BLOOMING HEARTS ▹ T. MORINOZUKA [✔]

twenty-four.

It didn't take long for Kazumi's leg to completely heal, much to the young couple's pleasure. The time she had spent with Kyoya and Haruhi was nice and clarifying in many ways, but she still preferred Takashi's peaceful company. Kyoya could get intense more frequently than one would think, and Haruhi didn't understand many things that came with their world.

On their last night in Karuizawa, Takashi took his girlfriend out for a romantic dinner, having Honey's assistance to keep the rest of the club far from their private moment.

Kazumi was aware that the short senior could only do so much until getting distracted with something else - candies, most likely. That's why she also brought up the favor Kyoya owed her for interrupting her first date with Takashi. No one would dare disobey the Shadow King or get around his manipulation.

Tamaki complained, as was expected, but even the Twins supported the decision to stay away - as they still felt bad for what their actions caused to the onyx-haired beauty. And after her embarrassing realization at the mall, Haruhi didn't want to risk finding out more intimate details of their relationship. She still believed it was too early for them to venture into such aspects as their physical desires.

Despite their nosy friends, the lovebirds got to have some quality time, creating new and happy memories together. Kazumi felt content.

Once she returned home, the Third-Year girl discovered she wasn't the only Tokimatsu who enjoyed herself. Her mother greeted her with the good news that she had dinner at Ryouji's.

"Who's Ryouji-san?" She frowned in confusion.

"Haruhi's father!"

Kazumi blinked. Right, that was his name. She had forgotten about that.

"So, what, now are you two dating?" They sat on her bed in their pajamas. It awfully resembled a movie's pajama party, where the girls gathered together to paint their nails, watch movies, and gossip about boys.

"Well, we still don't know," Emi shrugged. "We enjoy the company. He's funny and a gentleman, but I don't think he's interested in anything romantic."

The younger girl was surprised she was having that conversation with her mother. Not long ago, she was sure the Tokimatsu matriarch had shut herself from romantic relationships since her divorce. But, now, there they were, chatting about her mother's crush.

"Are you in love with him?"

The question took Emi aback. Love? It hadn't passed through her mind. In some ways, she found herself too old to date, but Ranka was able to make her feel young again.

"I don't know. He makes me happy."

"Have you talked to him about that?" Emi's silence answered the question. "We, Tokimatsu women, are too stubborn and prideful, but it was thanks to Takashi's determination to make things clear that we're together now. I want you to be happy, mom. And if Ryouji-san makes you happy, you should fight for him."