"Hayate, w-wait…"
Hayate turned around - and what he saw was Hinagiku calling him, struggling as she walks, but looking determined despite the difficulties – just one of the things he admired her for. And looking at her bulging stomach, one can understand why she'struggling. With his face reddening and suddenly feeling his temperature seemingly rising a few points, Hayate quickly went to her side.
"Sorry. I must be walking too fast and didn't realize it….I am really sorry, Hinagiku…"
And much to his embarrassment, though she was breathing heavily she still managed a small smile.
"...It's…it's okay…I'm just don't want to lose you in the crowd."
"Geez, son. You should know that pregnant women got tired easily."
Both of them almost jumped as the radiant face of one Mrs. Katsura appeared between them suddenly.
"Sorry, okaa-sama."
"Well, since today it's Hina's birthday, don't mess up! Anyway, can we get some food now? I'm pretty starving." The older women chuckled at his hasty apology; her son-in-law, after all these years, is still the same, easy to apologize and to forgive.
"Sure, kaa-san. In fact, it will be our treat." An interjection from her daughter had her beaming – but still she had the decency to ask,
"Hm? Will it be okay…?"
"Yes, mother."
"Thanks for the birthday treat, then, my dear."
'Hinagiku's Birthday…' Hayate thought as he watched the mother and daughter – which he allowed to walk ahead of him – chat happily.
"Hayate, what's the matter…?" Hinagiku turned around along with her attention towards him. As expected, there's a considerable amount of worry on her face – a habit of hers from a long time ago which, he did not doubt was coming from seeing his miserable-looking face almost all the time. Looking back, perhaps he should've been grateful for , even.
"It's nothing."
He let out a rather dry laugh which did nothing to hide the obvious as he walked towards the pair.
"So, shall we continue walking?"
"Sure. But…slowly, okay? Hina's having a pretty hard time catching up with me, of all know, this baby will be my first grandchild, so I want you to take a good care of it, both of you."
"Sure, okaa-sama."
'…Hinagiku can be pretty vulnerable sometimes. Like now….and….'
"Are you sure you're okay, Hayate? You seemed to be lost in thought."
Ah. There's that face again…
"I'm fine, Hinagiku. Really."
"….Okay, then. Let's go…"
As for that night's event, it was Hakuou Academy's Hinamatsuri Festival, which is held every year with many former students still attending the event. And to both of them, the festival is of a special significance.
"Wow! The food's great!" Mrs. Katsura took a bite of a takoyaki and squealed in joy. Closely behind her was Hinagiku, with Hayate himself once again walking behind her.
"Hey. Why are you walking behind me? Is something the matter?"
"From here I can watch you two better if something happened."
The casual reply seems to be convincing enough for her, as she nodded and resumed walking. But not to Mrs. Katsura, who Hayate noticed is sighing in resignation before making her move towards him.
"Excuse us for a while, Hina." Mrs. Katsura said as he pulled Hayate with her, leaving the confused – and still worried - Hinagiku.
"Geez, what's the matter with you, son? Everybody knows if you want to keep an eye on somebody you gotta walk beside them! You want to make her sad on her birthday?!"
Noting his expression a brief surprise before turning into something similar to guilt – the one her Hina-chan often make in the past for petty reasons - Mrs. Katsura waited a brief moment before Hayate made his reply.
"…It's just there's…something that feels wrong, mother."
"…Wrong…?"
"…..Yes."
Mrs. Katsura's lip puckered. "Hm. Seems like this is going to be a long talk; but Hina's waiting. Oh well, I'll figure it out eventually, so let's just go back."
"Okay." Hayate felt no relief at that as Mrs. Katsura pulled him away once again back to Hinagiku's side.
"What are you talking about…?" Hinagiku asked curiously.
"Nothing really."
It was just a prompt reply, and Hinagiku wanted to ask further but Mrs. Katsura quickly interjected.
"Ah! Look! Those children are really cute!" she pointed to a group of little girls. "Aaah, I hope your baby will be a girl, Hina."
Hinagiku shook her head, chuckled and decided to let the sudden change of focus off the hook.
"We already told you, kaa-san, the baby would be a boy."
"Oh…yeah! You are right! And…what was his name again?"
"Hayate decided on naming him , isn't it?"
Smiling warmly at her daughter's beaming enthusiasm, Mrs. Katsura next inquiry was directed at Hayate.
"Why did you name him so? I'm curious…is it because it's related to wind like your name, Hayate-kun?"
"Ah, you see, okaa-sama, it's because I want him to be like a storm that can break any obstacle. While I was named Hayate so I could run away from debt collectors, I don't want my son to be like that. So I named him Arashi. With that I hope he'll be stronger than me."
"Hee. Stronger than you-? My, Hayate-kun, I swear you didn't realize how strong you are - Ah, expecting a baby…must be a really happy experience, huh? And then trying to find a good name for them; names carries the hopes of parents to their children."
The dreamy look at her face managed to cause Hayate and Hinagiku looked at her a little sadly; because they know she never experienced of the reason she adopted the Katsura sisters was, unfortunately, the fact that she were incapable of having children of her own.
"Kaa-san, you can decide on the name of our second child in the future. Your hope can be our hope too." Hinagiku offered the only consolation – which her mother might not need actually – she could think of to her mother's situation.
"Thank you, dear. But hope isn't limited to mere names, you know. Well then, since you already made that offer, I will prepare a good name, then. I promise."
"You are welcome, kaa-san."
"Hmm…what now? Oh, want to see the dolls? It's been a long time since I last saw those." Mrs. Katsura suggested; and Hayate and Hinagiku pretty much just agreed with her.
The dolls, as tradition dictated, were placed on a massive seven-tiered platform, in the middle of the school yard. To those fortunate enough to ever attend, to say this was a mere main spectacle is an understatement. This is the soul of the festival, and the school board of directors knows that and held it in high it shows – the admirers are flocking to it.
And Mrs. Katsura happens to be one of them. Hayate himself isn't too keen on looking, as he still can't get the trauma of the cursed dolls that once troubled him off his head.
"Wonderful…"
"Yes, they are…." Hinagiku concurred as the two of them looked at the dolls, amidst the crowd of other little girls. "Haha, Back then I always wanted to marry a prince and become an empress just like that ohime-sama at the every little girls got to dream of that sometime in their life, huh?"
Mrs. Katsura went silent for a moment after he saw another strange look on Hayate's face as he overheard them. She then sighed and brought her lips to close proximity of Hinagiku's ears.
"Umm, Hina-chan, I think you need to speak to Hayate-kun alone."
"Huh…?"
Mrs. Katsura nodded. "Obviously something is bothering his mind. Please talk to him about it; things left unsaid often lead to disaster. You know that."
Still confused but wholeheartedly agreeing with that remark, Hinagiku nodded weakly, and she walked towards Hayate – who much to her dread – actually looked a little frightened.
"Hayate."
The words, his name, that was coming out from her lips left Hayate cold – as was the words that were coming after it.
"Let's go somewhere. I…we need to talk."
Left alone as she watched the two moving a bit further from her and the crowd around her, Mrs. Katsura treats herself to a little thought.
'Bad luck? Or good luck? Surely it can't be a bad luck; not after I forgot to put the dolls away after 4th of March. Ah…Yes, I will do this again.'
She then closed her eyes, clapped her palms together and started praying.
Meanwhile, Hinagiku took Hayate somewhere quiet. They sat on a bench, which happens to be overlooking the clock tower.
"Wh-what is it, Hinagiku…?"
"What happened to you, Hayate? This is my first birthday together with you after..After we're married. What's troubling you?"
'…she knew it.'
"Nothing…"
The reply – so unsure it has to be a lie – left Hinagiku twitching, but she tried to keep herself calm because her heartbeat is starting to go at an unhealthy rate.
"No, don't lie to me, Hayate." She said, before adding, "…Please."
"…"
Noting the lack of immediate reply, Hinagiku sighed, and turned her head away.
"I thought….we're already managed to be…honest to each other."
"I…..I am sorry."
"What are you sorry for?"
Slightly distressed as Hinagiku didn't turn her head when she asked her question, Hayate rose from his seat and stood before her.
"I've been thinking about this a lot, especially during the days leading up to this day…."
"What?"
"I can't really get that feeling off my head….."
"…What,what is it…?
"The feeling that…" A brief pause, "…That I hurt you a lot…That I am an insensitive jerk. I…just realized, even though I always said 'sorry' afterward, it became pointless. And now it's…hard for me to say it again…"
Hinagiku finally turned her head to him, and Hayate flinched as her eyes pierced straight at him – yet they seem to be so forgiving.
"….It's true. You've hurt me a lot in the past."
"Yet, you were always there for me. And when I realized it…it feels like…it hurts me too."
Letting a small, almost unseen smile, Hinagiku tried to rose from her seat with great difficulty, prompting Hayate to come to her assistance. There being held like that reminds her of how protected she felt when he did so, though much to her disappointment he let her go afterwards.
"So….you're saying you still feel guilty for those… ."
"…"
"Please, don't keep your troubles to yourself, Hayate. We are in the same boat…if you got yourself it sinking, I will be too."
With this she gave him a hug, not too tight because of her condition, and rested her head on his chest. A short while later, he returned the hug, even though with a little reservation.
"The feeling that I'm not worthy for your love sometimes came back too, Hinagiku."
"…"
"I feel I can't be the best for you…. I wanted to give you a great present today, but…I can't afford fancy things or maybe anything you ever wanted. I…"
Hayate stopped at that point. Hinagiku wanted to raise her head and look at him in the eyes, but her eyes are filled with tears.
"…am afraid. I'm afraid I will only hurt you in years to come. I'm always afraid that you hate me."
Hinagiku gently lets Hayate go. He just froze in place, and his head was down like her. Like a child before his mother, he was filled with guilt and shame.
"If you put on a face like that…"
Hayate looked up and looked at her face. She actually smiled.
"Hina-"
"Your life will take a sour turn."
"But I-…."
"I always wanted to thank you deeply, Hayate."
"Wh-why…?"
"Because each day I've spent together with you filled me with happiness, little by little."
Mildly amused by the incredulity of his response, Hinagiku took his hands in hers.
"I…I…"
"I can be content with small things you gave me because I know I could enjoy them in earnest."
"Hinagiku…"
"And thus, I am not afraid of getting hurt. You will make it up to me. Just….one thing I ask of you, Hayate."
"Wh-what would it be? I will do anything for you…."
"I want to be able to do the same for you."
"Wha-what do you mean, Hinagiku?
"I have nothing much to give too, but I can do this much."
Not giving time for him to react, Hinagiku pulled Hayate closer and gave him a kiss on his cheek.
It was brief, but apparently the impact on Hayate was quite obvious; he spent the next few minutes caressing his cheek while his face seemed to be locked in a very surprised expression, while Hinagiku looked on, redfaced, but amused.
"Ahaahaha~"
"…why are you laughing?"
"That makes you happy, so I will give it to you every day. Your face right now is really funny! Oh, stop making that face already! Hahahahahaha! Come on now, it's just an ordinary kiss!"
"E-easy there, you are pregnant!"
"Hahahaaa~Well, I feel much lighter. Anyway, you got my point, do you?"
"…I thought…that's always embarrassing for you, Hinagiku. Kissing someone, that is."
"Hmm, I guess I just tell you this now," Hinagiku said as she went to the bench again and took a seat. She still giggled quite a bit – a rather unusual sight when it came from her.
"What is it?"
"Kaa=san once told me that before marriage is the time to be realistic, you see – that means I have to learn to see and accept you for who you really are. And I did, you know. I already told you, right?"
"I…I know that. I do realize that."
"And thus, she said, it wasn't the time to be lovey-dovey."
Hayate scratched his head. It was true, he thought. They were never particularly at that time he dismissed it as a mere embarrassment on he part and he was not too keen to impose on that.
"So, she said if you want to go lovey-dovey all-out, do it after marriage."
"So you're saying…."
"Yes, that's my point exactly."
Hayate turned red at the suggestion, and strangely Hinagiku blushed too.
"…I….I can't really do that now! It's kinda hard!"
Seeing his child-like expression, Hinagiku giggled again.
"Well then, why don't you start calling me Hina for a start? Everyone dear to me calls me Hina." She suggested with a meaningful smile. Hayate stopped fidgeting and smiled back. Carefully and nervously he uttered the words, much to her delight.
"Hina."
"Just remember not to call me 'Hina-tan!'"
"O-okay! From now on, I will call you Hina. Uh, can I add 'honey' or the like?"
"Slow down, slow down, Hayate. We still got plenty of time to learn."
"Ri-right. Le'ts go back to mother…I think she's still waiting for us." Hayate said, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Sure."
As Hinagiku gave her reply, she extended her right hand, and Hayate immediately took it to help her rise.
"Oh my." Mrs. Katsura looked on with joy when she saw Hayate and Hinagiku returning, walking arm in arm.
"Thanks kaa-san." Hinagiku said when they arrived at her place.
"You're welcome, dear." She replied, before turning her attention to Hayate, who now looked in a considerably better mood.
"And I always know you will be the one, son. I cannot imagine anyone else."
"Thank you, okaa-sama." Hayate replied courteously though he felt his cheeks reddening again.
"So, in the end, I guess everyone is happy. Now, that's the true meaning of Hinamatsuri, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, kaa-san."
"Ah, you know, I always prayed for you, so that your life now and in the future will be filled with happiness. I suppose it didn't go in vain."
Hinagiku released herself from Hayate and went to hug Mrs. Katsura.
"It didn't. Thank you for everything, kaa-san. It means so much for us, especially when we still got along way ahead."
"No problem, dear. Not a problem at all. Anyway, I also prayed for your growth. It seems they're decent enough now?" Mrs. Katsura whispered cheekily. "Yes, I was talking about 'that'."
"Kaa-san! What are you blurting about?"
"Geez, Hina, I was joking, you know. I can't really stand serious talks."
"Aw, kaa-san. Seriously." Hinagiku pouted. Mrs. Katsura gleefully gave her cheeks a pinch.
"Aaah~just like the little Hina I know. Yes, some things should never change."
"Yes, they should not."
"I'm glad things were like that. And Yuki's finally going to get married too – I can't wait."
"In June too, wasn't it?"
"Yes, just like you. It seems she is still a bit bitter because you married first."
Hinagiku laughed. "Silly onee-chan."
"Oh, I just remembered something! Hayate-kun, come here~"
"Yes, okaa-sama?" Hayate went to the mother and daughter.
"You know, I met with Hina-chan's old friends from this school while you two were gone. They said they want Hina to sing today. What do you think? It's for the celebration, they said. What say you?"
"NO!" Hinagiku ardently refused.
"But they said there will be no costumes today…well…I guess."
"It's still a big no!" With a face as red as a tomato, Hinagiku vigorously shake her head.
"How about I sing instead?" Hayate suggested casually. Mrs. Katsura and Hinagiku looked at him somewhat disbelievingly.
"Now that's a good idea!" a black-haired woman appeared out of nowhere, and her voice was loud enough to send the three of them jumping. "I came here to check on you guys, but Hayata-kun here had an even better suggestion, I see."
"Hey, Risa, are you sure about-" Hinagiku wanted to interject, but Risa kept talking anyway.
"So, Hayata-kun, are you ready to take the audience and the world by storm?"
"Actually I was just joking but –"
"Nonsense! Hey Hina, you want to hear Hayata singing right?"
Looking at Hayate suddenly tense face, Hinagiku pondered briefly.
"I guess I do." She finally replied, much to his disbelief.
"Wha-but Hina, I-"
"You said you will do anything for me." She replied gently.
"Can he wear cat ears too?" Mrs. Katsura asked.
'Sure, ma'am. Perhaps even a frilly dress as well." Risa replied, clearly enjoying the idea.
"Ahem."
"Err…Maybe not. Anyway, let's go! It's already late!"
"Wa-wait, Asakaze-san – don't drag me like this!"
Hinagiku shrugged while Mrs. Katsura puts her hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"All's well that ends well, Hina?"
To this, Hinagiku only smiled contently as her silent agreement.
