Chapter 11
Sorry everyone for the delay, I was in Yellowstone last week and I have just been busy catching up with things on the home front. The story is slowly coming together, it may not be everyone's style but I like it plus I am learning how to write better. About 75% of this chapter was done on my phone so heads up there may be a couple slip ups I miss when I clean it, regardless I hope you enjoy it.
Yukiko Amagi would have never believed what she was seeing... If she hadn't been there herself Kanji had argued with his shadow that turned into... Well... She giggled as Yu and Yoskue both were shifting uncomfortably, It was a big man holding two male symbols with roses around his neck. The shadow Kanji had also summoned two more shadows...both males
Yu rotated his shoulder in a circle stretching it out "well..." He looked at the shadows "you ready guys?"
Everyone nodded. Yu stepped forward "Yoskuse! Get kanji out of there!" He went into his normal leader mode pointing to the collapsed teen
"Amagi!" She perked up ready for his order "hit all of them with fire!"
She nodded as he and Chie covered Yoskue "persona!" She yelled slashing the card with her fan pooling her energy as fire enveloped the enemies... One of the supporting shadows was knocked down.. The shadow Kanji didn't look too hurt but the other..."Narukami!" Yukiko yelled out hitting the shadow knocked down with more fire "the other shadow absorbs fire!"
"Hold me!" The shadow kanji ran at Yukiko, it reared up the two male symbols to bring them down on her
"Ach!" She dived out of the way as the ground shook as the metal objects left a crack where she had just been
"Amagi-San!" Yu's voice yelled with concern
"I'm ok!" She called out quickly
"Chie! Hit the other shadow with ice!" Yu came running around as Izanagi body slammed the shadow kanji away. The shadow retaliated giving a straight punch to Izanagi Yu doubled over as his persona disappeared
"It worked!" Chie yelled giving the other shadow a swift kick as it was frozen in place "it's weak against ice!"
"Hit..it again!" Yu coughed as he stood up swishing his hand switching personas "Yukiko! I'm going in close, take care of that one!" He pointed to one she had knocked down "Chie you handle the other! Yoskue! We are taking on Kanji!"
Yoskue yelled slashing his card as he ran with Yu at the shadow, it reared up the symbols as Yu went to the left and Yoskue to the right
Yukiko brought more fire down on the smaller shadow as it quickly dodged out of the way. It started running full speed at her
Come on come on! She tried to hit it again but it was too quick. She quickly flared out her fan,waiting until the creature was close. The creature neared, she threw the fan at the shadows legs. The fan impaled its self in its shin causing it to trip and tumble, "whoa!" she jumped out of the way as it fell right where she had been
"Come! Konohana Sakuya!" She yelled bringing down fire as the shadow attempted to stand. It groaned as the fire consumed it disappearing into a cloud of black
"A-Amagi!" Yu's strained voice yelled she looked over, she gasped as he was on one knee over Yoskue who was on the ground bleeding from his head. Yu was holding up the male symbol, the shadow was attempting to use to crush the two. "S-s-sa-ave h-him!" He said through clenched teeth. Even with the strength they received from their personas he wasn't going to be able to hold it much longer
"Persona!" She pooled her energy into bringing Yoskue back as he quickly shook his head and realized what was happening, he quickly moved as Yu rolled out of the way as the heavy symbol crashed where they had just been
"S-sorry partner!" Yoskue called retreating with Yu as they formed up with Yukiko
"This isn't working!" Yukiko heard Yu mutter under his breath. His eyes were darting around. He was thinking hard and fast.
Chie ran over breathing heavy. "What...are...we gonna do?" She said between breathes.
"Maybe it's a allergic to girls..." Yoskue muttered under his breath
Yu tried to suppress his laugh but failed as he started laughing
"Huh?" Yukiko didn't understand what he meant "allergic to girls...?" She said in thought
Chie groaned and face palmed
The shadow stabbed the two symbols in the ground as darkness began to surround it
"C-careful sensei!" Teddie yelled "the shadow is charging up!"
"Chie, go give it a hug..." Yu mumbled sarcastically
"What?! Why me!?" Chie retorted
"Because if it tries anything you'll just give it a critical hit." Yoskue said with pain in his voice
"My my..." The shadow eyed Yu and Yoskue "you two sure are strong..."
"It's dead." Yu said darkly swishing his hand in front of him
"Oh HECK no!" Yoskue freaked out summoning his persona.
"Lets hit it while he's charging up!" Chie yelled
Yu nodded "Yoskue and Chie, hit him from behind, ill keep his attention up front."
They nodded
"Yukiko, hit him with fire... But stay mobile, if we can hit him from different angles we should have a chance.."
She nodded as they all split, Yu moved in first summoning what looked like a red droplet that slammed into the shadow. The shadow giggled "that tickles!"
Yu froze and twitched "eh..."
Chie and Yoskue both summoned their own personas hitting it from behind ...nothing was happening
Yukiko quickly summoned her persona bringing fire on the shadow. It shrugged it off as well.
Yu ran back over "Chie! Yoskue! Get back!" He yelled
The shadow was still pulling in power
"Our attacks aren't doing anything! It's too strong!" Chie yelled running back
Yu looked deep in thought "ok...Teddie this shadow focuses on brute strength and defense correct?"
"I think so!" Teddie affirmed "but with how much power he has soaked up, he could kill you in one hit.." Teddie warned
"Then lets tire it out" Yu said quickly "everyone split up again, if we can make him use his energy up we may have a chance...but be careful!" He emphasized
Yu ran at the shadow "Arrrggghh!" He stabbed his sword straight into the shadow's leg
It let out a howl "I said i was going to kill you!" It said in rage "time to keep that promise!" It swung the symbol where Yu had just been
Yu had broken its power charge, but it was faster now. It quickly pulled the symbols and swung them at Yu horizontally who had moved out of the way.
"Now you guys!" Yu yelled running from the shadow
Yukiko quickly summoned her persona again hitting it with a large plume of fire
The shadow yelled in rage searching for who had just hit it, he was met by Chie's persona giving a knee to its face, making it stumble back as Yoskue ran up from behind sinking his daggers in its back.
But it didn't seem like they were hurting it.. Just making it mad...Yukiko thought about it, if they could get him to a blind rage they could keep him confused and make it tire out. "Narukami-kun!" She yelled as Izanagi flew forward slashing the shadows arm
Yu looked over at her sweat on his face
"The shadow is getting beyond mad!" She pointed out "lets use it to our advantage!"
Yu understood as he smiled and nodded "everyone keep moving and hitting it with little attacks, save your strength for when I give the order!"
The shadow roared as they each took turns hitting it, but finally it did something they hasn't expected "just die!" It yelled as the room filled with a dark cloud suddenly lighting began striking each member of the team
Yukiko's body screamed as she felt the electricity go through her, she felt her vision blurring
"Amagi!" Yu's pained voice yelled out "heal us!" He was running away from her, she couldn't tell where he was runing she was so disorented" Yoskue!" He yelled
Yukiko had fallen to her knees she summoned her persona bringing the warm light around everyone...she stood seeing where Yu was going, Yoskue had been knocked down and even with the healing he couldn't stand. the shadow saw it and was running towards the fallen Yoskue, determined to finish the job
"NO!" Yu yelled as he swished his hand summoning Izanagi
"Yoskue!" Chie's voice yelled in anguish as she was running after the shadow
Both of the personas and their users hit the shadow with everything they had, both personas stabbed their weapons into the shadow as Chie kicked the back of the shadows leg making it stumble as Yu slashed across its chest, the shadow retaliated swinging hard with the symbol blindly, luckily Yu rolled out of the way and Chie jumped over the swinging symbol ran over to Yoskue.
"Come on! Come on!" She said quickly pulling him up "you've got to move!" She pushed him out of the way as the shadow started moving toward them
"Amagi! Heal Yoskue!" Yu called out as he ran with Chie and Yoskue behind, the shadow in tow
She complied summoning her persona to heal him. Feeling her strength fadding "I...I don't know how much more I can do!" her voice filled with fatiuge
"We need to end this quick Yu.." Yoskue said quickly "I can't do this much longer."
Yu nodded "Teddie... Have we hurt it at all?"
Teddie sniffed and zoned out for a second as they all quickly moved away from shadow "yes!" He yelled in surprise "you've almost got it beat just keep going!"
"Amagi!" Yu's voice perked up as they kept running and evading the shadow "I want you to summon as much fire as you can on it! The second she does that Yoskue fuel it with your wind!"
"Ill wait for your signal Yukiko!" Yoskue gave her a thumbs up
Yukiko's adrenaline was in high gear, she wasn't just afraid.. She just wanted to survive. She pooled every bit of that desire into ending the fight as flames erupted from her persona encircling the shadow, as wind blew the fire causing it to grow engulfing the creature.
"Did that do it?" Chie said breathing heavy wiping the sweat from her brow
" y-you!" The shadow's voice came from the flames "cannot win this!" It whined in pain.
"Lets finish this." Yu hefted his sword "Everyone lets hit it again!" Yu cocked his sword back, Yoskue flipped his nata point down and Yukiko pulled out one of her remaining fans they all turned to Chie
"w-what?!" she stepped back "What am I supposed to use?" She grumbled looking around... "umm..." She reached down pulling one of her shoe off and let out a nervous laugh cocked it back
"Snrk..." Yukiko tried to stifle the laugh that crept up
"alright lets do it!" Yu said with humor in his voice as he looked at Chie, He flung his sword blade first at the flames as Yoskue threw one...then the second nata into the flames as Yukiko flew her fan as well.
Chie cocked her arm then stopped holding the shoe ready as the shadow let out a painful cry before falling silent as the flames and wind calmed and left the dissipating shadow.
Yukiko let out a heavy breath "so this is what it was like.." She trailed off thinking about what they had gone through to save her.
"Guys..." Chie was pointing, the shadow was back in it's doppelganger appearance wearing a bath towel
"Why does everyone reject me" it whined
"Just...stop already.." Kanji's gruff voice came from behind them.
"He's still rejecting it!" Teddie pointed out
"I don't care who it is! Will some one just accept me for who I am!?"
"I said shut up! Kanji swore behind them as he ran up to the shadow up punching it straight in the face
"I like this guy" Yu said quietly
"I can't believe something like this inside me" Kanji muttered "stand up. Anything that looks like me can take a punch."
"Look it doesn't matter if its a boy or a girl! I'm just scared of being alone." Kanji acknowledged to the shadow "I get it, you're me."
The shadow nodded and was surrounded by blue light and was changed into his own persona.
"Ugh.." Kanji fell to one knee as everyone ran over to him
"Y-you guys?!" He looked up at them in surprise "what the..."
"We will explain later" Yu said simply "lets get out of here"
Kanji nodded "yeah...
after parting ways with every one Yu made his way home to the Dojima residence.
"I'm home!" He called out opening the door
"Big bro!" Nanako called out
Yu smiled at his cousin. Dojima had been unable to get any days off for golden week, in the end Yu had spent some time with her. The group had invited her to junes and over the course of the conversation Chie gave him the title "big bro" and Nanako liked it...so it stuck.
"How was your day Nanako?" Yu asked sincerely
"Good!" She smiled
Yu looked in the fridge but couldn't see anything of interest, he was pretty tired from the day though... "I think I'm going to call it an early night, do you need anything Nanako?" Yu asked
"Mmmm mmm" she shook her head "night." She turned her attention back to the TV
Yu climbed up the stairs to his room and got ready for bed. He sighed, happy another person was safe, but he still didn't have any idea who the culprit was. Their assumption of only being females targeted had been thrown out the window with kanji... Other then that... He felt like he had hit a dead end.
Pipipipipi!
He looked at his phone
*unknown*
"Hmmm?" He flipped open the phone "hello?
"Hello..." A familiar mature voice came through "this is Margaret."
Yu was stunned how'd she get my number...?
"I'm calling you.. Curious as to how your social links are going?" She continued
"Umm what do you mean?" Yu asked
"Are you nurturing and strengthening your relationships?" She said slowly
"Well..." Yu thought about it, he was AROUND people... He was helping them... But was he getting closer personally... "I don't know."
"I see..." Margaret trailed off "do you understand why they are so important?"a hint of frustration in her voice
Yu sighed he really didn't want to hear it.
"Well?" She prodded
"I...Im honestly not sure" Yu said simply not letting the annoyance creep in his voice. In all honestly he didn't, he never had been close to anyone.
"Hmm." Margaret's voice was monotone but in thought "you must hurry and discover why it is so important, for without it, you will fail in your journey." The line disconnected
Yu was frozen in place looking at his open phone...but how?
A few days later
Yukiko and Chie were walking around Junes.
"Ahhh!" Chie stretched "I'm so happy school is done for the day!" She exclaimed
Yukiko nodded "I agree.. And that Kanji is safe as well."
Chie nodded "that was a tough fight hu? I'm glad we succeeded...I have to admit without Yu this would be much harder."
Yukiko felt butterflies "he really is incredible."
Chie giggled "still falling for him eh?" She winked
Yukiko looked away "maybe.."
"So when are you two going to hang out?" Chie asked
"Hmm.." Yukiko scowled "he said we would after we saved Kanji... So I hope soon."
"Don't take it personal..." Chie looked over with concern "He just has a lot of things calling for his attention..."
"Maybe he isn't even interested in me though..." Yukiko frowned "I mean he could just look at me as another friend."
Chie giggled a little, Yukiko shot her a glare "sorry!" She stammered still smiling "it's just funny to see you worried about a boy."
Yukiko had to agree, this kind of thing had never worried her before. she sighed "maybe I'm just being immature.. "
"Hey! No that's not true" Chie defended her "there is nothing wrong with liking him."
"Ya.. I'm just nervous I guess." Yukiko nodded "it doesn't help all the girls talk about him..."
Chie nodded "and yet he seems pretty oblivious to it...reminds me of some one I know" she chuckled
"H-hey..." Yukiko stammered but she had no good defense for this fight.
Chie chuckled "you know it's true."
Yukiko just nodded accepting defeat
"Why don't you text him or something." Chie spoke up.
"What?!" Yukiko jumped
"Ya I mean you want to see him so bad...ask him to do something." Chie nodded seriously
"B-but what should I say?!" Yukiko stammered unsure
"I dunno." Chie rolled her eyes "it's not that hard! Just ask him if he is busy and if he'd like to do something."
"Hmmm..." Yukiko grabbed her phone nervously "should I do it right now?"
Chie shrugged "why not, ill help you if you get stuck." She pointed to her self
"O-ok.." Yukiko nervously went to Yu's name in her and pressed call.
Ring ring...ring ring...ring-
"Hello?" Yu's voice came from the other end out of breath
"Ahhh!" Yukiko squealed quickly hanging up the phone
"W-what?!" Chie said with concern
"H-he...answered..." Yukiko said quietly
Chie just starred at her before bursting into laughter "we have a long way to go." She placed her hands on her hips.
Yukiko sighed, this is pathetic.
Yu wiped the sweat from his brow looking at his phone
"What...was that?" Yu said confused to him self.
Should I call her back? Maybe she just called the wrong person...
"Yu!" Kou's voice called out "what's up?!" He was holding the basket ball under his arm
"Nothing!" Yu called back "lets keep going!" He ran back over as Kou passed him the ball
"You're not going to win this time." Kou said with a smirk
Yu smiled "lets see about that."
"Try calling him again!" Chie prodded
Yukiko nodded determined "this time ill do it!" She exclaimed
Yu quickly darted around Kou dribbling the ball, he quickly jumped and made a shot at the 3 pointer line it bounced out as Kou ran past him to grab the ball
Pi pi pi pi
"One sec!" Yu apologized running back to his phone
Amagi, Yukiko
"Hu...again?" He picked up the phone "hello?"
"Oh!" Yukikio's surprised voice came over the phone "N-Narukami-kun...ummm..." She trailed off
"Ehh...hello Amagi-San..." Yu started, hesitant to cut her off
"Oh hi! Umm.. What are you doing?" Yukiko stammered out
Yu stifled a laugh "I'm at basketball practice, what's up?"
"Oh...nothing.. OH! I hope I'm not calling at a bad time!" She apologized
"Amagai-San.. You are fine, what do you need?" He said slowly with a smirk
"Oh.. What do I need...?" She trailed off "oh that's right! What are you doing today? Oh wait you're at practice what about tomorrow?" She said quickly
"Hmm ..." Yu thought about it "nothing.. Would you like to do something?"
"That's great! Would you like- I mean yes that would be wonderful!" She almost yelled
Yu pulled the phone away from his ear "are you ok...?"
"Yes! Of course I'm talking to you..ah! I mean..." She sighed "sorry... Ill see you tomorrow?"
Yu chuckled "yes, we will go right after school."
"Ok.. Bye!" She said quickly as she hung up
By this point Chie had walked away because she was laughing so hard "Oh...man!" She said walking back between laughs "that was awesome!"
Yukiko just looked down "I have managed an inn before...and I could hardly make that call...this is pathetic..." She pouted
"But hey you are seeing him tomorrow at least" Chie pointed out
"After embarrassing myself..." Yukiko grumbled walking off with Chie still laughing
"Dude..Yu!"Kou called out "who keeps calling you?!"
Yu looked back at the phone with a smile "sorry...a friend of mine."
He walked back over "It was important that's why I went back when the phone rang." He grabbed the ball from Kou "now should we start over?"
- the following day
Yukiko kept watching the clock, she felt nervous as time slowly ticked by until the end of the day. She quickly gathered her things as the bell rang, she looked back at Yu who looked calm as ever as he packed up his things and stood up walking around to her desk
"Ready to go?" He placed one hand on his hip
"Y-yes.." She stuttered out, she could help but notice that people were watching she quickly gathered her things and stood
"Where do we want to go?" He asked as they walked out of the class towards the stairs
"Can we go to the shopping district...?" Yukiko asked timidly
"Yes, of course." He nodded as they turned towards the stairs "So how have you been?" Yu asked quietly as they walked down the stairs
"Good..." Yukiko said quickly as they walked out the front doors
"Hmm?" He cocked his head waiting for her to continue
"Oh! I've been good, umm its just crazy all that's been happening..and umm" she stuttered out
Yu chuckled "you ok Miss Amagi? You seem nervous..." He added playfully
"H-hey...you already know I get nervous..." She blushed looking away
Yu smirked "yes that's true...you just seem to get more nervous every time." He winked
Yukiko starred at him he's right! She groaned
"W-well...no... I mean..well..." She started
Yu laughed and waved his hand "I'm kidding...so how has the inn been?"
Yukiko frowned "honestly...it's been better, I've had much more free time...I mean after I was kidnapped my Mom realized I needed to have some free time."
"That's good right?" Yu asked as they walked down the road
"Yes.." Yukiko nodded "but now...ever since my shadow, I've been wondering if I really want to take over the inn.."
Yu only nodded listening intently
"So now..." Yukiko stopped "I've decided I'm not going to take over the inn!" She declared proudly
Yu looked shocked "really?"
Yukiko giggled "I really said it! And well yes! I mean I'd like to move out..." Yukiko trailed off she couldn't help imaging moving to the same area as Yu...conveniently of course. "I just want to be more independent.. You know?" She looked him
He nodded slowly "ya... I can understand how you'd feel that way."
"Really..? you already are independent... You can cook, I know you work" Yukiko blushed "honestly you kind of inspired me to think about this more seriously.." She added shyly
Yu scratched his head. "O-oh." He let out a nervous laugh "that's nothing...so what do you plan on doing once you graduate school?"
"Hmm well I was thinking along the lines of interior design actually." Yukiko placed her finger on her head in thought
"Really?!" Yu said surprised "you could do really well at that."
Yukiko felt happy "yes! That's what I was hoping..."
"Have you told your parents this?" Yu asked
"Hmmm..." Yukiko shook her head "I haven't...I...I don't want to disappoint them."
"Hmmm" Yu looked in thought.
"B-but I'm leaving on my own will!" Yukiko declared again
Yu chuckled "what can I do to help?" He asked
"W-well I need to start making money...you know I won't be able to rely on my parents once I leave..." Yukiko trailed off in thought. "Do you know of any jobs I could do secretly!?" Yukiko's voice was filled with excitement
Yu thought for a second "actually...I do..." As they walked into the shopping district "lets go to the notice board, there is a job that I do in my room at night."
"How many jobs do you have?!" Yukiko asked in surprise
"O-oh not too many.." He answered quickly "OK look." He pointed at a notice on the board
Yukiko moved in closer "envelope construction...?"
"Yep." He nodded "I won't lie, it's boring...and you have to be diligent but, you are paid by how many you finish. so you can make a fair amount of yen if you dedicate your self to it." he shrugged
"Oh!" Yukiko said happily "that's perfect!" She squeaked
Yu laughed "you are cute..."
Yukiko froze "w-what?!" She stammered "I mean..ugh wait what did I do?!" She felt so flustered
Yu laughed "nothing nothing." He waved his hand
"Not going to tell me...?" Yukiko said in a sad tone
"Another time, maybe.." Yu winked
"H-hey!" Yukiko smiled "you say that a lot! You still owe me..."
Yu chuckled "ahhh so you caught me."
Yukiko giggled "well when will I get all the answers?"
Yu tapped his head "I'm not sure..." He trailed off "when it's the right time." He finally finished
"Hmmm..." Yukiko grumbled "I don't suppose...you are going to give me an idea when that will be...will you?" She looked up at him trying to beg
"Nope." He smirked
He's enjoying this...
"Well...maybe could you do something else..?" Yukiko asked timidly
"That depends..what is it?" Yu asked playfully
"C-could you help me learn how to cook?" Yukiko asked sincerely
Yu nodded "I'm not that great...but ill do what I can" he smiled
Yukiko blushed "T-thank you..."
"What would you like to do? I still have time...I mean if you want of course!" Yu said calmly looking around
Yukiko almost jumped in delight but stopped herself "o-of course!"
"Big bro?!" Nanako's voice came from behind
Yu lit up "Nanako!" As she ran over grabbing his hand
"Are you on a date?!" Nanako asked innocently looking up at him
Yukiko felt her face heat up
"N-Nanako!" Yu stuttered out embarrassed
"You are so pretty!" Nanako said in awe to Yukiko
"Oh! Nanako-chan!" Yukiko felt embarrassed she noticed Yu nodding "hmmm?" She looked at him
"Huh!?" Yu jumped "oh...ahem sorry just...spaced out..."
"Big bro you should keep dating her!" Nanako beamed
"Eh..." Yu looked dumbfounded "well...Nanako we aren't dating.. Ummm...we are just hanging out.."
Yukiko couldn't help but feel pleased at this conversation
"Then why are you both blushing?" Nanako smiled
"Oh! Umm..." Yukiko looked at Yu a small smile on her face
"We...just..."Yu started unsure
"Big bro...do you think she is pretty?" Nanako beamed again
Yukiko jumped, a little excited for the answer sure this has happened once..her mind went back to his first day but I do want to hear it now that he knows me...
"O-oh! Well..." He furrowed his brow as he looked at Yukiko
Yukiko could feel the blush on her face...but she couldn't help but smile as he looked at her
"Well..." He starred at Yukiko "I.. Do " he smiled
Yukiko felt her blush deepen "Narukami-kun..." She whispered
Nanako giggled "you guys are cute!" She clapped her hands "well.. I'm going to my friend's.. Ill see you tonight big bro!" She waved goodbye as she walked away.
"S-sorry about that..." Yu apologized looking away
"N-no..." Yukiko shook her head "I don't mind..but I am curious..." She started timidly
"About?" Yu cocked his head
"Did you mean it?" Yukiko looked away
Yu tensed up "well..Ill be honest" he started a little nervous "I really do" he scratched his head "I-I hope that doesn't make this awkward though!" He stumbled out
Yukiko felt elated "n-no!" She exclaimed the joy in her voice. "T-thank you..." She looked at him
"Uh..for what?" Yu said in confusion
Yukiko still felt flustered "for saying that...Chie says I'm pretty but..." She hooked her arm behind her back "I guess I never believed her..."
"Well..." he smirked "that's one of things I owed you...remember?"
"Huh?!" Yukiko strained her brain to remember "from when...?"
Yu chuckled "hmm you forgot...I guess I could get away wi-"
"No! Umm just give me a sec!" Yukiko cut him off in panic
Yu just laughed as she furrowed her brow "it was when we were in front of Kanji's place..." He hinted
"Oh!" Yukiko exclaimed "you were supposed to tell me why you didn't believe me about talking to boys right?!" She looked at him hopefully
"Ding ding ding" Yu motioned with his finger
"Wait...but how does that answer that...?" Yukiko asked innocently
Yu just laughed "I guess you want me to explain it?"
"...maybe..."Yukiko said timidly
Yu felt his stomach turn Why am I so freaking nervous?! Yu practically scolded him self
"Well..." His voice a little shaky "I guess..to me you really are so beautiful...but also you are really mature." He shrugged "I dunno, I guess I find it hard to believe as you are the talk of the guys at school."
He waited for a response...but it was silent "ummm" he turned "Yukiko?"
She was looking at the ground "you...really think so..?" She said timidly looking up at him
Yu noticed a happiness in her eyes, he figured she had just thought of him as a friend but...even he was noticing the hints.
He nodded "I really do."
Yukiko smiled shyly looking around "t-thank you."
Yu was stuck though... He didn't know what to do next and It looked like she was stuck too...he didn't know where to go with what just happened and from what he could see...neither could she.
"Sorry...if I made this awkward." Yu broke the silence sheepishly
Yukiko shook her head "it's not that..."
Yu looked at his phone...it was getting late. "What time do you need to go home?"
Yukikio jumped realizing she needed to look at the time. "I-I should probably get going..." She said disappointed
"Ya...of course, Ill walk you to the bus stop." Yu nodded
Yukiko nodded as they walked down the road in silence
"Narukami-kun...?" Yukiko's soft voice spoke up "w-when can I see you again?"
Yu felt his throat constrict I'm...nervous..still?! "Whenever you'd like.." Yu smiled
"Mmm..." She mumbled in thought.. "Can I make you lunch next time?"
Yu smirked "I'd love that!"
"O-okay...thank you." Yukiko looked at the incoming bus
"Thank you Yukiko... I look forward to the next time we can umm...hang out..." He was unsure what word to use.
"Me too..." She looked at him in the eyes
"Goodnight." He said softly as the bus doors opened
"Goodnight..." She turned to the bus.
What...just happened Yu chuckled feeling elated
Yukiko felt ecstatic,..the wait to be able to be with Yu had been so worth it.
She sighed happily slumping into the seat of the bus.
"Beautiful hu?" She said softly to her self as she beamed.
The next week passed by quickly full of new adventures, Yoskue talked him into getting a motorcycle license and in the end Dojima allowed him to use his old silver scooter he had. Yu had spent some time taking it out on rides to get used to it. Just yesterday, Yoskue, Kanji and Yu had gone to Okina city to try and meet some girls...per Yoskue's request the whole experience...hadn't gone as expected Yu was walking slowly in the rain towards school. He yawned as the rain softly pelted on the umbrella remembering the experience yesterday.
Yoskue decided to make a competition out of the whole thing, whoever was able to get a random girl's number was the winner. The results...had been rather interesting Kanji had made a girl cry because she didn't understand that he wanted to fix a string on her sleeve, Yu had manged to get a slightly older girl's number...but when he called, her boyfriend answered and...threatened to "Rip his head off and spit down his throat" he cringed at the memory.
But Yoskue...oh Yoskue's experience had been the best. He had succeed in getting a number (after attempting to bribe girls with coupons for 20% off the meat department at Junes) only to learn she had given him Hanako's number...Yu hated to be mean but Hanako was an interesting character. She was beyond over weight but in addition to that she thought that she was the most amazing thing to walk in front of any man's eyes. Yoskue called the number only to accidentally ask Hanako on a "motorcycle" Ride. To his Dismay, She was at the station they were in Okina city..the result was Yoskue's Scooter had been crushed and his very spirit broken. Yu chuckled at the memory
"S-sorry!" Yukiko's voice came from behind as she ran up to him under his umbrella. "I forgot my umbrella..." She stammered embarrassed. She was very close to him as the familiar cherry blossom smell floated up to Yu
Oh it is no problem. Yu chuckled "good morning."
A small Hugh touched her cheeks "s-sorry!" She looked surprised noticing how close she was "I hope you don't mind! I mean people may talk..."
Yu smiled "do you want to take my umbrella then?" He offered it to her
"No!" She blushed "I just wanted to make sure you didn't mind..."
Yu waved his hand "let em' talk."
Yukiko giggled "thanks Narukami-kun...are you excited for the school campout this weekend?"
"Oh ya.. I forgot about that." Yu remembered "what's it like any way?"
Yukiko tapped her chin as Yu opened the front door to the school for her "it varies I think...I'm not sure honestly they usually put us in groups and have us cook our own meals." She explained as they walked up the stairs "if we are lucky maybe we could be in a group..." She added timidly
Yu smiled "that would be great." He opened to the door to their class. He noticed a couple people watching them as they came in together.
"Jeez..." Yukiko mumbled seeming to notice the same thing.
They both took their respective seats as Mr. Morooka came in.
"Alright you brats!" He spat "the campout is this weekend!" He pulled out a stack of papers and sent them down each row "this is the schedule, make sure you aren't late!"
Yu heard people groan as the list made its way back to him.
"I wonder what the big deal is..?" Yoskue whispered to him
"Also on the list" Morooka continued "is every bodies group. I don't want to hear any complaining about it either!" He snapped
"Oh man." Yoskue groaned behind him " I wonder who Ill be with."
"Oh!" Yukiko jumped as she looked at the sheet passing the collection back to Chie "looks like we are in a group." She said with happiness in her voice
"Sweet!" Chie looked at her own "it looks like we have to cook our own meal though.."
Yukiko perked up "why don't you let us cook for you?" She looked at Yu
Yu liked this trip more and more "you guys don't have to do that..."
"Non-sense!" Chie said with excitement
"Oh man..." Yoskue said quietly in awe "the girls are going to cook for us?! Can this get any better!?"
Yu chuckled "this doesn't sound too bad." He grabbed the papers being passed back "hmm" he skimmed over it
"Wait so what is the purpose of this trip?" He heard a girl ask Morooka
"Read the paper!" Morooka barked back
Yu could hear some people grumbling throughout the class
"What?!" Chie burst out "we are cleaning up trash?!"
"W-what?!" Yoskue jumped behind him bumping his desk "this isn't a campout...this is slavery!"
Yu looked at his own paper. Sure enough their weekend would be spent cleaning up trash off the mountain Why would they even call this a camp out...
"It can't be that bad." Yukiko chimed in "we do have some free time.." She pointed out
Yoskue nodded "hey! we will make it fun right?"
"should we meet after school then?" Chie asked
"Ya lets do it." Yu nodded
after school
"Hmmm..." Chie tapped her head "what do you think Yukiko?"
Yukiko nodded "ummm curry? That should be easy..right?" She tried to sound confident but Yu wasn't entirely convinced
"Uh ya..curry that shouldn't be a problem..." Chie tried to sound sure of her self
"Have...either of you ever made curry...?" Yu asked hesitantly
"W-well no..." Chie started
"But how hard could it be?!" Yukiko jumped in "besides you promised me you would let me cook for-" she stopped as Yoskue gave them both a funny look
"Ooooooooo!" Chie teased "then it's decided! We are cooking lets go shopping now!"
Yu had thought this was a good idea but something felt...wrong
"Dude besides how jealous I am of you right now..." Yoskue shot a glance at Yu then to Yukiko "I'm so excited!"
"Lets go then!" Yukiko jumped up
-Junes-
"Uhhhhh..." Chie drew out next to her starring at the different spices "w-we obviously need pepper...right?"
Yukiko gulped "y-yes..umm black pepper..?"
"Uh ya of course! It needs to be strong! Right..?" Chie said unsure
"I think we need to add some squid... " Yukiko said seriously she could hear Yu shifting uncomfortably
"Uh..are you guys sure-" Yu started behind them
"O-of course!" Chie cut him off as they both spun around "we said we'd make lunch soooo we uh..will!"
"Yes! We will make it amazing!" Yukiko added
Yu's face didn't change but Yukiko swore he was sweating... I don't see why he is so nervous..squid always adds texture..especially the ink! at least...I think...
"Oh ya! We also need flour right?" Chie said uncertainly
"Uh..." Yukiko wanted to keep her confidence up "y-yes of course...we also need to be able to thicken the sauce..so..." She looked at the aisle they had walked to
"Corn starch?" Chie said more of a question then a statement
"Yes." Yukiko nodded "that would thicken it right?"
"Right!" Chie hesitantly grabbed ingredients off of the shelf
"Hey wait where is Yoskue?" Yukiko asked looking around
"I dunno." Yu shrugged "he said he had to grab some things..."
"Hmm.." Chie turned "I don't believe it.. He's up to something.." Her voice full of suspicion
"Hmm? Why not?" Yukiko asked innocently as she grabbed wheat flour causing Yu to twitch a little
"I just know him.." Her eyes narrowed
The rest of the shopping experience was just as interesting..but Yu knew now why he had felt uneasy about this from the first place.. Whatever the girls were creating tomorrow night...was not going to be edible, he knew that for a fact, whether he could stomach it or not..only time would tell.
"I think that's everything!" Chie clapped her hands in false confidence over the mountain of items in the cart
Yu wasn't even sure how they had managed to think so many different things were going into curry...maybe they just are doing side dishes...yes side dishes..he eyed the items in the cart chocolate...eggnog?!...fish head?! Yu jumped he knew now how doomed they really were.
-Friday afternoon-
Yukiko studied the cookbook in front of her during the lecture...it still didn't make sense...but she was pretty sure she had the jest of it...or so she was going to tell her self. She found that time passed quickly and soon the bell rang.
"Well" Yoskue stretched "this is it! You guys ready?!" He said with excitement
"Why are you so excited about this...?" Yu said calmly cocking his head
Yukiko suppressed a small giggle
Yoskue smirked "just cause."
"You are totally up to something!" Chie pointed at him
"What?" Yoskue threw his hands up in defense "I'm just excited to leave that's all."
Chie eyed him suspiciously
"You brought your swim suit right?" Yoskue asked looking at Yu who nodded
"We should probably get down to the bus stop with the rest of the class.." Yukiko watched everyone file out
"Oh ya." Yoskue nodded grabbing his pack "lets go!"
Yukiko stood and picked up her things stuffing the cook book in her school bag so she could read it some more for tonight.
Yu and Yoskue started walking out the door
"Soooo you going to try and sit by Narukami-kun on the bus?" A timid voice said to her left
"I...I want to but I'm too nervous!" Yukiko looked to see two girls talking, she narrowed her eyes at
The other sighed "well Ebihara seems to be trying to dig her claws in him...I wonder if she will try and sit by him."
"Ebihara?" Chie said slowly "that girl is trouble..."
"W-what do you mean?" Yukiko asked nervously
Chie shook her head "I've just heard a lot of things about her...tons of the guys are obsessed over her though."
Yukiko frowned "we have to make this dinner incredible!" She declared
"What does that have to do with-" Chie stopped smirking "ohhhh I see..."
Yukiko stopped "don't even say it..." She stood up as Chie snickered
"H-hey...Amagi-San?" One of the girls spoke up "c-can I trade groups with you?"
Yukiko cocked her head "how come?"
The girl blushed "well...you are in Narukami-kun's group and I wan-"
"No." Yukiko cut her off
The girl's head drooped "please?"
"Dang girl..that was cold!" Chie whispered to her
Yukiko hasn't realized but she was defensive over something that wasn't even hers...but she was determined now.
Yukiko shook her head again "I'm sorry but we promised we would cook our group dinner."
"Ok.." The frowned walked away sulking
"Jeez what is it with this guy and all the girls..." Chie grumbled
Yukiko had nothing to say...she was just as guilty
"What is taking them so long?" Yoskue tapped his foot with his arms folded out side the school
Yu shook his head "I thought they were right behind us.."
"Soooo you excited for tonight?" Yoskue raised his eyebrows
"Hmm?" Yu looked at him "to clean?"
"No! Yoskue groaned "for dinner man! I mean Chie I'm not to sure about but Yukiko she works at the inn it has to be good!"
"I'm not sure I'm as confident as you are..." The memory of the shopping trip all to fresh in his mind
"Hey why not-" Yoskue stopped noticing the girls walking out "what took you guys!? We are going to miss the bus!"
"Oh quiet." Chie spat at him "we have time. Lets go." She adjusted the duffel bag on her shoulder
"Do you want us to take those?" Yu asked pointing to the girls bags'
"H-hey don't volunteer me! Mine is heavy enough as is." Yoskue groaned
"Wow..what a lady killer.." Chie said sarcastically "I'm ok though, how about you Yukiko?"
Yukiko shifted under her bag "I'm fine for now...thanks though." She smiled at him
Yu returned the smile "alright lets go then."
They all turned walking down off the school campus
"I haven't been camping in a while." Yu thought out loud
Yoskue nodded next to him "ya..I haven't either since I moved ...you'd think I'd have gone more out here."
Yu nodded "we may have to go some time."
"We'd be in to going." Chie chimed in
"I'm sure I could some time.." Yukiko agreed
"Wait..how would we all get there?" Yu added thoughtfully
They all groaned
"I didn't think of that.." Yoskue cringed "My motorcycle was destroyed..."
"hu?" Chie cocked her head "You have a motorcycle
"had." Yoskue said about to cry
"What...what happened?" Yukiko asked
Yu frowned looking at Yoskue who looked in pain "it's...a painful story for him." Yu said his voice sympathetic
"Wait how did you go?" Chie pointed at Yu
"Oh ya..we uh...got our motorcycle licenses and I have a scooter." Yu shrugged
"Y-you what?!" Yukiko said surprised
"ya..." Yoskue said "My up close and personal plan is bust..."
Yu started laughing as the girls looked at them in confusion
They had neared the bus stop with the buses lined up, students putting their things on.
"Sooooo..." Yoskue drew out mischievously "seating arrangements"
"that was a quick recovery" Yu muttered
"No." Chie declared
"But I didn't even say anything!" Yoskue defended himself
"You were thinking it." Chie retorted as they walked in to the crowd
"Man they never lay off each other..." Yu observed
"Some things never change.." Yukiko giggled
"Wanna sit next together?" Yu asked with a mischievous smile
Yukiko looked over at Yoskue and Chie still bickering she smirked "they probably wouldn't notice..." She hinted pointing at the bus
Yu smiled and nodded "lets go..." He whispered as they quickly moved around the crowd putting their things on the bus.
Yukiko kept snickering "I wonder how long it will take them to notice?" She sat down by the window as Yu took the spot next to her
Yu chuckled looking past her out the window "Probably a little while..it look like they are still arguing." Yu leaned back "Is there any one else in our group?"
Yukiko's eyes widened "You know I didn't...really look at that.." She said slowly
"I think I still have my sheet.." he reached into his bag "aha!" He pulled it out reading over it "H-Hanako?" He said looking shocked
"Did I hear my name?" a deep voice came from behind him Oh please no...Yoskue is going to die.
"Hide me!" Yu hissed putting the paper to his face as Yukiko giggled
Hanako walked up to them "Hey...didn't I see you with that looser in Okina..." Hanako sniffed loudly "You were the really cute one." She poked Yu
Yu felt beyond sick "uh..." he let out a nervous laugh "y-ya..."
"too bad he didn't try hard enough" She brushed her hair back "I'm quite the catch."
"that you are..." Yukiko said quietly next to him looking at her
Yu had to bite his lip to hold the laugh that crept up
"Any way, if you ever wanna hang out...let me know" her voice...tried to flirt...but he felt like it sounded like a dying hipo she spun around walking back to her seat.
"oh my gosh!" Yu shivered
Yukiko giggled "she seems to be quite the fan."
"don't even!" He smiled poking her side
"Ah!" She giggled "w-what?!"
"I almost lost it.." Yu laughed "your comment..."
Yukiko smiled innocently "I did nothing.."
Yu chuckled surprised at how comfortable he was with her, most people never got to see this side of him. He smirked "of course not.."
She smiled looking out the window "looks like they are trying to find us." Yukiko said amused looking out the window
Yu leaned forward looking past Yukiko through the window Yoskue was scratching his head as Chie was looking around. "Do you think I should go get them?" Yu asked
"Yes, we probably should." she nodded a little hesitant
"I'll be right back." Yu nodded as he stood, he noticed he was getting some death glares from a couple guys as he walked out of the bus. He shrugged it off "Chie! Yoskue!" he waved as they looked at him "this one!" he pointed behind him
"Jeez!" Chie ran over "where did you guys go?!"
Yu suppressed a smirk "You didn't hear us?" he forced a fake frown "we said we were getting on this bus."
"W-what?" Yoskue said "I didn't hear a thing"
"Well..." Yu started playfully "You two were too busy flirting to-"
"We were not flirting!" Chie blurted out a hint a pink on her face as people looked over
Yu laughed "I'm kidding, we snuck around while you two were fighting to see if you would notice...t" he smirked
Yoskue chuckled "Man we really didn't, we just stopped and realizing you two weren't here...we almost thought you had-"
"a-any way!" Chie cut him off as Yu cocked his head "lets get on, looks like Morooka is ready to go." Yu nodded as he walked towards the bus
"man this is going to be a long ride.." Yoskue stretched as they got on the bus
"Scuse' me!" Chie said quickly squeezing past Yu sitting next to Yukiko
Dang it.. Yu frowned as Yukiko looked up at him with a little disappointment mouthing "sorry."
He smiled and shook his head at her "lets sit there." Yoskue pointed to a spot at the end of the bus that was empty as he started walking Yu cast a quick glance as he started walking Dang it! He thought again I really shouldn't have stood up.. he thought sadly walking over to Yoskue at the back
"ahhhh." Yoskue sighed leaning his head back as they sat down "dude, I am so pumped for tonight!" Yoskue said giddily
Yu sighed "this again?"
"bro?" Yoskue cocked his head exaggerating "they are making us dinner! We get to hang out with them all night...plus..." an evil smile spread across his face "I have a plan that is going to be AWESOME!"
"What...what did you do?" Yu asked cautiously
Yoskue snickered "oh...you will see."
-later-
"I can't believe some one threw away an entire bike..." Yoskue groaned closing his eyes
Yu rubbed his own shoulder "Ya...there was a lot of trash out there...I am beat."
"looks like dinner is coming!" Yoskue almost sang.
Yu turned his head as Chie and Yukiko walked over in their Yasgomi gym outfits
"w-we...ummm." Yukiko started
"put a lot of love into this..." Chie finished placing a plate in front of Yoskue and one in front Yu
What...what is this...Yu looked in horror...some how the curry was purple...and he swore the steam was purple as well.
"oh man! This is gunna be great!" Yoskue grabbed a piece stuffing it in his mouth he chewed...once...twice his face instantly froze in horror. His eyes widened in as his body rejected the food. "POOOOFFFT!" he spat it out falling over onto the bench.
"Yoskue!" Yu jumped up looking over the table
"WHAT IS THIS?!" Yoskue jumped up rubbing his tounge "This is not edible!" He cried "It is somehow both slimy and yet crunchy...I don't even know what it is!"
"uhhh...well that is just your opinion!" Chie said quickly looking stressed
"Y-yes!" Yukiko nodded looking concerned as she looked at Yu
"dude. As a friend, don't eat this...just don't do it." Yoskue warned cringing
The girls both were starring at him expectantly...he had no options.
"I'll do it!" Yu said heroically
Yukiko beamed as he grabbed a piece..but his courage soon left him as he brought the piece up to his mouth, his instincts told him to run. Faster then he ever had, to get away his stomach churned just smelling whatever...it was. Yu closed his eyes and took a big breath before sticking the piece in his mouth...he tried to chew it was soggy...and yet.. OH GOSH! His mouth hit something hard..the taste though...he had no way to explain the taste, all he knew was he wasn't making it out alive if he swallowed it..
"so.." Chie started nervously "h-how is it?"
Yu tried as hard as he could to swallow it...but he couldn't the substance would not go down...he had no choice, the texture, smell...he started loosing his conscious and his stomach was about to give up the fight
"POOFFF" He spat the substance out feeling his body give out as he fell to the bench
"N-Narukami-Kun?!" Yukiko's voice said concerned
"GREAT! YOU KILLED HIM!" Yoskue yelled
"Narukami?" Chie said with concern walking over to him
"oh of course now you are concerned!" Yoskue yelled
Yu closed his eyes trying to calm his angry stomach down.
"I...I can't believe it's that bad..."Yukiko said sadly
"YA!" Yoskue yelled "take a bite!"
"we're good!" The girls responded quickly
"ughhh..." Yu moaned opening his eyes "I feel...horrible." he sat up feeling dizzy
"I feel your pain..."Yoskue groaned sympathetically
"we..." Chie said looking down
"are sorry..." Yukiko sounded depressed.
"there is...uh...always next time?" Yu said cautiously with a forced smile
"oh HECK NO!" Yoskue yelled throwing his hand before letting out a sigh "now what are we going to eat..."
They all looked down "lets just call it a night..." Yu said in defeat
"Wait..." Chie twitched "what's that smell..?"
Yoskue perked up "h-hey I smell that...that smells wonderful!"
They all turned to see Hanako with a humongous plate of curry
"she still owes me for my motorcycle..." Yoskue grumbled
Yu nodded "d-do...do you think she'd share?" Yu asked hopefully.
"I..." Yukiko started then stopped as Yoskue stepped over "Ahem" he cleared his throat "Hana-Chan?"
"Hu?" She looked up as she contiuned to shovel food in her face "Oh your that looser from the other day" She said smuggly
"WHA-" Yoskue stopped his rage "h-hey look our food didn't come out too well and since we are in a group..could we have some?" Yoskue pointed at the food pleading
"What?!" Hanako said in horror "No way! I'm on a diet! And this is all I have for tonight."
"That's a diet?" Yu said in shock looking at the pile of food
"Maybe if we..."Yukiko started darkly
"no!" Chie said quickly "then again..."she turned to Yu "maybe you could persuade her
"w-what?!" Yu jumped "no...just no. I may be hungry but I will not go to that level." he put up his hand
Yukiko snickered "ahh come on she was so-"
"no!" Yu said quickly
Yoskue walked back head hanging "Guess we are starving tonight..." he started as his stomach grumbled "lets just call it a night..."
"s-sorry..." Yukiko dipped her head
"y-ya..what she said" Chie said quickly
Yoskue shook his head "goodnight..." he grumbled as he walked towards where their tents were Yu turned "Ya goodnight guys." Yu smiled over his shoulder and waved. The girls half hardheartedly waved still looking dejected.
"I'm going to have nightmares for weeks..." Yu muttered quickly remembering the food
Yoskue covered his mouth "Don't remind me..."
sorry for the delay! The next one should be up sooner!
