Happy Birthday Takao Maruyama (11/10)
Three Sided Voltage Story Part 16
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.
GET TO KNOW ME MEME:
[9/10] Attractive Voltage Characters ❤
►Takamasa Saeki
GET TO KNOW ME MEME:
[4/10] Attractive Voltage Characters ❤
►Yamato Kougami
Three Sided Voltage Part 15
By kippeii & themagicalworldofdisneyandstuff
It was a bright, sunny day. I was taking the bullet train to meet our companies new client. I looked at my phone and noticed I had a new message. It was from Kippei and it read “Have a nice day, sorry I wasn’t there to say goodbye to you this boring but good luck on your new client. I love you.” I smiled as I took a second glance at the message. I was nervous as this was my first assignment as an interior designer for a private residence but everyone including Kippei believed I was capable of completing this task which gave me a boost of confidence.
I arrived to the suburban areas of Tokyo. I looked at all the houses and quiet streets while the sun reflected through all the trees that ran along the pathways. I thought that maybe one day Kippei and I could settle down and move to a nicer area like this. I continued to walk down the path just as a young man in a medic uniform brushed past me. We made eye contact as his blonde hair flowed in the wind. He looked startled for a second and was about to say something however decided against it and continued on his way. Strange he seems so familiar. I looked down at my watch and noticed how much time had actually past, “Oh no, I must’ve been too distracted thinking about-”
“Hey Ren!” My thoughts were once again interrupted and I couldn’t help but turn around to see a man with silky black hair and a clear white shirt. His arm was high in the air and seemed to be waving at the blonde man. He too seemed to stop what he was doing, his arm slowly fell to his side and his face steadily turned towards me and seemed to fall as if a distant memory of grief clouded his mind. For a few seconds it seemed like time had stopped with nothing moving but the breeze across my hair and the turning faces of the men standing before me.
Our silence was broken by the sound of a phone call and soon all that was still began to move. I glanced at my bag and noticed it was my phone and quickly turned on my heels and hurried down the street to where my client awaits but still as I rushed further to my destination, I couldn’t help but wonder, what was that moment back there.
* * *
Standing at the door step, I was trying to catch my breath as my hand knelt on the front door. I composed myself, took a deep breath, and told myself this is it as my hand reached up and knocked on the door.
Slowly the door opened and a man with beautiful brown eyes and glistening brown hair was there to greet me. He had a look in his eyes as if they no longer saw colour and his lips trembled as if a new founded grief had over whelmed him. His mouth went slightly ajar as if he had a thousand things to say, just as a little boy came running through the door. As if it was the most natural thing in the world, he ran towards me and by some forgotten instinct I knelt down and lifted him up. I laughed and smiled towards the man as he gave me a broken smile and with that my mind came rushing back.
“Oh no!!” I screamed in my head as a look of horror and embarrassment came upon my face. I quickly put the boy down. “This is bad, so unprofessional!! What am I going to do?? I picked up my clients son!!!” I turned towards the man, glancing upon seeing a hint of warmth across his face. I bowed and immediately apologised, “please excuse my inappropriate behaviour, I understand if you wish to call the company to have a replacement” I clenched my fists and had thoughts of regret. How could I have screwed this up before I even started?
A second of silence took place which was soon taken over by laughter. I looked up to see the man looking slightly red as he tried to contain his laughter. “That won’t be necessary, please come inside.” I regained my composure as I saw him rush off to the other side of the room.
We sat in the living room. “Nice to meet you, I once again apologise for the inconvenience earlier. My name is Annalise Haruhi and I will be the representative of our interior design company.”
His expression softened after my introduction, “Don’t worry about earlier, it’s no big deal. I'm…Yamato Kougami.”
* * *
(Yamato’s POV)
It was just another one of those days where the grief continued to consume me. I treasure that small bliss in the morning where I don’t know what my life has become then I remember that she is no longer next to me.
I remembered that today was also the day that an interior designer was coming to discuss re-decorating the house. I decided it was time for a change. The look of this house gave me too many memories of her, the time we spent together which I could no longer keep under control. This way I can try to stay strong for my son and for myself.
An hour later the door bell rang and as usual I didn’t answer it and Ren let himself in without warning. Ever since she left, every now and then, Ren had always come over to check on me and Haru. He’s the only one out of the group that knows I’m not coping. I always try to keep myself composed around everyone but he can always see through me. He says the usual things, to stay strong, if not for me, then for my son. But this time he adds one more thing. “It’s been two years since she left us. I just think it’s time that you move on and learn to live without her instead of staying cooped up inside with these lost memories feeling sorry for yourself.” He said in a soft but concerned tone. I knew he was right, I would always just sit here and recollect our old memories which only made things worse for myself but I wouldn’t admit it. He patted my back as I still remained seated with my fists clenched and staring down as I thought about what Ren said. “I’m going to meet Saeki at Long Island. After there interior designer comes, you should consider joining us, we’ll be there all day.
As the door shut after Ren left, I was once again in the darkness alone with my thoughts.
"Daddy-” he was cut off by the sound of the door knocking and I reluctantly went to answer it. “Just stay in your room for a bit Haru, I’ll check on you soon, okay?” I put on a fake smile as Haru excitedly skipped back to his room.
Every time someones at the door, a foolish glimmer of hope shoots through me. Maybe one day she’ll be the one waiting at my door step, but I know it’s a lie, I tell myself, just to convince myself to answer the door.
I open the door and immediately think I’m hallucinating. I wouldn’t be surprised, but she seemed so real, standing right there in front of me with a gentle expression on her face. Immediately this moment is interrupted by Haru running out passed me and into her arms. She picked him up and a flash of memories come rushing through my mind, it was just like those days when she was alive, a kind expression on her face as she holds our child and me on the side lines watching as the happy moments continue to flow by. I shake out of these thoughts when I see her tilted downwards and facing me. I could hear her voice tremble as her hands shake and she quickly apologises over and over and I couldn’t help but laugh happily at the site. Everything about her from her hair to her unique traits reminded me of ‘her’. “That won’t be necessary, please come inside.”
A sense of panic came to mind as I recalled the photo’s I have of us in the living room, as she walked towards the seats I scurried towards the photo’s and hid them in the drawer.
We sat in the living room. “Nice to meet you, I once again apologise for the inconvenience earlier. My name is Annalise Haruhi and I will be the representative of our interior design company.” As she states her name I feel let down, that last ray of hope has been shattered from my world, it just further reminds me that it’s not her, what once was will never be. “Don’t worry about earlier, it’s no big deal. I'm…Yamato Kougami.”
A hour passes as we go through the basic plans. As we continued to talk the resemblance seemed uncanny to Danielle though I tried to stay composed and push pass this. Before I knew it our time was up. “We’ll continue the plans tomorrow. Have a nice evening then.” I escorted her out and watched as she walked off until she was no longer visible.
I decided to take Ren up on his offer and go to Long Island, I needed to get out of the house and I wanted to tell everyone what happened.
* * *
I stepped inside along with Haru holding my hand. Without hesitation Haru ran up to everyone excitedly and gave Yuta a hug. Everyone enthusiastically greeted Haru while gesturing for me to sit with Ren. Ren gave a relieved smile. “You actually came.” I smiled back and then told everyone about what happened.
They all gave me shocked looks and couldn’t believe it. “But how? Does she really look like her?” Kuni said in concern. Ren cut in “Actually, we weren’t going to tell you this, but I think Saeki and I saw the exact same person earlier. I stared at her for a while confused and she looked back as if she recognised me for a split second and then as I went to meet Saeki she gave him the same look” Saeki continued from this. “Yeah, at first I thought she was just a beautiful random woman.” Saeki said as he dramatically brushed his fingers along his fringe. “But it was more than that, she reminded me so much of Danielle. I couldn’t help but stare and there was nothing I could do.” The conversation started to fade and as I watched Haru playing with Yuta, I couldn’t get my mind of the interior designer.
* * *
(Annaliese’s POV)
It had been a tiring day at work and I’m still a bit flustered from earlier. I knew Kippei wasn’t going to come home till later at night, so I decided to head to the usual bar and have a drink to calm my nerves and maybe try to forget the embarrassing events of today.
I walked inside and was about to head to the benches when I saw a very familiar figure sitting on the edge. “Kippei?” I said while walking towards him. He turned around with a smile upon his face.
“Ah, there you are. I was expecting you’d come here so I decided to leave work early and surprise you” he said while gesturing for me to sit next to him.
We had both talked about our days and while shocked at hearing my story, he still couldn’t help but laugh thinking about it himself.
It was getting late and Kippei and I walked hand in had along the pathway heading towards home. We waited at the crossing and both looked up at the dark starry sky where a few clouds started to form.
GET TO KNOW ME MEME:
[10/10] Favourite Voltage Characters ❤
►Takamasa Saeki
GET TO KNOW ME MEME:
[9/10] Favourite Voltage Characters ❤
►Ren Shibasaki
GET TO KNOW ME MEME:
[2/10] Favourite Voltage Characters ❤
►Yamato Kougami
GET TO KNOW ME MEME:
[3/5] Favourite Voltage Games ❤
► My Forged Wedding
All CG belongs to Voltage.inc
[Disclaimer: Translated from my cracking Japanese, and please credits.]
誓いのキスは突然に
My forged wedding for Gree
イベント[event]：夫妻円満New yearトリップ、今年も愛してます(Husband and Wife perfect new year trip, this year I also love you)
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Kougami Yamato
『大人の眼差し』
『Gaze of adult』
「過去なんて…忘れるくらいの夜にしてやるよ」
「The past is the past…There is still unforgettable night to make」
Oh dear Yamato xD