Love's Recipe ~Choji~

Chapter 15

Yes. It's a simple word. One of the first words we learn when we enter this world. One of the first words we learn when studying another language. Just a simple, sweet word. But sometimes, it is the word that changes everything. That was the knly word I needed yesterday when Choji finally asked me to be his steady girlfriend. Yes. Good God yes.

But... neither one of us really knows how to... it's slightly awkward. We were able to banter back and forth so easily before, but now I'm so embarrassed I have no idea what to say. And I'm pretty sure he feels the same. And... an off conversation I had with Ino the other day reminded me of something that Choji and I have yet to come around to doing and the very thought has me running around in a panic because WE HAVEN'T HAD OUR FIRST KISS!!!!

I furiously shook my head to get every last thought about it out, but it just kept coming back! That's okay, my tears will just naturally salt the meat... What am I supposed to do?! I can't stop thinking about the fact that one day I'm going to get to kiss Choji, but I'm at work and it's really embarrassing and someone help me...

"Knock, knock." I know that strained old voice!

"Mr. Toshiro!" Mr. Toshiro is the owner of the restaurant. He's a small old man with a bald head and a hunched back, and a big heart. If I had a grandfather, I'd assume he'd be something like Mr. Toshiro. "What brings you over here today, Sir?"

"I just wanted to make sure my favorite support staff was doing alright. But I see I had nothing to worry about."

"Thank you sir." I beamed with pride. This kitchen means a lot to me, and having Mr. Toshiro acknowledge my hard work filled my heart. "Would you like something to eat? I can make a plate for you real quick."

"Thank you, Alsono, but I actually came to talk to you about your accruals."

My days off? "I used two of my sick days sir."

"Yes, but you haven't used any of your personal days. I'm just worried that you're working too much. Wouldn't you like to take a few days off? Perhaps do something with your friends or your family?"

It would be nice to do something with my new friends. It's still summer, we could take a trip to the beach if they're free. Which I think I heard Ino complaining about how they haven't had any missions lately. "Well, it would be nice to take advantage of the end of summer."

"Take a few days off, Alsono. The restaurant will still be here when you get back."

"Oh it better be." As long as Ken doesn't burn the place to the ground...  Can I fire him? I really want to fire him. My shift continued without incident, and I started on my way home. As I walked, I pulled out my phone and called my Mom. At this time of day, she would still be at work. But it continued to ring, as I half expected it to. "You're call has been directed to an auto-mated voice messaging system-"

Damn. I waited for the beep anyway and left a short message. "Hey Mom, I was given a few days off of work. Wanted to ask if it was okay if I took a weekend trip. Call me back if you aren't going to be home. I love you." I did the same for dad and let out a big sigh. I raise myself. Good God.

Oh well. It's not hard. Ikuto does a good job of it too. If we didn't know how to shop and cook and care for ourselves, then it would be a problem. Next I dialed Choji's number. But he didn't answer either. Okay, now it's getting old. Does no one pay attention to their phones? So, I called Ino. That woman never puts down her phone.

Except... "Oh come on! Has hell frozen over?!" I yelled at me phone, listening to the woman tell me about leaving a message. Well damn. No one answered their phones. I was hoping to get people on board with the beach trip today. But then I thought about one other number I had. I looked at my phone, scrolled down to the name I knew was a long shot, and pressed dial.

One ring, two rings, three- "Hello?"

"Holy crap, Shikamaru, you actually answered."

"Uh... Was I not supposed to?"

"That's not what I meant, sorry. I called Choji and Ino first, but they didn't answer."

"Ino didn't answer? Did hell freeze over?" Thank you.

I explained to him about my boss giving me a few days off and the beach idea. A relaxing weekend trip would be perfect for the four of us to get to know each other better too. Which I don't think he cared about so much, but he was on board with the idea. "We don't have anything better to do."

"Awesome! Do you know where Choji and Ino are? Can you talk to them about it while I try to track down my parents?"

"What a pain. Yeah, I can tell Ino. I don't know where Choj is though."

"Okay, I'll find him. Thank you Shikamaru." We hung up and I continued on my way home, slowly planning the trip we were sure to take.