Chapter 5 - The Teacher

- Overall, how was your day today, Miyuki?- Aoi asked, looking at her curiously, walking right next to her.

- I have to admit that it was one of the lighter days, both at the university and at work.- Miyuki replied, also glancing at him.- And how was your day?- she asked him the same question, mainly to keep the conversation going, but she was also curious about what Aoi was up to that he couldn't sneak out so easily today, and barely caught up with her walking back home.

- I had a concert and a meeting with the fans, so it didn't pass so calmly, but generally without major incidents.- Aoi replied with a slight smile.- Then two photo-shoots and an unannounced mini-meeting with the fans at the agency where I was doing a photo shoot, which made me come home later than I had planned. But well, the fans were so excited that I decided to give them a little fan-service as they already came, I even sang one of my songs... And it stretched out a little.- he sighed a little.- So... I came home later, then I sneaked out too late and you almost ran away from me.- Aoi said this in a slightly playful tone.- Ah, yeah, you didn't answer my question.- he remembered suddenly.

- What question?- Miyuki asked with a confused expression.

- When you were walking alone and I almost caught up with you, you were saying something to yourself that you would like to talk to me today and you seemed to be really sad...- Aoi began slowly.- Then I asked if you really would be so sad, for which I meant if you would be sad if I hadn't showed up and we couldn't talk?- he reminded her, smiling gently.- So... Would you really be sad?- Aoi asked again, getting slightly serious.

- Well...- Miyuki hesitated for a moment with her answer, biting her lower lip lightly.- I would certainly be a little sad.- she finally admitted, focusing eyes on the road ahead. However, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Aoi's face light up in a smile that he was clearly trying to control a little.

- I admit that I would also be sad if I could not walk you home today.- he said after a moment, a little hesitantly, which did not suit him very well.

Overall, Miyuki noticed that the face of Aoi Takashima she was just getting to know while walking with him like this, was very different from his stage character. On stage, Aoi was a confident, eccentric musician, not afraid to push the boundaries, sometimes crazy like the Mad Hatter from 'Alice in Wonderland'. But beneath the surface was this ordinary Aoi, who wasn't always happy to "serve" his fans, felt tired of it all and angry with some psycho-fans, but also a bit mischievous like a little boy. Miyuki liked this softer and more human side of his nature and was glad that she was one of those people who could get to know Aoi from that side, because he certainly didn't show it to everyone.

- In that case, it's good that you made it, that you came and we can talk.- Miyuki said after a moment, smiling slightly.- I could actually walk a little slower so that you wouldn't have to run after me...- she thought for a moment.- I gave up too quickly and thought that you will not come. It never crossed my mind that you just might be a little late.- Miyuki added at the end.

- In that case, let's make this like that. If you won't have anyone to come back with, wait five or around ten minutes for me nearby, or walk at a slower pace. If I won't show up in that time, you can go on home, because that would mean I can't show up.- Aoi suggested, looking at her carefully.

- Okay, so be it.- Miyuki agreed.- Although I don't know how long I'll need the company during the night walk, because I'm going to cure my fear of the dark. Tomorrow morning I have a visit with the psychologist Kai Ichatashiko, who turned out to be a friend of my professor from the university, and I got in earlier visit by recommendation.- she informed him after a while.

- Kai Ichatashiko? Is he your psychologist?- Aoi asked, and his face was clearly displeased, even a little angry, though he was trying hard to hide it.

- So you know him?- Miyuki answered him with a question.

- Who doesn't know him, this guy is no less popular than me, although in a completely different field.- Aoi replied casually, with a hint of annoyance on his face, and Miyuki couldn't shake off the feeling that for some reason he didn't want to talk about Kai Ichatashiko, after all, so suddenly his mood broke at the mention of him.- Mr. Perfect, a philanthropist who works practically for free and helps a bunch of people...- he mentioned and his irritation became even more evident.

- Aoi, wait a minute.- Miyuki stopped walking and he stopped right after her.- Do you have any conflict with Kai Ichatashiko?- she asked directly, looking him straight in the eyes.

- I? Conflict with him? Why...- Aoi began hesitantly, surprised by her rather firm tone.

- I can see exactly how drastically your mood has changed since I mentioned him.- Miyuki pointed out clearly.

- No, it's just...- Aoi sighed heavily, closing his eyes slightly for a moment.- I don't know, this guy irritates me whenever I see his face on TV. I don't know, maybe I envy him the opinion of Mr. Perfect or something...- he shrugged his shoulders, resignedly.

- Really? I thought you liked being the rebel.- Miyuki answered slightly surprised, and looked at him a bit suspiciously, because his explanation did not quite convince her.

- And I like to be a rebel, different than everyone else.- Aoi confirmed in a much calmer voice.- But you know, sometimes everyone would like to be adored and loved by absolutely everyone. And I, because of my image, often have enemies in some, especially more severe, circles. Even you mentioned that my music videos are too controversial for your taste.- he explained in more detail.

- Ah, yeah, I didn't think about it. Sorry.- Miyuki answered a little more shyly, guilt clearly written all over her face and her confidence suddenly disappeared somewhere.

- You have nothing to apologize to me for, you silly.- Aoi smiled slightly, apparently regaining his good humor.- In fact, I should work on my reluctance towards him, because it's a bit childish.- he admitted, a little embarrassed and soon they both started to walk again.

They walked in silence for the last five minutes, then they both wished each other good night and so they parted - Miyuki entered the building and Aoi started walking back the same way.

~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Miyuki went to Kai Ichatashiko's clinic in the morning. It was at the other end of Tokyo, so she had to take the bus, which took almost half an hour anyway. Upon entering the clinic building, she was immediately greeted by a pretty, tall, and slender middle-aged woman, and recognized by her voice that she was the same woman who had registered her on a visit when they talked on the phone.

- Good morning, I had an appointment. My name is Miyuki Sakurai.- Miyuki spoke up, a bit intimidated by the quite direct and affectionate aura around the receptionist.

- Ah, Miss Sakurai. That's right.- the woman replied, checking everything on her computer.- Please take a seat in one of the armchairs in the waiting room. When dr. Ichatashiko would be free, he will come out and ask you to come to his office.- she explained with a broad and warmest smile that Miyuki had ever seen on a person. This woman exuded positive energy and was therefore a perfect fit for a psychology and psychiatry clinic. Miyuki was sure that more than one patient felt much better after just one interaction with this receptionist, even before coming into the doctor's office.

- Okay, thank you very much.- Miyuki replied, smiling slightly, then walked over to the "waiting room" area, which was in the corner of the hall, in front of a door with a sign saying Dr. Kai Ichatashiko. On the wall, right next to the door, there was a poster informing about the foundation Kai Ichatashiko was working with.

While waiting, Miyuki took out her phone and began browsing through the new book releases that had appeared in the app where she was reading e-books. She didn't always have the money to buy paperback books, and e-books were usually cheaper, so she could read more. But of course, if Miyuki liked a book particularly, she did her best to buy it in paper form. It took about five minutes for Miyuki to add a few items to her virtual "shelf", with the plan to purchase access to them later, and finally the office door opened, a middle-aged woman coming out, thanking dr. Ichatashiko, then she went to the reception desk to make another appointment.

- Miss Miyuki Sakurai, how good to see you here.- Kai spoke up, smiling broadly, opening the door wider at the same time.- Please, come in.- he invited her with a gesture.

Miyuki quickly got up from her armchair, which was a bit difficult because this thing was very comfortable and it was a pity to part with it, then she headed towards the office, hiding the phone in her jeans pocket on the way. As she entered the office, passing Kai in the doorway, Miyuki felt a slight shiver, and he later closed the door behind her, then walked over to his desk.

- Sit down, please.- he said, pointing to the armchair opposite, which turned out to be no less comfortable to sit on than the one in the waiting room.- Can I call you by your first name?- Kai asked after a moment, sitting down on his swivel leather chair.- I think it would make our work easier, inspire mutual trust...- he explained in more detail.

- Yes, of course, I don't mind.- Miyuki replied a bit shyly, her gaze wandering around the inside of the office, which was decorated nicely, though in a fairly simple way. White walls, dark carpeting, a wooden desk in the center, black wooden shelves on either side of it, full of books, binders and lockers. Behind Kai and his chair was a window with open blinds that let in some sun, and in the corner was one large cactus in a brown pot. Kai's desk was also tidy, all documents and paper folders were arranged almost under the ruler, and all office supplies were arranged in special organizers. In the center of the desk was a black laptop by a brand unknown to Miyuki, but it looked quite expensive and professional. In the right corner there was a fairly ordinary burgundy-colored couch, the kind you see in the movies, where the main character is in psychotherapy, and right next to it was a black leather armchair, and those two pieces of furniture were separated by a small brown table, on which there was a lockable filter jug, full with water, and next to it two glasses.

- That's great.- Kai was pleased with her consent.- In that case, Miyuki, at the outset I'm glad you decided to come. Honestly, despite your registered visit, I was not sure if you would come until the end.- he admitted.

- Well, I thought I should finally do something with myself.- Miyuki replied, finally focusing her gaze on him.

At first, Kai conducted a standard medical interview, asking about her life history to determine the source of the fears, he also asked if she had received treatment before and if anyone in her family had any psychological problems. Miyuki said everything truthfully, and Kai listened to her with remarkable attention, only from time to time asking about some important matters.

- Okay.- Kai sighed at the end as they finished the introductory interview almost 45 minutes after Miyuki entered the office.- You will definitely need psychotherapy, so right after you leave the office you will have to come to Yuri, the receptionist, she will find you a free date. I'm sure something can be found in this month.- he continued, putting her just created papers in a new folder. Then Kai suddenly got up from his chair and walked closer to her, leaning against his desk.- Miyuki, there's one more thing I'd like to tell you, while we still have these 15 minutes.- he said in a strangely serious tone.

- What is it, doctor?- Miyuki asked uncertainly, even more intimidated that he was standing right above her.

- Miyuki, I know the truth about you and your grandmother, and that's also why I wanted to meet with you.- Kai confessed, looking at her meaningfully.

- I don't understand...- Miyuki tried to say.

- You are a sorceress, just like your grandmother.- Kai interjected.

- How do you know about this? What's that supposed to mean?- Miyuki panicked a little, looking for a way out.

- Miyuki, calm down, please.- Kai put both of his hands on her shoulders, looking straight in the eye.- You have nothing to be afraid of on my part, because I... Well, we are of the same "species", if I may call it that.- he added, smiling faintly.

- What?- Miyuki blinked slightly, not quite understanding his words.

- I am a sorcerer, just like you.- Kai replied, sighing slightly.- Focus and see if you can see any energy around me. It's called an aura.- he instructed her.

Grandmother had taught Miyuki to recognize auras, but since her death she hadn't used it very often, practically not at all, and wasn't sure if she could handle the task. However, Miyuki did her best and finally saw very bright energy around Kai.

- I see... Very bright light around you.- she gasped.

- Okay. Now look around you. What kind of aura do you see?- Kai continued.

- Very similar to yours.- Miyuki confessed, then raised her eyes at him in surprise.- So it's true... You are...- she began, but stopped.

- Miyuki, I'm here to help you, and not only with your fear of the dark.- Kai replied calmly, finally releasing her arms and straightening up slightly.- I know that your grandmother did not manage to teach you too much, so I can become your teacher. You are the only living representative of your bloodline, the one with tremendous power. The magic world needs you, so you must learn to awaken the power that you have within you. I am also sure that this way your fear of the dark will practically disappear by itself. I think the power of the dark that you felt since childhood is the source of your fear, but only because you cannot defend yourself against this dark power.- he added.

- You really could... teach me everything?- Miyuki asked a little more confidently.- I really want to... become a useful sorceress. I want to release the power that is said to be inside me.- she confessed after a moment.

- Like I said, I'll help you, Miyuki, don't worry.- Kai assured her with a smile.

~~~~~~~~~

Kai decided that the lessons of magic would be held under the guise of meetings for psychotherapy, besides, these lessons were to be connected with it anyway. Miyuki wasn't quite sure if she could trust Kai, but he didn't seem to be "the bad guy" and she had heard that there were good wizards and bad wizards. Besides, Miyuki wanted to become a fully sorceress, and if she had someone to help who could teach her everything, she had to seize the opportunity. Who knows if she will had a chance to meet another sorceress or sorcerer on her way soon... Therefore, she decided that would use the chance that fate had given her and that she would meet and learn from Kai.

After leaving her office, Miyuki walked over to the front desk making an appointment for another visit later this month, on November 29.