Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho. On with the story!
Chapter 11: Just the Two of Us.
It was The Naminori High's Cultural Festival.
"This place is especially crowded; let's go somewhere else." Kurama said, already pulling Botan away from the crowd. "A-Alright…" She agreed.
How did the day go wrong?
She was with her friends when suddenly some fangirls of Kurama's were chasing him around the hallway. Her friends got lost in the crowd of girls and now she was stuck spending the day with Kurama.
Not that she's complaining about it.
Her gaze shot to their linked hands and blood rushed to her cheeks, her heartbeat rapidly increasing as Kurama squeezed her hand.
"The grilled squid was delicious!"
"Yeah!"
"What should we try next?"
"The fried stuff!"
"OK! Let's go!"
These words were heard amongst the crowd. Botan blinked. They sounded familiar but since the crowd was loud like crazy, she wasn't entirely sure whose voices. Ah, whatever. She shrugged off her shoulders.
After a few minutes, they were finally out of the crowd, "It's really crowded there." She said incredulously and turned her head to Kurama. Her jaw dropped at what she saw. Kurama was already holding popcorn and yakisoba stuff in one arm and a cotton candy in his other hand. He was already chewing on a grilled squid.
"Yeah." He said. Botan stared incredulously, wondering how he got them. She was a little freaked out. She was exhausted from escaping the crowd and he was already buying stuff! Unbelievable!
"How did you manage to get all those?" She asked, surprised.
"For some reason, the passerbys gave them to me. They told me to try them out." He said, his voice a little muffled because he was still chewing on the grilled squid.
"What do you mean by 'some reason'?! That's weird!" She said, still staring incredulously at him.
"Maybe, it's that? I made their flowers bloom." He replied bluntly. He had already finished the grilled squid.
Before she could say anything, a crowd of girls suddenly surrounded them, surprising her. "Damn, I'm getting surrounded again. Let's run!" He said as he pulled her by the wrist causing her to gasp in shock. The girls chasing them.
After a few minutes…
"Where is that hot guy?" A girl asked, looking around.
"Where is he?" Another girl asked. The girls looked around, searching for their red-headed prince charming.
Unnoticed by them, Kurama and Botan were hiding behind a wall. Botan panted, tired from all the running, "I don't know what's happening but…" She looked up at him, glaring, "Don't make their flowers bloom again. What kind of magic did you pull?" She asked.
"I don't think that's the right word…" He trailed off.
"What's the point of doing that?!" She asked, careful not to shout as to alert the girls who were only a few away from them of their whereabouts.
"Eh?" He cocked his head to the side and put his finger on his chin, as if thinking, "Uhh… to spark off jealousy?" He teased, raising his eyebrow at her.
She blushed, "Between who?!"
"Hey, cool down. Why not try some food here?" He said, throwing the yakisoba bread at her. She caught it and blinked at him. She threw it back at him, "I'm fine. I'm not really hungry…" She trailed off when he suddenly brought a grilled squid to her face.
"Here." She heard him said.
He gave her his famous smile that made every girl swoon, "It's really tasty." He said sweetly. Botan blushed and stared back and forth at him and the grilled squid.
After a few seconds, her blush deepened and she brought her lips to the grilled squid, taking a bite of it, "How is it?" He asked. Her blush deepened and she nodded, "Good." She watched him from the corner of her eyes as he chewed on another frilled squid.
This feels strange… It's just like…She stopped right there, not daring to say the word 'couple.'
"…being a couple, right?" He asked, as if he was reading her mind, putting the cat ears he got on her head, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"It looks good on you, Botan-chan~!" He said, childishly. Her blush deepened and she backed away slightly from him, "Did you read into my mind again?!" She accused, "You perverted alien! What's with that supernatural power?! Just what exactly are you?" She said, the blush still on her face. She was embarrassed that she was figured out.
Kurama blinked at her. A soft laugh escaped his lips. Botan's blush deepened and she stuttered, "What? Why are you laughing?"
"Sorry, Botan…" He said after his laugh subsided. He turned his head to her and smiled, "You're thinking the same things as I am, eh?" He teased. Her blush deepened. She immediately stood up and started to walk away, taking off the cat ears. Kurama who noticed this, blinked, "Where are you going?" He asked. "A-Anywhere! I can't be standing here idly in a festival!" She stuttered, still embarrassed.
He sighed, "You're right." He agreed, walking behind her.
With Ran who was also at the festival with Akito…
"Did you win the game console that you wanted?" She asked. He gave her a peace sign and grinned, "I won it with only a single postcard!"
"Wow!" She said in amazement. Akito withdrew his hand and said, "There's no lucky draw club here, I guess."
"It is an unusual club after all. Let's eat some steamed buns." He said, grabbing her wrist and pulling her. She nodded and blushed, "Y-Yes…"
With Kurama and Botan…
Botan brushed her face in a failed attempt to wipe away her blush, Damn, I'm still feeling hot…She thought.
Suddenly, a group of girls appeared in front of them, causing Botan, who was surprised almost lost her balance.
"We've got just the right event for the both of you!" A girl said.
"Eh?!"
Ignoring Botan's surprised question, they held out their hands to the entrance which wrote 'LOVE TRIAL' which caused Botan to paled.
"Test out the strength of your relationship!"
"We're not a couple—" Botan said but she was ignored. The same girl said, "The rule is simple: Follow the designated course and clear the challenges along the way. You'll be disqualified if you fail once. If you manage to succeed, the prize is: A super premium ticket to the post-festival event!" She explained, showing her the ticket. "However! You mustn't let go of your partner's hand during the game."
That caused Botan to blush.
"Well then, will you be able to overcome the trials ahead together?" They all(exception for Kurama and Botan) chorused. The same girl then asked, "Dare to take up the challenge?"
"I'll do it," The red-headed teen said, surprising Botan, "Hey you-"She was cut off when he inched his face closer to hers and whispered, "I want to see for myself if a romance between us is possible," She blushed at his last statement.
He backed away from her face and said childishly, "Let's face this obstacle together, 'kay~?" The group of girls smiled and said, "Thank you for participating!"
At Botan's locker…
"Geez, this is such a waste of money…" She mumbled, glaring daggers at Kurama. He ignored her glares and said childishly, "We can enjoy a lot of things just for 500 yen! It's a bargain, you know?"
She sweatdropped, "Maybe, but still…"
Her sentence was cut short when he suddenly pushed her to the locker, pinning her. "Kurama, what are—"She was cut off when she felt him take off her ribbon. She blushed and looked up at him, her blush deepening when he smirked at her.
He unbuttoned some of her buttons, revealing her cleavage. Her blush deepened and she tried to push him away, "What are you doing—Kurama?!" A soft chuckle escaped his lips. He bent down and gave the spot between her breasts a kiss.
Her blush deepened and she pushed him away, covering her chest with her arms. He chuckled, "You're so funny, Botan!" The said girl blushed, looking away.
His chuckle subsided and he patted her on the head, "It's fine to enjoy yourself once in a while." He said, smiling at her. She frowned, the blush deepening on her face. He chuckled, "You'll get that frown embedded on your face if you always have it on." He said, flicking her forehead, making her let out a soft gasp of shock.
"Shall we go~?" He asked childishly, ignoring the names she was giving him. "Kurama, you idiot perv—"She was cut off when he held out his hand and said, "Let's go, Botan." She blinked at him before the blush deepened on her face and she nodded, taking his hand.
After a few minutes later…
What's with this course of events? Why am I holding hand with Kurama in this game? She thought, her blush deepening each passing second, making her look like a tomato. Kurama, who noticed this, smirked and squeezed her hand, making her blush deepened and she looked up at him, "Just like a couple, right?" He teased.
Her heartbeat increased. She gulped down a lump, trying to control the pace of her heartbeat but found that she couldn't. And the fact Kurama would squeeze her hand every five minutes wasn't helping at all, too!
"It's not! I'm supposed to be with my friends! How did it turn out like this?!" She said out loud, causing Kurama to laugh. She blushed, finally realized that she was saying what was in her mind.
"Are you ready? Your Love Trial starts now!" The girl at the entrance said, blowing a trumpet, signaling that they could start.
Before she could say anything, Kurama had already pulled her and ran off to the 1st obstacle. "We only have 10 minutes to finish this. Don't hinder me, Botan." He mocked, smirking at her. A vein popped at the side of Botan's forehead, "Who will?!"
After 3 minutes…
"Man, we took 3 minutes." Kurama mumbled, a pout on his face. "I'd have taken only a minute to get here." He said as if accusing Botan. The said girl gawked at him, "What the hell? I'd have done it for 30 seconds!" She said. He ignored her, making her more irritated. He turned to the girl who was holding a bowl of ramen and said, "Please explain the game to us."
At the ramen stall…
"Please finish this in 10 minutes!"
The two stared at the bowl and smirked at the same time. "It'll be simple with two people." Botan said, a bright smile on her face.
"Only one of you will do the eating."
Her smile felled. She grabbed the chopsticks and said in determination, "Fine, I'll finish everything right to the last drop of soup."
Then she paled. She just remembered something. Kurama was holding her RIGHT hand! She CAN'T eat using her LEFT hand! She's a RIGHT-HANDER!
She was snapped out of her thoughts when Kurama grabbed the chopsticks. She blinked at him. He grinned, an excited expression on his face, "Thus is where I come in." He said, snapping the chopsticks using his teeth. "I'll feed you, so just enjoy the food." He continued. Botan blushed, "There's no need! I'll manage this alone!" He ignored her and took some of the ramen and brought it to her face, "Here, ahh~" He said, childishly. Her blush deepened. He sighed, gripping her hand, which caused her blush to deepen and said, "Hurry up or you won't be able to finish within 10 minutes."
Whispers could be heard amongst the people who were watching.
"It's the girl who's doing the eating!"
"Do your best!"
"Want me to blow on it?" He asked, childishly. "N-No! I-It's fine at it is!" She stuttered. He pouted, disappointed. Botan rolled her eyes. Suddenly, his lips quirked up into a childish grin, "Ahh~!" He said, childishly, bringing it to her face.
Her blush deepened. She hesitantly opened her mouth and ate it. His grin widened. He took another chopstick full and brought it to her face. She opened her mouth and bit it only to taste nothing because he withdrew the ramen from her.
"You suck, Botan-chan. Come on, it's here~!" He taunted her. "Here, take it~!" He waved the ramen in front of her only to withdraw it when she tried to eat it.
A vein popped at the side of Botan's forehead as he continues to taunt her. She raised her fist and decked him over the head. "Ow~! Botan-chan, you're so mean!"
The other contestants and the crowd sweatdropped as Botan began to insult him.
After 9 minutes…
"Welcome to the balloon quiz!"
Botan and Kurama were standing in front of the guy who explained the rules, "First, find the balloon marked with the words "I Love You". Then, burst it and answer the questions on the paper that's inside it! You have 5 minutes! Start!"
Kurama pulled Botan towards the balloons that were gathered.
"Maybe it's time to tell her straight…" He mumbled. Botan, who heard him say something, turned to him and blinked, "What did you say?"
"Nothing." He said, grabbing a balloon and pushed it into her face. "Let's race to see who finds the balloon first." He challenged, still pushing the balloon into her face. Botan pushed the balloon back into his face, "Interesting. I'll take you on!" She said in determination.
She unconsciously gripped his hand, causing his eyes to widen before they softened. Botan, who had her back turned to him, didn't saw it. Her face brightens up and she turned to him, a bright smile on her face, the balloon with the words 'I Love You' was in her hand. "See? I found it…" She was cut off when she saw him smiling at her, "…already…" She trailed off and looked away, a blush on her face, "Why are you spacing out? There's a time limit, you know?!" She said, trying not to stutter and cursed herself when she did.
He grinned, "Indeed." He grabbed her by the shoulders and brought her body closer, the balloon between their bodies, squishing it, "Let's burst it~!" He said childishly.
The sound of a balloon popping echoed around the school.
After other obstacles (which they won easily…-_-)…
They were at the school's roof. It was already night.
"You've cleared it superbly! Congratulations!"
Botan stared at the ticket in her hands, not really knowing what to do with it. "Ah, it was rather fun." He sighed, contented. A vein popped at the side of Botan's forehead and she glared at him, "You were having fun teasing me, weren't you?"
He laughed, "Huh? Was I the only one having fun?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at her. She blushed and looked away, mumbling, "No… Well, I had fun as well…" She rubbed the back of her head, her blush deepening.
He smiled and sighed, letting go of her hand. Botan's eyes widened and she averted her gaze at their hands and was disappointed to find that he had let go. "Well, since we're done already, shall we head back?" He asked.
Her eyes widened, "W-Wait! Since we're here already…" She trailed off, face red as a tomato. She looked down to her hands and fumbled with her skirt, "I wanna stay til' it ends…" She ended her sentence. She looked up at him, the blush still on her face, "Kurama, are you still free?" She asked nervously.
His eyes widened before he made a weird face and stared at her strangely, "This is very unexpected indeed." He stated. Her blush deepened, "What's wrong?! I just felt like inviting you!" She looked down to the ground and shuffled her feet nervously and asked, "Well, are you still free?"
He smiled before the smile felled and he said, "Sorry, but I can't. My aunty is visiting us today and she would probably arrive soon."
Her blush faded and she looked down to her feet, disappointed, "I see…" She said, trying hard to not sound disappointed but failed miserably. His eyes narrowed and he sighed, grabbing her wrists, causing her to gasp and pushed her to the wall, pinning her.
He grabbed her chin and tilted it up, making her face him, "Botan, do you want to know something?" He asked, although it sounded more like a statement. She blushed when he cupped her face, "W-What?" She stuttered.
He smiled, "I've never felled in love so I never knew how it felt to be." He started. She blinked at him, confused but the blush was still there. "This was the first time I've felled in love. The first time my heart would race so fast. The first time I feel such happiness when I'm with someone. You want to know who?" He said. She gulped down a lump and asked, "Who?" She closed her eyes tightly, afraid to hear what he would say. What if it the girl he loves isn't her? What is it was Hanon? Or Akiko? Mio? Shiko? She wasn't sure. She was scared to know.
His smile widened, "She's the only girl that I'll ever let hit me. The only girl that's so straightforward. A gentle, kind-hearted and probably the most naïve and innocent girl I've ever seen." Her eyes widened in realization. That girl—Was he talking about—"The girl who I would call every once in a while at night. The girl who I kissed a lot of times. The girl who I saved from getting hit by a ball." Her eyes began to water, her expression fill with happiness, "The girl who I went on a date to the amusement park. The girl who I stole her first kiss from. The girl I saved from getting raped." He inched his face closer. "I've fallen in love with you."
"I—" She was about to reply when he suddenly backed away and said, "But you're not for me. You still love Natsume." He turned to her and smiled bitterly, "Bye." He said before walking towards the door.
"I am." He heard her say. His eyes widened and she grabbed his hand, gripping it, stopping his steps.
"I've been enduring! Why must it be you?! I don't get it at all!" She said, gripping his hand tighter. His eyes were wide as saucers, his mouth hung open. "You're a pervert who annoys me all the time. You're always running ahead of me and teasing me." She continued, a blush on her face. She was yelling all the time.
"Botan!" He called, but she ignored him and continued, "It's your fault!"
"Calm down, what are you saying—"He was cut off when she said, "I wanted you to love me since a long time ago!" His eyes widened, "One moment you're sexually harassing me and ignore me the next… Just what are you thinking? Why is my heart beating so fast? Why do I feel lonely when you leave me? Why are you…" She looked up at him, revealing the tears that were cascading down her face non-stop and her flushed face, "…the only one causing me so much confusion?" His eyes were wide the whole time.
She hugged him, burying her face in his chest, "You idiot, why are you always teasing me?"
His eyes softened and he grabbed her by the chin, tilting her head up, "I love you, Botan…" He confessed, bringing their lips closer. Botan closed her eyes and whispered, "I love you too, Kurama." He closed his eyes and locked their lips in a passionate kiss.
Botan wrapped her arms behind his neck and he wrapped his arm on her waist, his other one tangled his fingers in her hair as he deepened the kiss.
The door opened and revealed Hanon, Mio, Shiko and Akiko. Behind them were Ran and Akito. "Bo—"Hanon was cut off at what she saw and she stared at the scene in front of them. Mio, Hanon, Shiko and Ran's lips quirked up into a smile. Akito and Akiko gave a thumbs-up and grinned.
They broke off the kiss, panting heavily and turned their heads and were surprised to see their friends and Ran and Akito.
"W-What are you guys doing here?" Botan stuttered. Akito grinned and walked towards her, nudging her elbow, raising his eyebrows, "Sis, you naughty girl! Kissing in public!" He teased, a perverted snicker on his face. She glared and punched him over the head. "Ow! Stupid Sis!" Akito shouted at her and their usual fighting started.
The others shook their heads as they watched the sibling fight.
Kurama blinked and snapped his fingers, "What about Aunty? Will she be coming today?" He asked his sister. The red-headed girl shook her head, "She has an appointment with a client."
He blinked, "Oh."
"Now, now, you guys, stop fighting. How about we all go watch the fireworks?" Hanon said, trying to stop the two twins from fighting before anything bad happens which would usually do everytime they fight.
Botan's face brightened up at the word 'fireworks'. She nodded her head enthusiastically. Akito rolled his eyes and mumbled curses.
Hanon smiled, "Well, let's go then." She said. She began to walked towards the door followed by Akiko, Shiko, Mio, Ran, Akito, Kurama and Botan. The azure-hair girl sighed and she blushed when a hand grabbed hers and squeezed it. She turned her head to Kurama who, for the first time since she met him, was blushing.
She smiled and wrapped her arm in his, almost surprising him. He sighed and shook his head, his lips quirked up into a smile.
He was hers. She was his. And he couldn't ask for anything better.
The End