Like The Movies

Growing Up

Author here and I just want to point out that we are nearing the end of our story. After this chapter there are only three more left. I can't believe we got here tbh and I'm very thankful to my readers.

Looking at your phone in case it was anything important, you saw it was Mina on the vacation group chat. There was to be another party, after you all had moved into the dorms but before school officially got back in session. You decided to not read beyond that, seeing as you were still at the dining room table.

"Who was it?" Hitoshi didn't have his phone on him so it wasn't surprising he asked you that, just in case someone was trying to get to him.

"Just Mina. They're gonna have an end of summer party. No doubt it's gonna be at the sorority, I'll call that now." And coincidentally right after you said that your phone binged. You had no choice but to check it again. "Ah yes, I was right. It's gonna be at the hero house 3 days before classes start. If I'm right I think that's 2 Fridays from now?"

"I think you're right. Damn I can't believe we have to move back in so soon."

"I know. Our vacation went by so fast, I don't want it to end."

"Well, the good thing is you two will get your winter break coming up fairly soon. Which bears another question we have for you." Mayuko looked between Hatori, Hitoshi and you. "Have the two of you decided on what you want to do with your...living situation?"

"Oh, we decided to stay in the dorms for the time being. Save more money and not waste excess on expenses we don't need to." To be honest, they looked a little shocked at Hitoshi's answer.

"Are you sure? We did say we would pay for everything that has to do with the apartment. We told you that right?"

"Yes Mayuko, you did. But frankly, we didn't feel very good about mooching off of your kindness for so long. I'm already a little low on funds when it comes to: school, food, gas, things like that. And to maximize the money I do have, it's better to be on campus, where we can walk to classes and eat at the dining hall. That way we don't have to worry about working while trying to get through school and searching for internships and such."

Her mouth dropped a little more than it had before. You knew she had been fairly well off throughout her life, so the idea of money only brinked the surface when she and Hatori planned this out. She almost looked ashamed of herself.

"I'm so sorry honey, we didn't...we had no idea what your financial life looked like. Or about the fact that you and Hitoshi wanted to provide for yourselves. Apparently, as parents, we still see you two as children in a way. We want to baby you anyway we can; as long as we can."

"It lets us forget you are growing up that way." Hatori seemed to finish his wife's thought. "It's like playing pretend, you don't have to worry about the actual responsibility of living away from us. Just the fun of it."

The table got very quiet after his statement. You all somehow had new perspectives brought out over lunch and a text. Deciding to break the thoughtful silence only a few seconds after it started, Hitoshi spoke.

"Well thank you for everybody's honesty about this. I didn't know that was how you two felt." He looked to his parents. "Believe us, we're just as scared to grow up as you two are. Which I feel is one of the reasons lingering for why we are going to stay in the dorms too. We don't need or want to rush anything."

Accepting nods went around the table with the consensus made. Moving off of that conversation, friendly chatter was filling the surroundings instead. And while picking up and cleaning your plates, Mayuko added one more idea to your living situation.

"Well, since you both want to stay at school. I don't think it's out of the question to send you on some type of winter vacation instead." Yours and Hitoshi's eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh that's a good idea. What if they went and stayed at our apartment in Tokyo? Or I could ask some of my travel nurses or doctors I've worked with if they have places more appealing to you two?" Eyes still wide, your mouths seemed to drop in unison.

"What?"

"You have an apartment in Tokyo? Since when!?" Hitoshi actually seemed irritated, he's told you before how much he likes the city from the one time he has been there.

"For about 3 years I think. Ever since their biggest hospital kept requesting me for surgeries." He was extremely casual with his words, unknowingly upsetting his son.

"And you never took me? The first and only time I've been to Tokyo was 5 years ago!" His tone wasn't too angry, but you could tell he was definitely displeased.

"Uhh...No?" His dad chuckled a little bit. "Anyway you could go now! I'll be in my room looking up details." With that he walked up stairs and out of sight. Hitoshi was in awe.

"What just happened?"

"Oh they get like this sometimes. Just take Hitoshi to watch or read something. He'll get over it." Mayuko said those words like they were the most obvious things in the world.

You giggled to yourself and grabbed Hitoshi's hand. Thinking that if this was an argument in their house, he nor you had anything to worry about.