[FANFIC] Saima14's All The Little Things p3
not by me.
Title: All The Little Things
Author: mai/saima14
Paring: Inoo Kei x OC
Genre: Familial, Friendship, Fluff, Angst, Slice of Life
AN:
- this will be a multi-drabble fic... 30 continuous drabbles for each day of september. i've already made the first 20... i hope i can finish them all by weekend. :D
( sept. 1-10 )
( sept. 11-20 )
#21
Kei wasn't surprise to see his mom crying. She can be emotional at times. It's where he gets it from, anyway.
He smiled as he looked at his whole family.
Broken or not, whatever people would call his family, he didn't care. All that matters at the moment was that everyone of them were here during his special day.
His mom, his dad, Aki, his mom's new husband, Aoki-san, Kaori, and even Jam and An was there.
Kei smiled as his name was called. He made it.
-
After the graduation ceremony, he and his family took tons of pictures.
A solo picture. A picture with Aki and Kaori. A picture with his dad, his mom, Aki and the dogs. A picture with his dad, Aoki-san and Kaori. A picture with everyone of them.
His mom had congratulated him with a hug and a teary kiss, his dad a simple pat on the back. Aoki-san had hugged him as well. Aki had teased him about finally being able to be of use to the society. Kaori had simply smiled at him. He knew at once what she meant.
All them then went to a Chinese restaurant to celebrate. It was fun til it lasted.
Kei had felt very proud of himself. All of his hardwork was very worth it.
As the sky darkens, the two families finally had to say goodbye.
He felt a bit lonely at the reminder that his family was divided. But it was a memorable day, nonetheless.
His current family got on their car and finally Kei could feel his exhaustion from all the events of the day.
Sitting at the back seat with Kaori, he closed his eyes and leaned his head back, relaxing.
He didn't see Kaori smiled as she watched him.
Softly, she said. "You made it."
Kei opened his eyes and looked at her.
He smiled.
"Un. Next year it'll be your turn."
"Hm, I hope so." Kaori said.
"I'm sure you'll make it. You're Kaori after all." Kei said, chuckling a bit.
Kaori smiled. "Maybe that's true."'
AN:
-med course in japan is for 6 years.
-
#22
KEI's POV
I found her sleeping on our couch.
I panicked at first. My dad had told me when he found her in our couch with fever.
I sighed in relief to find that it seems she had really just dozed off this time. It seems that she had been studying, as per usual. I remembered when I asked her why she studies so much.
"Well, it's like cells. Right now, I'm still unspecialized. Like a zygote. I need to find my path. To know if I'll be part of an eye or an arm. To know where I'll end; to be specialized. You're specialized now, since you already have a degree." She said a bit distracted because she was still staring at her notes.
"You're such a nerd." I teased.
I smiled at the memory. Kaori sure likes to play with her words.
I checked the time. It was already pass nine. It was just the two of in the house tonight. It was our parent's anniversary, and since they hadn't really have their honeymoon, Kaori and I had persuaded them to go this time. They would be back during the weekend.
Deciding for a moment, I cautiously lifted Kaori from the couch and carried her to her room. It was already late and she looked tired so might as well transfer her to her room.
She was light, being small as she is. I didn't have any problems carrying her to her room.
I set her to her bed and covered her with her blanket. I smiled as she snuggled to her pillow.
I went back downstairs to get her things.
Her things were scattered in the living room table. School things such as notebooks, hand-outs, journals and books.
That was when I noticed it.
Written in her school things was the name, 'Katsuragi Kaori.'
She was still using his grandfather's surname.
I realized she was the only one with a different surname in this house.
I didn't really know what that meant to me. I continued arranging her things and I came accross something just as interesting.
It was her notebook. It laid opened on the table.
I had heard before from Aoki-san that Kaori had the hobby of writing stories and poems. But I never much thought about that.
But one word written in the notebook caught my eye.
It was the word, 'Maybe.'
I was intrigued. She do tend to use the word very often.
There were some English words written there, but I couldn't understand.
I turned a page and saw a paragraph in Japanese this time.
'Maybe.' was written at the start of the paragraph.
I read on.
Such a curious word. A word of hope and fear and yes and no and goodbye forever and regret. Sometimes and never and always and forever. The constant wondering and whispering and blusteringly vague answers. Too pleased to give a ‘no’, but not nearly as optimistic as to say yes. Neither positive nor negative, neither up or down or anything specific. Maybe it’s nothing at all, but maybe it’s something after all. Just maybe.
I didn't know what to make of it.
Could she be..?
Hmm. Maybe.
AN:
-the specialized & maybe parts are really from macymacymacy XD
-
#23
Kaori stepped out of their bathroom feeling very refreshed.
It was still hot even though autumn was fast approaching.
She walked over to her closet and frowned to see it almost empty.
It has just been two days since her parents had gone but she was already running out of clothes to wear. Not that she didn't have much clothes, but all her favorites was already in the laundry. What was left were all girly clothes her mom had bought her to try and bring out the girl in her. Or so her mom would say.
It wasn't like she didn't like them. But she was just more comfortable with baggy clothes.
She then noticed the shirt.
It was the shirt Kei had given her. The one from his Ya-ya-yah show. Smiling, Kaori took it and wore it together with a mini skirt (well, she doesn't have any other choice).
Kaori then lied down her bed, sighing in content.
She was planning on spending the day just relaxing. She wasn't planning on studying today, thinking she should at least feel the summer vacation even for just a day.
She was alone in the house today since Kei, as usual, had work. She didn't mind it much. Truthfully, it was a bit awkward when he's around, knowing they were alone in the house.
--
Kaori opened her player then, listening to music. Hey Say JUMP's newest album. She had become a fan, well, it was unavoidable.
Just then her phone started ringing. Sitting up, she took her phone from her bedside table and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Kaori-chan." It was Kei. "Uhm, are you home? Are you busy?"
"No, why? Did something happen?" Kaori answered, worried. Kei sounded panicked.
"Can I asked you a favor? I'm sorry if--"
"Sure, what is it?"
"I left my blueprint in my room. The one for JUMP's next stage. And I need to give it to Julie-san today. Can you--"
"I'll be there in a few." Kaori said hastily.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" Kei said.
Kaori had found the blueprint on Kei's study table. She took one of her jackets and then left to the jimusho. She was there within fifteen minutes. She hasten cause she knew how important it was for Kei. Kei had been working on it for weeks. He had also mentioned it was his dream that JUMP use a stage he designed.
Kaori had called Kei right before she arrived at the place and when she entered the building, she had found Kei waiting for her in the lobby.
--
"Thank you so much. Wait right here, I'll be right back." Was Kei's hurried words when he took the stage plan. So Kaori had found herself waiting there for Kei.
True to his words, Kei was back after less than five minutes. Now he looked relieved and happy.
"Will they use it?" Kaori asked as Kei approached her.
Kei grinned and nodded.
"That's great!" Kaori said, grinning as well.
"Un. Thank you so much Kaori-chan. You're a lifesaver!" Kei said, ruffling Kaori's hair.
Kaori removed his hand and groaned, but smile anyway.
"So, as thanks, let's go and eat out!" Kei suddenly announced.
"Eh? What about work?" Kaori asked.
"We're finished for today." Kei said. "Ah, but are you busy?" Kei said, looking a bit apprehensive.
"No. I was planning on just relaxing today." Kaori said.
"Then it's perfect." Kei said now grinning more broadly. "Come on. I know this Korean restaurant." Kei took Kaori's hand and pulled her out the building.
"Well, I guess it can also be a sort of early celebration for my birthday." Kaori commented as they walked.
"Nah, I'm preparing something different for that. I'm almost finished with your gift." Kei said.
Kaori looked at him. "You're not gonna give me a model for my future house, aren't you?" She asked.
"Too early! Get married first!" Kei said, laughing.
"Then you'll really design my future house?" Kaori said, grinning.
Kei pursed her lips. "Well, fine. In return, whenever I get sick, you'll have to treat me for free. Oh, and the whole JUMP as well."
"That's too much! I need to make a living you know!"
Unbeknownst to the two, a pair of eyes were watching them.
-
#24
YABU's POV
It was my first time seeing Inoo-chan like that. He looks so defeated. He's very worried.
I looked at the tabloid magazine on the table in front of us.
A picture of Inoo and Kaori-san was spread through the page. Inoo's face was very clear but Kaori's was smudged in purpose. It was no doubt that it was the two of them, though. Kaori-san was even wearing Inoo's Ya-ya-yah shirt. They were holding hands.
Now the press was all over it.
I heard Takaki sighed and looked at him. He, too, looked worried. He was watching Inoo.
Well, he had his own experiences.
"Uhm," Takaki started. I watched. It was just the three of us in our dressing room. We would be recording for Yan Yan JUMP in a while. Julie-san had given us the tabloid magazine just a while ago. And since then, Inoo had been quiet.
Inoo looked at Takaki with a smile. Acting as if nothing happened.
"You know, Inoo-chan--"
"Kaori's a strong girl." I cut Takaki off before he could say anything stupid.
"That's true." Takaki followed immediately. "So you don't have to worry, Inoo-chan."
Inoo smiled but didn't look at us. "Being strong doesn't mean you won't get hurt. Sometimes, it's even more painful to be strong."
"It's not like you were doing something wrong." I said.
He sighed and then pointed at the picture. "We look like a couple here."
I couldn't help but sigh as well. "Yes, you do."
"Falling in love is like the rain." Takaki suddenly said. "It's unpredictable, but there are always signs before it completely falls."
I looked at him in surprised. Inoo suddenly laughed.
"What the hell, Yuyan? Are you confessing to me?" He said, laughing loudly, though his eyes remain cold.
"We've known you for years, Inoo, we can tell." I supplied. Takaki nodded.
"You've noticed, haven't you? Your feelings... The both of you..." I continued to say.
Finally Inoo looked at us.
"Maybe. But right now I just want to protect my stepsister."
The next day, the agency told the media all about his parent's divorce and his dad remarrying a single mother.
-
#25
Kei new he didn't do anything wrong.
He was convinced that he did the right thing.
Still, he didn't know why, but he couldn't imagine facing Kaori when he got home after the agency had announce their family's status.
So that day, he had persuaded Hikaru to let him stay overnight at his apartment.
Hikaru was certain Inoo shouldn't ran fom this, but Inoo had nagged him too much throughout the day that he just let him do whatever he wants.
The next day though, Hikaru didn't gave him the chance to ask him and had went straight home right after work. The other BEST memebers didn't sway at his persuasion as well. Daiki had told him straight up to 'Stop being such a girl and go home already! I'm sure Kaori-chan is worried about you!'
So, reluctantly, he had made his way home.
Kei didn't really wanna meet Kaori just yet. He was wishing she'd be asleep when he arrived. But he was also worried about her. He wanted to check up on her. To know if she's okay.
Their house was already locked when he arrived. All the lights was turned off as well. Silently, Kei unlciked their front door and cautiosuly went up to the second floor.
It was silent, but there was a streak of light coming from under Kaori's door. He wasn't sure if she was already asleep or not. It wasn't unusual that Kaori fell asleep without turning her light off.
He stared at her door for a while, weighing on risking facing her and being sure that she was alright.
Sighing, he had made his way towards her door. He was too worried. He'd just take a peek. If she was asleep then he's safe, if she was studying, there's still the chance that she might not notice him. He just really needs to see her.
Slowly, he turned the knob to her door and opened it.
Kaori was still wide awake, alright. She had turned to her door just as he peeked. Kei just wanted to run away.
Her face let up. "You're back! Okaeri!"
Feeling a bit guilty, Kei opened the door completely and entered her room. "Hai, tadaima. Sorry if I worried you. Sorry I wasn't able to send you a mail yesterday."
"Hm-mm" Kaori said, shaking her head. "Hikaru-san sent me a mail."
"Oh." Was all Kei could say.
There was an awkward pause.
"Ah," Kei started, not really sure what to say. "Dad and Ba-chan hasn't returned?" He asked instead. Their parents was scheduled to go back that night.
"No." Kaori said. "I expect they'd be here by midnight." Kaori said.
"Ah..."
"I..." Kaori started, looking down. "I told mom... about what happened."
Kei nodded. "I told dad as well."
Another pause.
"I'm okay." Kaori said, looking at Kei this time.
"I'm sorry." Kei said sincerely.
Kaori shook her head. "It wasn't very surprising, what happened. We've always thought it might, ne?"
Kei didn't say anything.
"You know..." Kaori continued. "I have been living in yes and no."
Kei looked at her, a bit confused.
Kaori shrugged.
"Yes, I am short. Yes, I love coffee. Yes, I love my mom and dad." She said.
Kei just listened.
"No, I don't give up easily. No, I can't eat raw food. No, Dad isn't coming back... Everything was either 'yes' or 'no.' But when my mom married your dad. My world became jumbled and the distinction between 'yes' and 'no' disappeared. Everything became 'maybe.'"
Kei looked up at this. "Maybe..." He said softly.
Kaori nodded.
"Maybe this is for the best. Maybe everything will be fine. Maybe I'll be able to get along with the son."
Kei smiled at this.
"Maybe it's because we're family. Maybe it's not. Maybe I'm just confused. Maybe I'm really starting to like him..." Kei looked at Kaori at this. She wasn't looking at him.
"I thought I could always live in 'maybe.' But then I won't be able to move forward. So I thought... Yes, I should confess."
"Kaori..." Kei started. His voice was barely audible. "Kaori... you're my stepsister. I'm sorr--"
"Maybe he'll reject me." Kaori continued to say, her eyes closed.
"I'm sorry." Kei said one last time and hastily ran out her room.
Kaori watched her go, smiling a sad smile.
"Yes, I am grateful of these feelings I have..." She continued to say.
"But no, that doesn't stop it from being painful... because yes, I am rejected."
we just got back from my sister's birthday celeb~ it was fun... though i was a bit disappointed we didn't go swimming. anyway, i had fun with my nieces. we watched arashi scene tour and tensai shimura doubutsen. xDD
-
#26
"It's so cold today..." Kaori muttered when she had gotten off the bus.
It was raining. Well, it doesn't really bother Kaori much. Frankly, she didn't mind staying longer in the rain.
It was a lot more colder inside their house.
It had been ever since that day.
Kaori hugged her jacket to herself more. It seems the rain was pouring harder.
Kaori looked up to the dark sky, musing.
"What are you doing?? You'll catch a cold!"
Kaori sharply looked at where the voice came from.
"K-Kei..."
Kei quickly went to her and cover Kaori with his umbrella.
"You're mom asked me to fetch you. She said you might've forgotten your umbrella. Seems she's right." Kei explained.
Kaori only nodded.
Kei grab hold of Kaori's bag and carried it. Kaori just let him.
The two of them then walk towards their house in silence.
Kaori really hated that they have become like this. It was as if they were back from the start.
'No. At the start, we were curious but we were just unused to each other. Now, Kei's simply avoiding me.' Kaori thought, frowning.
'I ruined everything.'
Suddenly, Kaori sneezed.
Kei looked at her and immediately took off his jacket, making a move to put it on Kaori.
"No!" Kaori instinctively said. "Ah, I mean... You'll be cold. I'm fine." Kaori said, disconcerted.
She hated it more. This inconsistency. If Kei wanted to avoid her, to be cold to her, she wished he'd do just that. And not act as if he cared about her. It would be less painful.
Kei had retracted the hand holding the jacket and they had resumed their silent walk.
Kei knew Kaori very well by then. And he knew what must be going in her head.
The only thing that goes in his was,
'Sorry, I can't stop caring about you.'
-
#27
KAORI's POV
I woke up feeling sore. It's embarrasing, but I had cried so hard last night. I was watching Yamada-kun's Ninii no Koto Wasurenaide.
I knew the movie wasn't the only thing that jerked the tears though. Everything in my life just kinda sucks right now. School's stressing, I had a fight with my friends, and of course, my home was never the same after that. And I had to pretend to be okay in front of my parents. That's the worse for it.
Groggily, I went to the bathroom and tried to freshen myself. Me eyes were a bit red but I can just say I got carried away with the movie.
I went downstairs after I got out of my pajamas. I could already smell mom's cooking. It was my favorite, gambas. And I can also smell... was that spaghetti? And mocha ref cake... All my favorites.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Both my mom and Ji-san shouted as I entered the dining room. I was surprised. I forgot it was my birthday today.
"Arigatou!: I told them, sincerely happy.
"Here." My mom said, passing me a wrapped box. "I hope you'll like it."
"Thank you!" I told her. I already have a suspicion of what was inside. Make up, I bet.
Ji-san also passed me a box.
"That's from Kei and me." He said. "It's a shame he has work today but he wished you a happy birthday."
I smiled at Ji-san in thanks. I knew the gift was only from him.
"By the way, Aki will be coming here a little later." He continued to say.
I beamed at him. "Hontou??"
The day was exhausting but fun as well. Although there was still that nagging thought that it would have been more fun if Kei had been there.
Later in the night, I couldn't get myself to sleep. I couldn't understand. I was exhausted.
That was when I heard our gates opened.
He's back.
I looked at the clock. It was already passed 12am.
It was so quiet in the house. I heard his footsteps as he ascend our stairs.
Surprisingly, I heard his steps more and more louder. He was making his way to my room!
I sat up at this, feeling very nervous. I saw his shadow beneath my door. He stood there for a long while. I didn't know what to make of it. He was just standing there.
Then I heard an audible sigh and then his footsteps fading away.
I heard his door opened and then closed. I waited for a while and then I stood up and silently went to my door.
I cautiously opened my door. It was already dark outside. I looked at his room. The light was already out. He must have been exhausted.
I turned to go back inside my room but then I felt something touching my foot. I looked down and saw a small wrapping.
I picked it up, my heart beating fast. I walked back to my bed and opened my night light.
It was a gift. I opened it and from it something small fell. I picked it up and realized it was a memory card. Confused, I connected it with my laptop.
It was full of mp3 files. I played the first song.
A piano started playing. I felt my heart pound as I realized it was 'Pretty Boy.'
I played the other songs. It as all piano versions of JUMP songs and my favorite songs. It was all recorded.
"I'm almost done with your gift."
Kei played all of them.
I felt like crying again.
-
#28
Inoo's dad knew something was odd about Kei and Kaori.
They were too formal to each other. And he knew that at times, Kaori and Kei were both faking smiles.
"Are you okay?" He couldn't help but ask one time when he caught Kei at home at last.
Kei looked at him and shrugged. "I'm normal."
"You're not." He said simply. "And I'm not teasing or anything. Did something happened with Kaori?"
Something flashed in Kei's eyes for only a second, but he caught it.
"Did you fight?" He asked.
"No." Kei automatically said.
"Did you go overboard with your teasing?"
"No."
"Uhm, did you ruin her homework or something?"
"No." Kei replied, monotonously.
"Were you rejected?"
Kei sharply looked at his dad.
His dad smiled understandingly.
"No." Kei said in a soft voice.
"Then you're the one who rejected her." Inoo-san said.
"You knew?"
His dad shrugged. "I know you very well. And we know it was possible. And how you two interact with each other in the last months... We knew there might be something."
"Ba-chan too?"
"Un." His dad nodded. "But why did you reject her?" He asked.
"Are you hearing what you're saying? It's Kaori, dad. My stepsister." He said.
"I don't think it's wrong. It's not proper, but it's never wrong to feel that way."
"I..."
Suddenly the door to the kitchen opened and in came Aiko-san.
"Oh, you two. Have you seen Kaori? She's not in her room. Her dad's on the phone."
-
#29
Aiko couldn't say anything. She was just too shock. This was too sudden.
"Mom... mom..." Kaori called worriedly. They were currently in a Filipino restaurant.
Tears started welling up in Aiko's eyes that Kaori became blurred.
"Oh mom, please don't cry." Kaori said.
"Are you sure about this, Kaori?" Reo said from Kaori's side.
Kaori looked at his dad and smiled.
"Yes, and you said so yourself this would be the best. For all of us. Mom, you have a new life with Ji-san and dad will have someone to take care of him. Kei... he would be more comfortablel this way. Besides, that rumor still lingers."
"But Kaori... I... You can't..." Aiko stuttered.
"I'll visit, I promise. Besides, Dad's apartment is close with home." Kaori said, trying to comfort her mom.
"I.. I just can't... Kaori, we've been together since you came. I don't know--"
"Exactly." Kaori said. "I want to spend some time with dad, too."
Aiko burst into tears, hugging her daughter.
Kaori laughed a bit. "Mom, it's not like it's goodbye."
---
"So you're leaving."
Kaori felt her heart plummet at the voice. She had stopped from her packing. She really didn't know what to do.
Calming herself, she looked back with a smile. "Yeah. I'm worried about my dad."
"When did he came back here in Japan?" Kei asked.
"About a week before my birthday." Kaori said.
"Oh." Kei only said. Kaori knew he understood. Her dad had came back when the scandal about the two of them got out. It was part of the reason why his dad came back. He really did have work here then, but because of that, he decided to stay for good. And this also revealed that Kaori had knew about this before she had confessed to Kei.
"So what will happen now?" Kei said, vaguely. Kaori decided not to asked what he meant.
"Well," she started. "Mom and dad will arrange my papers so dad can be my official guardian. They never married, as I said, but my dad did sign my birth certificate. So I guess, I'll become Suzuki Kaori soon."
"I see." Kei said. "Do you want some help with packing?" He asked.
"It's okay. I'm almost finished. But thanks anyway, Nii-san." Kaori said.
Kei was quiet for a while. But then he smiled.
"We'll, I guess I'll see you."
-
#30
A smile spread over Kei's face when they called her name.
But he was startled when she stepped up. She looked thinner, and she cut her hair.
It had been a year since she left home. She seems like a stranger to him now.
It had been about a month since he last saw her. And it was only for a minute. But it seems so many things changed about her in that short time.
Kei clapped his hands as she bowed to the audience.
---
Kaori tried to stopped her tears as she hugged her friend. It felt surreal, graduating.
Suddenly, someone cleared his throat behind her.
Kaori looked back and felt her heart stopped as she saw him smiling at her.
Her friend excused herself.
"Hello, Dr. Katsuragi." Kei said in a teasing voice.
"It's Dr. Suzuki." Kaori said, cheekily.
"Oh, my mistake." Kei said and then laughed. Kaori joined him. And then both of them went silent.
"Where's mom and ji-san?" Kaori decided to ask, trying to avoid awkward silences.
"I'm sure they're somewhere looking for you." Kei laughed. "I didn't come with them. I went straight from work."
Kaori smiled. "Thanks for coming."
"I told you you can do it." Kei said, smiling back.
"You sure did." Kaori said, chuckling.
Kei just looked at her for a moment and then asked, "How are you?"
"I've been fine. You?" Kaori said.
"Same old, same old. Work is doing fine. Dad and you're mom and forever in honeymoon stage. Jam and An misses you." He stopped. He then smiled. "I do too."
Kaori smiled. "Me too. I miss my Nii-san." She said the last word with a bit of sarcasm.
"Kaori, you're not my stepsister anymore." Kei said.
"I was only joking." Kaori said.
Silence.
Kei coughed. "Uhm, I was thinking..."
Kaori waited.
"You're finally a specialized cell." Kei suddenly said.
Kaori laughed. "Yes, I guess I am. Though I still have a potential to be more specialized."
"Well, do you think we can be specialized, too?" Kei said.
"Ehh?"
"Our relationship." Kei cleared. Kaori stared at him.
"It'a still unspecialized. I don't know if it can be or it can not. You said to be specialized is the last state of a cell. Like the final blueprint, cleared of all revisions. I have been living in 'ifs' and 'maybes'. I want to know if it's a 'yes' or a 'no'." Kei said, seriously.
"I've lived with your 'no', Kei." Kaori said, unsmiling.
"I thought our specialized state would be as siblings. Guess that wasn't our path." Kei answered.
Kaori kept quiet, looking at Kei.
Kei then took something out from his pocket. A small box.
"Can it be or can it not?" He repeated. He then opened the box and in was a ring. Kaori gasped.
"Kaori, I love you. I've loved you for a long time now. I tried to deny it but--"
"You're not allowed." Kaori cut to him.
"Yes, but technically, that's not part of the contract I signed. And when they told us about that rule, what they specifically said was that we are not allowed to have a girlfriend. I'm asking you to be my wife... well, fiance, first." Kei babbled.
"You're a dork." Kaori deadpanned.
"Yes, I am. Will you marry me, anyway?" Kei asked nervously.
"I..."
"Do you hate me now?"
"No! But... Kei, this is just. I mean... we were strangers then we became stepsiblings then we returned to being strangers and now you're proposing to me? How random can you be??" Kaori said, sounding frustrated.
"Sorry..." Kei said.
Kaori sighed. "I... maybe I do still love you..." She said softly.
"Maybe." Kei said.
Kaori sighed. "Okay, so I love you, too. But--"
"Come on you two, are you marrying or not?"
Both Kei and Kaori sharply looked back. It was Aki. With he dad and Kaori's mom.
Kaori just looked at them, feeling helpless. They all looked at her, waiting.
"Ugh, fine. Yes, I'll marry you." Kaori told Kei, laughing a bit.
Kei jumped with glee and hugged Kaori.
"Took you guys long enough!" Aki said, laughing as well.
Title: All The Little Things
Author: mai/saima14
Paring: Inoo Kei x OC
Genre: Familial, Friendship, Fluff, Angst, Slice of Life
AN:
- this will be a multi-drabble fic... 30 continuous drabbles for each day of september. i've already made the first 20... i hope i can finish them all by weekend. :D
( sept. 1-10 )
( sept. 11-20 )
#21
Kei wasn't surprise to see his mom crying. She can be emotional at times. It's where he gets it from, anyway.
He smiled as he looked at his whole family.
Broken or not, whatever people would call his family, he didn't care. All that matters at the moment was that everyone of them were here during his special day.
His mom, his dad, Aki, his mom's new husband, Aoki-san, Kaori, and even Jam and An was there.
Kei smiled as his name was called. He made it.
-
After the graduation ceremony, he and his family took tons of pictures.
A solo picture. A picture with Aki and Kaori. A picture with his dad, his mom, Aki and the dogs. A picture with his dad, Aoki-san and Kaori. A picture with everyone of them.
His mom had congratulated him with a hug and a teary kiss, his dad a simple pat on the back. Aoki-san had hugged him as well. Aki had teased him about finally being able to be of use to the society. Kaori had simply smiled at him. He knew at once what she meant.
All them then went to a Chinese restaurant to celebrate. It was fun til it lasted.
Kei had felt very proud of himself. All of his hardwork was very worth it.
As the sky darkens, the two families finally had to say goodbye.
He felt a bit lonely at the reminder that his family was divided. But it was a memorable day, nonetheless.
His current family got on their car and finally Kei could feel his exhaustion from all the events of the day.
Sitting at the back seat with Kaori, he closed his eyes and leaned his head back, relaxing.
He didn't see Kaori smiled as she watched him.
Softly, she said. "You made it."
Kei opened his eyes and looked at her.
He smiled.
"Un. Next year it'll be your turn."
"Hm, I hope so." Kaori said.
"I'm sure you'll make it. You're Kaori after all." Kei said, chuckling a bit.
Kaori smiled. "Maybe that's true."'
AN:
-med course in japan is for 6 years.
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#22
KEI's POV
I found her sleeping on our couch.
I panicked at first. My dad had told me when he found her in our couch with fever.
I sighed in relief to find that it seems she had really just dozed off this time. It seems that she had been studying, as per usual. I remembered when I asked her why she studies so much.
"Well, it's like cells. Right now, I'm still unspecialized. Like a zygote. I need to find my path. To know if I'll be part of an eye or an arm. To know where I'll end; to be specialized. You're specialized now, since you already have a degree." She said a bit distracted because she was still staring at her notes.
"You're such a nerd." I teased.
I smiled at the memory. Kaori sure likes to play with her words.
I checked the time. It was already pass nine. It was just the two of in the house tonight. It was our parent's anniversary, and since they hadn't really have their honeymoon, Kaori and I had persuaded them to go this time. They would be back during the weekend.
Deciding for a moment, I cautiously lifted Kaori from the couch and carried her to her room. It was already late and she looked tired so might as well transfer her to her room.
She was light, being small as she is. I didn't have any problems carrying her to her room.
I set her to her bed and covered her with her blanket. I smiled as she snuggled to her pillow.
I went back downstairs to get her things.
Her things were scattered in the living room table. School things such as notebooks, hand-outs, journals and books.
That was when I noticed it.
Written in her school things was the name, 'Katsuragi Kaori.'
She was still using his grandfather's surname.
I realized she was the only one with a different surname in this house.
I didn't really know what that meant to me. I continued arranging her things and I came accross something just as interesting.
It was her notebook. It laid opened on the table.
I had heard before from Aoki-san that Kaori had the hobby of writing stories and poems. But I never much thought about that.
But one word written in the notebook caught my eye.
It was the word, 'Maybe.'
I was intrigued. She do tend to use the word very often.
There were some English words written there, but I couldn't understand.
I turned a page and saw a paragraph in Japanese this time.
'Maybe.' was written at the start of the paragraph.
I read on.
Such a curious word. A word of hope and fear and yes and no and goodbye forever and regret. Sometimes and never and always and forever. The constant wondering and whispering and blusteringly vague answers. Too pleased to give a ‘no’, but not nearly as optimistic as to say yes. Neither positive nor negative, neither up or down or anything specific. Maybe it’s nothing at all, but maybe it’s something after all. Just maybe.
I didn't know what to make of it.
Could she be..?
Hmm. Maybe.
AN:
-the specialized & maybe parts are really from macymacymacy XD
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#23
Kaori stepped out of their bathroom feeling very refreshed.
It was still hot even though autumn was fast approaching.
She walked over to her closet and frowned to see it almost empty.
It has just been two days since her parents had gone but she was already running out of clothes to wear. Not that she didn't have much clothes, but all her favorites was already in the laundry. What was left were all girly clothes her mom had bought her to try and bring out the girl in her. Or so her mom would say.
It wasn't like she didn't like them. But she was just more comfortable with baggy clothes.
She then noticed the shirt.
It was the shirt Kei had given her. The one from his Ya-ya-yah show. Smiling, Kaori took it and wore it together with a mini skirt (well, she doesn't have any other choice).
Kaori then lied down her bed, sighing in content.
She was planning on spending the day just relaxing. She wasn't planning on studying today, thinking she should at least feel the summer vacation even for just a day.
She was alone in the house today since Kei, as usual, had work. She didn't mind it much. Truthfully, it was a bit awkward when he's around, knowing they were alone in the house.
--
Kaori opened her player then, listening to music. Hey Say JUMP's newest album. She had become a fan, well, it was unavoidable.
Just then her phone started ringing. Sitting up, she took her phone from her bedside table and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Kaori-chan." It was Kei. "Uhm, are you home? Are you busy?"
"No, why? Did something happen?" Kaori answered, worried. Kei sounded panicked.
"Can I asked you a favor? I'm sorry if--"
"Sure, what is it?"
"I left my blueprint in my room. The one for JUMP's next stage. And I need to give it to Julie-san today. Can you--"
"I'll be there in a few." Kaori said hastily.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" Kei said.
Kaori had found the blueprint on Kei's study table. She took one of her jackets and then left to the jimusho. She was there within fifteen minutes. She hasten cause she knew how important it was for Kei. Kei had been working on it for weeks. He had also mentioned it was his dream that JUMP use a stage he designed.
Kaori had called Kei right before she arrived at the place and when she entered the building, she had found Kei waiting for her in the lobby.
--
"Thank you so much. Wait right here, I'll be right back." Was Kei's hurried words when he took the stage plan. So Kaori had found herself waiting there for Kei.
True to his words, Kei was back after less than five minutes. Now he looked relieved and happy.
"Will they use it?" Kaori asked as Kei approached her.
Kei grinned and nodded.
"That's great!" Kaori said, grinning as well.
"Un. Thank you so much Kaori-chan. You're a lifesaver!" Kei said, ruffling Kaori's hair.
Kaori removed his hand and groaned, but smile anyway.
"So, as thanks, let's go and eat out!" Kei suddenly announced.
"Eh? What about work?" Kaori asked.
"We're finished for today." Kei said. "Ah, but are you busy?" Kei said, looking a bit apprehensive.
"No. I was planning on just relaxing today." Kaori said.
"Then it's perfect." Kei said now grinning more broadly. "Come on. I know this Korean restaurant." Kei took Kaori's hand and pulled her out the building.
"Well, I guess it can also be a sort of early celebration for my birthday." Kaori commented as they walked.
"Nah, I'm preparing something different for that. I'm almost finished with your gift." Kei said.
Kaori looked at him. "You're not gonna give me a model for my future house, aren't you?" She asked.
"Too early! Get married first!" Kei said, laughing.
"Then you'll really design my future house?" Kaori said, grinning.
Kei pursed her lips. "Well, fine. In return, whenever I get sick, you'll have to treat me for free. Oh, and the whole JUMP as well."
"That's too much! I need to make a living you know!"
Unbeknownst to the two, a pair of eyes were watching them.
-
#24
YABU's POV
It was my first time seeing Inoo-chan like that. He looks so defeated. He's very worried.
I looked at the tabloid magazine on the table in front of us.
A picture of Inoo and Kaori-san was spread through the page. Inoo's face was very clear but Kaori's was smudged in purpose. It was no doubt that it was the two of them, though. Kaori-san was even wearing Inoo's Ya-ya-yah shirt. They were holding hands.
Now the press was all over it.
I heard Takaki sighed and looked at him. He, too, looked worried. He was watching Inoo.
Well, he had his own experiences.
"Uhm," Takaki started. I watched. It was just the three of us in our dressing room. We would be recording for Yan Yan JUMP in a while. Julie-san had given us the tabloid magazine just a while ago. And since then, Inoo had been quiet.
Inoo looked at Takaki with a smile. Acting as if nothing happened.
"You know, Inoo-chan--"
"Kaori's a strong girl." I cut Takaki off before he could say anything stupid.
"That's true." Takaki followed immediately. "So you don't have to worry, Inoo-chan."
Inoo smiled but didn't look at us. "Being strong doesn't mean you won't get hurt. Sometimes, it's even more painful to be strong."
"It's not like you were doing something wrong." I said.
He sighed and then pointed at the picture. "We look like a couple here."
I couldn't help but sigh as well. "Yes, you do."
"Falling in love is like the rain." Takaki suddenly said. "It's unpredictable, but there are always signs before it completely falls."
I looked at him in surprised. Inoo suddenly laughed.
"What the hell, Yuyan? Are you confessing to me?" He said, laughing loudly, though his eyes remain cold.
"We've known you for years, Inoo, we can tell." I supplied. Takaki nodded.
"You've noticed, haven't you? Your feelings... The both of you..." I continued to say.
Finally Inoo looked at us.
"Maybe. But right now I just want to protect my stepsister."
The next day, the agency told the media all about his parent's divorce and his dad remarrying a single mother.
-
#25
Kei new he didn't do anything wrong.
He was convinced that he did the right thing.
Still, he didn't know why, but he couldn't imagine facing Kaori when he got home after the agency had announce their family's status.
So that day, he had persuaded Hikaru to let him stay overnight at his apartment.
Hikaru was certain Inoo shouldn't ran fom this, but Inoo had nagged him too much throughout the day that he just let him do whatever he wants.
The next day though, Hikaru didn't gave him the chance to ask him and had went straight home right after work. The other BEST memebers didn't sway at his persuasion as well. Daiki had told him straight up to 'Stop being such a girl and go home already! I'm sure Kaori-chan is worried about you!'
So, reluctantly, he had made his way home.
Kei didn't really wanna meet Kaori just yet. He was wishing she'd be asleep when he arrived. But he was also worried about her. He wanted to check up on her. To know if she's okay.
Their house was already locked when he arrived. All the lights was turned off as well. Silently, Kei unlciked their front door and cautiosuly went up to the second floor.
It was silent, but there was a streak of light coming from under Kaori's door. He wasn't sure if she was already asleep or not. It wasn't unusual that Kaori fell asleep without turning her light off.
He stared at her door for a while, weighing on risking facing her and being sure that she was alright.
Sighing, he had made his way towards her door. He was too worried. He'd just take a peek. If she was asleep then he's safe, if she was studying, there's still the chance that she might not notice him. He just really needs to see her.
Slowly, he turned the knob to her door and opened it.
Kaori was still wide awake, alright. She had turned to her door just as he peeked. Kei just wanted to run away.
Her face let up. "You're back! Okaeri!"
Feeling a bit guilty, Kei opened the door completely and entered her room. "Hai, tadaima. Sorry if I worried you. Sorry I wasn't able to send you a mail yesterday."
"Hm-mm" Kaori said, shaking her head. "Hikaru-san sent me a mail."
"Oh." Was all Kei could say.
There was an awkward pause.
"Ah," Kei started, not really sure what to say. "Dad and Ba-chan hasn't returned?" He asked instead. Their parents was scheduled to go back that night.
"No." Kaori said. "I expect they'd be here by midnight." Kaori said.
"Ah..."
"I..." Kaori started, looking down. "I told mom... about what happened."
Kei nodded. "I told dad as well."
Another pause.
"I'm okay." Kaori said, looking at Kei this time.
"I'm sorry." Kei said sincerely.
Kaori shook her head. "It wasn't very surprising, what happened. We've always thought it might, ne?"
Kei didn't say anything.
"You know..." Kaori continued. "I have been living in yes and no."
Kei looked at her, a bit confused.
Kaori shrugged.
"Yes, I am short. Yes, I love coffee. Yes, I love my mom and dad." She said.
Kei just listened.
"No, I don't give up easily. No, I can't eat raw food. No, Dad isn't coming back... Everything was either 'yes' or 'no.' But when my mom married your dad. My world became jumbled and the distinction between 'yes' and 'no' disappeared. Everything became 'maybe.'"
Kei looked up at this. "Maybe..." He said softly.
Kaori nodded.
"Maybe this is for the best. Maybe everything will be fine. Maybe I'll be able to get along with the son."
Kei smiled at this.
"Maybe it's because we're family. Maybe it's not. Maybe I'm just confused. Maybe I'm really starting to like him..." Kei looked at Kaori at this. She wasn't looking at him.
"I thought I could always live in 'maybe.' But then I won't be able to move forward. So I thought... Yes, I should confess."
"Kaori..." Kei started. His voice was barely audible. "Kaori... you're my stepsister. I'm sorr--"
"Maybe he'll reject me." Kaori continued to say, her eyes closed.
"I'm sorry." Kei said one last time and hastily ran out her room.
Kaori watched her go, smiling a sad smile.
"Yes, I am grateful of these feelings I have..." She continued to say.
"But no, that doesn't stop it from being painful... because yes, I am rejected."
we just got back from my sister's birthday celeb~ it was fun... though i was a bit disappointed we didn't go swimming. anyway, i had fun with my nieces. we watched arashi scene tour and tensai shimura doubutsen. xDD
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#26
"It's so cold today..." Kaori muttered when she had gotten off the bus.
It was raining. Well, it doesn't really bother Kaori much. Frankly, she didn't mind staying longer in the rain.
It was a lot more colder inside their house.
It had been ever since that day.
Kaori hugged her jacket to herself more. It seems the rain was pouring harder.
Kaori looked up to the dark sky, musing.
"What are you doing?? You'll catch a cold!"
Kaori sharply looked at where the voice came from.
"K-Kei..."
Kei quickly went to her and cover Kaori with his umbrella.
"You're mom asked me to fetch you. She said you might've forgotten your umbrella. Seems she's right." Kei explained.
Kaori only nodded.
Kei grab hold of Kaori's bag and carried it. Kaori just let him.
The two of them then walk towards their house in silence.
Kaori really hated that they have become like this. It was as if they were back from the start.
'No. At the start, we were curious but we were just unused to each other. Now, Kei's simply avoiding me.' Kaori thought, frowning.
'I ruined everything.'
Suddenly, Kaori sneezed.
Kei looked at her and immediately took off his jacket, making a move to put it on Kaori.
"No!" Kaori instinctively said. "Ah, I mean... You'll be cold. I'm fine." Kaori said, disconcerted.
She hated it more. This inconsistency. If Kei wanted to avoid her, to be cold to her, she wished he'd do just that. And not act as if he cared about her. It would be less painful.
Kei had retracted the hand holding the jacket and they had resumed their silent walk.
Kei knew Kaori very well by then. And he knew what must be going in her head.
The only thing that goes in his was,
'Sorry, I can't stop caring about you.'
-
#27
KAORI's POV
I woke up feeling sore. It's embarrasing, but I had cried so hard last night. I was watching Yamada-kun's Ninii no Koto Wasurenaide.
I knew the movie wasn't the only thing that jerked the tears though. Everything in my life just kinda sucks right now. School's stressing, I had a fight with my friends, and of course, my home was never the same after that. And I had to pretend to be okay in front of my parents. That's the worse for it.
Groggily, I went to the bathroom and tried to freshen myself. Me eyes were a bit red but I can just say I got carried away with the movie.
I went downstairs after I got out of my pajamas. I could already smell mom's cooking. It was my favorite, gambas. And I can also smell... was that spaghetti? And mocha ref cake... All my favorites.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Both my mom and Ji-san shouted as I entered the dining room. I was surprised. I forgot it was my birthday today.
"Arigatou!: I told them, sincerely happy.
"Here." My mom said, passing me a wrapped box. "I hope you'll like it."
"Thank you!" I told her. I already have a suspicion of what was inside. Make up, I bet.
Ji-san also passed me a box.
"That's from Kei and me." He said. "It's a shame he has work today but he wished you a happy birthday."
I smiled at Ji-san in thanks. I knew the gift was only from him.
"By the way, Aki will be coming here a little later." He continued to say.
I beamed at him. "Hontou??"
The day was exhausting but fun as well. Although there was still that nagging thought that it would have been more fun if Kei had been there.
Later in the night, I couldn't get myself to sleep. I couldn't understand. I was exhausted.
That was when I heard our gates opened.
He's back.
I looked at the clock. It was already passed 12am.
It was so quiet in the house. I heard his footsteps as he ascend our stairs.
Surprisingly, I heard his steps more and more louder. He was making his way to my room!
I sat up at this, feeling very nervous. I saw his shadow beneath my door. He stood there for a long while. I didn't know what to make of it. He was just standing there.
Then I heard an audible sigh and then his footsteps fading away.
I heard his door opened and then closed. I waited for a while and then I stood up and silently went to my door.
I cautiously opened my door. It was already dark outside. I looked at his room. The light was already out. He must have been exhausted.
I turned to go back inside my room but then I felt something touching my foot. I looked down and saw a small wrapping.
I picked it up, my heart beating fast. I walked back to my bed and opened my night light.
It was a gift. I opened it and from it something small fell. I picked it up and realized it was a memory card. Confused, I connected it with my laptop.
It was full of mp3 files. I played the first song.
A piano started playing. I felt my heart pound as I realized it was 'Pretty Boy.'
I played the other songs. It as all piano versions of JUMP songs and my favorite songs. It was all recorded.
"I'm almost done with your gift."
Kei played all of them.
I felt like crying again.
-
#28
Inoo's dad knew something was odd about Kei and Kaori.
They were too formal to each other. And he knew that at times, Kaori and Kei were both faking smiles.
"Are you okay?" He couldn't help but ask one time when he caught Kei at home at last.
Kei looked at him and shrugged. "I'm normal."
"You're not." He said simply. "And I'm not teasing or anything. Did something happened with Kaori?"
Something flashed in Kei's eyes for only a second, but he caught it.
"Did you fight?" He asked.
"No." Kei automatically said.
"Did you go overboard with your teasing?"
"No."
"Uhm, did you ruin her homework or something?"
"No." Kei replied, monotonously.
"Were you rejected?"
Kei sharply looked at his dad.
His dad smiled understandingly.
"No." Kei said in a soft voice.
"Then you're the one who rejected her." Inoo-san said.
"You knew?"
His dad shrugged. "I know you very well. And we know it was possible. And how you two interact with each other in the last months... We knew there might be something."
"Ba-chan too?"
"Un." His dad nodded. "But why did you reject her?" He asked.
"Are you hearing what you're saying? It's Kaori, dad. My stepsister." He said.
"I don't think it's wrong. It's not proper, but it's never wrong to feel that way."
"I..."
Suddenly the door to the kitchen opened and in came Aiko-san.
"Oh, you two. Have you seen Kaori? She's not in her room. Her dad's on the phone."
-
#29
Aiko couldn't say anything. She was just too shock. This was too sudden.
"Mom... mom..." Kaori called worriedly. They were currently in a Filipino restaurant.
Tears started welling up in Aiko's eyes that Kaori became blurred.
"Oh mom, please don't cry." Kaori said.
"Are you sure about this, Kaori?" Reo said from Kaori's side.
Kaori looked at his dad and smiled.
"Yes, and you said so yourself this would be the best. For all of us. Mom, you have a new life with Ji-san and dad will have someone to take care of him. Kei... he would be more comfortablel this way. Besides, that rumor still lingers."
"But Kaori... I... You can't..." Aiko stuttered.
"I'll visit, I promise. Besides, Dad's apartment is close with home." Kaori said, trying to comfort her mom.
"I.. I just can't... Kaori, we've been together since you came. I don't know--"
"Exactly." Kaori said. "I want to spend some time with dad, too."
Aiko burst into tears, hugging her daughter.
Kaori laughed a bit. "Mom, it's not like it's goodbye."
---
"So you're leaving."
Kaori felt her heart plummet at the voice. She had stopped from her packing. She really didn't know what to do.
Calming herself, she looked back with a smile. "Yeah. I'm worried about my dad."
"When did he came back here in Japan?" Kei asked.
"About a week before my birthday." Kaori said.
"Oh." Kei only said. Kaori knew he understood. Her dad had came back when the scandal about the two of them got out. It was part of the reason why his dad came back. He really did have work here then, but because of that, he decided to stay for good. And this also revealed that Kaori had knew about this before she had confessed to Kei.
"So what will happen now?" Kei said, vaguely. Kaori decided not to asked what he meant.
"Well," she started. "Mom and dad will arrange my papers so dad can be my official guardian. They never married, as I said, but my dad did sign my birth certificate. So I guess, I'll become Suzuki Kaori soon."
"I see." Kei said. "Do you want some help with packing?" He asked.
"It's okay. I'm almost finished. But thanks anyway, Nii-san." Kaori said.
Kei was quiet for a while. But then he smiled.
"We'll, I guess I'll see you."
-
#30
A smile spread over Kei's face when they called her name.
But he was startled when she stepped up. She looked thinner, and she cut her hair.
It had been a year since she left home. She seems like a stranger to him now.
It had been about a month since he last saw her. And it was only for a minute. But it seems so many things changed about her in that short time.
Kei clapped his hands as she bowed to the audience.
---
Kaori tried to stopped her tears as she hugged her friend. It felt surreal, graduating.
Suddenly, someone cleared his throat behind her.
Kaori looked back and felt her heart stopped as she saw him smiling at her.
Her friend excused herself.
"Hello, Dr. Katsuragi." Kei said in a teasing voice.
"It's Dr. Suzuki." Kaori said, cheekily.
"Oh, my mistake." Kei said and then laughed. Kaori joined him. And then both of them went silent.
"Where's mom and ji-san?" Kaori decided to ask, trying to avoid awkward silences.
"I'm sure they're somewhere looking for you." Kei laughed. "I didn't come with them. I went straight from work."
Kaori smiled. "Thanks for coming."
"I told you you can do it." Kei said, smiling back.
"You sure did." Kaori said, chuckling.
Kei just looked at her for a moment and then asked, "How are you?"
"I've been fine. You?" Kaori said.
"Same old, same old. Work is doing fine. Dad and you're mom and forever in honeymoon stage. Jam and An misses you." He stopped. He then smiled. "I do too."
Kaori smiled. "Me too. I miss my Nii-san." She said the last word with a bit of sarcasm.
"Kaori, you're not my stepsister anymore." Kei said.
"I was only joking." Kaori said.
Silence.
Kei coughed. "Uhm, I was thinking..."
Kaori waited.
"You're finally a specialized cell." Kei suddenly said.
Kaori laughed. "Yes, I guess I am. Though I still have a potential to be more specialized."
"Well, do you think we can be specialized, too?" Kei said.
"Ehh?"
"Our relationship." Kei cleared. Kaori stared at him.
"It'a still unspecialized. I don't know if it can be or it can not. You said to be specialized is the last state of a cell. Like the final blueprint, cleared of all revisions. I have been living in 'ifs' and 'maybes'. I want to know if it's a 'yes' or a 'no'." Kei said, seriously.
"I've lived with your 'no', Kei." Kaori said, unsmiling.
"I thought our specialized state would be as siblings. Guess that wasn't our path." Kei answered.
Kaori kept quiet, looking at Kei.
Kei then took something out from his pocket. A small box.
"Can it be or can it not?" He repeated. He then opened the box and in was a ring. Kaori gasped.
"Kaori, I love you. I've loved you for a long time now. I tried to deny it but--"
"You're not allowed." Kaori cut to him.
"Yes, but technically, that's not part of the contract I signed. And when they told us about that rule, what they specifically said was that we are not allowed to have a girlfriend. I'm asking you to be my wife... well, fiance, first." Kei babbled.
"You're a dork." Kaori deadpanned.
"Yes, I am. Will you marry me, anyway?" Kei asked nervously.
"I..."
"Do you hate me now?"
"No! But... Kei, this is just. I mean... we were strangers then we became stepsiblings then we returned to being strangers and now you're proposing to me? How random can you be??" Kaori said, sounding frustrated.
"Sorry..." Kei said.
Kaori sighed. "I... maybe I do still love you..." She said softly.
"Maybe." Kei said.
Kaori sighed. "Okay, so I love you, too. But--"
"Come on you two, are you marrying or not?"
Both Kei and Kaori sharply looked back. It was Aki. With he dad and Kaori's mom.
Kaori just looked at them, feeling helpless. They all looked at her, waiting.
"Ugh, fine. Yes, I'll marry you." Kaori told Kei, laughing a bit.
Kei jumped with glee and hugged Kaori.
"Took you guys long enough!" Aki said, laughing as well.