Chapter 36: Arigatou to Gomenasai

Now that I have a deadline for departure, I have to refurbish my schedule to accommodate it. Since I'd already gotten Ema and Yusuke's offers to help, I pin down the evening of the move-in day so that our day classes won't get in the way. I also make sure to check my work schedule to allow for subsequent move-in hours in the following days. 

In my free time I pack my essentials once more, using boxes Yusuke helped us scavenge from campus. He is surprisingly knowledgeable about these kind of things, which earns him bonus admiration points from Ema. 

Normally I'd be excited to watch Yusuke and Ema's relationship pan out, but after a few sessions of them helping me pack and go through my shopping list I realize that third wheeling isn't my thing. One can only take so much of watching a man in love hopelessly pursue his oblivious love interest before wanting to stuff one's head into a pillow. 

On another note, word about my moving travels fast. 

After Ema informed Ukyo and Masaomi, both Asahina brothers congratulate me on finding a place. 

"It'll be quieter in the kitchen without you, Mai-san," Ukyo comments one night. "Please do feel free to share more recipes after you move out." 

As for Masaomi, he gifts me a box of lollipops, each of them tied with a pink or yellow bow. 

"I'm sorry I couldn't think of anything better than this." He gives an embarrassed smile. 

"He gives them out at the hospital," Wataru explains. "He gives them to us all the time, but Kyo-nii says I shouldn't eat too many between meals." 

The youngest Asahina had likewise learned of my moving. He'd wanted to join in once I mentioned Ema and Yusuke were joining in, but Ukyo reminded him that he had after school activities to handle. There was also dinner and homework time, so Wataru ended up hanging his head in disappointment. 

"I wish I could help you guys out," he moans. He drops his head down on the dinner table to hide his pout. His cowlick twitches rather adorably in his misery, and I have to stifle my smile. It wouldn't be polite to say he looks adorable even while moping. 

Clearing my throat, I tell him that I could try inviting him to a more official dinner. "I'll have more time after I move in. We're only having dinner that night so I can thank everyone for helping me."

Wataru turns his head to the side. "Really? Can we game again too?"

"I don't have a TV, but I'm sure we can use our cellphones." I could offer up my laptop, but it's hard to play two-player games with a single mouse. 

Wataru is satisfied for the time being, and promises that the next time I invite him over he'd definitely attend. The way he pumps his fists in determination makes me a little sad that he'd be busy next week. He wants nothing more than to be treated like a responsible adult, yet it's the small things that remind you that you still have a long way to go.

"Don't worry, Wataru," Yusuke says. "We're only helping move her stuff."

"Still." Wataru sighs. "I'm able to help out with these things too."

"Your studies are more important," Masaomi tells him. He pats Wataru on the back gently. "This time let's leave the heavy lifting to Yusuke and Ukyo. There's also only so many seats in the car."

"Aww."

I turn to Ukyo and bow my head. "Thank you very much for offering to drive me there. I feel bad about taking up your free time like this."

Ukyo waves his hand dismissively. "It's not a problem at all. Anything for my sister's friend. Besides, since your family is unable to come up and help you it wouldn't do to make you move out on your own. You've been such a big help around here, too. It's me who should be thanking you."

"Iie, iie. I only helped out in the kitchen sometimes," I say. 

"You've still been a great help with odd chores without even being asked," Ukyo says. "Not to mention you've been incredibly patient with my brothers. We've only just gotten used to living with our sister, so I apologize for any trouble we've caused you during your stay here."

This time it's Ukyo bowing his head. 

"I'm thankful that you let me stay at all," I say, throwing the gratitude ball back into his court. "Without you all I'd be crashing in some capsule hotel with all of my stuff."

Ukyo chuckles. "We'd never let that be the case. If a friend of my sister needs help, of course I'd want to help as well."

"Still, I'm sorry to have imposed on you for this long. I imagine it must've been hard to accommodate another girl in the house who's not even related to you."

We go back and forward with our thanks and apologies until Wataru complains that we should just say "thank you," "sorry," and move on. 

"Let's have dessert already!" 

Everyone at the table laughs at his outburst, much to Wataru's dismay. 

Ema dishes out a plate of homemade cookies in the centre. The brothers dive into them, with poor Ukyo being slow on the uptake. Even though he helped measure out the ingredients he's left without the chance to sample the fruits of his labour. 

To remedy this, Ema forfeits her share with him, giving him two of her three cookies she's managed to snag. The second oldest Asahina brother's eyes crinkle as he smiles. If looks could kill, his handsome big brother smile might fell anyone crushing on him. 

Though I shudder to imagine Shin making such a face. No way would any girls fall for a little brat like him even if he's got a nice smile.

"Ehh? That's not fair. How come Kyo-nii gets Onee-chan's cookies?" Wataru whines. He puffs his cheeks out and pouts, prompting Masaomi to quickly draw a lollipop from his pocket. 

"I don't have any more cookies, but how about this?" Masaomi asks. "It's a sweet, so it counts, right?"

Wataru shakes his head. "It's not one of Onee-chan's cookies, and you give those out all the time, Ma-nii." 

Masaomi's shoulders sag. "Oh. I suppose I only ever have lollipops from work."

Unable to watch this sad exchange, I push my remaining cookies over to Wataru. 

"Here, Wataru-kun. You can have the rest of mine. I've got to keep packing anyway," I say. "Ema-chan made these for her brothers to enjoy, so make sure you eat them all."

Masaomi smiles. "That's very kind of you, Mai-san, but were you able to eat any yourself?"

I pat my stomach and nod. "Yep. Ema-chan and I snuck a few while we were baking, so really, these are extras."

"Make sure you thank her, Wataru." Masaomi sets the plate down in front of Wataru, whose eyes widen as he looks between Ema and me. He might be dissatisfied that Ema didn't hand him the cookies herself, but he settles on mine, knowing that Ema helped make them.

"Arigatou," he mumbles. "You didn't have to do that for me, Mai-chan. You should get to eat more of your cookies, too."

"Don't worry about it," I say. "Ema-chan, Ukyo-san, and I can always make another batch again—"

I pause, remembering that soon I won't be living here anymore. It'd be weird if I spent too much time here after moving out. I'll have to wait until Ema formally invites me over again, or else it'll feel like nothing has changed. 

"Anyway," I say, trying to divert from the topic, "I've got to go pack. Oyasuminasai."

The Asahinas relay their goodnights as I turn to leave the room. Ukyo has argued that the people eating should put in their share of work and help clean, so Masaomi, Wataru, and Yusuke will be taking care of dishes. Ukyo plans to stand watch just in case. Apparently there have been incidents where he left his brothers in the kitchen unsupervised, producing less than pleasant results.

Ema says she'll go back to her room to study afterward, so I probably won't see her again until tomorrow. 

As I walk down the hallway toward my room I spot Tsubaki come out of his room. We've practically been neighbours this whole time, but due to our schedules we only really see each other in the evenings around dinner. 

He looks up from his phone and waves. "Yo, Tsukiyo Mai-chan!"

I wince. He's still going on about that, is he?

"I'm going to pack," I say. "Good night."

Tsubaki closes his phone and emerges from his room. "Oh, that's right! Kyo-nii said that you're moving next week. It came so quickly. I'm going to miss being neighbours with imouto-chan's friend."

"The way you say that sounded really creepy just now."

"Mah, mah. It's too bad I won't be free to help out next week, but Azusa and I wish you good luck. Make sure to invite Ema over to visit sometimes. She'll be lonely otherwise."

"I know. I will." I plan on inviting more than just Ema over to see my place, but Tsubaki doesn't need to know that Wataru is on that list. The last thing I need is for Tsubaki to invade my place at random. 

"I'm super glad that Natsume managed to be helpful after all," Tsubaki goes on. 

Oh, that reminds me.

"Would you mind telling Natsume thanks for helping me find the place?" I ask. I would rather have asked Azusa, but the words burst out before I can stop them. 

Tsubaki's eyes light up and he grins. Goosebumps form on my arms and my breath hitches. 

What is he up to now???

"I still haven't given you his info yet. Why don't I do that now and you can tell him yourself?"

Why is he like this? 

I infinitely feel more and more bad for the things Natsume puts up with as a younger brother.