe the opposite. Unlike your wife which you kept prisoner and eventually escaped your grasp, this one you can’t protect and so is imprisoned here.
She doesn’t believe the tone I took with Hiko. I suppose it was a long shot, after all it took all my will not to draw my sword.
“we have a -lot- of past, don’t we? And while at the time I put a lot on myself for the breakdown of your marriage – we know now that it took a lot more to push to its final collapse.
“I told you before that you are free from that.” I never gave myself freely to Tokio even before Hide. There was always someone else or rather something else. I can’t comment much on what Hiko wants. He may want retribution but after all this time? Why now. And with the way he answered Tsutomu, it didn’t sound like Tokio asked him to come. What does he want.
“You’ve told me more things in the past week and a half than you’ve done in the -years- we’ve been together.” “Don’t withdraw from me.
Am I withdrawing? I look down on my hands that’s hardly holding her back. Maybe I am? I hold the small of her back lightly. She never truly asked and I thought that to mean, she was afraid of what my answers would be. And maybe it was better left unsaid.
keep talking. I don’t know everything, I certainly don’t understand anything but I’m -here-
“I -must- find out what Hiko wants. And since our paths crossed again, I’ll settle the score with Battousai.” But not just for Kyoto but for what he did in the wilderness. Why can’t I let that time go? I’m not even with that woman who they call my wife anymore. I feel my eyes harden. That’s the only way forward.
She slides something in my pocket. I know what it is. “Let’s go outside. The longer we stay here, the next thing you know those kids will break down the door.” I try to jest.
(OOC: that’s it for me. you can continue here or close and start new thread)
Don’t say silly things. Things happen sometimes and you’ve got to perservere!”
I look up at him, making a face as he flicks my bangs. “But it was a promise -” I sigh. But big girls persevere, right?
Your haha-ue’s birthday is only once a year and if you don’t give her, her present you wouldn’t be able to make it up until next year. But then again, I can be the -good- boy and your haha-ue will think I’m a very good boy and maybe only boys are good?
He grins at me and I suddenly feel happier. My niisan is here for me! I jump up, trying to get the bag. “Fine, I’ll give her the yukata. You can do the zori. But the other thing is for the baby so chichiue can do it.” I don’t want to give a present to the baby.
Eheh… but I know that Chichiue knows what I did, right? So I grab the belt, too.
(Hide)
I told you before that you are free from that.
But that’s it… he cannot free me from it. I can, after some time and distance, look at my role in a different way, but no hands are clean. Not mine, not his, not hers, not the Battosai or his master, both of who became involved of their own accord. Most especially the Battosai.
After I accuse him of withdrawing, he holds me a little more, but… something changed today.
I -must- find out what Hiko wants. And since our paths crossed again, I’ll settle the score with Battousai
Ah… I embrace him tightly. The Battosai is much diminished from the old days. But this Hiko… is not. I believe Himura-san’s assessment. She knows this man. And will whatever this man is pursuing… what is his endgame? The kitchen in summer is warm but I still shiver.
He makes a joke but… it’s an effort. I unlock the door. I find a smile and take the tsuyu and go outside.
(OOC: close)
test
test
test?