My Father's Secret

Chapter 4

Ichinose spent the rest of the day before their flight taking Kimi out to explore the town. By 5pm Ichinose had gotten them take aways from a near by Japanese restaurant and called a taxi to the airport.

***

It was morning when Kimi first stepped foot in Japan. There were thousands of people walking around in the airport each trying to get to their gates or claim their luggages.

Kimi followed Ichinose looking all around at everything she walked by. This was the first time she's been on a plane and she was excited about everything. Ichinose took her to claim heir luggages and made their way out of the airport.

They got in a cab and Ichinose spoke to the driver in Japanese.

"I thought we were going to Aki-san's house" Kimi spoke up once the driver set off.

"I didn't know you understood Japanese"

"I have a tutor who teaches me at the hospital. He teaches me Japanese too"

She's never spoken about her tutor before. She's probably not very fond of him. Ichinose thought to himself and decided not to ask anymore questions.

"Well I thought it would be better if we could stop the mall and by Aki some gifts. It's been almost 3 years since I've seen her."

The rest of the ride was mostly silence except for the occasional conversations between Ichinose and the driver about the directions and the traffic. Kimi continued to observe Japan from the window of the cab in amazement

A long while later, the cab pulled to a stop in front of the mall. Ichinose paid the driver who helped take the bags out of the trunk of the car and the two made their way into the mall. It was part of Kimi's plan to take Aki out for lunch but Ichinose made some changes to buy her some flowers first.

"What kinda flowers are you going to buy for her?"

"I honestly have no clue. I've never bought flowers for any women before"

"You are really clueless, I thought you were friends forever"

"What flowers do girls normally like?"

"I personally like flowers that are almost impossible to find in an average flower shop but I'll try to suggest stuff"

"Ummm from what I see in here... Roses would be nice, the classic. Lots of girls like lilies too. Carnations is also another option. White carnations represent pure love, innocence and good luck" Kimi replied with a big smile.

Ichinose was quite stunned by the young girl's knowledge of flowers and how little he knew.

"Carnations sound good to me"

Ichinose followed Kimi's advice and chose the white carnations but add some other colored ones he had chosen himself as well (he wanted to have some credit in choosing the flowers for his childhood crush).

By the time the flowers were ready, it was nearly noon. Ichinose called over another cab to Aki's house. Kimi could tell he was nervous. He was fidgeting the flowers, looking out the window constantly to see if they were near, checking his clothes, checking his hair and everything.

"You're nervous aren't you? I can tell" she smiled at the panicking Ichinose sitting beside her, the bouquet of flowers clutched tightly in his hands. "You're going to crush the flowers if you grip them any tighter."

Realizing he was gripping the flowers to tightly, he released his hands and let the flowers lay on his lap.

"What am I supposed to say. I've never confessed to anyone before..."

"You are clueless when it comes to love aren't you. You really need someone to educate you about this kind of stuff. But don't worry because it's my specialty."

Ichinose let out a laugh and a sigh at the same time as he shook his head. "You are really funny sometimes"

"But I'm serious"

"I would be honored to learn from the love specialist, Gouenji Kimiko" Ichinose announced laughing once again. This time Kimiko joined him. Kimiko gave Ichinose special advice. They talked through laughs as they explored the alternative endings to the story. Before they knew it, the cab came to a halt.

"We are here"

The two dragged their luggages up to the front door and Kimiko breathed in as she pressed the door bell. It was part of their plan in case the person opening the door was someone other than Aki. The sound of the bell rang loudly through the apartment. The two heard sounds of footsteps from upstairs and heard them cease as the front door clicked open.

The other side of the wooden door revealed a young women in her early twenties with short brown hair and bright brown eyes.

"Hello, welcome to Kogarashi manor." Rang a voice Ichinose longed and dreaded to hear at the same time.

***

What happens when Ichinose and Aki finally meet after so long? And Ichinose is going to confess? I'm really excited to write chapter 5! Please vote and comment and thank you for reading everyone!