285 [YamaShi] Risou no Musuko SP part 1

[macymacymacy]

Title: Risou no Musuko SP
Author: macymacymacy
Beta: crescentharpe
Pairing: YamaShi and others.
Genre: Family, Friendship, Romance
Rating: G
AN:
-i did try to stick with the drama's canon as much as possible.
-some OOCness, i think.
-Risou no Musuko ep 1-10 + my Risou no Musuko Ep. 11 spoilers. watch the drama and read my ep.11 first so you can understand. ^^
-the real cast of the drama obviously already had a an image of being their role. i mean, you can clearly imagine yamada if you read 'suzuki daichi' or yuto with 'kobayashi' and so on. for my added 'cast' it wouldn't be as easy to imagine, so i'll be using their first real name. ^^
-if an episode is sooooo loooooong to write, well, i think this one just killed me. /shot this was supposed to be posted on their last birthdays. lol, but then med happened and it's certainly demanding and jealous and doesn't want me to give attention to any other thing than it. /bricked so, as this is very long so it would be divided into parts. i've finished about 60-70% of the story (and what i'm posting today is about 15%) BUT I'M NOT SURE WHEN I CAN UPDATE. my family will be leaving tomorrow for a short out of town trip, so i can't work on it this weekend, and then there's the fact that i do not have any computer right now and i'm only borrowing my sister's. i will give my all though (and then some), to finish this story before my vacation end. /shot\
-italics and gray font means a flashback while just italics means the words are said in English.
-HAPPY 20th YAMADA!!!



PART 1



"So that's why she's so tired." Suzuki Daichi told Minoru, a little exasperated.

"Why did she have to unpack my clothes and repack them again?" He asked.

Kurahashi Minoru shrugged. "I am not sure, but the other day, she borrowed my laptop and I saw in my history what she searched for."

Daichi looked at his stepfather in curiosity. "What?"

"She went in a website called, 'MatchmakingMom.com.'" Minoru said with a chuckle. "Maybe she was just checking if you packed fashionable clothes. Maybe it's something to do with Mirai-san." He said, slyly.

Daichi blushed but tried to act cool. "But those moms in that sort of sites, they'd surely have older sons. Like maybe even in their thirties. I'm only seventeen. Jeez."

Once again, Minoru shrugged. "You know how she is... I think she's working on letting you go..." He said softly.

Daichi frowned. "She's exaggerating. Anyway, the joke's on her. I won't easily let her go." Daichi still firmly believes that he will be able to give her 200% if it was for his mom.

Minoru smiled at Daichi. "Well, try to understand her. She must be feeling a bit conflicted. Besides, you do like Mirai-san, right?" He asked, again with his teasing voice.

"When did I say that?" Daichi said, evasively but blushing furiously.

Minoru grinned but didn't answer his question. "But you do want to see her again?"

"Yeah..." Daichi said quietly.

"Well, I think it'll be soon." Minoru then pointed at the window. "We're nearly there."

Daichi excitedly turned to look. They were still a bit far, but it was true, they could already see it.

"Mom! Wake up!" He said, tapping Kurahashi Umi, who was sleeping, seated between Daichi and Minoru. "Wake up, we can already see Australia!"

-

Mifune Kengo flipped another page of the magazine he was reading. It was a bit surreal to his little sister there. Sure, he had seen her in one magazine when he had come back to Japan right before his last competition, but it was only a small picture of her in one corner of that particular magazine. It was just simple news about a former child actress of Japan.

This magazine he was reading though; almost half of it was dedicated for his little sister. Granted, he really couldn't understand what was written, as it wasn't in Japanese, but he could guess it was all the little details the reporters could get hold of Mirai.

He still wasn't used to having a little sister. So many happened so fast, it seems. First, finding his mom and then finding out he had a sister, meeting her and eventually meeting her father. The same man his mother chose instead of him, her own son.

They had met after his competition. He had expected to feel his old anger but he didn't. Maybe he finally matured, or maybe he just simply grew tired of all the hatred. He had already forgiven his mom, he already let go. And with just one look, he saw this Fuji Naohito really loved his mom, even though his mom couldn't remember him anymore as she did with her children. He could also see how important this man is to Mirai, and no matter how odd it was to think he had a sister, Kengo knew he cares for her. He can't really get mad at this man.

He was thankful though, that he didn't try to act familiar around him; to pretend to be his dad or something. After Mirai had introduced them to each other, they had sat down and he started telling everything that has happened.

Fuji-san never knew that his mom already have him. They had submitted their marriage certificate in secret but they still haven't started living together. When they had found out Kengo's mom was pregnant with Mirai, though, they decided to tell the Fuji-san's father about their marriage. His mom was pressured to choose between him and Fuji-san. And she had chosen Fuji-san and Mirai. This, he obviously knew. What he didn't know was that his mother still sends money to his aunt, who had taken him in. And then Mirai explained how their mother never forgot him, always regretted what she'd done. After which they had migrated to Australia and eventually their mom fell ill.

"She was sent to Japan when you were just ten years old?" Mifune had asked Mirai, calm but voice cold. "Who took care of her then? Why didn't you look for her?" He asked his face expressionless.

"We did look for her." Mirai said quickly, looking very upset. "But only in Australia. We never knew she was sent in Japan. She just disappeared. I only found out when I overheard grandfather mentioned your name and say that mom was with you."

Mifune sighed as he dropped the magazine on the table. He was thinking too much yet again.

Even with all the answers he got, it was still not enough. Something was not adding up.

"Mifune." Someone suddenly called and Mifune sat up, shook from his musings.

"Coach."

"Car's ready. Let's get going."

Mifune nodded.

-

"Tadaima!" She called at the quiet house. No one answered, but she was unperturbed. She let herself in and walked straight into the living room.

She smiled when she saw the familiar silhouette of Kobayashi Michiko.

"Tadaima." She repeated, more softly.

Michiko sharply turned to her, her face pleasantly surprised.

"Kanon-chan!"

"Mama!" She grinned, walking quickly towards her to give her a hug.

"I thought you wouldn't be here till next week." Michiko said.

Kanon shrugged. "I couldn't wait any longer. I brought you gifts. Where's Kouji?"

"Kouji? He's---"

-

Cold swept over Kobayashi Kouji and he shivered. Wanikawa stared at him.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yeah." Kobayashi said quickly, though he had a bad feeling.

"Kobayashi." Habu called from his side. "Is it really okay?" He asked.

"Paon!"

"Of course it is!" Kobayashi said, smiling at the four of them. "You guys are my friends! Wouldn't you want to go to Australia too? It'll be a blast!" He said.

"Well, if you're sure." Hyouzoka said, grinning.

The intercom sounded and Kobayashi stood up.

"That's our flight. Come on." He said, leading the group.

-



-

Minoru returned with a trolley. Together, he and Umi secured all the baggage in it.

"Is these all?" Umi asked, looking at her son.

"Yeah." Daichi said. Umi blinked.

"Daichi... you're glowing." She said, staring, though smiling all the same.

Minoru chuckled. "You really look happy."

Daichi just shrugged. "We're in Australia." Minoru only grinned. He didn't point out that Daichi hadn't really been all smiley when they landed in South Australia's international airport, he had only been ecstatically happy when they reached Mirai's island.

"That's right!" Umi said excitedly. "I don't really know much about Kangaroo Island. And we're going to see Mirai-chan soon. This is really great, ne?"

Daichi just grinned and nodded.

"Well, come on then. I expect she's already waiting for us outside. She said she'll meet us here, right?" Minoru said.

"Yup." Daichi said. "Let's go."

-

Mirai looked at the clock for the twelfth time.

"They should be arriving now." She mumbled, smiling.

Someone suddenly called her from the back.

-

"There's your name!" Minoru said, pointing. Surely, there was a big sign with the name 'Suzuki Daichi' on it.

Daichi smiled when he saw the back of a girl by the man holding the sign.

It was Mirai.

Without any more words, the three of them made their way to them, with Daichi leading.

"Mirai!" He called.

Mirai turned... but it wasn't Mirai, after all,

Daichi stopped in his tracks, blinking.

"You must be Suzuki Daichi." The girl said. She was definitely Japanese. From the back she looked just like Mirai. They had the same long black hair, though now that he looked closely, she was definitely taller than her.

"Uh, yeah, I am." Daichi said.

"Hajemimashite. Mirai can't come so she asked me to come instead. I'm Fuji Suzuka, Mirai's cousin." She said formally, offering a hand to shake.

After a pause, Daichi took her hand and they shook.

"Uhm, this is my mom, Suzu-- I mean, Kurahashi Umi and her husband, Kurahashi Minoru." Daichi introduced, a bit disconcerted. This Fuji Suzuka was a bit too formal.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Umi said, smiling broadly at Suzuka.

Suzuka smiled back, but it doesn't seem to reach her eyes.

"Pleasures all mine. If you will…" She said, gesturing for them to follow.

Suzuka started walking without waiting for them, hastily, they followed. Daichi ran up to Suzuka's side.

"Why can't Mirai come?" He asked.

"Mirai is currently in the mainland and will be back later or tomorrow." She said automatically, not looking his way.

"We came from there..." Daichi said.

"Yes. And that's where Mirai works most of the time." Suzuka said, without falter in her strides.

"Oh." Daichi could only say.

-

"Mirai." Chelle, Mirai's manager called.

Mirai turned to her. "Yes?"

"The meeting for your new movie will start in fifteen minutes; we should head to the hall."

Mirai nodded with a smile. She stood up and made her to her manager.

"The meeting will only be for an hour and then we'll head to the studio for your new commercial." Chelle said her eyes on her organizer.

"Do we have time for a quick detour to the mall? I need to buy a gift." Mirai asked politely.

"I think we have." Chelle said, smiling at Mirai. "If it'll really be quick."

"It will." Mirai assured her.

-

"What are you doing?" Hyouzoka asked in a disapproving tone, looking at Wanikawa, Habu and Zou-san.

"Zou-san fell asleep right after we took off." Wanikawa said in a whisper.

"So?" Hyouzoka asked, not really sure if she wants to hear his answer.

"Well, haven't you been curious of what Zou-san's face look like?" Habu said, also in a whisper. "It's our chance to peek!"

Hyouzoka shook her head at them exasperatedly.

"Idiots." She mumbled and turned her back on them. On her other side was Kobayashi, and he too, was acting weird. His right hand was clenched and he looked as if he's concentrating.

"Kobayashi..?" She asked tentatively.

Suddenly, Kobayashi let out a sort of cry and started biting off his nail.

Hyouzoka swatted his hand away. "What are you doing?"

"Ah... I... I'm j-just nervous." He said lamely.

"Are you afraid of flights?" She asked, sympathetically.

"No..." He said softly. There was a pause in which Hyouzoka heard Wanikawa say, "I can't take his mask off!" And Habu replied with a, "Let me try."

"Kobayashi." She started. "Why did you suddenly wanna go to Australia?" She asked suspiciously.

"Ah. I wanna spend my vacation with all of us together!" Kobayashi said a little too quickly. "It'll be more fun with the six of us complete!"

Hyouzoka raised a brow at him.

Kobayashi faltered under her stare. His hand made its way to his mouth once more. Hyouzoka swatted it away again. "Seriously, dude, stop doing that. You're supposed to be Sea King High's leader! Why did you really wanna go to Australia?" She demanded.

"I... uhm, I actually wanna talk to Suzuki..." Kobayashi said, in a defeated tone.

Hyouzoka waited for him to elaborate but it didn't seem like he was planning on doing so.

"So you brought five tickets to Australia? Couldn't you just call him?" She pointed out.

"No." Kobayashi said with a sort of pout. "I need to talk to him in person."

Kobayashi looked away. They could hear in the background, "Paon?"

"But you understand me, right?" Kobayashi suddenly said. "You also depend on Suzuki."

There was stunned silence and Kobayashi hastily said, "Uhm, it'll be a ten-hour flight, maybe I'll sleep for a while." And he turned his back on her.

Hyouzoka sighed, sinking on her seat. "No, it's not the same..." She said in a tired whisper.

-

Daichi, Umi and Minoru were all gaping as they got off the car.

Before their eyes was Mirai's house. It was far bigger than the Kobayashi's.

"I... guess it should have been expected, Mirai-san being an actress and all..." Minoru said.

Umi suddenly turned to her son. "This house is beautiful Daichi!" She sighed dreamily. "If we could only live in a house like this someday, then I'll be very happy."

Daichi stared at his mom. "Mom, don't you think this is too big a house for just the three of us?" It was only a two-story house but it was very wide.

"Uhm," Suzuka interrupted. "The maid will be taking your things to your room. If we're not waiting for anything else, let us go in." She said, and without further ado walked to the front porch and opened the door.

Daichi and the other two followed.

It was even more beautiful inside. It was very bright, there were many windows and almost everything was white. It was very clean and very spacious. It was western-style complete with chandelier by the staircase and a fireplace (the electric one).

"I'll show you to your room." Suzuka said. "Mirai said she'll be back from work as soon as she can. You can rest in the guest room in the meantime. I'll ask one of the maids to bring up food to you."

"Ah, thanks." Daichi said, hesitatingly. And they followed her once more.

"She's..." Minoru started in a whisper to Daichi and Umi.

"...not like Mirai-chan." Umi said.

Daichi nodded.

-

The meeting was over right on schedule. Mirai had thanked JAFA's president and politely excused herself, with her manager in tow.

"So, we'll go to Rundle Mall and then to the studio." Chelle said promptly. Mirai nodded.

"Have you already thought of a gift?" She asked Mirai with a smile.

"Yes, I--"

Mirai had bumped into someone. She closed her eyes, expecting to fall to the floor but someone caught her.

She opened her eyes and then blinked. "Niichan?"

"Mirai." Mifune Kengo said calmly, though his eyes were wide.

Mirai's face broke into a grin and she suddenly hugs Kengo. "Niichan!" She said excitedly. She felt him return the hug a bit awkwardly.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, excitedly as Kengo helped her to her feet.

Kengo still looked a bit surprised. "I was invited for a charity amateur boxing event." He explained. "I thought I'd probably see you but... that was quick." He finally smiled. "I arrived just a few hours ago."

"You should have told me you were coming!" Mirai said. "But this is great. I think Daichi should be arriving at home now, too."

Kengo's eyebrows furrowed. "Suzuki? He's here?"

"Un,” Mirai nodded. “I invited him and his mom and stepdad. They'll be staying at home. Do you have anywhere to stay? It'll be great if you can stay at home as well." She said.

There was a pause and then Kengo said, "I need to train here. I'll be staying in a hotel with coach. But maybe I can visit." He said.

Mirai looked a bit disappointed but smiled anyway. "Have you eaten?" Mirai turned to her manager and asked something in English. Her manager replied with a shake of her head.

"Uhm..." Mirai started, turning back to her brother.

"I'm on my way to a meeting; maybe some other time." He said coolly. Mirai only nodded.

"Then... I'll see you." Mirai said.

Kengo nodded, and after another pause, patted Mirai on her head. Mirai let out a soft chuckle and gave her brother one last hug before heading off.

As Mirai go, Kengo's smile faded into a small frown. Somehow, he felt irritated.

'Dude, I think Suzuki's after your sister. Well, I guess you wouldn't mind, though. You’re fond of him. But all the same, thought you ought to know.'

He really was tempted to stay with them. But he knew it wasn't a good idea, what with the amateur boxing event and of course, Mirai's grandfather.

-

Suzuka left Daichi and the others in the guest room. Feeling a bit tired, she headed to their library for some reading. She wasn't really very comfortable around strangers like them. She would rather be with books.
She sighed, now feeling tired and bored. There really wasn't much to do during their semestral break. There aren’t any competitions during this time of the year either. There is that event on the 27th, but Suzuka wasn't really looking forward to that particular event.

As Suzuka opened the door to their library, her phone rang.

She smiled seeing the name and answered.

"Suzuka." A sweet and gentle voice said in the other line.

"Grandmother." Suzuka greeted.

"Where are you now, dear? Are you already home?" She asked.

"Yes. Mirai's guests are already here. I expect they're resting, it is a long flight from Japan." She said.

"That's good." She said and Suzuka could almost hear her smile. "But, how about you?"

"What about me?" Suzuka asked.

"Well, what do you think about them?" She asked gently. Suzuka have to smile. Her grandmother really knows her best.

"I don't really like them." She said honestly. "I don't know why Mirai is so fond of them, but I don't mind playing host. They're not really annoying or anything. They're even quite amusing."

"Well, everything's good then." Her grandmother said.

"Of course." Suzuka said with pride.

-

"It's really beautiful here." Umi said, walking around their room. It seemed as big as their whole apartment, maybe even bigger.

"Yeah, it is." Minoru agreed; just to say anything. Daichi was being weird again.

"Look, there's a balcony!" Umi said. Minoru stood up and followed her out.

"You can see the ocean from here. It's really beautiful." Umi said.

"Daichi," Minoru called. "Come here, you should see this. The sun is already setting."

Daichi silently walked out. He gaped at the scene before him. It really was beautiful.

"Amazing..." He said, finally smiling.

But it faded quickly.

Umi looked at him worriedly. "What's wrong, Daichi?" She asked.

"It's like... a different world." He muttered, distractedly.

They stayed there, watching as the sun fades away. Both Minoru and Umi were still looking at Daichi. Just earlier he was so happy and excited, now it was obvious something was bothering him. Before anyone could say anything though, there was a knock on the door.

The door opened as they return inside their room. It was one of the maids.

"Dinner is ready." She said politely.

Umi nodded with a smile. "Thank you." She said.

The maid bowed and excused herself.

Suzuka was already in the dining room when they arrived. She gave them a curt bow and gestured for the table.

Smiling pleasantly, Umi said once more. "Thank you Fuji-san. And for having us as well." It sounds so formal, but it doesn't seem to be proper to say it other way to Suzuka.

"It's a pleasure." Suzuka said. "We're having Italian today." She said.

Their dinner was without surprise, very awkward. Suzuka was very quiet and even though Umi tries very hard to chat her up, she only ever has short answers. In the end it was only Minoru and Umi talking.

-

Kobayashi was looking outside his window even though he really couldn't see anything. It was already dark and they were obviously flying over the ocean, so it was pitch black outside. His friends were all asleep now, but Kobayashi couldn't seem to follow them. He sighed and just continued to look outside. He couldn't even see a star. They might be flying through the clouds.

-

"Yes, we arrived safely. How's mom?" Mifune said on his phone.

"She's okay. I visited her earlier. She's looking for you, though. And Mirai." Kanbe replied.

"I saw Mirai earlier…” Mifune said. "Well, I'll only be here for a few days. And Mirai's movie will start filming in Japan soon as well."

"That's good. Your mom would like that."

-

"Tadaima." Mirai said as she entered her home. She knew no one would be answering. It was already midnight, and all the lights save for those in the garden and in the sitting room were already turned off. But she says it anyway, almost as if to remind herself that this is home.

"You should rest now, Mirai. You looked really tired." Mirai's driver said from her back.

"You too, Sagara-san." Mirai said, smiling at him. Almost all of their helpers are Japanese. The same ones they had back in Japan. (Though, of course, not all of them came with them to Australia.) Mirai already consider them her family.

Sagara-san nodded and said, "I'll just lock up here."

"Oyasumi nasai." Mirai said.

"Oyasumi."

Mirai made her way to the staircase thinking if she should check up on Daichi, Umi-san and Minoru-san. Surely, they would already be asleep. She might disturb them.

She stopped when she reached the stair landing. The stairs to the left would lead to where the guest room was, the stairs to the right where her and Suzuka's room was.

"Okaeri."

Mirai clutched at her heart and looked to her left, where the voice came from.

"Sorry." Daichi said hastily, standing up.

Mirai shook her head, letting out a little laugh. She made her way to Daichi, who had been sitting by the stairs. She placed her arm around him, hugging him for a short time.

She stepped back and smiled. "I've missed you." She said.

Daichi felt his face grew hot. "Me, too." He said awkwardly. "I mean, I've missed you too..."

And then he blinked. "Mirai... you cut your hair." He said, looking at her closely for the first time. It had been dark so he didn't notice at first, but Mirai's hair was only up to her chin now.

Mirai consciously touched her hair. "Um, yeah. It's for that movie I'll be shooting in Japan." She explained.

Daichi smiled. "It suits you." And as if realizing what he was saying, he hastily added. "You look beat."

Mirai smiled tiredly. "It's been a long day. Why were you up, by the way?"

Daichi shrugged. "Couldn't sleep."

Mirai smiled. "Do you want some hot chocolate?"

"No, it's okay. You should rest now." Daichi said quickly.

"I insist. Besides, chocolates give me energy." Mirai said, and taking hold of his hand, she pulled Daichi to the kitchen.
-

"Can't sleep?" Minoru asked, as he sat up drowsily.

Umi nodded, but didn't bother to sit up.

Minoru tried to blink sleep away. Looking more closely at the other bed, he asked, "Where's Daichi?"

"He went out earlier. What do you think is bothering him?" She asked, turning to her side to look at Minoru.

Minoru sighed. "Well, I guess he's not comfortable here; at least not yet. And Mirai's cousin... well, she is a bit cold, it's a bit unsettling."

"There's something else..." Umi said, sighing worriedly.

"Umi-san... we can cancel..." Minoru said.

Umi was silent, and then slowly she said, "But I think we both need this... Nothing had really changed."

-

"Where's your dad?" Daichi asked as Mirai passed him a cup of hot chocolate.

"He's in Canberra. Work." She said as she sat down the table besides him. "He'll be back in a few days."

Daichi nodded.

"Somehow, I'm learning to let go of my dad." Mirai said. "Though I still can't last without talking to him for long, at least through the phone. He's sorry he wouldn't be able to come tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"I'm taking you for a tour." Mirai said with a grin.

"Aren't you busy? Or tired?" Daichi asked.

"It's my off tomorrow." She said.

There was a pause, and then Daichi said. "You shouldn't force yourself."

Mirai shook her head. "I'm doing what I love. Giving you a tour, included." She said simply.

Another pause and Daichi smiled fondly. "You're just like mom. Stubborn."

Mirai laughed.

"So... it's just you, your dad and your cousin here?" Daichi said and took a sip on his hot chocolate.

"My grandfather and grandmother also live here. But they're in Queensland right now. My grandmother is attending a seminar. She's a professor." Mirai explained. "But it's always been like this. We hardly see each other in this house. Suzuka is also always away when she have competitions. Well, my dad and I always see each other, at least. My dad is a producer so sometimes he goes out of his way so we could work together."

"What about Suzuka's parents?" Daichi asked.

"Well... uhm, I don't really know them." Mirai said very softly.

Daichi waited, curious.

"Suzu... she's adopted. My dad is an only child." She said in a barely audible voice. "I don't really know the whole story. This house is originally my grandparents'. My dad, my mom and I migrated here when I was about eight. Suzu was already here then. I just know her parents are both Japanese and that she was born here. That's why she's not very fluent in Japanese. She can only use formal speech."

"So that's why." Daichi said. "I thought she seems cold..." He said honestly.

"No." Mirai said with a smile. "Suzu's very nice. She can be a bit tight about rules, but she's very kind. She's a bit like Niichan, I guess. By the way, Niichan is here in Australia as well. I met him earlier. He was invited for a boxing event." She said excitedly.

"That's great." Daichi said. Somehow, though, she suddenly felt uncomfortable of the thought of Mifune-senpai.

-

"Thank you for the chocolate." Daichi said as they made their way up the stairs.

"Do you think you can sleep now?" Mirai asked.

"Yeah." Daichi said smiling. They had reached the landing.

"Well, good night." Mirai said.

"Good night." Daichi said softly.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Un."

Daichi watched as Mirai go, and yawning, turned to go as well.

-

"Okaeri." Mirai heard as she opened the door.

"Tadaima." Mirai said. "Why are you still up, Suzu?"

Suzuka just shrugged in her bed. "I've been reading."

"You should sleep now, it's already late." Mirai said with a smile.

Suzuka nodded and closed her book.

"Go ahead and sleep, I'll just change." Mirai said.

Suzuka nodded once more, but didn't sleep just yet.

"You're giving them a tour tomorrow?" She asked.

"Yes. Wanna come?" Mirai asked.

"No." Suzuka said at once.

Mirai pouted at her.

"Sorry." Suzuka said.

Mirai shook her head with a smile. "It's okay. Good night, Suzu."

"Good night, Mirai."

-

"Mirai-chan." Umi said, staring outside the car's window. "You're really popular here." She said, turning to the girl besides her. She had just seen a third of Mirai's billboard, and they were only driving through one main road.

Mirai blushed. "Uhm, I did a lot of advertisement." She said humbly.

"You're even more popular here than in Japan, I think." Minoru said, eyes also outside the window, looking if there's more of Mirai's picture posted anywhere.

"Over there." Sagara-san suddenly said, pointing to his left, to a poster. "That's Mirai's latest movie." He said proudly. Mirai, if possible, blushed even more.

"That's amazing." Daichi said, looking at Mirai. "What was it about? Can we watch it??" He said.

Mirai started shaking her head vigorously. Daichi laughed, but pouted as well. "Well, I guess I wouldn't understand it since it's in English, huh."

Mirai nodded, and answering Daichi's question said, "It's about two half-sisters who have been separated for twelve years and grew up in two totally different worlds."

"And you're..."

"The younger sister." Mirai said. "And the older sister is Australian, so it's generally about family and other social issues." She explained.

"That's amazing. You're even the main cast. Surely you have a DVD at home or something." Daichi urged. He really did want to watch it.

Mirai's blushed came back in full force. She looked like she wants to say something, but couldn't.

Hastily, Daichi said, "I'm only joking. You don't have to be so embarrassed around us, you know."

"I... I just love acting." Mirai said, still blushing. "I do want to have a chance to act for Hollywood... It's my goal, but I don't want it for the fame. I just really want to act." She looked at him with a small tug of her lips.

Daichi nodded, smiling understandingly.

"We're here." Sagara-san suddenly said.

"Eh, already?" Minoru said from the front seat.

"Emu Bay is only fifteen minutes from our house." Mirai said. Vaguely, she wondered what her brother was doing. She wished he was with them, as well.

-

Mifune removed his cap as he looked around him. He was doing his usual morning jog but it just felt somehow surreal this time. Australia was really very different from Japan or even New York. He was of course, in Adelaide, one of the capital cities, but it was like he was in a province with the nature surrounding him.

'This is where my sister lived almost her whole life.' He thought.

'And this is also where mom used to live.' He realized. He wondered how their lives had been then. He had wondered about how his mother was living ever since she abandoned him. The thought of her living somewhere happily while he was alone had always angered him.

Now though, we wish his mom had lived happily when she had stayed here with Mirai.

-

It was a very beautiful beach. The water was so clear and according to Mirai, the beach stretches 5km around the bay. The four of them had taken off their shoes and walked by the shore.

"Suzuka and I used to always go here." Mirai told them. "It's usually deserted even in summer so we can relax here."

"Suzuka-san... she's also popular?" Umi asked.

"You mentioned about Suzuka and competitions." Daichi said.

"Suzuka is an equestrienne. She is... well, she is quite known around here." Mirai said.

Daichi frowned at that. Mirai looked at him questioningly but he looked away.

They walked around and saw some beautiful birds. Mirai had told them about each animal. It seems it was common to see them there and the animals are quite used to seeing humans as well. They saw some penguins, pacific gulls, even eagles. Mirai said it was also the first time she saw an eagle up close.

"Maybe it's because it's still very early." She said, looking at the soaring majestic bird.

After that, they went to Western River Cove. They walk across the footbridge to the other side of the river, Minoru-san clicking away with his camera.

"This is also my first time here. It's really beautiful." Mirai said. "I haven't really done much touring here, myself."

"You should take Kengo in one, next time." Umi said, smiling adoringly at Mirai.

"Yes. That would be lovely." Mirai said.

They then went to Grassdale Conservation Park. According to Sagara-san, it was a former sheep station with restricted access to the public. They walked around, admiring the tranquil, historic area and even spotted mobs of Kangaroos. It was really a sight to see, though as Daichi said; it was a bit scary seeing them up close.

After that, they went to Seal bay where they got a close-up view of the seals swimming in the surf and basking on the beach. Sagara-san parked the car close to the road and they set up a picnic blanket by the shore. They ate their lunch here.

Their next destination was Little Sahara, an expansive sand dune area several kilometers from the coast. It felt as though they're in different parts of the world, even though they're just really in South Australia. The top of the dunes have a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

While they were there, Mirai received a phone call from her dad and they talked for a very long time. Mirai seems really happy talking to him. Daichi knew she must miss him dearly.

That was also when he noticed something. As Mirai said goodbye to her dad, he approached her and pointed at her phone.

“So you’re still using that.” He said, smiling. On Mirai’s phone was the koala cell phone strap he gave her and the miniature dagger given by her dad.

“Of course.” Mirai said, smiling. “And the dagger, the chain broke so I turned it to a cell phone strap instead.”

Daichi grinned at her and raised his left hand and rolled his sleeves up, showing her the koala bracelet she had given him last time.

Mirai grinned at him.

They then went to d’Estrees Bay, a large bay on the South coast with numerous deserted beaches. They had seen much beach, but each had a different kind of beauty.

And then, to Daichi's delight, they went to Parndana Wildlife Park. He hadn't seen so many beautiful animals at once. They saw wallabies, echidnas, and some beautiful birds. There were these little parrots they called budgies. And there were pelicans and toucans. They also saw so many kangaroos. Umi particularly liked the white ones. They were able to feed some of them, too. And at long last, Daichi had finally seen a koala. He was even able to touch it, though it seemed like the koala didn't like him much. It had kept moving away from him in his first tries. Mirai then, reached a hand to it and it stopped. With Mirai still petting it, Daichi reached out a hand, too, and it didn't move.

They stayed in the Park for a long time. Daichi and Umi had certainly dragged everyone everywhere inside the park.

Their last destination was Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. The sun was already setting by then, so it added to the very scenic view. They were able to go right up to the top of the lighthouse and they saw the surrounding areas and the even the mainland.

Umi wanted to go more higher, but Daichi had said he'll stay on the lower deck. Minoru made to follow Umi up, but before he could, he heard Daichi mumbled to Mirai. "I'm not good with heights. This is already too high for me."

Minoru turned to looked at the two of them talking.
Mirai had moved closer to Daichi. "Are you okay?" She asked.

Daichi only nodded.

"Just look at the ocean." Mirai suggested. "And don't look down."

Daichi nodded once more and Minoru watched as slowly, Daichi moved closer to the railings, eyes still on the water and the beautiful sunset.

"It's beautiful, ne?" Mirai said.

"It is." Daichi said. "Is it the same ocean as the one we can see from your house?"

"Yes. We can go to the shore some time. It's very close from home, though it's not much."

Smiling, Minoru turned his camera on and flashed a picture of the two. And he realized his memory was now full. He was at least glad; he could take that picture of them.

-

"Sagara-san." Mirai called when they were finally in the car. "Can we make a detour at the mall? I forgot I haven't bought a gift yet."

"Of course, Mirai." Sagara-san said with a smile.

"A gift for what?" Daichi asked, besides her.

"It's Suzuka's birthday on the 27th." Mirai said.

-

"What is it, Mariko-san?" Fuji Tsutomu asked his wife, who had suddenly stopped walking.

Fuji Mariko pointed at the store. "Tsutomu, I think Suzuka would like that dress. What say you?" She asked, smiling. It was a baby pink silk halter neck dress that has a ruffle embellished wrap-over, a V-neck string tie at neck and at waist and ruffles at the hem.

"Yes." Fuji Tsutomu said, also smiling. "I think it would fit her well."

-

As Sagara-san slowed the car, he handed Mirai a cap. Thanking him, Mirai wore it, hiding her hair.

"I'll be quick; you can just wait here in the car. I expect you're tired." She told the others.

"I'll go with you." Daichi said at once. "I wanna see the mall, too."

Mirai smiled and they both got out the car. They walked in silence for a while, Daichi looking around and Mirai trying to not be conspicuous. They went straight to a toy store.

Mirai smiled and muttered, "It's still here."

Daichi followed her gaze and saw a big stuffed pony.

"It's cute." He said as the two of them moved closer to it.

"I really didn't know what to get her." Mirai said. "But then I remembered when we were little she had a stuffed unicorn. When it got dirty though, Gran ordered the maid to throw it away. Suzuka was sad, but she didn't complain. She's very close to Gran."

"I bet she'll love this." Daichi said reassuringly.

"I hope so." Mirai said, smiling.

Daichi had then taken it off the shelf and the two of them went to the cashier.

They were walking back to the car with Daichi holding the big pony for Mirai when they suddenly heard someone call.

"That's Umi-chan!" The voice sound very familiar.

"We already know, you've pointed so many pictures of her already. Just shut up." Another voice say, a girl's this time.

Daichi looked around.

"No, it's the real Umi-chan!" The other voice said.

And Daichi found himself looking at five very familiar people carrying luggage.

"You're right!" Kobayashi said. "That's Mirai and Suzuki!"

"Paon!"

"K-Kobayashi?? Wanikawa, Hyouzoka, Habu and even Zou-san." Daichi said staring. "What are you doing here?"

Kobayashi suddenly flung his arms around Daichi that Daichi dropped the stuffed pony.

"Suzuki! We finally found you!" He cried, hugging him tight.

"Umi-chan. It's nice to see you again, I think we haven't been properly introduced, I'm Wanikawa." Wanikawa said, offering a hand to Mirai and smiling very broadly.

"And I'm Habu. Nice to meet you." Habu interrupted before Mirai could take Wanikawa's hand.

"I’m Zou!"

"Uhm, nice to meet all of you. I'm Fuji Mirai." She just said, without taking any of the three boys' hands.

"What are you doing here?" Daichi asked more loudly as Hyouzoka said, "Kobayashi, good grief, have you no shame?"

Kobayashi finally let go of Daichi. "I wanted to come to Australia, too!" He said.

"Yeah, us too." Wanikawa said. "And Kobayashi bought as tickets so we can go."

"You should have told me then. We could all have come together." Daichi said, now smiling at his friends.

"I... I haven't thought about it quickly enough. I just suddenly wanted to see budgies!" Kobayashi declared.

Daichi looked at him questioningly.

"Well, do you have anywhere to stay?" Mirai asked them. "I think it'll be lovely if you can stay at my home as well.”

"That would be great!" Wanikawa, Habu and Kobayashi asked simultaneously, while Zou-san said, "Paon!"

"Is it really okay? Wouldn't your grandparents or Suzuka mind?" Daichi asked her.

"I'm sure it'll be okay." Mirai said with a smile.

Daichi nodded. "Thanks."

"It's no problem." Mirai said to Daichi and to the others she said. "But I think we won't fit in the car. So maybe the others can just catch a cab and follow our car?" She asked.

"That won't be a problem." Kobayashi said, smiling gratefully.

"Well, let's go then." Mirai said. She crouches down to pick up the stuffed pony but Daichi beat her to it.

"I got it." Daichi said. Mirai smiled at him.

And Hyouzoka, seeing this, glared at the floor.

-

Umi blinked as she opened the door to the car.

"Kobayashi-kun." She said in surprise.

"They followed me here." Daichi said sheepishly.

"Good evening Kurahashi-san!" Kobayashi greeted cheerfully while the others bowed their greetings.

"They'll be staying at our house as well." Mirai told Umi.

"Oh." Umi said. "That's great, ne Daichi?" She said, finally smiling.

Daichi just shrugged. Kobayashi pouted at him.

Sagara-san hailed a cab for the others, instructed the cab driver to follow their car and got on their own. He started their car's engine, and they made their way home.

Umi then looked at Minoru and nodded. Minoru nodded back.

"Well, Daichi, this is great." He suddenly said.

"What?" Daichi asked, confused.

"That your friends are here." He said.

"Yeah." Daichi said nonchalant.

"Because, well, Daichi... Minoru-san and I..." Umi said and once again looked at Minoru.

Minoru cleared his throat. "We were planning on, uhm, finally having a sort of honeymoo- well, no, more like our team building trip here in Australia."

"What??" Daichi exclaimed.

"We've booked a tour trip in Melbourne." Umi said calmly.

"So we're going to Melbourne? When?" Daichi asked, still a bit confused.

"No Daichi, we're--meaning me and Minoru-san will be going tomorrow" Umi clarified.
There was a pause.

"Just you two. On a trip in Melbourne tomorrow. Leaving me behind." Daichi said slowly.

"To put it simply, yes." Minoru said carefully.

"I think the three of us needs this." Umi said firmly.

"Why??" Daichi demanded, looking angry now.

"Daichi, I need to be away from you." Umi said softly. "Just for a while. We can't have our worlds revolving around each other anymore. And Minoru-san and I really need to get to know each other."

Daichi didn't know what to say, but Umi had hurriedly turned to Mirai.

"Mirai-chan, is it okay if Daichi..?"

"Of course." Mirai said at once. "Every one of you is welcome to stay." Mirai said, implying. It was the first time she saw Daichi like the way he was right then. She was a bit worried.

"Thank you." Umi only said.

"We're here." Sagara-san announced, reminding the others that they were still in the car.

The cab was slowing to stop when they got off the car. Mirai still looked at Daichi worriedly. He wasn't looking at anyone. He had just took the stuffed pony and got out the car.

"You live here?" Mirai heard Wanikawa say in disbelief.

Mirai tried to smile at them. "Let's all go in. Dinner must be ready."

-

“Mifune.”

Mifune took off his earphones and looked to his side, sitting up from his bed. It was his coach.

“We’ve already got the schedule for the event.” His coach said, raising a piece of paper.

He moved towards Mifune and showed it to him.

“September 28th. Second fight. You’ll be fighting with Shimura Yuta. He’s a Japanese resident here. He’s also a newbie but I’ve heard there are big expectations of him. I’ve got a copy of his previous fights.” His coach was saying, but Mifune was barely listening.

“Mifune?” His coach called when Mifune didn’t reply.

Mifune was staring at the piece of paper. His coach looked over his shoulder at what he was looking at.
His finger was over a name.

“Fuji Tsutomu?” His coach asked. “He’s one of the sponsors. Is something wrong?”

Mifune only shook his head, but he was frowning.

Instead he said, “You said you have a copy of Shimura’s previous fights?”

-

Dinner was a very loud affair in Fuji household, with all the guests. Everyone was very energetic and cheerful. It was a good change. Mirai would have been very happy if she wasn't worried about Daichi. He still hasn't said anything since Umi-san's announcement. Umi-san, on the other hand was her normal bubbly self, chatting up Daichi's friends.

It felt a bit surreal for Mirai to have such a loud dinner at home. Usually, it was only her and Suzuka eating dinner together. And even when her dad and grandparents were home, they usually only ate in silence.

Mirai looked at the other end of the table at Suzuka. She was eating quietly, and was wearing her usual expressionless face. Knowing her cousin though, Mirai suspect Suzuka isn’t very happy right now, if Kobayashi's --who had unwittingly sat next to her cousin-- tight smile, was indication. Mirai knew Suzuka prefers the quiet and order. It was how she was raised by their grandparents. Mirai though, loved simple dinner like these with friends. She felt very warm inside.

After dinner, Mirai led the boys to the second guest room. Originally, this was Mirai's bedroom, but Suzuka had offered to share her room with her so it became the second guest room. She next showed Hyouzoka her and Suzu's room. Mirai thought Hyouzoka wasn't really thrilled by the idea and she felt a bit worried. It seems as if Hyouzoka doesn't really like her.

"You can sleep in my bed." She told her softly as they entered the room. "I'll crush in with Suzu."

Suzuka wasn't in the room. Mirai expects she was in the library once more.

Hyouzoka only nodded at her.

"Please feel at home." Mirai said.

"Sure." Hyouzoka said, and then after a pause, added. "Thanks."

Mirai smiled brightly at her.

Daichi, Umi-san and Minoru-san would stay at the same room, Kobayashi-san, Wanikawa-san, Habu-san and Zou-san in the second guest room and Hyouzoka-san with them. If Umi-san and Minoru-san would really be going, then the boys could stay in the guest room with Daichi.

"Well, I'll leave you to settle in." Mirai told Hyouzoka and made to go out.

"Wait, where are you going?" Hyouzoka suddenly asked.

"Ah, my cousin, Suzuka might be in the library. She usually doesn't notice time when she reads. I'm afraid she'll stay there too late." Mirai said. Suzuka finished her dinner earlier than the rest of them. Mirai had expected to see her in their room, but she was wrong.

"Oh." Hyouzoka said and nodded. "I... I'm going to use your shower, it's okay right?"

"Please go ahead." Mirai said with a smile, and then exited the room.

Mirai headed towards the stairs. The library was in the other side of the house. He heard laughing as she passed by the boy's room. By Daichi's and his family's room though, it was very quiet. Mirai frowned. She was still worried about what happened earlier. She was hoping they were all just tired and went to bed early. After all, they had literally gone round the whole island today.

She reached the library, which was at the end of the hall. Their library was just a small room with a sofa and many bookshelves. She opened the door but she saw no one.

"That's strange." She mumbled. "I wonder where Suzu is."

Frowning, she stepped back and closed the door. She made her way back to her room but stopped at the staircase. Once again, Daichi was sitting there.

"Daichi." She called and she saw him jumped.

"Sorry." She said hastily.

Daichi turned to her and seeing her, relaxed. "It's okay."

Mirai wanted to ask, 'Are you okay?' but instead said, "You're still up?"

"Yeah." Daichi said. "Guess I'm still adjusting." He said with a sad smile.

Mirai sighed and with a sudden inspiration said, "Hey, do you wanna go to the beach?" She asked.

Daichi blinked. "Now?"

Mirai shrugged. "It's just a five minutes walk from here." She said.

Daichi smiled. "Yeah, sure."

-

Suzuka was making her way back inside their house when she heard voices and footsteps. She stopped in her tracks and watched as they went out their back door.

"I think we won’t see much, though." Mirai's said. "It's a bit dark there, and it's just a sea of black around this time."

"So why are we going?" Daichi asked.

"Well, the breeze is refreshing." Mirai said with a laugh.

Suzuka frowned. She wasn't comfortable with that Suzuki being too friendly with her cousin.

Sighing she tried not to think of them and proceeded to go in. She went straight to their room. She stopped from turning the doorknob when she heard moving inside. She sighed, feeling irritated just then. She knew it must be the girl who was dressed in men's clothing. Suddenly, she feels like going back to the stable. Maybe take Sage, her horse, for a ride. Deciding she would do just that, she started making her way back down to the first floor. She almost bumped into someone as she went through the back door.

It was one of Suzuki's friends.

"Good evening." He quickly greeted her, giving her a small bow.

"You are..?" Suzuka asked.

"I'm Kobayashi Kouji." The guy said looking somewhat terrified. "And you're Fuji Suzuka, Mirai-chan's cousin."

Suzuka raised a brow at that. "Kobayashi?" She said. "I think I've heard that name before."

"Ah, of course your grandfather is Fuji Tsutumo." Kobayashi said. "He's an old friend of my grandfather. My mother knows your grandparents as well."

"You're Kobayashi Michiko's son." Suzuka nodded in recognition.

"Hai." Kobayashi said at once.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, looking mildly curious.

"I was looking for Suzuki, have seen him?" He asked her.

There was a pause and then Suzuka said, "He and my cousin went to the beach."

"Oh, okay." Kobayashi said.

Suzuka looked at him and then said, "Just follow the dirt road."

"Right. Thanks." He said. Suzuka didn't say anything anymore and just turned her back to him, making her way to the stable.

-

"Aren't you cold?" Daichi asked as they sat down the sand close to the shore. He was looking at Mirai who was only wearing a sleeveless blouse and jogging pants.

"I'm good." Mirai told him. "We can't really see anything." She said, laughing a bit. "Well, there are the stars."

"Yeah." Daichi said, looking up. They were silent for a while and then Daichi let out a sigh.

"I feel so conflicted about Mom's plan." He confessed. "I get her point, but I... well, I wanted to spend the vacation with her. She's right of course, about us having to try to let go of each other but..." He trailed off.

"I don't think you're a mama's boy." Mirai suddenly said.

Daichi looked at her, surprised.

"Well, you're not like me. You don't really depend much on your mom. You make your own decisions. And you're not afraid to tell your mom how exactly you feel. It's not a complex... You just love your mom." She said.

There was a pause, and suddenly Daichi laughed.

"What is it?" Mirai asked, smiling as well. She was glad Daichi wasn't brooding anymore.

"I've been telling everyone that, but no one believes me." He said. "And now that you tell me, it's funny that I can't believe it either."

"Well, believe it. This is genuine daddy's girl talking." Mirai said.

"You don't seem much like a daddy's girl, either though." Daichi said. "You did run away from home, and your dad is away now but you're fine. I don't think you depend on him much either."

"It's different with me." Mirai said, looking up at the sky once more. "I guess I've improved, but before, I solely depend on dad. He's with me everywhere I go, he decides everything for me even what I would wear, and I liked it that way. I'm not comfortable if I'm not with him and I can't make my own decisions. I asked him about everything first. My dad was the one who planned our tour earlier."

"Well, you didn't ask your dad if it's a good idea to go here in the beach tonight." Daichi pointed out.

Mirai grinned. "Well, there's that."

“Are you sure you’re not cold?” Daichi asked, preparing to take off his jacket.

Mirai laughed, “Well, if you insist.” She said as Daichi took off his jacket.

“You were cold.” Daichi said with a grin.

“No, I’m not.” Mirai said with a chuckle. “But you’ll keep worrying if I am if I don’t take your jacket.”

Daichi shrugged, not denying this.

-

Suzuka gasped when she saw her phone by the haystack. She couldn't believe she had left it earlier. She checked her phone and frowned. She had missed her Grandmother's call. She leaned her back on Sage and started dialing her Grandmother's number. She hoped she was still awake and that she wasn't disappointed with her.

Suzuka's grandmother answered almost at once.

"Grandmother." Suzuka said.

"Suzuka." Her grandmother said, surprise in her tone. "I thought you were already asleep."

"No. I went to Sage." Suzuka said. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to answer your call."

"It's no problem, dear." Her grandmother said.

"Did Mirai tell you about today?" Suzuka asked, relaxing now that she was finally talking to her Gran.

"We have new visitors." Suzuka said. "Suzuki Daichi's friends it seems."

"Oh, well, I hope everything is fine?"

"Yes. They would be staying in the two guest rooms." Suzuka said. "I'm sure Mirai was planning on telling you soon."

"It's okay. I expect she's busy playing host to our guests." Grandmother said understandingly.

"Yes, she has her hands full." Suzuka said and then she smiled, "How are you and grandfather?"

-

"What was that?" Daichi suddenly said in the dark. "Did you hear something?" He asked Mirai.

Before Mirai could reply though, someone called out.

"Suzuki?"

Daichi stood up. "Kobayashi?" He called back, recognizing the voice.

"Suzuki! Where are you? It's so dark..." Kobayashi said. Mirai had stood up as well, and she and Daichi made their way to Kobayashi's silhouette.

Daichi reached a hand to him. "I'm here." He said.

"There you are." Kobayashi said, sighing in relief.

"What are you doing here?" Daichi asked.

"Ah, I wanted to talk to you..." Kobayashi said awkwardly.

"About what?" Daichi asked.

"Uhm..." Kobayashi faltered.

"Ah, I'll leave you guys then." Mirai interrupted.

"No." Kobayashi said quickly, "It's okay Mirai-chan."

"So, what's this about?" Daichi asked. "Is this about why you followed me here in Australia?" He said perceptively.

Kobayashi winced, though no one saw it.

"I... have a problem." He said softly.

Daichi waited but Kobayashi didn't speak.

"Is it something to do with your mom?" Daichi prompted.

"Not exactly." Kobayashi said. "It's about Kanon-chan."

"Kanon? Kanon who?" Daichi asked, perplexed

"You know her, Shimazaki Kanon; she's from that girl group, Sirène." Kobayashi said impatiently.

Daichi blinked. "That Kanon? What, do you know her?"

Kobayashi nodded, and remembering it was dark, said. "Yeah. She's... a family friend. I've known her since she was born. I was three then."

"Okay..." Daichi said, slowly, still very confused. "What about her?"

And Kobayashi whimpered. "She wants to marry me." He deadpanned.

TBC.

-

AN:
-CLIFFY but i shall end here for now. i don't think i can update tomorrow but i'll try on saturday or sunday.
-i just want to give some comment about the hot chocolate part. in my episode 11, when Mirai couldn't sleep, Daichi had prepared hot milk for her, this time Mirai prepared hot chocolate for Daichi. that's actually on purpose. i was trying to include an element of Japan's culture of Valentine's (where girls give guys they have feelings for chocolates) and White Valentine's (where guys give girls anything white to show that they reciprocate their feelings). :))

some extras:



forgive the resolution, i could only save the thumbnail version of these edited pics. the larger version, sadly, lies asleep with my laptop. T-T