You Were Mine

Chapter 7

Chapter 7:

(Hitoka)

OF COURSE SHE WAS HERE TO SPEAK TO MY MOTHER ABOUT ALLOWING ME TO GO TO TOKYO WITH THE TEAM. HOW COULD I HAVE FORGOTTEN!?!?? Well, she did plan to speak to her, BUT I NEVER EXPECTED HER TO ACTUALLY COME TO OUR HOUSE.

Their conversation was pretty light despite this heavy tension I'm feeling, or is it just me? I just watch them exchange such elegant airs, I didn't exactly know what to say. I felt like I was watching a chorale performance that if I spoke up or made noise, I would ruin everything. So I'll just keep my mouth shut and leave everything to Shimizu-senpai, I guess...

My mother stared at me intently as Shimizu-senpai explained to her what the activities at the Tokyo Training Camp will be. Senpai explained the whole thing concisely, and I thought that was so amazing to be that put-together and organized and calm and-- I froze. Shimizu-senpai stole a glance in my direction and we met eyes. That sent a weird shiver down my spine. Why did she have to look at me like that?

I-I'll just pretend to eat these noodles. Oh, wow. These noodles are actually delicious. Though, it tastes different, it's delicious. My tastebuds aren't used to these flavors, but it's really good... Did I just repeat the same idea three times?? How redundant of you, Hitoka.

"HITOKA!" my mom yelled and I was startled. I was too focused on eating my food, I didn't notice at all. I look up, wide-eyed and startled.

"So what do you think?" my mother asked. "Given the strenuous activities of this training camp, you think you can handle it?" she added.

"I-I-I really want to go!" I blurted out.

My mom sighed. "You didn't answer my question, though."

"I-I'll probably get overwhelmed, b-but I want to be able to handle it." I blurt out again. "I-It's kind of training for me too for when I become the manager..." I stare at my lap, I can't look at my mom, I don't want to see her disapproving reaction.

"Hitoka, look at me." she said. Oh no... I slowly look up and my mom's eyes met with mine. "I also think this is also a good opportunity to go out there without me." she said. My heart fluttered. "And Kiyoko-chan here looks like I can trust my little baby girl to her when you leave for Tokyo." she added. K-Kiyoko-chan...? Little baby girl..? Shimizu-senpai giggled, how could mom embarrass me by calling me little baby girl?? But does that mean she's allowing me to go?

"Here is the parent's consent for you to sign if you ever choose to allow Hitoka-chan to come along." Shimizu-senpai handed my mom a piece of paper.

Mom read it carefully, gave it a short thought and said "Hitoka, go get me my good pen."

I immediately stood up, searched for my mom's favorite sign pen and rushed back to the dining table. I was pretty much shaking when I handed the pen to my mom. I intently watched her as she signed the parents' consent. "There you go, Kiyoko-chan." she hands back the signed paper to Shimizu-senpai.

I couldn't believe it, I was actually going to Tokyo with everyone!! I jumped and locked both my mom and Shimizu-senpai in a trio hug. I couldn't help but cry at the thought of finally having my mom say yes.

"H-Hey, Hitoka-chan, don't cry!" Shimizu-senpai wiped off the tear with her thumb. We stared at each other for a split-second while her hand lingered on my cheek. I quickly go back to my seat and we proceeded to finish our dinner.

Dinner had ended and my mom had now put the dishes in the sink.

Mom looked at the wall clock. "It's almost 7o'clock. Hitoka, my assistant is on his way to pick me up, I have a flight at 8. It will rain very hard tonight, so I suggest Shimizu spend the night here." wh-wha-- She just got home from an overseas business travel, and she's leaving again??

She probably noticed my reaction. "I'm a very busy woman, Hitoka. You know that, right?" she said.

I nodded. I understood the work that my mom was involved in, and I fully respect and support her for it. What I don't support is SHIMIZU-SENPAI SPENDING THE NIGHT HERE. I CAN'T--

A bright strike of lightning with a loud thunderclap roared and startled all of us, very heavy rain started to pour. I-It's pretty scary... I-I guess Shimizu-senpai can spend the night...

The doorbell rang, I went and opened it to see that it was mom's assistant. Is mom leavig already? "Is Yachi-senpai ready--", "I'm ready. Let's go." my mom quickly got out, left me a kiss on the forehead and some money.

"I'll see you in 3 days, baby~" she called out and left. I stared at the two as they made their way down the stairs and disappeared from my sight. I couldn't move at the thought of Shimizu-senpai spending an entire night at MY house.

"Hitoka-chan?" I shrieked. "Are you okay?" Shimizu-senpai was behind me and closed the door for me.