Chapter 14 : Meeting his Parents

(Hiroyuki and Kaoru walk together, their school bags slung over their shoulders. The chatter of other students fades into the background as they reach the school gates.)

HIROYUKI:

(smiling)

"Another day, another adventure, right, Kaoru-chan?"

KAORU:

(nervously)

"Yeah, something like that."

HIROYUKI:

(noticing Kaoru's nervousness)

"Is everything okay, Kaoru-chan? You seem a little on edge."

KAORU:

(scratching his cheek)

"Oh, it's nothing. I just... um, I was wondering if you'd like to come over to my place for a group study session today."

HIROYUKI:

(surprised)

"Really? That sounds like fun! I'd love to."

KAORU:

(blushing)

"Great! Let's catch the bus and head over."

(They make their way to the bus stop, their conversation filled with anticipation for the study session ahead.)

(Hiroyuki and Kaoru enter Kaoru's cozy living room, their school bags in tow. Kaoru's parents are out, leaving the house quiet and empty.)

KAORU:

(awkwardly)

"Um, make yourself at home, Hiroyuki. I'll go grab some snacks and drinks."

HIROYUKI:

(nodding)

"Thanks, Kaoru-chan."

(Kaoru disappears into the kitchen, leaving Hiroyuki alone in the living room. She takes a seat on the couch, looking around curiously.)

HIROYUKI:

(thinking to herself)

"Kaoru-chan's house is so cozy. I wonder what his family is like."

(Kaoru returns with a tray of snacks and drinks, setting it down on the coffee table.)

KAORU:

(sitting next to Hiroyuki)

"Here you go, Hiroyuki. Help yourself."

HIROYUKI:

(gratefully)

"Thanks, Kaoru-chan. You're the best."

(They settle in, their study materials spread out on the coffee table as they delve into their schoolwork.)

HIROYUKI:

(studying)

"I'm glad we decided to study together, Kaoru-chan. It's so much more fun than doing it alone."

KAORU:

(nodding)

"Yeah, and having you here makes it even better."

(As they study, their conversation drifts from schoolwork to lighter topics, their laughter filling the room.)

HIROYUKI:

(curiously)

"Hey Kaoru-chan, do you have any hobbies outside of school?"

KAORU:

(thinking)

"Well, I enjoy reading manga and playing video games".

HIROYUKI:

(smirking)

"Wow, you're a man of many talents, Kaoru-chan."

KAORU:

(chuckling)

"I try my best."

(As the afternoon wears on, they make good progress on their studies, their minds buzzing with newfound knowledge.)

HIROYUKI:

(stretching)

"Phew, I think that's enough studying for one day. How about we take a break and watch a movie?"

KAORU:

(excitedly)

"That sounds like a great idea, Hiroyuki!"

(They browse through Kaoru's collection of DVDs, finally settling on a comedy that they both enjoy.)

(As the credits roll on the movie, Hiroyuki and Kaoru sit back on the couch, their bellies full of popcorn and laughter.)

HIROYUKI:

(sighing contentedly)

"Thanks for inviting me over, Kaoru-chan. I had a really great time."

KAORU:

(smiling)

"Anytime, Hiroyuki. I'm glad you came."

HIROYUKI:

(standing up)

"Well, I should probably head home now. Thanks again for the study session and movie marathon."

(Kaoru and Hiroyuki are getting ready to say goodbye when the front door opens and Kaoru's parents enter, their expressions surprised as they see Hiroyuki.)

KAORU'S MOTHER:

(astonished)

"Oh my, Kaoru, who is this lovely young lady?"

KAORU:

(nervously)

"Um, Mom, Dad, this is Hiroyuki. She's... she's my girlfriend."

(Kaoru's parents exchange surprised glances, then turn their attention back to Hiroyuki, who smiles politely.)

HIROYUKI:

(bowing slightly)

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Nagao. Thank you for having me over."

KAORU'S FATHER:

(recovering from his surprise)

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Hiroyuki. Please, make yourself at home."

KAORU'S MOTHER:

(excitedly)

"Why don't you stay for dinner, Hiroyuki? We were just about to sit down to eat."

HIROYUKI:

(pleased)

"Thank you, Mrs. Nagao. I would love to stay."

KAORU:

(grateful)

"Thanks, Mom. That would be great."

(Kaoru's parents usher them into the dining room, where the table is already set for dinner. They take their seats, the atmosphere warm and welcoming.)

KAORU'S FATHER:

(to Hiroyuki)

"So, Hiroyuki, how did you and Kaoru meet?"

HIROYUKI:

(smiling)

"We met at the maid cafe where Kaoru was working".

KAORU:

(chuckling)

"She always crossdress outside the school and at first, I thought she was a boy".

KAORU'S MOTHER:

(teasingly)

"And now look at you two, all grown up and dating. My, how time flies."

(Kaoru and Hiroyuki exchange embarrassed glances, their cheeks flushing pink.)

HIROYUKI:

(awkwardly)

"Well, we... um, we really enjoy each other's company."

KAORU'S FATHER:

(nodding)

"That's wonderful to hear. It's important to have someone special in your life."

(They continue their meal, the conversation flowing easily as they share stories and laughter. Kaoru's parents are delighted to have Hiroyuki as a guest, and she feels welcomed and accepted.)

KAORU'S MOTHER:

(smiling warmly)

"We're so glad you came to visit, Hiroyuki. You're always welcome in our home."

HIROYUKI:

(grateful)

"Thank you, Mrs. Nagao. I'm really grateful for your hospitality."

KAORU:

(smirking)

"Yeah, Mom and Dad can be pretty great hosts when they want to be."

KAORU'S FATHER:

(chuckling)

"Hey now, don't give us too much credit, Kaoru. We're just happy to have you both here."

HIROYUKI:

(curiously)

"Hey Kaoru-chan, where's your older brother? I don't think I saw him today."

KAORU:

(surprised)

"Oh, you mean my older sister, Ran. She's not here right now. She went hiking with some friends."

HIROYUKI:

(confused)

"Your older sister? But I thought you said you have an older brother."

KAORU:

(shaking his head)

"No, Ran is my older sister. She just... likes to crossdress as a guy like you".

(The meal draws to a close)

KAORU'S MOTHER:

(standing up)

"Why don't you two relax in the living room while we take care of these?"

HIROYUKI:

(thanking them)

"Thank you, Mrs. Nagao. We'll be in the living room."

(Kaoru and Hiroyuki retreat to the living room, sinking into the comfortable couch with contented sighs.)

KAORU:

(turning to Hiroyuki)

"Well, that was unexpected."

HIROYUKI:

(nodding)

"Yeah, but your parents seem really nice. I'm glad they didn't mind me staying for dinner."

KAORU:

(smirking)

"Yeah, they can be pretty cool when they want to be."

HIROYUKI:

"Well, Kaoru-chan, I should probably be heading home now. Thank you for having me over today. I had a wonderful time."

KAORU:

(getting up as well)

"It was my pleasure, Hiroyuki. I'm glad you could come. Let me walk you to the door."

(They make their way to the front door, the warmth of their friendship evident in their easy conversation.)

HIROYUKI:

(turning to Kaoru)

"Thanks again for everything, Kaoru-chan. I'll see you at school tomorrow."

KAORU:

(nodding)

"Yeah, see you tomorrow, Hiroyuki. Take care on your way home."

(They exchange smiles and a wave before Hiroyuki steps out into the night, her presence lingering in the air even after she's gone.)