Untitled

As the fall semester comes to a close, everyone is excited to finish exams and go home for the holidays to be with family and friends. Well, everyone except a very thoughtful Kaji Tomoe. With not enough money to go home, her friends try to give her hand.

 

Chapter 1

 

Kagoshima, Japan was given quite a surprise when the citizens woke up to the glamorous pale snow at their doorstep. As the children and older folks admire the pure yet piercing white beauty, the students of Kagoshima University aren’t as lucky for their school was the only campus not cancelled due to semester exams. During the last five minutes of her Economics exam, college freshman Kaji Tomoe struggles to finish the final four questions.

“Okay you guys got three minutes left.” The Economics Professor, Mr. Sakano, said leaving Kaji no choice but to rush with anxiety.

 Brushing her dark pixie hair to the side, she fills in the four bubbles and lays her pencil down with a sigh of relief. As the professor calls for the tests and wishes everyone the best on their vacation, Kaji stays behind to personally talk to her teacher.

“Excuse me, Mr. Sakano?” she softly asked.

“Yes Kaji?”

“Well…I was wondering if you could grade my test now.”

“Right now?”

“Uh-huh. I really wanna know.” She pleaded as her two friends Sousei and Kio stand by her in her defense and plead to have their grades as well.

“Can’t you wait until the break? You’ll be receiving your final grade via email.”

“But we’re so busy and don’t like the suspense.” Kaji chuckled.

“You know, shopping and meeting families.” Sousei added.

“Think of it as a gift to us from you.” Kio

“I have a busy life too.” Mr. Sakano sighed. “I’ll tell you what; you three will be the first I grade so you’ll get your grade back faster.”

The trio reluctantly agree to his terms. Noticing their disappointment Mr. Sakano changes the subject by asking of their plans for the break.

“I’m gonna go be with my cousin and uncle.” Kio stated.

“Well I’m gonna head back home too, visit family, I miss my little brother.” Said Sousei while Kaji only smiled, not really answering her professor’s question.

“That’s good. Yeah I plan to go see my sister. It’s her anniversary in a few days so we’re gonna have a little get together.”

“Sounds like fun. Well Happy Holidays professor!” Kaji exclaimed as her and her friends leave.

“So how many more exams do you have?” Kio asked.

“We just have one for English and that’s it.” Sousei answered for Kaji and himself.

“Heh, have fun! I’m already done.” Kio laughed as he waved them goodbye.

Meanwhile Kaji’s upperclassmen friends finish up their exams and meet outside on the cold cement pavement surrounded by slushy snow.

“Thank God it’s all over!” Taiyo sighed with great relief.

“I hear ya.” Sakura agreed.

“Well as soon as Kaji and the others get out we can go do our shopping.” Said Hotaru as she tried to wipe the snowflakes from her long raven hair.

“Your cousin’s already out. He said he’s waiting for Kaji and Sousei to finish.” Umi read from her cell phone.

In Kaji’s English class, she is the first to finish the exam and says her goodbyes to her young and witty professor and waits for Sousei who finishes a few minutes later. The two elatedly run down the stairs and out with Kio to meet with their friends.

“It’s about time!” Kousei commented.

“Feels good to be done, huh?” Isamu laughed.

“Ugh, I know! I’m free!” Kaji gleamed.

“Well let’s get going. You know how crazy it gets this close to the

Holidays.” Asa said.

Agreeing with Asa, the gang quickly head to their cars and drive off to the mall. Once they reach inside Hotaru gathers everyone together before they shop.

“Okay so do we remember the plan?”

“Yeah.”

“And don’t go telling everyone who you got like last year. It ruined the whole secret Santa game!” Umi argued.

“And don’t forget the budget is ten dollars.” Isamu added.

Once the rules are settled everyone goes their separate ways. Isamu sighs with disappointment as he glances at Kaji, hoping he had picked her in the raffle. Although he had to get a gift for Kio, he planned to get a gift for Kaji, but what? It baffled him as he wandered through the men’s clothing, wondering what he could get for her.

Most of the girls went to the biggest department store on the first floor, gazing at all the aisles of sweaters and shelves of perfume, makeup, books, and electronics. Kaji studies the multiple bottles of various fragrances, confused over which one would be better for Sakura. As she continues to look around, a high-strung employee taps her on the shoulder.

“Hello!”

“Hello.”

“How are you?”

“I’m fine and you?”

“Fantastic! I couldn’t help but notice you were staring at our perfumes.”

“Yes, they’re all very nice. I’m just not sure which one to get for my friend-“

“-Say no more! Just come with me and I’ll show you our whole stock. Come on, right this way.” She exclaimed as she drags a doubtful Kaji.

While Kaji looks for perfumes, Hotaru wanders aimlessly at the store trying to find a gift for Asa. She passes by a jeweler who has endless watches in stock.

“Excuse me, I was wondering if you could help me find the right watch for a guy.”

“Ah, a Christmas gift. Well let me show you what we have.” He said as he shows her the latest pocket watches. “We have all sorts. From trains to music and birds. We can even inscript the name of your choice and have it ready right before Christmas.”

“Oh that’s great! Asa would love this! How much?”

“Fifty.” He bluntly states causing Hotaru’s jaw to drop with disbelief then sighs with sadness.

“I’m sorry; I can’t afford it.”

“Oh…well for you I’ll charge half price.”

“No, it’s okay; I’ll just go.” She groaned. Not knowing where else to look, the college sophomore gives in and goes to look for clothes. Surprised, she comes across a few bold and patterned sweaters. Without hesitation she grabs three of them but before she grabs a multiple shaded brown sweater, another woman reaches for the same one. The two glare at each other as a dark and monstrous vive fills the room.

“Let go.” The woman murmured.

“Make me!” Hotaru chortled as the two yank the sweater back and forth.

“You’re not getting this sweater!”

“And like hell you are!” Hotaru snarled. The two eventually get physical, pulling each other’s long hair and shoving.

“Let go!” The woman yelled.

“Oh my gosh! What the heck is that?!” Hotaru gasped, causing the customer to jerk her head, letting go of the sweater. Realizing it was a distraction, the woman tries to scold Hotaru who quickly sprints to the cashier, laughing and calling her a sucker.

Meanwhile Kousei ponders over what to give Kaji for Christmas. He comes across a few elegant blouses and tries to pick the best one.

“Kousei, what the hell are you doing?” Isamu asked as he made his way to his friend, already carrying his gift for Kio.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m trying to pick out a gift.”

“In the maternity department?” he chortled.

“The what?” Kousei studied his surroundings and notices the pregnant mannequins and curses and then sighs. “Isamu can you help me out? I don’t know what to get her! You know I’m not good at shopping for girls. What do they like?”

“I dunno…girl stuff?”

“You’re not helping!” he growled.

“Alright-Alright! Hmm…I know girls like perfume. Try looking there.”

“Okay, sounds good. Thanks buddy! Perfume, of course! Why didn’t I think of that?!”

At the perfume aisle, Kaji continues to look over the products with the restless employee.

“What about this? It’s a lovely grapefruit scent. Try it!” she squealed as she sprayed some on Kaji’s wrist.

“Mmm, I love it! But do you have anything that’s, you know, not expensive?”

“I believe we should. Oh, here we go! This is a set of five perfumes with matching lotions. They come in scents like fruit, flowers, spices, even candy!”

“That’s so cute! Okay I’ll take it.”

“Great! Let’s get you to cash register.”

Kaji is taken by surprise when she spots Kousei and Isamu and cheerfully greets them with gentle wave of the hand and bright smile.

“Hey Kaji, what’s up?” Isamu returned the greeting.

“Not much; just getting my gift. You?”

“Ah just helping Kousei. Turns out he can’t shop to save his life so he begged me to help-” Kousei stops him with a heavy stomp on the foot. “Ahh! You son of a-“

“Oh just ignore him. He’s just being a pain in the butt.” Kousei elbowed Isamu and whispers to his ear. “Isamu quit making me look stupid.”

“Thank you again, ma’am.” Kaji said as she heads out of the department.

“You’re welcome! Happy Holidays!”

“Thanks! The same to you. Well I’ll see you guys later. I’m gonna go look around.” She waved again. Walking out of the store she drops her change in a collection bowel and receives a fruity candy cane in return.

“So how can I help you gentleman? Are you buying some cologne or perfume for that special someone?” The energetic employee asked Kousei and Isamu who are too frightened by her. “Perfect! Here, let me show you around! Don’t be shy!”

“Well Kousei, you’re on your own. Have fun!”

“Huh? Hey don’t leave me here with her!”

“Bye!” Isamu laughed as he followed Kaji outside. It was at that moment that Kousei felt a rather strong urge to strangle him.

Outside the department store Isamu meets up with the others who already have their gift bags ready for the secret Santa exchange.

“Hey where’s Kousei?” Taiyo asked, confused about his whereabouts.

“Heh, he’s busy; he won’t be back for a while.”

“Can we go eat something? Fighting women in a mall makes me hungry.” Hotaru sighed.

“You fought a woman in a store?” Oukami asked.

“Again?” Asa grinned, not too surprised.

“I’ll explain later. Let’s go!” she grabs her cell phone and calls her boyfriend. “Kousei, when you’re done meet us at the plaza. Love you! Bye!”

“Wait-no! Don’t leave me here!” Kousei begged but couldn’t get through to Hotaru because she quickly hung up.

“Ooh, this’ll be perfect! It comes with a free necklace!” the employee squealed. “I just know she’s gonna love it.”

“I really…really hate Christmas shopping.” Kousei snarled. There was no doubt about it. Kousei was in hell.

Chapter 2

 

            At the plaza Kaji and her friends once again go their separate ways to get something to eat. Outside a book store Kaji spots a nice little soup store and decides to head that way. Finding this the perfect opportunity to have some alone time with her, Isamu makes his way there as well.

            “Hmm…so many choices. I can’t pick! Taiyo will you go with me?” Hotaru pleaded.

            “Sure.”

            At the soup store Kaji studies the menu, pondering over which flavor to choose from. As she tries to decide, Isamu calls out her name multiple times to get her attention. Finally hearing his voice, she turns around and asks him what he wants.

            “Hey Kaji, would it be alright if I stuck with you?”

            “Sure, go right ahead. It’s too bad he’s all the way at the end. These lines get big real fast.” Before she could order her food she notices a mother and her baby son shivering outside in the cold winter. Judging by their attire, she makes out that they are homeless. The woman looks at her but quickly swishes her face away. For a few seconds she thinks to herself whether or not she should help them. Knowing it to be the right thing, she makes up her mind.

            “Hello, what’ll you have?” the young cashier asked as she adjusted her green hat. “Ma’am?” she asked.

            “Oh! Sorry I-”

            “We have a new flavored stew that just came in the other day. Would you like a sample?”

            “Alright.” She nodded. The cashier gives her a tiny cup of the new stew and lets her try it. “Oh wow! This is good. I’ll take some.”

            “Okay, what size?”

            “I’ll take a large, please.” Kaji said as she began to take out her wallet.

            “Would that be all for you today?”

            “Uh-no. Could you get me two more bowels and two hot cocoas and…do you still have those little snack cakes?”

            “Yes we do.”

            “Okay, I’ll take three.”

            “Alright, would this be for here or to go?”

            “Oh, to go please.”

The cashier calls out the total price of the meals. Kaji hands her the money and waits for her change. Once she gets her food she thanks the friendly cashier and heads out to the homeless woman and her baby. As the woman rubs her son in an attempt to keep him warm, Kaji takes out two of the soups, cakes, and the hot cocoa and hands them to the woman which takes her by surprise.

“Here you go.” Kaji smiled at the woman with sincerity. “Go on, take it. I know you’re hungry.” After a little hesitation, she grabs the bowels. Kaji gets a first look at the baby’s face. His innocence and pudgy strikes Kaji’s heart and almost makes her choke up. She offers to sit with the two, who gladly welcome her.

“Thank you very much.” The shaky woman said.

“You’re welcome.”

“I wish I could repay you.”

“No-No! It’s alright, really. I just wanted to give you guys a warm meal.”

“You’re very kind.”

Kaji humbly smiles as she watches the mother feed her son who widely opens his mouth and enjoys the delicious warm liquid flow in his tiny mouth. His gentle smile makes them both laugh.

“So how old is he?”

“Suichi? Oh he’s not even two.”

“He’s really cute.” She chuckled.

“Thank you. He takes after his father. I only wish he was here to see him. He’d be so happy. See when we were young and in love we planned to get married. But our parents didn’t approve but we did it anyway. And when I was pregnant with Suichi, he was so happy. But a few months later he was killed by a drunk driver.”

“I’m so sorry.” Kaji sighed with great sympathy.

“When he died…his parents took everything that was his and left me with nothing. And I disgraced my own parents; they didn’t want anything to do with my or their grandson.”

“That’s terrible.”

“It’s my punishment so I have to deal with it.”

“You don’t have to endure it forever.” Kaji said but her voice was overpowered by Suichi’s fussing. She then takes one of the cakes and starts to feed him little bits. “So you made a few mistake. Who doesn’t? We learn from them, don’t we? You’re son is so cute. I know you don’t want him to spend the rest of his life in the streets. I don’t think any parent want that.”

Meanwhile inside, Isamu looks for Kaji while holding onto his hot soup. His wander through the plaza and spots Kaji sitting next to the homeless woman and her infant son. Not wanting to bother them, he stands on the side.

“You can’t give up.” Kaji warmly grinned.

“Yes, I have to be strong.”

“Not just for you, but for Suichi.” Kaji kisses Suichi’s cheek and hands him back to his mother and tickles his filled belly. As the baby starts to giggle, Isamu smiles at Kaji’s love and comfort for the two people.

“Thank you. I really needed that.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

“I never thought it was possible but I’m really starting to believe in miracles.”

“Huh?”

“I never really believed in Christmas angels or miracles but thanks to you I do.” The woman said as she holds onto her hands and thanks her once again. Speechless, Kaji tries to hold back her tears. They begin to hear footsteps and look to find Isamu.

“Sorry; is this a bad time?”

“Oh Isamu-I uh…”

“It’s best you get going. Thank you again for the meal and company. I know Suichi’s thankful too.” She smiles as her son begins to giggle again.

“Happy Holidays. Take care.” She hugs the woman and kisses Suichi one last time.

“The same to you.” Before Kaji leaves, Isamu hands them a couple of dollars and wishes them a Merry Christmas.

“Sorry about that; I hope didn’t interrupt you two.”

“No-No I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ditch you.”

“So what were you two talking about?”

“Oh…lots of stuff. Her son is so cute!” she chuckled. “He has the most adorable laugh. They’re really nice people.”

“You know you’re a nice person too.” He smiled.

“What?”

“Don’t think I didn’t see what you did for them. It was really really nice of you.” He grimaced as his left arm wraps around of.

Walking back into the plaza, the two meet up with everyone, including Kousei.

“Hey thanks for leaving me at the store.” Kousei sarcastically smiled.

“We’re sorry; I got you a sandwich.” Hotaru beamed.

“So how’d the shopping go?” Isamu chortled.

“Don’t even go there.” Kousei glared.

“I take it you had fun.” He laughed at Kousei growling, remembering the horrors of being trapped with a seemingly psychopathic woman and being sprayed with countless fragrances.

 

“Ooh! You haven’t lived until you smelled this one!” the hyper employee smiles as she sprays a fragrance in front of Kousei’s face.

“Ma’am I really don’t think I ought to get her a perfume.” He coughed.

“Nonsense! I’m sure you’ll find the right one. How about this one? It has a great seductive smell. Care to try it?”

“No really, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? You know you want to!” she sprays the perfume.

“Gah! I’m in perfume hell!”

 

“And somehow I managed to escape.” He miserably sighed.

“So what did you get?” Kaji innocently asked.

“I’m not telling!”

Deciding to head back to the dormitory, the group drives back to campus and are quickly covered in snow once they get out. Finally free to enjoy the winter galore, they take their time and enjoy the endless snowflakes fall from the cloudy sky. Laughing and trying to catch the pits of snow with their mouths, it was as if they were in a chilly paradise. While some throw snowballs at each other, others simply stare at the blankets of snow, letting their imaginations run wild.

While Kaji tries to catch snow with her gloves, Isamu throws a little snowball at her head which causes her to jolt.

“Hey!” she laughed.

“Did I scare you?”

“No.” she denied but her face said it all.

“What were you thinking about?”

“Ah nothing. Just the whole Holiday season. Finals are over and I can finally enjoy my break.”

“I know I can’t wait to go back home. My dad called and said it’s snowing a little hard over there so I’ll be having some fun.” He chuckled. “What about you Kaji?”

“What?”

“What are you gonna do during the break. Play in the snow? Be with family friends? Stuff your fast with cookies?” he asked although he didn’t get a response from her. “You are going home right?”

“No.”

“ ‘No’? What do you mean ‘no’?”

“It’s just like it sounds. I’m not going home.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t have the money.” She sighed. “Everything’s too expensive. There’s no way I can afford to go home and back. My mom and I knew there would be times when I couldn’t afford to go home. I just wish I could.”

Both of them lower their heads to the ground like the snowflakes. After a few moments of utter silence, Kaji brightens up and tries to get Isamu to do the same but he is too sad about the whole thing. When everyone decides to go inside, they grab their bags and quickly walk away from the chilling weather. All the while, Isamu couldn’t stop asking himself why Kaji isn’t worried about not being able to go home. He was so lost in thought he failed to notice Sakura’s nausea from catching too many snowflakes with her tongue and Taiyo and Asa laughing at Kousei who’s various scents aroused Hotaru.

“You smell so good. Guys aren’t supposed to smell so nice.” Hotaru pouted.

“Heh, jealous?” Kousei chortled as he kisses Hotaru and spins her around.

“Hey Isamu, what’s wrong? You look sad.” Said Taiyo who was being carried on Asa’s back. No response.

“Hey Isamu!” Asa yelled.

“Huh? Oh, sorry; I was…thinking!”

“What are you thinking about?”

“Ah nothing. I want to help Kaji…but how? Hey! I can get us all to pitch in and get her a plane ticket out of here. It might just work.” He thought to himself while Kaji continues to shake him, hoping to snap him out of his deep thinking. “What is it?” he gently asked.

“You’re scaring me. Are you okay?” Kaji asked, concern written all over her face.

“Of course I’m fine.” He smiled. “Don’t worry about me Kaji. I always space out when I think. Why do you worry so much about us? Don’t you even care for yourself?”

Isamu looks so bothered. Kaji thought. Maybe it’s because I told him I can’t go home for Christmas. Maybe I should’ve just kept my mouth shut.

“Will you two stop staring at each other and just kiss already?” said Kio.

“What?” Kaji and Isamu blinked.

“Yeah you guys just keep staring at each other; it’s pretty creepy.” Sousei added.

Kiss? Me and Isamu? Kaji thought with great doubt.

“Yeah that’s one thing I won’t get for Christmas.” Isamu mumbled.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He quickly replied.

Once they finally reach the dormitory, everyone heads to their rooms. Asa invites them to relax in his room but Kaji chooses to rest in her room. Finding this to be the perfect time to reveal his idea, he gathers everyone around.

“So why have you and Kaji been so quiet today? Did you two get in a fight?” Kousei asked with great curiosity.

“Yeah we’ve never seen you two so…distant!” Umi added.

“No! I’ve just been thinking.”

“About?” Sousei asked.

“I’m just trying to get a gift for Kaji.”

“Oh, and she won’t tell you?”

“Well she didn’t tell me exactly but I kind of made out what she wants.”

“Which is?”

“Kaji can’t go back home for Christmas cause she doesn’t have enough money. I know she really wants to see her mom again but their money’s tight. I was thinking if you guys can help me get a ticket for her.”

“The tickets are super expensive.” Taiyo stated.

“Yeah I know but with your guys’ help we can get her one. Look I just can’t let one of my friends be stuck here for the holidays.”

“She can come with us.” Said Hotaru as she pointed to her cousin Kio and herself.

“No it’s not the same. Come on, she’s a really nice person. I saw her give food to homeless people and donate money to charity. She deserves to go home.”

“You really like her, don’t you?” Sakura slyly asked.

“So will you guys help me?” he asked, covering his blush from Sakura’s question.

“Yeah I’m in.” Asa and Taiyo said, eventually getting everyone to join in.

Meanwhile in Kaji’s room, she talks with her mother on the phone.

“So you’re sure you can’t come back? There’s no train or bus?” her mother asked with hope ringing in her voice.

“No, believe me I’ve tried. The buses and trains don’t go that far and the plane tickets are way too expensive.”

“Oh, there’s got to be some other way. I really wanna see my little baby again.” Her mother began to weep.

“I know…I wanna go back home too but…there’s nothing I can do.” She sighed, wiping a few tears from her eyes.

“Well you better call me on Christmas morning okay?”

“I will, mom. Well I have to go now. Bye.” She hangs up and paces around the room, wishing for a random miracle to happen. Suddenly a knock comes to the door. Kaji quickly opens it and sees it’s Kio.

“Hey, we’re gonna do the gift exchange now.”

“Already?”

“Yeah, Hotaru and I are leaving early in the morning so we gotta do it now.”

“Okay.”

Kaji quickly grabs her gift and runs to they boys’ room. Everyone already has their gift in their hands. Once they all form a circle, Sousei starts by giving his gift to Hotaru who gleefully opens it up, revealing four CD’s of her favorite rock band. Kousei goes up next and hand Kaji her gift, a makeup kit. One by one everyone gives their gifts to their friends. After enjoying their secret Santa game, everyone wishes each other a safe trip and Happy Holidays.

As the evening rolls along, everyone but Kaji packs up their clothes and items for the break. While Kaji slumbers, Isamu drives to the nearest airport and with everyone’s generous donation, he buys a round flight ticket Feeling relieved he could help, he runs back to his room and writes her a little note. Kaji’s roommates, Hotaru and Taiyo quietly let him in and jump with joy when they see the ticket. Isamu gently places the note and ticket by her clock and kisses her cheek.

“Merry Christmas, Kaji.” He whispered.

Once morning dawns, the early bird Kaji wakes up and finds her roommates already gone. She sighs but quickly puts on a smile and gets ready for the first day of her break. She looks at the time and notices an envelope on top of her clock. She slowly picks it up and reads the message.

Dear Kaji,

There was no way in hell I was gonna let you spend your holiday break here in the dormitory. So we all pitched in and got you a ticket out of here. So hurry up and go home!

                                   Sincerely,

                                                            Isamu Arashino

 

Kaji opens the envelope and sees two tickets to home and back. She jumps up and down with joy and frantically tries to pack up but realizes her roommates packed her stuff for her. With tears running down her eyes, she gets her last minute things and runs out the door and heads for the airport.

Oh thank you all so much! I can’t believe you really did this for me! She kept thinking to herself as she waited for her flight to be called. After she tells her mother the good news, she notices a familiar looking guy heading up the stairs. Isamu! With her suitcase at hand she runs up the stairs and calls out his name.

“Hey Kaji! I take it you got my note-” He is smothered with Kaji’s warm embrace.

“Thank you so much! Thank you for doing this!” she cried, burying her face in his coat.

“Hey you deserve it! You’ve done so much, how can we not repay you?”

“This is probably the best gift I’ve ever gotten.”

“You’re welcome.” He grinned with sincere. “Well I gotta catch my plane. Take are Kaji-”

“Wait!”

“What?”

“I have something I wanna give you.”

Without hesitation she gives Isamu the gift he always wanted, a kiss. The two share a few passionate kisses, holding one another with love. Isamu smiles and thanks her for the “gift” and takes off to his flight.

Kaji smiles at Isamu walks away, back to her seat, all the way home and into her mother’s arms, glad to know that absolute goodness still flowed in people’s hearts.

Author's Note

This is just a rough draft (so to say) I wish to add more but I'm dying to know what people think of it. I wanted to add some scenes but was kinda rushed into this (I actually used this for my final essay in one of my classes. He said we could take a stab at fiction) Remember, I'm open to all criticisms (man I hope I spelled that right)

Reviews

[Madison Night]

AWW....i like it! ^^ hahaha a man's scent arouses me huh.....O.o weirdo!! lol jk it's a good start =) keep going

[PhantomDancer]

From what I've read so far, I like it. Perhaps you shouldn't switch tenses in it, it can be a little offputting, but as you say, it's just a draft.

Overall, it's good. Keep writing!