Serendipity

IV - Chigau (違う)

 "In. Out. In. Out. Come on, Nene you got this! There's nothing to fear, just be cool, calm and collected. Gather yourself and just let it flow naturally." 

"Nene are you done yet? I really need to use the bathroom!" shouted Sayuri, pounding the door.

"Hold on, I'm almost done! This is really important you know!"

 Nene spent the morning talking to her reflection in the mirror as she tidied herself for her date. "You ready, Nene?" asked Yousuke. "Yeah, almost. Just give me another five minutes." Slightly jittery, she came out of the bathroom and presented herself for Yousuke's approval.

"So, how do I look?"

"Hey, not bad! Not bad at all!" lauded Yousuke.

"Y-you think so? I kind of feel like this beanie might be unnecessary with this scarf. I shouldn't dress too conservative should I? Showing a little skin isn't gonna kill me. Also, these gloves might be a little too thick when I hug him -- ah, my jacket! Maybe I should get something more brighter, I can't go out wearing all dark tones --"

"Nene, you're doing it again. It'll be fine, you look great."

 Two hours after she had left Nene returned home with a somber look on her face. She didn't make eye contact with anyone as she dragged her feet to her room. Yousuke followed in pursuit. Opening her door he interrupted Nene in the middle of taking off her jacket and beanie. "I guess he didn't reciprocate your feelings?" She treated Yousuke like he was ghost. "It's alright, Nene, there's a lot of guys out there for you to choose from. He's only one person." Nene turned around and looked at Yousuke. "He..... he.....", her frown slowly turned into a smile, "said yes!" She leaped onto Yousuke, encasing his torso in a hug. "We're together now! Our first official date is going to be next Friday! I can't believe I didn't screw this up!" "Congrats! I'm so happy for you."

 A month later, school began for Yousuke and Nene. Every day after they finished class they would wait for each other at the front of the university before heading home. During the walk Nene would confide in Yousuke about the things that were going on in her relationship with Shozo. Like many relationships the first couple of months are usually filled with cute, child-like, playful moments and Nene's situation would be no different. There were times when Nene left Yousuke to walk home alone while she went off to wait for Shozo at his high school. With the two love birds so intertwined with one another, the feeling of isolation that plagued Yousuke's teen years began to resurface. The winds breezed by whispering sweet nothings and the cars on the road gave him the cold shoulder. Weeks went by with this being their new routine after classes. Sometimes Yousuke would walk with the friends he made at the university but most of the time he was his only company.

 Her relationship even carried into the household. Being preoccupied with her new beau left Yousuke with the bulk of the responsibilities they once shared. Confused as how her parents have been oblivious to her showing signs of being in a relationship they never dared to question her change in character. Although Yousuke could simply rat out Nene and her new boy-toy to her parents he'd rather uphold the oath he swore to her about keeping it a secret from them. A promise is a promise, even if it means you're the one who has to suffer. 

"Nene? Nene!" shouted Mrs. Sugisaki from the kitchen. 

"Yeah?"

"Come out and help me and Yousuke with dinner! Whatever you're preoccupied with can wait."

"I'm kinda busy mom, I can't help right now!"

"Of course you can, you--"

"Nope, sorry!"

"Nene --" Before her mother could say anything, she abruptly closed the door on her. "Ugh! The nerve of that girl. Yousuke, do you know what's been going with her lately?" He shrugged his shoulder, shook his head and said, "I know just as much you do." "Unbelievable. She's acting like a little teenager all over again." "That's how they all act the first time." commented Yousuke underneath his breath. "Huh? Did you say something, Yousuke?" "No, I didn't say anything. Ah, the bell peppers!" Mrs. Sugisaki looked behind her. "Oh no! They're going to be too soft!" She sprinted to the steaming pan of stir-fried vegetables.