Dinner was going smoothly. Everyone had a few laughs as well. Thank goodness for Kuma it wasn't a poor bastard moment of truth. He knew it too. Three things he had a hard time talking about. His past, his situation, and his choices. Much pain was indulged but it was over with quick. Simple because it hurt him too much.

"So Marik how's the stir fry?" Asked Mrs. Tanaka.

"Delicious. I can tell this is where Mai gets her cooking from."

"She's cooked for you before?"

"When we first started hanging out."

"Mother do you remember what I told you." Mai gave her a certain glare.

"I see. You're that boy."

"Wait. She told you?" Kuma was unsure Mai could speak about her, talents.

Mr. Tanaka clears his throat. "We have known of her gifts for quite some time. Me myself I'm not sure if I believe it but you're saying you were hit by a car?"

"Yes sir."

"And walked the next day no injuries."

"Correct."

"Those are the miracles I'm not supposed to believe because of my profession. But I do. Because of that. Your story reminds me of that. Keeps me levelheaded."

"Well I guess you don't believe until you have a true experience. Mai I am grateful for everything. For the accident, the girls, and helping me get back on track."

"I don't regret my choice. But you need to get it together." She smiled. No regrets. A sweet answer for him to hear.

"I work on it every day."

"You are a boy, but you aren't as stupid."

"Mai. Apologize." Ordered her mother.

"It's fine Mrs. Tanaka. It's how Mai is. She didn't mean anything from it."

"My daughter comes off a little mean."

"Yet puts boys in her place. You should see what happens when a guy tries to hit on her."

"Oh really? And what do you do to those boys? You kick'em in the stones?" Mr. Tanaka said with pride.

"No. Although I emotionally tell them off and they lose their masculine tone." Mai didn't need any help at all.

"That's my girl. Done me proud."

"It happens to me occasionally but to another guy who deserves it ahead is quite funny."

"Do I amuse you?" Asked Mai.

"Wouldn't say that's the word. I highly doubt I will understand women. Most men don't and I'm okay with that. But I will do my best. But I do know is that you are the most interesting girl I have ever crossed paths with." Kuma was speaking truth.

"Even your ex-girlfriends?"

"Two-week wonders. Give me a break. And just because you thought I was a star didn't mean I didn't respect a girl."

"Evaluate."

"Well Mai I always went for personality. Of course my teammates thought I was crazy but they were the 5:1 as me and Yuuto use it as a joke."

"5:1 ratio?" Asked Mr. Tanaka.

"Yes exactly. Has two means. Five parts makeup and one part brain. Or five parts looks to one part personality."

"That sounds awful." Gasped Mrs. Tanaka but couldn't help snicker.

"Well we had a teammate that had a pretty date, but no one liked her. We referred her as 'the bird'. We greet her and she doesn't say hello back. And we thought she was not grateful towards him. It wasn't healthy. And it started from there." He chuckled.

"That's not mean as I thought." Said Mrs. Tanaka.

"Well what about Eri?" Mai smirked.

"Just why..." Sighed Kuma.

"Who's Eri?" Asked Mr. Tanaka.

"A hussy he made conversation with at a coffee shop."

"I didn't know Mai. You and the girls saved me."

"She saved you again?" Asked the mom.

"The conversation lasted about a few minutes and she was gone in about a few seconds."

"You're welcome." Mai giggled.

"And I thank you. Again. Haha."

"You should know a girlfriend shouldn't be on your list right now."

"Not my priority. The same is for you. I bet if a guy tried to sit down and just wanted to talk you would tell him to pack his bags and get going."

"Mai? He's right." Agreed her dad.

"Guilty." Agreed Mai.

Then everyone started bursting out laughing. Leaving Marik with a very, very good impression. And potential employment.

~~~~~

Kuma got home that night and opened up his closet. He scaled through it. Old baseball jerseys, work shirts, school uniforms, and formal stuff. He does all the way into the furthest to the left. He picked out a lavender dress shirt.

Oh Mom. I know not much I have is from you but this one means the most to be. Coming to seeing me get awards in this and the smile on your face. I miss you more than anything. Tomorrow I'll wear this. I'll make you proud.

The phone rang. Kuma got his phone out of his pocket and answered.

< Hello? >

< Hey. >

< What's going on Mai? >

< You doing okay? >

< Great. >

< You looking forward to my Dad's opportunity? >

< What other choice do I have? >

< I'm just worried is all. >

< Mai if I make one check, one day, or I collect anything it will help me. And I won't look at you or your father any different. >

< I understand. >

< Hope I'm not embarrassing you. >

< You aren't. It's hard to do that. >

< Really? Makes sense. I got to prepare for tomorrow. >

< Homework? >

< Actually, it's state of mind. >

< Guess I'll see tomorrow. >

< Same place. I'll see ya. >

He clicked end and Mai didn't like it. "Well that's not a proper goodbye. Ugh. Boys."

~~~~~

The next day came and it was it front of the school. Mai and the other three met at a crosswalk and we're walking to meet Kuma. But what they saw they were in surprise. The girls saw a figure his height but in big black dress coat and hat. And under his uniform vest was a lavender dress shirt.

"Ladies. Morning." He smiled.

"I thought you didn't dress up." Mai smirked.

"My mother if she were alive would be crying the way I'm dressed. She raised a gentleman."

"I like it." Said Aiko.

"So handsome." Cooed Gen.

Haru came up to him and gave him a hug. "And hot."

"Haru." Ordered Mai.

"Yes?"

"Off the boy. Even though he looks like a businessman."

"Awww. But he can take me home."

"More like lock you out of his house."

"Mai why you to be so mean?" Asked Kuma.

"To keep you in check Marik."

"So wrong. And you are the only person our age calls me by my actual name."

"I have my reasons."

"Whatever the case no person or obstacle will get in my way. I can't have it beat me."

"What do you mean Marik?"

"Uhhh, don't mind me. Just with a lot on my mind."

"You can always vent to us. Doubt Mai and Haru mind." Cleared Aiko.

"In due time. Let's get to class."

"Okay I'm just going to say it. Do you have a date or something?" Asked Gen.

"Date? No. Job trial. Better than breaking my back doing manual labor."

"But will you still be as strong and muscular?" Asked Haru.

You know I said to Mai I wouldn't. But is she joking or trying to seduce me? And if I'm not supposed to this is very uncomfortable. "I can try. I'll figure it out. One piece at a time before I get too crazy."

"Well if you are working out at your house maybe you can help me. You know, glutes and tummy." Giggled Haru.

Mai and Aiko are giving an evil stare at Kuma. They are going to be very annoyed if he says something disgusting, rude or flirty.

"One step at a time." He eased off.

"He hits the right keys once again." Mai mumbled.

"What Mai?" Asked Aiko.

"Nothing. Behave Kuma." She let this one go.

"Am I putting you in a good mood by you calling me that?"

"Shut up Marik." She barked.

"Dammit. So close."

"Live and learn. It's hard to get her." Gen patted his back.

"I'll take it. No sweat."

~~~~~

As school came to a close, Kuma waited outside and waited for the girls. Multiple thoughts ran through his mind. Dad would never have me working at my age. Let alone in medical. If I'm dressed like this, he would probably ask me if I have a court a date. Mom however, yeah, Mom. If only. Mom I wish I could hear what you had to say. One more time. He looks up at the gray sky. "Yeah. One more time. I think I'd like that?"

"Like what?" Asked Aiko right to him.

"Yikes!" He flinched. "How long have you been standing there?"

"A few seconds. Why? And what did you mean?" Asked Mai.

"My mother."

"And?" Mai pondered.

"Last time I saw her I was in a very wet and dirty baseball uniform. And she always liked it the few times I dressed up. I don't always think about family but when I put on the last gift of formal clothing she gave me, I can't help it. You wonder. I'm sure she's watching."

"Somewhere." Said Gen.

"Have you ever brought a girl home?" Confused Aiko.

"No. I haven't. Not even for a school project. I always wondered what her reaction could be."

"What would she say about Misaki or Eri? Misaki probably a sweet girl I should do my best to take care of. Eri well, how bluntly do you want it?" Aiko made a good point.

"Straight and firm." Insisted Mai.

"Tell the bitch to pound sand."

The girls started bursting out laughing.

"Accurate." Said Haru.

"Nailed it." Aiko rubbed off a laughing tear.

"For sure." Agreed Mai.

"Are you leading me to your dad's office?"

"Of course. Let's go." Mai waved goodbye to the girls and carried on.

With the wind starting to brew up the teens start walking side by side. The conversation continued and got to a more personal level.

"Whether I make do or not am I doing well?" He asked.

"Guess so. Although I am impressed."

"About what?"

"You impressed my father, the girls about how you dress, and you are making so much forward progress."

"When you have someone, who watches over you and cares it means a lot."

"Yes, I care. Do you?"

"I care about you. For Aiko, Gen, and Haru too. The four of you. My old teammates. Heck my father to a degree. I love you all."

Mai gasps. "Love?"

"Yes?"

"What do you mean love?"

"I care all of you. And I'd be crushed without you all. You help a guy wake up in the morning. You have me look forward to seeing faces. And Mai I know this might sound weird, but you are the best person I enjoyed met. I need you in my life. And I hope one day when you date someone, I hope he's not too jealous of me. Even if he did, he has a good reason."

She blushes. "This is what you've been thinking about?"

"My mind has never stopped. I'm restless."

"Didn't know to that extent. And you think I like someone?"

"At the moment no. But one day you will. You will figure it out and make one man's life heaven."

"Why would you say such a thing?"

"Because I'm just a broken SOB and that other guy will be your lover."

"Point made."

"Thank you."

"And what about you Kuma?"

"Well Mai first step is sorting myself out."

"I'm just going to say it. Do you like Haru?"

"She means well, but her being flirty makes me draw up my hands. What's her motives? That sort of thing. Yeah I do get giddy and excited on the thought, yet don't think it's right."

"Thank you for that. I don't want to be in the middle of you or my childhood friend. It would upset me."

"Thanks for being honest."

"Thank you for understanding."

And sure enough, before the conversation got more heart to heart they reach an office building five stories high.

"Dr. Tanaka room 218. Can you handle it?"

"It's Dr. Tanaka at work correct?"

"Yes. Believe it or not he only likes to be called Doctor in the workplace. He says it's better for social life."

"Can't blame him."

"See ya Kuma."

"Mai wait." He grabs her hand.

She turns and they both blush. "Uh, do you, need something?"

"Can I, get a hug goodbye? For a thank you?"

She giggles. "Of course you can you silly boy."

She wrapped around him and her chin relaxed on his shoulder blade. She stayed there a moment. "Well Haru was right. You are quite toned."

"That good huh?"

"Compared to the others? For sure. You aren't scrawny."

"Figured that."

"Good luck. Call me tonight. Okay?"

"Gotcha."

"See you soon."

"Later."

And with that Kuma walked through the front door. He followed up the staircase to floor two. He looked to his right and walked down the hall. "214. 216. 218. Here I am. Dr. Tanaka's Rehabilitation Center. Here goes nothing." He opens the door and approaches the counter. A bookkeeper is sitting behind the desk.

"Hello sir. How may I help you today?" She asked.

"I am here to see Dr. Tanaka about a job trial."

"Are you Mr. Iwakuma?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Please take a seat. He should be out momentarily."

"Thank you."

He took a seat and his hands started to sweat. Held back the shakes and gathered his thoughts. Well this is it. I guess I should have guessed construction is not my lifetime gig. I had a feeling baseball wasn't it unfortunately but maybe I can do both. Wait. C'mon Kuma you haven't even received a single yen yet. But I can dream. And no matter what happens after today I will leave this place with a handshake and my head held high.

"Hey Marik, good to see you." Said a voice.

Kuma got out of his seat and bowed. "Good afternoon and thank you for having me."

"Come in son. Let's get to it."

Mom wherever you may be. I hope you watch and wish me luck.