Chapter four
A woman stood before him. The wings upon her back blazed a furious red. The snow falling around made them look even brighter. The man reached a weak hand out. Then she turn around…
"WAKE THE HELL UP!"
The man shot his head facing Hikari. Her nose flared and her eyes narrowed. He put a hand behind his head and flashed her an awkward smile. "Sorry Hikari."
"Whatever." She scoffed and slammed the pile of books down. The man's eyes grew wide at all the range of all the titles. Each book was about Japanese folklore.
Not this again. He mentally sighed.
"I'm gone for five minutes to grab some books and you go straight off into la la land. It's bad enough that you're still completely useless at your job." She plumped down next to him and threw him an random book.
"It's not my fault." He sighed. Taking the book out of her hands. "You've been avoiding teaching me lately, and you're dad was getting sick of it."
"Have not!"
He pressed a finger to his lips. "Be quiet, Hikari. We're in a library."
"Oh shut up!" She shouted and slapped him with her notebook.
He put a hand to his throbbing cheek earning him a glare from her. With another sigh he opened the book. Scanning through the pages tell she shouted for him to stop. He watched as she opened her notebook to a clean page.
"Fuck," She murmured as she grabbed her pen. He couldn't help but chuckle at her frustration. This was definitely the last place that she wanted to be. "What!? Hey I'm the teacher here, and you're not supposed to be slacking off."
"The same rule applies to the teacher also."
She turned a deep shade of red. "You b-b If it wasn't for my dad's constant badgering I wouldn't even be here helping you!"
"I'm sorry. I was only trying to lighten the mood."
Her eyes narrowed. "Well. Don't. Now start reading. I'll tell you when to stop."
His eyes glanced down at the page. He quickly cleared his throat and began. "The Snow Bride." He flashed her a nervous look. She nodded, so her continued.
"Mosaku and his apprentice Minokichi journeyed to a forest, some little distance from their village. It was a bitterly cold night when they neared their destination, and saw in front of them a cold sweep of water. They desired to cross this river, but the ferryman had gone away, leaving his boat on the other side of the water, and as the weather was too inclement to admit of swimming across the river they were glad to take shelter in the ferryman's little hut.
Mosaku fell asleep almost immediately he entered this humble but welcome shelter. Minokichi, however, lay awake for a long time listening to the cry of the wind and the hiss of the snow as it was blown against the door.
Minokichi at last fell asleep, to be soon awakened by a shower of snow falling across his face. He found that the door had been blown open, and that standing in the room was a fair woman in dazzlingly white garments. For a moment she stood thus; then she bent over Mosaku, her breath coming forth like white smoke. After bending thus over the old man for a minute or two she turned to Minokichi and hovered over him. He tried to cry out, for the breath of this woman was like a freezing blast of wind. She told him that she had intended to treat him as she had done the old man at his side, but forbore on account of his youth and beauty. Threatening Minokichi with instant death if he dared to mention to anyone what he had seen, she suddenly vanished.
Then Minokichi called out to his beloved master, "Mosaku, Mosaku, wake! Something very terrible has happened!" But there was no reply. He touched the hand of his master in the dark, and found it was like a piece of ice. Mosaku was dead!..."
The man paused. The encounter between Mosaku and the Snow Bride reminded him much about the time he meet Hikari. The coldness of her eyes. How she vanished off into the night just as The Snow Bride did, and also leaving a dead body behind.
"Continue." She ordered.
He gave her a quick nod and continued on with the story.
"During the next winter, while Minokichi was returning home, he chanced to meet a pretty girl by the name of Yuki. She informed him that she was going to Yedo, where she desired to find a situation as a servant. Minokichi was charmed with this maiden, and he went so far as to ask if she were betrothed, and hearing that she was not, he took her to his own home, and in due time married her.
Yuki presented her husband with ten fine and handsome children, fairer of skin than average. When Minokichi's mother died, her last words were in praise of Yuki, and her eulogy was echoed by many of the country folk in the district.
One night, while Yuki was sewing, the light of a paper lamp shining upon her face, Minokichi recalled the extraordinary experience he had had in the ferryman's hut.
"Yuki," said he, "you remind me so much of a beautiful white woman I saw when I was eighteen years old. She killed my master with her ice-cold breath. I am sure she was some strange spirit, and yet tonight she seems to resemble you."
Yuki flung down her sewing. There was a horrible smile on her face as she bent close to her husband and shrieked, "It was I, Yuki-Onna, who came to you then, and silently killed your master! Oh, faithless wretch, you have broken your promise to keep the matter secret, and if it were not for our sleeping children I would kill you now! Remember, if they have aught to complain of at your hands I shall hear, I shall know, and on a night when the snow falls I will kill you!"
Then Yuki-Onna, the Lady of the Snow, changed into a white mist, and, shrieking and shuddering, passed through the smoke-hole, never to return again."
He shivered at the last sentence. He thought it was quite disturbing how much Hikari resembled Yuki-Onna. Not only with their plain, elegant beauty. But also their attitudes. How their beauty was used only to make them more deceptive. But…
The man was being rather harsh.
Hikari's heart was beyond the coldness of Yuki-Onna's. She was wram. So warm that it made him break out in sweat. Warm enough to help him. Plays with her nephew with warm gentle hands. Strong enough to take care of herself in this cold dark world. To hunt and fight off doves like they were nothing. She caused him to have this odd feeling in his heart. A feeling that he has been fighting off for weeks. Being alone with her was only making those feelings harder to fight off.
A hand waved in front of him.
"Hey earth to Arata."
He shook his head, and stared over at her. Her blue pen was laid down and the notebook laid in front of him. He stared down at the page and smiled. There were a lot less words than last time. Hikari was a rather unusual tutor. Who used unorthodox teaching methods, but they worked quite well.
What she was having him do now was one of her most common methods. It involved her making him read Japanese folktales in English. He read aloud while she wrote down words that he still needed to work on.
But today he just couldn't focus.
Her soft yet scornful, amber eyes. Her soft gold curls that framed her delicate face. Her bubblegum lips when they curled into a smirk. And her blazing red wings. Her heart was just as wonderful as her beauty. How her temper that was always filled an intense passion. How she would punch him for using stupid puns, and catching her alone silently giggling to them. How she could enjoy all the little things. Her love for the rain and maple leaves. Learning about her secret passion for teaching, and so much more. How he got to learn about all of this in only the four months he had spend with her at Ironside. He wanted it to stay this way. To be with her in on this wonderful day. Surrounded by all of his favorite books and studying…
"WAKE UP!"
Wham.
"Ow!" The man held his throbbing head.
With a sigh she threw the book down. "Sorry. But I need you to focus. Now go look for these words in the dictionary.
"Ummm okay. Give it here."
She pulled the book close to her chest. "Nope. You come and get it."
He flashed her a confused look. "Why can't you just send it over?"
"Why? Why!" She mocked and pulled the book even closer. " Because I said so! Now grab it. Unless you want me to smack you again."
"Please Hikari. Keep it down we're in a library." He begged.
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Here. Grab you dumbass." She thrusted the book closer. He took a breath and reached out with hesitant fingers. Suddenly they accidentally brushed hers causing a sudden warmth to spread throughout his body. He let go causing the book to crush onto the ground.
"What the hell?" She exclaimed.
"I-I'm s-so-rr-y."
The man went down on his hand and knees and began to frantically search. His heart at the same pace as a hummingbird's and a face the same shade as a tomato. Oh my god! She touched me! And I touched her! What do I do! Think! Arata! Think! There's got to be s- Then he felt a sudden tap.
He looked up and there before him was Hikari with a smile on her face.
"Right here." She handed him the book. "Stop being so nervous. If I was gonna kill then I would have done it in that alley a year ago."
The man remained silent.
She cocked her head off to the side. "Something wrong? You're all red." She asked.
The man shot up. His gaze forward and arms straight by his sides. Face still a blazing scarlet. "WOULD LIKE TO GO AND GET US SOME COFFEE!?"
Hikari put a hand over her ear. "Jesus, Arata. We're in a library we have to be quiet."
"S-S-O N-O."
She stood up and brushed up her skirt. "I didn't say that." She glanced at him. "Hey why you red all of a sudden?"
"N-O R-EASON,"
"Why not." She began to stretch. "I could use a little break.
"OK GOOD! I'LL BE BACK BEFORE YOU KNOW IT." He quickly walked out of the library ignoring all the stares.
Once they left they all turned their gazes at Hikari. A blush crept onto her face. She clenched her teeth and angrily threw her hands on her hips. "WHAT! Don't you idiots got something better to do! It's not my fault he's a socially, awkward, and a total dumbass!"
Everyone then turned their gazes away. Trying hard to ignore the horrid vibes that the petite, blond teenager was giving off.
She collapsed back onto the chair and pulled a book out. "He better hurry up with that coffee. I'm thirsty."
Meanwhile the man was taking deep breaths to calm his racing heart. I still can't believe I touched her! And that she touched me! And on top of that she was smiling! I've never seen her with such a gentle smile. He stopped walking. Of course she has a reason to be happy. She has a happy home filled with loved ones. I...He clenched his jacket. Lost everything the year I turned fourteen. He walked past the passers bys of Tokyo continuing to ignore the warmth in his heart. Then why… is she so angry all the time. I want...He closed his eyes. I want to be the one who brings back her real smile. Then they flew open. What's wrong with me! She hates my guts and on top of that she's my tutor! And her dad could break me in half with only one hand. He threw his face in his hands. I'm hopeless. I can to her only to learn English then fall in love with her instead.
With a sigh he walked down another block to the coffee shop. He found it a relief that there was a coffee shop so close by. Than was relieved to find a place when he needed to get away from the hell of Ironside or the hellish touting lessons with Hikari. And he was fond of the fact two his most favorite places were so close by. This coffee shop was basically his sanctuary when he needed.
He smiled when he entered the shop. The familiar smells of coffee exciting his nose. He strolled up to the counter and ordered. The barista smiled and began to make the orders. The man was still getting accustomed to not having so many stares or having something thrown at his face. Is it because of what I am wearing. He stared down at his jacket. It was a blessing to have a much nicer wardrobe(courtesy of Steve), and a haircut(courtesy of Becca) With the major changes on his hair and wardrobe he looked a lot cleaner. Just an average Tokyo citizen getting himself some coffee.
He smiled politely as he took the coffee out of the barista's hands and handed him some money. He turned around and slammed right into a girl. He screamed as the dark liquid scorched his skin. The girl shrieked and frantically grabbed napkins of a nearby table.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I was in such a hurry so I didn't realize that you were there! That you had coffee! Oh." She stopped dubbing when he gently pushed her back. She stared at the man. A blush creeping upon her face.
Now the man got a good look at her face. Her face was small with freckles sprinkled across her face. Her chestnut hair pulled back in two messy braids causing her jade eyes to pop out. She was cute in next door girl sort of way.
"It's fine." He pulled his hands away.
She pulled the napkin up to her chest. "I just feel so bad that I ruined my shirt."
"It was only an accident. I assure I'm not angry." He flashed her a smile which caused her face to redden.
He swore the girl was about to melt. He found it extremely strange that he had any effect on the opposite sex. Most of the time they would just ignore him, or worse call him a nerd and have their boyfriends throw him in the trashcan. It took him three weeks to get rid of the smell. That was a memory that he would prefer not to relive.
He looked up past her. Searching for an angry man to burst out of the soldiers and beat the living daylights out of him. There was no angry boyfriend. Just a elderly man sneezing into a hanky.
The man turned his attention back at the girl who had a dreamy look on her face. His eyebrows rose in confusion. Why is she staring at me like that? Wait is he behind me! The man spun around expecting to see a furious lover, but there was only a toddler giggling at people who were walking outside. He let out a sigh in relief and stared back the girl. Her jade eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped in a o shape.
"OHMYGODI'MSOSORRYIASSTARTING!"
She was saying to fast the man couldn't figure out what she was trying to say.
"Please calm down. You're fine. I didn't even realize you staring at me."
"I am." She sighed in relief and threw a hand behind her head. "Sorry about that. My anxiety increases when I'm with guys. Oh. I'm Miu Kumakura. It's nice to make your acquaintance." She took her hand out.
"I'm…" He paused. Choosing his next words carefully. She I tell her my name. What if she's a dove or alerts them. He took a deep breath. Stay calm, Arata. It's only name after all. What could go wrong. "Arata Kirishima." He took her hand. "It's lovely to make your acquaintance too." He flashed her a smile.
After that he swore that she was about to pass out. She pulled her hand back and closed her eyes. For the next several minutes all he could hear was her soft breathing. She clenched her skirt. Her eyes fluttered open. "It's nice to meet you too!" She gave him an awkward smile.
Now it was his turn to blush causing her to giggle.
"Let me buy you some coffee to make up for earlier."
"Ummm no it's fine. You don't have too."
She already finished the orders before he could finish his protest. She spun around. Flashing him another smile. "It's my pleasure." She handed one steaming cup and was writing something one the other.
"Here."
He gently took the to the other cup. "Thanks."
She smiled and went behind the counter and entered into the shop's backroom.
She works here? How come I didn't catch that. Oh well I better get back before Hikari kills me. He adjusted the cups in his hands when he noticed a scribble on one of the cups. He took a closer look and his eyes widened in surprise.
D488-8641-804 Call me :)
He got a number from a girl? That's strange. Maybe she wants to be friends, or it could be a cruel joke. He shook his head and left the shop.
"Where the hell were you!?" Hikari demanded turning her gaze away from the man sitting across from her. "And why's your shirt stained?"
The held the coffee up to shield his face. "A girl b-bumped i-n t-t-o m-e."
She rolled her eyes. "Here we go with the goddamn stuttering.. What did I say about stuttering."
"I-m- s-s-rry."
"Whatever." She huffed and ripped the coffees out of his hands. Then she back down. Quietly taking a sip here and there. Meanwhile the man tucked his shirt out and took a closer look. Staring back at him was a massive brown stain.
He let go and flashed her an awkward smile. "A girl bumped into me at the coffee shop."
Her eyes glazed over. "One. I don't care. Two. I'm busy and got other things to do. Three. Sit down and shut the hell up."
He imminently done what she said. Quietly reading his book trying hard to ignore the conversation between Hikari and her boyfriend, Jun."
Jun Katursa. He was a third year at Hikari's school. They have apparently been dating for about a year. It was the man's first time actually meeting Jun. He knew that Hikari really liked him. Spending her nights talking to him over the phone instead of doing her homework. The man didn't like him.
Not a damn bit.
He could not put his finger on it, but there was something about his eyes. The eyes that belonged to a monster. Which he found sort of ironic considering what he was, and in most causes he is the "monster"
His thoughts were interrupted by a giggle. He looked up from his reading to notice that Hikari was laughing at something Jun said. The man noticed anytime she would laugh or smile. Her mouth would be covered by her hand as if she were ashamed.
She finished giggling and wiped away a tear. "Man what a bunch of idiots. Why would they even try to do that?"
"Do what?"
Hikari glared angrily at the man. " None of your damn business."
"Now Hikari. He's just curious. I'll tell him." He flashed Hikari and hollywood, glamor smile causing her face to slightly reden.
"I-" She abruptly got up. Her palms slamming on the table caused the man to flinch. "Got to go and grab some books." She kept her face down as she grabbed some books and leaving the two men alone.
The man recently stared over at Jun. "Tell me what you and Hikari were talking a-."
But before he could finish his sentence he got yanked up by the collar. Forced to stare into his cold eyes.
"I want you to know something, Prick. The only reason Hikari is with someone like you is because her dad is making her teach you English. Don't be getting any ideas that she actually likes you. Now I want to get this straight. If you even try something of making a move own her. I will destroy you, and when I'm done you won't be able to stand, walk, or crawl."
"Why are you threatening me?" The man asked coolly.
He swore he saw a tick mark appear on Jun's head. His eyes grew wide when the grip on his collar tightened. Then he was pulled closer. Nose to nose with Jun. He stared deeply into Jun's eyes. There was nothing but fury inside them.
"What do you think." He hissed. "Keep your hands off her. Got it?"
The man only quietly stared.
"Alrighty then." Jun grinned and threw the man down with a thud. "Now that we got all of that out of the way. I can now tell you what me and Hikari were talking about earlier."
"I'm fine. I don't need to know."
He flinched when Jun put his hands on his shoulders. The man tried to contain the fear in his eyes, and the demonic glint behind his jade eyes.
"Hey what are you guys doing?" Hikari asked. Books in in her arms.
"Ah nothing." Jun grinned. "Let's go. You're done with the touring lesson right." He slung his bag over his shoulder.
"Yeah once I get these books checked out. I'll be right with ya."
The man quietly put his work away. The two chatted away as Hikari checked out the books. He noticed how her lips curled into a smaller smile, and her eyes softened. Then he felt a sharp stab when Jun slung his arm over her shoulder. He shut his eyes to hide from what he had to witness ,and this rage bubbling inside him.
Hikari turned her head back. "Come on, Arata."
"R-right!" He jumped up. Books clenched up to his chest.
She only tisked and spun away. Jun smiled and pulled her close that the outlines of their bodies pressed together.
The man trailed behind them. The pain only growing stronger as he watched them.
The man sat alone on his bed. A phone in one hand. A coffee cup in the other. The number stared back at him. He shut his eyes. The racing of his heart vibrating in his ear. His grip on the phone tightened. What do I say? What if I call and she hangs up? What if I say something stupid. He puffed his chest out. Taking in all the air inside his lung. He clamped his mouth shut till his heartbeat slowed down. Then he inhaled; all of his anxiety flowing out of his body. With is new found confidence he frantically dialed the number. Now or never, Arata!
Holding the phone close to his ear. He waited for the her to pick up. Finally a connection came and he heard a voice on the other side."
"Whothefuckisthisyoubetterhavegoodexplantionyousonof-"
The man hung up before he could hear anymore that horrid language. It was bad enough having to endure it from all the members at Ironside, but having profanities screamed straight into your eardrum… to much for the man..just...too much.
The receiver fell off to his side. So she gave me the wrong number after all. All the confidence that the man had escaped him like a air deflating from a balloon. He put his face in his hands to hide the shame. I shouldn't have tired. Why when it was obvious that she's not interested. "I should have never tried to call." He mumbled into his hands.
"Try what?"
He glanced up and released a bloodcurdling scream when Spencer leaned closer.
"W-Wha-t a-r-re y-y-o-u d-oing i-in-n m-m-y r-ro-om."
Spencer ignored him and leaned closer. His frame towering over the man's shoulder. A smile appeared on his face.
"Ahhh I see. You got yourself a girl's number." He sat down and threw an arm over the man's shoulder. "So ya gonna call her."
"Ummm I…." The man trailed off. His hand fidgeting with the phone. "Not sure."
"What?" Spencer's eyebrow rose. "Why not? Is she not cute? Or…" He leaned closer. "Is she a fatty?" He asked in a serious whisper.
The man quickly shook his head. "NO! It's nothing like that! She is…" He paused unaware of the pink flamming across his cheeks. "Cute."
"Then what's the matter then?"
"Well...she's a human…"
"Ya so." He sighed. "I dated a few human girls here and there. Back when I was in high school. That was all before I meet Hisui. When I dated those girls nothing bad ever happened. I never entered their house when they tried to invite me inside. I didn't go anywhere alone with them. Beside it can be a nice experience for you. And as long as you don't try to devour them! You'll be fine!" He laughed and gave the man a rough slap on the back.
"I'm….not...so...sure.."
Spencer threw a hand up to his face. "Urgh! Come on, man! You need to get out more! All you have ever done in the past four months since you came to stay with is read,work,lessons with my sis, and read some more. Don't you want to do more with your life."
"I'm...perfectly..fine...with..what...I have…" The man smiled. The mornings waking up to the agreements between Hikari and David over who makes the coffee. Steve giving him a rough pat on the head when he finished all of his work. David teaching him the difference between bolts. Laughing with Leo everytime Becca flirted with a male customer. Reading his favorite books to Leo each night. Enjoying drinks with Spencer and how he would suddenly sing a funny song about some country all night long. Hearing tales about America. The country out west separated by an ocean from Ruth, Hikari's great grandmother. Being able to witness Hikari's smiles. His eyes softened and his fingers curled around the phone. After being alone for so long. I never thought I could be happy again after my parent's deaths. Thanks to Hikari I have a family again.
Spencer just shook his head. The man felt a sudden jolt as he got pulled up.
"W-where ar-e ww-e go-in-g?"
"You're going to show me this girl, and…" He stared down at the man an glint in his eyes. "You're gonna ask her out."
"WHAT NO! PLEASE NO! I CAN'T"
Spencer ignored the man's pleading and began dragging out of his room. The man started thrashing. Mustering all of his strength to loosen Spencer's grip. But it was no use. Spencer had too much upper arm strength from all of the hard work he has done for Ironside. He screamed and clung onto the front desk. Becca looked over from her computer. Her lips curled into a smile.
"Kon'nichiwa. Anata wa watashi o tasuketekudasai koto wa dekimasu ka?"
"What? Spencer what the hell did he just say?"
Spencer flashed her a toothy grin. "Oh it's nothing? He's just saying I want some more coffee."
The man bit his lower lip in annoyance. If Hikari were here she could translate for him. The man eyes searched for her, but she was no where to be seen. The man put his hand behind his head and attempted to yank his hair. Pulling with all of his might. He finally yanked himself free and collapsed to the floor. He quickly stumbled onto his feet and ran like his life depended on it.
"Oh no you don't!" Spencer shouted. Beginning to sprint after him.
The man stumbled out of the shop just as Hisui was about to enter. Leo holding her and a grocery bag in the other. Her husband wiped right past her. Not before placing a kiss on her cheek. She glanced back with wide eyes. Watching her husband chase Arata.
"What is my husband doing?" She asked. Placing the bag down on the front table.
Becca leaned her cheek on her hand. Her lids half closed. "Trying to give Arata a pair of balls."
Hisui sighed and lifted up Leo into her arms. He giggled. Playing with her braid. "Arata's just really shy. I wish you guys would stop pushing him."
Becca sat up. "Trust me it will pay off someday."
"How?" Hisui asked. Adjusting her son.
"He'll finally be able to be truly happy."
"NANI! NANI! Kono hito wa watashi o oikakete! Darekaga kare o teishi shite kudasai! Daredemo!" The man shouted. Running as fast as his body would physically allow it.
"Come on, Arata! I'm your friend! I'm only trying to help you!" Spencer shouted.
"Friends don't force their friends to do something they're not comfortable with!" The man shouted back in broken English.
"Man you suck! Has my teacher been teaching you anything?!"
Spencer was getting closer. The man had been beginning to run out of energy. His lungs burned, his legs ached, his heart hammered. The man could hear his loud breathing. He couldn't keep running. His feet pattered to a stop and collapsed against a wall. Spencer caught up. Watching as the man stood there wheezing. He crossed his arms and waited.
"Please don't make me do this?" The man begged between his heavy breathing. "I'm not ready?"
He put his hands on his hips. "There's nothing to it. Just go up and say will you go out with me? Don't tell me you haven't asked a girl out before."
The man silently nodded his head.
Spencer looked about ready to hit him. "Okay then. I'll guide you through it. Now let's head inside." He flung an arm over the man's shoulder to prevent him from escape.
"I want to go home." His only sanctuary now betraying him.
Spencer threw open the door dragging the man inside. The shop hadn't changed since the man been here earlier. There were less people in the shop. The aroma of the coffee beans attacking his nose. The countless sleeves pushed up against the walls. Crummined up to the top with books. Soft jazz music playing off in the background. It made him think of home. Back when he had one. Laying on the floor reading his favorite book for the hundredth time. While his father sat on his lazy-boy reading a novel, and his mother would be working on one of her many paintings.
But now all he could think about was running away from the nightmare that he got forced into. The counter were the orders were taken. There she stood. Her brown hair pulled back in a messy bob on top her head. Her uniform shirt clung to her chest. A dark apron hugged her body. She bit her lower lip as she concentrated on finishing up a latte someone ordered.
The man blushed and turned away. Playing with his hands. Spencer meanwhile his jaw looked like it would crush onto the floor. "Is that...her?"
The man nodded.
"Holy crap! Are you kidding me? She's not cute, man! She's hot! And her ti-"
The man clumped his hand over Spencer's mouth to prevent him from saying that last word of his sentence. The man could feel the heat on his face. Miu glanced up. At first a with a blank expression. Then her cherry red lips curled into a smile.
"Welcome to Kunafu. How may I help you?"
Spencer brushed back his hair and leaned over the counter. A glint in his amber eyes. "My friend here thinks you're really cute."
"What?" A blush creeped on her face. "I-I." She stared down at her hands. "I'm sorry. I'm interested in dating right now. I mean… I guess you can say I'm interested in someone else." She smiled at the thought.
"You mean this guy?" Spencer pointed at the man.
"Arata!" Her face flushed a deeper shade. She closed her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"I-I." His voice came to a stop. "Wondering if you…"
"Yes." She staring at him with eager eyes.
"What really? I didn't finish my sentence."
"I know what you're trying to say. I said yes. When is it?"
The man opened his mouth but nothing came out.
"How about this saturday at seven!" Spencer intervened.
The man continued to stand there dumbstruck while Miu's lips curled into a smile.
"I would like that alot. If that's okay with you, Arata."
A grinning Spencer grabbed the base of the man's neck and bobbed it up and down.
"He would love that so very much."
Miu beamed as she waved. "I'll see you this saturday. Have good rest of your evening, Arata."
Spencer waved back while dragging the man out of the shop. He let the man go who stared at him with horrid eyes.
"I have a date! I can't believe I have a date!" He wailed. Then threw his face in his hands.
Spencer's eyes were wide. "Not...the reaction I was expecting…" He crossed his arms. "I don't get it most guys would be jumping for joy for getting a date especially if the chick is a hot one."
"What no!? It's not that she's not pretty. Just...jus..." He sheepishly put a hand behind his head. "I've been out on a date before."
"YOU WHAT!?"
The man flinched backwards.
"Never not one."
The man nodded.
"Never even went to second base!"
He nodded.
Spencer slapped himself in the face. "Do you even know what second base is."
"Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team.[1] A second baseman is one of the two players guarding second base.[1] The second baseman normally positions himself between second base and first base but closer to second base. Also called second bagger,[1] the second baseman often possesses quick hands and feet, needs the ability to get ri-"
"THAT IS NOT SECOND BASE!"
The man stared at him with wide eyes. "Yes it is."
Spencer clenched his fists. "Don't you have urges?"
The man shook his head.
Spencer leaned into his ear. "You know what I'm talking about right?"
Oh that's what he meant. The man's face redden. He quickly shook his head. "I would never! I respect women! I…" He remembered back to the bra found on Hikari's bedpost. His heart leaped. He shook his head to dismiss the memory. "I never looked at porn. Okay?"
"Alright then. You are that kind of guy. Please tell me that have at least kissed a girl."
The man stood there. Slient. Kiss a girl. No he never had. Not romantically anyway. He reluctantly nodded his head.
Spencer exploded. "WHAT NO WAY! YOU CANNOT BE THAT PURE!"
The door to the shop flutter open. "Hey Arata. You f-ohmygosh!" She rushed over to the man's side. Two bright red handprints on both his cheeks. He stared up at her with a goofy grin.
"I'lll beeee jussssst finnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
She lifted him of the cold cement.
"Weeeeeee!" He almost fell to the ground, but she put an arm around him.
"Be careful."
"I must get home now. Bye. Bye." Then he stumbled to the ground dragging a poor Miu down with him.
Wha? His eyes fluttered showing the ground beneath him. I'm I being dragged. So...this is how I'm gonna die huh? Oh well….what is this warm feeling? And this what is this softness pressed up against me? So warm….The man smiled.
"I'm glad to see you're awake."
His droopy eyes glazed over. Miu! He stared down and that soft feeling was..
He shrieked and jumped four feet back. "I-I'mm sorry! So! So sorry!" He started to bow frantically.
Miu put her hands up. "Arata you're fine. You haven't done anything wrong. I was carrying you home because you were past out."
"You were." He turned and saw the Ironside sign right above him. "Thank you. And sorry for all the trouble."
"Not a problem." She bowed. "I hope to see you saturday."
"Ummm yeah. See you then."
He waved good bye as her figure disappeared off into the streets. He couldn't help but smile. Then he turned around and went inside the shop.
Becca glanced up from her deskwork. "Hey Arata-kun."
He flashed her a smile and left the room.
Becca sat there completely astonished. "Did he...just smile at me?"
Hisui only shook her head and put went back to going over the bills.
That night the man didn't dream about the angelic knight with the blazing wings. Instead it was of a pretty girl sitting in a coffee shop and reading one of his favorite novels.
"I can't believe he's a virgin! A total virgin!" Spencer shouted. Pacing back and forth across the room.
Hikari only sighed and tried to pay her attention back to her book. "Why should I even give a damn."
"A Virgin! Hikari! I in my entire twenty six years on this plant have never once met a ninteen year old virgin!"
"And…." She glared up from her book. "In what way is it such a big deal?"
"Okay being a virgin is not so bad. But he hasn't even kissed a girl!"
Her eyes grew wide. "Now that's something. How about you go tell you greasemonkey friends about it."
"Quiet with the damn sarcasm." He snapped.
"Look he's obviously lying. He is not any way that pure, so drop it."
"I don't know. I know one thing...he's gonna need my help this saturday if ever wants to see that girl again."
Hikari's eyebrow rose. "What's going on saturday."
"The guy got himself a date with my help of course."
"Well…" She closed her eyes. "We all know he'll be coming home alone."
David who was quietly sitting on her desk playing with one of his machines glanced up. "Why?"
"Because he's a totally moran, and he will end up saying something to set her off."
Spencer closed his eyes. and grinned. "If she turns out to be like you. He'll come back home in a body bag."
She shot off her bed. "Get out!"
"For what saying the truth!"
"Who the hell inverted you in my room anyway! Yourselves. Now get out before I beat so hard you be puking blood out for a week." She grabbed one of her weight and threw it at Spencer. He slid out of the wall as it slammed into the wall with a thud. Spencer had a studded David by the arm.
"Alright already. Calm down. We were just leaving."
She sighed heavily when the door slammed. She held her monkey close to her heart. Why the hell would I care what that dumb sapphire haired bastard does. So what! He got some date with some bimbo! Such a big deal! Then why...why I'm I in so much pain. Dammit stop haunting my dreams Kirishima ! She screamed and throw the monkey. It crashed onto the wall causing it to squeak. She shut her eyes and threw herself back agistment the headboard.
"Stupid asshole for making feel this way." She murmured. She flinched when the phone rang. She glanced down and picked up the receiver. Her lips curled into a sadistic smile. Well Arata let the games began.
Hello everyone! PKP here! Hope you enjoy the latest chapter of How I met her. I have two other stories that I'm currently working on. Tales of the Kirishima Family and Fullmetal Alchemist Fanfic called Heir. Hope you can check them out when you get a chance as always...
Reviews are respected :)