Hikaru

During the ruckus, I slipped away and headed to a bookstore I was looking forward to since Auntie dropped Ryuto and me off at the mall. When I entered, I headed immediately for the manga section, giving into the otaku part of me.

I plopped myself down on the floor in front of a bookshelf and picked out a random book. When I decided I like the book, I grabbed the next three volumes of the series. I stood, looking up at more choices and saw the book I've been looking for since I left Japan. I reached up to get it but I was too short to reach it. I cursed and tried once again but this time another hand beat me to it.

"Here," Ludwig said, peering down at me. He handed me the book.

"Thanks," I said with a small smile as I took the book.

"You like books?" Ludwig asked.

"Yeah, I read mostly manga though," I said. I held up the titles for him to see the four volumes of 'Gantz' and the single manga of 'Socrates in Love.' "What about you?"

"I like to read, too. Just any kind of novel though."

"Um… Have you read 'The Book Thief'?" The question came out suddenly as I tried to think of a conversation.

"No, I haven't. Is it good?"

"Yes. I love it. It's sweet but sad."

"What is it called again?"

"'The Book Thief by Markus Zusak."

Ludwig started looking around the store. I followed him closely to help him find the book. He found it and held it out for me to see. "Is this it?" he asked.

I took the book and opened it up and gave it back. "Yes," I told him, smiling. "A minor character in the book has your name." For some reason, I felt myself blush wildly. Why did I just say that! I thought. But instead of looking away, I glanced up at him to see him staring at me.

"Oh, really?" he asked.

"Really," I said. "Though the main character beats him up because he made fun of her."

"Are you saying that I'm weak?"

I blushed. "No, I was just saying that that character was beaten by the main character and…" I caught sight of his smile and turned away with my face burning to see the others standing around me. My blush deepened as I clutched my books. "I'll pay for me stuff," I muttered, seeing Gilbert's stupid grin.

After I paid for my books with Ludwig following suit, we left the bookstore.

"Nii-san, where's Ryuto?" I asked Kiku.

"He went to go talk to someone, Hikaru-chan," Kiku said. "He said he'll be right back."

"Ah, never mind, I said as I saw Ryuto walking to me with his hands in his pockets. There was a slight tinge on his face and I grinned at him. "You talked to her?" I whispered as we joined the group again.

"I did," he told me.

I smiled. "I'm glad you did."

"Hikaru! Ryuto!" Feliciano called back. "Come on, we're going to play a game of laser tag!" He grabbed my hand and pulled me into a large dark room with colorful lights swirling around.

"Laser tag?" Ryuto asked as we paid to get inside.

"That's right!" Alfred shouted. "It's everyone against everyone and whoever wins has to host movie night next week at their place!"

"I don't think that's right," Yao said.

"He probably just made it up, that idiot," Arthur muttered.

"Whatever!" Gilbert said. "Everyone grab your equipment and head inside!"

We strapped on our padding and grabbed a gun while the attendant explained the rules. Then, we went into the arena where we spread out. The game started at once and immediately, Gilbert shot me in the chest.

I glanced at Ryuto who was beginning to shoot at the others and grinned. "This means war!" I shouted, running straight into the chaos as I laughed, feeling happier than I've ever been in my life.

A Note from your Author:

I've always wanted to try laser tag. I've tried paintball and it hurts... It hurts soo much (xLx)ヾ But on the other hand, I really wanted Hikaru and Ludwig to kiss but I guess it's just too early *laughs* And when Arthur/England says that Alfred/America made that rule up on the spot, it's true. Well, I actually made that up on the spot. It seemed like it would be something he'd do. Anyway, apart from my story, "The Book Thief" is a real book along with "Gantz" and "Socrates in Love." If you ever get the chance, check the books out. I've read "The Book Thief" a million times before and I love it soo much but I end up crying each time since it's so sad. I'm currently reading "Gantz" and I've watched the movie before so I thought I'd give it a try. It's good. "Socrates in Love" is sad, too, along with "The Book Thief". But you just have to read them to find out why. I'll never tell! *laughs* Sorry about that rant. I've been meaning to talk a little more and break the fourth wall in the last few chapters but I've never really had the time to... ANYWAY, I'll keep writing φ(^∇^ ) Thanks for reading!