[FANFIC] Risou no Musuko ep. 11
Title: Risou no Musuko ep. 11
Author: macymacymacy
Beta: crescentharpe (much love!)
Pairing: YamaShi
Genre: Family, Friendship, Fluff
Rating: G
AN:
-i did try to stick with the drama's format...
-gosh, i can't believe an episode is sooo long to write. /whacked.
-some OOCness
-Risou no Musuko spoilers, obviously.
Characters
Yamada Ryosuke as Suzuki Daichi
Suzuki Kyoka as Kurahashi Umi (since she remarried)
Sawamura Ikki as Kurahashi Minoru
Fujigaya Taisuke as Mifune Kengo
Nakajima Yuto as Kobayashi Kouji
Irie Jingi as Wanikawa
Emoto Tokio as Habu Yoshikazu
Moromizato Daisuke as Zou-san
Yoshinaga Jun as Hyouzoka
Takeda Kohei as Goro Uchiyama
Kendo Kobayashi as Kanbe Toshirou
Kaneko Nobuaki as Ikeda Fuyuhiko
Suzuki Anju as Kobayashi Mitsuko
Shida Mirai as Umi-chan imagine Shida Mirai from Bull Doctor. long haired and feminine. ^^
Fujiki Naohito as younger Fuji-san
Yamazaki Tsutomu as older Fuji-san
screencaps (in no particular order):
-
"Look, Daichi, they're saying Umi-chan will be returning to Japan." Kurahashi Umi said as she ate.
"Umi-chan?" Suzuki Daichi asked, looking a bit distracted and eating quickly.
Umi pointed at their brand new television. It was bought by Minoru a few days ago. "Umi-chan, that actress you've had a crush on when you were little." She said.
"Oh, that Umi-chan." Daichi said. He couldn't help but smile at his mother. He guessed it was really a good thing that she remarried. She had been a lot more relaxed since then.
"You've had a crush on her?" Kurahashi Minoru, who was sitting across Daichi, asked.
"I just thought she was cute." Daichi said, waving the question away. He ate a few more mouthfuls and then stood up. "I'm done. Thanks for the food. I'm going to be late for the opening ceremony. Ittekimasu." He said in one breath.
Minoru hastily stood up as well. "Daichi, wait." He called. "Then, ittekimasu." He said, turning to Umi and giving her a small smile. She returned it.
"Itterashai!" She called to her two men.
-
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Minoru asked as he sat down besides Daichi in the bus.
"10 minutes till the opening ceremony." Daichi said, a little anxiously.
"Eh, is it?" Minoru asked looking at his watch.
"Seriously. You and mom are too laid back these days. Haven't you noticed you're late everyday since the two of you married?" He asked, rolling his eyes in exasperation.
Minoru just gave him a grin. "I guess it's because we can depend on each other now that we can let ourselves relax." He said.
"Give it another month and you might get fired." Daichi pointed out.
"Don't be too tight. And about this Umi-chan..."
"What about her?" Daichi asked a bit surprised.
"Well, don't be offended but you have this image of being a mama's boy. I guess you aren't if you've had a crush on other girls." He said.
Daichi laughed. "I told you I'm not a mama's boy. I just love my mom."
Minoru laughed as well. "I guess so. It's not because that actress has the same name as your mom, right?"
"No." Daichi said quickly. "I had a crush on her when she was playing as 'Seira,' in her drama. I was just a kid; I thought then that her name was really 'Seira.'"
"Ah... so you are not a mama's boy. Well, not completely, at least." Minoru said.
"No, I'm not." Daichi agreed.
Minoru nodded. "Maybe you just have a very particular type."
Daichi shrugged, "Maybe."
-
"You shouldn't have waited for me, Kobayashi." Daichi said as both he and Kobayashi ran towards the school. They were running late.
"I can't not wait for you, you're my best friend!" Kobayashi said, indignantly.
"I know that. But being best friends doesn't mean you need to be late together." Daichi said, panting a bit.
"Here." Kobayashi pointed. "The new gate is already open. We can go through there."
During their spring break, the school had started its renovation. They are expanding the school now. According to rumors, the school might have plans of being coed. It was just a rumor, but in view of Hyouzoka's case, it was a possibility.
Daichi followed Kobayashi without second thoughts. He didn't really want to enter the gym in the middle of the ceremony and with everyone watching them.
But they slowed down when they noticed someone by the gates. It seems not everyone knew the gate was already open since there was no one there except the two of them and a girl waiting by the gates.
She perked up at the sight of them and Daichi's eyes widen at the realization of who it was.
"Suzuki... isn't that...?" Kobayashi murmured, pointing at the girl. The girl made her way to them.
"U-umi-chan?" Daichi said, disbelievingly.
"Mifune Kengo?"
-
-
"Kengo."
Mifune smiled as he looked at his mother. She had started recognizing him a few weeks back. The doctors said this was a good sign.
"Yeah? What is it, kaasan?" He asked gently.
"Kengo." She repeated.
"I'm here." Mifune assured her.
"Mirai." She said.
Mifune nodded. "That's right; we have the future for ourselves."
There was a knock on the door and Mifune turned to see his teacher, Kanbe.
"It's time to go, Kengo." He said.
"Hai." Mifune said, standing up. He turned back to his mom.
"I'll go now. I'll be back soon." He told her and gave her a small smile.
As he and his sensei walked out the room, Kanbe said, "I'll take care of her while you're away."
"Hai. Yoroshiku." Mifune said.
"And Kengo." Kanbe called. Mifune turned to him. "Good luck." He said, patting him on his shoulder.
"Arigatou."
-
"This is a disaster." An old man boomed into the empty restaurant. "What have you been teaching your daughter?!"
"She wouldn't have taken off if you've only let her see her mother!" A younger man said, equally angry.
"Mother? That woman is an embarrassment to our family! Your daughter is better off without a mother than having that filth in her life!" The old man roared.
The younger man clenched his fist but didn't say anything anymore.
Kobayashi Michiko decided to intervene. "Rest assured, Fuji-san. I will help you find your granddaughter." She said pleasantly.
"Yes please, Kobayashi-san. I don't think she could have gone very far. And as rumors has it, that woman-" He said the word in a disgusted tone. "-is somewhere near here. My granddaughter would definitely start looking for her here."
-
"Eh?" Daichi said, perplexed.
"Are you Mifune Kengo?" She asked again.
"Ah, no. I'm not. I'm Suzuki Daichi. Mifune-senpai already graduated." Daichi said.
She looked disappointed. "Oh." But she turned back to him, determination on her face. "But you know him. Can you tell me where he is?"
"Suzuki, I think the ceremony already started." Kobayashi said.
"Right." Daichi said. "Uhm, Umi-san, it's not a good time, we're already late. If you want, you can go back later, okay?" He said hastily.
"Oh, okay." She said understandingly.
Kobayashi called once more and the two of them entered the gate. But before they were far, they both heard a man's voice. They turned to see a guy - not a student - talking to Umi.
"Are you lost? Wow, you look familiar."
"I'm looking for Mifune Kengo." She said.
The guy grinned. "Oh, Kengo! I know him, come on, I'll show you." He said and Daichi was almost shocked to see Umi willingly going with him.
Daichi ran back to Umi and grabbed hold of her wrist. "I changed my mind, you're coming with us." She started pulling her away before the man could react.
"What the hell, man?!"
"He said he knows Mifune Kengo." Umi tried to say, keeping up with Daichi's pace.
"He's lying." Daichi said simply. "Now come on." And the both of them and Kobayashi ran inside the school.
The ceremony had already started when they entered the school's gymnasium. The new students were already sitting and their principal was already saying his opening remarks. They tried to walk in discreetly, but it was futile. Everyone had started staring at them. For one, they are late; for another, Sea King's new leader, Kobayashi is with them; and lastly, they have a girl with them. And many students and some teachers seem to be recognizing her.
"Is... that Umi-chan?"
"It can't be! It must be some look-alike!"
"She's just as pretty!"
"What is Umi-chan doing here?"
"It can't be her!"
Daichi tried to ignore all their whispers and made walked straight to their class' line, Umi-san in tow. When he reached his friends, all of them were gaping openly at them. He would have laughed at their shocked faces but he really didn't need any more attention drawn to them.
"I'll explain later." He said in a hasty whisper. "Listen to the principal." He chided them.
They turned back to the stage but from time to time they still looked back to Umi.
Daichi was a bit surprised when he felt Umi moved closer to him. He turned to her to see her face anxious and looking down on the floor. He felt a bit sorry for her. It really wasn't comfortable to have everyone look at you. And then he remembered she is an actress. Shouldn't she be used to getting many attentions?
He was distracted when again, his friends and other classmates turned back to look at Umi simultaneously. He sighed in exasperation. "Leave her alone for a while. I said I'll explain later."
His classmates hastily turned their heads back to the front.
He heard Umi let an audible sigh of relief.
"Thank you." She said softly.
He turned to give her a small smile but she wasn't looking at him. She was looking worriedly at the third years who were openly ogling at her. Unconsciously, it seems, she took hold of his hand.
-
"They're holding hands..." Wanikawa said in a whisper. At this Hyouzoka sharply turned and looked at them only to have a confirmation.
"Maybe she's Suzuki's girlfriend." Habu commented.
He toppled over at Hyouzoka's punch in his gut.
-
Kurahashi Umi smiled as she looked at Kengo's home. She had gone out to buy groceries and even though it would be a much longer walk, she made a detour to pass by here.
She knew he wasn't there. But she was just feeling a bit sentimental right then.
'Kaasan, ittekimasu.' He had mailed earlier.
She smiled once more.
"Ganbatte." She whispered.
-
Instead of following their class to their classroom, Kobayashi and Daichi led Umi by the fire exit. When they were finally alone, Umi awkwardly release Daichi's hand.
"Sorry." She said meekly. "I'm not good with... crowds."
Daichi nodded, accepting this. But he could feel a blush forming. He had just held Umi's hand. The actress, Umi's hand. The only girl he'd ever had a crush on.
"So, uhm. You're looking for Mifune-senpai?" Daichi asked.
"Hai." She said. "Do you know where I could find him?"
Daichi and Kobayashi looked at each other. "I know where he lives but, isn't today...?" Daichi said, silently asking Kobayashi.
"I'll call Goro-senpai." Kobayashi said. And he walked a few feet away as he made his call.
Daichi turned back to Umi. "Why are you looking for him? If you don't mind me asking."
"Mifune Kengo... is my brother."
-
"Kengo?" Goro asked. "He just left. Why are you looking for him?"
"Er, the actress, Umi-chan is here looking for him." Kobayashi said.
"What??? Are you serious? She's back in Japan? She's in school with you? Can I talk to her? I'm a big fan of hers!"
"Ah, okay..." Kobayashi said. "Umi-san, Goro-senpai wants to talk to you. He's Mifune-senpai's friend."
Umi nodded and took the phone from Kobayashi.
"Hello?" She said softly.
"Oh my God, it's really you! I'm a big fan! This is so awesome!"
"Uhm, thank you... They said you're Mifune Kengo's friend?"
"Yes! I'm his best friend!" Goro boasted.
"Really?" Umi said excitedly. "Do you know where I can find him?"
"Kengo just left. He's off to New York for a boxing competition. I think he'll be back in a week." Goro said, still in his excited tone.
Umi's face fell. "He's gone?"
"Hai!" Goro said.
Amazingly and unexpectedly, Umi started crying. She collapsed on the floor and faded away in tears. Kobayashi had taken his phone back while Daichi tried to calm Umi down. He wasn't getting anywhere.
"Goro-senpai?" Kobayashi asked through his phone.
"Where's Umi??" Goro asked, sounding a bit irritated.
"She can't talk right now. What did you tell her?" He asked, looking back at Umi and Daichi. Daichi was crouching besides Umi looking uncomfortable.
"Told her Kengo's in New York and won't be back for a while." Goro said, sounding perplexed now.
Kobayashi turned to Daichi. "New York. Won't be back for a week."
Daichi gestured for Kobayashi to give him the phone. He did, and Kobayashi crouched down besides Umi as Daichi talked to Goro.
"Do you know how we contact him? It's an emergency. He kind of needs to be here right now." Daichi said.
"No way! This is a very important time for Kengo! You can't call him back. It's just a week. Surely this can wait. What's the big deal anyway?" Goro said.
"Right." Daichi said, feeling helpless. And without another word, he hung up.
Awkwardly, he crouched once more besides the still crying girl. Kobayashi stood up just then.
"My small animal instincts tell me this is your call." He said, and giving a last apologetic smile, he ran to the hallways calling out. "I'll go back to the classroom and get our books!"
"And he said he won't leave me because I'm his best friend." Daichi muttered darkly. And, shaking his head of other thoughts, he turned back to Umi.
"Umi-san... uhm, don’t cry. Goro-senpai said Mifune-senpai will be back in a week's time. I'm sure you can meet him by then." He said gently.
"But... I can't." Umi said, tears still trickling down her pretty face. "This is my only chance. I have no where to stay, and if I go back to my grandfather, he would make sure I don't meet him."
Daichi blinked, and slowly he asked, "Did you--perhaps--run away?"
Umi nodded miserably. "I've wanted to meet them for so long. I thought I could finally meet them now but..." And she started crying once more.
-
"That jerk actually hung up on me!" Goro said in frustration. "I still wanted to talk to Umi-chan..." He pouted.
But just then his boss called him.
"Hai. Coming!"
As he left, a shadow moved. A blonde guy smiled. He couldn't wait to tell Handa what he had overheard.
-
Kurahashi Umi was surprised to find Minoru waiting for her in front of their apartment. He smiled when he saw her and silently took the groceries from her.
"What are you doing here?" She asked him.
"Uhm, we have a situation." He said sheepishly.
Umi looked at him. "What is it?"
"Er, Daichi sort of...."
-
"So did you bring another runaway or is it a real girlfriend this time?" Umi said stonily and very loudly as she stomped inside their apartment.
She was welcomed with Daichi, Kobayashi and a girl's astonished face looking up at her.
She blinked, zooming in on the girl.
She hastily sat next to her, looking her full in the face.
"Oh my God, it's Umi-chan!" she said excitedly, beaming at her son.
"Yes, mom that's--"
"But what happened, dear?" She asked, looking at Umi and completely ignoring Daichi. "Have you been crying?"
Just that sentence and Umi's tears started falling once more.
"I... I've been searching for my brother, and now I finally knew where he lives but I might not meet him." And in a flurry of words, she had told them what had happened and they all had started crying.
Minoru was quite amazed of finding his new family and Kobayashi in tears just after a minute of arranging the groceries in the kitchen.
"I don't have anywhere to stay. And Kobayashi-kun told me I should stay here." Umi sobbed. "I'll just stay for the week. Just until Mifune Kengo comes back. I can pay for rent. I withdrew my earnings before I ran away. I just can't let go of this chance--" She abruptly stopped, realizing what she was saying.
She bowed low at them. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me. I didn't mean... I guess I should check in a hotel--"
"Nonsense!" Kurahashi Umi said. "You can stay here as long as you want! You don't have to pay for anything!" She said, gushing.
"But it might cause you trouble..." Umi said.
"It's no trouble at all!" Kurahashi Umi said. Daichi swore he could see her Kangaroo slipping out.
-
"I didn't know your mom was a fan." Kobayashi said as the two of them made their way out of the apartment.
"I didn't know either." Daichi said, sighing. It wasn't like he didn't want Umi in their house, he was just surprised. He didn't expect his mom to react like that. When he had brought Sora-san home, she had a very different reaction. Then again, it might be because he had already brought a girl home before that his mom was much tolerant this time. Plus it's an actress, who turned out to be Mifune's little sister. His mom always had a soft spot for his senpai.
"Well, I'll see you." Kobayashi said when they were finally out.
"Yeah. See you." Daichi said with a smile.
-
"Tadaima." Kobayashi Kouji called to his almost empty house. He was a bit surprised when someone had answered.
"Okaeri, Kouji."
"Mama." Kouji couldn't help but smile.
"Can you come here for a minute?" His mom called from the living room and he quickly went to her. His mama had become a lot warmer after the incident with the buttons.
"What is it, mama?"
She gestured for the sit next to her and he sat down, obligingly.
"Mama's friend asked for help. His granddaughter ran away from home and he suspects she's around our place." She said formally. "Will you help mama find her?" She asked, showing him a photo.
Kouji blinked in recognition. It was Umi-chan.
Kobayashi Michiko didn't miss this. "Do you know her?" She asked.
"Yes." Kouji said carefully. "Umi-chan... the actress."
"Yes." His mom nodded. "Will you help me find her?"
"Of course, mama."
-
Daichi lied awake in his futon. He just can't believe his mom kicked him out in their own apartment in favor of Umi-chan.
He sighed, feeling a bit neglected.
"Can't sleep?" Minoru-san said from his side. He was currently in Minoru's apartment. It seems he will be sleeping here for the duration of Umi's stay.
"Obviously." He said.
He heard Minoru let out a soft chuckle. "You know, I saw some of your baby pictures." Minoru said.
"Yeah?"
"In most of them, your mom dressed you in girl's clothing." He said.
"Yeah. She used to do that." He said.
"Maybe she wanted a daughter all along." Minoru commented. "Maybe now she just wants to pretend that Umi-chan is hers."
There was a pause and then Daichi sighed in defeat. "Yeah. Maybe."
-
Daichi had finally dozed off, but Minoru just had to turn sideways and invade his personal space. Sighing, Daichi had sat up and made his way out of Minoru's apartment and into their own.
He was surprised to see Umi-chan sitting by the couch. She turned to him, surprised as well.
With a jolt, Daichi realized she was wearing one of his old pajamas. He could feel his face burning.
"You're up." He said rather awkwardly.
"I can't sleep just yet..." She said shyly.
There was a pause and then Daichi said hastily, "Do you want some warm milk?"
-
The two of them sat down the dining table with hot milk in front of them. Gingerly, Umi gathered her cup and took a sip.
"What's that?" Daichi asked as he noticed that she was holding something else in her right hand.
"It's a dagger keychain." She said, looking at it fondly. "My dad gave it to me."
Daichi only nodded. And then, they were both engulfed in silence once more.
"I... need to adjust to the place before I can sleep in it." Umi said suddenly. It seems Daichi wasn't the only one feeling awkward at the silence.
Daichi blinked at what she said. "But you're an actress, right? Surely you've had to sleep in different places."
Umi gave him a small smile. "Yeah... I am a little weird. I don't do well in crowds as well, and I feel uncomfortable when people watch me." She said. "I guess it's because I'm a daddy's girl."
"You're a daddy's girl?" He asked.
"Uh-huh," She nodded. "I've been with my dad my whole life and I've always depended on him. It's my first time to be away from him, so I guess I'm a little nervous."
Daichi frowned at that. "Is... is it really okay that you stay here? Wouldn't your dad be worried? Wouldn't you feel uncomfortable?" He asked in a worried voice.
"I want to stay." Umi said. "My dad surely must be worried but we both need this. I need to see my mom and my brother."
"But wouldn't your dad want to see them, too?" He asked.
"He would." Umi said. "But my dad is also a bit of a mama's boy. I guess it runs in the family. He depends on my grandmother and he can't say no to my grandfather. And if the two of us wouldn't make a stand, we'll never meet my mom and brother. My grandfather wouldn't let us."
"Your grandfather doesn't want you to meet your mom?" Daichi asked gently.
Umi slowly nodded. "My grandfather is all about the family's name. He's the reason my mom abandoned my brother. Mifune Kengo is only my half brother. When mom and dad fell in love with each other, my dad didn't know mom already had a son. My mom kept it a secret from him, knowing this would be another excuse for my grandfather to separate them. My grandfather didn't approve of them from the start. My dad was an heir and mom..." She sighed. "It was a bit selfish of my mom to choose herself and my dad over my brother but she regretted it. When I was little she always talks about my brother. About Mifune Kengo. I've always known about him, I've always wanted to see him. I thought my dad knew about him, too and just didn't want to talk about him. He has a lot of things he didn't want to talk about."
"So you lived with your mom before." Daichi said, absorbing all of this. "How did you separate?"
A flash of pain pass through Umi's eyes. And Daichi almost took back his question but Umi answered.
"My mom fell ill when I was eight. My dad tried to keep it from my grandfather but he eventually found out. And the next thing we knew, my mom was gone. Sent back here in Japan. My grandfather forbade me and my dad to return. I could only return now thanks to my work, only I took an earlier flight." She explained.
"How did you know they were here?" Daichi asked.
"My grandfather." She said. "He knew about my brother all along, and he saw his name in a newspaper. I overheard him talking to his secretary about it. He said my mom is with my brother now."
There was a pause wherein the both of them sipped into their cups, but it wasn't awkward this time. Finally, Daichi placed his cup back at the table and turned to Umi with determination in his face.
"You'll meet your brother and your mom. I can promise you that." He said. "In fact, we can go to your mom tomorrow, or my mom can bring you there. We know where she is."
"Thank you so much." Umi said, bowing. Daichi wasn't very surprised to see tears filling her eyes. She must have had it rough.
"Don't mention it." Daichi said, giving her a smile.
"And thank you for the milk." Umi said. "I think I can sleep now."
"It's my pleasure." Daichi said.
"Uhm, what were you doing here, by the way?" She suddenly asked.
Daichi scratched his head. "I couldn't sleep as well. It was a bit awkward sleeping in Minoru-san's room. So I guess I'll just take the couch here." He said sheepishly.
Umi looked guilty.
"Suzuki-san, you can sleep with your mom. I can sleep here on the couch." She said.
"No!" Daichi said hastily. "I'll take the couch."
"But..."
"I insist." Daichi said firmly. He couldn't really let her sleep on the couch. That was just ridiculous.
"Uhm. Okay." She said, still looking doubtful. She made her way back to the room but before she slid the door close, she turned to him once more.
"Good night." She said softly.
Daichi smiled at her. "Good night."
Daichi lied awake in the couch for some more hours. He can't really fall asleep. He kept thinking about recent events.
-
"Mirai." The young woman said once more.
"Hai." Kanbe-sensei said, smiling gently at her. "Your son definitely has a bright future ahead of him. And you'll be there with him."
"Mirai." She said, again. But this time Kanbe noticed her widen eyes and her raised hand.
"Mirai." She called again. Kanbe glanced at where she was looking and was surprised to find a young lady there.
"Mirai." She said, very loudly this time.
The girl cried, and made her way towards them. "Mom!"
-
Kurahashi Umi was still a bit worried about Umi-chan. The young girl had insisted to be left in the hospital, saying she shouldn't cause too much trouble to her. Well, she was late for work, but all the same...
She sighed. She did make sure the young actress knew her way back to their apartment and she had given Umi her and Daichi's number just in case. But she still wasn't reassured. She just felt for her.
-
"Sensei." Mifune answered his phone, slowing into a stop. It was already night in New York but he had insisted his coach to let him jog. Jogging always make him relax.
"Mifune." Kanbe-sensei said.
"What is it?" He asked, panting a bit as he sat down on one of the benches.
"Your mom has a new visitor here." Kanbe said carefully. "She's saying she's your little sister."
Mifune paused; his face held no expression but his head was reeling.
"What?" He asked.
"You know how your mom always says the word 'Mirai'?" Kanbe started. "Well, I don't think she was talking about the future."
"What are you saying?" Mifune said, frustrated. He didn't understand what was happening.
His sensei sighed and he thought he might be feeling frustrated as well. "Your mom recognized her. The way she started recognizing you. She'd been saying 'Kengo' and 'Mirai' over and over again. I think she's looking for you. But you should focus on the competition for now. I just thought you'd hate it if I didn't tell you. Your sister is staying with the Suzuki's for now so I wouldn't worry. She said she'll wait for your return."
"Right." Mifune said; feeling more frustrated than ever.
"And Mifune." His sensei continued.
"What?" Mifune said, his patience wearing off.
"She paid for all your mom's expenses."
Mifune hung up the phone but didn't continue jogging. Seriously, how can he focus on the competition now?
He sighed, feeling his head might explode.
And then he remembered. Hastily, he took his wallet out and looked at the picture.
It was a picture of his mom carrying a baby in a bundle. He had found it in her hand the first time he saw her in the hospital. He had always thought it had been him. But now he wasn't sure. The baby was wrapped in the bundle that he can't really see the baby's face. Was this perhaps, his little sister?
Groaning in frustration, he returned his wallet in his pocket and started jogging once more. His sensei was right; he should focus on the competition for now. He'd face all of this after the competition. He can't be distracted right now.
-
Umi-chan had hesitatingly said goodbye to her mom after staying for about five hours. She hadn't even realized she'd been there that long. She knew Kurahashi-san and his son would be back home soon and she didn't want to worry them.
As she walked down the street, she couldn't help but looked at all the buildings and stores. It had been so long since she was in Japan that she had forgotten how it was here. She stopped as she saw a sweets shop. Smiling, she went inside the store.
-
"She's Mifune-senpai's sister?" Hyouzoka asked, taken aback.
"That's what Kobayashi said." Wanikawa said, shrugging. "She's a real beauty, though, eh?"
At that the other two boys nodded vigorously.
Hyouzoka growled in frustration. "That still doesn't explain why she has to stay with Suzuki!" She roared.
"Well you know how Suzuki is, he just can't not help." Habu pointed out.
"Paon!" Zou-san agreed.
"Besides, he's close with Mifune-senpai." Wanikawa said.
Hyouzoka frowned deeply but didn't say anything anymore.
As they passed, a young man took out his phone and started calling someone.
"You wouldn't believe this, Handa-san. That girl, Umi-chan, she's Mifune's sister!"
-
"Tadaima." Daichi called as he entered his home.
"Okaerinasai." Umi's voice responded.
He went to where her voice came from to see his mom, Minoru-san and Umi-san sitting in the dining table, eating cake.
"Sit down, Daichi. Umi-chan bought us cake." She said, gesturing for him to sit down.
"Thanks." Daichi said, smiling at Umi and sitting besides Minoru.
"It's the least I could do." Umi said and bowing formally she added, "Thank you for having me."
"We're glad to have you." His mom said, beaming at Umi. "You should eat as well, Umi-chan."
"Hai." Umi said, smiling. She took a spoonful and ate, but there were some icing left on the side of her mouth. His mom was quick to wipe it away, looking at Umi adoringly.
It kind of irritates Daichi. Why was his mom mothering Umi and ignoring him?
Sighing, he took the plate Minoru was handing him and sulkily ate.
"You know, strawberry cake is Daichi's favorite." Kurahashi Umi told the young actress, though still not looking at Daichi.
"Is that so? That's great to hear." She said, beaming at him. He hated it that he can't really stay annoyed at her for long.
"Daichi." His mom called, and finally she looked at him. "I was talking to Umi-chan. Would you mind bringing her to school tomorrow? She wanted to see where her brother had been training. We've talked about him while waiting for you."
"Tomorrow?" Daichi asked. "There's no school tomorrow. It's weekend."
"Yeah. That's why it should be tomorrow. It would be better since Umi-chan isn't good with crowds. You'll have the school for yourselves." His mom reasoned.
Daichi almost protested, since he had been planning on staying home tomorrow and just relaxing but one look at Umi and his resolution faltered. She was looking at him hopefully, and he knew she really wanted to go. But she looked uncertain as well, as if she didn't want to be a bother or something. How can he refuse her now?
"Yeah, sure." He said; feeling a bit defeated.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" Umi said, beaming at him.
Well, he guessed it can't be bad.
-
Daichi concluded that Umi-san just wouldn't stop surprising him. He had woken up, a bit grudgingly at the sound of his alarm clock, and started to get ready for the day with Umi-san. He still felt sleepy as he walked out the bathroom to find Umi-san, already prepared to go. The sight of her had definitely shaken the sleep away from him. She was, yet again, wearing some of his old clothes.
She blushed when she caught his gaze and Daichi hastily looked away.
"Uhm, I didn't have any spare clothes." She said. "Your mom prepared these for me. She said it would also be better this way so people wouldn't recognize me at once."
He looked back at her, trying to keep his cool. "That's true." He said. "So, let's go?"
"Hai." She said, beaming.
-
They arrived at school quickly enough. There were no students other than the varsities. The school in fact, is only open during weekends for their practice. Kanbe-sensei was there so they were given permission to enter the school easily. At first, Daichi lead Umi to the trophy room and showed her her brother's awards.
She looked so happy as she looked at each of them one by one. As if looking at these would connect her to her brother somehow. Then he showed her to their senpai's old classroom. He pointed to her where he sat. Mifune senpai's desk was the only one free of vandalism among all the chairs.
"He's not really all for the rules." Daichi told Umi. "But he's strict with his own principles. And he doesn't do anything that he thinks is unnecessary. He's very practical."
Umi nodded at this, smiling fondly.
"You really know him." She said. "I'm a bit envious."
"You'll get to know him, too." Daichi reassured her.
They last went to the boxing room.
"He spends most of his time here." Daichi said. "He wanted to be famous enough using boxing to find your mom. And he came to love boxing so he's doing his best to reach his dreams."
"You seem very fond of my brother." Umi commented.
Daichi grinned sheepishly. "Everyone is. He was our leader." He said. "Everyone looks up to him."
She looked around the room once more and let out a little chuckle.
"What is it?" Daichi asked. He couldn't help but smile with her.
"He really is my brother." She said, happily. "That was also the reason why I started acting. I wanted to somehow reach my mom."
Daichi's smile widen. "And you both did, finally." She said.
Umi nodded, agreeing.
-
COMMERCIAL. LJ SAYS IT'S TOO LONG. CONTINUATION HERE.
ps. i edited a suzuki daichi and umi-chan dream of doll, because the one they used in the drama is just plain creepy. /shot
Author: macymacymacy
Beta: crescentharpe (much love!)
Pairing: YamaShi
Genre: Family, Friendship, Fluff
Rating: G
AN:
-i did try to stick with the drama's format...
-gosh, i can't believe an episode is sooo long to write. /whacked.
-some OOCness
-Risou no Musuko spoilers, obviously.
Characters
Yamada Ryosuke as Suzuki Daichi
Suzuki Kyoka as Kurahashi Umi (since she remarried)
Sawamura Ikki as Kurahashi Minoru
Fujigaya Taisuke as Mifune Kengo
Nakajima Yuto as Kobayashi Kouji
Irie Jingi as Wanikawa
Emoto Tokio as Habu Yoshikazu
Moromizato Daisuke as Zou-san
Yoshinaga Jun as Hyouzoka
Takeda Kohei as Goro Uchiyama
Kendo Kobayashi as Kanbe Toshirou
Kaneko Nobuaki as Ikeda Fuyuhiko
Suzuki Anju as Kobayashi Mitsuko
Shida Mirai as Umi-chan imagine Shida Mirai from Bull Doctor. long haired and feminine. ^^
Fujiki Naohito as younger Fuji-san
Yamazaki Tsutomu as older Fuji-san
screencaps (in no particular order):
-
"Look, Daichi, they're saying Umi-chan will be returning to Japan." Kurahashi Umi said as she ate.
"Umi-chan?" Suzuki Daichi asked, looking a bit distracted and eating quickly.
Umi pointed at their brand new television. It was bought by Minoru a few days ago. "Umi-chan, that actress you've had a crush on when you were little." She said.
"Oh, that Umi-chan." Daichi said. He couldn't help but smile at his mother. He guessed it was really a good thing that she remarried. She had been a lot more relaxed since then.
"You've had a crush on her?" Kurahashi Minoru, who was sitting across Daichi, asked.
"I just thought she was cute." Daichi said, waving the question away. He ate a few more mouthfuls and then stood up. "I'm done. Thanks for the food. I'm going to be late for the opening ceremony. Ittekimasu." He said in one breath.
Minoru hastily stood up as well. "Daichi, wait." He called. "Then, ittekimasu." He said, turning to Umi and giving her a small smile. She returned it.
"Itterashai!" She called to her two men.
-
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Minoru asked as he sat down besides Daichi in the bus.
"10 minutes till the opening ceremony." Daichi said, a little anxiously.
"Eh, is it?" Minoru asked looking at his watch.
"Seriously. You and mom are too laid back these days. Haven't you noticed you're late everyday since the two of you married?" He asked, rolling his eyes in exasperation.
Minoru just gave him a grin. "I guess it's because we can depend on each other now that we can let ourselves relax." He said.
"Give it another month and you might get fired." Daichi pointed out.
"Don't be too tight. And about this Umi-chan..."
"What about her?" Daichi asked a bit surprised.
"Well, don't be offended but you have this image of being a mama's boy. I guess you aren't if you've had a crush on other girls." He said.
Daichi laughed. "I told you I'm not a mama's boy. I just love my mom."
Minoru laughed as well. "I guess so. It's not because that actress has the same name as your mom, right?"
"No." Daichi said quickly. "I had a crush on her when she was playing as 'Seira,' in her drama. I was just a kid; I thought then that her name was really 'Seira.'"
"Ah... so you are not a mama's boy. Well, not completely, at least." Minoru said.
"No, I'm not." Daichi agreed.
Minoru nodded. "Maybe you just have a very particular type."
Daichi shrugged, "Maybe."
-
"You shouldn't have waited for me, Kobayashi." Daichi said as both he and Kobayashi ran towards the school. They were running late.
"I can't not wait for you, you're my best friend!" Kobayashi said, indignantly.
"I know that. But being best friends doesn't mean you need to be late together." Daichi said, panting a bit.
"Here." Kobayashi pointed. "The new gate is already open. We can go through there."
During their spring break, the school had started its renovation. They are expanding the school now. According to rumors, the school might have plans of being coed. It was just a rumor, but in view of Hyouzoka's case, it was a possibility.
Daichi followed Kobayashi without second thoughts. He didn't really want to enter the gym in the middle of the ceremony and with everyone watching them.
But they slowed down when they noticed someone by the gates. It seems not everyone knew the gate was already open since there was no one there except the two of them and a girl waiting by the gates.
She perked up at the sight of them and Daichi's eyes widen at the realization of who it was.
"Suzuki... isn't that...?" Kobayashi murmured, pointing at the girl. The girl made her way to them.
"U-umi-chan?" Daichi said, disbelievingly.
"Mifune Kengo?"
-
-
"Kengo."
Mifune smiled as he looked at his mother. She had started recognizing him a few weeks back. The doctors said this was a good sign.
"Yeah? What is it, kaasan?" He asked gently.
"Kengo." She repeated.
"I'm here." Mifune assured her.
"Mirai." She said.
Mifune nodded. "That's right; we have the future for ourselves."
There was a knock on the door and Mifune turned to see his teacher, Kanbe.
"It's time to go, Kengo." He said.
"Hai." Mifune said, standing up. He turned back to his mom.
"I'll go now. I'll be back soon." He told her and gave her a small smile.
As he and his sensei walked out the room, Kanbe said, "I'll take care of her while you're away."
"Hai. Yoroshiku." Mifune said.
"And Kengo." Kanbe called. Mifune turned to him. "Good luck." He said, patting him on his shoulder.
"Arigatou."
-
"This is a disaster." An old man boomed into the empty restaurant. "What have you been teaching your daughter?!"
"She wouldn't have taken off if you've only let her see her mother!" A younger man said, equally angry.
"Mother? That woman is an embarrassment to our family! Your daughter is better off without a mother than having that filth in her life!" The old man roared.
The younger man clenched his fist but didn't say anything anymore.
Kobayashi Michiko decided to intervene. "Rest assured, Fuji-san. I will help you find your granddaughter." She said pleasantly.
"Yes please, Kobayashi-san. I don't think she could have gone very far. And as rumors has it, that woman-" He said the word in a disgusted tone. "-is somewhere near here. My granddaughter would definitely start looking for her here."
-
"Eh?" Daichi said, perplexed.
"Are you Mifune Kengo?" She asked again.
"Ah, no. I'm not. I'm Suzuki Daichi. Mifune-senpai already graduated." Daichi said.
She looked disappointed. "Oh." But she turned back to him, determination on her face. "But you know him. Can you tell me where he is?"
"Suzuki, I think the ceremony already started." Kobayashi said.
"Right." Daichi said. "Uhm, Umi-san, it's not a good time, we're already late. If you want, you can go back later, okay?" He said hastily.
"Oh, okay." She said understandingly.
Kobayashi called once more and the two of them entered the gate. But before they were far, they both heard a man's voice. They turned to see a guy - not a student - talking to Umi.
"Are you lost? Wow, you look familiar."
"I'm looking for Mifune Kengo." She said.
The guy grinned. "Oh, Kengo! I know him, come on, I'll show you." He said and Daichi was almost shocked to see Umi willingly going with him.
Daichi ran back to Umi and grabbed hold of her wrist. "I changed my mind, you're coming with us." She started pulling her away before the man could react.
"What the hell, man?!"
"He said he knows Mifune Kengo." Umi tried to say, keeping up with Daichi's pace.
"He's lying." Daichi said simply. "Now come on." And the both of them and Kobayashi ran inside the school.
The ceremony had already started when they entered the school's gymnasium. The new students were already sitting and their principal was already saying his opening remarks. They tried to walk in discreetly, but it was futile. Everyone had started staring at them. For one, they are late; for another, Sea King's new leader, Kobayashi is with them; and lastly, they have a girl with them. And many students and some teachers seem to be recognizing her.
"Is... that Umi-chan?"
"It can't be! It must be some look-alike!"
"She's just as pretty!"
"What is Umi-chan doing here?"
"It can't be her!"
Daichi tried to ignore all their whispers and made walked straight to their class' line, Umi-san in tow. When he reached his friends, all of them were gaping openly at them. He would have laughed at their shocked faces but he really didn't need any more attention drawn to them.
"I'll explain later." He said in a hasty whisper. "Listen to the principal." He chided them.
They turned back to the stage but from time to time they still looked back to Umi.
Daichi was a bit surprised when he felt Umi moved closer to him. He turned to her to see her face anxious and looking down on the floor. He felt a bit sorry for her. It really wasn't comfortable to have everyone look at you. And then he remembered she is an actress. Shouldn't she be used to getting many attentions?
He was distracted when again, his friends and other classmates turned back to look at Umi simultaneously. He sighed in exasperation. "Leave her alone for a while. I said I'll explain later."
His classmates hastily turned their heads back to the front.
He heard Umi let an audible sigh of relief.
"Thank you." She said softly.
He turned to give her a small smile but she wasn't looking at him. She was looking worriedly at the third years who were openly ogling at her. Unconsciously, it seems, she took hold of his hand.
-
"They're holding hands..." Wanikawa said in a whisper. At this Hyouzoka sharply turned and looked at them only to have a confirmation.
"Maybe she's Suzuki's girlfriend." Habu commented.
He toppled over at Hyouzoka's punch in his gut.
-
Kurahashi Umi smiled as she looked at Kengo's home. She had gone out to buy groceries and even though it would be a much longer walk, she made a detour to pass by here.
She knew he wasn't there. But she was just feeling a bit sentimental right then.
'Kaasan, ittekimasu.' He had mailed earlier.
She smiled once more.
"Ganbatte." She whispered.
-
Instead of following their class to their classroom, Kobayashi and Daichi led Umi by the fire exit. When they were finally alone, Umi awkwardly release Daichi's hand.
"Sorry." She said meekly. "I'm not good with... crowds."
Daichi nodded, accepting this. But he could feel a blush forming. He had just held Umi's hand. The actress, Umi's hand. The only girl he'd ever had a crush on.
"So, uhm. You're looking for Mifune-senpai?" Daichi asked.
"Hai." She said. "Do you know where I could find him?"
Daichi and Kobayashi looked at each other. "I know where he lives but, isn't today...?" Daichi said, silently asking Kobayashi.
"I'll call Goro-senpai." Kobayashi said. And he walked a few feet away as he made his call.
Daichi turned back to Umi. "Why are you looking for him? If you don't mind me asking."
"Mifune Kengo... is my brother."
-
"Kengo?" Goro asked. "He just left. Why are you looking for him?"
"Er, the actress, Umi-chan is here looking for him." Kobayashi said.
"What??? Are you serious? She's back in Japan? She's in school with you? Can I talk to her? I'm a big fan of hers!"
"Ah, okay..." Kobayashi said. "Umi-san, Goro-senpai wants to talk to you. He's Mifune-senpai's friend."
Umi nodded and took the phone from Kobayashi.
"Hello?" She said softly.
"Oh my God, it's really you! I'm a big fan! This is so awesome!"
"Uhm, thank you... They said you're Mifune Kengo's friend?"
"Yes! I'm his best friend!" Goro boasted.
"Really?" Umi said excitedly. "Do you know where I can find him?"
"Kengo just left. He's off to New York for a boxing competition. I think he'll be back in a week." Goro said, still in his excited tone.
Umi's face fell. "He's gone?"
"Hai!" Goro said.
Amazingly and unexpectedly, Umi started crying. She collapsed on the floor and faded away in tears. Kobayashi had taken his phone back while Daichi tried to calm Umi down. He wasn't getting anywhere.
"Goro-senpai?" Kobayashi asked through his phone.
"Where's Umi??" Goro asked, sounding a bit irritated.
"She can't talk right now. What did you tell her?" He asked, looking back at Umi and Daichi. Daichi was crouching besides Umi looking uncomfortable.
"Told her Kengo's in New York and won't be back for a while." Goro said, sounding perplexed now.
Kobayashi turned to Daichi. "New York. Won't be back for a week."
Daichi gestured for Kobayashi to give him the phone. He did, and Kobayashi crouched down besides Umi as Daichi talked to Goro.
"Do you know how we contact him? It's an emergency. He kind of needs to be here right now." Daichi said.
"No way! This is a very important time for Kengo! You can't call him back. It's just a week. Surely this can wait. What's the big deal anyway?" Goro said.
"Right." Daichi said, feeling helpless. And without another word, he hung up.
Awkwardly, he crouched once more besides the still crying girl. Kobayashi stood up just then.
"My small animal instincts tell me this is your call." He said, and giving a last apologetic smile, he ran to the hallways calling out. "I'll go back to the classroom and get our books!"
"And he said he won't leave me because I'm his best friend." Daichi muttered darkly. And, shaking his head of other thoughts, he turned back to Umi.
"Umi-san... uhm, don’t cry. Goro-senpai said Mifune-senpai will be back in a week's time. I'm sure you can meet him by then." He said gently.
"But... I can't." Umi said, tears still trickling down her pretty face. "This is my only chance. I have no where to stay, and if I go back to my grandfather, he would make sure I don't meet him."
Daichi blinked, and slowly he asked, "Did you--perhaps--run away?"
Umi nodded miserably. "I've wanted to meet them for so long. I thought I could finally meet them now but..." And she started crying once more.
-
"That jerk actually hung up on me!" Goro said in frustration. "I still wanted to talk to Umi-chan..." He pouted.
But just then his boss called him.
"Hai. Coming!"
As he left, a shadow moved. A blonde guy smiled. He couldn't wait to tell Handa what he had overheard.
-
Kurahashi Umi was surprised to find Minoru waiting for her in front of their apartment. He smiled when he saw her and silently took the groceries from her.
"What are you doing here?" She asked him.
"Uhm, we have a situation." He said sheepishly.
Umi looked at him. "What is it?"
"Er, Daichi sort of...."
-
"So did you bring another runaway or is it a real girlfriend this time?" Umi said stonily and very loudly as she stomped inside their apartment.
She was welcomed with Daichi, Kobayashi and a girl's astonished face looking up at her.
She blinked, zooming in on the girl.
She hastily sat next to her, looking her full in the face.
"Oh my God, it's Umi-chan!" she said excitedly, beaming at her son.
"Yes, mom that's--"
"But what happened, dear?" She asked, looking at Umi and completely ignoring Daichi. "Have you been crying?"
Just that sentence and Umi's tears started falling once more.
"I... I've been searching for my brother, and now I finally knew where he lives but I might not meet him." And in a flurry of words, she had told them what had happened and they all had started crying.
Minoru was quite amazed of finding his new family and Kobayashi in tears just after a minute of arranging the groceries in the kitchen.
"I don't have anywhere to stay. And Kobayashi-kun told me I should stay here." Umi sobbed. "I'll just stay for the week. Just until Mifune Kengo comes back. I can pay for rent. I withdrew my earnings before I ran away. I just can't let go of this chance--" She abruptly stopped, realizing what she was saying.
She bowed low at them. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me. I didn't mean... I guess I should check in a hotel--"
"Nonsense!" Kurahashi Umi said. "You can stay here as long as you want! You don't have to pay for anything!" She said, gushing.
"But it might cause you trouble..." Umi said.
"It's no trouble at all!" Kurahashi Umi said. Daichi swore he could see her Kangaroo slipping out.
-
"I didn't know your mom was a fan." Kobayashi said as the two of them made their way out of the apartment.
"I didn't know either." Daichi said, sighing. It wasn't like he didn't want Umi in their house, he was just surprised. He didn't expect his mom to react like that. When he had brought Sora-san home, she had a very different reaction. Then again, it might be because he had already brought a girl home before that his mom was much tolerant this time. Plus it's an actress, who turned out to be Mifune's little sister. His mom always had a soft spot for his senpai.
"Well, I'll see you." Kobayashi said when they were finally out.
"Yeah. See you." Daichi said with a smile.
-
"Tadaima." Kobayashi Kouji called to his almost empty house. He was a bit surprised when someone had answered.
"Okaeri, Kouji."
"Mama." Kouji couldn't help but smile.
"Can you come here for a minute?" His mom called from the living room and he quickly went to her. His mama had become a lot warmer after the incident with the buttons.
"What is it, mama?"
She gestured for the sit next to her and he sat down, obligingly.
"Mama's friend asked for help. His granddaughter ran away from home and he suspects she's around our place." She said formally. "Will you help mama find her?" She asked, showing him a photo.
Kouji blinked in recognition. It was Umi-chan.
Kobayashi Michiko didn't miss this. "Do you know her?" She asked.
"Yes." Kouji said carefully. "Umi-chan... the actress."
"Yes." His mom nodded. "Will you help me find her?"
"Of course, mama."
-
Daichi lied awake in his futon. He just can't believe his mom kicked him out in their own apartment in favor of Umi-chan.
He sighed, feeling a bit neglected.
"Can't sleep?" Minoru-san said from his side. He was currently in Minoru's apartment. It seems he will be sleeping here for the duration of Umi's stay.
"Obviously." He said.
He heard Minoru let out a soft chuckle. "You know, I saw some of your baby pictures." Minoru said.
"Yeah?"
"In most of them, your mom dressed you in girl's clothing." He said.
"Yeah. She used to do that." He said.
"Maybe she wanted a daughter all along." Minoru commented. "Maybe now she just wants to pretend that Umi-chan is hers."
There was a pause and then Daichi sighed in defeat. "Yeah. Maybe."
-
Daichi had finally dozed off, but Minoru just had to turn sideways and invade his personal space. Sighing, Daichi had sat up and made his way out of Minoru's apartment and into their own.
He was surprised to see Umi-chan sitting by the couch. She turned to him, surprised as well.
With a jolt, Daichi realized she was wearing one of his old pajamas. He could feel his face burning.
"You're up." He said rather awkwardly.
"I can't sleep just yet..." She said shyly.
There was a pause and then Daichi said hastily, "Do you want some warm milk?"
-
The two of them sat down the dining table with hot milk in front of them. Gingerly, Umi gathered her cup and took a sip.
"What's that?" Daichi asked as he noticed that she was holding something else in her right hand.
"It's a dagger keychain." She said, looking at it fondly. "My dad gave it to me."
Daichi only nodded. And then, they were both engulfed in silence once more.
"I... need to adjust to the place before I can sleep in it." Umi said suddenly. It seems Daichi wasn't the only one feeling awkward at the silence.
Daichi blinked at what she said. "But you're an actress, right? Surely you've had to sleep in different places."
Umi gave him a small smile. "Yeah... I am a little weird. I don't do well in crowds as well, and I feel uncomfortable when people watch me." She said. "I guess it's because I'm a daddy's girl."
"You're a daddy's girl?" He asked.
"Uh-huh," She nodded. "I've been with my dad my whole life and I've always depended on him. It's my first time to be away from him, so I guess I'm a little nervous."
Daichi frowned at that. "Is... is it really okay that you stay here? Wouldn't your dad be worried? Wouldn't you feel uncomfortable?" He asked in a worried voice.
"I want to stay." Umi said. "My dad surely must be worried but we both need this. I need to see my mom and my brother."
"But wouldn't your dad want to see them, too?" He asked.
"He would." Umi said. "But my dad is also a bit of a mama's boy. I guess it runs in the family. He depends on my grandmother and he can't say no to my grandfather. And if the two of us wouldn't make a stand, we'll never meet my mom and brother. My grandfather wouldn't let us."
"Your grandfather doesn't want you to meet your mom?" Daichi asked gently.
Umi slowly nodded. "My grandfather is all about the family's name. He's the reason my mom abandoned my brother. Mifune Kengo is only my half brother. When mom and dad fell in love with each other, my dad didn't know mom already had a son. My mom kept it a secret from him, knowing this would be another excuse for my grandfather to separate them. My grandfather didn't approve of them from the start. My dad was an heir and mom..." She sighed. "It was a bit selfish of my mom to choose herself and my dad over my brother but she regretted it. When I was little she always talks about my brother. About Mifune Kengo. I've always known about him, I've always wanted to see him. I thought my dad knew about him, too and just didn't want to talk about him. He has a lot of things he didn't want to talk about."
"So you lived with your mom before." Daichi said, absorbing all of this. "How did you separate?"
A flash of pain pass through Umi's eyes. And Daichi almost took back his question but Umi answered.
"My mom fell ill when I was eight. My dad tried to keep it from my grandfather but he eventually found out. And the next thing we knew, my mom was gone. Sent back here in Japan. My grandfather forbade me and my dad to return. I could only return now thanks to my work, only I took an earlier flight." She explained.
"How did you know they were here?" Daichi asked.
"My grandfather." She said. "He knew about my brother all along, and he saw his name in a newspaper. I overheard him talking to his secretary about it. He said my mom is with my brother now."
There was a pause wherein the both of them sipped into their cups, but it wasn't awkward this time. Finally, Daichi placed his cup back at the table and turned to Umi with determination in his face.
"You'll meet your brother and your mom. I can promise you that." He said. "In fact, we can go to your mom tomorrow, or my mom can bring you there. We know where she is."
"Thank you so much." Umi said, bowing. Daichi wasn't very surprised to see tears filling her eyes. She must have had it rough.
"Don't mention it." Daichi said, giving her a smile.
"And thank you for the milk." Umi said. "I think I can sleep now."
"It's my pleasure." Daichi said.
"Uhm, what were you doing here, by the way?" She suddenly asked.
Daichi scratched his head. "I couldn't sleep as well. It was a bit awkward sleeping in Minoru-san's room. So I guess I'll just take the couch here." He said sheepishly.
Umi looked guilty.
"Suzuki-san, you can sleep with your mom. I can sleep here on the couch." She said.
"No!" Daichi said hastily. "I'll take the couch."
"But..."
"I insist." Daichi said firmly. He couldn't really let her sleep on the couch. That was just ridiculous.
"Uhm. Okay." She said, still looking doubtful. She made her way back to the room but before she slid the door close, she turned to him once more.
"Good night." She said softly.
Daichi smiled at her. "Good night."
Daichi lied awake in the couch for some more hours. He can't really fall asleep. He kept thinking about recent events.
-
"Mirai." The young woman said once more.
"Hai." Kanbe-sensei said, smiling gently at her. "Your son definitely has a bright future ahead of him. And you'll be there with him."
"Mirai." She said, again. But this time Kanbe noticed her widen eyes and her raised hand.
"Mirai." She called again. Kanbe glanced at where she was looking and was surprised to find a young lady there.
"Mirai." She said, very loudly this time.
The girl cried, and made her way towards them. "Mom!"
-
Kurahashi Umi was still a bit worried about Umi-chan. The young girl had insisted to be left in the hospital, saying she shouldn't cause too much trouble to her. Well, she was late for work, but all the same...
She sighed. She did make sure the young actress knew her way back to their apartment and she had given Umi her and Daichi's number just in case. But she still wasn't reassured. She just felt for her.
-
"Sensei." Mifune answered his phone, slowing into a stop. It was already night in New York but he had insisted his coach to let him jog. Jogging always make him relax.
"Mifune." Kanbe-sensei said.
"What is it?" He asked, panting a bit as he sat down on one of the benches.
"Your mom has a new visitor here." Kanbe said carefully. "She's saying she's your little sister."
Mifune paused; his face held no expression but his head was reeling.
"What?" He asked.
"You know how your mom always says the word 'Mirai'?" Kanbe started. "Well, I don't think she was talking about the future."
"What are you saying?" Mifune said, frustrated. He didn't understand what was happening.
His sensei sighed and he thought he might be feeling frustrated as well. "Your mom recognized her. The way she started recognizing you. She'd been saying 'Kengo' and 'Mirai' over and over again. I think she's looking for you. But you should focus on the competition for now. I just thought you'd hate it if I didn't tell you. Your sister is staying with the Suzuki's for now so I wouldn't worry. She said she'll wait for your return."
"Right." Mifune said; feeling more frustrated than ever.
"And Mifune." His sensei continued.
"What?" Mifune said, his patience wearing off.
"She paid for all your mom's expenses."
Mifune hung up the phone but didn't continue jogging. Seriously, how can he focus on the competition now?
He sighed, feeling his head might explode.
And then he remembered. Hastily, he took his wallet out and looked at the picture.
It was a picture of his mom carrying a baby in a bundle. He had found it in her hand the first time he saw her in the hospital. He had always thought it had been him. But now he wasn't sure. The baby was wrapped in the bundle that he can't really see the baby's face. Was this perhaps, his little sister?
Groaning in frustration, he returned his wallet in his pocket and started jogging once more. His sensei was right; he should focus on the competition for now. He'd face all of this after the competition. He can't be distracted right now.
-
Umi-chan had hesitatingly said goodbye to her mom after staying for about five hours. She hadn't even realized she'd been there that long. She knew Kurahashi-san and his son would be back home soon and she didn't want to worry them.
As she walked down the street, she couldn't help but looked at all the buildings and stores. It had been so long since she was in Japan that she had forgotten how it was here. She stopped as she saw a sweets shop. Smiling, she went inside the store.
-
"She's Mifune-senpai's sister?" Hyouzoka asked, taken aback.
"That's what Kobayashi said." Wanikawa said, shrugging. "She's a real beauty, though, eh?"
At that the other two boys nodded vigorously.
Hyouzoka growled in frustration. "That still doesn't explain why she has to stay with Suzuki!" She roared.
"Well you know how Suzuki is, he just can't not help." Habu pointed out.
"Paon!" Zou-san agreed.
"Besides, he's close with Mifune-senpai." Wanikawa said.
Hyouzoka frowned deeply but didn't say anything anymore.
As they passed, a young man took out his phone and started calling someone.
"You wouldn't believe this, Handa-san. That girl, Umi-chan, she's Mifune's sister!"
-
"Tadaima." Daichi called as he entered his home.
"Okaerinasai." Umi's voice responded.
He went to where her voice came from to see his mom, Minoru-san and Umi-san sitting in the dining table, eating cake.
"Sit down, Daichi. Umi-chan bought us cake." She said, gesturing for him to sit down.
"Thanks." Daichi said, smiling at Umi and sitting besides Minoru.
"It's the least I could do." Umi said and bowing formally she added, "Thank you for having me."
"We're glad to have you." His mom said, beaming at Umi. "You should eat as well, Umi-chan."
"Hai." Umi said, smiling. She took a spoonful and ate, but there were some icing left on the side of her mouth. His mom was quick to wipe it away, looking at Umi adoringly.
It kind of irritates Daichi. Why was his mom mothering Umi and ignoring him?
Sighing, he took the plate Minoru was handing him and sulkily ate.
"You know, strawberry cake is Daichi's favorite." Kurahashi Umi told the young actress, though still not looking at Daichi.
"Is that so? That's great to hear." She said, beaming at him. He hated it that he can't really stay annoyed at her for long.
"Daichi." His mom called, and finally she looked at him. "I was talking to Umi-chan. Would you mind bringing her to school tomorrow? She wanted to see where her brother had been training. We've talked about him while waiting for you."
"Tomorrow?" Daichi asked. "There's no school tomorrow. It's weekend."
"Yeah. That's why it should be tomorrow. It would be better since Umi-chan isn't good with crowds. You'll have the school for yourselves." His mom reasoned.
Daichi almost protested, since he had been planning on staying home tomorrow and just relaxing but one look at Umi and his resolution faltered. She was looking at him hopefully, and he knew she really wanted to go. But she looked uncertain as well, as if she didn't want to be a bother or something. How can he refuse her now?
"Yeah, sure." He said; feeling a bit defeated.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" Umi said, beaming at him.
Well, he guessed it can't be bad.
-
Daichi concluded that Umi-san just wouldn't stop surprising him. He had woken up, a bit grudgingly at the sound of his alarm clock, and started to get ready for the day with Umi-san. He still felt sleepy as he walked out the bathroom to find Umi-san, already prepared to go. The sight of her had definitely shaken the sleep away from him. She was, yet again, wearing some of his old clothes.
She blushed when she caught his gaze and Daichi hastily looked away.
"Uhm, I didn't have any spare clothes." She said. "Your mom prepared these for me. She said it would also be better this way so people wouldn't recognize me at once."
He looked back at her, trying to keep his cool. "That's true." He said. "So, let's go?"
"Hai." She said, beaming.
-
They arrived at school quickly enough. There were no students other than the varsities. The school in fact, is only open during weekends for their practice. Kanbe-sensei was there so they were given permission to enter the school easily. At first, Daichi lead Umi to the trophy room and showed her her brother's awards.
She looked so happy as she looked at each of them one by one. As if looking at these would connect her to her brother somehow. Then he showed her to their senpai's old classroom. He pointed to her where he sat. Mifune senpai's desk was the only one free of vandalism among all the chairs.
"He's not really all for the rules." Daichi told Umi. "But he's strict with his own principles. And he doesn't do anything that he thinks is unnecessary. He's very practical."
Umi nodded at this, smiling fondly.
"You really know him." She said. "I'm a bit envious."
"You'll get to know him, too." Daichi reassured her.
They last went to the boxing room.
"He spends most of his time here." Daichi said. "He wanted to be famous enough using boxing to find your mom. And he came to love boxing so he's doing his best to reach his dreams."
"You seem very fond of my brother." Umi commented.
Daichi grinned sheepishly. "Everyone is. He was our leader." He said. "Everyone looks up to him."
She looked around the room once more and let out a little chuckle.
"What is it?" Daichi asked. He couldn't help but smile with her.
"He really is my brother." She said, happily. "That was also the reason why I started acting. I wanted to somehow reach my mom."
Daichi's smile widen. "And you both did, finally." She said.
Umi nodded, agreeing.
-
COMMERCIAL. LJ SAYS IT'S TOO LONG. CONTINUATION HERE.
ps. i edited a suzuki daichi and umi-chan dream of doll, because the one they used in the drama is just plain creepy. /shot