"Father to Daughter" - Chapter 8
Finally updated after 2 weeks xD Finals are killer >_>
But I'm back :D
Chapter 8
Takamura looked over at Reiko’s empty desk. Usually she was here before him, but not today.
Was she not going to come today?
He couldn’t really blame her if she didn’t want to come, especially after yesterday.
“Hey Takamura-san!” Matsuyama gave him a huge wave and ran over to his desk.
Takamura wasn’t in the mood with dealing with her. He couldn’t believe she didn’t get caught after all the horrible things she did to Reiko.
He turned his head to look the other direction.
“What’s wrong Takamura-san?” Matsuyama poked her face in front of his.
He turned his head again.
“Ah, Sakurai-san! I thought you wouldn’t come today after all those horrible things yesterday,” Matsuyama tried to act sweet as Reiko took her seat.
Takamura’s head popped up as he watched Reiko with wide eyes.
She came!
“Is everything alright now?” Matsuyama pressed her sweet act even harder as she leaned over Reiko’s desk.
Takamura glared at her. How dare she act buddy-buddy with Reiko now after all she had done.
Reiko continued ignoring her though.
“Sakurai-san?” Matsuyama laid her hand on Reiko’s shoulder.
Slap!
Reiko’s slap onto Matsuyama’s hand was so loud, it was heard through the whole classroom. Everyone fell silent.
“Ow! What was that for!?” Matsuyama yelled, shaking off the pain from her hand.
“Don’t touch me,” Reiko said quietly.
“What?” Matsuyama grabbed Reiko’s shoulder again.
This time Reiko stood up, pushing Matsuyama to the side.
“I said don’t touch me!” Reiko shouted.
“Is there a problem here?” The teacher had entered the classroom without them noticing.
Matsuyama and Reiko glared angrily at each other.
“Reiko,” Takamura whispered. As much as Matsuyama deserved anything Reiko threw at her, it wasn’t worth getting in trouble over with the teacher.
Neither of the girls would back down as they continued to glare.
“Reiko,” Takaura harshly whispered again.
Reiko rolled her eyes and plopped down in her seat. “No.”
“You take you seat too Matsuyama-san,” the teacher gestured to the other side of the classroom.
Matsuyama let out an angry snort before taking her own seat.
“I went to visit your house yesterday, but your dad said you were asleep,” Takamura turned to Reiko after the lunch bell rang.
Reiko completely ignored him as she grabbed her lunch and got out of her chair to leave the classroom.
“Reiko!” Takamura grabbed her arm.
She stared at him, then his hand.
“Let go of me.”
Takamura slowly released his hand. He didn’t want to get hit like Matsuyama had earlier.
“What’s with you? You are acting strange.”
“No I’m not.” Reiko folded her arms. Her look was cold.
Takamura didn’t know what else to say. Her cold aura was so much stronger than usual.
Was this her way of trying to be strong?
She clicked her tongue in annoyance and began walking away.
“…I’m not going to leave you alone,” Takamura said quietly, repeating what he had said yesterday. “…I like you too much to do that.”
Reiko came to a halt.
Takamura watched Reiko’s back. He felt his face heating up.
He had just confessed.
What had possessed him to actually say it?
He wanted to say “Just kidding!” or something to make a joke out of this embarrassing moment.
Reiko turned her head a bit, as if she was going to turn around, but she quickly looked forward again, running out of the classroom.
Was…he just denied?
Reiko sat in her corner on the rooftop, trying to catch her breath.
Takamura liked her!?
No, he meant friendship type like right?
Or did he actually like-like her?
Ahh! So embarrassing! She even ran away from him! As if yesterday wasn’t embarrassing enough!
He probably didn’t even mean anything serious by what he had said. He was an idol after all. They say those sorts of things so easily.
She gripped her shirt over her heart. Why was it beating so fast?
She couldn’t like him. He is an idol.
She can’t like him.
She hugged her knees.
But she did like him. A lot.
Reiko slid back in her chair, making sure not to make any eye contact with Takamura. She still didn’t know what she was supposed to say to him.
She didn’t even really understand what he had meant by what he said earlier. She could be overthinking the whole scenario.
Surprisingly, he didn’t say anything to her either. Even after class ended, all he did was pack his bag and leave.
Narita watched the two with a questioned look. What had happened to them?
---
Sho was relieved when Reiko came home with no scratches or bruises. The bullying must have reached its peak yesterday. He was really worried sending her to school today.
“How was school today Reiko?” Sho greeted her with a smile on his face. He and Reiko really connected well last night. He actually felt like a good father for once.
Reiko didn’t answer him as she set down her bag next to the couch and then sat herself next to Sho.
She was staring straight ahead as if in deep thought.
“Re-“
“If someone says they like you too much to leave you alone…what does that mean?” Reiko asked, keeping her eyes fixated straight ahead.
“W-what?” Sho adjusted himself so he faced her better.
Reiko broke out of her zombie look as she shyly looked down. “Never mind.”
Awkward silence filled the room.
Sho felt so stupid. He couldn’t even properly converse with his daughter.
How had they used to talk before Chisa died?
…He couldn’t even remember anymore…
“Do you need help with any homework?” Sho finally offered.
Reiko shook her head. “No, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.”
“Are you still the top of your class?”
Reiko nodded.
“Erm,” Sho looked awkwardly around, “That’s good.”
Silence.
“…I kind of got in a fight today.”
“What!?” Sho sat up.
Reiko kept her look to the side. “She was the one that was bullying me before…She was trying to put on an act in front of Takamura by being nice to me. When she touched me…I kind of…” Her voice got quieter. “…slapped her.”
“Did you get in trouble by your teacher?”
Reiko shook her head. “But he did stop us.”
Sho leaned back and folded his arms.
“Reiko, you aren’t going to repeat what I am about to say to you.”
Reiko finally looked over at her father with a curious look.
“She one-hundred percent deserved it. But!” Sho put his finger up. “Don’t do it again. I don’t want you getting into trouble.”
Reiko stared at her father in disbelief.
Sho put his hand on her head. “Did you get that? If you repeat it anywhere though, I’ll deny it.”
A smile crossed Reiko’s lips.
“Sometimes I really love you Dad.”
Sho’s smile disappeared.
His heart gave a big thump.
Reiko’s smile got bigger. “I promise to keep it a secret that you complimented me for being violent.”
Sho couldn’t get himself to stop staring at her with wide eyes.
This.
This is what their conversations used to be like.
Reiko stood up. “I have homework. Are you done with work today?”
Sho blinked a billion times, trying to pull back into reality.
“Uhh, no I’m not. I have an interview and a meeting today.”
“Okay.” Reiko grabbed her bag and went into her room.
Sho leaned back on the couch.
Sometimes I really love you Dad.
He was trying not to be too giddy, in case Reiko came out again, but hearing those words made him too excited to contain it!
After his small victory dance, he looked over at the family picture with Chisa in it.
He smiled as he picked it up. “Did you see it Chisa?
“I’m home!” Myu yelled from the front door.
Sho set down the picture to go greet Myu. “Welcome home.”
“Ah, Papa! TAKE’s concerts are going to start soon. Can we pllleeasse go to one!?” Myu tugged on Sho’s arm.
Sho scratched his head. “I suppose so. I’ll ask for tickets later.”
“Ask Reiko to come with us too! I think she really likes Take-chan! She even watched his drama with us sometimes.”
If someone says they like you too much to leave you alone…what does that mean?
It finally clicked what Reiko was trying to talk to Sho about earlier.
Takamura must have told Reiko that!
So he did like Reiko. Not that it was a surprised to Sho. He knew long ago that Takamura liked Reiko. He just hoped he would have kept it a secret from her so she could try to live a normal life.
But….if Reiko was really thinking over what Takamura had said to her…she must most definitely like him too.
What was Sho supposed to do if his daughter started dating this guy?
Dating an idol.
Obviously Sho liked Takamura. He was a good guy and a hard worker. Maybe in a different situation, Sho would gladly hand his daughter over to him, but…dating an idol is what killed Chisa.
To go through that pain again…he just couldn’t.
“Papa?” Myu cocked her head. “Whatcha thinking about?”
Sho realized he had accidentally drifted off into thought.
“Nothing sweetie. I’ll be sure to ask Reiko.”
---
“When will Papa be home?” Myu asked as she crawled into bed.
“Probably in an hour, but that’s too late for you so don’t wait up for him.” Reiko pulled the blanket over Myu.
“Awe! But I don’t have to go to school tomorrow!” Myu kicked her legs while pouting.
Reiko place the blanket over Myu again after she kicked them off.
“Why do you want to stay up for Dad all the time? It’s not all that exciting. You see him every day.”
Myu sat up. “Because Papa gives the best hugs in the world when he just comes back from work!”
“Okay, okay,” Reiko lightly pushed her sister back into bed, “I believe you. Now get some sleep. I don’t want to get in trouble just because you refuse to sleep.”
Reiko got up to turn off the lights.
“Reiko, why don’t you hug Papa very much?” Myu asked.
Reiko’s finger froze on the switch.
“Because…erm…I just don’t like hugging that much.”
“WHAAAT? Everybody loves hugging!” Myu yelled in disbelief.
Reiko’s eyebrows scrunched together. “Well I don’t!” She yelled back.
“Don’t you hug Takamura-san?”
“Eh!?” Reiko turned bright red. “W-what are you talking about Myu?”
“You should hug people you like. Don’t you like Takamura-san? What if he doesn’t think you like him because you don’t hug him!?”
“Good NIGHT Myu!” Reiko shut the lights off and slammed the door to her own bedroom.
Reiko threw down her pencil and rubbed her forehead.
Why couldn’t she concentrate?
Reiko put her head on her desk and looked at the picture of her mom carrying her as a baby.
“Mom, what is it like to date an idol?”
Reiko stared at the picture in silence.
She finally sat up again and sighed.
“Or so I would be probably asking if you were alive. No use asking a picture.”
Reiko jumped when her cellphone ringtone suddenly went off.
“Who is calling at this tim-“
Takamura.
Reiko’s heartbeat quickened.
Why does it keep doing that?
Reiko gulped before she answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey Reiko, I just got out of practice and I was wondering how you were doing?”
“What do you mean?”
Why was she answering back in such a cold tone? She always did that. What was she trying to accomplish by acting like that?
“You…You were just acting kind of weird today.”
“No I wasn’t,” Reiko snapped.
“Reiko…”
How could Takamura still sound so worried when she treated him like this? She didn’t deserve his concern.
“Is something bothering you?” He asked in his sweet voice.
Reiko looked over at her mom’s picture.
Something bothering her?
For starters she couldn’t think straight since Takamura said that strange stuff today. And…she wasn’t sure if she wanted to figure it out.
What if he actually did mean it as a romantic-like? How could she date an idol? After what it did to her family, why would she choose to date an idol?
Why did she have to like an idol?
“Reiko, I get it. I know you are trying to be cold to protect yourself from getting hurt anymore,” Takamura finally said after the long silence. “But trying to take on things alone isn’t going to help. I was going crazy when you were getting bullied and I couldn’t do anything to help. Please, don’t put me in that helpless state anymore. I want to help.”
Reiko hugged her knees.
He was really concerned for her.
Not as Takamura Takeshi from TAKE, but just Takamura Takeshi.
Reiko kept her eyes focused on her mom’s picture.
Is this your answer Mom? Idols are people too? Dating them is the same as dating a normal person?
Tears fell down Reiko’s cheeks. She covered her mouth quickly to try to muffle her crying.
“Reiko?”
“I’m sorry,” Reiko whispered.
Takamura moaned. “Reiko, you are going to kill me like this. Why are you crying when I can’t be there physically?”
“Sorry,” Reiko tried wiping her tears, but more kept on coming. “It’s just…I’ve never involved people in my problems.”
Takamura stayed quiet.
“Showing weakness always meant someone could take advantage of me to get to my dad. I could never show it.”
Reiko dug her face further into her knees. “I can never show that bullying gets to me. If I do…I lose.”
“It was hard for you to be in front of the class looking like that, wasn’t it?” Takamura asked solemnly.
“Yeah…” Reiko admitted.
“I’m sorry Reiko. I was only thinking about my own anger. I should have thought of you first,” Takamura apologized.
Reiko’s crying finally was calming down.
“You actually carry a lot of pride, don’t you?”
“I guess…” Reiko got up to lie on her bed.
She could hear Takamura smile. “Just like your dad I guess. Or so I have heard about him.”
Reiko looked awkwardly at the wall.
She was like her dad?
“Takamura?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you…for…” Reiko could feel her face warming up. “…for listening to me…and…being there for me.”
“Anything for you Reiko.”
Sho stood in front of Reiko’s door. A sting of jealousy pierced his heart.
He was going to say goodnight to her, but he heard her on the phone and he ended up eavesdropping.
He really thought him and Reiko had been connecting well recently, but...Takamura would always come out top, wouldn’t he?
Did she even need Sho anymore?
But I'm back :D
Chapter 8
Takamura looked over at Reiko’s empty desk. Usually she was here before him, but not today.
Was she not going to come today?
He couldn’t really blame her if she didn’t want to come, especially after yesterday.
“Hey Takamura-san!” Matsuyama gave him a huge wave and ran over to his desk.
Takamura wasn’t in the mood with dealing with her. He couldn’t believe she didn’t get caught after all the horrible things she did to Reiko.
He turned his head to look the other direction.
“What’s wrong Takamura-san?” Matsuyama poked her face in front of his.
He turned his head again.
“Ah, Sakurai-san! I thought you wouldn’t come today after all those horrible things yesterday,” Matsuyama tried to act sweet as Reiko took her seat.
Takamura’s head popped up as he watched Reiko with wide eyes.
She came!
“Is everything alright now?” Matsuyama pressed her sweet act even harder as she leaned over Reiko’s desk.
Takamura glared at her. How dare she act buddy-buddy with Reiko now after all she had done.
Reiko continued ignoring her though.
“Sakurai-san?” Matsuyama laid her hand on Reiko’s shoulder.
Slap!
Reiko’s slap onto Matsuyama’s hand was so loud, it was heard through the whole classroom. Everyone fell silent.
“Ow! What was that for!?” Matsuyama yelled, shaking off the pain from her hand.
“Don’t touch me,” Reiko said quietly.
“What?” Matsuyama grabbed Reiko’s shoulder again.
This time Reiko stood up, pushing Matsuyama to the side.
“I said don’t touch me!” Reiko shouted.
“Is there a problem here?” The teacher had entered the classroom without them noticing.
Matsuyama and Reiko glared angrily at each other.
“Reiko,” Takamura whispered. As much as Matsuyama deserved anything Reiko threw at her, it wasn’t worth getting in trouble over with the teacher.
Neither of the girls would back down as they continued to glare.
“Reiko,” Takaura harshly whispered again.
Reiko rolled her eyes and plopped down in her seat. “No.”
“You take you seat too Matsuyama-san,” the teacher gestured to the other side of the classroom.
Matsuyama let out an angry snort before taking her own seat.
“I went to visit your house yesterday, but your dad said you were asleep,” Takamura turned to Reiko after the lunch bell rang.
Reiko completely ignored him as she grabbed her lunch and got out of her chair to leave the classroom.
“Reiko!” Takamura grabbed her arm.
She stared at him, then his hand.
“Let go of me.”
Takamura slowly released his hand. He didn’t want to get hit like Matsuyama had earlier.
“What’s with you? You are acting strange.”
“No I’m not.” Reiko folded her arms. Her look was cold.
Takamura didn’t know what else to say. Her cold aura was so much stronger than usual.
Was this her way of trying to be strong?
She clicked her tongue in annoyance and began walking away.
“…I’m not going to leave you alone,” Takamura said quietly, repeating what he had said yesterday. “…I like you too much to do that.”
Reiko came to a halt.
Takamura watched Reiko’s back. He felt his face heating up.
He had just confessed.
What had possessed him to actually say it?
He wanted to say “Just kidding!” or something to make a joke out of this embarrassing moment.
Reiko turned her head a bit, as if she was going to turn around, but she quickly looked forward again, running out of the classroom.
Was…he just denied?
Reiko sat in her corner on the rooftop, trying to catch her breath.
Takamura liked her!?
No, he meant friendship type like right?
Or did he actually like-like her?
Ahh! So embarrassing! She even ran away from him! As if yesterday wasn’t embarrassing enough!
He probably didn’t even mean anything serious by what he had said. He was an idol after all. They say those sorts of things so easily.
She gripped her shirt over her heart. Why was it beating so fast?
She couldn’t like him. He is an idol.
She can’t like him.
She hugged her knees.
But she did like him. A lot.
Reiko slid back in her chair, making sure not to make any eye contact with Takamura. She still didn’t know what she was supposed to say to him.
She didn’t even really understand what he had meant by what he said earlier. She could be overthinking the whole scenario.
Surprisingly, he didn’t say anything to her either. Even after class ended, all he did was pack his bag and leave.
Narita watched the two with a questioned look. What had happened to them?
---
Sho was relieved when Reiko came home with no scratches or bruises. The bullying must have reached its peak yesterday. He was really worried sending her to school today.
“How was school today Reiko?” Sho greeted her with a smile on his face. He and Reiko really connected well last night. He actually felt like a good father for once.
Reiko didn’t answer him as she set down her bag next to the couch and then sat herself next to Sho.
She was staring straight ahead as if in deep thought.
“Re-“
“If someone says they like you too much to leave you alone…what does that mean?” Reiko asked, keeping her eyes fixated straight ahead.
“W-what?” Sho adjusted himself so he faced her better.
Reiko broke out of her zombie look as she shyly looked down. “Never mind.”
Awkward silence filled the room.
Sho felt so stupid. He couldn’t even properly converse with his daughter.
How had they used to talk before Chisa died?
…He couldn’t even remember anymore…
“Do you need help with any homework?” Sho finally offered.
Reiko shook her head. “No, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.”
“Are you still the top of your class?”
Reiko nodded.
“Erm,” Sho looked awkwardly around, “That’s good.”
Silence.
“…I kind of got in a fight today.”
“What!?” Sho sat up.
Reiko kept her look to the side. “She was the one that was bullying me before…She was trying to put on an act in front of Takamura by being nice to me. When she touched me…I kind of…” Her voice got quieter. “…slapped her.”
“Did you get in trouble by your teacher?”
Reiko shook her head. “But he did stop us.”
Sho leaned back and folded his arms.
“Reiko, you aren’t going to repeat what I am about to say to you.”
Reiko finally looked over at her father with a curious look.
“She one-hundred percent deserved it. But!” Sho put his finger up. “Don’t do it again. I don’t want you getting into trouble.”
Reiko stared at her father in disbelief.
Sho put his hand on her head. “Did you get that? If you repeat it anywhere though, I’ll deny it.”
A smile crossed Reiko’s lips.
“Sometimes I really love you Dad.”
Sho’s smile disappeared.
His heart gave a big thump.
Reiko’s smile got bigger. “I promise to keep it a secret that you complimented me for being violent.”
Sho couldn’t get himself to stop staring at her with wide eyes.
This.
This is what their conversations used to be like.
Reiko stood up. “I have homework. Are you done with work today?”
Sho blinked a billion times, trying to pull back into reality.
“Uhh, no I’m not. I have an interview and a meeting today.”
“Okay.” Reiko grabbed her bag and went into her room.
Sho leaned back on the couch.
Sometimes I really love you Dad.
He was trying not to be too giddy, in case Reiko came out again, but hearing those words made him too excited to contain it!
After his small victory dance, he looked over at the family picture with Chisa in it.
He smiled as he picked it up. “Did you see it Chisa?
“I’m home!” Myu yelled from the front door.
Sho set down the picture to go greet Myu. “Welcome home.”
“Ah, Papa! TAKE’s concerts are going to start soon. Can we pllleeasse go to one!?” Myu tugged on Sho’s arm.
Sho scratched his head. “I suppose so. I’ll ask for tickets later.”
“Ask Reiko to come with us too! I think she really likes Take-chan! She even watched his drama with us sometimes.”
If someone says they like you too much to leave you alone…what does that mean?
It finally clicked what Reiko was trying to talk to Sho about earlier.
Takamura must have told Reiko that!
So he did like Reiko. Not that it was a surprised to Sho. He knew long ago that Takamura liked Reiko. He just hoped he would have kept it a secret from her so she could try to live a normal life.
But….if Reiko was really thinking over what Takamura had said to her…she must most definitely like him too.
What was Sho supposed to do if his daughter started dating this guy?
Dating an idol.
Obviously Sho liked Takamura. He was a good guy and a hard worker. Maybe in a different situation, Sho would gladly hand his daughter over to him, but…dating an idol is what killed Chisa.
To go through that pain again…he just couldn’t.
“Papa?” Myu cocked her head. “Whatcha thinking about?”
Sho realized he had accidentally drifted off into thought.
“Nothing sweetie. I’ll be sure to ask Reiko.”
---
“When will Papa be home?” Myu asked as she crawled into bed.
“Probably in an hour, but that’s too late for you so don’t wait up for him.” Reiko pulled the blanket over Myu.
“Awe! But I don’t have to go to school tomorrow!” Myu kicked her legs while pouting.
Reiko place the blanket over Myu again after she kicked them off.
“Why do you want to stay up for Dad all the time? It’s not all that exciting. You see him every day.”
Myu sat up. “Because Papa gives the best hugs in the world when he just comes back from work!”
“Okay, okay,” Reiko lightly pushed her sister back into bed, “I believe you. Now get some sleep. I don’t want to get in trouble just because you refuse to sleep.”
Reiko got up to turn off the lights.
“Reiko, why don’t you hug Papa very much?” Myu asked.
Reiko’s finger froze on the switch.
“Because…erm…I just don’t like hugging that much.”
“WHAAAT? Everybody loves hugging!” Myu yelled in disbelief.
Reiko’s eyebrows scrunched together. “Well I don’t!” She yelled back.
“Don’t you hug Takamura-san?”
“Eh!?” Reiko turned bright red. “W-what are you talking about Myu?”
“You should hug people you like. Don’t you like Takamura-san? What if he doesn’t think you like him because you don’t hug him!?”
“Good NIGHT Myu!” Reiko shut the lights off and slammed the door to her own bedroom.
Reiko threw down her pencil and rubbed her forehead.
Why couldn’t she concentrate?
Reiko put her head on her desk and looked at the picture of her mom carrying her as a baby.
“Mom, what is it like to date an idol?”
Reiko stared at the picture in silence.
She finally sat up again and sighed.
“Or so I would be probably asking if you were alive. No use asking a picture.”
Reiko jumped when her cellphone ringtone suddenly went off.
“Who is calling at this tim-“
Takamura.
Reiko’s heartbeat quickened.
Why does it keep doing that?
Reiko gulped before she answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey Reiko, I just got out of practice and I was wondering how you were doing?”
“What do you mean?”
Why was she answering back in such a cold tone? She always did that. What was she trying to accomplish by acting like that?
“You…You were just acting kind of weird today.”
“No I wasn’t,” Reiko snapped.
“Reiko…”
How could Takamura still sound so worried when she treated him like this? She didn’t deserve his concern.
“Is something bothering you?” He asked in his sweet voice.
Reiko looked over at her mom’s picture.
Something bothering her?
For starters she couldn’t think straight since Takamura said that strange stuff today. And…she wasn’t sure if she wanted to figure it out.
What if he actually did mean it as a romantic-like? How could she date an idol? After what it did to her family, why would she choose to date an idol?
Why did she have to like an idol?
“Reiko, I get it. I know you are trying to be cold to protect yourself from getting hurt anymore,” Takamura finally said after the long silence. “But trying to take on things alone isn’t going to help. I was going crazy when you were getting bullied and I couldn’t do anything to help. Please, don’t put me in that helpless state anymore. I want to help.”
Reiko hugged her knees.
He was really concerned for her.
Not as Takamura Takeshi from TAKE, but just Takamura Takeshi.
Reiko kept her eyes focused on her mom’s picture.
Is this your answer Mom? Idols are people too? Dating them is the same as dating a normal person?
Tears fell down Reiko’s cheeks. She covered her mouth quickly to try to muffle her crying.
“Reiko?”
“I’m sorry,” Reiko whispered.
Takamura moaned. “Reiko, you are going to kill me like this. Why are you crying when I can’t be there physically?”
“Sorry,” Reiko tried wiping her tears, but more kept on coming. “It’s just…I’ve never involved people in my problems.”
Takamura stayed quiet.
“Showing weakness always meant someone could take advantage of me to get to my dad. I could never show it.”
Reiko dug her face further into her knees. “I can never show that bullying gets to me. If I do…I lose.”
“It was hard for you to be in front of the class looking like that, wasn’t it?” Takamura asked solemnly.
“Yeah…” Reiko admitted.
“I’m sorry Reiko. I was only thinking about my own anger. I should have thought of you first,” Takamura apologized.
Reiko’s crying finally was calming down.
“You actually carry a lot of pride, don’t you?”
“I guess…” Reiko got up to lie on her bed.
She could hear Takamura smile. “Just like your dad I guess. Or so I have heard about him.”
Reiko looked awkwardly at the wall.
She was like her dad?
“Takamura?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you…for…” Reiko could feel her face warming up. “…for listening to me…and…being there for me.”
“Anything for you Reiko.”
Sho stood in front of Reiko’s door. A sting of jealousy pierced his heart.
He was going to say goodnight to her, but he heard her on the phone and he ended up eavesdropping.
He really thought him and Reiko had been connecting well recently, but...Takamura would always come out top, wouldn’t he?
Did she even need Sho anymore?