三。１２月２４日「柿原徹也」

》》》

Better get some drinks and popcorn. Boy, this is a long chapter. Enjoy. My eyes are burning and my heart is melting.

☆☆☆

And so, time passed by. Tetsuya and I went on a lot of dates and spent more time together.

Sure there were times that we got super busy and couldn't contact each other, but we still made time to at least call each other once a day.

Finally, before we knew it, it was already Christmas break. Today was the 20th and we met up at a new restaurant that Tetsuya always wanted to go to.

"So, now that it's Christmas, do you plan on doing anything?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Well, like spending it with your friends or family-"

"My family is all the way at Germany. I doubt I could get any tickets there anyway since the airport here in Japan is always full during Christmas season. My friends all have their own plans. They've only so ever invited me to eat out with them." He said.

"Then, are you going to spend Christmas alone?" I asked.

He then pinched my cheek.

"Ow!"

"I'm going to spend Christmas with you, idiot." He said then released his grip on my cheek.

"But, is it really okay?" I asked.

"I mean all you've been doing is working. Won't your family complain why you don't go home—"

"If you say something against my decision, I will kiss you in front of all these people." He threatened.

I just sighed and continued eating.

"So where do you want to go for your birthday and Christmas?" I asked.

"Hmm.. nowhere in particular. You haven't been in Japan that long, right? You haven't been to much places?" He asked.

"Well, I've been to a few prefectures, and I think I like the countryside of Japan better than the city." I shyly admitted.

"Hmm.. you've been to Hokkaido, right? Have you been to Sapporo?"

"Yeah. Sapporo? Is that somewhere at Hokkaido?" I asked.

"Yeah. The snow there is amazing during December. The weather is just perfect too." He said.

"So, you're saying we should visit there?" I asked.

"I was thinking of staying for a week. I don't think we could enjoy everything that the place has to offer if we just leave after a couple of hours." He said.

H-He wants me to go on an overnight trip with him?!?

"Uhm.. uh.. I..-"

As I was panicking and fidgeting my fingers under the table, he suddenly held my hand.

"Hey, if you're thinking I'd do something stupid to you, please don't."

As embarrassed as I was, I waved my hands in front of him and replied.

"N-No! T-That's not it! I-It's just my first time to go an overnight trip! Don't get the wrong idea!" I yelled as I closed my eyes.

"Oh. Haha. Sorry, my bad. Well, since it's your first time going on an overnight trip, I'll plan it." He said.

"But it's your birthday. You can't work hard on your birthday." I said.

"But it's also Christmas. Plus I haven't treated you for our anniversary yet. You gave me an advance gift and I know that cost a lot for you." He said.

"Fine. But at least let me book the hotel." I said.

"Oh boy are you feisty." He said as he laid back on his chair.

"I'll take that as a yes." I said in triumph.

☆☆☆

After our date, I rushed home to search for a good place to stay while we're at Sapporo. Since today was a Friday, we decided to go to Hokkaido at Sunday so we'd be back here at Tokyo by Friday, just in time to spend the new year with our friends.

I booked a simple room with two beds. I was confident in choosing a nice view with a comfortable room that was convenient since the hotel is only one bus ride from the mountain area where we'll mostly be for the trip I guess. I want this to be a memorable experience for both of us. I really hope that this trip will tighten our bond.

☆☆☆

And so, Sunday came. I packed yesterday so I really had nothing to worry about. I don't know why, but I was extremely excited and nervous at the same time.

"(F/N), you ready?" I heard Tetsuya say as he knocked.

"Yeah, come in!" I said as I fixed my jacket then wore my backpack.

"Hey.- you're just bringing a backpack and a hand carry?" He asked.

"Yeah. I have another bag inside the hand carry in case I buy stuff that can't fit." I said then sat on my bed.

"Don't you have a luggage bag?" He asked as he sat next to me.

"Look, I'm a simple person who earns less than what I need." I said.

"Hehe sorry, sorry. So, we better go now, right? It's almost time for the train to leave." He said while standing up.

"Yeah. Let's go." I said as he grabbed my hand and we walked out.

☆☆☆

After a couple of hours, we finally arrived. Since we left late afternoon, we arrived late at night too. It was about 9 pm when we arrived at our hotel from the bus service that was part of our transportation payment.

We immediately looked around the room as we entered.

"Oh.. this is going to be a problem.." I heard Tetsuya say.

"Why? What's wrong? Oh.."

I went to check up on what was wrong and I saw that it was really a problem. There was only one bed, but it was made for two. Oh damn.

"I-I'll just sleep on the floor." Tetsuya awkwardly said.

"N-No, it's okay. It's my fault." I said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Don't worry." I assured him, but actually I was the one worried.

"So, .. let's go out for dinner after we settle our things." He said.

"Yeah, l-let's do that.."

☆☆☆

So after unpacking, we went out for dinner then took a short walk before heading back to the hotel. When we arrived, I freshened up and changed then got ready for bed.

"So, uhm, I'll go to bed first." I told Tetsuya.

"Okay, good night. I'll go take a shower first." He said.

I got in bed, but I couldn't sleep yet so I opened my laptop and searched for some videos and I saw one that really caught my attention.

Tetsuya Kakihara Q&A with ANN

I immediately clicked the link to watch it.

"How do you feel being in the U.S. and seeing all these fans dressed up?" The interviewer asked.

"Well, it doesn't look that different from Japan really. Honestly, this isn't my first time in the United States; I came when I was very little. But this is the first time I came to the United States as an adult, and boy you guys look good in costume! Perfect." Tetsuya answered.

"Let's get to the important stuff. You were born in Germany. Did you move to Japan to become a voice actor?" The interviewer asked.

As I was hooked up on watching, I didn't notice if Tetsuya stepped out of the bathroom yet.

I was already watching the audience participation part.

"I have a request for a friend who couldn't be here today. Could you say, in Natsu's voice, "Lucy, you fire me up"?" A girl in the audience requested.

"You're wearing a Gurren Lagann shirt, are you sure you want Natsu?" Tetsuya asked then consulted the guy next to him. I think his name was Yoshida-san.

After performing the line, there was an applause then he said a line from Gurren Lagann.

"Wow, I haven't done that line in a long time. Five years?" Tetsuya said.

"Princess Princess—" a person in the audience said.

Tetsuya laughed then replied, "Princess Princess?!"

"Do you sing in the opening?" Another person asked.

"That's not me, not me! Boy, you guys really know a lot. Seriously?! Bring it on!" Tetsuya said.

I laughed at his enthusiasm.

"So, you're going to sleep now, huh?"

Yikes! How long was he staring at me?!!

I closed my laptop and faced him.

"Didn't you ever want to go back to Germany? To your family? You've been residing here for almost 20 years, right? Haven't you thought of going back to live there?" I asked as I laid back on the bed.

"Well, no. I'm happy where I am. Sure it's stressful and busy, but I'm glad that I'm able to make people happy." He said.

"What about making yourself happy?" I asked.

"I have someone called (F/N) to make me feel that way." He said as he held my hand.

"I'm just a simple person. You're a famous person. I couldn't possibly make you that happy." I said.

"But you have. You always have. Just hearing your voice when I start the day or when I end the night, it totally makes my day more than anything." He said.

I sighed.

"Tetsuya, you are a sore loser." I flatly said which made him pout.

"But you're my sore loser." I said then kissed him.

"Good night."

☆☆☆

After two days of playing around near the mountain area, it was finally time for me to seriously make Tetsuya's birthday one of the best he's ever had, but apparently the morning was a fail since I woke up late.

I rolled over the bed and sensed no one so I felt that I overslept. I immediately got out of bed and got my things ready. I rushed inside the bathroom as soon as Tetsuya got out.

"Hey-"

"Happy birthday, Tetsuya. Love you. Sorry. I'll be out in ten minutes." I hurriedly said as I ran inside and quickly got ready.

☆☆☆

"(F/N), where are you taking me?" A blindfolded Tetsuya asked as I was dragging him.

"Relax. It's just a small park or garden or- oh I don't know how to describe it. Just look for yourself." I said as I pushed him down in his seat then took of his blindfold.

"Wow. I like this place. How did you find this?" He asked.

"Well, I couldn't sleep last night so I decided to go find a nice place on the internet for your surprise." I said.

"Really? You shouldn't have done that. You should've just woke me up." He said.

"Haha. As if I'd do that even if you told me to. It's not much, but here's what I made for you." I said as I handed him a scrapbook.

Kakihara's PoV

When I opened the scrapbook, I saw how our memories flew by. There was a picture of when we first ate out, a picture of our first date, a picture of us at her work, a picture of us at her place, a picture of us at my place, and even the pictures that we just took when we arrived at Sapporo a few days ago.

"As you see, there are still hundreds of blank pages and I want you to know that I will stick by your side and fill each page with a warm memory." She said.

I put the book down and stood up to hug her.

"Thank you. I'll always treasure you presence." I said.

(F/N)'s PoV

At that moment, I was contented with having Tetsuya in my life. Just like this.

He pulled away from the hug and took something out of his pocket.

"I don't know what to say but, but Ich liebe dich mein schatz. (I love you, sweetheart)." He said as he handed me a box with a silver ring.

(A/N: no, you're not getting married. Sorry. Not yet.)

"Ich auch, Tetsuya. (Me too)." I said then pulled the ring out of the box and placed it on my left middle finger.

He then hugged me again. Tighter than the first hug. I was glad that I met someone like him. I was glad I fell in love with someone like him.

-Omake-

Dear Tetsuya,

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Tetsuya. (Happy birthday, Tetsuya.)

And...— that's all the German I know hahaha

I haven't known you for that long, but I've learned to treasure you. You taught me a lot of things. You taught me that not all seiyuus are bad, you taught me that there's more to life than just working, you taught me to enjoy my life, you taught me that I can still make friends even if I'm over 30 and obsessed with work, you taught me that I could have fun, you taught me how much I loved music,.. you taught me how to fall in love.

A couple of years ago, I regretted moving to Japan since all I could do was eat, go to work, and sleep. I didn't have time for leisure. I couldn't enjoy since I had to make a living for myself. But, I think I regret regretting moving to Japan. I actually had plans on moving back a couple of months ago. It was before I met you.

You changed me. You saved me. Thank you.

You are the only man I'd ever love. Happy birthday.

Love, (F/N)

06|17|2017 ~ 10:31 pm

Advanced Happy Fathers Day!