A/N: Quick note! Thanks, Loveblooms891, for your review. I hope I fixed everything. I even addressed the changing perspective issue, without interrupting the flow of the story. I hope you approve!
After dinner, I thought I would finally have my chance. We all moved to the living room, chatting aimlessly. After another hour of this mindlessness, Jin left, and Michiru and Himeka went to bed. Finally! I have a chance. "Karin.." I began, "U-um.. Can this wait until tomorrow, Kazune-Kun? I'm kind of tired." She looked away. "Sure." I said, fighting to remain calm. She walked upstairs, and disappeared into her room, shutting the shoji screen with one fluid motion. Irritated, I went into my own room. One restless hour later, I found myself walking past Karin's room. The screen was lit from behind, glowing with a gentle light that said that she, too, was awake. I slid back the screen, calling out to her softly as I entered. She was slumped over her desk, a book in her arms, probably studying. "she sat up quickly upon hearing my voice, and looked ashamed. "H-hi, Kazune-Kun. I'm sorry.. I just didn't want to burden you with helping me study, again..." "Oh yeah, there's another test tomorrow, isn't there?" I couldn't believe I'd forgotten. "Y-Yeah.." She stifled a yawn. I sat down beside her. "Here, I'll help you study for a while." I can wait until tomorrow to tell her. Right now, she needs my help.
At some point, both Karin and I fell asleep. When I woke up, the sun was peeking it's rays through the window in her room, casting a soft, rosy glow. My heart almost stopped when I saw how beautiful Karin looked, bathed in that pure light. I kissed her forehead, picked her up gently, and carried her to her bed. I tucked her in and kissed her forehead again, letting my lips linger on her smooth skin. I smiled, and headed back to my own room. I dressed and headed downstairs to train. I couldn't let my guard down, in case sometime in the future Karin or Himeka were threatened. I had to stay strong for them. Is it crazy that I want to marry Karin right now? Would it be better to just wait until we're older? I couldn't stop thinking about the way her skin looked in that light this morning. I wanted to be able to see it like that every morning. I don't want to wait. I can't imagine my life without her. Why should I hesitate to bring her even closer to me?
I woke up in my bed, warm between the sheet and the blanket. I sat up and stretched, my arms arcing toward the ceiling. Oh no! My test! I must have forgotten to study and went straight to bed! I scrambled out of bed, and ran to the desk. I grabbed the book and began frantically reading. Halfway through the first chapter, I realized I knew all this information already. I thought for a minute, puzzled. I did study this? I guess, last night.. Wait. Kazune-Kun was here, too. He helped me study! But, I don't remember going to bed. I Shook my head, still confused, and slowly dressed. Maybe I should ask Kazune-Kun? As I brushed my hair, I thought about Kazune-Kun, letting my mind get lost in the rhythmic sound of the brush sweeping through my hair. He's my husband from the past and in the future. Himeka-Chan and Suzune-Kun are our kids. the Kazune-Z would just die of jealousy if they knew! I wonder if what he's been trying to say has something to do with that? I don't know what there is to say, though. I finished with my hair, and swept it into pigtails, securing them in place with hair clips shaped like olives. I hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen, my stomach rumbling.
~Later~
"Hanazono-San!" I was greeted with a huge hug. "I missed you so much!" "Micchi... I saw you this morning..." I gasped, unable to breathe freely. He released me, and ran off. "E-Eh..." I rubbed the back of my head, confused as always by Micchi's bizarre behavior. Himeka-Chan giggled at my expression and obvious bewilderment. Kazune-Kun just looked irritated, having been interrupted again. Poor Kazune-Kun. He's never going to get to say whatever it is he's been wanting to say. "Kazune-Kun, let's go home together today!" I suggested. This cheered him up significantly, and he ran off, waving to us before he disappeared into the school. Maybe now I'll finally find out what he's been trying to say.
Karin.. Today's the day. Today you'll find out what's been on my mind, I promise! But, first, the test. It's today, after all. I breezed through the test, My studying with Karin last night a true blessing. She looked to be struggling less then usual, which I took to be a good sign. I hoped with all my heart that she passed. You can do it, Karin! I silently cheered for her. Before long, Teacher collected out tests, and I saw Karin breathe a huge sigh of relief. She walked over to my desk, a smile on her face. "Thanks for your help, Kazune-Kun!" I smiled in return, unable to help myself. "Karin-Chan!" Himeka claimed her attention. I saw the Kazune-Z glaring at her from a distance. I cursed internally. I'd better keep them away from her as much as I can.
The rest of the day passed by uneventfully. I kept the Kazune-Z from bothering Karin, even putting a protective arm around her shoulders when they got too close. This surprised her, and she turned her beautiful sapphire eyes on me questioningly. I ruffled her hair and smiled at her. She still looked confused, but Himeka quickly got her talking about something else. It's so hard to think of Himeka as my daughter. She's my age, after all! I shook my head brusquely. Best not to think about that right now, I decided. From the conner of my eye, I saw the Kazune-Z glaring at Karin. I'm going to have to do something about them soon. I won't let them harass Karin anymore.
Finally, the school day drew to a close. I breathed a sigh of relief, glad to be just that much closer to telling Karin I wanted to marry her. Wait a second... I don't have a ring. How am I supposed to propose to someone without a ring? I panicked for a moment, then I realized that I did have a ring, after all. My Kamika ring! That will mean a lot to her, right? I pulled it out of my pocket, and examined it carefully. It was in good condition, clean and shiny. There was one tiny scratch, but you could barely see it. She'll feel special, knowing I gave her something so precious. I smiled to myself. Crisis averted. Okay Karin, ready or not, here I come!