Tatsumi and Yaichi looked at the river next to the cherry blossom tree. It has already lost its petals now that they were in summer. The paths to the other towns has been repaired, which was good since everyone was worried about trade. At least that's what Tatsumi heard from his dad Ittetsu.
"Ah, fish." Yaichi saw a fish jump in the river.
"Good eye Yaichi." Tatsumi patted his little brother's head.
"Wha? So yer the new farmer?" Tatsumi turned around and saw Komari with a new person at the gates leading to Westown.
"Yeah, it's nice to meet you." She bowed.
"Hey! Come an' see you two!" Komari yelled at them. Yaichi and Tatsumi looked at each other before heading over.
The new farmer had on short overalls in a beige color with pink highlights and a white shirt underneath. Her hair was short with a black hat on top. Her eyes were almond shaped, honey colored, and her black hair cupped her angled face that made Tatsumi's heart skip a beat.
"These two are Ittetsu's boys, Tatsumi," Komari pointed at him, "And Yaichi."
"It's nice to make your acquaintance." She bowed.
"Naw!" Komari slapped her back and the farmer got caught off guard, stepping forward from it. She got close to Tatsumi's face on accident.
She was close, very close. Tatsumi couldn't help but blush. He was 12 years old after all.
"Sorry." She stepped back and Tatsumi shook his head, not being able to speak.
"Stop with the whole formal talk! We're all like family here." Komari smiled wide. The farmer stepped back after giving him an apology.
And that's how Tatsumi met Nanami.
Chapter 1: 5 Years Later
Tatsumi moved the merchandise into the storage room in Moriya's business. After two years of taking over Hinata's job, Tatsumi has grown to enjoy the work. Shizu, his mom, came by to tell him that the store was opening. With a yawn, Tatsumi went over to the entrance and got to work.
"Tatsumi, did you stay up late last night?" Shizu mentioned, giving a customer her tailored cloths.
"I didn't mean to mother." Tatsumi apologized while giving a small shipment to a farmer outside of the towns.
"Don't forget, you aren't a child anymore. You have responsibilities to attend to." Shizu lightly reprimanded him. Tatsumi nodded as he tended to his customers. Sumomo was around moving things here and there. She wasn't the young girl that often made clumsy mistakes. Now she was a young teen that was able to bring in customers with the familiarity of the store. The door was constantly opening during the morning with Omiyo coming in to have small talk with Shizu.
Moriya was doing paperwork at his desk as the door opened again. Tatsumi had to control his feelings as Nanami came in. She was wearing a heavy farmer's outfit, to ward off the cold of the winter season.
"Ah, welcome Nanami." Moriya said with a smile. After five years of settling, Nanami was everyone's friend. How she found the time to do that, Tatsumi had no idea.
"Hi Moriya, anymore deals you want to offer me?" She chuckled.
"Ah unfortunately I have none for now but I suspect you have other business here." Moriya went back to his paper work. Nanami greeted Ittetsu, Shizu, Omiyo and finally stood in front of Tatsumi. His heart started to beat fast but he was working, it was no time to attempt to flirt. Not that he thought about it too much or sometimes at night or whenever she was near. Ah, he was getting off track.
"Welcome to Ra Man's general store. Is there anything I can do to help?" Tatsumi rattled off his usual spiel. Nanami giggled which made Tatsumi gulp, his control waning.
"You always have to say that every time I come?" Nanami asked.
"It is the merchant protocol. As much as I'd like to make an exception for you, it's needed for me to keep the habit. If not, I might accidentally insult someone." Tatsumi replied.
"You almost talk as good as Hinata." Nanami chuckled and at that Tatsumi couldn't keep his blush under wraps. He cleared his throat to try to reign it in again. "Ok, ok, I'm done teasing you. Since we're two weeks away from the end of winter, I was wondering if you had any spring seeds in."
"Yes we do, what would you like?" Tatsumi wondered.
"Just two bags of turnip seeds please." Nanami said, taking out the money for it and Tatsumi going behind him and taking it from the box. He couldn't help but think how their fingers brush when she took her items and paid. "Thank you. Kasumi has been waiting for my pickled turnips for a while." Nanami smiled.
"She must be happy that spring is coming around then." Tatsumi smiled back and nodded.
"Your birthday is coming around right? 18 years old, do you want me to make you anything?" Nanami asked. As much as Tatsumi would like to have thought it was special only to him, he knew that Nanami actually went around making gifts for everyone when she could.
"Well, spring is coming. Maybe some shiso juice?" Tatsumi wondered.
"Really? You don't want anything else?" Nanami cocked her head to the side. Tatsumi thought she looked cute when she did that.
"No, that's it, thank you." Tatsumi nodded.
"Then that will be easy." Nanami giggled before giving her farewells and leaving. Tatsumi went back into routine for the other customers, lightly clenching the fist that brushed Nanami's fingertips every once in a while.
At 16:00, the shop has close. Moriya and Sumomo went to the stockroom to count everything while Tatsumi went out into the cold. The snow was slowly melting away as spring was rapidly approaching but there was still a chill in the air. He walked through town, going over to the Inari shrine and saying his prayers.
He took a look at his hand and let out a long breath. "This is getting serious. What's the time they said that infatuation turns into love? 3 months? I've gone way past that time." He whispered to himself.
"Tatsumi."
"Wah!" He jumped, looking at Kasumi's humored face. She let out a few giggles and his face grew red with embarrassment. "Oh hi Ms. Kasumi."
"I have noticed you've gotten behind on your studies." Kasumi stepped up next to him and began to pray at the shrine too.
"Moriya has us switching all the winter stock with the spring stock. It's been hectic and I apologize for the lateness." Tatsumi said.
"No it's ok. You're a smart boy Tatsumi. I know you will turn in your assignments eventually. Though remember, although this will be your last year at school, does not mean you can ignore your homework." Kasumi slightly berated him.
"Yes Ms. Kasumi." He nodded.
"Hm? Did you grow taller?" Kasumi wondered as she realized she's starting to look up to him instead of the other way around.
"Oh yeah, I grew another inch though if I let down my hair, I might lose some of the height." Tatsumi chuckled, still keeping his bangs up with a clip. It has grown much longer though has he also put it up in a ponytail.
'Kinda like Nanami.' He smiled at the memory.
"I can't believe it. I still remember when you were half my height. Well, I should let you go then. I also promised to meet Komari." Kasumi bid her farewells as Tatsumi went to walk absentmindedly around the town. He had the idea to go and get his fishing pole to catch something for dinner.
Unbeknownst to him, Inari was listening to his whispers and wonders who exactly has caught his eye.
"It seems that someone has caught the eye of one of the townspeople. Considering that I have seen how he has grown throughout the years, I feel like my duty as their protector to help him." Inari explained as they, Dessie, and Witchie got together for some tea time.
"Oooh! That so sweet Inari!" Dessie giggled.
"Eh, love huh? I haven't seen something like that in a while. Nanami turned down my offer of giving her someone from my town." Witchie huffed, sipping on her peach sake.
"Have you found out who they like?" Dessie wondered, taking some almond cookies with her milk tea.
"Ah that is the one thing they did not mention. I do not know what I can do, yet." Inari's ears went down.
"Eh!? You called this meeting and you're not even sure of anything!?" Witchie balked.
"It's ok. Maybe he'll say it eventually. We must be good protectors and make sure his love goes well." Dessie nodded.
"Thank you Dessie." Inari bowed.
Today was Monday, which was also Tatsumi's day off. So he was at his and Yaichi's spot, catching fish. His basket already filled halfway. He couldn't help but compare himself with Hinata who did the same thing.
"Have you gotten anything back?" Tatsumi asked, reeling in another fish.
"He said that he'll try to come out in spring." Yaichi watched the water.
Hinata had gone and moved away when he got his big break as an actor. Everyone was happy for him that his dream was coming true. Unfortunately, the theater that hired him was farther than the palanquin could take him. So he made the decision to move from Tsuyukusa over to the other town. It was a 5 hour trip to and back. Hinata hasn't forgotten them though, nearly everyone would get a letter from him every once and a while.
Tatsumi felt slight guilt when Hinata left if only because he was dating Nanami at the time.
They made the decision to break up so Hinata can go and make his dream come true.
"Whoa! Did everyone come to see me off?" Hinata chuckled as most of the town really did. They were at the trail where a carriage was already set to take him.
"Wah! I'm going to miss you!" Sumomo was already crying. Shizu tried calming her down.
"Ah don't worry Sumomo! I'll make sure you send you letters and some treats from where I'm going ok?" Hinata knelt down and patted her head.
"O-Ok." Sumomo hiccuped.
"I must say I am proud of the work you have done for me. As long as you don't shirk your responsibilities, I can see you going far." Moriya nodded.
"Thanks boss." Hinata bowed.
"Do well." Ittetsu said plainly.
"We will miss you Hinata. Don't skip your meals." Shizu mothered him. Hinata gave her a sheepish smile.
"I'll make sure to send a few of my pieces to your theater. That way you can at least remember me." Yuzuki laughed.
"Geez, it's not like I'm forgetting any of you." Hinata laughed.
Yaichi cried silently as Hinata patted his head. He put a hand on Tatsumi's shoulders.
"You might be young to run my stall but you'll be a good replacement, I'm sure of it. Just try not to flirt with all the girls ok?" Hinata teased.
"Very funny." Tatsumi shrugged off his hand while Hinata smiled proudly at him.
"Here's a bento from Omiyo and Umekichi." Yuzuki handed Hinata a wrapped up box.
"Oh thank you!" Hinata's stomach growled and everyone laughed.
"Oi! Wait for us!" Komari shouted with Kasumi, Ginjiro, and Nanami right behind her. "Good job Hinata! Yer going to be great!"
"Don't forget about us little people." Ginjiro guffawed.
"I'm not an A-lister!" Hinata laughed.
"I wish you the best." Kasumi bowed and Hinata bowed back. Nanami and him looked at each other.
"Take care ok?" Nanami smiled softly.
"Yeah." Hinata replied just as soft. Everyone was hoping they would stay together. Well, almost everyone.
At that time, Tatsumi was 15 and had applied to take over Hinata's position. It was a battle as his family wanted him to go to school. Kasumi had relented and agree to still teach him after work on the grounds that his grades don't slip. That's the good thing of having a teacher living near you.
Tatsumi was well into his adolescence and had already gone on a few dates with some girls that had passed through the town. Not that he wanted anything serious, most of them came to him. So along he went on a few dates before the girls dumped him. It wasn't entirely his fault as they were very insistent most of the time. He got a reputation of a heart breaker but he couldn't settle down. No, how could he?
He was head over heels for Nanami.
When everyone saw that that there was something that Hinata wanted to say to Nanami, the group dispersed, giving Hinata their final goodbyes. Tatsumi left with them, only to backtrack and eavesdrop on their conversation. Not exactly his smartest move but he was curious.
"So…you're still serious about our…break up?" He heard Hinata say.
"I just don't want you to feel guilty about being so far away and this is your big break! I don't want to hold you back." Nanami said. So it wasn't Hinata who initiated this but Nanami.
"You would have never held me back, you know that." Hinata took her hands in his. "I still love you."
Tatsumi really started to feel like this was a bad idea.
"I love you too…well, I don't want to keep you here too long. You have a long way to go." Nanami's voice trembled, nearly ended in a sob. Tatsumi looked from the bush he was hiding behind. Nanami was shaking. Hinata hugged her close and they stayed like that for a long time.
"I'll write." Hinata cleared his throat and Tatsumi saw Nanami nod. When Hinata took Nanami's face and leaned in for a kiss, he looked away. He felt extremely guilty for being happy that Hinata was leaving yet happy that he might have a chance.
Or maybe not, Tatsumi's little voice told him. You're still so young. She won't look at you the way she looks at Hinata, you really think you stand a chance? Tatsumi heard the hooves against the trail and knew that Hinata was leaving. He didn't dare move from his hiding spot as he heard Nanami descend into open sobbing.
Guilt and giddiness wound around in his heart. He loved Hinata as an older brother but was extremely jealous that he started dating Nanami.
'I heard you're dating Hinata now! Wow, to have someone as beautiful as you, I might get a little jealous! I'm kidding. I'm happy for you two.'
He was not kidding and his jealousy spiked when he heard Hinata was going to propose. Then this happened.
Needless to say, Tatsumi didn't get a wink of sleep that night.
Tatsumi was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Nanami inching her way closer to him.
"Boo!" She cried and Tatsumi got so startled he fell in the river.
"Ah! Cold, cold, cold!" Tatsumi cried out as Nanami both laughed and helped in out of the water. Yaichi was laughing too much to even try to help.
"Oh my Goddess, I'm so sorry!" Nanami laughed as Tatsumi was shivering and dripping wet.
"Yaichi! Why didn't you warn me?" He groaned to his brother.
"I couldn't resist." Yaichi chuckled.
"Ok, ok, that's enough laughing. Come on, I'll pay for you at the spa." Nanami offered and Tatsumi gladly took it.
"Yaichi! Take the fish to our home!" Tatsumi yelled, nearly forgetting about it. Nanami led him by his soaked robes over to the spa.
"I didn't think I'd scare you that much. What were you thinking about that you didn't even notice me?" Nanami giggled.
"Just things and the New Year." Tatsumi lied.
"Oh yeah, New Year is coming. Time to choose where to go. I remember how Hinata was so mad that I went to Westown years ago. Considering he's not here, maybe I should go to Lulukoko's." Nanami thought out loud.
'Maybe you can come with me to ours.' Tatsumi thought but kept to himself. They entered the spa and Nanami explained what happened with Tatsumi. She paid for his time in the hot springs and a change of clothes. Tatsumi was about to say no when Nanami stamped her foot down and didn't let him have a say.
"Oh no, this is my fault. I spooked you, I got you wet, I laughed at you," She giggled before clearing her throat, "I'm paying. Now go in there, wash up, and get something hot to drink. Shizu will kill me if you got sick."
"Ok, ok." Tatsumi chuckled. "Thank you Nanami."
"No problem. I'll see you later k?" Nanami waved him goodbye as she left. He went into the hot spring, trying to slowly raise his temperature instead of dunking right into the hot springs. After all, Kasumi said that the sudden temperature change might hurt his body. Tatsumi bathed with warm water before entering the spring. A few other townsfolk were already in there. He noticed Umekichi talking with a few of the older patrons.
Tatsumi put a cloth towel over his head and relaxed. His thoughts were adrift, switching from work, school, and home. Every once and a while his thoughts drifted to Nanami.
He groaned audibly. "What am I going to do?" He really wanted to get closer to her but had no way to do it. The best way to try is around New Year's but how can he convince her to go to Tsuyukusa?
He stayed in the spa so long that he nearly passed out from the heat.
"Let's see, soil has been worked on, all the animals has food, everything put away in the storage, I don't think I'm missing anything." Nanami mused, going through her mental checklist of her farm. It's been 3 years since her father gave his blessing and his respect. Since then it has all been about taking care of everything. Would she have liked to settle down and have a family? Of course. She would love to have that.
There were days that she wondered if she made the wrong choice in letting Hinata go.
She slapped her cheeks hard. "No, no, and no. No more thinking like that. That stuff can come later, right now, letters."
Nanami started on her way towards Westown. It was lightly snowing out in the farmland. She greeted Megan and Hector before reaching the town. She had declined taking in part time jobs and went straight to the post office. The door rang as several people were already in there.
"Top of the morning Ms. Nanami, I reckon you have more mail today?" Ethan wondered, finishing up weighing a box for another customer.
"You got me." Nanami giggled. "Three for my family and one for Hinata please." Ethan rang them up before she heard a few girls giggling as Wayne entered. He politely excused himself before giving a big smile.
"Nanami! Good morning. It's always nice to see your smile, bright and early." Wayne winked as he usually does. Nanami remember how it made her heart all a flutter before realizing that he was like that with all the girls. Then it almost got annoying, now it's more funny than anything.
"Morning to you too Wayne." Nanami payed Ethan.
"More mail to deliver to your sweetheart?" Wayne looked over her shoulder.
"Ha, ha, funny. You know Hinata and I broke up a long time ago. I just send him mail just to see how he's doing. I'm getting worried though, he hasn't responded in 3 months." Nanami sighed. "I guess maybe he doesn't want to be friends anymore?"
"Now who wouldn't want to be friends with you? You're the sweetest gal around." Wayne chuckled.
"It happens I guess. It would be weird to keep talking right? We should be moving on." Nanami reasoned. "There's no sense in staying in the past."
"You didn't separate on bad terms though. Perhaps he got caught up with work and all that. Don't you worry about it. You'll get wrinkles." Wayne poked Nanami in between her eyes.
"Rude! You are two years older than me Wayne, you're the one that needs to worry about eye wrinkles with all your winking." Nanami winked back at him which sent him laughing.
"You got me there." Wayne cleared his throat to stop from laughing.
"Wayne, you still have more deliveries." Ethan reminded him.
"I won't keep you then. See ya!" Nanami waved.
"Oh Nanami, will you be coming to our New Year's party?" Wayne stopped her from opening the door and looking down. It irks Nanami that he was a good size taller than her.
"I'm thinking of going over to Lulukoko's festival actually. I haven't been there for a while." Nanami mentioned.
"Aww. Well, you'll be in my thoughts." Wayne chuckled.
"Uh huh. See ya Wayne." Nanami bundled up before going out. Wayne went out to fill his bag and Ethan gave him a raised eyebrow.
"So why haven't you hooked up with her yet hm?" Ethan asked.
"With Nanami? I think you're getting it wrong. She's only a very good friend, almost like a sister." Wayne chuckled.
"She seems to handle you well enough but if you insist." Ethan shrugged before going over to the other customers. Wayne shook his head before going out back into the cold. No, that ship sailed and gone. He wouldn't want to ruin want they have now either. Wayne would find another lady in his life eventually.
It was the night of New Year's and Tatsumi was almost banging his head against the post in his home. He still didn't know how to invite Nanami to the New Year's celebration. Why is this so hard!?
"Tatsumi?" Shizu wondered. "Is something wrong?"
"It's nothing mother. I'm going out." Tatsumi opened the door and walked out. By now all the snow has slowly retreated and some warm air has passed by. Still didn't stop being chilly though. Ok, time to man up! He was going to march straight into Nanami's farm and ask her to go with him to the New Year here in Tsuyukusa!
"Tatsumi?" He turned around and there she was. Tatsumi wondered if Inari is laughing at him right now.
At the shrine, Inari sneezes
"Nanami! Why are you still out so late at night?" Tatsumi chuckled weakly. Nanami giggled and Tatsumi felt his face getting hot and why does that have to happen all the time? Oh right, feelings.
"I just thought I would leave an offering at the shrine. I kinda got carried away with fixing up the farm for the next season so I couldn't do it earlier." Nanami sheepishly chuckled.
Now that Tatsumi noticed, she did have a few specks of dirt on her cheek, her clothes are also on the dirty side. She probably came running from her farm as soon as she was done. Let the jury witness that Tatsumi didn't care even if she rolled in dirt, he still liked her.
"If you want, I can take you there." Tatsumi offered.
"It's ok, I don't want to trouble you." Nanami politely declined.
"You know you wouldn't. Come on." Tatsumi still offered. Nanami couldn't say no to that. Tatsumi and Nanami went with mild conversation. How the shops went, about how Komari and Nanami wrestled in the spa and got banned for a week, Nanami's training with Haulani, and Tatsumi's growing fanbase.
"I actually forgot to tell you some of your groupies caught me one time." Nanami sighed.
"Groupies?" Tatsumi raised his eyebrow.
"Oh excuse me, I mean fangirls." Nanami laughed.
"They don't leave me alone. I don't know how Wayne is able to handle his. The more I'm polite, the more they come." Tatsumi moaned.
"Most girls really like gentlemen. Not only that, the way Wayne goes about saying things kinda makes things worse. Ford always tells me he's a shameless flirt but he's being nice. You're not like him though. You don't flirt but you are kind. Sometimes girls confuse that kindness." Nanami explained.
"You don't right?" Tatsumi fidgeted with his scarf.
"What? No of course not. I've known you for a really long time now. I think I have a handle on your personality. Of course I still remember when you were tiny, calling me beautiful, saying 'I like you,' everywhere." Nanami giggled. Tatsumi wasn't sure what to make of that. Of course he's happy she remembers but it seems that Nanami didn't take him seriously.
He wonders how to make that different. He grew taller, looks like a man, his voice even deepened! Even so, Nanami still saw him as the young boy from all those years ago.
F-!
"Here we go." Nanami jogged toward the shrine. She took out a small napkin with a fresh looking napa cabbage and put it on the altar. "I hope that we have a good spring next year." Nanami clapped before putting her hands in prayer. Tatsumi just watched, making his own prayers earlier in the day.
"Another year gone…" Tatsumi breathed out. "Time sure flies."
"That it does. I can still remember when you used to offer to escort me at night. How did you say it? 'Let me take you home, don't be shy?' Then you would offer your arm all cutely like a little man." Nanami giggled.
"Quit it! Just thinking about it makes me so embarrassed!" Tatsumi pulled up his scarf to try to hide his face. It was too small though and only covered his lower half.
"Oh embarrassed are we? Ne, ne?" Nanami poked him on his side. "Hey I remember where your ticklish side is!"
"No, don't!"
As she chased him around the snow near the shrine, the cabbage vanished from its place. They soon starting snowballs at each other with the last of the snow, the moonlight making sure it wasn't that dark.
Nanami shivered as she checked her watch. "Damn, it got so late." Tatsumi chuckled before getting up, hugging himself as he shivered. "Well, we need to be getting home. I don't want your mom to worry."
"She's fine with me staying out late but you're right. You don't need me to go with you?" Tatsumi wondered.
"You're going to give me your arm again?" Nanami teased and his face got hot. She laughed. "Ok, that's enough teasing. Good night Tatsumi."
"Oh wait, I think you got mud on your face." Tatsumi walked in front of her. Sure enough, a glob was on her face.
"Oh boy, this is going to be a late bath." She tried wiping it but only got part of it off.
"Here, let me." Tatsumi gathered his long sleeved and tipped her chin up, wiping the mud off her cheek. He found himself looking down at her. He remember a stupid promise to himself that he would confess when he got taller but the time came and went, so far, nothing. Then he realized that his hands are lingering far longer than he wanted. "Oh! Sorry!"
Nanami smiled with warmth at him but he recognized that smile. She still didn't see him as he was now.
"Good night Tatsumi." Nanami did a small bow before making her way home.
"Nanami." Tatsumi called out and she turned back.
"Please come to New Years with me." He blurted and she cocked her head in confusion. "Wait, not exactly with me! It's more like with the town and everyone! I mean, I would like you to be there when we make mochi but you won't have to do the hammering all the time. I'm going to be doing it too but its-"
"Tatsumi, you're rambling." Nanami chuckled. "Well, if you feel that strongly. I guess I'll go. I'll see you tomorrow then." She waved as she began walking. Tatsumi made sure that she was far away enough before he shouted in happiness.
"Yes! Thank you Inari for making his come true! Now…if only you can give me the opportunity to come closer to Nanami. Then maybe…maybe I can confess." Tatsumi whispered the last part before running to his home.
Inari just stood in front of the shrine, his mouth gaping open.
"I must tell the others!"
This is not necessarily my first story. I have an account that's about 12 years old but I really don't want others to think I'm slacking off on some of my major projects so I decided to open this up.
Welcome everyone! I had this story running in my head for a while. I noticed how Tatsumi would say a few things here and there about the female character that I picked up on as a sorta crush, then this happened! So I decided to roll with it. I'll try to update weekly. I also have two other harvest moon ideas coming up so we'll see how those goes!
I will be grateful for any reviews :3