POST CHAPTER EDIT:
Sorry this one took so long, guys. I actually had to rewrite this chapter 3 times!
The first time around, my flash drive broke.
The second, I was dissatisfied with it and redid it.
The third, my beta found a massive plot hole that I had to seal.
So yeah, this is the 4th edition of it! I actually started working on this back in September, while I was also working on Chapter 9.
Yeah. Four months.
...Man, I want a Hot Pocket right now.
Anyway! Back to the chapter! It's about 10k words. Nowhere near as long as last time, I know. Same with the time before that...
...But those were kinda' a one time deal. Maybe. I aim for over 7k a chapter now, so expect more of around this length.
Alright, I'm gonna' put that Hot Pocket in the microwave now. See you all later.
Hello all. Welcome back.
So I finally finished Fire Emblem: Awakening (the Avatar ending) and I have one word for you guys.
Fanfic.
That is all.
Seriously, this is happening. It won't be anything huge, just a little side project if I ever need a break, or to escape Writer's Block.
But NarutoXAwakening. Let's do this.
I'm debating whether to just have the Naruto cast replace the Fire Emblem characters (Naruto'd be Robin, Sasuke'd be Chrom, Sakura'd be Lissa, Kakashi'd be Frederick, etc.) or have the Fire Emblem group show up in Naruto's world. Or vice versa.
Of course, there's always the classic "Naruto finds weapon that gives him powers of some character", but someone's already doing that with Falchion. And that's the route I would've taken.
Maybe something with the Mark of Grima?
I dunno'. I'll get back to you all on that.
That brings me up to three projects. The Promise of a Lifetime, Secrets of the Goddesses, and 'The Will of Fire'.
...It's a working title.
Also! The Yamada-kun OVA came out.
...Shit, am I excited for the anime.
Anyway!
Back to this one! Man, I'm psyched.
This chapter marks the halfway point of this fic's first arc! The mid-series climax, if you will.
Like Nisekoi's first season. Marika's reveal and arrival would be considered the mid-series climax.
So the Prologue/Introduction arc— this one— is Twenty chapters. The following arc, the Colony arc, is Fifteen chapters, with Five more to wrap it up. So a total of Twenty there as well.
After that… well that just goes into spoiler territory. But it should be Twenty chapters too.
Plans have been all but finalized. Not much is going to change at this point. I have all the way up until their Christmas Party planned. And past that, I have little bits and pieces of what'll happen. That's where Nisekoi starts to stray from the plot, and goes into the slice-of-life genre. So not too much action planned for there.
I reiterate what I said from one of the previous chapters.
If Nisekoi doesn't end by the time I reach that point, I'll make a non-canon ending.
At this point, I guess I really don't have to say that. Plot's picking back up again, with Tsugumi's flashbacks, Onodera in the hot spring, and Marika in the Sports Festival.
Not to mention, two of the five girls are out of the running now. So there are only three major competitors for Raku's heart, and it looks like the winner couldn't be more clear.
...Back on topic.
This chapter is an important one. It covers Chapter 26 of the manga, which you probably know…
...Well, with my fic's characters, it's pretty darn important.
So if you didn't read the manga…
...Cool. You're seeing these events for the first time.
And here is the updated version of the Character Themes:
Naruto: Too Close (Alex Clare)
Tsugumi: Fearless (Morgan Berry)
Raku: Everybody Talks (Neon Trees)
Chitoge: She's Killing Me (A Rocket to the Moon)
Kosaki: Ai Kotoba (Lizz)
Ruri: Accidentally in Love (Counting Crows)
Shuu: Mmm Yeah (Austin Mahone)
Marika (when she shows up): Come on Eileen (Save Ferris)
And here are the pairing themes again!
NaruTsugu: Melancholic (Nano feat. neko)
RakuXChitoge: Guessing (Against the Current)
RakuXKosaki: Sooner (Andrew Allen)
RakuXMarika: You For Me (Terra Naomi)
RakuXHaru: Kimi Janakya Dame Mitai (Y. Chang)
RakuXYui: Geronimo (Sheppard)
ShuuXKyoko: Love Lost (The Temper Trap)
ShuuXRuri: Disgusting (Kesha)
Before you proceed, I implore you all to listen to each and every one of these songs. I've mentioned. They fit their characters beautifully, and they all receive my personal recommendation.
...Yes, even the Kesha one.
Hoo. Alright. I've kept you all waiting long enough. So without further ado…
Here's Chapter 10.
Realize
(*BRRRRRIIIING*)
"Come on, Tsugumi!" an impatient voice called, "We're gonna' be late!"
"H-Hai! I'm coming, Mistress!"
It was summer. The good kind. Not the fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk kind, or the Endless Eight kind either. It was the best part: the beginning. Where it wasn't terribly warm, but not too cool... It was that little sweet spot- the transition between the seasons that everybody loves.
Of course, it wasn't summer yet. That is, school was still in session.
Speaking of school…
"Tsugumiiiiii~" Chitoge called, rocking back and forth on her heels, "Hurry uuuup!"
"I-I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying!"
It was Tuesday. After yesterday's karaoke date—
(*K-CHK*)
Our narrator turns to face the slightly peeved form of Seishirou Tsugumi, cocking a gun threateningly.
"...After yesterday's karaoke… performance?"
He glances back at the woman, who nods once in approval. As she leaves the room, he turns back to the mic.
"Ahem. As I was saying… After yesterday's day off…"
The Students of Bonyari... switched over to their Summer Uniforms…
"No wait, that's not right…" he says, flipping through the script, "Shit, I fell behind. Where are we right now?"
(*KLOP*)
A pair of Uwabaki (those white shoes they wear in Japanese Schools) hit the ground with a sharp clatter. One drowned out by the clamor of other students rushing to class.
"Oh, that's right," he remembers, "It's the Ninth of June. And Tsugumi and Chitoge are late to class… Alright then."
"It's already 8:10!" Chitoge was hopping from foot to foot, "Class starts in 2 minutes!"
She was right. The clock was ticking. All around them, students dashed about, their classes a few flights of stairs away. Nearby, a boy tripped in an attempt to run and put on his shoes at the same time. He tumbled into a nearby trash can.
Meanwhile, Tsugumi had slipped off her flats and moved to put them in her shoe cabinet when:
"Hm?"
Chitoge was jogging in place now.
"What're you doing Tsugumi?!" she cried, "Let's go!"
The woman didn't move, continuing to stare.
"There's something in my shoe locker…"
That got her attention. The blonde stepped forward and leaned in for a closer look as the hitwoman withdrew the object, revealing… an envelope?"
"What… What's this?"
It was rather small: smaller than the palm of her hand. It was a simple manila, no written address, and there was a tiny clover stamp that sealed it shut.
And printed neatly on the flap were the words:
"To: Seishirou Tsugumi-sama"
Bonyari High
Class 1-C
June 6, 2014
10:06 A.M.
(Raku)
It was break. Upon the Gorilla's late arrival (prompting a stern reprimand from the principal who happened to be stopping by) class had begun, and with it, the dreaded Math Final. Turned out, Kyoko-sensei wasn't kidding around when she told us to study last Sunday; it was definitely the hardest test I'd ever had the misfortune of taking.
Damned Pre-Calculus.
But, surprisingly enough, grades were the last things on our minds at the moment…
"EEHHHH!? A love letter!?"
Yep, that's right. A love letter. Tsugumi'd found it this morning in her shoe locker. As soon as the finals were through, and the forms turned in, she'd opened it.
Chaos ensued.
It started with Miyamoto and Kosaki's explanation. Then her reaction to said explanation. Then to his lack of reaction. Then to two rooftops, where two conversations were held. The clubroom, where two different groups were made. The classroom, where there were both outbursts and infighting. Then the confrontation… and well, everything kinda' spirals from there.
But what am I saying? I'm getting ahead of myself. We need to start at the beginning.
And that beginning is right here.
Shuu laughed, "Well, duh! A ton of guys have the hots for her!"
"Th-The hots?"
Wait, no. The beginning would be when she first received the letter, right?
"So?" Onodera leaned in, "Who's it from?"
Previous question completely ignored for the sake of plot progression, Tsugumi looked down at the envelope.
"Um…" it took her a second, "Someone by the name of… how do you read this Kanji?"
Miyamoto took a quick glance, "Hm… 'Toru Suzuya'?"
Right. Then the beginning would be when this 'Suzuya' fell in love with her, right?
"Whoa, really!?" Onodera cried, "Isn't he on the soccer team!? He's supposed to be super smart and an amazing athlete!"
No, wait. It can go back further, to when the guy first saw her, huh?
"And he's good-looking. He's a total chick-magnet," Miyamoto muttered, "I never figured him for the love note type…"
Oh, stop while you're ahead, Raku. By that train of thought, it can go past the two meeting each other to their births. Hell, even their parents' births, or their parents' parents' parents' births. It's one of those endless trains. Kinda' like that one book-
...What the hell am I even talking about?
Or...thinking...about…
Wow, my brain is fucked up.
"Hnngh…" by my side, Shuu's jovial countenance contorted into a scowl, "That creepy bastard…"
I sighed to myself, 'Man, you're easy to read. I get it. He's super popular.'
I blinked.
Waaaaiiiiiit a sec…
It was around this point that my brain entered panic mode.
'Onodera seems to think pretty highly of this guy...' I thought, 'Don't tell me she has a crush on him! Aw, that dirty son of a bitch! When I get my hands on him, I'll-'
"So," Onodera continued, "Are you going to date him?"
That did it. I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Her asking that meant that she was okay with Tsugumi dating him.
...Or maybe that's her checking if Tsugumi's interested in him or not… because she has feelings for-
(*F-BMP*)
Nobody seemed to notice as I pulled my head from the smoking crater I'd smashed in the wall.
"Oh? Well, before we get to that…"
"What's a love letter?" she asked.
Said statement elicited a facefault out of Miyamoto.
"Well, Seishirou-chan," Miyamura leaned over and began to whisper, "A love letter is…"
…
…
…
Her eyes shot wide.
"H-H-Hang on a s-second! That's crazy!" she cried, "W-We've never even met! I haven't said a s-single word to him! How could he be in love with me!?"
Shuu shrugged, "That's just how it works, Seishirou-chan. Sometimes, a connection can just… form. One without a need for words, spoken or written. Emotions are the highest form of communication, if it's done right."
Miyamoto elbowed him, "Oh, quit being philosophical about it. He might just be into her for her… (*ahem*), physical… attributes."
Chitoge scoffed, "How shallow!"
The girl shrugged, "I'm not saying that's what happened. I'm simply stating that we shouldn't rule that out as a possibility. It's still on the table, is all."
Miyamura snorted softly, "Like you know anything about 'still on the table'."
She quirked an eyebrow threateningly, fire in her eyes, "You say something?"
"Not a thing."
The aura around her died, "Good. Now, what was I saying…? Oh, right."
She turned back to Tsugumi, "Unfortunately, I've no experience when it comes to love, or love-related matters…"
"So, loathe as I am to say it, I have to agree with Maiko-kun on this one. It's entirely possible for one to fall in love from afar. Trust me…" she glanced at Onodera, who 'meep'ed, "I know."
"R-Ruri-chaan~!" she whined.
"Love at first sight's what they call it…" I piped in, "In English, that is. That whole 'Romeo and Cinderella' thing is based on it."
"Ah, that's 'Romeo and Juliet', darling…" Chitoge corrected, "But Cinderella's story is kind of the same thing… just with... less death, and more... cutting toes."
"Well, 'love at first sight' isn't really a thing, is it?" I asked, "Because, like Miyamoto pointed out, if there were such a thing, then it'd primarily be based on appearance, right? And that's not true love."
Shuu shrugged, "If you choose to look at it that way. But then again, anything can seem wrong when viewed in the right light. And vice versa."
Miyamura looked to Tsugumi, "Well, there you have it. Love at first sight."
"I-I still refuse to believe it!" she shook her head rapidly, "Impossible! Not a chance! There's no such thing!"
"Of course there is, Seishirou-chan!" Shuu grinned widely, "I knew from the moment I met you that I loved- BWEH!"
He was cut off by a karate chop to the face.
"Idiotic comments aside…" Ruri muttered, shaking out her hand.
Chitoge turned to her, "She's right. Look at me and darling here!"
I gave her an incredulous look.
"What."
Ignoring said look, she continued, "We started dating the week we met, and our relationship is nothing if not pure. Isn't that right?"
"A-Ahahah! That's right, honey!"
A quick glance to my left showed Onodera smiling at the floor.
"See, Tsugumi!" she grinned, flashing the peace sign, "Love at first sight! You go, girl!"
"B-But Mistress…" she stuttered, "...I still don't get why—"
"He just fell for you. That's all."
We all looked up in surprise at the blond, who'd been abnormally silent throughout the entire conversation.
"It just happens. People fall in love," Naruto said, "It's not something you can start or stop, not something that can be controlled. It just… happens."
At the end, he looked back down wordlessly.
Shuu nodded, rubbing his chin in approval, "Wise words indeed."
Chitoge nudged her bodyguard, "Hey, I thought you said you'd never had a first love?"
He smiled lightly, "Now, when did I ever say that?"
Bonyari High
Supernatural Studies Club
12:35 P.M.
(Raku)
Hoo… another exam, done and dusted.
I actually feel pretty good about myself. I definitely did better on this one than the math final. Good thing too: I don't think my chemistry grade could take it if I didn't. Especially considering I'd gotten Chitoge as a lab partner this semester.
Haaahh…
Anyway, it was lunch now, and it was certainly an eventful one.
After 'convincing' (read: tricking) Tsugumi into eating her lunch elsewhere (something I had mixed feelings about doing), and the classroom off-limits during Finals Week, we'd converged in our only safe haven.
The Supernatural Studies Club.
Yep. Yamada, Itou, and Tsubaki were all out sick (surprising that they came down with the flu on the same day, huh?, and Shiraishi (who'd had the flu yesterday and gotten sent home, but was feeling better all of a sudden) was eating with her friends, so that left Miyamura with the key and nothing better to do...
And so, the 'Get-Tsugumi-Seishirou's-Love-Life-Together' Committee's first meeting was under way.
I glanced around the room as we took seats. There was a sink, a microwave, and a chalkboard from one of the classrooms that we were to use as we saw fit.
I looked back at our group. That was me, Chitoge, Miyamoto, Onodera (who she dragged along), and Miyamura. Shuu said he had something to do and couldn't make it… cryptic bastard.
Naruto was off eating on the roof, or as Chitoge called it, 'brooding'. Whatever that means. Man, I need to learn English.
"Alright then," Miyamura said, assuming the leadership role, "So, I assume we all know why we're here."
Geez, why was he stating the obvious? He doesn't want us to say it does he? Because frankly, it's kind of embarrassing.
The only real reason I was here was that Chitoge dragged me along. And Miyamoto dragged Onodera… and Chitoge...
Huh. Someone's clearly more into it than she lets on.
Upon seeing a round of nods, he continued.
"Good. Then let's get down to business," he muttered, drawing Tsugumi and Naruto's heads, as well as a soccer ball, likely to represent Suzuya. He then sketched a small heart next to each of them.
"Wait," Chitoge raised a hand, "So just to be clear, we're trying to push Tsugumi toward Naruto, right?"
Ohhh… Just hearing you say that makes me want to shrivel up and die.
"Hmm… Not necessarily," he shrugged, "While they'd be a great match, let's focus on the matter at hand. Helping Seishirou-chan make her decision."
"Well, that's dumb," I remarked, "If what you guys have been saying is true, then isn't this decision one that only she can make?"
"Or so it would seem," he concurred, "But that decision could take quite a while, closing that door of opportunity with both Suzuya and Naruto. And we don't really want that."
Onodera frowned, "What do you mean?"
"Well, say she waits too long," he proposed, drawing a line with an arrow at the end, with a box in the middle of each line, "If she keeps Suzuya without an answer…"
He drew a cross in that box, making it look like the stereotypical window we all drew as kids.
"Then he may lose interest," he said, 'x'ing out the heart, "After all, he's got tons of girls just lining up, right?"
I kind of shifted uncomfortably. That kind of thing just didn't sit right with me.
"Well, if he's that kind of person," I interjected, "Then Tsugumi shouldn't bother getting with a guy like that. If he truly loved her, he'd wait as long as she needed, right?"
Miyamoto nodded, "He's right… for once."
"And if he waits, then we have nothing to worry about," Chitoge muttered, "So isn't it good to make him wait?"
"Mouu… But if he really does love her, then keeping him waiting is a bit cruel, isn't it?" Onodera asked, "I don't think we should do it on purpose…"
"But if he truly loves her, he'll wait…" Chitoge sighed, "Haaaahhh…This is confusing."
"Again, only if you make it that way," Miyamura admitted, "But back to the matter at hand. If she waits too long…"
He drew the window over Naruto's path as well.
"Naruto thinks she's actually considering it. And therefore…" he scribbled over the base of Naruto's heart.
"Wait," Onodera stopped him, "Why did you completely cover Suzuya-san's, but only part of Naruto's?"
"Because, whether he realizes them or not, Naruto has feelings for Tsugumi," Miyamoto explained, "They have a strong bond. I can see it. And something as simple as her dating someone won't stop them from being friends. Naruto's that kind of person."
'To torture himself so that others can be happy?' I grumbled to myself, 'How selfless is this guy?'
Chitoge rose a brow, "Did you say something?"
"No, nothing," I shook my head, "But if that's the case, I don't think you should have scribbled at all. If Naruto's that kind of person, then his feelings wouldn't cha—"
"Dude, it doesn't matter how much I scribbled, alright?" he sighed, "Now can we—"
"Well, if you're going to put in the effort to care about how much you scribble in the first place, might as well go all in, no?" I offered.
"...Look, can we just move on?" he groaned with hunched shoulders.
"...Right," I let him, "You were saying?"
"So, we've established," he tapped the two windows with the stick of chalk, "That having her wait too long is a bad route for both potential beaus. Got it?"
The girls nodded, as I resisted the urge to facepalm at the fact that he'd just used 'beau' in a sentence.
"Alrighty. So now, here's what we can do—"
"Question," Chitoge cut him off with a raised hand.
He sighed heavily, "What now?"
She turned to us, "Show of hands, who's for TsuguNaru?"
Miyamura and Miyamoto's hands went up without hesitation, as did the inquirer. They looked to Onodera and I.
I shrugged, "I just want her to be happy, I guess."
"M-Me too," she agreed.
Chitoge frowned, "Well, so long as we're not in agreement, we can't really form a plan that we all like, right?"
"Are you suggesting we split up?" I asked, "It's the first damn meeting, and you're declaring a mutiny?"
"No, of course not!" she crossed her arms, "I want to stay with Kosaki-chan no matter what. You on the other hand…"
"O-Oi!"
"What I'm saying…" she said, interrupting, "Is that making a 'generalized' plan that appeases all of us isn't possible."
"Not only that…" Onodera added, "But forcing Tsugumi-san's hand isn't an option, since it wouldn't be of her own volition."
"And having her wait too long would actually be the ideal route anyway…" Miyamoto muttered.
…
…
…
"...So, not only is there nothing we can do…" I started, "But this entire meeting was pointless. Is that what you're saying?"
"Prrrretty much, yeah," he confirmed.
...
"...I'm going to hang myself now," I said, standing up, "See you all in purgatory."
I walked off, carrying my still-full bento, and shut the door behind me.
…
…
…
(*K-TNK*)
...I poked my head in.
"Um… could I microwave my lunch?" I asked.
The Student Council Vice President wordlessly shrugged, tilting his head toward the device in consent.
I stuck the food in there, setting the timer for thirty seconds.
...
(*Vrmmmm…*)
...
I stood there awkwardly, everyone staring at me as the bento rotated. I averted my gaze, sweating, as I tried to whistle a tune.
…
…
…
"...So how 'bout that weather?"
Bonyari High
Roof
12:45 P.M.
(Tsugumi)
…
…
...
...What the hell do I do?
The wind washed over the rooftop like a fever: warm, but humid. The breeze swept up a few stray leaves here and there, and birds flew, unfazed. I leaned up against the fence, elbow on the railing, cheek in my palm, as pure white clouds drifted across the sky.
I've never given this sort of thing any thought… I'd never imagined a guy might be interested in me.
A mop of blond hair crossed my mind.
I shook my head softly, smiling to myself. Nope. There was no way.
"Oh, hey there," I heard, "Still agonizing over your decision?"
I turned my head sharply, "Wha?! You!"
"Yep. Me," the Yakuza heir admitted, walking over, "I was able to get my lunch microwaved, so I don't have to worry about it getting cold for a while..."
I frowned, "I thought you all had errands to run."
He stopped.
"Uhhh, that was it!" he scratched his neck, "Yep. Just needed a nice hot lunch! Ahaha~..."
I blinked a few times.
"Right… Where are the others?"
"Well, to be frank, they kicked me out," he said, "And Shuu and Naruto are off doing God Knows what…"
He shook his head at himself.
"You should give him an answer soon," he approached, "I'm sure he's waiting for your reply."
"Oh, shut it," I grumbled, "I'm thinking about it, okay? No need to pester me about it."
He shrugged, "Well, that's true…"
My eyebrow rose as he took the seat on the bench behind me.
"What're you doing?"
He looked up from unwrapping his bento, "Oh, is this weird? I was just gonna' eat lunch…"
"...You're the Mistress' boyfriend," I said, crossing my arms, "People might start talking."
"Well… people would have to recognize you as a woman first…" he held up his arms quickly, realizing what he'd said, "Ah, no offense!"
"None taken," I sighed, "It makes sense."
I froze.
'Wait… what if Suzuya thinks I'm a man and he's actually...'
I dismissed the thought, 'No… from the letter he sent, he called me a woman... Damn, that would've been awkward.'
"So… what's the problem?" I heard from behind me, "Do you not like the guy?"
"...Well, I don't really know him," I sighed, "That's the problem… And I can't get to know him without dating him, right?"
"But on the other hand, I can't date him without knowing him…" I ran a hand through my hair, "How troublesome…"
Somewhere around the world, an entire clan sneezed.
"That's not true."
I turned, "Huh?"
"Well, you could just say 'I'd like to get to know you first'..." he said, swallowing his food, "...or something like that."
He'd taken a moment to clasp his hands together, eyes sparkling, voice in falsetto during that line… My eye twitched.
I turned fully, leaning back against the rail.
"Really? That's an option?"
"Yeah, that's totally fine," he said, "Heck, I'd recommend it. Don't want to jump into unfamiliar waters, ne?"
...
"...Unfamiliar waters… huh…?"
...
I looked up at the cerulean of the sky. The sun shone a bright gold, even through the clouds.
…
…
…
"S-So…" I withdrew the letter from my pocket and pointed at it, "Wh-What does this part mean?"
"Hm? Let's see…" he squinted, "Oh, 'your type of guy'?"
He leaned back, "Well, it's what you like in a man. Like height, or hair length maybe? There's probably a certain type of guy you find attractive, right?"
"O-Of course not! I've never even thought about it!"
He tapped his chin.
"Well, going off your current relationship… You like guys who are tall, intelligent, and… erm… blond, right?"
I narrowed my eyes, "Just what are you implying?"
He flinched.
"Well… never mind," he finished up his lunch, "Forget I said anything."
"...Alright then," I fixed my tie a bit, "So…"
"...What's your type of girl?"
"Eh?"
He looked up dumbly.
"Don't get the wrong idea," I grumbled, upon seeing his expression, "I just want an example."
"Oh, right. I knew that," he smiled sheepishly, "Okay, let's see… my dream girl…"
"Well, she'd have short, dark hair…"
I looked at him oddly. Was he saying he didn't like the Mistress' hair?
He stiffened.
"Er, I mean…" he cut himself off, "She'd be the aggressive type, super physically fit, and... a little bit of a scaredy cat, I guess…"
I blinked.
'Wait... That sounds kinda' like me, doesn't it?' I thought, "Oh, in your dreams, loser. Hell, I'd take my chances with him than go out with yo-"
"Huh?" he frowned, "What are you saying?"
I covered my mouth, 'Shit, did I say that out loud?'
"It's nothing— Nothing at all," I muttered, "Now, here."
I pointed, "What does this part mean? 'Go out with him'... Go out where with him?"
"...That means he wants to date you," he said simply, "He wants you to be his girlfriend."
I blinked.
"That's what that means?" I scoffed, "What a stupid way to say it."
"That's love for ya'..." he said, sipping a juice box, "All kinds of stupid things attached to it."
"Yeah, that's for sure!" I spoke vehemently, "I mean, confessing to someone without even talking to them first? How dumb is that?"
"Oi, oi… didn't we have this conversation back in the classroom?" he laid back on the bench, using his hands as a pillow, "He just fell for you. That's how love works."
"And he put his heart and soul into that piece of paper. I could tell from just reading it," he said, closing his eyes.
...
"...So you better give him an answer. He deserves at least that."
He sat up, packing his lunch away.
"Alright, I'm off to look for Shuu," he said, standing, "See ya' back in class. Good luck on the English Final... not that you'll need it."
He walked away, opening the door, "Dammit… that guy could be anywhere. Now, where to start…"
"Hey."
He turned back to face me at my call.
...
"...I don't like Blondie because he's tall, or intelligent, or anything like that," I said, crossing my arms, "He's stupid, brash, and never thinks before rushing into things. He's a total blockhead, and all he can think about is ramen."
I smiled.
"...But he's kind. He's considerate, and selfless. He respects me for who I am. Respects my decisions. He never goes back on his word and he won't give up until the job's done. And most importantly…"
'You're precious to me, Seishirou.'
'And I'll let the world burn before I see you hurt.'
"...He cares about me. And that's what matters, right?"
Ichijou stood there, not saying anything, until…
"...Are you sure you aren't in love with Naru— AGH!"
A bullet had planted itself in the wall next to him.
"G-Got it. I'm going now!"
And he shut the door behind him.
…
…
…
'Geez...' I looked up at the clouds again, 'Me and Naruto? Yeah, right.'
Bonyari High
Gym: Rooftop
12:39 P.M.
(Naruto)
…
…
...
"You know, what you're doing is kinda' 'creepy'..." I heard, "Trust me on that. I've been beaten comatose for less."
I turned around.
"Oh please, I'm not leering or anything. And I don't just ooze bad intentions like you do," I countered lazily, "And I wasn't staring to begin with! I just happened to catch sight of her is all."
Shuu grinned.
"I never said anything about staring."
I blinked and cursed silently.
"Yeah… whatever," I muttered, masking my slight frustration.
I turned back to the rooftop across the courtyard, where my roommate was (rather half-heartedly) going through the lunch I'd cooked for her. She'd take a couple bites... chew a bit... stop… swallow… look off into the distance for a few minutes... remember she had a lunch in her lap… lather, rinse, repeat.
...
...Okay, maybe I was staring.
"Still agonizing over your decision, eh?"
I felt a brow rise as he leaned against the railing a few feet away.
"My decision?" I remarked, "I think you're mistaken, buddy. The one making a decision right now is sitting about a half-mile across from us."
He smiled and shook his head no.
"...That's where you'd be wrong. There's a ton of parts to this machine my friend. What you're looking at there is definitely the biggest, but there are still plenty of cogs and gears still spinning."
"...Oh?" I glanced at him, not turning my head, "Why don't you enlighten me?"
He smiled again, looking up at the sky.
"Kirisaki-san, Onodera-san, Ruri-chan, and Toranosuke are currently discussing the 'game plan' for Tsugumi's love life in the Supernatural Studies Clubroom right now. They've split into groups, one pushing for her and Suzuya, another for you…"
That got a look of annoyance and a round of grumbling from me.
"...And a third that'd be happy so long as she's happy. At first, at least. Hopefully by this point, they've all converged into that last group."
I nodded slowly. I myself would be in that group, if I'd been present.
"Meanwhile, there's the man himself. Toru Suzuya."
That got my attention. What about the guy? How was he a 'cog in the machine'?
As if reading my mind, Shuu continued.
"Maybe this is the first love letter he's ever sent, and he's wracking his brain over it— completely nervous. That'd make her acceptance so much more meaningful…but a rejection all the more sinister."
I 'hmphed'. I hadn't thought of it that way.
"Or maybe he's really confident about it," he explained, "Like, he's sent out a ton of love letters today, and having one girl reject him wouldn't faze him too badly."
Well that was unlikely. "If he'd done something like that, I'm sure we'd all have heard about it by now from Mr. Gossip-Queen himself."
"I know that!" he held up his hands defensively, "It's just conjecture."
"Buuuut…" he tapped a finger to his temple, "That's just another fairly large nut or bolt."
"Hmph…" I grunted, "I'm sure he's a pretty small bolt."
"Ehh… I don't know," he muttered, "He seems like a large bolt kinda' guy."
…
…
…
"What the fuck are we talking about?"
"Hell if I know," I grunted, "What were you saying about nuts?"
"Ah, right. Like I said, there are a ton of parts to this machine. Her classmates, for instance."
I didn't even have to ask.
"There's a ton of pressure on girls Naruto. Pressure so terrible, you wouldn't be able to Believe It."
I chuckled, "Nobody has to worry about spending the rest of their life as a diamond, do they?"
He responded likewise, "No, not any kind of physical pressure. Peer pressure."
My mirth turned grim.
"Are they bullying her?"
"In a way, yes. Though, by that logic, everybody bullies everyone…" he waved his hands sporadically, as if he were erasing what he'd just said from the record, "But that's not important."
"Those little statements of 'You and the blond hottie would be so cute together!' or 'Are you sure you two are just roommates?'. Those are her classmates— her friends even— sloooowwwly pushing her buttons."
I blinked, "I don't follow."
"Of course you don't. But let me put it this way."
He pulled a pencil and notepad out of his back pocket.
"Here," he held it out, "Draw your favorite kind of ramen."
I took it—
"Agh, it's warm!"
He gave me a look, before tearing out a paper from it, and holding that out.
"...Thank you."
I drew a pretty accurate (well, as accurate as chibified can get anyway) picture of the Uzumaki Naruto Special back at Ichiraku's… Really just Miso Ramen with extra seasoning, and all the fix-ins...
(*FWIP*)
He took the picture and crumpled it.
"No, no! Draw some Chashu Ramen!" he said.
I frowned, "But you said to draw my favorite!"
"Yeah, but that's kinda'... 'meh'."
He made a little 'so-so' motion with his hand.
"You'd really like Chashu Ramen! You should eat it more too! You'll like it better, and it's healthier for you!"
"...Well, what if I don't want Chashu Ramen?" I growled, "What if I want Miso?"
"But Chashu Ramen would suit you better! You're around Chashu Ramen a lot! You've eaten it before too; you know it well! So, knowing that, why would you ever go for anything besides Chashu Ramen?"
Something snapped.
"WELL YOU CAN GO SUCK AN EGG FOR ALL I CARE, I'M GETTING SOME GOD DAMN MISO AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!"
He took a step back, "Whoa! Easy there man! Just an analogy."
I calmed down.
"Sorry… I just get really passionate about my ramen."
"Y-Yeah, I could tell…" he tried fixing his hair from the massive gust my shout had brought.
It didn't work.
"But anyway… you've proved my point."
I looked at him curiously, "Hm?"
"That little skit?" he popped his ear a couple times to get it working again, "That's exactly what Tsugumi goes through everyday."
I scowled.
"They make her choose Chashu Ramen over Miso everyday!?" I rolled up my sleeve and cracked my knuckles, "Those dirty Sons of Bitches!"
"NO! No!" he cried, "It's not that!"
I stopped.
"Look. You're Chashu Ramen. Other guys are Miso. Look at it that way."
…
…
…
"...Why can't I be Miso?"
His smile faltered.
"It's like talking to a rock…"
"Oi! I heard that!"
He sighed, "Dude, stop messing with me."
"Yeah, alright, I'm sorry. You were saying?"
"...Right. So her environment's a pretty damn big factor too. There's the 'Get-Tsugumi-Seishirou's-Love-Life-Together' Committee, the man, Suzuya, and of course, Tsugumi herself."
(*K-CHNK*)
"And would you look at that?" he pointed across at the adjacent rooftop, "Just like that, the final, Philips-Head screw..."
I didn't have to squint or anything to see who it was. I'd recognize that Cross anywhere.
"If I know Raku well, and I do…" Shuu rubbed his chin and smiled, "Then after this, Tsugumi will make her decision."
And so, we sat there for a few minutes as the two conversed.
…
…
…
"...What are you two idiots doing?"
We turned to see the deadpan face of Tsubaki Konno, Captain of the Basketball Team.
"This area's for teams and affiliates only," she put her hands on her hips, "And here I find you leering at a couple from across the way. How gross can you be?"
"Hey, it's not like I swiped a keycard or something to get up here. I just climbed," I shrugged, "I don't know about this guy."
He raised his hand in a small wave, "I know the passcode because Kyoko-sensei told me."
The girl sighed, "Uzumaki, that's unsafe. And Maiko, I swear, you know way too much for your own good."
We both shrugged, "Meh."
…
…
After a few moments, she took a seat beside us, on the opposite end of the bench.
"...So who is it you're watching?" she asked, squinting in the light.
"Oh?" Shuu grinned, "Is someone interested?"
"Someone wants to know whose privacy you're invading right now," she deadpanned.
"...So, I'll take that as a yes," the blond nodded to himself, "Those two are Raku Ichijou and Seishirou Tsugumi."
She blinked.
"Well that doesn't make sense," she remarked, confused, "Ichijou's dating the Kirisaki-girl, right?"
"Yeah… those two aren't a couple," I said simply, chewing on sunflower seeds before realizing what I'd just said.
"Oh, I mean, Cross and Tsugumi aren't a couple," I corrected, "He and Chitoge are."
"...I see…" she murmured, turning to us, "And I'd imagine their discussion involves the love letter she received this morning?"
I blinked.
"How'd you know that?" I asked.
"It's all over the campus," she grumbled to herself, pulling out her phone and showing off a couple screenshots, "Somebody heard and posted about it, and it's kinda' blown up. You're just not receiving anything near the full blast of hype, because of Finals."
"Everyone's really split into two camps," she said, turning off the device, "They either want her together with Suzuya… or with you."
She leaned back to pocket her phone in her gym shorts.
"Make of that what you will, gentlemen," she stood, "Now get your asses off my roof or I'll lock you up here."
"Right," I nodded, "We'll... uh… get out of your hair, I guess."
Shuu stood as well, "Ne, ne, Tsubaki-chan?"
She glared at him, "What?"
…
...
He smiled.
"...So which camp are you?"
She blinked, and averted her gaze.
…
...
"...I don't know what you mean."
He eye-smiled.
"All I needed to hear. Let's go, Naruto."
And we made our way down the stairs.
…
…
…
"...So, why Chashu Ramen?"
"Dammit, will you just let it go?"
Bonyari High
Supernatural Studies Club
12:45 P.M.
(Chitoge)
…
…
…
"...Maybe Ichijou-kun was right?"
"Hm?" I looked up, "Why do you say that, Kosaki-chan?"
"We're Tsugumi-san's friends, aren't we?" she elaborated, "And we should let her make her own decisions."
"Even if they'll turn out badly?" Miyamura said, "Even though it could turn out so badly that she might never trust love again?"
"We're not making her decisions for her, Kosaki…" Ruri-chan said, "We're just… pushing her in the right direction."
She frowned, "And what gives you the right to do that?"
The shorter girl blinked, "Beg pardon?"
"Love…" she started, "Love should be experienced as exactly what it is: love. There aren't any plans, any routes you can expect. Like Naruto-kun said too: Love just happens. If it's truly spontaneous, then… well, what are we even doing here?"
That got us thinking. It was definitely sound logic.
…
...
"...I for one, disagree," I said, earning their attention, "I feel that she deserves happiness. And that we should do everything within our power to give her that happiness."
"I disagree as well…" Miyamura continued, "Seishirou-chan just needs to realize her true feelings. Everything after that is up to her: her own decision."
"And I agree with them, Kosaki," Ruri concluded, "If those two want to be together so badly, why not just remove the barrier and let them?"
The confectioner didn't have a response to that.
…
…
...
And the room stayed silent 'till the bell rang.
Bonyari High
Class 1-C
12:51 P.M.
(Tsugumi)
Lunch had just ended. And you know what that meant.
The classroom was bustling. Some friends who hadn't gotten the chance to see one another at break, others just finishing up their conversations.
But it was when I walked into the room that everything grew silent.
I looked around in confusion, left hand subconsciously going for the pistol in my coat.
"...What's going on?" I asked, slowly.
Conversations slowly started up again, though I got more than a few occasional glances from everyone. Soon, I was approached by a few of the girls from the class.
"...Can I help you?"
"Well, yeah!" the lead one said, "You can definitely help us."
"...And how might I be of service?" I crossed my arms to make the pistol less conspicuous.
They looked to each other and nodded.
"...So you got a letter from Suzuya-kun, right?" she said.
I frowned, "That's right. But how did you kn—"
"Oh, that little bit of news is all over the campus!" she squealed, "I mean, the top guy in our grade going after one of the top single girls? That's big!"
I blinked.
"Top… what?"
"Oh, you're ranked 4th in the grade! Didn't you know that?" she waved a hand back and forth slowly, as if fanning herself, "But yeah, one of the jocks after little old you! You should be happy!"
I flushed slightly, "W-Well, yes… I-I'm quite flattered by it…"
The girl's smile changed.
"...And?" she asked, "Are you going to say yes?"
People were still talking. The conversations still going. The buzzing chatter ever-present...
But it felt like the entire classroom was holding its breath..
"...I-I… Well, I mean… But…" I stammered, looking away.
She tilted her head in confusion.
"Oh, you don't have an answer yet?," she smiled again, "That's fine."
"Is it that Naruto guy?"
I looked back sharply, "What?"
"Ohhh… I get it!" she held up a finger in an 'Aha!' motion, "So you don't wanna' go out with Suzuya because you want to date Uzumaki!"
"Wh-What?" I stuttered, "N-No! That's not it!"
"Oh, don't deny it!" she did that waving motion with her hand again, "You two are totally perfect! You spend so much time with him!"
"Well… that's…"
"He makes you lunches, you two work together…"
"No...Stop it…"
"Heck, you even live in the same apartment! Two teenagers alone in an apartment every day? It's bound to happe—"
"SHUT UP!" I roared, "I DON'T WANT TO DATE EITHER OF THEM, ALRIGHT!?"
The conversations stopped. Everybody was looking my way.
…
…
"...Sorry."
I bowed politely to my classmates before taking my seat.
Bonyari High
Class 1-C
12:52 P.M.
(Chitoge)
The four of us walked back to class together, the wide berth the student's gave their Vice President leaving our movement unhindered. I heard a few whispers from them as we passed, but most were drowned out by the scuffling of shoes and the squeaks of old locker doors.
"So, we're all clear on the plan, right?" Toranosuke murmured.
The three of us nodded, one more hesitant than the others.
There wasn't much to it. First, all I had to do was talk down Suzuya to Tsugumi. Maybe question his intentions, or bring up that whole 'love at first sight' thing from earlier. There wasn't really a concrete conversation we'd planned out of course— it's not like we wrote a script. Just… whatever got the job done.
Miyamura and Ruri would help me with this. They'd 'back me up' with evidence, wherever it needed supplying.
Lastly, Kosaki and I would talk up Naruto. We were trying to push her toward him, you see, and according to Miyamura, this was the way to do it.
…
…
…
...And soon we were at the classroom.
Tsubaki was standing in the hall.
"Hey, Tsubaki-chan!" I ran up to her, ahead of the group, "What's going on? I haven't seen you today!"
She frowned, "Not much. Caught some creepers on the rooftop, kicked 'em around a bit and sent 'em packing. You?"
"Oh… nothing much…" I lied, "Just talked with friends."
"That's good," she nodded, "Ready for the test? It starts in two minutes."
I blinked in confusion. Wasn't there something we needed to-
Oh, right!
"Tsubaki-chan, have you seen Tsugumi anywhere?" I asked, "I need to talk to he-"
"...Well she's in the classroom," she said, jerking a thumb toward the door, "Apparently, something happened at lunch, and-"
"Oi!"
Miyamura and the others were right behind me now, ready to walk in.
"You two can catch up later," he said with an air of finality, "Kirisaki, don't you have something to do?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah! Forgot!"
"Sorry Tsubaki-chan," I apologized, "This is kind of important. Tell me later though!"
I waved as I walked away.
Bonyari High
Class 1-C
12:54 P.M.
(Tsugumi)
Black.
It was a color I could always identify with. The color of guns… bullets… and ashes.
Trust me, I know. I've seen enough of those for a lifetime.
And so, 'Black Tiger' was my codename. An assassin lurking in the shadows, with the control, strength, and staunchity of a deadly beast.
...And where was that 'control' now?
A friend just asked a simple question… and I screamed in her face.
Where was that 'strength'?
I can't even stand… I can't show my face to these people. It's taking all I have to stop myself from crying.
Where was that 'staunchity'?
I can't even keep my own emotions in check… How can I do that if I can't keep myself stable?
'So you and Naruto, huh?' Miyamura says.
'You two are such a nice couple.' Kosaki would say.
'Will you just date already?' asks Ruri.
'...Are you sure you aren't in love with Naruto?' says Ichijou.
Dammit all. I just…
I just want it to stop.
...
...
...
"Ne, Tsugumi? What's wrong?"
I looked up from my desk, my head having been in my enfolded arms. The sudden light blinded me, but my eyes quickly adjusted.
"It's nothing Mistress," I faked a smile, "I'm alright. Just a little tired."
Right. The Mistress. She's always there for me… and I for her.
"Yeaah… I heard you spent the whole lunch period trying to make a decision.
The smile faltered.
"Th-That's right…"
I looked up at the clock, hurriedly.
"Wow, only a few minutes until the exam starts!" I observed cheerfully, "Are you prepared? Do you think—"
"Did you make a decision?"
The mask broke.
"No, I didn't…" I said, lowly, "He's going to be waiting for me, after school for my reply, but I just… I just…"
"I think you shouldn't do it."
I looked up sharply.
"Wh-What?"
She shrugged, "I agree with Ruri. It's possible that he's just using you."
"U-Using me?"
"Yep. A guy as popular as him confessing to another girl?" she offered, "It's probably a ploy to get someone else jealous. You know. Whoever he really likes."
I blinked.
"What does that mean?"
"Well… going off of your earlier idea…"she said nervously, "And Ruri's… It's definitely possible."
"...My… earlier…?"
Something clicked.
"...Are you saying you don't think I'm good enough to be liked?"
"Wh-What? No! Of course not!"
"Then what are you saying?"
I don't know when everybody stopped talking. Or when they started looking our way.
But it was happening now.
"I-I'm just saying…" I could see her smile falter, her demeanor tepid, "I'm saying…"
…
…
…
"Never mind. Forget I said anything."
She walked past me to her seat at the front of the class.
Bonyari High
Class 1-C
12:54 P.M.
(Chitoge)
…
...
"...Well that was a bust," Miyamura muttered, scratching his ear.
I glared at him.
"Where were you?" I pointed out, "You were supposed to be there with me!"
"President Yamazaki needed me for something," he grumbled, "And Kyoko-sensei called Ruri out of the room for something about the Swim Team. I signalled you to stop, but you didn't look at me!"
"I-I didn't see you, alright! Geez'!"
I buried my face in the table.
"Haaah… I feel terrible."
Kosaki shook her head, "I told you this was a bad idea. Interfering isn't the way to do it."
Ruri responded likewise, patting me on the shoulder, "You're just inexperienced. You'll get used to it."
Miyamura just sighed, running a hand through his silver hair.
"Great… now what?"
Bonyari High
Class 1-C
12:54 P.M.
(Tsubaki)
Well, that was painful to watch.
What Kirisaki was trying to do was painfully obvious. Taking her position as a friend to both Tsugumi and Uzumaki, and her constant badgering about the topic, she was clearly talking down Suzuya in hopes that Uzumaki still had a chance with the girl… A despicable act in and of itself.
Then she went and insulted her. Harshly.
Tsugumi's reaction was the same as anyone's. Disbelief. Shock. Betrayal. For someone as close as her 'Mistress' to turn on her like that… and for such a selfish reason on top of that?
She was too surprised to be angry.
And lucky for me, I get to sit right between the two. Caught in the crossfire, as it were.
Joy.
I took my seat in front of my fellow bluenette.
"Hey there."
She didn't acknowledge my presence, continuing to stare out the window, cheek in her palm, eyes hazed, and lost in thought.
But I wasn't going to stop there. Nope. Not 'till she hears the truth.
"...So you and the Uzumaki guy, huh?"
That got a reaction. Her eyes met mine in an icy glare.
"...What about it? Got something to say?"
I shrugged.
"Not really," I admitted, "But the question is…"
"Do you have something to say?"
Her gaze remained upon me for a few moments before she looked away again.
"Hmph.
"He was spying on you."
…
…
…
She turned to face me fully.
"...What?"
"Yep. Him and that Maiko-guy," I affirmed, "They were up on the roof of the gym, watching you and the Yakuza kid. All lunch time."
As I continued to speak, her eyes grew wider and wider, contorting into a face of absolute devastation.
And as I spoke my final word, it vanished. Quickly as it had come.
She lowered her head, eyes now shadowed by her hair.
"Thank you for the information," she spoke, in the deadest of tones, "I appreciate it."
I shook my head, "Not a problem."
I turned back to face the front of the room. Class was about to begin.
Bonyari High
Halls
2:49 P.M.
(Raku)
Welp. English and History were finished… As are my grades.
As soon as the exams finished, Tsugumi packed up her things and left, without a word. The classroom slowly cleared out… leaving Chitoge and I, who were on cleanup duty together.
...And everyone else, who'd decided to show up and help out.
"Come on, Ichijou! Hurry up on the chalkboard!" Miyamura shouted across the room, "We're never gonna' make it in time if you dawdle!"
"A-Ah! Right, right…"
Tsugumi was meeting up with Suzuya after school to give him an answer… And everyone, that is, Miyamura, Shuu, Onodera (yay!), and Miyamoto came by to help out so we could all watch it together. They were scheduled to meet at the grove near the courtyard in almost 5 minutes, so we had to hurry.
She must've been putting a lot of thought into that decision too. I mean, when I walked into the classroom, she wasn't chatting with the others like usual: she was just staring out the window.
When I turned to Shuu to ask what'd happened, he just shook his head with a small smile, staring at the ground as he did so.
"...They messed up," he said simply.
Then Tsubaki talked to her. I didn't hear what she said, being across the room and all… It didn't seem too important. Maybe a question about the exam?
Who knows. I certainly don't.
Chitoge was acting a bit strange too. Not as lively as usual… maybe she thinks she did poorly on the test?
...Nah. No way. She's a wiz at that stuff… damned Gorilla.
Onodera was acting oddly as well. Solemn. Quiet. That was far more noticeable, given her usual demeanor.
Frankly, right now, this room's atmosphere was as depressing as the people in it.
"Alright! We're done!" Miyamura clapped his hands, as to wipe them of dirt, "Let's get the desks back in order, and let's go!"
"I'll go return the key to Kyoko-sensei," Shuu offered, "Be back in a few."
And he ran off, leaving us to lock up on the way out.
Bonyari High
Courtyard Grove
2:59 P.M.
(Tsugumi)
"Oh!"
He smiled.
"Hello, Tsugumi-san!" he greeted, "I was afraid you weren't gonna' come! Haha…"
I smiled weakly, before my gaze met the ground.
Dammit… why did I come? Even if that Bastard Ichijou told me to, I still didn't have to…
…
…
…
No. I was here now. And now was the time to act.
"Do… Do you have an answer for me?"
I looked up to face him. His expression was hopeful. Nervous, but still hopeful. He was sweating, he seemed uneasy… but he was wishing for the best.
"...I...I…"
...
He sighed with a sad smile, "Looks like you don't. That's fine."
"Is it that Uzumaki guy?"
...It's funny what a statement can do.
Just like that, the world around me disappeared.
Memories flashed through my mind once more.
'So you and Naruto, huh?' Miyamura says.
'You two are such a nice couple.' Kosaki would say.
'Will you just date already?' asks Ruri.
'...Are you sure you aren't in love with Naruto?' says Ichijou.
...I've seen this all before… I've heard it all before.
"...But he's kind. He's considerate, and selfless. He respects me for who I am. Respects my decisions. He never goes back on his word and he won't give up until the job's done," I said.
...Respects me for who I am…
"He was spying on you. Him and that were up on the roof of the gym, watching you and the Yakuza kid. All lunch time."
No… stop...
More and more flew by.
'I thought you were already dating that Uzumaki-guy, right?'
'What? How are you not dating yet!'
Please… I don't...
'You two live even live together!'
'Two teenagers? Alone in an apartment together? It's bound to happen!'
I'm begging you… whoever's doing this… make it stop…
Chitoge appeared.
'So, how was your karaoke date yesterday?' she said.
'You two have some real chemistry! You should go out sometime!'
'That's it! It's official!' she announced, 'You two belong together! Don't deny it!'
Please…
Make it stop.
"Ts-Tsugumi-san? Are you alright?"
The world around me shattered to pieces. I found myself staring back at Suzuya, who'd just called me back.
"You didn't respond, the first few times…" he frowned, "Are you sure you're alright? Should I take you to the nurse?"
'That's right… I'm here...'
I shook my head.
"N-No… that won't be necessary," I said, gaze back to the ground, "I'll be fine…"
…
…
…
"...Well, I should go."
!
"Wh-Why?" I asked.
He smiled, "Look, it's fine if you don't have an answer for me. I talked to you out of the blue, and you've never even spoken to me before… You don't know me at all! Haha… I don't know what I was expecting."
I frowned, "W-Well… that's…"
He waved off my half-hearted protest.
"No, no, it's fine. I've waited this long, I can wait some more," he said.
"...Take all the time you need."
He turned and walked off, the wet grass beneath his feet changed with each step.
(*TMP*)
What? ...Just like that?
(*TMP*)
He's… leaving…?
(*TMP*)
Can't… But can't I…?
(*TMP*)
Can't I do something?
(*TMP*)
Can't I finish this?
(*TMP*)
Can't I stop it?
…
…
…
"Wait!"
The steps stopped. He turned to face me.
"Y-Yeah? What is it?"
…
…
…
"Yes."
He blinked.
"'Yes' what?" he asked.
I took a moment to breathe, and firm my resolve.
"Yes, I will go out with you."
I never do anything without reason. I hope you'll all remember that.
See you all next time.