Ch. 36 - Misaki : First love.

Things have begun to settle down for me, I manage to buy myself a some plates, cups, an electric stove, soaps, some new clothes and futon to sleep in among many others. However this is due to working 2 part time jobs at the same time. I work at the counter in a fast food restaurant in the day and a kitchen porter at night in a different place. So I never get to used most of the stuff I bought anyway. But I dont have anything else to do other than work hard, once I earn enough then I will enter college to attain a higher education to get a real, high paying job. I also try to balance things out since Misaki and I started dating, even though she already started to attend college she still checks on me almost everyday. I always receive text from her and we often chat to fight off our boredom or ease off our worries. And on weekends, when we both have the time we go to places and relax our minds, we go on dates. And this day is the day we plan on doing to a newly opened cafè. I woke up in a daze in my futon, looking around my room still dark and a bit dirty. I couldn't remember when did I fall asleep, but this is the first time I slept comfortable and seemingly felt like I've been sleeping for hours. My head feels like spinning as I suddenly get up from my futon sideways. I feel dizzy and my skin feels sticky. I slowly get up to get some water, I also splash some water on my face ans remove some of sleep crust on my eyes. I've finally developed some sleep crust thats when I know I slept good.

I got myself ready and put on some cosmetics to make my skin look clean and smooth, I've never use cosmetics before and rarely care on how I look. So im curious if this could actually do something to change how I would look. Eager to see Misaki again and not be late on our date, I didn't waste any time and I head towards our meeting place. The weather was so calm and peaceful, the sky is clear with the sun shining above brightly but not scorching hot to the skin. The birds we're singing and some kids playing around. I was pretty excited to see her again, despite being so occupied with her studies among many other things. She always know how to prioritize and manage her time, she keeps a tight schedule of her daily routines and activities. And what's so touching is she always includes me in her plans. She always considers calling or texting me to check up on me and to spend some time with me. She is so kind and considerate, im really lucky to have someone like her to fall for someone like me. I love her.

I saw Misaki waiting at the bus stop on her phone, she must've been waiting for me for a long time now. I sped up walking to approach her and not make her wait any longer.

"Misaki!"

I shouted while waving my hand in the air, not paying attention to the other people looking at me. She looks towards my direction, as she sees me she smiled and put her back in her bag. She gets up and waves her hand.

"Akagi!"

She shouted.

It was pleasant to hear.

When I got to hear I hugged her and she hug me in return.

"Oh wow~ you actually use the cosmetics I gave you~"

She said as she rest her hand on my face and gently brush my cheeks with her fingers.

I sat down beside her and wait for the bus to arrive.

She suddenly stood up and said.

"What are you doing? Come on, lets go!"

"What, aren't you taking the bus?"

I asked her, but I stood up anyway.

"No, dummy~ Its just nearby we dont need to ride the bus."

"Oh."

I giggled to myself and we walk hand in hand together to the cafe. Walking around she holds on to my arms and snuggles with it, drawing the attention of other people we pass by.

"Misaki, other people will look at us if you keep doing that."

My face was beet red and my whole body is tense.

"Why? We aren't doing anything bad~"

She said.

I couldn't exactly argue with her, couples also walk around like this, so why shouldn't we? We're also a couple. And to be honest I enjoy this.

We reach our destination and when we went inside, the smell as we come in was sweet as when you open up a fresh bag of coffee beans, and you inhale a long whiff of it, wanting to enjoy it forever. There are nooks to sit alone or with friends, there is also mellow music playing in the background. It was so relaxing and welcoming. We sat on the corner near the windows and admire the view of the morning sky and the pleasant atmosphere.

A waitress then approach us and hand us a menu.

"What do you want to order?"

I ask her.

"I dont know, they serve a wide variety of cakes and I can't choose which one to get..."

She replied.

The sweet smell of coffee that flies around the entire place gives me the urge to have one. I just couldn't resist the lightly caramelized and almost nutty scent of coffee. I was still feeling a bit sleepy and a bit sluggish, I knew coffee would wake me up and it also calms down my mind and allows me to relax or be able to think critically. I also love how the taste of coffee varieds, from bright, tangy, fruity or wine-like flavor characteristics.

It didn't take long for Misaki to finally order and we ate some pantries while we both enjoy the blissful and calming atmosphere of the moment as we both enjoy our coffee.

"Have you developed a taste for coffee now?"

I asked her.

"Kinda, im not so keen to it without sugar or any form of creamer."

She replied as she laughs inwardly.

We kept silence as we dont know what to talk about, I already told her my stories and the preferences I developed over the years. I dont know what to tell her this time, but maybe I couls provoke her from starting a conversation to add in a bit if entertainment.

"So, what are you studying in college, Misaki?"

I asked reluctantly.

She looks at me blankly before answering.

"Well, I plan on being a graphic designer."

She answered so straightforwardly, she knows what she wants and didn't even took a moment to think about what career she wants to have.

While I on the other hand, is still conflicted and debating.

"How about you? What are your plans?"

She asked me.

"I dont exactly know..."

I had to lower my head.

Misaki gazed at me steadily.

"Because..." I reluctantly admit, "I dont know which career is best suited with my talents and can get me in middle-class position."

I told her.

"I fear that they're no job careers that I am compatible with, my talent is useless. I want to get out of poverty and be able to settle and be stable."

I added.

I ended up telling her more about my worries and how troubled I am. She sighs and holds my hand.

"Listen, stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited of what could go right."

She said.

"Your not entirely useless. If you think they aren't any jobs suited for your or your skills, you just haven't really found whats so great about you. Dont be afraid to try new things and make it your passion, because being stuck with a few if not one option without looking for another way is just pathetic. And I know you're not pathetic, you can find a way to overcome this."

Upon hearing her say an inspiring message gives me hope and reassurance. Even though im still conflicted inside, im glad I was able to let it out and have some motivation.

"You've really change alot, you're on better footing that I am right now."

I quietly laugh as I rub my eyes.

"Hey, I was also on the verge of giving up too, you know? But being able to be with you like this...gives me a reason to keep moving forward."

She told me.

"W-when we we're kids...remember..remember when I said I wanna marry you?"

She said while stuttering, her cheeks becoming red.

I was stunned when I heard her say those words.

I still couldn't believe how determined she is to strengthen our relationship together to compensate our loneliness for the past years. Even though I dont deserve it, she still wants to fix our past mistakes.

"Yeah, why?"

I teasing asked her with a slight grin on my face.

"Oh come on! You already know what I meant by mentioning it, don't make me say it!"

I let out another laugh, this time im not hesitating or holding back and I just laugh at how cute she can get.

"I know what you mean, when things settle down I will my promise to you. Lets just be patient for now and focus on our careers so we can provide for our future children."

She blushed and she seems she was lost on words.

She reach her hand with her palm facing me, I raise my own hand and hold it.

"Missing you is my hobby, caring for you is my job..."

She said, I then continue the phrase by saying the following words...

"...Making you happy is my duty, and loving you is my life.."

We stare endlessly into each others eye, making another promise to each other and swore to be there for each other, ready to face every problem we encounter together. Her loving gaze makes me feel out of this world, away from any problems and trials. All I can see is how happy I can be in the future with her. Thinking back when we first met as kids, and looking at ourselves now.

It was so weird thinking back when I first met her, and that moment I have no idea, that you would have such a huge impact on my life.

After our lovely date together, I escorted her to her dorm before we decided to depart for the day. I look back at her one more time before leaving, she was standing right there smiling. As I reach my own home I saw the manager, as I got closer I decided to greet her.

"Good evening ma'am~."

She looks at me.

"Good evening to you as well."

I notice she is carrying a huge luggage leaving her room. I got curious so I decided to ask.

"Are you going on a vacation, ma'am?"

"Not exactly, im going to spend time with my granddaughter for a few months."

She said.

"The landlady has returned from Fukisawa and she'll be taking back control over the establishment."

"Oh."

"By the way, you haven't really met the landlady yet, right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Follow me."

I followed her towards the office feeling excited to see the landlady for the first time. I know I had to meet her cause im one of her tenants and I think its only natural for me to get to know her.

The manager knocks on the door to inform the person inside of a visitor.

"Come in."

I've heard an angelic and charming voice, when

the manager opened the door, I saw a woman who looks like is in her early thirties, who has coral brown hair and eyes. She looks beautiful and elegant.

"What is it?"

She asked.

"Mrs. Akagi, this is the tenant I was talking about who just move here 3 months ago. I just thought you two need to know each other."

The manager just called the landlady mrs. Akagi, we have the same surname. But she doesn't look like a relative, maybe its just a coincidence?

The landlady stood up and looks at me smiling.

"Hello~ Im the landlady of the apartment. My name is Kanae, Akagi Kanae. What's yours?"