The Forgotten Kiss

The naruto-shaped chocolates were safely in Mineka's container as she walked down Egi towards Hirohide's house. The people walked past, silently judging her dimpled smile, as it was so unnatural to see someone happy during wartime. Mineka didn't care. White Day was there before the war started and would continue after. She bounded up to the door and rang the bell to Hirohide's apartment. His elderly mother, Aian, greeted her. Mineka smiled and went in, setting her shoes to the side in the foyer. She went into to the sitting room, where Hirohide's ailing father and young sister, Chami, sat. Mineka took a couple of her chocolates out and pressed them into Hirohide's father's hands, who thanked her shakily. His young daughter went over to inspect the chocolates.

"Hirohide found a keeper," Chami joked. "He loves chocolates."

Mineka blushed, looking down at the floor. Chami took the container and put it in the icebox before returning to Mineka's side. Though she was still in grade school, Chami was Mineka's best friend. The two knelt at the coffee table, sipping the oolong tea that Hirohide's brother had brought back after his long trip to Shanghai. There was a silence, filled by the sound of Hirohide's old father sleeping. His mother sat beside his father, rubbing his tense shoulders. Chami looked back at them, made a face, and whispered softly, "Would you like to go to my room?"

Mineka nodded and Chami made up an excuse for them to depart. Once in Chami's room, Mineka sat on the floor, gripping her teacup.

"When will Hirohide be back?"

Chami shrugged. "His boss called for him early at the factory. It's almost two though and they know he has to get home to care for chichi since he's very sick."

"I noticed."

"Rasen said he would try to find the healer he'd met with in China, but I don't think it is a good idea with the war."

"Rasen is brave. He will be okay."

"I just hope he is not too late. Haha cannot lose another son, but she couldn't bear the loss of chichi."

"Your brother will be okay, as will your parents," Mineka tried to be as soothing as possible.

Chami made a face but didn't argue. It was hard to since Mineka knew nothing but death. She'd lost her father in the first great war, then her mother a year later to disease. Many of her siblings had died in a house fire that left her disfigured as a child, and until recently, she had lived with her ailing uncle and his old wife. The Sugiedas had often let Mineka stay with them for many nights, especially after Hirohide began to pursue her. Chami filled the silence by turning on the radio, where the emperor was talking.

"Successful attack-- Direct hit on American soil-- California--" the radio buzzed.

A grin grew on Chami's face, though Mineka didn't quite understand it. Chami began to explain but was silenced by the soft drone of voices that was slowly getting louder and louder. The two girls raced outside to see people flooding from the streets in excitement. The war had left everyone gloomy, but this one act by the Japanese government had sent an unignorable wave through its people. Chami and Mineka ran to join the fun, but Mineka was stopped by the sound of Hirohide's voice. At the sight of her, he raced to her, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her passionately.

"Happy White Day, my love," Hirohide said to her.

Mineka smiled, reddening. "Thank you, Hirohide. I made you chocolates."

"My favorite," he said, lifting her and swirling her around. "You are the best wife on this island."

"Wife?" Mineka murmured.

Hirohide smiled, and Mineka threw her arms around him joyfully, wishing this day would never end.