Metro Station : Chapter 11
Title : Metro Station
Pairing : Ohmiya, Sakuraiba, Jun/Toma
Rating : PG-13
Genre : Romance, fluff, Comedy
Warning : Genderswitch ^^
Summary : Kazumi wants to be a writer but her work got rejected again and on her way back home, a stranger made her fall in the metro station.
Note : Hi everyone ! Here is the next chapter ! ^O^
[Chapter 11]
When Masaki came out of his bath and joined the living room, he found his sister, her pc on her knees frantically typing on her keyboard. The young woman was so focused that she didn't see him enter the room. She was nibbling her lower lip and her eyes on the screen seemed to never blink. He circled the couch, leaned closer to the screen, right next to Kazumi's ear, and read over her shoulder. In front of the scene portrayed by his sister, he tilted his head sideways, frowning thoughtfully.
- I never tried this position with Sho-chan though...
- Really ? Kazumi asked without leaving her screen for a second.
She stopped then instantly, turned around and gave a little cry realizing the presence of her brother.
- Oi! How dare you to read over my shoulder? It's private !
- If you publish your book it will not be private anymore.
- Mouuuu! The young woman grunted as she closed her computer and put it down on the coffee table while her brother settled down next to her.
- I didn't know you were writing an erotic novel! Laughed Masaki.
- It's not an erotic novel!
- Yet what I just read almost made me climb the curtain and yet I'm gay.
- Do you think that's too much?
- No ! No ! It's perfect. You're inspired by what you do in bed with Ohno-san or what?
- ... that does not concern you ... said Kazumi, frowning and scarlet cheeks.
- It means yes.
- Yes a bit. Sighed the young woman who dropped against the back of the sofa.
- Wow, this man must be a sex god!
- You have no idea ...
- Do you take your precautions at least?
- Mas'! I am 24 years old, I know how it works!
- Okay. Although if you two do some mini Kazu, I'll be more than happy to babysit them, you know it!
The young woman sighed furiously, passing her hand over her face.
- Otherwise, how was your day?
- Satoshi's sister surprised us in bed.
- And you were doing sexual things ?!
- Fortunately not. I don't even imagine the shame I would have had. She was going to drop her daughters at Satoshi's, he was supposed to keep them and he had forgotten, this idiot.
- Hahaha! Did you have to hit the babysitting chore?
- Hum. It was nice. Kazumi said with a clear smile. We played the tea party and dressed Satoshi as a princess, it reminded me when we played together when we were little.
Masaki ran his hands over his face.
- Aaah mou ... Those moments when you wrapped me in the bedsheets of Kaa-chan and Taka and you added me a diadem or a magic wand ...
- Oh stop, we had fun, both of us. After that I played piano for the little ones, they listened to me religiously, it was adorable and Satoshi is a wonderful uncle!
- How old are they?
- Hmm ... 4 years I think.
- Twins ?
- Hum, identical.
- Eeeeeeeeeh ...
Masaki seemed struck by a sudden revelation.
- They are called Konami and ...
- ... Minami! he completed.
His sister frowned.
- How do you know that?
- They are in my class.
- Eh !
- A moment ago, I heard their mother and them talk about a "uncle Satoshi", I told myself that I had misunderstood or that it was a coincidence. Hahaha! The world is small !
- Yup.
- Ne ? Ne ? Their uncle, does he looks like them?
Kazumi rolled her eyes to think.
- Hmm ... their mother looks a little like him but the girls, there is just a little ressemblance, I would say. Why ?
- Because you never introduced him to me so I try to get an idea of the head he has.
- Mas', it's only been a little over a month that we go out together.
- But you have met his sister and nieces, you.
- Yes, by accident!
His brother crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.
- I'm curious.
- Yes, I noticed, baka!
- Oi!
The young woman sighed.
- I can offer him to spend the night here to change, so I'll introduce you. But no question of passing him to the interrogation!
- Promised ! I'll behave ! Said Masaki bringing his hand to his heart.
Kazumi looked at him for a moment and then giggled, kissed him on the cheek, picked up her pc and got up to leave the room.
- Good night, Baka Nii-chan.
- Good night little sister of my heart!
And she went to bed, giggling.
*****
Jun, sitting quietly in bed, was reading one of the magazines her husband had brought her to pass the time when a weight began to press against her stomach. She sighed as she rested her magazine on her knees and poked her belly.
- Oi, chibi, you better not make my breakfast come back. It would work against you too, so I'll let you know.
The baby seemed to understand her mother's words as she behaved and changed position in her mother's womb to begin her daily gymnastics session. Jun's new sigh as she caressed her belly.
- And your father who did not think to bring back my honey cookies, as you can see he does not hold much to his life.
The young woman straightened up a bit and grabbed her wallet in the drawer of her bedside table to finally get up.
- Well, let's settle this case ourselves, okay ?
A slight kick followed by a turn of her daughter marked, according to Jun, her agreement as she left her room in the direction of the small store on the ground floor of the hospital.
When she went to the checkout with her three boxes of cookies, the cashier, an elderly lady, smiled at her as she scanned her items.
- A boy or a girl ? she asked warmly.
- A girl. Jun said as she pulled out a 1,000 yen note from her wallet.
- All I wanted to eat during my pregnancy was gherkins dipped in mayonnaise, my husband was crazy!
- With mine, it's rather me who goes crazy. Said the pregnant woman laughing. A real mother hen.
- Coming soon ?
- August 22nd.
- It will be over soon and after you will see, it will only be happiness!
- I hope so.
Jun took the plastic bag that was being handed to her and her change and greeted the lady with a big smile before going back to his room. She got out of the elevator, already chewing her fourth cookie, and saw Kazumi in the distance, waiting outside the door of her room.
- Oh ! Kazumi-chan! She called without realizing her mouth full.
Her new assistant turned to her and smiled.
- Ohayo Jun-san, are you all right?
- I'm fine ! And once and for all, Kazumi-chan, you can be more familiar with me, you know? Said the publisher, once at her height.
- Sorry, you're my boss so...
- Bah! I'm not straddling hierarchical relationships.
Jun slid the door of her room and entered, followed by Kazumi. The pregnant woman put her plastic bag on the small table in a corner of the room and carried her box of cookies with her in her bed. Seeing that the youngest was standing, she pointed to a seat next to her.
- Come sit Kazumi-chan.
The young woman complied.
- What good wind brings you?
- I brought my new chapter, I finished it yesterday.
Kazumi was rummaging through her bag and soon pulled out a bundle of stapled sheets that she handed to Jun. She welcomed the precious chapter as a divine present and thanked its author with a broad smile.
- Thank you ! I needed reading, it's been three times that I reread magazines that Toma brought me. She said pointing to the stack of magazine on her bedside table.
- I hope it does not bother you.
- Why this ?
- You have to rest no?
- And since when is reading exceedingly tiring? Asked Jun with a small laugh.
- You make a point. Besides, for the job ...
- Would you mind coming to work at my place rather than at the office?
- Are you sure ?
- I have to rest, so we don't really have a choice. Gomen ne? Your work may be a little bigger than usual.
The young woman put a honey cookie in her mouth.
- No problem, I understand.
- I'll take the opportunity to show you a lot of compromising photos of Satoshi in high school.
- I can't wait to blackmail him. Kazumi said rubbing his hands with a small smirk just before bursting into laughter with the publisher.
- Besides, how was it for you?
- In high school ? Not very good for the most part, I would say. I looked like nothing, I was talking to no one and nobody was talking to me.
- Indeed, it was not joy. But I'm sure you must be adorable anyway.
- I don't know, I never wore makeup unlike all girls in school, I wore big glasses on my nose that made me look like an owl, my hair looked like a straw bale and I have those big, ugly fingers on my hands. Kazumi said, presenting her hands to her boss.
- What made you change?
- A friend of my piano lessons, I wanted to change before entering 3rd grade and she helped me. Thanks to her, I felt much better about myself, I had a greater confidence in myself to approach others and I made some friends and even my first real boyfriend.
- Oooh, nice progress.
- Hum. In primary and middle school it was much worse, most of them laughed at me and the others just ignored me, my brother it was the same and my parents in the neighborhood too.
- There was a particular reason?
The young woman was silent in front of Jun for a moment, so that she, thinking that she had embarrassed her, blushed and tried to catch up.
- Well, I mean ... so that all your family is in the case ... If it's not too indiscreet ... she stammered.
- It's a very long story. Said her assistant with a chuckle. And not very funny. I'm not here to spoil the mood.
- Kazumi-chan, we're friends right? I have already nearly spoiled the mood myself the other day...
The youngest smiled, happy that Jun seems to like him so much and be ready to listen to her.
- It all started when my mother got married for the first time. She and her husband quickly had my brother, Masaki, but her husband was violent with her and she was looking for an opportunity to leave. One day, she met my father and they went out together almost a year in secret before learning that she was expecting me.
Jun just nodded briefly and her friend continued.
- For the good of her children, she had to leave her husband and she had found the opportunity. But they both wanted my brother's guard. She pleaded her husband's violence and he pleaded the adultery of my mother. Obviously they gave custody to this asshole as if my mother was lying, my brother was a little over 3 years old. He suffered the blows of his father for another 3 years before he died and my mother could get him back. I don't remember when Masaki came home but he does. He was sometimes terrified, convinced that our mother was the evil one, but he soon realized that it was the opposite and my parents spoiled us a lot. The problem is that this story has spread in the neighborhood with more or less truth, hence the bullying. So we ended up moving ... Jun-san, what's wrong?
The young woman took off her glasses and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
- It's nothing, it's because of the baby, it makes me cry.
- Come on, it's nothing, everything is fine now, my family has lots of friends, I have Satoshi, I've got you, my brother has been living with his partner for two years ... In short, we're come out pretty well! Kazumi reassured her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Jun stared at her for a moment with a small smile. She was only a few years younger, with her small size and round face, Kazumi was so cute that the publisher could not contain more and ruffled her friend's hair.
- You're so cute Kazumi-chaaaaaaan!
- Oi! I'm not 5 years old!
The youngest girl pushed Jun's hand gently and brushed her hair with her left hand.
- Are you always so close to your writers?
- All my writers are not my assistants, are so adorable and go out with my best friend.
- Not wrong, I'm a rare specimen.
- We take the big head?
- Maybe a little bit.
After another laugh shared, Jun put her box of empty cookies on her bedside table and removed the crumbs from her t-shirt. While doing so, she looked out the window beside her bed, behind which shone the sun without the slightest cloud to annoy him.
- It's summer. Jun sighed absently, placing one hand on her stomach and the other behind her head.
- It does not seem to make you happy.
Indeed, the prospect of the season that was beginning don't satisfied her much, it only brought closer the moment when Satoshi would definitely break the heart of Kazumi who now counted more and more for her. And although she was dying to tell her everything herself, it was not her role to do it.
- Jun-san?
- Ah? No, nothing, I was lost in my thoughts, of course I love summer. The baby is due for the month of August and my birthday a few days later.
- It's true ? I too was born in summer! My birthday is Friday, the 17th.
- Oooh, what are you going to do to celebrate that?
- I have a date with Satoshi.
- And where?
- I don't know, it's a surprise he said. I just hope it's not too extravagant.
- You will tell me ?
- Hum. Kazumi nodded happily.
*****
Toma found his wife finishing her evening meal when he opened the door of her room. She smiled at him and he immediately felt a wave of heat invade him, he had missed her so much the night before. He approached the bed and went to kiss her forehead, inhaling great breaths of the scent of her hair that she had probably shampooed. His hand then slipped like a reflex on the roundness of her belly where his daughter welcomed him as it should.
- I missed you. He said settling into the seat that Kazumi had occupied earlier in the day.
- We saw each other yesterday, honey. Jun smiled at him, placing her hand in his and plunging her beautiful eyes into his.
- I know, but having to sleep alone every night for a few days makes me realize what a huge place you have in my life. I love you Jun.
- Me too I love you idiot! How was your day ?
- As always, I did what I had to do, I launched five paper planes to Satoshi, I ate well at noon and I made two little pee in the day.
Jun laughed at his silly look and slapped him on the head before continuing.
- And Satoshi, how is he?
- He looks upset these days.
She sighed.
- He does not intend to talk to her at all, if I understand correctly?
- I don't think so.
The young woman looked away towards the window.
- Jun, it does not concern us, we have other things to worry about. Like you and our baby for example.
She threw an angry look at her husband's hand, which still held hers.
- You are right. But Kazumi-chan is my friend now too and she will suffer horribly because of him, it's inevitable. At this point, which side should I choose?
- We don't have to choose side. We'll be there for both of them when the chopper falls. That's all we can do.
- I would like to prevent it.
- Me too. But understand that this is not my priority, especially since you entered the hospital.
Jun looked down at her belly and put her hand on it.
- I wish it wasn't one for me but I'm still afraid to attach myself too much to the baby as she is not in the world safe and sound.
- I understand.
- Do you think she'll look like him?
- Like Satoshi?
Jun giggled. She was sure that her husband had understood what she was saying, but was just trying to make her laugh and dismiss her doubts again.
- No, Kagero. I know that his features were not well discerned, as he was very small but ... In my memories I had the impression that he was going to look like you while growing up.
- I thought he had your eyes.
- You think ?
- It may be me who imagined things but yes, that was my impression.
- You never told me about it.
- You neither.
It was true that they did not talk much positively about their son. Most of the time, they were only evoking the tear that his death could have engendered in their hearts.
- I loved him so much, Toma. And yet I only saw him for a few minutes, we didn't raised him and we didn't even had the opportunity to take care of him.
- I loved him so much too.
- I don't want this baby to be his replacent.
- She will not be, she can't. They are two totally different children and Kagero will always be in our hearts no matter what.
The architect sat down on the edge of his wife's bed and pulled her to kiss her forehead and press her against him. Jun snuggled comfortably to his chest, closed her eyes and let herself be carried away by the sweet sound of Toma's heartbeat for a moment. Without him, she might never have recovered from this ordeal. Never.
*****
- Where are you taking me, Satoshi?
Kazumi, blindfolded, heard her boyfriend giggle briefly before he pulled her a little closer to her birthday present.
- If I tell you, it will not be a surprise anymore.
The young woman pulled her tongue in his direction, which he chuckled again. They ended up stopping and Satoshi invited her to remove what was blocking her view. Kazumi's blood then froze briefly at the sight of a small boat docked at the dock on which they were.
- It is...
- My boat! Said Satoshi proudly.
- Hum.
- I got my license last year. I told myself that a ride just you and me on the waters of the Pacific could be romantic. I even thought about filling the mini fridge!
Kazumi just smiled a little nervously.
- It's not right?
- No ! All is well, let's get going.
At once, Satoshi helped her on board and went to the bar where Kazumi accompanied him, a little hesitant. Soon, they started and Satoshi spoke happily about the beauty of the sea and his passion for fishing, without leaving the horizon of the eyes. A long expiration of his girlfriend made him turn around. This one had famously paled, was taking deep breaths and also stared straight ahead but obviously not in the same optics as the young man. He stopped the boat immediately and was close to her in no time.
- Kazumi, are you okay ?
She nodded very briefly without looking at him.
- Are you sure ? You are very pale ... Wait ... Are you seasick?
- In your opinion ... idiot?
- Why didn't you tell me?
- It seemed so much to please you ... I didn't want to ruin your surprise.
- You should not force yourself for me, look at what state it puts you. Do you think you'll keep up until we reach the docks?
In response, the young woman turned on her heels and ran outside, throwing up overboard. Satoshi joined her right away and rubbed her back until her pain had passed, after which she seemed even paler than before.
- Do you prefer to stay here or do you want to lie down? There is a bed downstairs.
- I'm definitely going to lie down...
The young man wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her inside the small living area of the boat before helping her lie down on the bed. He kissed her forehead and went back to the bar to bring them back to the dock.
Some time later, they were both resting on the dock of the port, Satoshi firmly holding the hand of his beloved. She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed, visibly relieved.
- You feel better ?
- Much better. I am made to keep my feet on the ground.
- I would have wanted to avoid that on the day of your birthday.
- Don't worry. Kazumi said, kissing him on the cheek. The intention was good.
He replied to her smile and resisted as best he could so as not to drown himself in the eyes of his beloved. Instead, he slid his free hand to hers and gently intertwined their fingers.
- Nevertheless, there is a romantic dinner waiting for us so I suggest we find a quiet spot on the beach.
- Would you have other ideas in mind than a simple meal? Kazumi asked with a naughty little smile.
- Maybe, we'll see ... he replied in the same tone.
The young woman giggled, hugging him as they walked towards the beach. Then followed a more or less long walk along the water until the two lovebirds set their camp. Satoshi and Kazumi laid a large beach towel on the sand and settled there. The architect then opened the picnic basket he had brought and took out a bottle of champagne.
- Do you feel better enough to celebrate this day as it should? Asked he.
- Yes of course. Replied the young woman.
He chuckled and uncorked the bottle, which he emptied some of the contents into two cups. He handed one to his girlfriend and they drank.
- Happy birthday Kazumi-chan. Said Satoshi without leaving her eyes for a single second.
- Happy Birthday to me. She smiled.
A cup of champagne and a huge bento prepared by the architect later, the two lovers stared at the setting sun huddled together.
- It's beautiful.
- I would have preferred to show it to you from the boat but here it's no less beautiful.
Kazumi chuckled.
- Why are you laughing ?
- I thought we were a really foolish couple...
- What do you mean ?
- The champagne, the sunset ...
- Excuse me for wanting you to have a happy birthday.
The young woman laughed louder and pulled away from him to sit on his knees, facing him, and kiss him.
- I never said I didn't like it. She says. It's the best birthday of my life.
- Nice to hear it.
Satoshi took her lips again and Kazumi felt the young man's hands pass behind her neck and then slid them in the middle of her back, leaving the sensation of a chain against her neck. She pulled away from him and looked down, perplexed, at what was responsible for that feeling. She exclaimed and her eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful silver chain from which hung a bright orange-yellow stone, recalling the landscape they admired a few minutes earlier.
- Satoshi ...
- Do you like it?
- It's beautiful ... But it's way too precious I can't ...
- What can't you do? It's a gift I give you, because I love you. Nothing is too precious for the one we love. This stone is reflected wonderfully in your eyes and makes you even more beautiful, you know that?
The eyes of the young woman, unlike her mouth that remained in a gaping position, constantly passed from her lover to the gemstone hanging from her neck, not knowing what to say to this man who was shaking her heart at every moment. She finally answered, at least in her own way, kissing him again more passionately than ever. Satoshi's hands took place on her hips as she moved them against him and the second he groaned in their kiss, she knew it didn't leave him indifferent. She smiled to herself and moved away from her mouth for a moment.
- You know how we could make this moment even more foolish?
- I think I have my idea. breathed the architect by inverting their positions so his beloved was on her back and him on top of her before undertaking the complete mapping of her body with the help of his lips under Kazumi's sighs of satisfaction.
Pairing : Ohmiya, Sakuraiba, Jun/Toma
Rating : PG-13
Genre : Romance, fluff, Comedy
Warning : Genderswitch ^^
Summary : Kazumi wants to be a writer but her work got rejected again and on her way back home, a stranger made her fall in the metro station.
Note : Hi everyone ! Here is the next chapter ! ^O^
[Chapter 11]
When Masaki came out of his bath and joined the living room, he found his sister, her pc on her knees frantically typing on her keyboard. The young woman was so focused that she didn't see him enter the room. She was nibbling her lower lip and her eyes on the screen seemed to never blink. He circled the couch, leaned closer to the screen, right next to Kazumi's ear, and read over her shoulder. In front of the scene portrayed by his sister, he tilted his head sideways, frowning thoughtfully.
- I never tried this position with Sho-chan though...
- Really ? Kazumi asked without leaving her screen for a second.
She stopped then instantly, turned around and gave a little cry realizing the presence of her brother.
- Oi! How dare you to read over my shoulder? It's private !
- If you publish your book it will not be private anymore.
- Mouuuu! The young woman grunted as she closed her computer and put it down on the coffee table while her brother settled down next to her.
- I didn't know you were writing an erotic novel! Laughed Masaki.
- It's not an erotic novel!
- Yet what I just read almost made me climb the curtain and yet I'm gay.
- Do you think that's too much?
- No ! No ! It's perfect. You're inspired by what you do in bed with Ohno-san or what?
- ... that does not concern you ... said Kazumi, frowning and scarlet cheeks.
- It means yes.
- Yes a bit. Sighed the young woman who dropped against the back of the sofa.
- Wow, this man must be a sex god!
- You have no idea ...
- Do you take your precautions at least?
- Mas'! I am 24 years old, I know how it works!
- Okay. Although if you two do some mini Kazu, I'll be more than happy to babysit them, you know it!
The young woman sighed furiously, passing her hand over her face.
- Otherwise, how was your day?
- Satoshi's sister surprised us in bed.
- And you were doing sexual things ?!
- Fortunately not. I don't even imagine the shame I would have had. She was going to drop her daughters at Satoshi's, he was supposed to keep them and he had forgotten, this idiot.
- Hahaha! Did you have to hit the babysitting chore?
- Hum. It was nice. Kazumi said with a clear smile. We played the tea party and dressed Satoshi as a princess, it reminded me when we played together when we were little.
Masaki ran his hands over his face.
- Aaah mou ... Those moments when you wrapped me in the bedsheets of Kaa-chan and Taka and you added me a diadem or a magic wand ...
- Oh stop, we had fun, both of us. After that I played piano for the little ones, they listened to me religiously, it was adorable and Satoshi is a wonderful uncle!
- How old are they?
- Hmm ... 4 years I think.
- Twins ?
- Hum, identical.
- Eeeeeeeeeh ...
Masaki seemed struck by a sudden revelation.
- They are called Konami and ...
- ... Minami! he completed.
His sister frowned.
- How do you know that?
- They are in my class.
- Eh !
- A moment ago, I heard their mother and them talk about a "uncle Satoshi", I told myself that I had misunderstood or that it was a coincidence. Hahaha! The world is small !
- Yup.
- Ne ? Ne ? Their uncle, does he looks like them?
Kazumi rolled her eyes to think.
- Hmm ... their mother looks a little like him but the girls, there is just a little ressemblance, I would say. Why ?
- Because you never introduced him to me so I try to get an idea of the head he has.
- Mas', it's only been a little over a month that we go out together.
- But you have met his sister and nieces, you.
- Yes, by accident!
His brother crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.
- I'm curious.
- Yes, I noticed, baka!
- Oi!
The young woman sighed.
- I can offer him to spend the night here to change, so I'll introduce you. But no question of passing him to the interrogation!
- Promised ! I'll behave ! Said Masaki bringing his hand to his heart.
Kazumi looked at him for a moment and then giggled, kissed him on the cheek, picked up her pc and got up to leave the room.
- Good night, Baka Nii-chan.
- Good night little sister of my heart!
And she went to bed, giggling.
*****
Jun, sitting quietly in bed, was reading one of the magazines her husband had brought her to pass the time when a weight began to press against her stomach. She sighed as she rested her magazine on her knees and poked her belly.
- Oi, chibi, you better not make my breakfast come back. It would work against you too, so I'll let you know.
The baby seemed to understand her mother's words as she behaved and changed position in her mother's womb to begin her daily gymnastics session. Jun's new sigh as she caressed her belly.
- And your father who did not think to bring back my honey cookies, as you can see he does not hold much to his life.
The young woman straightened up a bit and grabbed her wallet in the drawer of her bedside table to finally get up.
- Well, let's settle this case ourselves, okay ?
A slight kick followed by a turn of her daughter marked, according to Jun, her agreement as she left her room in the direction of the small store on the ground floor of the hospital.
When she went to the checkout with her three boxes of cookies, the cashier, an elderly lady, smiled at her as she scanned her items.
- A boy or a girl ? she asked warmly.
- A girl. Jun said as she pulled out a 1,000 yen note from her wallet.
- All I wanted to eat during my pregnancy was gherkins dipped in mayonnaise, my husband was crazy!
- With mine, it's rather me who goes crazy. Said the pregnant woman laughing. A real mother hen.
- Coming soon ?
- August 22nd.
- It will be over soon and after you will see, it will only be happiness!
- I hope so.
Jun took the plastic bag that was being handed to her and her change and greeted the lady with a big smile before going back to his room. She got out of the elevator, already chewing her fourth cookie, and saw Kazumi in the distance, waiting outside the door of her room.
- Oh ! Kazumi-chan! She called without realizing her mouth full.
Her new assistant turned to her and smiled.
- Ohayo Jun-san, are you all right?
- I'm fine ! And once and for all, Kazumi-chan, you can be more familiar with me, you know? Said the publisher, once at her height.
- Sorry, you're my boss so...
- Bah! I'm not straddling hierarchical relationships.
Jun slid the door of her room and entered, followed by Kazumi. The pregnant woman put her plastic bag on the small table in a corner of the room and carried her box of cookies with her in her bed. Seeing that the youngest was standing, she pointed to a seat next to her.
- Come sit Kazumi-chan.
The young woman complied.
- What good wind brings you?
- I brought my new chapter, I finished it yesterday.
Kazumi was rummaging through her bag and soon pulled out a bundle of stapled sheets that she handed to Jun. She welcomed the precious chapter as a divine present and thanked its author with a broad smile.
- Thank you ! I needed reading, it's been three times that I reread magazines that Toma brought me. She said pointing to the stack of magazine on her bedside table.
- I hope it does not bother you.
- Why this ?
- You have to rest no?
- And since when is reading exceedingly tiring? Asked Jun with a small laugh.
- You make a point. Besides, for the job ...
- Would you mind coming to work at my place rather than at the office?
- Are you sure ?
- I have to rest, so we don't really have a choice. Gomen ne? Your work may be a little bigger than usual.
The young woman put a honey cookie in her mouth.
- No problem, I understand.
- I'll take the opportunity to show you a lot of compromising photos of Satoshi in high school.
- I can't wait to blackmail him. Kazumi said rubbing his hands with a small smirk just before bursting into laughter with the publisher.
- Besides, how was it for you?
- In high school ? Not very good for the most part, I would say. I looked like nothing, I was talking to no one and nobody was talking to me.
- Indeed, it was not joy. But I'm sure you must be adorable anyway.
- I don't know, I never wore makeup unlike all girls in school, I wore big glasses on my nose that made me look like an owl, my hair looked like a straw bale and I have those big, ugly fingers on my hands. Kazumi said, presenting her hands to her boss.
- What made you change?
- A friend of my piano lessons, I wanted to change before entering 3rd grade and she helped me. Thanks to her, I felt much better about myself, I had a greater confidence in myself to approach others and I made some friends and even my first real boyfriend.
- Oooh, nice progress.
- Hum. In primary and middle school it was much worse, most of them laughed at me and the others just ignored me, my brother it was the same and my parents in the neighborhood too.
- There was a particular reason?
The young woman was silent in front of Jun for a moment, so that she, thinking that she had embarrassed her, blushed and tried to catch up.
- Well, I mean ... so that all your family is in the case ... If it's not too indiscreet ... she stammered.
- It's a very long story. Said her assistant with a chuckle. And not very funny. I'm not here to spoil the mood.
- Kazumi-chan, we're friends right? I have already nearly spoiled the mood myself the other day...
The youngest smiled, happy that Jun seems to like him so much and be ready to listen to her.
- It all started when my mother got married for the first time. She and her husband quickly had my brother, Masaki, but her husband was violent with her and she was looking for an opportunity to leave. One day, she met my father and they went out together almost a year in secret before learning that she was expecting me.
Jun just nodded briefly and her friend continued.
- For the good of her children, she had to leave her husband and she had found the opportunity. But they both wanted my brother's guard. She pleaded her husband's violence and he pleaded the adultery of my mother. Obviously they gave custody to this asshole as if my mother was lying, my brother was a little over 3 years old. He suffered the blows of his father for another 3 years before he died and my mother could get him back. I don't remember when Masaki came home but he does. He was sometimes terrified, convinced that our mother was the evil one, but he soon realized that it was the opposite and my parents spoiled us a lot. The problem is that this story has spread in the neighborhood with more or less truth, hence the bullying. So we ended up moving ... Jun-san, what's wrong?
The young woman took off her glasses and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
- It's nothing, it's because of the baby, it makes me cry.
- Come on, it's nothing, everything is fine now, my family has lots of friends, I have Satoshi, I've got you, my brother has been living with his partner for two years ... In short, we're come out pretty well! Kazumi reassured her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Jun stared at her for a moment with a small smile. She was only a few years younger, with her small size and round face, Kazumi was so cute that the publisher could not contain more and ruffled her friend's hair.
- You're so cute Kazumi-chaaaaaaan!
- Oi! I'm not 5 years old!
The youngest girl pushed Jun's hand gently and brushed her hair with her left hand.
- Are you always so close to your writers?
- All my writers are not my assistants, are so adorable and go out with my best friend.
- Not wrong, I'm a rare specimen.
- We take the big head?
- Maybe a little bit.
After another laugh shared, Jun put her box of empty cookies on her bedside table and removed the crumbs from her t-shirt. While doing so, she looked out the window beside her bed, behind which shone the sun without the slightest cloud to annoy him.
- It's summer. Jun sighed absently, placing one hand on her stomach and the other behind her head.
- It does not seem to make you happy.
Indeed, the prospect of the season that was beginning don't satisfied her much, it only brought closer the moment when Satoshi would definitely break the heart of Kazumi who now counted more and more for her. And although she was dying to tell her everything herself, it was not her role to do it.
- Jun-san?
- Ah? No, nothing, I was lost in my thoughts, of course I love summer. The baby is due for the month of August and my birthday a few days later.
- It's true ? I too was born in summer! My birthday is Friday, the 17th.
- Oooh, what are you going to do to celebrate that?
- I have a date with Satoshi.
- And where?
- I don't know, it's a surprise he said. I just hope it's not too extravagant.
- You will tell me ?
- Hum. Kazumi nodded happily.
*****
Toma found his wife finishing her evening meal when he opened the door of her room. She smiled at him and he immediately felt a wave of heat invade him, he had missed her so much the night before. He approached the bed and went to kiss her forehead, inhaling great breaths of the scent of her hair that she had probably shampooed. His hand then slipped like a reflex on the roundness of her belly where his daughter welcomed him as it should.
- I missed you. He said settling into the seat that Kazumi had occupied earlier in the day.
- We saw each other yesterday, honey. Jun smiled at him, placing her hand in his and plunging her beautiful eyes into his.
- I know, but having to sleep alone every night for a few days makes me realize what a huge place you have in my life. I love you Jun.
- Me too I love you idiot! How was your day ?
- As always, I did what I had to do, I launched five paper planes to Satoshi, I ate well at noon and I made two little pee in the day.
Jun laughed at his silly look and slapped him on the head before continuing.
- And Satoshi, how is he?
- He looks upset these days.
She sighed.
- He does not intend to talk to her at all, if I understand correctly?
- I don't think so.
The young woman looked away towards the window.
- Jun, it does not concern us, we have other things to worry about. Like you and our baby for example.
She threw an angry look at her husband's hand, which still held hers.
- You are right. But Kazumi-chan is my friend now too and she will suffer horribly because of him, it's inevitable. At this point, which side should I choose?
- We don't have to choose side. We'll be there for both of them when the chopper falls. That's all we can do.
- I would like to prevent it.
- Me too. But understand that this is not my priority, especially since you entered the hospital.
Jun looked down at her belly and put her hand on it.
- I wish it wasn't one for me but I'm still afraid to attach myself too much to the baby as she is not in the world safe and sound.
- I understand.
- Do you think she'll look like him?
- Like Satoshi?
Jun giggled. She was sure that her husband had understood what she was saying, but was just trying to make her laugh and dismiss her doubts again.
- No, Kagero. I know that his features were not well discerned, as he was very small but ... In my memories I had the impression that he was going to look like you while growing up.
- I thought he had your eyes.
- You think ?
- It may be me who imagined things but yes, that was my impression.
- You never told me about it.
- You neither.
It was true that they did not talk much positively about their son. Most of the time, they were only evoking the tear that his death could have engendered in their hearts.
- I loved him so much, Toma. And yet I only saw him for a few minutes, we didn't raised him and we didn't even had the opportunity to take care of him.
- I loved him so much too.
- I don't want this baby to be his replacent.
- She will not be, she can't. They are two totally different children and Kagero will always be in our hearts no matter what.
The architect sat down on the edge of his wife's bed and pulled her to kiss her forehead and press her against him. Jun snuggled comfortably to his chest, closed her eyes and let herself be carried away by the sweet sound of Toma's heartbeat for a moment. Without him, she might never have recovered from this ordeal. Never.
*****
- Where are you taking me, Satoshi?
Kazumi, blindfolded, heard her boyfriend giggle briefly before he pulled her a little closer to her birthday present.
- If I tell you, it will not be a surprise anymore.
The young woman pulled her tongue in his direction, which he chuckled again. They ended up stopping and Satoshi invited her to remove what was blocking her view. Kazumi's blood then froze briefly at the sight of a small boat docked at the dock on which they were.
- It is...
- My boat! Said Satoshi proudly.
- Hum.
- I got my license last year. I told myself that a ride just you and me on the waters of the Pacific could be romantic. I even thought about filling the mini fridge!
Kazumi just smiled a little nervously.
- It's not right?
- No ! All is well, let's get going.
At once, Satoshi helped her on board and went to the bar where Kazumi accompanied him, a little hesitant. Soon, they started and Satoshi spoke happily about the beauty of the sea and his passion for fishing, without leaving the horizon of the eyes. A long expiration of his girlfriend made him turn around. This one had famously paled, was taking deep breaths and also stared straight ahead but obviously not in the same optics as the young man. He stopped the boat immediately and was close to her in no time.
- Kazumi, are you okay ?
She nodded very briefly without looking at him.
- Are you sure ? You are very pale ... Wait ... Are you seasick?
- In your opinion ... idiot?
- Why didn't you tell me?
- It seemed so much to please you ... I didn't want to ruin your surprise.
- You should not force yourself for me, look at what state it puts you. Do you think you'll keep up until we reach the docks?
In response, the young woman turned on her heels and ran outside, throwing up overboard. Satoshi joined her right away and rubbed her back until her pain had passed, after which she seemed even paler than before.
- Do you prefer to stay here or do you want to lie down? There is a bed downstairs.
- I'm definitely going to lie down...
The young man wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her inside the small living area of the boat before helping her lie down on the bed. He kissed her forehead and went back to the bar to bring them back to the dock.
Some time later, they were both resting on the dock of the port, Satoshi firmly holding the hand of his beloved. She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed, visibly relieved.
- You feel better ?
- Much better. I am made to keep my feet on the ground.
- I would have wanted to avoid that on the day of your birthday.
- Don't worry. Kazumi said, kissing him on the cheek. The intention was good.
He replied to her smile and resisted as best he could so as not to drown himself in the eyes of his beloved. Instead, he slid his free hand to hers and gently intertwined their fingers.
- Nevertheless, there is a romantic dinner waiting for us so I suggest we find a quiet spot on the beach.
- Would you have other ideas in mind than a simple meal? Kazumi asked with a naughty little smile.
- Maybe, we'll see ... he replied in the same tone.
The young woman giggled, hugging him as they walked towards the beach. Then followed a more or less long walk along the water until the two lovebirds set their camp. Satoshi and Kazumi laid a large beach towel on the sand and settled there. The architect then opened the picnic basket he had brought and took out a bottle of champagne.
- Do you feel better enough to celebrate this day as it should? Asked he.
- Yes of course. Replied the young woman.
He chuckled and uncorked the bottle, which he emptied some of the contents into two cups. He handed one to his girlfriend and they drank.
- Happy birthday Kazumi-chan. Said Satoshi without leaving her eyes for a single second.
- Happy Birthday to me. She smiled.
A cup of champagne and a huge bento prepared by the architect later, the two lovers stared at the setting sun huddled together.
- It's beautiful.
- I would have preferred to show it to you from the boat but here it's no less beautiful.
Kazumi chuckled.
- Why are you laughing ?
- I thought we were a really foolish couple...
- What do you mean ?
- The champagne, the sunset ...
- Excuse me for wanting you to have a happy birthday.
The young woman laughed louder and pulled away from him to sit on his knees, facing him, and kiss him.
- I never said I didn't like it. She says. It's the best birthday of my life.
- Nice to hear it.
Satoshi took her lips again and Kazumi felt the young man's hands pass behind her neck and then slid them in the middle of her back, leaving the sensation of a chain against her neck. She pulled away from him and looked down, perplexed, at what was responsible for that feeling. She exclaimed and her eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful silver chain from which hung a bright orange-yellow stone, recalling the landscape they admired a few minutes earlier.
- Satoshi ...
- Do you like it?
- It's beautiful ... But it's way too precious I can't ...
- What can't you do? It's a gift I give you, because I love you. Nothing is too precious for the one we love. This stone is reflected wonderfully in your eyes and makes you even more beautiful, you know that?
The eyes of the young woman, unlike her mouth that remained in a gaping position, constantly passed from her lover to the gemstone hanging from her neck, not knowing what to say to this man who was shaking her heart at every moment. She finally answered, at least in her own way, kissing him again more passionately than ever. Satoshi's hands took place on her hips as she moved them against him and the second he groaned in their kiss, she knew it didn't leave him indifferent. She smiled to herself and moved away from her mouth for a moment.
- You know how we could make this moment even more foolish?
- I think I have my idea. breathed the architect by inverting their positions so his beloved was on her back and him on top of her before undertaking the complete mapping of her body with the help of his lips under Kazumi's sighs of satisfaction.