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Nodoka’s heart pounded as she stood over the bubbling pot, the rolling heat not quite the reason for the bead of sweat running down her neck. She knew it was best not to interfere; the food was cooking as it was supposed to, it would be ready soon - she just had to wait. Still, her nerves screamed at her to do something. She reached out to grasp the handle, surprisingly cool against her sweaty palm, then quickly drew back. No, do not interfere. Do not mess this up.
“Are you alright?”
Nodoka jerked back, turning sharply to the door where a handsome man was watching, his brow furrowed in concern: her boyfriend, Daisuke Miyazaki.
“I’m fine,” she said, her voice rather high-pitched. “What would make you think I wasn’t?”
“Just…” he looked her up and down, “everything,” he finished, shaking his head. “I’ve never seen you so frazzled, and that is saying something.”
Nodoka flushed.
“Sorry,” she murmured, turning back to the pot. “I just…” she bit her lip. “I just want everything to be perfect.”
This was a very important meal. Her sister, the famous actress Mai Sakurajima, was coming to visit. That was one thing - Nodoka was apprehensive enough about proving herself an independent and capable woman after the years spent living under Mai’s care - but it was only the tip of the anxiety-inducing iceberg.
This was the first time her sister had come to visit since Nodoka and Daisuke started dating. It was the first time her sister was going to meet her boyfriend.
Daisuke stepped into the kitchen. Drawing close, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.
“It will be fine,” he assured her. “Your sister will arrive soon, you’ll introduce me, and I’ll be on my best behaviour. We’ll serve the food, which will be delicious. Your sister will thank you for the meal, say it was nice to meet me, and head home.”
Nodoka let out a sigh. She leaned back into his chest, enjoying the comforting warmth.
“You’re right,” she said, still trying to convince herself. “I’ve done everything I need to. The food will be good… or at least edible. And I trust you and Mai to get along. And then…”
She trailed off, a pang of fear mixed with annoyance rushing through her.
“What?” Daisuke wondered, walking around so he could see her face. “What’s the matter?”
Nodoka grimaced.
“Him,” she said. She didn’t elaborate further.
Daisuke seemed to understand.
“Sakurajima’s husband?” he asked.
Nodoka nodded.
“You mentioned he would be coming too,” said Daisuke. A smile quirked his lips. “Once. You’ve talked about this dinner a lot, yet somehow this man never seems to make it into the conversation. What’s so bad about Mai Sakurajima’s husband that you are trying not to mention him.”
Nodoka shivered.
“You wouldn’t understand,” she said. “You need to have met him.”
“I suppose I will soon enough,” said Daisuke.
But Nodoka wasn’t finished.
“He’s crude, and entitled, and arrogant,” she continued, getting ahead of steam. “He treats me like a kid, even though we’re the same age, and he’s always belittling my relationship with my sister. Just because they’re dating, he believes he is closer to her, and now that they’re married…”
There was a buzz at the door.
“Ah!” Nodoka jumped on the spot, eyes wide and all frustration vanishing as panic took over. “She’s here.”
“Forgotten about the husband already,” Daisuke murmured, but Nodoka didn’t pay him any attention, rushing from the room. She reached the front door, stopping only to smooth down her shirt, checking her reflection in the mirror, before pulling it open.
On the step, Mai Sakurajima stood waiting.
“Mai!” Nodoka threw her arms around her, her sister instinctively embracing her in return.
“Nodoka,” she responded, the smile obvious in her tone. Nodoka clutched tightly, joy at finally seeing her sister again after such a long time flooding through her.
Then she spotted the figure standing over Mai’s shoulder.
“Hey, Doka-chan,” Sakuta Azusagawa greeted, his lips turning in a subtle smirk.
Nodoka glared.
She pulled back, turning to face Mai, ignoring the man completely as a brilliant smile returned to her face.
“Come in,” she encouraged, leading her across the threshold. Azusagawa followed quietly, closing the door behind them.
Nodoka led Mai into the dining room, where she found Daisuke patiently waiting.
“Mai-san,” she said, stepping forward to take Daisuke by the arm, turning back to her sister with pride mixed with apprehension. “I would like to introduce my boyfriend, Daisuke Miyazaki. Daisuke, this is my sister, Mai Sakurajima.”
Mai bowed politely.
“It is very nice to meet you,” she told him.
“Likewise,” said Daisuke, bowing too. “Nodoka has told me so much about you. And, of course, I know your work. It is an honour.”
Azusagwa appeared in the doorway beside Mai. Daisuke turned to him, glancing down at Nodoka expecting an introduction.
Nodoka reluctantly obliged.
“This is her husband,” she said shortly.
Daisuke’s lips twitched. He bowed to Azusagawa.
“I’m Daisuke Miyazaki, nice to meet you,” he said politely.
“Sakuta Azusagawa,” Azusagawa replied. “The pleasure is mine. I’ve been excited to meet you for some time. As you can tell, Doka-chan and I are very close.”
Daisuke let out a chuckle.
“Why don’t you take a seat,” he suggested, gesturing their guests to a table set up with four chairs; glasses, plates, and utensils already laid out. “Food should be ready soon.”
“Does anyone want any drinks?” Nodoka asked, looking at Mai as they approached the table.
Azusagawa was the one who answered.
“We brought some wine,” he said, presenting the bottle to Daisuke who looked at it appreciatively. “Although we didn’t exactly think this all the way through.”
“Driving?” Daisuke guessed.
“I am,” acknowledged Mai. She lowered herself gently into a seat. “I won’t be drinking, but please do enjoy.”
“You can have some too,” Nodoka insisted, dropping into the chair opposite her. “You can stay here tonight.”
“And where would I stay?” Azusagawa wondered, raising an eyebrow. Nodoka glared. It seemed he had predicted correctly that Nodoka’s offer of hospitality did not extend to himself.
“That’s very kind,” assured Mai, drawing Nodoka’s attention back to her with a smile. “But I have an early morning tomorrow anyway. Not drinking is the sensible decision.”
“Then I won’t be drinking either,” said Nodoka.
“It looks like it’s just us then,” said Daisuke, turning to Azusagawa. “What do you say?”
“One glass would be nice,” he replied, glancing briefly at his wife. She subtly inclined her head in permission. He smiled. “I wouldn’t want it to be like I’m drinking for two.”
Daisuke disappeared into the kitchen to fetch a bottle opener and returned a moment later, pouring out two glasses, one for Azusagawa and one for himself.
Meanwhile, Nodoka turned to her sister.
“It’s been too long,” she said, beaming as Mai favoured her with a smile. “How are you?”
“Not brilliant,” Mai admitted with a soft laugh. “I’ve been a bit poorly these last few days.”
Nodoka turned a glare to Azusagawa.
“Have you been cooking again?” she accused.
“I don’t know what you are implying,” he responded, eyebrow raised. “You know my cooking is excellent.”
“I bet you’ve given her food poisoning,” Nodoka shot back.
“Would you prefer Mai cooked all the meals,” Azusagawa wondered. “That’s not very progressive of you, Doka-chan.”
“Better falling into gendered roles than being poisoned,” she argued. “And while we’re at it, you could do with taking more responsibility as the man of the household. Isn’t it your duty to care for your wife?”
Azusagawa blinked.
“I suppose you’re right,” he murmured. He turned to Mai. “I apologise, Mai-san. I just hope you will be able to forgive me for what I’ve done to you.”
Mai smiled back, amused.
“I’ll think about it.”
“Mai-san…” Azusagawa deflated. Mai gave a triumphant grin.
“We’ll see what the future brings,” she assured him, taking his hand and squeezing. “But for right now, I have no regrets.”
Azusagawa smiled.
Daisuke safely deposited the wine bottle back in the kitchen, now that they had no plans to drink the rest of it tonight. Returning to the dining room, he took the final seat at the table next to Nodoka and joined the conversation.
“So, Miyazaki,” said Mai, turning to the man inquisitively. “Nodoka tells me that you’re a singer, and the two of you met through work.”
“Yes, we were guests together on a talk show,” he said, smiling at Nodoka. “I had heard Nodoka’s music and thought it was great, and I just had to tell her.”
“He was very sweet,” Nodoka added. “Before the show he just came over and told me how much he loved my voice. I think I fell for him right there.”
Mai smiled.
“I think I remember watching that show,” she said. “That was a big moment in your career, wasn’t it. I hear you’ve become something of a rising star in the music world.”
“I can only hope that is true,” Daisuke chuckled.
“What got you into music?” Mai wondered, leaning forward with interest.
“It was my dad,” explained Daisuke. “He was a guitarist. Growing up he would play and try to teach me how to play myself, but in the end the thing I enjoyed most was just singing along. I guess I must have been good at it - or maybe I was really bad at it - because my mother soon started paying for lessons.”
“I’ve heard you sing,” said Mai. “Whether you were good before or not, the lessons clearly worked.”
Daisuke ducked his head.
“That’s quite the compliment, coming from you,” he said. “You have a wonderful voice. As a professional singer, I’ve got to say I am jealous of your talent, especially considering singing isn’t even your greatest strength.”
“You and me both,” said Nodoka.
Mai smiled.
“You are too kind,” she said. “Nothing I am capable of compares to the skill and passion displayed by those who make music their profession. I have had the pleasure of working alongside musicians before, and I am consistently left in awe by their talent and the sacrifice they make for their craft.”
Nodoka beamed.
“So, what about you, Azusagawa?” asked Daisuke, turning to the fourth member of the table who had so far remained quiet. “Are you a good singer?”
“Of course,” said Azusagawa, straight-faced.
“I doubt it,” Nodoka challenged. “I’ve never even heard you sing.”
“I wouldn’t want to upstage you.”
Nodoka glared.
Daisuke turned to Mai.
“Is it true?” he wondered.
Mai gave a smile.
“His voice has its own unique charm,” she answered.
Daisuke laughed. Nodoka smirked at Azusagawa.
“So long as Mai is happy,” Azusagawa said easily. “That’s all that matters to me.”
The food was soon ready. Nodoka and Daisuke brought it to the table, and as Nodoka placed a plate in front of Mai she held her breath, hoping it would meet her satisfaction. Mai didn’t appear to notice Nodoka’s nerves, happily accepting with a smile and thanks, and they dug in.
The sound of clinking utensils drifted through the room, appetising aromas filling their senses. Taking her first bite, Nodoka was pleased to find that her cooking did actually taste good - warm and smooth, full of flavour but not overpowering. What a relief. All her worrying had been for naught. She had passed her unofficial test as an independent adult.
Daisuke reached for his napkin, wiping at the corners of his mouth.
“So, Azusagawa,” he said, laying the napkin down and looking across the table. “What do you do for a living? I’m guessing you’re not in showbusiness.”
“What gave me away?” Azusagawa wondered wryly.
Daisuke smiled.
“I figured anyone dating Mai Sakurajima, much less marrying her, would find their way into the limelight if they had even a vague connection to the entertainment industry,” he said. “And I think we’ve established, you’re no singer.”
Azusagawa chuckled.
“No, not a singer,” he admitted. “I’m a teacher.”
Daisuke’s eyebrows raised with interest.
“Really?” he said. “What do you teach?”
“Math,” answered Azusagawa. “Nothing interesting, unfortunately.”
“Suits you well,” needled Nodoka.
“I don’t much care for the subject,” said Azusagawa, ignoring her comment. “But I’ve found helping people is worth the sacrifice. And in my experience, high school students need it more than anyone.”
Nodoka looked away. She couldn’t mock that. Not after what he’d done for her, for her sister, for Uzuki and Kaede. When it came down to it, Sakuta Azusagawa was a good man. She hated to admit it, but sometimes even her jealousy wasn’t enough to pretend otherwise.
She noticed Daisuke glance her way, his expression quizzical, and she subtly shook her head. Just this once, she gave up. He could have this one.
Dinner finished quickly thereafter. Nodoka and Daisuke cleared the table, turning down Mai and Azusagawa’s offers of help, before returning once more to finish their drinks and continue their conversation. It was nearly an hour later when Mai finally checked the time on her phone.
“I think we should be going,” she announced, giving an apologetic smile.
“Are you sure?” Nodoka asked. “Will you not reconsider spending the night here? I’m even willing to let him stay too.”
She jerked her head at Azusagawa
“I’m flattered,” said Azusagawa dryly.
“Nodoka has got a spare room,” offered Daisuke.
“Is that where you sleep when you cross Toyohama,” Azusagawa wondered, “or does she still make you sleep on the couch?”
“Hey!” Nodoka protested.
“Fortunately, I do my best not to get on her bad side,” said Daisuke. He gave Nodoka a smile. “I don’t know what I’d do if I made her sad.”
Nodoka melted. She couldn’t help it. He was just too sweet.
Mai wouldn’t be convinced. She re-iterated that she had an early rise the next morning, Azusagawa reminded her that tomorrow was a school day - something Nodoka cared about a lot less - and no amount of pleading could stop them from saying goodbye. Nodoka embraced Mai at the door, hoping to never let go, but was eventually forced to step back and let her sister leave. Saying their final farewells, she watched as Mai stepped out into the night, and she and Azusagawa disappeared down the street.
With a heavy sigh, Nodoka swung the door closed behind them.
“Well, that wasn’t too bad,” said Daisuke, smiling. He gave Nodoka a kiss on the temple, then stepped into the kitchen to start cleaning the dishes.
Nodoka followed him.
“You think?” she wondered, biting her lip.
“I had fun,” he told her. “It was great to meet them. Your sister is lovely.”
“I told you she would be,” said Nodoka. Mai really was the best. Even after all these years, Nodoka still hadn’t quite got her head around how amazing her sister was.
“And Azusagawa wasn’t half as bad as you said he was,” Daisuke continued with a light chuckle. “I thought he seemed quite interesting, and he was very funny.”
“Seriously?” Nodoka wondered, aghast. “Were we at the same table?”
Daisuke smiled.
“You just didn’t notice because he was making fun of you,” he said.
Nodoka huffed.
“Do you want to sleep on the couch?” she threatened.
Daisuke chuckled. Stepping forward, he pulled her into his arms.
“The only place I want to be is next to you,” he told her, “Doka-chan.”
Nodoka tried to be indignant - the name was so obviously used in mockery - yet she couldn’t do it. When Daisuke said it, it didn’t sound so bad. A warm glow settled inside her.
Giving up the fight, she leaned into his embrace, resting her head on his chest and letting out a sigh. He was right, the night had gone well. She had wanted to introduce Daisuke to her sister, and she had. They seemed to get along, and that was all that mattered.
She wrapped her arms around Daisuke, pulling him closer, revelling in his comfortingly unique scent. Yes, it was all okay. Everything was as it should be.
Out in the cool evening air, night had well and truly fallen. Mai and Sakuta walked beneath the pale glow of the streetlamps, their car just visible parked down the road.
Sakuta let out a breath.
“Are you sure you didn’t want to tell her?” he asked, watching Mai from the corner of his eye.
Mai shook her head.
“All in due time,” she promised. “We only just found out.”
Sakuta accepted her response.
“You are supposed to wait, aren’t you,” he admitted. “Even so, it was hard not to let it slip. The opportunity to tease Toyohama alone…”
“You did very well,” Mai told him, amused. “Although, if you had told her you’d be in big trouble.”
Sakuta chuckled.
“The threat of punishment was all you needed to keep me in line,” he said. “Just the thought of going to sleep without you in my arms, especially now…”
Mai smiled.
“Besides,” Sakuta continued. “Imagining Toyohama’s reaction when she finds out, I couldn’t take that moment away from you.”
He turned to her, coming to a stop as they reached their car.
“I love you, Mai-san.” He pulled her into his arms, one hand coming to rest gently on her belly. “I love you more and more every day.”
Mai smiled. Her hand rested on his, a warmth spreading, seemingly inside her, to the life that had just started to grow. She looked up at her husband, the warmth in her heart just as strong, and she leaned up, her lips brushing softly against his, sinking into his embrace.
Nodoka had no idea. Everything was about to change.