Hey guys, another update to the story. And another long one, composing of 3,700+ words on the story itself. My longest written chapter as of now.
I had great inspiration music playing while writing this one. Mostly from Mili, a composer that made songs from a game named Deemo.
WARNING: This chapter has extreme case of spoilers! If you haven't read the Manga, then do so before you read this. If you can't be bothered, I still suggest you read the Manga. If you're still persistent then, STILL READ IT!. (But I can't do anything if you ignore me...) I warned you.
Anyways, lets get to the story. Hope you like it guys! :D
Disclaimer: I don't own, Love Hina. Ken Akamatsu owns it. Also, I didn't advertise Mili or Deemo (I mean, not intentionally).
"So, how you do Keitaro?" Haitani asked, with Shirai at his side. They were walking to the cafeteria. Motoko wasn't with him, she had to attend the Kendo club. If Motoko wasn't with him, Haitani and Shirai was with him.
Haitani and Shirai were Keitaro's only friends, except for Motoko. You could call them his fan club. Actually, Keitaro had an even bigger fan club than them, he was well known for his skills at drawing. But they were different. They were friendly towards him, but not like an obsessive fan club. They didn't pester him for drawings, paintings or any kind. The reason they got drawings from him because Keitaro gave them to him. Mostly it was robot mechas and scenery. He didn't give them drawings of Motoko, they were special to him. Only he and Motoko had drawings of herself.
"I guess it's O.K., but we had a little trouble while going to school." Keitaro said. They knew who he was mentioning when he said 'we'. They were familiar with Motoko, mostly because they were despised by her. And they would avoid Keitaro if Motoko was with him. But that didn't bother Keitaro at all. It's not that he didn't value Shirai and Haitani's friendship, but he would choose Motoko over them.
"Oh, what kind of trouble?" Shirai asked, a bit curious.
"I won't spill the details, but there was a perverted old man when we went on the monorail." Keitaro said.
"Yeah, they're almost everywhere." Haitani said, in a matter of fact tone.
"Yeah, like I'm also spending lunch with some." Keitaro joked, chuckling and smirking to himself.
"Hey! I resent that!" Shirai and Haitani said, both at the same time. Then Shirai said, "We don't go out of our way and grope every girl we see."
"Did I say anything about groping?" Keitaro again joked.
"Let's just go eat." Haitani resigned, hanging his head defeatedly.
Getting their food and finding a table to sit on. Shirai and Haitani glanced at each other and got an idea.
"Hey, Keitaro." Shirai called him, grinning. Keitaro raised an eyebrow. "How's Motoko?"
"Why do you ask?" Keitaro asked, a bit suspicious.
"We were just thinking that you and Motoko make a good couple." Haitani said, grinning from ear to ear while also moving his eyebrows in a suggestive manner. Keitaro almost spat his food from the statement.
"W-What?!" Keitaro said, coughing the food that got stuck in his throat.
"We were just stating the obvious." Shirai said, shrugging his shoulder.
"Don't even joke about that." Keitaro said in a serious tone, shaking his head. "I already told you about my promise girl, right?"
"Are you still going to fulfill that promise?" Shirai asked. "Even if you don't remember her face? And she might have forgotten about that promise?"
"Yes, I am." Keitaro said in a determined voice. "I'm not the kind who'll just forget a promise. Promises are made to fulfilled, not broken."
"Keitaro, we don't mean to offend you or anything." Haitani apologized. "But you've got to face facts, Motoko's the only girl that understands you. And you're the only one that she doesn't despise, despite you being male."
"I'm not saying that she's ugly, she really does look beautiful." Keitaro admitted. "But I only see her as a friend, a close friend to be exact. And this promise is really important to me, I'm going to fulfill it even if she doesn't remember me and our promise."
Fifteen years earlier, Keitaro was playing in the sandbox near the Hinata Inn. He was making sand castles, using a pail and a plastic shovel. He sensed that someone was behind him, he saw that it was two girls. The first girl had short brown hair, like Keitaro, she was also at the same age as Keitaro. She was holding up a doll, it was a Liddo-kun doll. Keitaro recognized it, he was a fan of that TV show. The second girl was a bit younger than them, three or two years younger. She had gold, brown hair and she had a single antennae hair sticking out. She was hiding behind the first girl, holding on her arm and peeking a little bit.
"Hello!" Keitaro greeted them, smiling innocently at them, which the first girl returned. "My name's Keitaro."
"My name's Mutsumi." The first girl introduced herself, then motioning to the girl behind her. "This little girl behind me is Naru-chan."
"Oh, so you're the two that are staying at granny Hina's Inn?" Keitaro asked.
"Yeah, my parents' are here because they had, umm, what was it? Bus-si-ness? Yeah, Business near here." Mutsumi said, having a hard time saying 'Business'.
"What about you, Naru-chan?" Keitaro asked the shy girl. She had only hidden behind Mutsumi even further in response.
"I heard that she was here for the healing powers of the Hot Springs." Mutsumi said, putting a finger on her lip while looking up in a thinking manner. "But I didn't hear what her illness was."
"Yeah, granny Hina's Hot Spring has magic powers that heals almost all sickness." Keitaro explained. "It's famous for that. Anyways, want to play with me? I have two more shovels and another pail."
"Hehehe… Actually the reason why we went here is to play." Mutsumi answered, giggling.
Mutsumi got in the sandbox along Naru who was still glued to her back. Mutsumi started making an oval shaped sand castle, whilst Naru was playing with her Liddo-kun. Keitaro was helping Mutsumi build their sand castle.
For three days, they would play in the sandbox all afternoon. Keitaro was always the first to be there while Mutsumi and Naru came in together. They would always build sand castles or play house. Naru was always quiet, playing with Mutsumi's Liddo-kun. Mutsumi on the other hand was always talking to Keitaro while he kept on building their sand castle. In those three days, Mutsumi started to develop a crush on Keitaro. Naru also developed a crush on Keitaro, but was a bit shy to say it to anyone.
"Hey, did you know…" Mutsumi said, all of a sudden. "That if two people who love each other can enter Tokyo University together, they'll live happily ever after?" Then she slowly approached Keitaro and giving him a peck on the cheek, who instantly got red faced. "So, when we both grow up, let's both go to Tokyo U."
Keitaro was stunned by this. This was his first time receiving a kiss from a girl, and she also promised that when they grow up they'll be together. It was a bit too much to handle by a boy his age. He only nodded in response, he was still in shock. Mutsumi giggled at him, finding it amusing that he instantly got quiet. For the remainder of the day, they played quietly.
After playing, they went to their parents. Mutsumi, after saying goodbye to Keitaro, followed Naru to her parents. Naru heard their exchange of promise when they were playing. She got jealous because she too wanted to be with Keitaro. She then gently pulled Mutsumi's shirt to get her attention.
"Hmm? Naru-chan, what is it?" Mutsumi asked.
"P-Promise… K-Keitaro…" Naru uttered, she was still too shy and too young to talk straight.
"Our promise?" Mutsumi asked, getting a nod from Naru. "What about it?"
"M-Me… and K-Keitaro…" Naru uttered. "P-Promise… Together…"
Mutsumi understood what she was trying to say. She felt guilty, taking away someone's love from someone else. Even though she liked Keitaro, she was going to do what she thought was right. She was always like that, giving something to others, even if she needs to sacrifice.
"Well, how about this." Mutsumi suggested, smiling at Naru. "I exchange my promise with Kei-kun to you?"
Naru was happy to hear that, she nodded eagerly while smiling at Mutsumi. She then hugged the older girl, who also returned the hug. If Naru was happy, then she'll bear it and try to happy also. As they ended the hug, Mutsumi escorted Naru to her parents. Getting her to her parents, Naru waved goodbye while still wearing her smile.
But what the three didn't know, was that each of them was going home tomorrow. Naru was already healed up, no longer needing the power of the hot springs. Mutsumi's parents were done with their business in town, and Keitaro's parents were calling him to go home.
When morning came, Mutsumi was the first to leave. The van was already packed up with their stuff and they were ready to leave. Keitaro only had learned of this when he woke up, so he started to dress up and ran towards where Mutsumi's van was located. When he got there the van was already moving, and Keitaro tried to keep up with it. Mutsumi saw Keitaro from the side view mirror, she rolled down the window and yelled something at Keitaro.
"Kei-kun!" Mutsumi yelled. "Bye-bye! Remember our promise alright, Kei-kun? Promise me!"
Before Keitaro could reply he tripped on a rock and fell down. The van zoomed away and it gradually got smaller until it was no longer visible. Keitaro stood up and nodded, quite determined, to himself.
"I promise!" He yelled.
As this was happening, Nauru was already riding in her family's car. She was constantly looking out the window, trying to look for Keitaro. But when her father started the car, he still wasn't there. Naru stopped looking out and had a dejected expression on her face. She was heartbroken, her crush couldn't say goodbye to her. Tears formed in her eyes, as the car zoomed away, back to their home. Keitaro was aware that Naru had already left by the time he got back to the Inn. He was a bit disappointed in himself for not saying goodbye to her. But his mind was constantly replaying the promise he made with Mutsumi.
"I won't forget about our promise, I'll remember and fulfill it." Keitaro said to himself, determined to do just that.
Back in present time. Keitaro was already done with class and was now waiting outside near the gates for Motoko. Waiting only for a few minutes, he saw her moving towards him. Waving a hand to her as a greeting.
"So, how is your day?" Keitaro asked, while they walked towards the Hinata Sou. Since the day Motoko ran away from home, she went and stayed at the Hinata Sou. It was turned into an All girls' dorm for the sake of Motoko, since she started to despise men. Keitaro asked his granny Hina to do so, which the old woman complied, since she also had great connections with the Aoyama clan.
A year earlier.
"If Motoko needs a place to stay, then we'll change the Inn to an All girls' dorm." Granny Hina said to Keitaro who was pleading on his knees.
"Really?!" Keitaro asked, shocked that his grandmother had agreed just like that.
"Yes, Keitaro." Granny Hina repeated. "Also, the Inn hasn't been that much profitable this past few years. Maybe making it to an All girls' dorm will bring in the money again." The old woman chuckled.
As the preparations were made, paperworks done and renovations were finished. The Inn was successfully changed into an All girls' dorm. Motoko was the first to gain a lease, since it was for her. She was really grateful for Keitaro and granny Hina for doing this all for her. But because of it being an All girl's dorm, Keitaro wasn't allowed there anymore. Only gaining passage to the café, which his aunt/cousin Haruka owned.
In those two years, three girls started to have a lease there also.
The was first one, after to Motoko, was Mitsune Konno, A.K.A. Kitsune. She was only in 6th grade. Her parents agreed to let her live alone, since they were having problems themselves. Because of this, Kitsune had to turn to liquor to elevate her problems. She also found out that she had high alcohol tolerance. So now a days, even if she didn't have any problems, she would drink sake from hour to hour. To her, she was only having fun. But with a help of a friend, she didn't get too much fun that it could hurt her.
Naru Narusegawa; Kitsune's best friend and Keitaro's old friend and promise girl. Ever since that day, when Keitaro didn't see her off, she has tried to forget him. Her heart aches whenever she thought of that day, so she decided to forget him. She succeeded after half a year. She could no longer remember him, or the exchange of promises she made with Mutsumi. She, also in turn forgot all about her stay at the Hinata Inn, Mutsumi, everything.
After a year, Naru's parents had a fall out. They had a divorce and Naru was left with her Mother. She was a bit devastated when that happened, but she understood it.
Kitsune befriended her at the start of the middle school. They instantly clicked with each other. They were like Motoko and Keitaro, always together. Whether it be in the cafeteria, at class, or being gym partners. Also, they developed a crush on Naru's tutor, Seta Noriyasu.
Kitsune would come to Naru's home when she was being tutored, to see Seta. Naru didn't know about Kitsune's crush on Seta, so she let Kitsune come. Seta was oblivious to their affection towards him, but he was still friendly towards them.
One time when Kitsune didn't come, Seta started to have a conversation with Naru.
"Hey Naru, did you know that when two persons who adore each other enter Toudai together, they'll have eternal happiness?" Seta said, casually.
"R-Really?" Naru asked, cheeks reddening. Thinking that Seta was implying something. Also, there was something that seemed familiar with what Seta said. But Naru just brushed it off.
"Yeah, I friend told me that." Seta said as he stared off at the distance. A longing look in his eyes. "So, I expect you to pass the test there and be happy with somebody."
Naru looked at Seta with admiration and adoration, then nodding to the man, agreeing to him and making a promise to herself that she'll be with him.
After their little chat, they got back to the rhythm of studying.
During that year, Naru's mother remarried. Also, the man took Naru's mother's surname. The man had a daughter before Naru's mother married him, Mei. She was happy that she'll finally have a big sister that will play and care for her. But Naru didn't take it positively. She thought that her mother was finally bored and tired of her that she remarried someone even if he had a daughter.
Naru began being a bit rebellious, ignoring her mother and only being civil towards her new step-father and step-sister. Even with that, all of them still loved her. Her step-father thought of her as her own daughter, her mother still looking after her and Mei was thinking that in time she'll warm up to them. But Naru thought otherwise.
When she learned that Kitsune was living in an All Girls' Dormitory, she asked her mother if she could live there also. Her mother was against the idea, but she approved of it because if she didn't Naru will be more rebellious. As soon as three weeks, she had successfully transferred all her items at the dorm.
The last girl was Kaolla Su. She arrived there a month after Naru started living there. Her sister, Amalla Su, was a princess of a nation, as well as Kaolla. But she doesn't have the time to properly take care of Kaolla, because she spends most of her time with running their nation. Having connections with the Urashima family, she went to granny Hina and asked if she could take care of Kaolla and let her live at the dorms and also asked if she could keep her royalty a secret. Granny Hina accepted, and Kaolla was transferred there in less than two weeks. Good thing that Kaolla was already fluent in Japanese, so communication wasn't going to be a problem.
Kaolla was hyper energetic little girl, she always thinking of ways that she could have fun. But most people thought of her as a nuisance, but she didn't mind them at all, as long as she had fun. She was also a genius, easily making technological items that will make other famous inventors stupid in comparison. Mostly, her machines were made to make her have fun. But when she heard that she was going to be transferred to another country, and will spend her time there, she thought that her sister was abandoning her.
When she got to the Hinata dorms, she was depressed. Not liking the atmosphere at all, it seemed boring there for her. She spruced up her room, making an artificial jungle inside her room, to make it seem that she hadn't left her country. But she still felt alone. Often she would feel homesick and will cry herself to sleep.
One day, she woke up early. She had a beautiful dream, she was back in her own country and was with her sister having fun like they used to. When she woke up, she again felt lonely. After washing up, she aimlessly walked around the apartments. She didn't make too much noise, the others were still asleep. She had travelled to the gardens at the back of the Hinata, only now noticing where she was. She heard a grunting voice, looking for the source of the voice, she found Motoko who was practicing Kendo.
She watched her with fascination, only now knowing why she was always wearing a weird outfit and always having a sword with her. Not noticing herself, but she was slowly walking up towards her. Motoko, feeling a nearby presence, glanced at her right and saw the tanned blonde girl, slowly walking up towards her.
"Hello there, Su. Good morning to you." Motoko greeted her, placing her Bokken at the floor. "Is there something you need of me?"
"Umm, Good morning to you too, Motoko." Su greeted, feeling a bit shy, not like herself at all. "I was just watching you, if you don't mind."
"I don't mind at all, Su." Motoko replied, giving Su a warm smile. "I appreciate it, in all honesty."
Su felt happy, for the first time that she was here. She found someone that she could finally spend time with, and not feel lonely.
Motoko went back to her training as Su watched her. They continued this routine ever since. After a week of these interactions, Su warmed up to Motoko and they talked while Motoko trained. She was slowly reverting back to her usual, energetic self. Asking Motoko if she could test her new inventions, and Motoko always agreed, even though she thought her inventions were mostly weird.
One day, when they were back in the gardens. Motoko, done with her training, said to Su.
"You remind me of someone I care about." Motoko said as she stared at the distance. "Just like you, he always watches me train, and both of you do things when I train. You make inventions for me to test, while he draws me in his sketch pad."
"Who is he? Is he someone great? Are his drawings great, just like my inventions are?" Su barraged Motoko with questions, while riding Motoko's back.
"Well, yes he is great person. He's kind hearted, caring and loyal person." Motoko said, describing Keitaro. "His drawings are great, but your inventions are better."
"So, who is he, Motokos?" Su asked again, now even more persistent.
"Let's just call him, The Artist." Motoko answered. She didn't want Keitaro to learn what how she describes him and Su was big blabber mouth. He could learn it from her.
"Awww, No fairs!" Su pouted, crossing her arms.
Motoko then took Su out of her back and tickled her sides. Su trashed around the ground, laughing her heart out and trying to escape Motoko's tickle wrath. Ever since that day, Su only felt homesick seldom, and when that happens she would sleep in Motoko's room. The two made a bond so strong that it was unbreakable.
None of the girls, except Motoko knew of Keitaro. Granny Hina hadn't introduced Keitaro to the girls, thinking that there was no reason to do so. They only knew him as the person that Motoko goes to school with. They were confused by this; they knew that Motoko despises men. But here she was, always going to school with a guy. Kitsune suspected that he was Motoko's boyfriend, but Motoko denied this every time that it was mentioned. Naru thought that he was only being close to Motoko so that he could gain entrance to the dorms. She didn't trust him one bit. Kaolla didn't think too much of this, as long as Motoko spends time with her, she didn't mind at all.
Motoko didn't tell them about him for no apparent reason, except that she didn't want to. No other reasons, just that. But she told Keitaro all about the other girls she was living with. Only telling him their behaviors and how she interacts with them. Keitaro only wanted to know who she was living with, if she was comfortable there with them or not.
Back in the present, They went to the noodle shop which Keitaro was a patron. Motoko didn't approve of his ramen addiction, he would always eat there if given the chance, which was three times a week. Motoko would always persuade Keitaro to eat something else, but she felt that today she would let him. And also, the place sold great tempura that always made Motoko's mouth water.
After filling their stomachs, Keitaro escorted Motoko back to at Hinta Sou. He would always escort her at the steps, but today he felt that he should escort her to the top of the stairs and go to the café to know how his Aunt Haruka was doing. Reaching the top of the stairs, Keitaro said goodbye to her and she did too also. Giving Motoko a hug, which she returned, and waved her goodbye as she entered the dorms.
Unknown to them, the girls were watching them from the balcony. Kitsune had a knowing expression on her face, thinking that her theory was right. Naru had a sour expression, still not trusting the unknown friend of Motoko. Kaolla, on the other hand, looked at him with wonder and curiosity. Wanting to know the enigma that Keitaro was.
A mouthful of character history, eh? We're slowly gaining momentum to get us to the main timeline in which the story will focus.
If you're wondering where Shinobu is, she'll be come in the next or two chapter.
So, how was it? Did you like it? Or was it unsatisfying? Do you have any suggestions? Tell me all about it in a review, I'll respond to you A.S.A.P.
And following and making this one of your favs will be highly appreciated. I mean it, I really appreciate it.
Once again, Thanks for sticking to my story, even if it is slow and short compared to others. Thanks! :D