The next day, the funeral was held at Sano Sakurako's house. Every guest was present, and the atmosphere was thick with sorrow. Their tearful eyes reflected cherished memories of her. Her family huddled together, grieved deeply, their pain visible in every gesture.
As the days passed, december arrived and Manjiro began to feel an unbearable emptiness. The vibrant world around him seemed muted in the absence of his mother. However, Asuka, with her infectious energy, always managed to bring a smile to his face, no matter how fleeting.
One month later, on a warm afternoon, Manjiro, Asuka, Keisuke, and Emma decided to visit the park. The day was alive with laughter, the chirping of birds, and the sound of children playing.
Keisuke and Emma, never ones to sit still, began an impromptu karate match, drawing amused glances from passersby. Meanwhile, Manjiro turned to Asuka with a spark of mischief.
"Let's get some dorayaki," he suggested, his stomach already growling.
"Of course," Asuka replied cheerfully.
*While they were taking a walk manjiro was following her from behind his eyes were fixed on Asuka
When she turned back to meet his gaze he looked away*
Asuka noticed Manjiro's gaze wandering toward the horizon. His expression had turned unusually pensive.
"What's up with you?" she asked, tilting her head.
Manjiro shrugged. "Just thinking… about the future. Will we all still be together?"
Asuka let out a dramatic sigh "Obviously! You're stuck with me, Manjiro. No escaping." She winked, her tone teasing.
Manjiro chuckled. "You're so sure of yourself, aren't you?"
They arrived at the store, and Manjiro eagerly picked out five dorayaki, clutching the warm treats like treasure. After paying, they hurried back to the park, but the sight that greeted them made them freeze.
Keisuke was on the ground, dusting off his pants, while Emma stood nearby. Beside her was a girl with striking light pink hair, bowing repeatedly in apology.
"Senju?" Asuka exclaimed, her eyes widening.
Manjiro blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Senju straightened up, her cheeks tinged pink. "I thought this boy was bothering her," she said, gesturing toward Emma, "but I misunderstood. I'm really sorry!"
Asuka waved it off, it's fine Keisuke don't mind and more your intentions were not ill you were trying to protect someone whom you thought needed help
Keisuke nodded in agreement, "yeah I don't mind as Asuka said"
Manjiro clapped his hands together. "Alright, since we're all here, introductions are in order! Everyone, this is Senju, Takeomi's younger sister. Senju, these are my best friends, Keisuke and Asuka, and my sister, Emma."
Senju gave a small wave. "Nice to meet you all."
"Well then," Asuka declared, clapping her hands, "let's eat first and play later!"
The group found a shady spot under a tree, their laughter echoing as they devoured the dorayaki. Once they'd finished, their energy returned tenfold, and they played until the sun began to dip below the horizon.
By the time they decided to head home, Manjiro was fast asleep, sprawled on the grass like a cat. Keisuke and Asuka played a heated game of rock-paper-scissors to decide who would carry him. Keisuke lost and immediately began negotiating.
"Fine I'll carry him", Asuka said
"I'll give you my share of noodles," he offered.
Asuka's eyes sparkled. "Deal."
*Keisuke offered his share of noodles was like the actual proof of the existence of hell and heaven*
With Keisuke's help, she hoisted Manjiro onto her back, wobbling slightly under his weight. "Geez, what does he eat? Bricks?" she muttered.
When they reached the Sano household, Shinichiro rushed out, relief washing over his face.
"Thanks for bringing this idiot home," he said, taking Manjiro from her.
"Anytime," Asuka replied, flashing a tired smile.
Back at the Baji house, their mother was waiting for them, arms crossed and eyebrows raised.
"You're late," she began, launching into a lecture that lasted a solid ten minutes.
Finally free, Keisuke and Asuka washed up and sat down for dinner. Their father, ever cheerful, watched them fondly.
"Oto-san," Asuka said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.
"Yes, Asu-chan?" he replied.
"Are you saving money?" she asked, her expression oddly serious.
Her father blinked. "Why do you ask?"
"Well," she began, "you should invest in Qualcomm. I read in a magazine that its stock price will skyrocket by last of 1999."
Their father laughed. "Alright, I'll buy shares from your part of savings. But how do you know so much about stocks?"
Asuka grinned mischievously. "Just a hunch!"
*Hehe when you already know the future it's so easy to get rich she thought to herself*
Their mother groaned. "You're really trusting her on this? She's a child!"
Her father shrugged. "Why not? It's all for them anyway."
Turning to Keisuke, their mother sighed. "Don't grow up to be like your father."
Keisuke caught mid-slurp of his noodles and gave an enthusiastic nod.
The night ended with warm laughter and full bellies, the Baji household is as lively as ever.