Author's note: I wrote this on a whim haha, but I really like Hitomi! This story will update rather irregularly.
Hitomi Shizuki, daughter of the wealthy and successful business owner of Shizuki Corporations and a respectable specimen of refined talent, grace, and finesse, ran into Kyouko Sakura on the streets - quite literally.
It was an otherwise typical day for the girl. It was a Friday, a day in which she receives a reprieve from the many lessons she's required to take as respectable lady that takes up so much of her time. She would usually try to spend time with her friends, Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki, but if unable, she would return home and indulge in her favorite book, or play her favorite piano piece on her 9-foot grand piano, or whatever. She treasured the opportunities this day provides.
On one particular day after school, Hitomi decided to use her free time not to do anything special, but to just relax. It was quite a stressful week at school after all.
Hitomi walked leisurely through the streets of Mitakihara, enjoying the cool breeze of the early spring and the gentle warmth of the sunlight on her skin. She passed by a fancy window display of a shoe shop, and stopped briefly to inspect the commodities on display. It was a pricey store, and the little tags on the shoes certainly reflected that.
Oh that one looks nice! Hitomi thought as she stared. But geez, even with the money I have, I wouldn't buy it. Those heels can't be practical anyway.
It was while the young heiress was lost in her thoughts when she abruptly met one Kyouko Sakura.
Hitomi heard a shout to her side, and some rapid footsteps along with it.
"Yo, pretty girl with the green hair! Get out-a the way!"
She barely had time to turn her head towards the commotion before the running redhead slammed into her with a mighty force. She gave a surprised yelp as she dropped unceremoniously to the ground, her school bag flying out of her hands.
The two girls briefly laid in a huddled mess, Kyouko splayed overtop Hitomi.
"Dammit!" Kyouko said while quickly getting up. "Hey, I told you to watch it!"
But the redhead froze when she felt a hard hand on her shoulder. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
"You're the one who should watch it, punk!" The new voice boomed. Hitomi glanced upwards from her position on the ground. The voice belonged to a beefy man, with large muscles on his arm and down his neck and shoulders. He was wearing an apron, and he sported a thick moustache and a bald head. His face was sweaty and red from running. "You're gonna pay for what you stole from my store, plus extra!"
It was then that Hitomi noticed a plastic bag on the ground, which had fallen near her backpack. She immediately understood the situation.
"Leave me the hell alone!" Kyouko squirmed in the grasp of the man.
Hitomi stood up, brushed her clothes off, and cleared her throat, loudly.
"Ahem! Excuse me!" Both Kyouko and the man stopped, and turned to see her picking up the plastic bag from the ground. "I believe this belongs to someone."
"This rat stole those from my store!"
"No I didn't! He's lyin'!"
Hitomi looked at the redhead. She was wearing a frayed blue-green jacket and tattered shorts. Her boots were worn, with a hole near the big toe of the right foot. Her face was grimy and sweaty, but her eyes were a vibrant, piercing red.
Hitomi thought she seemed about the same age as herself. It was clear that she was homeless, and that she attempted to steal from the older man's store. This was clearly unacceptable to the green haired girl, but as she looked into those red eyes, she felt a sense of pity.
"I see." Hitomi said. She stepped forward towards the two, ignoring the slight pain in her rear. She faced the older man. "Sir, if I may, I could pay for these items on behalf of this girl."
"Hey I didn't ask for your help!" Kyouko shouted. Hitomi deftly ignored her.
"Hm… I really want her to pay," the man said, directing an angry glare at the redhead, who was still trying to squirm out of his tight grip. "But I suppose she wouldn't be able to anyway."
The transaction was quick. Hitomi brought out some cash, most likely much more than necessary, but she didn't mind. She handed it to the man, who stuffed it into a pocket of his apron, one hand still restraining Kyouko.
"I better not see you again, street rat." The man finally released her, very rudely and with a slight shove. He walked off into the distance.
"Geez, look who's got a pole up their ass." Kyouko rubbed her arm where the man held her.
"Ahem. I believe these are yours now." Hitomi raised the plastic bag slightly, and it was quickly snatched from her hands.
"If weren't for you, I wouldn't 'ave been in that freaking mess."
Hitomi was taken back by the response. "And that's the thanks I get for helping you?"
"I don't need help from you, or anybody."
I can't believe this girl! Hitomi thought.
"Well I helped you anyway. I paid for the things you stole and got that man off your back. Regardless, you owe me."
"Tch…" Kyouko scoffed and turned her head to the side. She hates being indebted to someone - her gut burned at the very thought - but she knew that was the truth.
Maybe I should just run away right now…
"I know you won't be able to repay me with money, so please, I ask that you follow me." Hitomi started walking away.
Dammit! What should I do?
Her fists balled and her teeth and toes clenched. She watched the green haired girl walk further away, and after a moment of hesitation, her feet stepped forward in reluctant pursuit.
The two girls sat at a round table outside a cafe, facing each other. Hitomi was sitting properly - back straight, feet flat, hands folded on her lap - as she watched other girl slouching in her chair and grumbling under her breath.
"Please, would you tell me your name?"
"...Kyouko Sakura." The redhead said quickly, after a slight hesitation.
"I'm Hitomi Shizuki. Nice to meet you, Sakura-san."
"Hmpf. Sure." The name Shizuki sounded familiar to Kyouko, as it should. The successful company is widely known throughout Japan.
Well, must be an important name if I think I know it. She does look the rich-girl type. Sheesh I really hate her guts right now.
"Tell me, if you would, why'd you steal from that man's store?" Hitomi wasn't very sure what she was doing. The situation was very awkward for her. All she knew is that this girl in front of her needs help. Lots of it.
My father, in all of his successful enterprises, is known for his philanthropy. If I can't help a single person on the street, how can I live up to the Shizuki name?
"I'm a homeless girl on the streets. What else am I gonna do?"
The conversation stopped then. The two sat awkwardly in silence for several minutes. Hitomi couldn't help glancing off to the side, drumming her fingers, or tapping her big toe. Kyouko was still, hands in her jacket pockets.
"Your drinks, ma'am." The waiter had arrived, and placed two cups of tea in front of each girl.
"Thank you, sir." Hitomi said, relieved at the brief break in silence and at the chance to do something. She gracefully raised the cup to her soft lips, blew gently, and took a small sip.
Kyouko was not so graceful. She picked up the cup and took a large gulp, but quickly spit it back into the cup.
"HOT! HOT!" She sputtered, and fanned herself with her hand.
Hitomi stared incredulously at the girl as she calmed down. Then, so suddenly and unexpectedly did it come that Hitomi herself was surprised, a small laugh escaped her lips.
"Shut up…" Kyouko said and blushed furiously at the laughter.
Hitomi quickly put a hand over her mouth. "I'm so sorry! That was um… impolite of me."
"Damn right."
"But come on - it was quite funny."
"Yeah yeah laugh it up." Kyouko turned her head to the side.
I can't believe I made myself a fool in front of her. This day's just getting worse by the second.
But that laugh was exactly what was needed to break the tension in the air. Hitomi, now comfortable, took another sip of tea.
"So Sakura-san, is there a reason why you're homeless?"
"Heh, you're pretty straightforward, aren't ya?"
"Well… I suppose that is a rude question to ask right off the bat." Hitomi decisively put down her teacup. She knew what she wanted to do. "Sakura-san, I ask that you please stay with me at my home for the time being."
"Eh?" Kyouko dropped open slightly in surprise.
"My family is well-off, and I would be happy to arrange accommodations for you at my home."
"Wait. Hold up. How do you know I don't already have a place to stay?"
Hitomi raised an eyebrow. "Do you?"
"Well…" Kyouko thought back to a dingy, abandoned building, with peeling walls, leaky ceiling, and several other smelly guys milling around a makeshift fire.
"As I thought. So please, will you take my offer?"
Kyouko let out a deep sigh. "Like I said before, I don't need help from anybody. I live for myself, and honestly, you should too. Take it from me - helping other people doesn't get ya anything."
Hitomi was unfazed. "Take it from me - helping others is the right thing to do, and very rewarding."
The two girls sat in silence once again, staring at each other in a contest of will. Hitomi was sure she would break away from those piercing, red eyes. But a lady let's her opinions be known clearly and stuck to them, so that's just what she did.
It was Kyouko who eventually turned her face away. Staring into those gentle, green eyes and that soft face, resolute in her beliefs, the redhead was reminded of something, a feeling from long ago...
"Fine, I'll crash at your place. I s'pose some free food and a comfy place to sleep ain't so bad."
"I'm glad you accepted my offer." Hitomi stood up from the table. "Well, why don't we get going then?"
"M'kay." Kyouko said with another sigh. I can't believe I'm actually doin' this.
She got up, and together, the two girls set off.