Sorry for not being to update any sooner...I was a bit tied up by my own responsibility of being a student...
Thank you all...thanks for everyone's review...
Here comes Chapter 4...please really do tell me how do u think my story is going so far...
I really need some feedback before I go on further...thx in advance for your reviews...
***Takoyaki Stall, Outdoor Field***
Akihiko found her standing in front of a Takoyaki stall, talking to a Primary Schoolgirl.
"Why are you here…Maiko? Are you alone?" Minako asked the Primary Schoolgirl, while dusting the kid's skirt.
"No, I'm here with my mum…she's at the garden with my aunt now. I told her I wanted some Takoyaki, so she gave me the money…but I think I dropped it somewhere…what should I do, Onee-chan...my mum will scold me for sure…" Tears welled up in Maiko's eyes.
"It's ok…Takoyaki and Mad Bull are Maiko's favourites, aren't they…? How about a treat from me…? It's been a while since I bought you something nice…" Minako was gently wiping Maiko's tears with a tissue, ruffling the kid's hair.
"Really…? Thanks…Onee-chan…" Maiko jumped to hug Minako, while she was still on her knee. Minako, at one point, thought she was about to fall back, as Maiko caught her off balance. Someone held her tight on her shoulders, Minako turned around and found Akihiko knelt down to support her from falling.
"You need to be careful…someone may step on you if you fall here…come on…can you stand up..?" Akihiko held Minako's hand and pull her up slowly.
"…Umm…thanks…I need to get something…" Minako pouted at Akihiko, before Akihiko dragged her to lie on his chest.
"It's ok...I'll get them for you…Takoyaki and Mad Bull…right…? I don't want you to trip over everywhere, making bunny-san all dirty…just wait here…" Akihiko softly clasped his arm around her neck.
Minako just nodded, keeping her head down to hide her blushing face. The stall was undoubtedly busy, the queue extended all the way to few booths down. Minako kept Maiko close to her, holding her hand tightly while hugging bunny-san with one hand. It was crowded and noisy, Minako couldn't hear what Maiko said without bending down. She would definitely be scolded by Akihiko if she did so, waiting at the spot near the counter of the stall. "It shouldn't be long…we'll just wait here…ok?" Minako smiled at Maiko, making sure the kid stopped crying.
"Such a long queue…" Akihiko sighed standing next to his girlfriend and the kid.
"Oh…right…I'm sorry for the trouble…" Minako tilted her head up slightly, surprised to see Akihiko standing in front of her. As she kept her head down all this while waiting, standing still.
"If you hurt yourself, I'll be worried and blamed myself for not being able to protect you…so please be careful…" Akihiko murmured near his girlfriend. "Want any snack…? How about sharing some Takoyaki with me?" Akihiko smiled.
"…Sure…" Minako's face slowly brightened.
It's finally their turn, after such a long wait.
"Ooh, you two again, so you two are from Gekkoukan High? Ah…the good old day of school romance. An extra large serve for the fine looking couple…" The cook was talkative enough to make the couple's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Mister, I want one too…" Maiko suddenly broke the cook's own soliloquy.
The cook continued talking after they placed the order, but Akihiko and Minako remained silent…
"So…you guys are classmates…sweet…having to see each other all the time…"
"You know what…I used to have a girlfriend in the same class too, ah…those were good memories…"
"Come on…you two shouldn't be so shy…High School would be passed in no time…enjoy while you can…"
The couple didn't respond to the cook, only returned with a freak smile. It was embarrassed enough for them, the cook's conversation soon drew attention to other students nearby them.
"Oh…it's Sanada-senpei…"
"You didn't show up at the Self-Defence Show…I thought you were sick, I was like so worried, Sanada-senpei."
"Sanada-senpei…is that your little sister? She is sooooo cute…"
…
…
The female students were extremely delighted to run into Akihiko, ignoring Minako's presence completely.
"Oh…Minako…Akihiko-senpei…" A male's voice howled out from the crowd behind, it was Junpei as he struggled his way through the persistent girls.
"How's DATING so far…huh…?" Junpei purposely raised his voice, facing the crowd.
There were voices screaming out from the crowd…
"Don't make things up…"
"She's your girlfriend…we all knew…"
"You are a big liar…"
…
…
Minako yelled a warning, "JUNPEI…!"
She paused Junpei before he could make another statement, shaking her head.
Junpei didn't want to upset Minako any further, but protested, "I am just helping…seeing all these crazy people following you two around, and those Peeping Toms collecting your pictures…making everything official could have been easier for you…"
Junpei scowled as he strolled towards the couple, "Whatever you say…Leader…"
Both Minako and Junpei frowned their disapproval and disagreement at each other.
"WOO WOO WOO…it's quite a big fuss there huh? Whole school going against a couple, sure is harsh huh?" The cook raised his eyebrow, as he looked astonished at the crowd's reactions.
"Mister…this guy here has a fan club of his own…the most popular guy in school…being the super-famous captain of our Gekkoukan High's boxing team, a boxing champion with no defeats, and quite academically dependable as one of top 10 students. A totally reliable and charming Senpei every girl dreams of…" A gleam came from Junpei's eyes, while placing his hand on the Senpei's shoulder.
"On the other hand, this lady here is another popular pick…not to mention her pictures going around like crazy…following her around, trying to capture her angelic expression…this kind of thing isn't normal, is it? This newly transfer student is already multi-appointed by Student Council and Library Committee, also being busily engaged with Tennis Club, Home Economic Club and Cooking Club. Only a genius could possibly score perfect in all exams with her slot-free timetable, our top student in 2nd Grade." Junpei's eyes twinkled with pride, patting Minako's shoulder softly.
"Quite a match…I can see...must be pretty tired to be in the spotlight all the time…too popular huh? You two sure are an interesting pair. High School nowadays sure is exciting huh? How dreamy?" The cook turned to gaze the couple admiringly.
"Are those ready yet? Mister…my mum said no one like big mouth, and they are bad…" Maiko giggled at the cook, pointing at the Takoyaki on the cooking pan.
"Ooh…no…no…it's entertainment…entertainment for the customers, part of our fine service…HAHAHA…Compliments from the chef…here my treat for the pretty couple…stay charming huh?" The cook handed them 3 extra large serves of Takoyaki and 3 Mad Bull, and refused to charge.
They bowed their thanks, and walked Maiko back to her mum.
"By the way, I'm Maiko, it's very nice to meet you…do come to play with me sometimes with Oni-chan…ok?" Maiko waved them goodbye, smiling at the handsome Akihiko shyly.
Both Akihiko and Minako stared at Junpei and grabbed onto his shoulders, "JUNPEI…"
Junpie was seized with panic, "I…I…was just telling the truth…I was just…helping".
"Please don't make things more complicated…we could handle it ourselves…Don't worry…" Minako gave Junpei her Takoyaki and drink.
"You should be hungry and thirsty enough after all the talking…huh…?" Minako smirked at Junpei.
"Yah…I am am…what a day huh…? Those crazy girls in the class were screaming like end of the word, I thought I just came out to take a break actually…Well…guess it's not just our class huh…?" Junpei took a peek at the surroundings, and sighed.
"Is it really ok if I take your food…?" Junpei looked at Minako.
"It's ok, we can just share…" Minako smiled.
"Well then…thanks for the food…" He turned away and took a few steps before turning his head to the couple again "I'm happy for you two…" The couple could feel Junpei's loneliness within, thoughts flashed through their minds - reminding them the pain of losing the loved ones. They may not know what lay before them, they could still treasure every moment being together and cherish each other.
***Frontyard, Gekkoukan High***
It was enough drama for the couple, they took a seat at the bench under a tree nearby the school's fence. Akihiko realized there was only one drink, he stood up "You like juice right? I'll be right back".
Minako reached to hold his hand, "It's ok, if u don't mind sharing with me", slightly shaking the Mad Bull in her hand.
"…Of course…I just thought you may not like it…" He sat next to Minako, and lifted up the Takoyaki tray, "Shall we…?"
"Please do eat slowly…it's hot…" She giggled recalling what happened at the Summer Festival.
"…Ahh…Yes…" Akihiko blushed his consent.
"So…her name is Maiko huh…? I saw you playing with her at the shrine quite often, on my way back to the dorm." He continued.
"Really…? How come you didn't call me? Join us next time? Maiko will be thrilled to have another playmate…" Minako smiled at him, knowing the fact the Maiko may actually remind him of Miki.
"…Sure…I don't mind…" He agreed with a slight hesitation.
"Maiko seems to like you a lot…She would be so happy to see you again." Minako put her hand on top of his hand, holding on it gently.
He shook his head with a soft chuckle. Minako's word eased his mind, he knew Minako wanted him to move on without dwelling in the past. He felt her warmth, it's always so comforting. It soothed his sorrows and sadness. She's the only reason kept him moving forward...
The couple bathed in each other's company, before they realised the area was getting crowded. The couple offered their seats to one family and decided to head to the Boxing Team's booth. Making sure she wouldn't get separated from him, the boxing champ held her hand and led her into the crowd.
