Oh my... Summer started and I'm so busy! I recently got a job and I just... ;A; I WANT TO BE FREE AGAIN! ;A;
Some of you just knew when to review - when I was writing this chapter! And that gave me energy to write and finish it! THANK YOU!
Now, long awaited summer festival chapter is here! enjoy~
Days of August seemed to pass more quickly than any other and no one specially noticed that. All the nature was still in the full bloom, weather was still warm and nice and people were just staying positive and happy, enjoying the summer. Kids were still happy and free, enjoying this little time they have left until the school starts again. For adults, summer meant nothing – most of them were still working hard in their offices, supermarkets or any other stores. As for high school students, late August meant their last option, their last chance to finish all their assignments and homework.
But aside from work that was occupying most of the population worldwide, there was still enough time for relaxation and joy. Middle to late August in east country meant the time for local summer festivals. Those festivals were filled with people, smiles, laughs, many candy and game stands and most important of all – fireworks. Everybody loved that display which was always held at the end of the festival and it was like a great thing, blessing and crowning the whole event from the night sky.
It was the middle of the second week of August when the local festival near the Sunny East Park was held. No one had any work on this day; everybody was preparing themselves for the happy occurrence in their neighborhood.
Day was almost closing, making the sun shine golden to orange upon the city. Those still warm rays of light were making their way through the thin curtains and into the room of a young high school girl. On this day, she was transforming – instead of her usual summer shorts and thin-strap top, she was being dressed into elegant, traditional attire specially worn in these occasions. The girl was standing firmly, letting her mother work with a green hanhaba obi – big sash that was going around the girl's waits, being wrapped a couple of times around the waist. Girl's patience was strong and top notch as she knew that this was only a natural thing and that she didn't have any room for complains.
Sana's green obi was wrapping around a lovely summer yukata decorated with swirly blue lines, representing the wind which carried the small leaves around. It was colored with light green coming from the bottom and slowly fading to white as going up. Her lovely yukata seemed like a lovely summer field with warm breeze blowing the leaves. That piece of clothing looked like a classy painting that could be seen in some really expensive gallery – it was so beautiful!
One more yank that Sana's mother did with the obi made Sana gasp slightly, straightening her back more, still not uttering a word. Sana's hair was still let down, the ends carefully touching her shoulders like always. The silence in that small room was feeling completely natural, not even a bit uncomfortable. Sana's mom made a final knot on the obi and took a traditional wooden comb from her pocket. She took silky, dark brown locks of Sana's hair and carefully combed them trying to put them all together in a small bun. The girl still stood silent even with all that tough prep. Many small hairclips were put on that peaceful head, trying to hold down newly grown parts of the hair. Patient mother made a simple but lovely bun but still… there was something missing. Aside from all those tiny hairclips that were almost invisible in the dark hair, there was no decoration in that lovely hairdo.
Suddenly, Mom spotted something on the drawer behind them that Sana "tried" to hide, but was still very visible. Without Sana's notice, her Mom took that precious ornament that would just go perfect and top Sana's looks. She put the little hairpin carefully in the bun, making sure that it was visible. Sana's eyes widen as she heard the small nylon under her mother's fingers. She wanted to say something, to yell and negate her mother's decision of putting the hairpin – THAT hairpin – but she couldn't do such a thing.
Sana remained calm, just like the last of the sunrays that were calmly traveling through the room and fading slowly as the sun was setting. It took her mother some time to adjust the hair again and put Sana's bangs to the side with another small hairclip. After both Sana's hair and clothes were ready, her mother pulled out geta - wooden clogs that both women and men wear on occasions such as this festival and other traditional meetings. These geta were simple and not too hard to wear, perfect for young girls who never wore high heels. Sana put the sandals on, with it stretching her tabi socks a little bit more.
"There, you're done." Sana's mother said, standing up in front of her daughter. She almost let out a tear as she saw how mature and beautiful her once little girl was in the moment. But, Sana was slowly becoming a woman and these clothes showed that. She wasn't mama's little girl anymore and that frightened her Mom a bit. Without any more words, Mom gave Sana a small bag and opened the door for her to exit the room.
Sana carefully walked down the stairs as the sash was wrapped tightly around her waist also wearing those tricky sandals. Just as they were in the middle of the stairway, Sana's little brother passed by stopping at the sight of his sister.
"Wow! I never would've imagined that you can look like that!" he said, blushing slightly. Sana's calm face, which she kept like that for almost two hours, finally changed as her lips parted and she formed a cheeky grin.
"Eeeh? What is that? You say I look pretty?!" she said as she finally conquered the stairs and came to her brother.
"W-what?! I never said that… b-baka!" he blushed and ran to the living room where his father was.
"He never changes…" Mom said as she came next to Sana. She looked at her and Sana looked back, smiling softly, wanting to show that she loves what her mom did, "I'll go and get your father." Mom said and went to the room on her right.
Sana fixed her bangs a little but when she touched that little hairpin in her bun, she felt kind of uneasy and scared, remembering him. She remembered that day he gave her that hairpin – the night they were walking from school together. That memory would make her happy often but now… she was scared of facing him, even after all he said to her, a week ago.
'What's past is past. What matters is only the present.'
His words were strong but that only made Sana feel smaller and powerless against him. She still felt the guilt and was caring it the whole summer. School is going to start soon and she will be seeing him a lot again. Just what… just what is she supposed to do?!
"Oooh, you really look nice!" a man's voice broke Sana's thoughts. Her father was standing behind her, smiling. Her mom had a precious smile on her face too, agreeing with the words of her husband. Not wanting to worry them, Sana smiled too and slightly nodded.
"Dewa…" she said with a small bow. When she came to the door, she turned again to her family and smiled wider, "Itekimasu!" she said.
"Iterashai!" her parents greeted her, waving. Sana closed the door and went to the gate. She saw some people from the neighborhood coming out of their houses and going in the same directing she was supposed to – to the festival!
'It's already been a week…'
She greeted the people on the way and continued walking alone. She passed his house but kept her face down, looking at her feet. It was all yukata's fault – it was too tight so she couldn't speed up her walk. She didn't want to meet with him; she still wasn't ready for that! As she was approaching the shrine where the festival was, Sana saw more people and it quickly became crowded and hard to pass. She agreed with her friends to wait for them at the big gate of the shrine but only if she can make it to there. All that talk about politeness in people vanished as they were bumping into Sana and pushing her all over without apologizing afterwards.
"A-ah, excuse me… can you…?" she tried to ask people nicely but her sentence was always interrupted by another push or a bump. That huge crowd which she was part of was going to the big gate of the shrine, wanting to go up the stairs. But Sana didn't want to go to the stairs! She pushed and struggled to get out of the crowd but it was all useless… Until she felt a strong hand grabbing her own and pulling her out of the crazy bunch.
Her mind went crazy as well in the moment – Was she being abducted? Is someone trying to rob her?! Who grabbed her?! What is going on?!
That strong hand let go of hers when she stepped out on the clear, out of the mad crowd. It took her few moments to catch her breath but when she looked up to see who "saved" her, that breath was once again lost.
It was him – the guy she was desperately trying to avoid because she was too scared to face him with all that guilt built up in her!
Zoro was tall as always, wearing the most casual outfit which consisted of plain white t-shirt and almost baggy dark sweatpants. He had his hands in pockets but eyes locked on frightened Sana. His dark eyes didn't move from her but Sana couldn't look back. Instead of speaking, she took a small step back which Zoro gladly noticed. After that move, he looked away and Sana sensed that. She looked at him now – Zoro was relaxed, hands in his pockets, looking up at the night sky. Sana bit her lip to gather some courage before saying anything.
"Thank you so much!" she almost yelled and bowed deeply. Zoro looked at her again, without changing the expression on his face. He was calm, waiting for Sana's next move. As she didn't hear Zoro say anything, Sana slowly straightened up and looked at him. Their eyes met and this time, Sana didn't look away.
Zoro's little chuckle seemed unnoticeable, but Sana noticed that smile indeed. That small thing he did made Sana blush. She didn't know why but her cheeks turned red and a warm feeling preoccupied her stomach. She felt… happy.
Zoro looked at Sana again, still wearing that cute and warm smile. And because of that smile, she couldn't look away – it would be insulting to take eyes off that perfect and gentle expression.
"Don't mention it, I was just there. And like I said that last time we met – I couldn't just look away when you are in trouble." his smile did fade a little but that didn't matter to Sana. Zoro's words were enough to still keep her happy and honored… and a little bit ashamed, because it was already a second time he saved her, "So, are you still depressed about that guy?"
Sana looked to the side, carefully biting her lower lip. Her nervous silence was enough of an answer to Zoro – she was still unsure. But, seeing her expression, which was not near sad, told him that she also was progressing on getting over Katsumi.
Zoro looked at the crowd in front of him again, pushing that warm smile away completely. He seemed like he was over with sweet pep talk.
Seconds passed as no one spoke up – Sana didn't have any interesting topic to start and it was making her nervous while Zoro just looked cool with hands in his pockets, observing the crowd of rushing people before him.
"So… you came to the festival?" Zoro started first, making Sana feel relieved that he changed the topic and that she didn't have to torture her brain to come up with something interesting to say. But… that question was kinda stupid… She was dressed in traditional clothes, she was in the pushy crowd of people trying to climb the stairs, and she was at the shrine where the festival was held… What clue was missing?
But, Sana ignored that fact – he asked her a normal question and it's only natural for her to respond politely and as natural as possible.
"Y-yeah… my friends and I arranged and talked about this festival all the time so we're all really excited for tonight…" she blushed again, remembering the excitement she shared with her friends during the whole passed week. Zoro noticed it all as Sana looked at the ground while talking about it, her finger playing with the strap of her little purse. His face changed too – he seemed surprised – his lips parted lightly with his eyes widening a bit. It was like he just witnessed the most amazing thing in a long time.
The time Sana happily blushed and looked down playing with her purse was a great chance for Zoro to closely observe the girl – she was dressed in a summer yukata colored really nicely, with colors relaxing to the sight and not those flashy ones some girls wore at the festival and which Zoro regretted looking at. Sana was an image of a beautiful young woman, standing out from the busy crowd in the middle of the night. She was beautiful and Zoro couldn't deny it, no matter how much and how hard he tried.
"You look really beautiful tonight…" Zoro said, putting on that sweet and gentle smile that just radiated.
Those gentle words stopped Sana – her blush was like washed from her face, her eyes wide but still shiny like two big jewels, her mouth slightly open and her body stiff. She still looked at the ground, at her frozen fingers that stopped playing with that thin strap on the purse. And she just looked at them… doing nothing else.
Zoro still smiled, looking at Sana, wanting to know how will she respond to that.
The girl finally looked up, carefully. Their eyes met and instant blush appeared on her face – she couldn't help it! Thoughts of Katsumi were forever erased. She gripped that purse strap she was playing with minutes ago, her palms getting sweaty by the second. Suddenly, it really became hot and Sana just wanted to escape! That comment was just too much for the poor girl!
"Th-Thank you." she barely said it and quickly turned away. She turned to the side, facing the big pillar of the main shire gate. Her arm went up and she nervously started "fixing" her bangs, putting the wild hair behind her ear. As Zoro noticed every single move she made that night, he also noticed that, making his smile go away again and his surprised face came up… again.
Sana was turned to the side, her left side facing Zoro, making him notice not just only her nervous behavior but also that cute little thing she had in her hair - that small accessory which freely danced on the light breeze. That little thing made him surprised, made him pull out the hands out of his sweatpants' pockets and made him turn too with a little gap between his feet.
"You… you put it…" his surprised tone made Sana stop daydreaming and feeling nervous. Instead, she looked at the boy, her hand stopping behind her left ear. She didn't understand Zoro's words quite right so she waited for more.
"That little thing in your hair… you put it…" he pointed carefully to Sana's head and she instantly remembered. Her fingers slowly traveled up and slightly touched the pin of the plastic little windmill in her hair.
"Oh… it's just… My Mom put it without me knowing about it… I…"
"I'm glad that you're using it. I've seen it a couple of times that you put it in your school bag but after that little shouting you did, you never brought it again. So… I'm glad that you're using the hairpin again. You're okay now?" Zoro said, relaxing again, smiling a bit.
"Y-yeah… a bit, I think…" Sana said, her voice filled with nervousness, touching the little hairpin again.
"That's really great to know." Zoro's voice seemed louder this time and when Sana looked up, she saw him being really close to her, just a step away. Zoro was smiling, looking down at Sana; that gaze making her feel safe and relaxed. She wasn't afraid or embarrassed anymore – she was close to Zoro and that was wonderful! She wanted to be like that forever – to stay with him and feel happy and calm as she was in that moment.
"We finally found you!"
That peaceful moment didn't last long as it was broke by familiar voice, coming from behind Sana, on the left side – it was all hyper and wild Emi, Sana classmate and a very close friend. She was with Haruna, their friend and a very nice and gentle girl from wealthy family. Both girls were dressed similar to Sana – light summer yukata, wooden clogs, small bag and their hair either let down for Emi or picked up in a cute ponytail on the side for Haruna. They had cute and fancy hairpins that were really nice comparing to Sana's which was… a toy windmill. But that "toy" caught the attention of a special person and that mattered a lot!
"Oh, it's Zoro-kun… Did we interrupted something, Sana-chan?" Haruna asked, covering her mouth with a paper fan in her hand.
That question made Sana shiver a bit, making her realize she's still standing really close to Zoro. Their eyes met again and Sana quickly stepped to the side while Zoro did nothing, really.
"A-ah, no! We… we were just talking!" Sana said, waving her hands to deny any suspicious thoughts her friends might have. But, Emi was first to smirk and realize the situation behind Sana's words and her nervous behavior. She slightly pocked her friend next to her, making Haruna look at her. That smirk Emi had was enough for Haruna to do the same, thinking the same thing as her friend. They both looked back at Sana, smiling nicely.
"Okay, if you say so…" Emi said, waving her fan, pretending to cool herself.
The girls came to Sana and Zoro, greeting each other politely. The girls praised each other's clothes and hair and just the whole looks, forgetting about the tall boy standing next to them. Zoro just rolled his eyes and stepped aside, making room for the crazy high school girls and their uncontrollable giggles.
"So, Zoro-kun, you came to the festival, too?" Emi asked and Zoro finally looked at the girl.
"Yeah… kinda…"
"Hmm… what do you mean?" Haruna asked the next question.
"Who are you with?" Emi asked again, before Zoro got the chance to answer to Haruna's question.
"Well… I…"
"Zoroooooo?!" came another familiar voice, this time on the right side, making everyone look that way. It was the person Zoro fights a lot at home – his cousin and the person in which family house he lives in – Kuina. She wore a dark blue yukata, a color slightly lighter than her dark hair shine. She was in the company of several girls, giggling and talking around.
That sight sent a wave of anger to Zoro and he immediately put his hands back in the pockets, hissing through his teeth. Kuina was his cousin but whenever she would bring her friends… Zoro would just want to run away! They were behaving like 5-year-old girls and they were really loud – Zoro couldn't stand a minute in their presence. He was disgusted by their overly girly behavior.
"I met with the girls and we're ready to…" Kuina started but stopped her sentence as she saw Sana. She didn't notice her at first because of this rare "transformation" but once she saw it, Kuina went crazy, "Oh my god! Sana-chan! You came too?! I'm so glad! And you look absolutely amazing in those clothes! Are these your friends?!" and all Sana could do was nod. Kuina introduced herself to Emi and Haruna and talked more about how cute all of them looked. Soon, her friends came to the "stage" and added more to the fangirling. Sana now realized why was Zoro making that disgusted face.
"Awww~ if it isn't the precious Zoro-kun?!" one of the Kuina's friends came to Zoro and wanted to pinch him on the cheek but the boy avoided that by stepping back, "Why aren't you wearing a kimono? Those baggy sweatpants totally kill the mood of the festival. Like, totally!" she rolled her eyes and stepped away from Zoro.
"I wanted him to put the kimono his Mom sent us but he just refused over and over again." Kuina explained, "I was lucky he even came to the festival with me." she ended, making her other friends look at Zoro with disgusted expressions. Zoro, however, just sighed and stretched his neck, not really caring what will those girls think of him.
"But what do we have here?" other girl from the crowd started, coming to Sana and her friends, "You were hanging with cute girls, huh? You're such a devil, Zoro-kun."
"Cut it out." Zoro replied calmly but Sana felt slight warmth on her cheeks.
"Tch, whatever. You'll never get a girl to like you with that attitude." the girl said and went back to Kuina, whispering something to her ear. Kuina then made a clear eye contact with Sana as she was listening to her friend talking to her. After that murmur, Kuina smiled and when her friend stepped away, she came to Sana, close to her face.
"Sana-chan… you're behaving quite shy around Zoro. Is it because… you're not wearing any underwear?" Kuina asked. That really never crossed Sana's mind but now that Kuina mentioned it…
"N-no! It's nothing as you think! Really! Everything's—"
"Haha, don't worry about it! I'm just teasing you!" Kuina laughed and tapped Sana's shoulder. Her friends chuckled while Zoro and two Sana's friends stared confused with the whole situation, "Anyways, are you guys staying for the fireworks display? We're going to be by the river, in case you're asking." she added.
Sana exchanged looks with her friends and they agreed on Kuina's idea.
"Yeah, we planned to watch the fireworks at the end and the idea by the river sounds really nice. I hope we will meet later on." Sana said and Kuina nodded.
"Okaaaay, we'll be going now." Kuina said, going back to her friends, "Zoro, you're coming with us, of course. I don't want you to get lost, especially in a big crowd like this."
"Tch…" Zoro bit his lip and went to Kuina.
"Hopefully we'll see you guys later. You three have fun! Bye bye!" Kuina waved and went to giggle more with her friends. Zoro looked once again at Sana and she returned the gaze. She smiled nicely, telling him with it to relax and just have a great time. She caught Zoro's small smile before her two friends pulled her away.
The three girls went to the main gate entrance, merging with the crowd that was going the same way.
…
The girls went everywhere and enjoyed the festival to the fullest! They visited every candy stand – bought cotton candy, candied apples, choco bananas and whatnot. They played so many games – tried to catch the goldfish but failed many times, shooting with little air gun was actually nice and they won a teddy bear, small carton of juice and a CD. Haruna and Sana could barely separate Emi from pachinko as she tried to win countless of times but she just had no luck that night. They bought some funny masks and later got treated with free water balloons from the old man who was selling them.
Many people gathered closer to the shire to watch the play that was going on there and the girls joined the crowd. Handsome shirtless men with paint on their faces were doing some traditional dance, jumping around and doing many acrobatic stunts. There were also cute little girls dressed in cute little kimonos – they did a simple yet cute dance in the center of the stage and ended it with a bow. Next came well dressed, princess-like girls who danced a more complicated but also very graceful dance, throwing around flower petals and leaves. The whole performance was really awesome, making all people feel the joy and happiness.
Dance and the performance continued even after Sana and friends left and it's said that it will last until the festival ends – until the fireworks.
But, that moment was closing and Sana was getting excited by the minute, just by thinking about it. She wanted to see Zoro one more time; she wanted to watch the fireworks with him so she was praying hard for that to happen.
Once Emi bought another cotton candy, people started to move towards the exit – it was finally the time! People rushed again, just to find the perfect spot to watch the fireworks, to grab it before anyone else does. And Sana and the girls were caught in that crowd too. They held hands but it was hard staying together. So, even with all their effort and might, they got separated by pushy old people and kids who just wanted to get through. Girls called each other's names but the overall sound muted it all.
'This is bad…'
Sana's thoughts were getting worse by the second – she started panicking and just wanted to reunite with her friends again. She didn't even notice but once the crowd settled down she was actually just beside the river, with many people around. She was too shy to shout for her friends so she just remained nervous there, hoping the two missing girls will somehow "emerge" from somewhere.
"Mommy, is it time yet?" a little kid next to Sana asked his mother, pulling her hand.
"Just a little bit more, dear." the mother responded, stroking the boys hair.
Everyone around Sana knew each other and made groups while she was there all by herself, constantly turning around, hoping she will see her friends somewhere. Even standing on her toes didn't help, she couldn't see them anywhere around - it was just a perfect spot to watch the fireworks but it was also so sad because they planned this moment for the whole week, talking and squealing with joy.
"I heard they are going to use much more fireworks than last year." one guy on Sana's right said to his friend. And that made Sana even sadder…
"Well, if this isn't just weird…" came the very familiar voice behind Sana and she turned around in a second.
Zoro, with hands in his pockets, stood behind Sana, grinning wide. She felt her heart skip a beat and she looked down right after.
"We're meeting so often that it's crazy – twice in the same day." he said and Sana just nodded with a small and silent "yeah".
"So, where are your friends?" Zoro asked, coming and standing next to Sana. She turned back and raised her head a bit, just to look at the shiny surface of the river and not to meet Zoro's dark and piercing eyes.
"We got separated in the crowd. One fat guy pushed me so I let go of Haruna-chan's hand. Ever since then I couldn't find them anywhere." she said with a sad tone in her voice, "And where is Kuina-san and her friends?" she asked Zoro and finally looked at him, but he was the one to stare at the river now.
"She told me to push through the crowd and find a nice place while she buys some more things. I gladly did that, just to escape that bunch of girly weirdoes." he said and looked at the watch on his wrist, "If they don't hurry it up, the fireworks are going to start and they'll miss it."
That reminded Sana! She grabbed her bag to search for her phone. Indeed, it was almost the end of the festival and the time for the display. She dialed Emi's number but just as she clicked the call button, her phone turned off – the battery died.
'Why now?! Why now of all times?!'
She cursed in her mind, putting back her phone, now really angry.
…
"Are you really okay with this?"
"Trust me; I know what I'm doing."
"I feel sorry for them a little. Shouldn't we—"
"No! Let them! If we go there now, we'll ruin everything!"
"Yeah, but…"
"No 'buts'! Just keep quiet and watch!"
"…"
"Just look at them, aren't they the cutest things ever?!"
"Kuina-san…"
"There's no need to worry, Haruna-chan. Just watch."
"Kuhuhuhu, I like this, nice idea, Kuina-san!"
"I told you I know what I'm doing, Emi-chan. Now let's just shut up and watch!"
A bunch of girls made a funny looking group by the river side that many people looked at. Kuina, along with her friends, found Emi and Haruna and dragged them with her so that they can enjoy the little "show". Kuina saw Sana before anyone else and her idea was to let Zoro on his own go to her while she observes from the side. She was really sure to connect the two together. In her mind, Sana was perfect for Zoro – she was the girl who could calm him and bring the best out of him, without shouting or using any harsh measures. She always wanted a younger sister and Sana was her perfect image!
…
Zoro looked at his wrist watch again and it was just about a minute before the fireworks display. He looked around but didn't see Kuina or her friends anywhere. He then looked at Sana and changed his mind – he couldn't just leave her alone and go to look for his cousin.
'I guess she must figure out something without me…'
With that thought, Zoro let out a sigh, pulled his hands out of the pockets and stretched lightly. He looked at Sana again, while she was staring at the river. He took a deep breath, swallowed once, determent to say something.
"Hey, would you…"
And just when Sana turned her head to look at Zoro the first big boom muted all the sounds. In the next second, the sky was painted red. The fireworks display started! Both of them turned back to the sky. One after another, beautiful flowers bloomed in the night sky. Sky was colored with many colors and the whole thing was just breathtaking. Beautiful lights shone above their heads, making Sana change her expression from surprised and scared to happy and peaceful with a warm smile on her face.
Zoro brought his gaze back to Sana and widen his eyes to the sight – it happened again, he saw the most beautiful thing ever and he just couldn't look away. And even though Zoro was standing on Sana's left side, that small windmill hairpin she was wearing stood out, he still saw it – that small piece of nylon stood still, shining on the lights of the fireworks, making the image of traditionally dressed young girl even more stunning and beautiful. And Zoro didn't matter for the fireworks that everyone couldn't stop staring at; he had the most beautiful sight he could ever imagine. He didn't ask for anything more, he just stared.
Sana's smile widen - she looked down and then up at Zoro, putting her hair behind her ear again.
"It was a beautiful and long display, don't you think?" she smiled and Zoro's face became warmer so he turned his head to the side immediately. Sana was confused but he just couldn't let her see his expression. That was just too much! "A-are you okay?!" Sana panicked as Zoro was now holding onto his stomach, covering his mouth with his other hand.
"Y-yeah, don't worry about me." he somehow managed to say that, still rejecting to face the girl behind him.
People slowly started to walk away as the festival officially ended and as the crowd was clearing, Kuina and the girls decided to finally approach the "couple".
"There you guys are! We've been looking all over for you!" Kuina yelled, lying.
"Kuina-san, Zor—"
"Yeah… don't worry about it; he'll be okay once he gets home. Ne, Zoooroo?" she dragged his name as she approached him to look at his face. But Zoro just reject that too! He didn't want to face anyone!
'What the fuck is happening to me?!' he yelled to himself but he could never say that out loud, not in front of the whole bunch of girls.
Kuina's plan succeeded as she was grinning victoriously; secretly giving the 'thumbs-up' to the girls behind Sana.
"Now, now, Zoro-kun, you should not eat that much fish late at night. Now you got cramps. I told you to slow down with the food but you just—"
"Shut up, will ya?!" Zoro yelled, straightening up, "I'm going home." he growled and stormed out of the group, not making eye contact with anyone. Kuina sighed, placing her hands on her hips.
"He will always be a hopeless child." she said and looked at Zoro marching away, "Well, he will probably end up lost again if he's on his own so I need to go now. See ya, girls!" Kuina waved to everyone and ran to Zoro.
She smacked him on the head once she caught up with him and that was a trigger to their fight. The two yelled at each other along the way, challenging each other to a sword duel once they get home.
"Kuina-san is really funny and nice." Emi chuckled.
"Yeah, she's really nice." Haruna added as they watched the relatives fight in the distance.
Kuina's other friends left soon after, planning to go to karaoke or to some snack bar. The three girls were now alone by the river, no one saying a thing.
"So, shall we go too?" Emi asked.
"It's getting really late." Haruna said, looking at her cell phone display.
"Um, girls… I'm really sorry for being separated with you. I tried to call but my battery died…" Sana explained with a sad tone.
"Don't worry about it! You were with Zoro so that means you were safe, right?" Emi put her arm around Sana's shoulders and just smiled. The shy girl nodded and with that they went their own way.
…
Next couple of day went in studying as the school was starting again and soon! Doing all the homework, essays, projects and researches was tiring, but it had to be done before the second term starts.
From the festival onward, Sana always wore her windmill hairpin, no matter if she's at home, going to the store, hanging out with friends or doing group homework – she wanted to have it with her... always. She told her friends the meaning behind the hairpin and when they started teasing and questioning her about Zoro and their relationship, Sana would always change the subject and deny any statements regarding Zoro and if he is Sana's love interest. But, as she would deny her friends' ideas, she would always blush really hard and she couldn't control that.
…
It was one day Sana decided to go to the grocery store near Zoro's house. She put on the cutest dress she found, fixed her hair and put the hairpin again, hoping she will meet him and that he will notice how well dressed she was.
Sana took the grocery list her Mom left her and just read it over and over again on her way to the store. When she was in front of Zoro's gate, she looked up at his bedroom window, smiled but decided to continue her way and not be a creep who stares at someone's house for long.
Once she was in the grocery store, she took the shopping basket and looked at the list again. She finished the shopping quicker than expected and left the store sad, because she didn't meet with the one she now wanted to see so much. Bags full of food and other needy stuff were in her hands and she just walked, looking sad at the hot concrete road. She walked over it, thinking about him… but those thoughts didn't give any results – Zoro was again nowhere to be found.
'I guess I'll just… go home now…' Sana sighed and soon after her phone started ringing in her little purse.
"Oh, who is it now?!" she almost yelled, trying to somehow get to the phone, with her hands full. "Damn these bags!" she yelled, rustling around with them, trying to reach the ringing thing in her bag that was on her left shoulder. All that searching was going nowhere – she found everything that she didn't want and her phone was nowhere! Over, under, left, right – nothing! And as the result of all that searching, her favorite lucky scarf fell out and the ringing just didn't stop.
"Tch!" Sana hissed looking at the white cloth on the hot concrete. As she didn't want to get it dirty, she quickly reached to grab it. But that only led to bumping her head with someone.
"Ow!" both voices mixed and Sana looked up at the person, wanting to apologize for her stupidity. But once she saw the other person, she couldn't say a word.
"Seems like this lucky scarf of yours isn't so lucky for us, huh?" he said, reaching to Sana, holding her precious item. And just then, the ringing of Sana's cell phone stopped as her eyes couldn't leave from the person in front of her.
"I guess you need it now more than me." Zoro said and stood up. Sana followed, standing up fast, not wanting to make fool of herself more than she already did. "You now got a bump on your forehead." Zoro said, pointing to the edge of his forehead. Sana touched that spot on her forehead and twitched in pain; the bump came out really quick.
"Ouch…" she said, closing her eyes.
"Don't touch it anymore. Let's get that under the ice." Zoro said.
"Ah, thanks, but I really need to get these things home. It was probably Mom who called me just now." Sana explained. Zoro stopped to think. He came up with the idea and took Sana's scarf again. He ran but came back quickly.
"Here, I soaked it with cold water from the faucet. You know I live close." Zoro said, offering the cold fabric.
"Thanks. That will help."
"Now, let me carry those bags…" Zoro said, taking the bags out of Sana's hands without letting her complain or anything.
"T-thanks…" she said, putting the cold scarf on her wound.
They walked silently and that was awkward… Too awkward! Both of them looked to the side, not being able to find the timing or the topic to talk about. But Zoro had a topic! He knew what he wanted to say! It was just… that he couldn't say it! He didn't know how, and that was bothering him so much! He took a deep breath, bit his lip and decided to let it go.
"Ne… I was wondering…" he started, now looking at the ground. Sana turned her head to him, waiting for the continuation of his story, "Do you… Do you want to go to the neighboring town with me?"
~ To be continued ~