A/N - Warning: Rather dark topics later in the chapter. There will be a backstory behind Chihiro having twins and only being sixteen, either in the next chapter, or the one following. Anyway, enjoy~
"So..." Hikaru began as they started eating their lunches. "care to explain what all that was about?"
"Oh, that was our senpai, Mitsuragi Kazuki," Chihiro said.
"We got that, but how come you're so familiar with him?"
"Well, he helped us through junior high," Haruhi said. "Made us feel like we belonged. With that, he became kind of our best friend and guard dog."
"Yeah. Without him, we wouldn't have been the same."
"He seems like an admirable young man. Did he say anything about what he planned on doing in life?" Kyoya asked.
"Law enforcement," they said.
"He wants to be a police officer?"
"Yeah, we were shocked by it," Chihiro smiled. "There was a very specific reason for it, even though he just said he wants to make sure all children are safe from the horrible and evil people of the world." There was a slight shine in her eyes which both Mori and Kyoya caught on to, but they didn't want to press the matter.
"So, are you really gonna go out with him, Chi-chan?" Honey asked. He had noticed the change in her demeanor and thought it best to brighten the subject.
"I don't know...Kazuki and I really haven't even made jokes about dating each other, so his offer really surprised me."
"I'm more surprised at the fact that he questioned why none of us asked either of you out," Kaoru said.
"Yeah, he acted like a mother who wants a son-in-law," Hikaru said.
"It's because we spend our free time studying that he worries about how we'll be socially. He wants to make sure we live like regular teenagers," Chihiro sighed. She sent a knowing glance towards the stoic one of the group and cracked a small smile. The small action brought butterflies to her stomach, something she wasn't accustomed to. They knew it would be impossible for her to live like a normal teenager.
"I think you should go on a date with him," Haruhi said.
"Eh?"
"Think about it. You're comfortable with him, and so are the kids. They all know him, and the headmistress likes him. If you think about it, he's perfect for you."
"Haruhi..."
"Just one date. If it doesn't work out, then you'll still be friends, right?"
"I guess..." She sighed. "Alright, I'll do it." Those words made Mori's heart stop. He was gonna lose his chance before he has it.
"Good, here's your chance to tell him," Kyoya said as he pointed to the group they had bumped into earlier.
"Oh, come on!"
"Go now, you'll have time to prepare for it," Hikaru said.
The second year groaned but got up and approached her senpai, face flushed red. "Kazu..."
"Ah, hey, Chihiro. We keep bumping into each other."
"Heh, yeah..."
"So, what's up?"
She sucked in a breath. "I thought about your offer..."
"Oh?"
"Okay."
"'Okay'? You'll let me take you out?"
"Yes."
"Yes! I'll pick you and the twins up tomorrow at 5."
"Okay. Wait-where are we going?"
"You'll see."
"Kazuki!"
"Just wait, Chihiro." He pulled her into a hug, holding her a little longer than necessary, but she didn't notice. However, the two university students did. When they parted ways and she came back to her table, Haruhi was grinning from ear to ear.
"Shut up."
"I didn't say anything."
"You were certainly thinking it."
"Finally, a date. Oh, do you have anything to wear?"
"Yes, I do."
"You should let us help," the twins said.
"Nope."
"Oh, come on. Haruhi won't let us. We need something to play with."
"Not happening. And she'll crack. There will be a day where she'll agree without even realizing it."
"Oh, really?" Kaoru smirked.
"Chi!"
"You won't even know it, so don't worry about it and accept it. I've gotten you to agree to things that you would've said 'no' to."
"What?! When?!"
"I'll tell you when you're older."
"Chihiro!"
It was date night, and to say the least, Chihiro was nervous. Her headmistress already knew about it, so she had permission. Her twins were pretty much ready, dressed up in matching panda suits. She still couldn't believe they were two years old and already learning their differences. Despite that, they were twins. They both had her eyes and nose while they carried their father's hair and ears. When she looks at them, she sees herself and him in their faces. Despite it, she loves it and will always kiss them.
She was fixing Hiroko's hair when Kazuki arrived, prompting the twins to rush over to cling to his legs.
"Kazu-tan is here!"
"Hey, come on. We don't cling to people like that."
He laughed, then proceeded to scoop them up into his arms, smiling as they squealed. "How are my favorite munchkins?"
"Kazuki, don't get them too excited or they won't behave themselves."
"It's fine, they have to be excited for where we're going."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a secret."
"Ne, Kazu!" He only smiled and the group set off. The ride to their destination was long, but not boring or annoying, especially since the kids were singing random songs and commercial jingles. When they arrived, Chihiro was told to close her eyes.
"You haven't been here at all in your life, so I thought it would be nice for you and the little ones to experience it together."
"Can I open my eyes now?"
"Yes."
When she did, she gasped, her eyes widening at the sight. "An amusement park! Kazuki..."
"I thought you'd be excited. Alright, let's go!"
They were several hours in when the twins started getting tired. "Ah, all that energy was spent,"Chihiro smiled.
"Yeah. They can really make you exercise."
"Oh, yeah."
"Wanna go on the Ferris Wheel for our last ride?"
"Yeah." With that, they headed to said ride, being able to make it before they had to wait to get on. Once they were seated and the ride began, Kazuki sighed, smiling at the toddlers cradled in their arms.
"Did you have fun?"
"Yeah, a lot of fun. So did the twins."
"I'm glad. I'm glad I made you smile."
"Thank you, Kazu."
"I'll always be here for you."
"I know." She looked out the car at the view of the entire park while the senior followed her gaze.
"I wanted to make sure you didn't feel sad today, even though today marks the day that bastard hurt you."
"I know. I'm almost kind of thankful for it."
"What?"
"I wouldn't have been blessed by these two angels."
"Chi..."
"You know, I was in a really bad place that after that day. I was under constant surveillance because I wanted to kill myself. And everyone at school didn't make it any better. Even Haruhi couldn't get me out. But when I found out I was pregnant, I was terrified. The first thought that came to me was 'My life is officially over.' I didn't even know how I was gonna take care of myself, and the thought about taking care of a baby was enough to break me completely. Then...you came along, and you and Haruhi stood by my side until their birth. You're still looking after me, two years after it all."
"I couldn't leave you like that. Neither of us could."
She felt the first tear escape, then the rest. "I'm so grateful to you and Haruhi. I-no-we wouldn't be here if it weren't for you two."
"You mean a lot to me, Chihiro. I'll always be there, no matter what." And with that, he placed a kiss on her forehead, then allowed her to rest it against his shoulder.
"Even with everything I said, I still hate that son of a bitch."
Kazuki frowned, still remembering that face he used to admire a long time ago. "Me too, Chi...me too..."
