Japan x Reader: Birthday Trip Part 3 (End)

After showering, you opened the sliding door and stepped outside.  Kiku was already sitting with his back to you in the hot spring, with a damp cloth on top his head.  You knew he heard you step out because he tilted his head in your direction.  You could see the lake from the hot spring, and there was a beautiful sunset on the horizon.  You removed your bikini cover up and quickly slipped into the water next to Kiku.  A drawn out sigh escaped your lips as your skin met with the steaming water.  When you sat down the water rose above your chest.  You propped an eye open to look at your companion.  His face was fixed straight ahead toward the lake.

You couldn't stand the awkward tension.  Say something, say something.  “That sunset is beautiful.”

“Hai.”

“And the water is really relaxing.”

“Hai.”

You chewed the inside of your cheek and decided to remain quiet.  Maybe silence would make the situation more pleasant.  You sat in the water and watched the sun completely set behind the lake.  You heard a loud splash to your left and then heard voices on the other side of the shrubbery.  It must be whoever was staying in the next hotel unit.  You were glad for each unit's privacy in the hot spring.  Your eyebrows rose as you heard giggling and splashing next door, and then low murmurs.  Followed shortly by moaning.  You couldn't catch what they were saying in Japanese, but you noticed Kiku sit up straight as a board and his face turn as red as a beet.

Could this situation be any more awkward?

“I think I'm going back inside,” you mumbled.

As you began to rise from the hot spring Kiku reached out to stop you.  “Wait, _____, you'll want to...”  He looked at you for the first time since you climbed in the hot spring, his hands hovering in front of your collar bone.  You felt a few water droplets fall from the side of your hair and trail down your cheek.  He hadn't touched you, but your skin felt scorched as if he had.  His eyes stared at your face, and you had never felt so undone by a simple look before.  He murmured something you didn't catch, “Kireina me desune... (You have pretty eyes, don't you...)  His eyes drifted to your lips and you gulped, your heart thumping painfully in your chest.  Then he blinked several times and the spell surrounding you broke.  “Ah...you'll want to...wait here just a bit ronger.”

“W-why's that?”  You mentally slapped yourself for stuttering.

“You'll see.”  He nodded toward the lake.  Then you watched him sink in the hot spring until his nose touched the water.

Maybe your bikini got you a reaction after all.

You breathed in and out slowly to try and calm the pounding in your chest.  The sounds on the other side of the shrubbery quieted, but didn't cease.  Finally, when the sky was completely dark you heard a distant sound and then the sky lit up in colour.

“Fireworks!”  You saw Kiku eyeing you from the corner of your vision but pretended not to take notice.  You smiled as you watched different designs form in the sky and reflect across the lake.

Kiku sat up in the water.  “Zhere are firework displays here every night for zhe next few months.”

“That's awesome!  How long are we staying here?”

“We're staying tonight and tomorrow night.  Zhen we go back to Tokyo.”

You giggled.  “So we'll be able to see them tomorrow night, too.  It's gonna be fun.”  You both watched the fireworks until they ended twenty minutes later.

“I'll go start dinner,” Kiku said and began to get up.

“Do you need any help?”

“No, I –”

When he stood up in the hot spring you noticed several things at once.  You were surprised to discover that your slim companion was so toned in the torso and abdomen.  While gazing at him you also noticed several paper-thin scars across his chest.  But possibly the most important thing you noticed was his swim trunks begin to slide down his narrow waist.  You shrieked and covered your eyes when his shorts dipped dangerously low.  After a silent moment you peeked through your fingers at him.  He was holding the front of his shorts up with one hand and inspecting the drawstrings that were supposed to be around his waist in the other.

“Someone cut zhem!  Somehow I zhink my American friend had somezhing to do with zhis.”

“Uh-huh.”  You wished you hadn't spoken, because it drew his attention to you.  You quickly dropped your hands from your face, and you knew – you just knew! – you were blushing.

“I'll buy new shorts tomorrow.  Anyway, I'll go start dinner, now.”

Throughout your meal of delicious fresh sushi you kept telling yourself that you hadn't been bothered by the scene in the hot spring.  However, you found you were unable to make eye contact with Kiku.

You woke early the next morning, excited for the day's plans.  You decided to have a quick shower before Kiku got up.  As you stepped out of the shower with your towel wrapped around you the bathroom door opened.  “Umm, what are you doing?”

Kiku made a choking sound.  “_____!  I zhought you were still asleep.”

“I'm not wearing anything.  Get out, pervert!”

He closed the door quickly, and you laughed.  You weren't really mad.  After all, seeing you in your bikini had been much worse than seeing you in a towel.

She called me a pervert, Kiku thought as he ran from the hotel.  How was he going to face you later?  He had thought you were still sleeping since you didn't seem like much of a morning person.  He would have to apologize profusely later.  For now he would give you time to cool down.  While he was out, he decided to buy a new pair of swim shorts.  He would have to have a talk with Alfred and tell him how inconvenient his prank had been.  Or maybe that was the point...

Afterwards, he spotted something in a shop that he thought would be perfect for you.  And it would work well as an apology, too.

When he opened the door to the hotel room, he dreaded the conversation he was about to have.  The inside of the unit was silent.  He knocked on your bedroom door – maybe you were having a nap?  When there was no reply he looked around and spotted you in the onsen outside.  After he apologized he would have to tell you that you really shouldn't be in the onsen by yourself.  He should have said so earlier, in fact.

Your back was to him.  “Ummm, _____?”  When you didn't give him a reply he knelt next to the hot spring.  She isn't talking.  She must be really mad.  “I'm very sorry about earlier.  Gomennasai (I'm sorry).  Ummm...I bought zhis for you as an apology...”

You still hadn't said anything, and he stole another glance at you.  It looked like you hadn't even moved.  While he reached for the paper package he just bought he noticed your head loll forward into the water.  Fully clothed, he was in the hot spring within seconds.

He picked you up and said your name but you didn't reply.  He wiped hair away from your face and he noticed your neck and cheeks were flushed.  Concluding that you had fainted in the hot spring, he carried you bridal style back inside the hotel and into your bedroom.  How long had you been in the hot spring?  He placed you gently on your futon and began patting you dry; you might catch a cold if you were wet.  He hoped you would forgive him for touching you.  Then he placed a cool cloth on your forehead, changed into something dry, and knelt next to you to wait for you to wake up.  When you awoke he would be stern.  He didn't normally get angry, but it's dangerous to go in a hot spring by yourself, especially if you're a foreigner and not used to the heat.  If he hadn't been here...you could have...

His breath hitched at the thought.  You could have drowned.  He shook his head to erase the thought.  When you woke up he would give you a piece of his mind.

You woke with a start.  You realized you were on your futon, but you didn't remember getting there.  When you opened your eyes Kiku was sitting beside you.  “Kiku?  What are you doing in my room?”

“Werll...I...you...”  You stared up at him, and he looked angry.  For a moment you were worried.  Then he sighed and any anger left his face.  “Are you mad at me?”

“No...?”

He fidgeted.  “I mean, from zhis morning when I walked in on you in your towel.”

“I was upset for all of two seconds.  But, you know, my bathing suit was a lot more revealing than a towel.  Did you bring me in here or something?”

“You fainted in zhe onsen.  How long were you in it?”

“Really?  I'm not sure...but I went in not too long after my shower.”

“Zhat is too long!  You should only be in zhe onsen for half an hour at a time.”  Remember to be stern, Kiku.  “Fainting in the bath is very dangerous, _____.”

“But we were in the hot spring for more than half an hour last night.”

“Hai, but I was zhere to monitor you.  It is unsafe for a foreigner to be in zhe onsen by zhemself.”

“Oh...”  You sat up, but couldn't face him.  “I'm sorry, I didn't know.  I'm sorry for worrying you.”

His facial features immediately softened and he exhaled.  “It's okay.  Just be more careful.”

“So I guess I shouldn't go in the hot spring again?”

“You can.  It's actually very good for your health.  Just don't go in alone again.”

You exhaled.  “Thanks for looking out for me, Kiku.  You didn't have to watch over me while I was out cold, you know.”

Kiku searched your face.  “Why do you say zhings like zhat?”

You blinked.  “Like what?”

“Like 'you should have shoved me away if I bothered you' and 'you could have dumped me off at a tea house' and 'you didn't have to watch over me'.”

“Oh.”  You scratched your cheek.  “I guess because I don't think I'm worth all the trouble.”

He stared back at you, and the look in his eyes told you he thought otherwise.  Your eyes widened when he reached out as if to stroke your face, but he just as quickly withdrew his arm.  He stood and walked to the door.  “You shouldn't zhink about yourself zhat way, _____.”

He left you alone with your thoughts.  You realized you were still wearing your bathing suit and changed into something more comfortable.  You could hear chopping from out in the kitchen.  Kiku was giving you mixed signals and you were becoming frustrated.  Sometimes it seems like he likes you, and other times it seems like he's trying to restrain himself.  He already knew how you felt about him – you thought he was handsome enough to be a host for goodness' sake – so if he was interested in you at all it was up to him to make a move.

You left the room and sat in silence at the low table.  You watched Kiku's back while he chopped vegetables for lunch.  Everything Kiku had cooked for you thus far had been delicious and authentic.  You watched him silently, until he winced next to the cutting board.

“Are you okay, Kiku?”  He replied with an affirmative but you narrowed your eyes when he ran his hand under running water.  You got up to inspect.

He turned off the water quickly.  “I'm fine!  It's just a small cut, no worse zhan a paper cut.  I've been through a lot worse.”  He gripped the counter top as he suddenly thought back to his samurai days.

Was he talking about the scars you saw on his chest?  You didn't prod for details.  “But, even paper cuts hurt.”  He glanced at you and you took a shaky breath.  “Just like you said I shouldn't think poorly of myself, you shouldn't think lightly of pain, no matter how slight it might be.  Can I take a look at it?”

He looked away, but nodded and slowly held out his hand.  You looked closely and saw a small red slit on his index finger.  You asked where the bandages were and then wrapped one around the cut.  For good measure you pressed your lips to the bandage.

He wished you could kiss all his wounds better.  “_____, you are...” Beautiful.  Wise.  Wonderful.  He swallowed.  “You are...very kind.”

You smiled back.  “You, too.”

After lunch you spent the rest of the day relaxing and making phone calls.  You called your parents to tell them what you had been up to during your trip, and you also called (Friend one) and (Friend two) to see how they were doing.  Naturally, they teased you about spending more time with your “host”.  You carefully left out the detail about how you two were sharing a hotel room.

Just as the previous night, you both climbed into the hot spring as the air outside began to cool.  You sighed and rolled out the knots in your shoulders.  “This is amazing.  I'll never forget how wonderful a natural hot spring feels.”  He smiled at you and your remark clearly pleased him.  “I see you bought new swim shorts.”

He blushed as if you had said something inappropriate, and you tried not to laugh.  His modesty was something you found endearing.  It wasn't a quality easily found in the boys back home.  You frowned when you thought about home.  It was very likely that tomorrow would be your last day to spend time with Kiku.  You wondered if he would remember tomorrow was your birthday.

“Is something wrong, _____?”

You forced your mouth to curve into a smile.  “No, nothing.”  He didn't question further, but you had the impression he didn't believe you.  Somehow the fireworks that night didn't seem as joyful.

Kiku had warned you that he would wake you the next morning in time to catch the bus, but he felt awkward nonetheless.  His palms began to sweat when knocking on your door apparently wasn't enough to wake you.  He hesitantly opened your door and peeked inside.  You were laying spread-eagle on the futon, wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top.  You had kicked the blanket away some time during the night because it had felt like you were trying to sleep in a boiler room.  He watched your chest rise and fall slowly with each breath.  Glancing at your hands, he marvelled at how delicate they appeared.  It wouldn't surprise him if you happened to break if he so much as touched you.  He smiled at how peaceful you looked in sleep.

“_____,” he whispered.  “Time to get up.”

You rolled over and groaned.  You opened an eye to peek at who dared to wake you.  Kiku was already dressed in a white uniform with gold fastenings.  You mumbled,“Ohayou gozaimasu (Good morning).”

His heart fluttered when you spoke his native language.  “Ohayou.  I have prepared breakfast for you.”

You inhaled deeply.  “Smells delicious.”  You paused for a moment to see if he'd wish you a happy birthday.  When he remained silent, you said, “Okay, I'll be out in a minute.”

When should I give _____ her birthday present? Kiku wondered as he brought you to the bus station.  Should I give it to her now?  No, I should wait until zhe right moment.  I want zhis day to be perfect.

On your way back to Tokyo, you asked, “So what's on the schedule for today?”

You saw the corner of his mouth twitch as he tried to contain a smile.  “It's a surprise.”

You pestered him for most of the ride to Tokyo.  You thought he must have the patience of a saint, because he didn't get angry with you for trying to get information out of him.  He took you by surprise when, after you put your suitcase in your new hotel room, he grasped your hand.

“I can't wait to show you zhis, _____.”  You tried to hide your smile while he grasped your hand and led you from the hotel.  It felt natural to have your hand in his.  Unfortunately he let go when you reached the street.

It's better than nothing, you thought to yourself.  You both walked in silence until only a short distance from the hotel you came to a moat that surrounded an ancient Japanese castle.

“Oh, wow,” you said when you spotted the castle, but he quickly led you away from it.

“Zhat's not zhe surprise,” he said, and you could hear the excitement in his voice.  He brought you instead to the moat, where you saw people down below in blue row boats.  Kiku paid to rent a boat and you climbed in across from him.

“Where does this lead to?” you asked as he began rowing.

He smiled back.  “You need to learn to be more patient.”

You huffed and sat back in your seat.  It was a beautiful day; the sun shone overhead and the green-blue water sparkled.  From in the row boat you could see hills and trees on either side of you.  You sat in silence and enjoyed the scenery.  You were not the only boat in the water, but the ride was still pleasant.

Then you saw it.  You noticed the reflection first, as you were turning around a bend.  When you saw a shimmer of pink on the water behind Kiku's shoulder your eyes widened and you immediately jumped up off the seat.

“Careful, careful –”  Kiku had to grip the edges of the boat so you didn't toss the both of you in the water.

“Sorry!”  You sat down quickly, but your eyes didn't move from the sight until trees came into view.  “It's...”

Kiku smiled at your reaction and spoke for you.  “Sakura (Cherry blossoms).”

“Yes...”  You were breathless as the cherry trees came into full view.  Some trees hung over the water, close enough that if you reached out with your arm you would be able to touch them.  “They're so beautiful...I finally got to see them.”

“I'm glad you like zhem.  Zhis is zhe best place in zhe country to view zhem, Chidori-ga-fuchi. You're lucky, zhe trees are in full bloom right now.”

It was an ethereal moment.  You had waited so long to see the cherry trees, and now that you were seeing them with your own eyes it felt unreal.  As the boat drifted along the moat, more and more trees appeared until you were completely surrounded by a sea of pink cherry blossoms.  Kiku remained silent while you tried to stamp the moment in your memory.  You closed your eyes and breathed in the sweet scent emanating from the blossoms.

You sighed.  “I guess I overreacted a bit, huh?”

He chuckled.  “Maybe a little.”

“What, you don't want to go for a swim in the moat?”  You playfully rocked the boat from side to side.

“No, stop!”  His reaction surprised you and you ceased.  You wondered if Kiku didn't know how to swim.  Maybe he just didn't want to ruin his white uniform.

You tucked some hair behind your ear and felt embarrassed.  “Sorry...”

He cleared his throat, also looking nervous.  “Do you want to go for a walk up above?”  You grinned and nodded in reply.

It was more crowded in the park than it was in the moat, but you didn't mind.  It could have been so crowded you couldn't walk and it still wouldn't ruin the experience.  You couldn't stop grinning.  This was the best birthday ever!  You couldn't even count how many cherry trees there were.  Your excitement was so intense you needed an outlet.  The thought of running around entered your mind, but you settled instead for giving Kiku a tight hug.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Kiku.”  

When you released him he couldn't look at you.  “Y-you're welcome.  We can spend all day here.  And at night zhe cherry trees are all lit up.”

You sighed.  “I can't wait to see them at night.”

You wandered around the park for the rest of the day.  You never grew tired of looking at the trees, and neither did Kiku it seemed.  You sampled different treats from the plethora of food stands available because of the festival.  When the sun began to set the park became quieter as people left.

Kiku cleared his throat to get your attention.  “I have somezhing for you, _____.”

You laughed lightheartedly.  “There's more?”

He nodded.  “I bought zhis for you yesterday.  It's to apologize for zhe ozzer day.  When I saw it I zhought it would be perfect for you.  I bought it so you'll always remember –”  he almost said me but caught himself just in time  “– zhis day.  Zhis whole week, actually.”  You watched him unbutton the top clasps of his uniform jacket and pull out a paper package from inside.

“Kiku, were you carrying this around with you all day?”

He coughed, which you gathered as an affirmation.  So that was why he reacted the way he did earlier, at the thought of falling in the moat.

“Happy birthday, _____.  I hope you'll use it tonight.”  He held out the package to you and you accepted it reverently.

“So you did remember my birthday.”

His eyebrows furrowed.  “Of course.”

You were so excited that your fingers were shaking when you tried to unwrap the package.  A present from Kiku, you thought and smiled.  Inside the package was something made of a soft material.  Silk, you thought.  It was mainly white with a beautiful pink cherry blossom design.  You ran your fingers across the intricate pattern.  When you unfolded it it reached all the way down to your feet.  It was the prettiest piece of clothing you'd ever seen.

Kiku looked nervous while he awaited your reaction.  “It's a kimono.  Zhere is also an obi and a pair of sandals to go with it.  What do you zhink?”

“I think it's beautiful, Kiku.”

He almost said that that's why it's perfect for you, but swallowed the compliment.  “Hai.”

“This is the nicest thing anyone's ever given me.  Honestly.  It must have cost you a fortune.”

“Will you try it on?”

“Of course!  I can't wait to.”  You folded it back up carefully and then turned to Kiku.  “I can't thank you enough for the present.  There's no way I can repay you.”

“Zhat's okay, it was a gift.”

Before you had the chance to chicken out you kissed him on the cheek.  “Thank you.”

His face instantly flushed.  “W-we should go to zhe hotel so you can change.”

Kiku waited for you while you changed in your bedroom, one hand pressed to the spot where you kissed him.  You were taking a very long time to get changed into the kimono.  He had been so dazed he didn't even explain to you how to put it on.  “Is everyzhing okay, _____?”

“I can't figure out how to put it on properly.”

Kiku tracked down a female staff member to help you put on the kimono.  She also did up your hair in (fave hairstyle).  When she left you glanced in the mirror, unsure if the kimono looked right on you.  It definitely felt nice.  You took a deep breath, feeling more nervous than you probably should have, and stepped out of the bedroom.

Kiku's eyes widened as he took in your appearance.  You bit your lip and fidgeted, tugging at the silky fabric of your kimono.

“Well?  How do I look?”

“Ah...yoku niaimasune (that looks good on you, doesn't it).”  He swallowed then bowed deeply at the waist, the gold fastenings on his jackets sparkling in the light.  His eyes found yours.  “Just how I imagined.  Like a princess.”

You cheeks grew hot as he brushed away a few stray hairs from your face, and you cleared your throat.  “I don't know how you managed it, but it's a perfect fit.”

“I picked zhe size from memory.”

You were flattered that Kiku had been paying enough attention to you to be able to pick the right size of clothing.  You smiled.  “Shall we go back to see the cherry trees?”

If it was possible, the cherry blossoms looked even more beautiful lit up at night.  A warm breeze was in the air, bringing the sweet scent of cherry blossoms with it.  There were fewer people around than during the day so the sightseeing felt more relaxed.  You did feel slightly nervous because passersby eyed you in your kimono.  Since Kiku remained by your side you were able to ignore the looks you received from others.

You watched several performances in the park.  There was a martial arts demonstration, in which Kiku explained all the moves to you.  After, a famous pop singer gave a short concert.  Even with all the excitement in the park, you were beginning to get sleepy.  It was much too soon, in your opinion, to have to leave.  When the moon was high in the sky Kiku brought you to a part of the park that was tucked away from the rest.  There were just as many cherry trees, but no one else was around.  You stopped on a charming wooden bridge and looked over across the moat, which was dark except for the reflection of the moon.

“It's rate and I can tell you're getting tired.”  Something in Kiku's voice made you turn to look at him.  “So, before zhey turn out all zhe lights we should say goodbye here.”

You frowned.  “Goodbye?”

“You're going home tomorrow, right?”

“Tomorrow morning, yeah.”

“You can find your way back to zhe hotel from here?”

“Well, yes, but...”

“We were able to do everyzhing on your list.  I hope I was a satisfactory guide and zhat zhis week was memorable for you.  Happy birthday, _____.  Sayounara (Farewell).”

Your heart stung as you heard his footsteps retreat on the bridge.  He was really going to just walk away like this?  You gulped, and you knew if you didn't say anything you would regret it for the rest of your life.  “Is that all this was?  No more than a task that needed to be finished?”  He turned  back but you couldn't see his face in the dim lighting.  He didn't answer, as if it was a trick question, so you continued.  “You give me a nice kimono and a wonderful week, then I just go home and miss you?  That's very cruel, Kiku.”

He paused for a long moment then answered with another question.  There was a touch of sadness in his voice.  “_____, did you really zhink I was cute at zhe host bar?”

“Yes,” you said, barely above a whisper.

“You weren't just being polite?”

“No.”  Your cheeks grew warm.  “You weren't even a host, but out of all the guys there I picked you, Kiku.  I thought it was pretty obvious how I felt about you.”  You felt moisture gather in your eyes.  “But you're the one I can't figure out.  I thought you liked me.”  You wiped at tears that had spilled over your cheeks.

“Prease don't cry, _____.”  He quickly closed the distance between you and, startled, you moved a few steps until your back bumped into a tree trunk.  His heart sank.  In keeping his emotions hidden he had hurt you.  And now you were crying on your birthday.  He pushed cherry tree branches away from either side of your face so he could move closer.  He gently cupped the side of your face and brushed a thumb across your cheek.  Goosebumps formed on your arms as he stared into your eyes.  Then he lifted your hands and covered them with his as if in prayer.  You heard him swallow.  “I love you.  I fell in love with you more every day.  Prease give me zhe chance now to show you properly.”

You dipped your chin in a slight nod while your heartbeat pounded in your ears.  Still gripping your hands, he inched closer and hesitantly brushed his lips against yours.  He pulled away and searched your face to gauge your reaction.  Your stomach flipped somersaults and your mouth curved up in a smile.  He smiled in return and his hands moved to cradle your cheeks.  He lowered his mouth to yours with more confidence and you gripped the front of his uniform jacket.  His lips moved against yours as if he'd been craving you for a hundred years.

“Stay with me,” he begged.

“I can't...I only packed a week's worth of clothes.”  You brushed the bangs from his eyes, then gave him a smile.  “You don't work until next month, right?  Come home with me tomorrow.”

He gazed at you for such a long moment that you were sure he'd decline your offer.  Then he smiled fondly at you.  “Hai, zhat sounds rike a good idea.”  

You gazed into his eyes for a long moment.  “I've changed my mind...this kimono wasn't the best birthday present I ever got.  You are.”  You could see his face redden even in the dim lighting.  He reached for your hand and led you through the beautifully lit cherry trees to live the rest of your lives together.