14.1
{Flashback.}
(The scene opens up at the flowery meadow, the sun is setting beyond the horizon a soft breeze blows past, on a lower tide of the hill, Little Obito and Asuka sit among the flowers, admiring the sunset.)
Obito: It's pretty cool isn't it?
Asuka: What's that?
Obito: Well... Everything we currently have.
Asuka: (curious)Hmm?
Obito: Remember when we first found this place? You were scared a bit cos you thought the bugs would gang and beat you.
Asuka: (flustered, looks away)I-i was panicking! It was my first time doing something new... the bugs were big too!!
Obito: (chuckles)They were, weren't they... Still, after all that, you didn't let it stop you and now...
Asuka: (smiles)...now, it's my favorite place. The memories we've made here with each other... even with Iori-nee... These are memories i would cherish forever.
(She stands up, looking towards the sunset.)
Asuka: From today, I want us to make a promise. A promise that we'll always remember here...
(She reaches her hand to him and he takes it while standing up, she holds his hand in hers, looks at him happily as the flowers dance softly to the wind.)
Asuka: Obito made me happy again, you brought me here and since then... I've never wanted to leave both here and your side, so... Let's make a promise that even if we grow up and have to leave here, let's make sure we promise to never forget each other...
(Obito gasps.)
Asuka: (flustered)And... And n-never forget this place too...
(Obito smiles and for a brief moment, he looks among the flowers, excuses himself and goes to take one from them, approaches her.)
Obito: Ichi-san, here...
(He gently tucks a hydrangea into the side of her hair. Her face beams and flusters up with her cheeks flushed red, she looks away while Obito smiles, a bit confused.)
Obito: Hmmm, i still feel something is missing...
(He looks back and spots a wisteria tree a few steps uphill, Takes a stone and jogs over to the tree. Asuka, curiously watching follows him, observing as he carves and scratches something on the bark.)
Asuka: What're you doing?
Obito: Hang on... You'll see. I'm almost done.
(He deeply scratches two alphabets on the bark and then engraves it in a circle on the tree.)
Obito: It's done...(nods) Yeah, you can come look at it.
(She inches closer and looks at it.)
Asuka: O... and ...A?
Obito: Yeah! That's my second promise? You're wearing the first one.
Asuka: I... I don't understand...
Obito: You said we should make two promises so thats what i did.
(He moves closer to her.)
Obito: The flower was the first and the tree is the second... You said you don't wanna forget this place, so i put our initials on the prettiest tree i could find... That way it won't forget us too... and we can always come back!
Asuka: (gasps)Initials...
(She moves closer, her fingers tracing the letters softly.)
Asuka: O and A...
(Realizing its their names, she flusters up and swiftly turns away.)
Asuka: No! That is too grown up!
(Obito remains stunned for a while, and then laughs it off, Asuka joins in seconds later laughing along, then glanced at his smile.)
Asuka: (I'll cherish them forever, these little moments and promises... and I'll never ever forget you, Obito kun... I promise.)
(Scene pans out over the landscape and the kids.)
(End of flashback.)
(End.)
14.2
{The scene returns to Obito's room, on the table are two warm cups of tea. Asuka is sat on his bed, facing him, the fan softly hums at the corner while Buster is asleep by it.}
(Asuka giggles softly.)
Obito: ...What's up?
Asuka: I just remembered something... a memory of us both.
Obito: (softly)Oh?
(He smiles softly.)
Obito: Hey... how long did you remember?
Asuka: What do you mean?
Obito: It's... Umm...
(Rubs his neck.)
Obito: I don't know how to put it into words exactly... but, I think what I'm asking is... did you always remember the memories or... was it when we crossed paths again?
(She doesn't reply, he looks down.)
Obito: I'm sorry, you don't have to respond to it... It was a stupid question anyway...
Asuka: (softly)I never forgot...
(He slightly raises his head.)
Asuka: I never forgot our childhood together.
(She walks over to the table, takes both cups and walks back facing Obito with a smile.)
Asuka: I always put it at the back of my mind, like somewhere close to my heart. You taught me so much, Obito...
(She gives him a cup.)
Obito: Thank you.
Asuka: Taught me how to live more, express myself more and you easily destroyed all the shields i put up to guard myself.
(He gazes softly at her for a second then takes a sip.)
Asuka: (softly)...Also, you're my captain...
(His voice hitches, she plays with her fingers while his grip tightens on his cup.)
Asuka: We made a promise to find each other again.
Both: By the wisteria.. tree...
(They look at each other instinctively, soft smiles crossing their faces.)
Asuka: You remember?
Obito: Yeah... Hey... What happened to that playground after i left?
(She takes a sip.)
Asuka: ...After you moved away, i went back there for a while... It felt okay at first. I used to try playing pretend, but it didn't feel the same. I started making other friends and soon enough i invited them with me to the meadow?
Obito: (teases)You leaked our secret playground?
Asuka: I was bored, sue me...
(She smiles.)
Asuka: Playing with new friends i made over the years there also didn't really excite me... I...i just felt that the place was missing something. Till i moved away around five years later, i stopped going there to play but i made it something i did once a month to go there and just... Look at our tree...
Obito: You mean our initials i put there?
Asuka: Yeah! wow you remember the initials too?
Obito: I couldn't forget if i tried.
(Asuka breath hitches, her face flushes a bit then she slowly reaches her hands, placing it softly on his cheeks, he freezes.)
Obito: Your hands... they're warm...
(She slowly leans in, they're eyes locking intimately.)
Asuka: (softly)You haven't changed a bit, Obito.
(They lean slowly into each other, faces nearly meeting, suddenly, a knock is heard on the door, interrupting them.)
Muichiro: Hey Obi kun, are you good? The door seems locked... Does that mean you're alive and kicking now?
(Obito and Asuka chuckle.)
Obito: Yeah bro, im not dead yet, thank God. I'll open up now.
(He looks at Asuka.)
Obito: You wanna have dinner sometime later?
Asuka: I'd like that.
Obito: Alright, I'll keep you posted.
(They both get up and while Muichiro enters, Asuka leaves with a smile on her face, she turns back and warmly hugs Obito.)
Asuka: Its nice to see you again, Obito.
Obito: (smiles) it's nice to see you too, Asuka.
(She releases, then walks over to her room, gently shutting the door.)
Muichiro: Did... Did i miss something...
Obito: (flustered) m-miss? Like what? ahaha
Muichiro: (teases) You look kinda happy, it's weird.
Obito: Oii!
Muichiro: Come on, let's go in, there's a lot to talk about.
(They walk in and Obito closes the door.)
(End.)
14.3
{The next morning, the scene shifts to the shopping district, the weather is slightly overcast with little gusts blowing overtime. Baji is seen driving towards the supermarket, he reaches and parks before going in.}
(While inside, he picks a trolley and casually strolls through various aisles...)
Baji: (hums) well then, time to make another big refill... I'll get the essentials first...
(He gathers toiletries and then walks over to the frozen foods, opens a fridge filled with meats.)
Baji: (smiles)Hello, my dear compatriots... (once again, you will be conquered by me!) Gahahahaha!!!
(Suddenly, his phone rings, he answers.)
Baji: Hey, Mimi... Wassup?
Minori: Hi baby, how's it going?
Baji: It's alright, not much of a crowd so i should be out in a bit.
Minori: Okay, please don't go overboard...
Baji: (chuckles) don't worry, don't worry, i have a target already, I'll be sure to follow it through.
Minori: Not that... You know what i mean.
Baji: Ahaha...(i hope she's not talking about the meat...)
Minori: Im talking about the meat!
Baji: (Fuck...)
Minori: Don't make the wrong decision of getting too much again.
Baji: But...
Minori: No buts.
Baji: (scoffs into laughter) Alright, I'll get less meat this time.
Minori: Also, can you please get some more milk? I came in late yesterday and i forgot to get it on my way back. My cereal is also kinda dry.
Baji: I'll keep that in mind.
Minori: Thank you baby, make sure you don't take too long.
Baji: Yeah, no problem. I'll be home soon.
(He hangs up, looks at the freezer.)
Baji: Well... She didn't say no sausages.
(He picks an equal and ample amount of both and walks over to the vegetables section, suddenly his eye glances and he spots Muichiro on the opposite aisle also doing some light shopping, Baji walks over...)
Baji: Yo! Mui-kun..
Muichiro: Yo, Baji.. wassup bro?
Baji: Ah, nothing big... Been running out lately so i decided to refill on all my stuff today...
(He looks down.)
Baji: Seems you also got a lot in your hands...
Muichiro: Me? Nahh, this is just body care stuff and breakfast. You by the way seem to have alot of meat here, you sure minori won't tear your ear out again?
Baji: Meh, i equalised, she should be happy... You were at Obito's yesterday too, is he doing alright now?
Muichiro: Yeah, he's better now. I forgot something over at his place too so I'll probably go there later.
Baji: Oh, cool... I won't mind reaching his place as well.
Muichiro: Alright, then lets pick a time and see eachother later.
(The store fans hum as a light silence falls.)
Baji: By the way, how is Nao chan doing?
Muichiro: ...Naori? She's doing alright. Her scars are clearing up, she's started classes again... She's good.
Baji: I heard she worked before, has she been able to go back?
Muichiro: ...I haven't asked her yet, frankly, i don't think she has.
Baji: I'm not gonna pry but I'll tell you one thing... Doing your best getting closer to her is the best way you can make her happier. I'm not gonna pry too deeply but i can tell you've gone considerably deep but not deep enough to still make her feel safe.
Muichiro: I know, still... I don't intend to rush things... I don't have much ideas cos I've also never really done stuff like this before.
(Baji reaches and pats his shoulder.)
Baji: Take her out on a date.
Muichiro: (smirks) I've thought about that... I just don't know where.
Baji: It can be anywhere with a strong presence, nao chan to me looks exploratory, like she's always trying to find new meanings or be impressed by something she hasn't seen before.
(Muichiro thinks about her and focuses on her smile and laughter during their talks, he snaps out.)
Muichiro: (smirks)Yeah... Hey, was it that obvious?
Baji: Hell yeah bro. Not to everyone in town, just to everyone around.
Muichiro: (wow i suck at keeping secrets haha) I'll take your advice, thanks. Let's finish up.
Baji: Yeah.
(They finish their shopping, and pay at the counter, they then leave together.)
(While leaving...)
Baji: Hey, I'll admit it kinda looks too much... Can i hide some in your freezer?
Muichiro: Haha, sure bro.
(End.)
14.4
{3:30pm, in a crowded entertainment district in Shibuya, Obito strolls among the busy crowd, having parked by a block over, he enters the intersection and walks down the semi crowded and noisy path filled with other students.}
Obito: Wow... I didn't expect to see this much of a crowd(Earlier, i was able to get back to Shota on his offer to the convention... He sounded really hyped and wouldn't stop asking about my condition even when i told him i was better now... I guess he's one to worry alot too.)
(He stops upon reaching a welcoming "Rhythm Land" banner and waits outside the district entrance.)
Obito: (still though...) I thought he would've been here before me.
(He sighs.)
Obito: Did i come too early? Or did i just see it as him being an always punctual dude... Does he make late appearances? (speaking of late...)
(He suddenly thinks of Asuka and their time the day before, snaps back.)
Obito: (exhales softly) Should i really be one to complain? (I mean... She never stopped remembering every moment we had... I on the other hand forgot almost all of that until recently.)
(He looks towards the sky, the banner flapping in his view, he smiles softly...)
Obito: (I'm a bad guy... Can't believe i have been both present and absent at the same time.)
(Suddenly, steps approach him from behind. The pace picking up as the steps get louder.)
Voice: (yells)Okazaki san...!
(Obito turns back.)
Obito: Ah, Kazuhiro kun... Wait, why were you in a hurry?
Shota: (pants)Ah, sorry. I got lost on my way in and had to trace the entrance before the performance i wanted to see was over.
Obito: Oh, is that right... Hmm?
(He notices his shirt is slightly torn at the base' side.)
Obito: Your shirt looks like it took one for the team too if you noticed.
Shota: (rubs his head embarrassed) ahaha, that... I got caught in a gate and the fabric ripped before i could notice it was stuck there... Guess i didn't really focus on anything while running.
Obito: ...Why?
Shota: W-why... I guess it's cos I've been here for a while and i didn't want to keep you waiting or get lost in the crowd.
Obito: (He was worried I'd be lost? Did he know i didn't really get around much? Also...)
(He flinches.)
Obito: (Was i actually the late one??)
(Relaxes and smiles.)
Obito: (sighs)Thanks for worrying about me dude.
Shota: Huh? Ah.. no problem, it's no big deal honestly.
Obito: ...About your shirt, what are you gonna do about it?
Shota: I can go back and change, my place isnt far, I'll ju-
Obito: Nahh, then you'll be late for the performance.
(He looks down the district and remembers a shop while he passing.)
Obito: Come on...
Shota:(confused)O-okay..
(They walk down to the stall and shortly after...)
Shota: Huh? You wanna help me get the one i want?!
Obito: Yeah, it's not a big deal, your current one's damaged like i said.
Vendor: (smiling)Come on come on young man, i bet any will look great on you.
Obito: See, he gets it.
Shota: I know but-
Obito: Besides, you're my friend...
(Shota gasps)
Obito: I keep my friends really close.
(The vendor smiles and nods in support.)
Shota: Pfft... That sounded funny... haha.
(He selects a new shirt he likes and Obito makes a purchase while he goes behind to change, keeping the torn one in his backpack. He returns.)
Obito: Oh yeah, it looks good bro.
Vendor: Looks really good.
Shota: Thank you... Okazaki san.
Obito: Obito.
Shota: Huh?
Obito: Call me Obito... Shota.
(Shota smirks.)
Shota: Sure... Obito, well then let's go in. The conventions about to start.
(They enter the district to an auditorium ahead, the scene pans over the banner and the birds chirping.)
(End.)
14.5
{2 hours later, backstage inside the auditorium. The event is over and people are leaving the segment either to the next one or back home for the day. Obito and Shota are walking down the hallway, mixing among the crowd.}
Shota: (excited)That was awesome! The setup, the performances and the special guests, they were all awesome... Or what do you think?
Obito: Yeah i can admit, it really was a fun show. You were really hyped with that sing-along part the crowd did.
Shota: Ahh, yea. I... I kinda got too engaged from already singing with the crowd at the beginning.
Obito: ...Later on, i noticed your entire mood change... When that lady oboist came to perform her segment, you seemed really interested.
Shota: Oh(laughs nervously)is that what it looked like? I didn't realize...
Obito: You cried during the performance...
Shota: That... Those were just reflexes!!
Obito: (Right... Reflexes...)
Shota: The performer... Or rather the oboist is one I've been watching for a while now...
(They stop and Shota pulls out his phone, he opens up YouTube.)
Shota: I've learn alot going online and searching for teachers or masters at the instrument and their discipline.
Obito: Really? What did you find?
Shota: Most of them are really good to be honest, it was just... I couldn't resonate with their methods.
(Suddenly, a lady performer walks across behind them, she stops at the other side and stands in a close distance while with some security and fans.)
Shota: It's not that what they were playing was hard, it's just... When i took their tips and tried, it wasn't so freeing trying to feel in tune. Then i found her page, "Sakami" I hung around her profile and honestly had fun on her channel. I felt like i could finally resonate...
(He chuckles, Obito listening intently.)
Shota: I don't know if that makes any sense.
Obito: It does... I'm not an oboist or into any wind instrument but i understand what you're trying to say. I believe being in tune with music you're trying to make is really important no matter where you get the drive from... Though, when you said you tried to embody their methods, i knew that was the problem.
Shota: Oh... how?
Obito: You shouldn't directly try an embody a person. That's just wanting to copy them... Mix-up their thought pattern with your own method and you'll get what you want...
(Shota exhales.)
Shota: Ah you're right bro, I'm quite sure thats what Sakami does as well.
Obito: By the way, you have any demos recorded that i could listen to?
Shota; (shocked, smiles) Yeah... Yeah i have...
(Obito leans in and Shota tries to open one sample from music, he gets a notification and accidentally clicks it, returning him to his own page on YouTube.)
Shota: Ah!(my secret page!!)
(His online demo begins to play, the volume is initially loud, catching alot of attention before Shota reduces it nervously. The lady looks over to the guys, seemingly drawn by the music.)
Obito: ...Your phone says "Online profile" and... LuckyReed? are you a creator?
Shota: (nervous) what?! No no thats not me!(Ahh fuck, he's seeing my profile!)
(The oboe solo still keeps playing in the background, the lady slowly walks over to the guys.)
Obito: (mumbles)Still though, 400k subscribers is a lot-
Lady: Excuse me, Hi.
(Shota gasps.)
Shota: Sa.. Sakami...
Sakami: I couldn't help but hear that oboe single and how it sounded really familiar, like a channel i know.
(She steps up closer to Shota and takes of her glasses.)
Sakami: (smiles)Are you by any chance "LuckyReed" on YouTube?
Shota: Ah!! Shhh...
(The crowd carries on with minimal distractions.)
Shota: (whispers)Earlier, inside the hall, I heard alot of whispers about that name... I still like being anonymous.
Sakami: (whispers)I really just wanted to say im a big fan and a huge listener of your solos and if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to collaborate with you on a duet.
Shota: (shocked)Me and you? You really want me? Sakami?
(She smiles and slips a business card in his pocket, whispers in his ear.)
Sakami: I'll be expecting your call, Mr. Reed.
(She winks, he flusters up and she walks off, away from the venue.)
Obito: Wow... She's a big fan of your music too.
Shota: Yeah... (Who would've thought Sakami listened to my music...)
(He brings out the card as the keep walking off towards the exit.)
Obito: You got a girl's number, you going to call her?
Shota: (smirks) Hell yeah.
(End.)
14.6
{7:20 pm, back at the dormitory, Asuka and Chiaki are outside Asuka's room subtly having a conversation.}
Chiaki: (exhales)Honestly, i can't thank you enough Asuka, i would've failed this class if i didnt do this homework.
Asuka: It's alright, though... How come you weren't able to get it from your textbook?
Chiaki: Oh, that..
(Chuckles nervously.)
Chiaki: well umm...(How do i tell her i lent mine out and it got stolen for weeks now?!)
Asuka: (...does she even have a textbook?) well anyway, it's problem solved for now.
(They walk towards the second staircase as chat continues.)
Chiaki: (sighs)Classes are gonna be hectic for us through next week, and frankly... I'm not ready for it, i wanna graduate already and go home.
Asuka: (giggles)Have some spirit to atleast continue while I'm still there please.
Chiaki: Oh so you're labelling me as your entertainment?
Asuka: You do exactly the same thing and look how close we've gotten.
(Chiaki smiles.)
Chiaki: Did you talk to him?
(Silence sets in for a while as the reach the stairs.)
Asuka: Hmm?
Chiaki: (smirks)Don't play dumb, fill me in.
Asuka: Where did that come from? Your advice was that i should give him some more time...
Chiaki: Yet you're the one with a bigger smile than usual... You've been cheery since i got here.
(Asuka breath hitches, she looks at her and takes a step down. Chiaki follows.)
Asuka: You're spying on me now?
Chiaki: Well, you're making it easy. So...
(She leans over.)
Chiaki: How did it go?
(They reach the flights end.)
Asuka: Well-
(Just then, the dorm entrance door opens and Obito walks in, distracted by his phone while holding a bag of groceries.)
Obito: (I saved that picture...)
(He slowly approaches the first flight, Asuka subtly smiles, Chiaki notices.)
Obito: Where is it... Where...
(He climbs a step, then pauses.)
Obito: (I feel like someone is watching me...)
Asuka: Did you find it?
(He slowly tilts his head up, sees the girls waiting atop the flight of stairs.)
Obito: (flustered)Aah! I... I uhh...
(He subtly stares at her for a while.)
Obito: Hey.
(Asuka smiles and looks at him for a bit.)
Chiaki: Hey hey, didn't they tell you staring too much is rude?
Obito: (snaps)Oh, right... Sorry.
(He sneaks another peek at Asuka.)
Obito: (Still... What's not to look at? It's an amazing view.)
Asuka: Did you enjoy the convention?
(They walk down, meeting Obito at the bottom of the stairs.)
Obito: Yeah, i guess it was alright.
Asuka: You guess? You're usually more decisive than guessing... So, is that how you really feel?
Obito: (She's kinda right... I went there thinking iwon't even be long, but i ended up enjoying the event... much more than I expected. Expected... such a controlling word...)
(He smirks.)
Obito: I had fun at the convention.
(Chiaki subtly notices the increased smiles and looks between both of them.)
Chiaki: (teases)Yeah, you two just get a room already.
(Flustered, they softly chuckle nervously. Chiaki smiles.)
Chiaki: Hey, I'm gonna be on my way now, my boyfriend is close so I can just ask him to pick me up.
Asuka: Okay Chiaki, take care of yourself.
(She walks towards the exit and swiftly looks back at Obito.)
Chiaki: Hey, Glance-a-lot!
Obito: (flinches) Y-yes(glance a lot!?)
Chiaki: (Smiles)Don't make Asuka sad.
(He stands slightly surprised at the request. Chiaki closes the door, walks away from the dorm.)
Obito: Well... she's fun.
(They slowly walk back upstairs together...)
Asuka: Isn't she? But don't take her like that... Chiaki is a very nice person under all the guise she acts in.
Obito: Don't sweat it, I knew that too already.
(Asuka notices the groceries in his hand and some slight tension on his face.)
Asuka: That's a little small for a monthly refill, don't you think?
Obito: Oh, this? It was actually meant for tonight.
Asuka: Really? Im guessing there would be leftovers till the morning then, right?
(He stops midway.)
Obito: Actually... you've done quite a lot for me, and I wanna be able to do something back for you, so... I was gonna...
(Scratches his head, blushes.)
Obito: (mutters)Gonna... ask if... I could... co..cook dinner for you tonight... at your place...
(Asuka gasps, slightly taken aback by his request.)
(End.)
14.7
Asuka: You... want to cook for me... at my place?
(Obito slightly tightens his grip on the bag, his face slightly downcast.)
Obito: (quietly)...It.. it's not my territory to do something like this... i'm usually always with myself, i used to enjoy my own company even if i hated it sometimes. Being nice to people, trying to hang out more, non of those things registered cleanly with me after middle school. I couldn't make changes...
(Asuka listens intently.)
Obito: (scoffs)But lately, things have been... different. I've tried new things, i... made a new friend, went out and had fun, exchanged hobbies with someone else... and its all because you've been seeing me through all this time. So...
(He steps up, meeting her. Their eyes locking onto eachother.)
Obito: ...even if its just this once, I wanna make a change ...f-for you.
(She stares at him as the silence lingers a little longer. The clock slowly ticking in the corner.)
Asuka: (he must have thought about this all day... having to go out after his event would've been very tiring especially since today always has new arrivals, so the crowd must have been very uncomfortable for him. Obito...)
(She reaches wrist and pulls him closer, a smile crossing her face.)
Asuka: (You haven't changed at all.) You've always been here, you never needed a change.
(Obito gazes at her intently.)
Asuka: Let's go have dinner together... you did promise me, right?
(She holds his hand, leading him upstairs, he stares at her flowing hair for a while before he exhales and smiles.)
Obito: Yeah, i did.
(They head to their floor, then to her room, she opens the door, he enter... albeit a bit shaky.)
Obito: (fancy...)
(The door softly closes behind her.)
[Inside Asuka's room, the atmosphere is brightly lit, a standing fan rotates at a corner, another dropping from the ceiling, books are arranged on a shelf and laptop on her table. The room is painted lavender with the ceiling in white. There are a few little plushies arranged on the shelf and a big bunny plush on her bed.]
Obito: (she really likes plushies though...)
Asuka: It's probably not what you were expecting right?
Obito: I... I didn't expect anything. I was ready for what I would've seen regardless.
Asuka: Well, that aside...
(She jumps on her bed.)
Asuka: I'm hungry, so what do you wanna prepare for us? Mr Chef...
Obito: A chef title before even tasting my food? You must really believe in me.
Asuka: It's more like just knowing you won't disappoint.
Obito: Well... I'm not making any promises but...
(He blushes a bit and turns away.)
Obito: Thank you.
(He stands by her kitchenette, unpacks the groceries from the bag and lays it out evenly.)
Asuka: So... what do you have in mind tonight?
Obito: Since it's a surprise, won't it be more fun when you see it done yourself?
Asuka: Aww, so you don't plan on giving out any hints?
Obito: Too many hints would ruin it.
(He runs the water from the tap and begins washing the vegetables.)
Asuka: (sulks)Still... one hint won't hurt though...
(Obito looks over to her and exhales softly.)
Obito: ...Gochujang.
Asuka: Huh?
Obito: That's all you get.
(She softly beams then gets off the bed. Walks to him and stands beside him.)
Obito: (quietly)You're meant to be resting...
Asuka: I'm well rested already.
Obito: Yeah, but-
Asuka: Also, I can use this as a learning experience. I've been wanting to improve on my cooking... looking at all you got here, it seems you probably know a lot about cooking and nutrition. So can you teach me by letting us do it together?
(He turns off the tap.)
Obito: Well then, can you help slice some vegetables? I'll boil the spaghetti and slice the rest... after, we can work on the sauce and the wagyu when we're both done.
Asuka: (smiles)Yeah.
(The two work together with the preparations. Obito teaches her a bit about spice intensity, Asuka works on the steak preparation while Obito works on the gochujang sauce. The room comes alive with a sweet aroma as they work together while conversing with smiles on their faces. Minutes later, dinner is ready. He plates the food and gives her a share while she's sat at the table.)
Asuka: Thank you, Mr Chef.
(He snickers softly and sits facing her.)
Obito: Well then... go ahead.
Asuka: (shakes her head)at the same time.
Obito: Fine..
(They both take a piece of the meal and eat.)
Both: Yummy.
(End.)
14.8
(While eating...)
Obito: (This feels nice, strange since it's my first time doing it... but still nice.)
(He looks at her take a bite...)
Obito: Are you enjoying your meal?
Asuka: Yeah, i am... are you not?
Obito: I like it. Was just been thinking how it's been a while I ate spaghetti.
Asuka: You did really well on it by the way.
Obito: Really? Here I thought I probably overcooked it.
Asuka: You would've gotten a scolding if you did.
(They chuckle for a moment.)
Asuka: Did you have a thing for cooking growing up?
Obito: Nahh, not really.
Asuka: It's just that you're good at it and you looked extra focused while making dinner... I kinda really liked it, so I got a bit curious.
Obito: (chewing) about that...
(He swallows..)
Obito: I played alot of games with my mom and Iori-nee while growing. Most were about who was making dinner. My mom made it most times but sometimes she'd turn it into a goal.
Asuka: Goal... how?
Obito: We'd all be playing a game and out of nowhere she'd say "The loser of tonight's game has to make dinner."
Asuka: Ohh... so you always lost...
Obito: I have never bought so many cookbooks, also, when Iori lost, she'djust boss me to do it...
(She giggles)
Obito: Though, I'm kinda thankful now, i learnt a new hobby and dinner was great, i also put a smile on a pretty face tonight... I'm thankful for all that.
(Asuka flusters up and looks away.)
Obito: Huh? You okay?
Asuka: (he doesn't even realise how cute he is... The food was great though... pretty...)
Obito: Hey.
Asuka: Yeah?
Obito: Let's do this again some other time... I had fun today.
(She gasps, then softly smiles while playing with her fingers under the table. Just then, Obito's phone rings, he checks it...)
Obito: Oh it's Mui-kun. Excuse me.
(He picks...)
Obito: Yo..
Muichiro: Yo bro, where are you? I'm at your door, been knocking for a while. You asleep dude?
Obito: Nahh, I went out before, I'm at Asuka's now... wait, you're at my door?
Muichiro: You're at Asuka's?
Baji: Who's Asuka?
Muichiro: Ichinose-san.
Obito: Baji?!
Baji: Yo!
Obito: You're here too?
(Obito facepalms.)
Obito: Ugh, never mind... We'll be out in a minute.
(He hangs up.)
Asuka: Is everything okay?
Obito: Yeah, i think he forgot something. Let's clean up and go together.
Asuka: Okay.
(They pack up and Asuka washes the dishes, while he cleans the table. Minutes later, her door opens and she walks out while he closes the door behind. They approach Obito's room.)
Muichiro: (observes)Look at them, strutting down like they own the place.
Baji: (teases)They almost look like a dating couple.
Obito: Talking like you set us up to date Baji.
Baji: I go with what I see dude, can't hide that.
(Obito brings out his key but freezes...)
Obito: why didn't you use your key this time, Baji?
Baji: (chuckles)The privacy policy works for you now. You look happier these days Obi kun.
Obito: (smiles)Weirdo.
(Obito runs the key in the lock and Baji looks to Asuka.)
Baji: (My best friend finally looks happier, and I'm sure it's all thanks to this lady right here. Lately they seem close... a bit too close at that, not that it's bad but..)
(He opens the door..)
Baji: Hey... how did you guys meet?
(Silence sticks for a few seconds.)
Baji: I don't mean it harshly but, He's a Gloomlord!
(Obito flinches)
Baji: He's never had company this close with a girl for so long before.
Obito: Baji!
Baji: But lately,since you came around him, he's looking happier and healthier. It's like he's finally coming out.
Muichiro: ...So I'm not the only one that saw the change..
Baji: You picked on it too right? So yeah, if I'm not intruding personal lives... How did you guys meet?
(Obito remains stunned for a while, Asuka smiles and nudges him on.)
Asuka: Well...
Obito: (smirks) Well um...
(Fade out...)
Obito: One sunny afternoon... twelve years ago...
(End.)