A/N: This was inspired by Murasaki Shikibu's "Tale of Genji", which is generally taken to be the world's first novel. I was reading, and I saw the word "shinobu" in one of the notes. As it turns out, shinobu is actually a fern; however, it can also convey the meaning, "remember fondly". I thought this was quite interesting. Therefore. . .
"Remember Me Fondly"
I'm leaving, everyone. I hate to have to break it to you at all, and I'm so scared to. We're like a family here; everyone at Hinata is more of a family to me than my own is, to tell the truth. But, with families come partings, right?
I didn't make it into Tokyo U. I never really expected to; it was a dream so far up in the stars that no spaceship could have ever reached it. But I did make it into university. The only problem is that it's not anywhere near Tokyo. It's far away, and that means I have to go. And that means that I'll be away from all you.
I want you all to remember me. Don't forget, don't ever forget little Shinobu with the big eyes. If you remember only one thing, remember the meals I made for all of you. I was always proud of being one of the best, if not the actual best, cooks at Hinata. I will miss you all so much.
Keitaro. . . I had a crush on you for so long. I probably still do, in fact. If it weren't for you, I would have never made it into university. You inspired me and kept me going, and most of all you made me laugh. Thank you, sempai.
Naru - please be nice to Keitaro. He loves you, you love him, so don't beat him up too badly. He can't help being klutzy, after all. I have to thank you, too, for helping me with my studying. You were the best tutor a girl could ask for, especially one as dumb as me.
Mutsumi. Ah, Mutsumi, the smartest ditz I'll ever meet. Stay as happy as you always are. I know you're in Okinawa half the time, but when you're visiting Keitaro and Naru and all the tenants at Hinata, you make everything sparkle. Stay sparkly.
As for Motoko, just don't hurt anyone too much while you're training. I can't forget the time you almost accidentally lopped my head off with that sword of yours. That, and I will never forget that maid's outfit. It still makes me grin. But don't worry - I love you just the way you are, even if you're not the paragon of femininity. You're our Motoko, and that's all I or anyone else can ask for.
Kaolla and Sara - you two go together, like you always have. Please don't blow up the Hinata House. I want something to come back to and visit on vacations.
Don't drink too much, Kitsune.
Seta, Haruka, I give you my best. That and I give Seta lots of band-aids, because I think he gets hurt more often than even Keitaro. It's a dubious honor, but I will never forget the bloody entrances that are his trademark.
Tama-chan, you were the best turtle a girl could have for a friend. Myuh.
I will never forget any of you. Not ever. You will always be nestled in my heart. And I will be back, I promise. I'll visit on vacations and everything, and who knows - maybe I'll even come back to Tokyo after school. I want to go visit Nyamo too, but I'll always return to Hinata in the end. So just be there for me, everyone. Somehow you're all still gathered there, all living at Hinata House just like we did for years, and I'm the only one leaving our little home. So stay, because then I come back home.
And don't you ever forget me. Please, remember me. I couldn't bear if any of you forgot to think about me every once in a while. I don't care if your thoughts are only "thank the kami, she's gone!" - although I'd prefer they were fonder remembrances. I love you all, and I'll miss you. Sayonara.
:::al sukoto:::
:::never forget:::
"Remember Me Fondly"
I'm leaving, everyone. I hate to have to break it to you at all, and I'm so scared to. We're like a family here; everyone at Hinata is more of a family to me than my own is, to tell the truth. But, with families come partings, right?
I didn't make it into Tokyo U. I never really expected to; it was a dream so far up in the stars that no spaceship could have ever reached it. But I did make it into university. The only problem is that it's not anywhere near Tokyo. It's far away, and that means I have to go. And that means that I'll be away from all you.
I want you all to remember me. Don't forget, don't ever forget little Shinobu with the big eyes. If you remember only one thing, remember the meals I made for all of you. I was always proud of being one of the best, if not the actual best, cooks at Hinata. I will miss you all so much.
Keitaro. . . I had a crush on you for so long. I probably still do, in fact. If it weren't for you, I would have never made it into university. You inspired me and kept me going, and most of all you made me laugh. Thank you, sempai.
Naru - please be nice to Keitaro. He loves you, you love him, so don't beat him up too badly. He can't help being klutzy, after all. I have to thank you, too, for helping me with my studying. You were the best tutor a girl could ask for, especially one as dumb as me.
Mutsumi. Ah, Mutsumi, the smartest ditz I'll ever meet. Stay as happy as you always are. I know you're in Okinawa half the time, but when you're visiting Keitaro and Naru and all the tenants at Hinata, you make everything sparkle. Stay sparkly.
As for Motoko, just don't hurt anyone too much while you're training. I can't forget the time you almost accidentally lopped my head off with that sword of yours. That, and I will never forget that maid's outfit. It still makes me grin. But don't worry - I love you just the way you are, even if you're not the paragon of femininity. You're our Motoko, and that's all I or anyone else can ask for.
Kaolla and Sara - you two go together, like you always have. Please don't blow up the Hinata House. I want something to come back to and visit on vacations.
Don't drink too much, Kitsune.
Seta, Haruka, I give you my best. That and I give Seta lots of band-aids, because I think he gets hurt more often than even Keitaro. It's a dubious honor, but I will never forget the bloody entrances that are his trademark.
Tama-chan, you were the best turtle a girl could have for a friend. Myuh.
I will never forget any of you. Not ever. You will always be nestled in my heart. And I will be back, I promise. I'll visit on vacations and everything, and who knows - maybe I'll even come back to Tokyo after school. I want to go visit Nyamo too, but I'll always return to Hinata in the end. So just be there for me, everyone. Somehow you're all still gathered there, all living at Hinata House just like we did for years, and I'm the only one leaving our little home. So stay, because then I come back home.
And don't you ever forget me. Please, remember me. I couldn't bear if any of you forgot to think about me every once in a while. I don't care if your thoughts are only "thank the kami, she's gone!" - although I'd prefer they were fonder remembrances. I love you all, and I'll miss you. Sayonara.
:::al sukoto:::
:::never forget:::