Life Without You

Chapter 42 - Enjoying Yellowstone (with a twist)

After the campfire, Ariel expressed her despair to Hiroshi when she checked the near-empty fridge, "We'll need to stock up again."

"You don't need to cook anymore," Hiroshi sighed with guilt.

"Why not?"

"Leon's right. It's your break and you should not be working. Pardon my ignorance."

"Oh, but you know cooking is my passion. It's my choice and I don't have to cook Hinata meals during this time," Ariel tried to be positive.

Hiroshi was resolute, "No. Since I insisted you take a break, I should follow through with my words. From tomorrow onwards during this entire trip, I don't want you to cook, but enjoy the outdoors as you should have."

Ariel was speechless at first but later nodded with thanks to Hiroshi's understanding. She knew Leon should get the bigger credit for it. How her heart swelled at the thought of Leon.

"お兄さん (Onii-san i.e big brother), did you just say that Ariel won't be preparing our meals anymore?" Hiromi overheard while in the middle of charging her phone after its power jack was completely dried.

"Yup, you heard that right," replied Hiroshi.

"Then, who's gonna cook for us?"

"We'll prepare our meals on our own, won't that be fun?" Hiroshi smiled.

Hiromi's scowled at him and whined, stomping the floor with quick feet.

Ariel grit her teeth behind tight lips at Hiromi's dramatic reaction. Their holiday could be ruined within an inch by this spoilt little miss!

Ignoring Hiromi's tantrums, Andy asked his mother, "Mum, can Leon join us tomorrow again? In fact, I'd like him to join us during this whole trip. I don't want him to be lonely."

Overhearing what Andy said, Hiromi stopped her tantrums and lighted up, "Yes, Leon should join us during this whole trip! I'm together with Andy in this!"

Hiroshi and Ariel exchanged glances. Andy's mood would only lighten up whenever Leon was around. For her son's sake, Ariel knew she could no longer refuse. If it was just Hiromi's request, no way would she ever give in, especially seeing how flirtatious she was with Leon. But would Hiroshi be okay with it?

"Oniiiii! Message him now, please! You're the only one with his number!" begged Hiromi as she tugged her brother's arm with pleading eyes.

Stressed by the two, Hiroshi reluctantly texted Leon.

After a few exchanges, Hiroshi put down his phone.

"What did he say?" asked Andy.

"Well, he said yes. He'll join us throughout the trip," Hiroshi rubbed his eyes at the unexpected answer from Leon, especially after he abruptly left the campfire, clearly upset. Even Ariel was in disbelief.

Andy and Hiromi jumped in excitement and astonishingly, they hi-fived each other.

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Hiroshi: Hi Leon, would u be up to join us for our entire Yellowstone trip? You can stay with us

Leon could not believe Hiroshi's message. This meant he could see more of Ariel every day during the trip.

Leon: Absolutely, thanks for the kind invite

Hiroshi: Don't thank me, thank Andy and my sis instead

Leon pulled his lips to one side. It was obvious that Hiroshi was not keen on having him around. If it wasn't for Andy, this would never have been possible. But whatever. So eager was Leon that he packed up all his belongings and checked out early the next day.