Dinner For Two

After we got back from Umi No Kuchi, everyone went their separate ways (except me, Hana and Chinatsu of course, since we live next to each other) and decided to meet up again tomorrow. Or at least that was the plan, but Hana had a different idea…

“Chinatsu go on without me.” My girlfriend said to her sister, who turned and narrowed her eyes in response.

“You’re not plotting to have Onii-sama all to oneself, do you?” She replied accusingly.

“Yes, I do, so go on up to your room!” Hana grabbed her little sister’s shoulders, and walked her to their house’s door.

“I shall remember this disrespect, sister!” Chinatsu cried out, ultimately unable to resist her older sister’s grip.

“Okay…” She shortly returned to me, who had witnessed the whole exchange. I have to admit, I certainly was curious to see what she wanted to talk to me about, that she didn’t want Chinatsu to overhear.

Hana smoothed out her hoodie and shorts, turning to look at me with a slightly flushed face.

“So, uhm… do you have any plans for later?” She asked, her voice somewhat squeaky.

“Nope… why?” I inquire, an amused grin on my face.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, embarrassed Hana is a 10/10 too!

“I was wondering… uhm…” She stumbled over her words, as she turned to point at her house.

Hmm, she’s pointing at her house, and she’s nervous? Does she want me to come over? Don’t tell me… is that what I think it is?

I immediately shake the thought away.

No, bad Yukio! Get your head out of the gutter!

While I’m out here fighting with myself, Hana is still searching for the courage to ask me to hang out with her, so I decide to make things easier, and possibly deviate from my dense protagonist role.

“Hey Hana, wanna hang out later?” I casually ask, as she looks up at me in surprise.

“Yes!” She immediately replies, her frown turning into the usual beaming smile I so adore. “My parents won’t be home and I’ll lock Chinatsu in her room so if you wanna come over after your shift is over that would be great!” And then she goes full-on rapper mode, and starts speaking lighting fast.

“Whoa, whoa calm down!” I throw my hands up a second before she starts short-circuiting.

“I’ll be sure to come over, when my shift is over, okay?” I repeat so she knows I got it right, while she gives me a big and enthusiastic nod.

“So, see you later?”

“Yeah, see you later…” Hana gave me another nod, a small smile tugging at her lips, and a blush tinting her cheeks.

Should I or…

Stuck between on whether I should act on my thoughts or not, a blush rises to my cheeks too.

Ah, fuck it!

After checking the perimeter, and making sure it’s clear, I steel my resolve, step forward, and softly plant my lips on hers.

Hana tenses up, getting caught by surprise, but she doesn’t pull away in the slightest.

It’s really brief, but it’s still enough to put a big smile on my face as I wave her goodbye.

“See ya later.” I say, already on my way up to the terrace. This silly face I’m making right now, is hella creepy and there’s no way I’m letting her see that…

“See ya… later. Hehe…” Hana voices faintly, touching her lips with her fingers. Slowly but surely a smile finds its way to her face, as she skips back to her house like an excited little bunny.

During my evening-night shift, I can’t seem to get Hana and her invitation off my mind, and every second feels like an hour.

But even if they did so painstakingly, the seconds, did pass, and so did the minutes… and then the hours. Finally, it was time to meet up with my girlfriend.

After I closed up shop, I took a brisk shower, wore a nice and clean outfit, consisting of a blue buttoned t-shirt, some beige cargo shorts, and a pair of white leather sneakers, and made my way to her house.

Of course, it took me a mere 10 seconds to get to her front door, due to us being neighbors and all, but despite that, I momentarily hesitated to ring the bell.

She said her parents won’t be home… and Chinatsu will be in her room…

I just couldn’t get a certain thought out of my mind, and believe me, I wanted to punch myself for it.

After taking a deep breath and recomposing myself, I rang the bell.

“Coming!” I heard Hana’s voice, followed by some footsteps behind the door.

“Hey!” The door opened, and she voiced in her usual tone, despite the blush on her face.

“Hey…” I replied in the same manner, trying not to cringe by how awkward it felt. Was I making it awkward?

“Come on in…” She motioned me to enter her house, and of course I complied, after I took off my shoes by the front door.

The first thing you could see was the dining area, which was straight in front of the door. Behind it, was the kitchen, separated by a counter. Next to the dining area, on the left, was the living room, and straight ahead from that was the stairs leading to the individual rooms

“Wow, it’s really cozy here…” For a second, my embarrassment switched off, as I took a look at my surroundings.

“So, Yukio!” Hana ignored my comment, as she called out to me instead. Her face extremely serious. “This is something I haven’t done before…” She closes the distance between us and grabs my hand. And just like that, my embarrassment and stress, not only come back, but increase tenfold.

IS SHE TALKING ABOUT… YOU KNOW WHAT?!

Having clasped my hand in both of hers, she guides me… to the kitchen?

Kitchen for a first time? Oh, wow Hana… that’s like… really unexpected.

But did I really wanted to go through with this? Of course my body was already sold, but I couldn’t help but hold onto my sense of reasoning.

Isn’t this too soon? Hana seems to have made up her mind though… Then again, I’m leaving this island in 10 days and who knows... Aaaaargh, what should I do?!

“Like I said, this is the first time I’m doing something like this…” She looked down at her feet, clearly anxious herself.

“Hana, wait!” I put a hand up to stop her. I had made up my mind to be a gentleman. Even if it killed me inside…

“I can wait!” I voice firmly, making my intentions known.

“What?” She looks at me, confused.

Ouch, Hana! Is it THAT much of a shock?!

“Like I said, whatever you’ve got planned, it can wait! Whenever you’re ready, I’m ready! I can wait! I am the best at waiting! Waiting for you to…” As even I cannot understand where I’m going with this, suddenly, my eyes fall on the counter. It’s filled to the brim with ingredients, and Hana is eyeing them nervously. To top it all off, Hana’s…

Wearing an apron?

Huh, so that’s what it was.

“…Cook dinner.” I finally finish my sentence, half in disappointment of the situation, and half in disappointment in myself.

“…Is my cooking that bad?” Hana’s face suddenly falls, and this time looks down for a whole different reason. “I know I’m not the best but…”

I stop her before she can put herself down any more and grab her shoulders.

“No! I love your cooking! I love your meat! I MEAN, I love meat IN GENERAL, and especially yours! Okay, that didn’t sound any better…” Suddenly, as I keep messing up what I want to say, Hana’s expression finally softens, and she cracks a smile.

“Haha… Hahaha!” Followed by a hearty, and adorable laugh.

“I know what you’re trying to say, and thank you.” She shakes the previous disappointment off her face, and gives me a peck on the cheek, causing me to get flustered over a whole new reason. “Let’s get to work!” She rolls up the sleeves of her shirt, and turns to the counter.

“Let’s make SOME meat!” I say, invigorated completely by Hana’s simple but precious gift.

“No! You sit there, and I’ll handle the cooking!” She sits me down onto the couch, not taking no for an answer.

“So the FIRST you were talking about…”

“Was not having cooked dinner FOR or IN FRONT OF my boyfriend before…”

“Hah, figured…” I sighed, resting my back on the couch.

As Hana got to work, I got to admire her splendid cooking form, and her apron look, which let me tell you, was out of this world!

I always thought she looked rather attractive, but I feel like after we’ve started dating, I get excited way more easily when it comes to her.

Despite how great a sight Hana’s cooking was, I had set a quest to fulfil for myself, before the day ended.

Mid way through, I found the perfect chance to sneak out of sight, in the pretense of using the bathroom, and used it to visit the sacred sanctuary, AKA her room.

Hehe, my first time in a girl’s room…

The devil on my left shoulder rubbed his palms together, making a devilish grin form on my lips.

What shall I find in here?

With that same, mischievous expression, I swung the door open, and fumbled for the lights.

Now that I think about it, don’t I have a right as a boyfriend to see my girlfriend’s room? I’m totally safe doing this!

I flipped on the switch with a confident tick, and the lamp illuminated the previously dark room. Just like what you’d expect from a girl’s room, all her walls were painted pink. A pink bed laid at the back corner, along with a pink pillow and sheets. On the walls, there was stickers of yellow fish, of every size, and on top of her white desk, laid a mermaid figurine.

“Wow, I knew she loved the ocean, but fish and mermaids in her room?” I muttered to myself, stepping further into the sacred sanctuary.

Scanning the room, my eyes fell on her tall, white bookcase.

“Hmm, what manga is she reading?” I tap my chin in thought, running a finger over them.

“Shoujo… Shoujo… More Shoujo… Adventure? Oh, the red mermaid? Yeah, of course.”

“What’s this?” My finger stops gliding over the covers, as I notice a book in English.

“English literature…” I read the title.

“Oh, there’s another one. English grammar. English for beginners? What are all these?”

Suddenly, I realize there are one too many English books on her bookcase, and they’re certainly not the ones the school provides.

Does she just WANT to learn to speak English fluently? Is she that interested in it that she would read those in her spare time?

Just as I’m consumed by those thoughts, I sense a malicious aura at the doorway.

Uh-oh…

“Yukio…”As I turn around, I notice Hana smiling softly at me. But at a second glance, there’s clearly something sinister hidden deep beneath that smile. “…I thought you were taking too long in the bathroom… so I came to check up on you…”

“Wait? Isn’t this the bathroom? Haha… Ha…” I try to play it cool but Hana’s eyes don’t give in. They’re fixed to me like the crosshairs of a trained sniper, ready to strike.

And then, like a sudden snap. “Yukio…!”

“I’m so sorry, I will never do this again! I just wanted to exercise my right as a boyfriend and see your room, so please spare me!” I immediately procrastinate before her, begging for mercy.

Note to self: Hana can be scary when she’s angry!

“Thanks for the food!” We both say simultaneously, bringing our hands together in a form of prayer.

After I received my punishment in the form of forehead flicks, it was finally time to eat.

Today’s dish, is curry!

Visually, I’d say is more than satisfying, and this time, the meat-freak, AKA Hana, even put some veggies in there, like carrots! Not to mention the white rice looks nice and steamy!

I take a spoonful of meat and rice, as Hana watched me in anticipation.

“This is delish!!” I say, as I take yet another spoonful.

I could tell even from her lunch box meat bombs but Hana was really good at cooking. It was just the choice of WHAT she cooked, that was the problem. But this time around, it was all perfect.

“Really? Do you like it?!” She almost sat up from her chair, as she leaned over the table excitedly, her eyes shining like a couple of stars.

Even if she fed me a piece of concrete, I could never say I didn’t like it to THAT face! This has happened one too many times before…

After realizing that the Izumi puppy dog eyes will be the death of me, I give Hana a firm nod.

“Honestly, it’s amazing!” I said, unable to stop eating.

“Yay!” My girlfriend made a triumphant exclaim, as she dug in as well.

“Oh, that reminds me, isn’t Chinatsu gonna eat?” I look up from my meal.

“Oh, she’s fine. I brought her food upstairs, and she’s got her computer. She could probably stay a month up there and not complain at all!” Hana explained in between some spoonfuls of curry.

“I really hope you’re not gonna keep her locked up for a month, though…” Having received a satisfactory answer, I turn back to this masterpiece of a meal, and we continue to eat over some small talk.

Not too long after, we finished our meal, and I helped Hana clean up, with a stomach full of food, and a heart filled with utter satisfaction

I don’t know how it works, but somehow everything my girlfriend makes tastes 100 times better than anything else...

After we do the dishes together, we decide to snuggle up on the couch and watch some TV.

“What’s that dog doing?” I say, commenting on the movie we’re watching.

“It’s waiting for its owner, don’t you know the story?” Hana muses from besides me, as she rests her head on my chest, and I have my arm over her shoulder.

“Oh it’s that famous dog, right? Hachiko?”

“Yeah, that one. I always found it sad… but so sweet at the same time.”

“Sweet? Like how loyal it was to its owner?”

“Something like that. I mean, it knew that the owner would never come back, yet he went to the station every single day, hoping that a miracle will happen, and its owner will appear.” Hana’s voice softened, bringing a smile to my face. Seeing how sensitive and vulnerable she is at times, I just wanna cover her in bubble wrap and protect her from the world.

“Yukio…” She sat up from my embrace and turned to look at me in the eye.

“I… don’t want you to go.” Hana voiced so sincerely, I feared she might start crying right here and now.

Seeing her look like that… it broke my heart. I never want her to make a face like that. Was I the cause of her sadness?

Suddenly, I realized how irresponsible I have been. “Live in the present.” I said. I had given her the go ahead, to speed straight into a dead end. I was the one responsible for the sorrow on her face.

I had to fix this.

“Hana.” I cupped her face in my palms. “Even if I go, I will be back.” I tried to reassure her.

Those were my true feelings after all. I was never one to make plans for the future, but this time I had to. For her sake.

I would come back to this island, just to see HER.

And it wasn’t like we wouldn’t be able to talk at all. Technology was so advanced we could connect anytime we wanted to.

“You mean…?” She furrowed her brows.

“Whenever I can, I’ll visit. I wouldn’t keep you hanging like that.”

“Really?” She muttered, a hint of a smile on her face.

“Of course, Hana.” I reassured her, and soon, her usual glow returned. But I still felt something was off. Was that not enough?

Soon,  what felt like a shadow was cast over her face.

"You are way more responsible, than I could ever hope to be." She muttered, and looked away slightly.

"Is something wrong…?" I asked, looking over at her in confusion. 

"It's just that..."

"Just that?" 

"Nevermind"

And just like that, we fell silent.

Was me coming back to see her, not enough?

After a few awkward seconds, she detached herself from me, and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'm sorry, I..." She tried to speak, but it felt like her raging thoughts wouldn't let her.

"I really am sorry." 

Was all she finally said.

Sorry about what?

Realizing my question will not be met by a sufficient answer, I quickly decide to let it go.

But stil...

This is getting really awkward. And fast.

I need to do something to break this tension...

"Oh, would you look at that! It's almost time..." I suddenly turned to look at the non-existent watch on my wrist.

"Time? Time for what?" Hana's expression turned to one of confusion in an instant.

“It's... time for Mr. Tickles!” I grin mischievously, and attack her sides with my fingers, as she erupts in giggles.

“Hahaha! Who… who’s Mr. Tickles?! Hahaha, stop!”

“This is Mr. Tickles, and this IS his ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE!”

“No more ultimate tecnh- Hahaaha! STOOOP!"

Soon I gave her an even harder assault, as she rolled around on the couch completely out of breath.

After Mr. Tickle’s duties were over for the night, we settled back down like a proper couple, and Hana dozed off not too long after, still in my arms.

I gently got up, trying not to wake her, and put a thin sheet over her, just in case it gets chilly.

I turn off the lights in the living room, and the fan of course, and turn to grab my utterly useless flip-phone, and keys.

Before I open the door to the outside though, I walk over to Hana one last time.

Kneeling in front of the couch, I plant a kiss on her forehead.

“…I don’t wanna leave you either, Hana.” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

"I'm sorry, Yukio..." She muttered in her sleep.

What is she so sorry about?

I am the one leaving...

“Goodnight.” I finally gave her one last word, before I shut the door behind me.