Another chapter. I don't own these lovely girls, only mistakes.


Chapter 4

I didn't know why I volunteered to hug her. I was hugging Kuon. A girl. Actually it wasn't a problem girls or boys (perhaps never for the latter). Indeed we were classmate and comrade, still I never hugged anyone before. I didn't do hugging to be exact. But I noticed something was different with her tonight. Although she pretended to be fine but I had noticed it. She was frightened.

Someone's suffer was my weak point. I couldn't let them alone. Just like I had done for Kanade. I detested the girl before. That was because I don't know who she really was, the burden she had been carrying on. When I finally saw it myself I couldn't let her alone. She had become my dream, my purpose of life. I had given my life to protect Jinguuji Kanade, to stand on her side supporting her. And now seeing Kuon's fear upon something I couldn't fathom, I guessed myself just couldn't let it go.

Put my soft side aside, one thing I didn't expect when volunteered myself was the strange feeling in my chest. It made me feel uneasy. Perhaps it was her scent (I never knew that Kuon has sweet scent), or the closeness, or maybe the fact that she didn't pull away neither said something. Whatever it was, this unfamiliar feeling kept me awake for a while.

I lifted head up a little to take a look. Her eyes were closed. She looked peaceful in her sleep. It relieved me. I laid head back down, pursing my lips. Two days had passed but the rescue hadn't come yet. 'Perhaps it needs time to find our place' I said to myself and nodded. I turned my gaze when Kuon shifted her lying position. My eyes went wide as she lay on her side and took my arm with her. I bit my lips before any sound escape from my mouth. Now we were spooning with me as the big spoon. My face got warm, hot even. 'Oh dear lord'


I fluttered eyes open slightly. Far above me, the sky had turned blue lightened by warm orange sunrays. I sucked in deep breath and exhaled. I thought to sleep again but froze when I felt something against my back. That was when I realized Nanaho's arm over me. I then remembered that she had held me last night, and apparently throughout the night. It made me smile a little. Slowly I lifted the arm and sat up facing her. Carefully I laid her arm down. She made sound in throat but sleeping still. "Thank you," I whispered softly. I pushed locks over her forehead. I didn't know why I had this happy feeling to be able to see her closely. Neither did I understand why my eyes locked to her face. 'Get a grip of yourself, Kuon' Slapping head mentally I decided to have some water.

I pushed body up, but after put the jacket over Nanaho, and headed survival kit bag. I was about to take the water when something got my attention. I straightened up in alarm. It was a bird, roosting on tree branch. Not just any bird. There was something tied onto its leg. Suddenly I felt cold and not from the chilly morning air.

I approached the bird and took the small scroll from its leg. It then flew away. My mouth went dry as I unrolled the paper. I read the message and clenched my fist. 'How…how did they know? How did they find me?' I forced air down through my tightened throat.


Birds' cheerful chats woke me. It had become my alarm clock lately. I stretched body out before sitting up. "Where's Kuon?" I found the place beside me was empty. I looked around but didn't see her. I put my jacket down and decided to look for her. I didn't know why but my gut told me she wasn't fine.

"Kuon," I called out while walking inside forest. The sun had moved up but inside forest was still a bit chilly. I walked toward the spring. She must be there. I approached spring but didn't see her. "Kuon, are you here? Answer me please." I started to feel worried. I jumped over rocks, walking to the other side of the spring. "Kuon, answer me." Still no reply. 'Where's she? If she isn't here where would she possibly go?' "Kuon!" Before I could turn into run a voice greeted me.

"Nanaho san, what's wrong?"

I spun around and found her walking up toward me. "Where have you been? I thought you..." I released my breath in relief. I lifted a hand to rub my forehead but she quickly stepped away, confused me.

"Don't hit me. I just went for a walk."

I couldn't help a chuckle at the misunderstanding. "Don't worry I won't. You made me worried." I bit my lips and sidetracked quickly. "Uh, I mean, I couldn't find you, and if something happened…" Her giggle stopped my stammering. I cast gaze aside as she stepped to my side.

"Are you worried about me?"

I glanced at her. She had small smile plastered on face. "Well, we're alone here." Not exactly the right answer.

"Thank you."

I was taken aback at the words. Her hearty smile and the way she looked at me caught my breath for a moment. She meant for last night. I rubbed the nape of my neck, feeling nervous suddenly. "No problem, at all." She let out small chuckle, walking past me. I kept gaze at anything but her.

"Since you're here. Let's have bath together."

"Sure," without thinking I replied and then realized it. "You mean we…h-here?"

"Yes, here."

She gave light nod toward the spring and started to undress. I jerked head aside. "Uh, you can have it first. I think…" 'Think Nanaho!' I cleared throat, buying time. "Uh, maybe I should grab something for our meal."

"Do you need help?"

"No, it's okay. I'll be doing fine," I said while keeping gaze at trees. She mumbled a 'sure' and I strode off. However, part of the nervousness, I stumbled over something. Luckily I could pretend my body from falling ungracefully in front of her.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, perfect," I said turning around but quickly spun on heel when I saw her bare chest. "S-Should get going."


I knitted my brows, watching the red-haired girl trotting away. "What happened with her?" 'Wait, was she blushing?' I got more confused. Shrugging I entered the spring. It was small spring but enough for bathing. I was relieved that she didn't find me when I was sending reply. I had to or they would do something stupid and reveal my identity. I couldn't let it happen.

After washing my body I headed back to our staying place. I couldn't find Nanaho so I thought she was inside forest. I decided to check our catch. We decided to put trot line. It was better than the regular fishing method and efficient. We tied fishing line onto tree trunk. We also had put two other lines in other places. I pulled out the line and grinned widely when found a fish stuck on the hook. I got more three fishes from another line. "It's enough for today." Grinning I threw the line back into water.

Nanaho was waiting for me. "We'll have splendid meal today." I lifted the fishes, grinning.

"We got that many?"

I nodded wriggling. I put the bag down. I then noticed there was bag filled by berries over sheet. "Where did you find that?"

"Not so far from spring. I didn't realize it either. And lucky us, there are many." Nanaho put thumbs up.

I returned the grin and seated down beside her. "Okay, let's cook!" I was about to reach survival kit bag to take lighter but she caught my hand. "What's wrong?" She rose to feet.

"We're not having meal now." She shook head, put hands on waist.

"Then, when?"

"After morning exercise."

"Pardon me?" I knitted my brows in confusion. "Morning exercise?" Nanaho nodded.

"Yes, morning exercise. Just because we're stuck in a desert island doesn't mean we're going to take it easy and do nothing. Now up."

"Hold a sec," I said and put a palm up to stop her. "I agreed with that, but morning exercise? Really?"

"Yup, now get your butts up," Nanaho commanded.

Before I could reject she took my arm, pulling me up. "Nanaho san, thanks for the offer but I don't need exercise." She turned around to face me, still holding my arm.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want to," I replied briefly.

"Your wills do not matter. Your body needs exercise whether you want it or no."

I cocked head and stepped closer, eyes locked to the taller girl's brown one. "Still, I'm not going." I challenged. I watched as her lips slowly curled up.

"Then you'll skip meal."

"What? No way. That's unfair," I said but she dragged me with her. "Nanaho san,"

"Stop complaining."

She finally released my arm, starting to warm up.

"One, two, three, one, two, three…"

I folded arms, watching her indifferently. She glanced at me and lifted a fist. "Why do I have…urgh." Groaning in annoyance I followed her reluctantly. We then started the morning jogging.


"Nanaho san,"

I kept my pace. We had been running around the island. It felt like months since my last exercise. I should keep my routine even during my vacation. 'Wait, this isn't a vacation' I chuckled at the thought.

"Nanaho san!"

Kuon's voice broke my thought. I put neutral face and turned to her. She had stopped behind. "Come on Kuon, we just went for a round."

"I'm tired," Kuon said with glare.

I stoppedmy jogging and approached her. "You okay?" Sweats covered her face. "Let's have a break."

"No, not a break. I quit. You can have the jogging alone."

"Don't be lazy. It's still morning," I said and the next second a slap landed on my arm. "Hey, what was that?" She sent another glare before bending her back. I got worried when she fell onto knees. "Kuon." I took her shoulders. "Are you alright?"

"No, thanks to you."

I smiled at the snap and brought her down to sit. "We just have one round." I chuckled but her glare stopped me. "Sorry." Now I worried more seeing her panting. "You can walk?"

"I think yes."

I helped her to stand. "I forgot we're lack of nutrients lately." I grinned sheepishly at her now-you-got-it look. "Let's have breakfast. I will prepare the meal, you can rest." She let out a chuckle. "What's funny?"

"Are you trying to get forgiveness from me?"

"Ops, you got me." I wriggled and she chuckled.

"Anyway, you seem to be enjoying touching me."

I stopped abruptly and as usual my fist reacted automatically. She pushed me away hissing in pain.

"Nanaho san!"

"I'm sorry," I said. I regretted my stupid instinct. "Did I hurt you?"

"Yes!"

I grimaced, smiling apologetically at her glare. "I didn't mean to hit, just reflex. Forgive me?" I stepped to her front. I lifted a hand and rubbed the top of her head gently. When she remained silent I lowered my back to look at her eyes. "Kuon?" The next second I was pushed back and stumbled down. She folded arms, grinning widely at me.

"Now you're forgiven."

"Well, let's say it's fair." She started to laugh. Despite my sore butts, I joined her laugh. She then held a hand out toward me. I looked at the hand before lifting gaze up to her. She smiled waiting. A thought, brilliant one, came to me. I took the hand but pulled her down instead. I just laugh at her squeal. However, it died as she started to slap my arm. "Ouch! Kuon, I'm sorry." I caught one of her hand but the other one landed over my upper arm. "Kuon!" I grabbed her free hand. She giggled and leaned against me. "Happy now?"

"Yup."

I rolled eyes playfully. It then came to me that I was holding her hands and she was leaning against me. I looked up slowly. Her gaze was down at our hands. Suddenly it turned awkward a little. "Sorry." I released her hands. She stood up first and once again held a hand out for me.

"Pull me down again and I will kick you, trust me."

Laughing at the threat I took her hand. This time I didn't pull her down. "Though, I doubt you can," I said.

"You wanna try?" Kuon asked with mischievous smile.

"Maybe no."


We were sitting comfortably before fire, talking about her family and childhood. "I couldn't imagine having six brothers, must be really fun."

"They're not better than sisters, trust me."

I laughed at her rolled-eyes. "Are you close to them?" She inhaled and brought knees up.

"Work got them most of the time. We didn't really have time together."

I had the information already about the Kinjo family. They worked to Jinguuji from generation to generations. "Me neither." I sighed and looked up at the starry sky. "I don't have sibling to spend time with."

"That's new too."

I smiled at the statement. "Is it just me or you're trying to dig my privacy?"

"Actually, I am."

I turned to her with an eyebrow up. "Seriously?"

"Nah, just kidding."

I scrunched face up playfully and she chuckled. "It's getting late." My phone had died, ran out of battery, so the only way to know time was from the position of moon. "Anyway, the sky is really beautiful. I like it."

"Me too."

We admired the magical view of moonlight reflection over dark sea for a moment before deciding to end the day. As usual we lay side by side. We had accustomed ourselves to sleep under open sky, also say goodnight before sleep. I stole a glance toward her, wondering if I should say it out. 'This is embarrassing' I thought to turn away but she opened her eyes and looked at me.

"You can't sleep? Do you want me to hold you?"

I couldn't answer it immediately, too surprised. 'How did she know what I'm thinking right now?'

"I'm sorry, it's alright if you don't…"

"Will you?" I quickly cut in. "It's getting chilly around dawn," I said. She pressed lips together but said nothing. I changed my position lying on side. I bit my lips as she shifted closer to me and put an arm over my stomach. Her jacket covered our bodies. At the closeness I didn't know what to say.

"Try to sleep," Nanaho said softly.

It seemed like she could read my mind. It made me smile. I shut eyes close, trying to sleep. Honestly I was surprised myself that I felt safe in her arms. The embarrassment was still in the air but slowly replaced by comfort.


Thank you for reading. Hope you like it.