Chapter Text
“Japanese.”
“English.”
Most seasons of the year end with a remarkable event. Whether it be buying a new car or moving into an apartment, there was always something happening.
However, for Kimiko Himura, her remarkable event was getting dumped at the beginning of her senior year of college.
Pierre, now her ex boyfriend, admitted he was interested in someone else. The confession blew her away, surprised that he would suddenly throw their relationship away like it was nothing. Or perhaps it was because he was her first boyfriend that she felt that way. Regardless, Kimiko was heartbroken and didn't bother to listen to whatever bish-bosh excuses he told her. He was dead to her, especially when she saw him and his new girl dancing together at a party an hour prior.
In the midst of crying her eyes out in her studio apartment, her phone rang. She sniffled, rubbing the tears from her withered eyes to properly read the name on the screen.
It was her Mom. Great. Now she'll have to tell her about how Pierre broke up with her. Could things get any worse for her?
Reluctant, but eager to hear her Mother's voice, she picked up the call. “Hey, Mom.” She spoke, hoping the weakness in her voice didn't show through.
Attending Boston University for her last two years was a hard choice to begin with, especially since she'd see her Mother only during school breaks. However, they called regularly to make up for the distance. It was her Mom after all who encouraged her to move across America to better her education.
“Kimiko? You sound like you've been crying. What's wrong, dear?”
Damn. Right on the nail. Kimiko wiped her nose with a tissue, ridding the accumulated snot.
“It's… been quite a day for me.”
“Me as well, but it shouldn't stop you from telling me what happened.” Kana paused for a moment. “Is it about that Pierre boy you said you were dating? Did he do something bad? If he did, wait until I get my hands—”
She laughed at her protectiveness, glad to have a parent who genuinely cares. “H-He broke up with me.”
“I knew it, I knew it! I didn't like that boy since the beginning!” Her Mom snarled. “And why should it be him breaking up with you? What did he do to hurt my daughter??”
She could picture her Mom shaking her hand in the air, cursing the boy for existing.
“He was dating another girl, Mom. I should've seen it coming since he was distancing himself from me, but… I guess I'm glad it's over now.” She admitted, feeling a few more stray tears sweep down her face.
“Oh, honey…”
“I'm okay. Boys are dumb anyways. A waste of time.” Kimiko reassured, sliding the blanket over her legs. “So uh, I know you called me for a reason. What's up?”
A long sigh was heard.
“Well, I know this is a sore subject—”
Her stomach churned at her apprehensive tone. “Mom…” Kimiko sat up in her bed, pressing the phone closer to her ear.
“You know what? Never mind. I'll tell you another time—”
“Mom, seriously. What is it?” She pressed further, dabbing her wet eyes with a tissue. “You wouldn't call me at nine at night for no reason.”
With the timezone difference being only three hours, it wasn't difficult to get a hold of each other. Her mother, whose clock ticked at six in the evening, had ample time to talk. But at the harsh news of her daughter going through post breakup emotions, she was wary to detail the main reason for calling.
“Promise you won't get mad?”
She scrunched a hand through her hair. “Just spit it out.”
“Well… It's about your Aunt.”
Kimiko froze.
“She isn't doing so well. Seems like her health took a dive. From the sounds of it, she should be okay. It was just a health scare.” Her Mom, a seasoned nurse, explained. “But she's requested to see you—”
“No.”
“Kimiko, let me finish.” The following silence cued for her to continue. “... I understand you went through a lot back then, but you have to remember that it was your Uncle who orchestrated it, not your Aunt. She's innocent too, y'know.”
She held her face, closing her eyes. The last she's heard of her relatives was a long, long time ago. Even if they did call, her Mother probably never disclosed it to her.
“But yes, Aika wants to see you. She says she misses you a lot and wants you to come by for a little.”
“And what about Ken?” She tentatively asked, the tightness in her throat returning as did her past memories she wished to forget.
“He's… genuinely remorseful for what he did, but that's based on my judgement.” Her Mom confessed. “He's also offered to pay for your college tuition if you do come and take care of your Aunt for a bit.”
"I'm sure there's more to it than that.” She remarked doubtfully, laying down against her pillows.
Anything he said was too good to be true. She learned that the hard way.
“Well, there is.” Kimiko slapped her forehead, calling the front. “It seems like he wants you to show some face while your Aunt regains her energy.”
“Again, no.”
“I told them November would be good since there's Thanksgiving break, but they'd prefer it if you come sooner.”
“There's no way in hell I'm going back." She reinforced. “And I'm supposed to spend Thanksgiving break with you! Not— not with my conniving Uncle! Why do you get to decide whether or not I go back to Japan??”
When was the last time she even spoke Japanese?
“Look.” Her Mom sounded tired. “I at first didn't want you to go back either. What your Uncle did to you is wrong and even I'm ashamed to have let him go that far without knowing his full intentions. On that note, I think it'd be helpful for him to pay for your lengthy tuition. He's got too much money he doesn't spend, and scholarships only cover half your cost. And, I want you to think about your Aunt. She's dying, Kimiko.”
Her fingers found the edge of her fleece DIY blanket, fiddling with the knotted fringe. “Her… health was never the greatest.”
“Ken is scared she'll go another year without seeing you and it might be too late.”
“Then, why won't you go to Japan, too?”
“Kimiko…”
“You never did tell me why you won't go back.”
“I've told you this before, and I'll say it again. I will never go back to Japan because America is officially my home now. Period, end of story.” Kana glanced at a nearby framed photo. “... Honey, I want you to sleep on it. I know it's easy to say no, I understand, but your Aunt needs you. Besides, I think… you should make amends.”
She scoffed. Amends? Even after learning that her Uncle still wants her to make an impression on those rich folk who only care about their wealth and reputation?
“Yeah, no.”
“Fine. Don't go at all. But if you do, remember that you went to support your dying Aunt.” Kana bit down, resisting a word splurge about Kimiko's old friends that she refused to speak about. She knew her daughter had other connections to possibly rekindle. “Besides, it'll be only for a month. You'll be back for Christmas.”
The young adult sighed, turning onto her side. “I really don't know, and I've got school, exams—”
It was her final year of college and every grade counted towards her graduation. If she were to leave for Japan, it might ruin the future trajectory she planned.
“Like I said, sleep on it. It's not a decision that I expect an answer for by tonight since there's a lot to consider. I know you're going through a lot.”
Kimiko's sage green eyes trailed to the pinned photos of her and Pierre on the nearby wall, grimacing at the cheesy sight. “...I'll think about it.” She replied meekly.
“Good. Well, I'll let you go so you can rest. If you wanna talk about it further, we can in the morning or whenever you define an answer.”
“Alright, Mom.” She climbed out of the bed, clamoring over to the decorated wall. “Love you. Thanks for calling.”
“I love you too, honey. Goodnight now.”
Snapping the phone shut, Kimiko promptly pocketed the cellphone before yanking all of the pictures off the wall. The polaroids, printed 4x6s, and paper cards ripped, plummeting to the trash bin sitting below it. She sighed, throwing a stray hanging photo to the mix before cupping her jaw, thinking about the recently ended conversation.
Just when she thought she got over Japan, it was coming back like a deep rooted weed. Was the vow to never return just a slew of words to justify her initial leave? Or was it to comfort her aching heart that suffered so greatly? She didn't know anymore. But, she knew that going back to Japan was permanently removed from her life itinerary— until now.
“This sucks.” She muttered into her palm. “Aunt Aika gets sick, and Ken wants me back? And for what? To take over his huge ass business? Yeah, right…”
Her Uncle's lack of an heir was not her problem. Just because they couldn't have kids doesn't mean he could rope her into his tech business, and through wicked means too. How could a person come up with a plan to secretly set their niece up with their business partner's son just to secure their money? And, without even telling her anything about it? That was outright selfish of him to believe she'd willingly take over his empire, nevertheless fall in love with any of the suitors he had in mind.
At that time, Kimiko had no plans of dating. Now, she really wasn't in the mood for finding another boyfriend nor dealing with her Uncle's crap.
But if she did go to Japan…
A few select people flashed at the forefront of her sulking. Their faces, slightly blurred by the passing of time, brought an aching pang to her heart. She reached up, clutching her shirt as several questions arose about their whereabouts in life. It's been three years since she's left. Three years and no explanation as to why she suddenly departed. If they still cared, which she wished they didn't because of her abrupt decision to leave, would they be curious to see her too?
Or were a few of them still scheming with her Uncle to gain his favor and fortune? That, she did not know. Quickly, she banished the thought to a corner of her mind, knowing that if she continued to surmise the truth, she'd succumb to another spout of depression.
“Why am I actually considering it?” She muttered, sitting on her bed. “Ugh, I think this calls for some feedback…”
Reaching to the foot of the bed, she dragged her laptop over and pressed the power button. The screen lit up for a few seconds, showing the welcome cycle before the home page popped up. There, Kimiko clicked a video calling application and logged into a private group.
9:17 - kimmi_01
hey guys
if you have a chance to talk
i need yall asap
an SOS of sorts
A long minute later, someone replied.
9:18 - *devonito*
r u ok??
9:18 - kimmi_01
besides pierre breaking up with me
i'll live
but seriously need opinions abt smth
9:19 - soraya <3
WAIT WHAT (@~@)
9:19 - *devonito*
i'm coming for his ass when i get the chance
he better watch his back that mfer
he lucky im in oregon
Reading their responses brought a needed smile to her face.
9:21 - kimmi_01
yall free for a video chat?
its a lot
and im overwhelmed
9:22 - soraya <3
give me a few
doing laundry
9:22 - *devonito*
i can!!
Instantaneously, a notification for a group call popped up on the screen. Kimiko hovered over the accept button, clicking it. In doing so, her laptop camera turned on, showing the dried runny mascara that flaked on her cheeks. Kimiko winced at her deplorable appearance.
“Kimikoo!” A friendly face popped onto the screen after taking a second to load. “You gotta tell me what the fuck happened!”
Devon, a young adult who sported curly hair, gray eyes, and dark sand skin, was one of her childhood friends. She's the fireball and troublemaker of the group but with good intention to have fun. She was also the one who was never scared to say what was on her mind.
“Hi, Dev.” She laughed, watching as her friend strangled the air in front of her. “Sorry I didn't text you guys sooner about the breakup.”
“Oh, if I could get my hands on that skinny white boy—” Devon breathed out menacingly. “Ugh, whatever! Karma will get his ass! But hey, don't worry about not telling us right away. Like you said, you were overwhelmed— more like, still are.”
“Yeah. It's been an eventful evening for me.” Kimiko grabbed another tissue, blotting it with her water bottle before attempting to wipe off her ruined mascara. “I guess I should wait until Soraya gets in here—”
A little noise chimed from the laptop and another face appeared.
“I'm here, I'm here!” Soraya leaned into the camera. “Oh, God! You look terrible, Kim!”
Soraya, the youngest of the three friends by a few months, had long blonde hair, brown eyes, and pale freckled skin. She was the nurturing mother type friend who fretted over their rebellious acts, but always joined in despite the potential consequences. All in all, she was a model good girl who tried to abide by the rules.
“She does, but I didn't wanna be the first to mention it.” Devon shook her head. “Anyhow, tell us what happened!”
“Yeah! And don't leave anything out!”
Kimiko sighed, looking down at the darkened tissue in her hand. “I guess I'll start with how Pierre broke up with me… I got a text from him this morning to meet up after morning class. So, I did. We meet at a library and he's frank with me, saying he's not into me anymore because he likes someone else. Of course I do my best not to cry in public, and I go about my day— until I go to a house party that a classmate was hosting. There, I see Pierre and his new girl dancing together!”
Soraya, who was folding some clothes in the background, gasped. “Oh, he did not just do that!”
“That motherfucker knew you'd be there!” Devon's desk was a victim of her fist of fury. “He won't have any balls after I'm done with him!”
“I'm absolutely heartbroken again after seeing him dance with her and I come back to my apartment, crying my eyes out. But soon after, I get a call from my Mom. She then goes on to tell me that my Aunt had a health scare and wants to see me.”
“Hold on.” Devon squinted. “The same Aunt from Japan? The one who is like a famous designer?”
“Aika, right?”
“Yeah, my Aunt Aika.” She grabbed another tissue. “She's not doing so hot, and Ken figures I should go and spend time with her before it's too late. I… am kinda leaning on—”
“Nuh-huh! Ken? I don't trust that fool anymore! Not after what he tried to do to you in Japan!” The curly haired girl spat passionately. “He can suck it!”
“Wait, Devon. Hear her out. I'm sure there's more to it than that.”
“Grr..”
“You won't like it, but he's offered to pay for all of my tuition if I go. I uh, also have to go around and talk to the rich snobs until Aika is a little better.”
Devon crossed her arms. “No, and no! It sounds like he's up to no good again!”
“You sound like you're thinking really hard about it, Kim. I understand since your Aunt is really sick.” The blonde sympathized. “But I agree with Devon on this. You don't know if your Uncle is going to try and pull another stunt when you're there.”
“I'm gonna make sure he doesn't. I'll be there a month anyway if I decide to go.”
“Wait, when?”
“Novemberish.”
“That's ironic. Didn't you leave them in November?”
“Huh…” Kimiko's eyes lowered to her lap. “Yeah, I did…”
Sensing the shift in her mood, Soraya quickly tagged on another statement. “So what did your Mom say about all of this?”
“She basically told me to go and support my Aunt.”
“Then, that's your reason to go. Keep it true and simple. You'll know what to expect when you go, and it's only a month, like you said. You'll be back in no time.”
Devon grinned deviously. “Or.”
The two other girls glanced at each other through the screen, attentive to their friend's mischief.
“Or why don't you just go and wreck havoc of your own? Your Uncle led you on.” Devon reminded, clasping her hands. “So I think it's only fair that he gets a taste of his own medicine. Oh, how about this? You go to Japan and make him actually believe you'll take over his company this time around.”
Soraya gasped, covering her mouth. “Dev! That's actually a terrible idea!”
“Hey, you can't fault me for thinking of ways for her to get back at him! He did her so wrong! Ain't no way she's actually gonna marry a rich guy because Ken wants her to.”
Kimiko was stunned. “Huh? Make him believe I'll take over? What are you on about, Devon?”
Her bold friend held her hands up. “Look. All I'm saying is that you should lead him on a false premise. You'll entertain a few rich guys that you might ‘marry’ like in his original plan, then back out the second he's about to hand everything over to you! Well, not that I think he would, but just fooling him would be enough.”
“Entertain a few rich guys?” She echoed lamely. “As if! Do you think any of them will be interested in me, the girl who ran home because she refused the offer to be a million—sorry, multi-billionaire heir?”
Anyone would see her as an idiot for not taking the opportunity.
“Uhm, yeah?” Soraya meekly chuckled. “You went to an elite academy. You know a ton of rich kids. They're gonna want to know what you've been up to since you left. It also gives you leverage for talking to people.”
“The rich are nosy.” Devon seconded. “Oi, but if you do go, wouldn't you run into your old friends from the… The Host Club?”
If she could shrink into the size of an ant, she would've disappeared.
“Devon…” Soraya scolded, seeing her friend hug her knees. “You know that's a sensitive topic for her.”
“I know, but we ought to address it now. It's been three years, Kim. Three!” Devon used her fingers to emphasize its importance. “It's time to face the music! Go uncover who's been bowing for your Uncle's favor, and make Ken feel like he's lost it all when you reject to be his heir, again! Revenge is the name of the game!”
She never once thought of getting back at her Uncle for what he did, but after hearing Devon's suggestion to make him feel betrayed like she did three years ago— the idea of returning to Japan sounded less repulsive.
But if she decided to actually go, she'd have to make several arrangements and call her Mom.
“At least I'll get Pierre off my mind if I travel to Japan.”
“Yeah, fuck that guy.”