Out in the backyard, the snow was lightly painting the ground white. Under the oak tree stood a small sized house. It had everything a normal house had, it even has a tiny fireplace. Inside the kitchen was the young Asuka cooking some food for her and her husband (They pretending) Tatsuya.

“Tatsu din din is almost ready!”

“Ok!”

Tatsuya shouted from the living room. He was currently reading a manga. He took a glance at Asuka preparing dinner. His cheeks reddened so much you could've mistaken them for a couple of tomatoes. He quickly went back to reading his manga when she caught him staring at her. He was in such a panic he did not even realise that it was upside down. Noticing this, Asuka teased him a little.

“Hey, Tatsu, what you reading over there?” She asked as she placed the food on the table.

“The Disastrous Life of Suki Q. you know that really funny one. So funny, in fact, the characters are upside down.”

“That’s because the book is...” She took the book and put it on the table.

“... Dummy.”

“Now let’s eat.”

“Oh wow! Your cooking is the best Asu! Almost better than Ms. Sasaki’s”

“No way i could never cook better than her.”

“I wonder what our Dads are talking about. Your dad’s car is packed with suitcases and stuff. Is he going on a trip?”

Asuka dropped her fork after hearing that.

“Yeah... I guess... He...” Tears started rolling down her face.

“Asu, is there something wrong?”

“No, there is nothing wrong. It’s the stupid onions...”

She quickly wiped her face with her blue jerseys sleeves.

“Now eat your food Tatsu. It’s going to get cold.”

Tatsuya continued eating while Asuka just sat there watching him. When they were done eating, Tatsuya continued reading and Asuka cleaned the dishes. While cleaning the dishes, she looked outside the window. Near the garden stood a family of snowmen, their neighbours, the Yuuki family. again tears started rolling down her eyes as memories of this place playing with Tatsuya and his sisters raced through her mind.

A very firm knock on the door jolted Asuka. she quickly dried her eyes and opened the door. There was a beautiful lady with lush brown hair stood dressed in a maid outfit.

“Oh, Ms Sasaki.”

“Ms. Takano, your father is ready to leave. He is on the front porch already.”

“Already? Ok then.”

“Sir Takahashi, come along now.”

“Oh... they leaving already.”

****

“Ryota, are you sure there is nothing I can do about it?”

“It’s fine, Kazuhiro. you already helped us a lot. This is a battle i have to fight on my own.”

“If you run into any trouble, I am always here, ok.”

“Come on Asuka.”

“O...ok”

“Hey, you sure you ok Asu?”

“i’m just fine...”

“Thank you for everything, Tatsuya. Make sure to clean up after yourself.”

Tatsuya’s older sister took a picture of the two side by side in the pathway that lead to the small exit.

When Asuka was just about to enter the car she ran back, eyes balling, and nearly knocked Tatsuya down. She held him tightly. Crying into his wool-knitted sweater. Tatsuya did not understand what was happening. Asuka was mumbling words. He could not make out what she was. Saying, the one thing he did hear though was (I LOVE YOU!!! I LOVE YOU TATSUYA!!!) not showing any sign of letting go of him. Asuka’s father stepped in and picked her up.

“It’s time to go now, Asuka.”

“No! Dad, please let me stay!”

“I’m sorry, pumpkin, but we have to go now.”

“Hey, what’s going on? Why is Asuka crying? Dad? DAD!?”

“They are leaving.”

“Leaving? where? When are they coming back? Dad!”

Tired of his father’s lack of response, Tatsuya ran after the car as fast as he could. The snow that piled up on the streets made it hard for him to run. The car was currently at a stop waiting for other cars to pass by. Asuka could be seen waving at Tatsuya, still crying. Tatsuya picked the pace and pressed forward. When the car started moving, Asuka’s actions became more desperate. He was so close, but all he managed to do was place his hand on the window where her hand was placed. And scream her name out as he watched the car leave.

END OF PROLOGUE