By @madamuredo & themagicalworldofdisneyandstuff
On the way to work with Kippei, I looked up at the sky as dark clouds started to form. A drop of water landed on my face and trickled down my cheek as another fell on my hair. Before we knew it, rain began to fall at a gentle pace.
“Here, come under the umbrella” Kippei suggested as he tugged me closer to him and wrapped his arm around my waist. I blushed as the rain continued to fall.
As we made our way down the street side by side, I couldn’t help but feel safe with his arms around me. Sadly we made it to the train station and Kippei kissed me goodbye. It was a soft but warm kiss and I couldn’t help but melt in his embrace.
I took the train to Mr Kougami’s house as I recalled yesterdays events. The red rises to my cheeks as someone bumped into me.
“I’m so sorry, it’s my fault.” A man who looked slightly older than me said as he turned-around. His brown eyes met with mine and had a surprised look within them. His expression reminded me of the men from yesterday who had the exact same emotion on their face.
“No it’s fine, I was in the way” I managed to reply. He seemed to have an air of authority as he smiled at me, with his green tie making his eyes stand out.
The train arrived at my stop and I headed out with the same man exiting with me. I continued to head towards his house and the man was still following me. I was a bit worried and wondered if he was just heading towards the same direction but as I turned into my clients street I knew it couldn’t be coincidental he followed me. I started to pick up the pace a little, and I panicked until he seemed further and further away. Finally I made it to his house and knocked on the door, once again feeling really anxious and flushed in the face.
Almost instantly Mr Kougami answered the door, seeming more radiant than yesterday. “Ah, Ms Haruhi. Please come in.” He greeted me with a warm smile as he invited me inside. The atmosphere seemed different from yesterday. The house lost it’s gloomy aura and of course Mr Kougami was in a visibly better mood.
Our talking was interrupted by a knock on the door. Mr Kougami excused himself as he answered the door and I decided to look around the living room. The place had a nice modern feel with a matching colour scheme. I continued to walk around as my foot brushed against something below me. It was a roomba. I gathered from that, that he must not have too much time to clean up the house himself.
I was still inspecting the room and I heard Mr Kougami greeting someone along with a familiar voice. I looked up and there he was. The man from before who I bumped into on the train and was following me down the street. He laid eyes on me as a look of shock visibly took over my face. “Ms Haruhi, this is Takao Maruyama, my childhood friend.”
Then it all came together. “Oh, I see, it’s a pleasure to officially meet you Mr Maruyama.”
Mr Maruyama smiled and gave me a small bow. “It’s nice to meet you as well and I’m sorry if I came off as a bit weird in our first meeting.”
Mr Kougami looked at both of us confused. “You two…know each other?”
I gave out a light giggle while lifting my hand to my face and replied, “We actually just met this morning on my way over here.” They both gave me a stunned look as they glanced at my hand which was still close to my face.
Mr Kougami stiffened and his eyes clouded over. “You're…married?” he said in a soft and broken tone. I glanced down at my engagement ring and looked at Mr Kougami. The atmosphere had reverted back to the way it was yesterday and his stance was the same as it once was before.
“Oh, I’m engaged. Only a few weeks ago actually.”
“Oh, I see.”
Before we knew it, a few hours had passed. Mr Maruyama mentioned that he was a lawyer and his client had cancelled on him, so he decided to ‘assist’ us for the day. Mr Kougami stood up, “Well, we’ve gone halfway through the day, why don’t I make everyone lunch.”
“Yes, I’ve waited this long, I think it’s time we ate something, right Ms Haruhi?” Mr Maruyama mentioned while looking at me.
“I couldn’t possibly take advantage of your hospitality.”
“Oh nonsense, it’s the least I could do.” Mr Kougami said with a smile, then headed towards the kitchen. I watched him as he left and thought of that last smile. It didn’t look the same as the one when he greeted me when I first arrived today. Behind that last smile I could only sense despair and his voice had a hidden sadness, but I just smiled and said, “if you insist.”
Mr Maruyama and I both sat in the living room while waiting for Mr Kougami. “I’m sure you’ve noticed Yamato’s switch of attitudes since this morning?”
“Actually I have, it’s not my place to say but may I ask if he’s alright Mr Maruyama?”
“Oh, please, call me Takao and well it’s a little complicated if you don’t me telling the whole thing.” I nodded and he continued to tell me of how Yamato was married for a few years and how she past away in an accident around two years ago. He also mentioned how he is still recovering and seeing me brought back memories as I apparently resemble her. “So, please excuse him if he seems…irrational, he’s just going through a hard time right now.”
“That’s such a shame, I’m so sorry for the loss, I’m sure she was a friend of yours as well.”
He looked down and his eyes went off towards the distance.
“Yeah, we were all very close.”
* * *
I was making dinner after long day at work. As I began to prepare the vegetables Kippei walked in. “Wow, you actually look like a professional when you’re cooking. Where did you learn to do that?”
“I’m not sure, I guess I just got better when I made food for myself all the time.” Kippei gave me a light smile.
“I can’t wait for dinner. You’re a great cook.” I smiled back at Kippei as I watched him leave the room.
While cutting the vegetables, I wondered, how I’d learn to cook and use all of these techniques. I don’t remember my parents ever teaching me, or wanting to learn by myself. I tried to concentrate but I couldn’t remember. As I continued I started to have a weird flashback of me cooking before…
I was cutting the vegetables but there was someone leaning against me from behind while holding my hands. He seemed to be showing me a new technique. “Yes, not bad, you’re picking up the technique quite well.”
He felt so close as I could feel his warm breath against my face. My heart started to beat faster. His voice was soft and had a relaxed tone. He didn’t sound like Kippei but he felt just as familiar to me. I could feel his hands on top of mine, they were warm and steady as he was helping me cook. I could tell he felt calm as he helped me. We must’ve been close but who was he? I couldn’t see his face or recognise him.
“There, much better, with more practice you might even be as good as me.” He gave a small chuckle and I gave a light smile and laughed in return. His hands then let go of mine and he hugged me from behind, leaning in closer.
I was about to turn around then…
BEEP BEEP BEEP
“Ahh! Oh, it’s just the timer.” What happened, I seemed to have spaced out though it felt so real as if it had happened before but I do not recall that happening. If it was real then who was he and when did that happen?
I never got to see who it was hugging me. I guess I’ll never find out. I was for some reason disappointed as I continued to cook.
