Disclaimer: I don't own Love Hina.
A/N: This chapter has more flashbacks.
To Ragnarok: If you are reading this…senseless bashing, fallen into the trap of Fanon, thinly veiled rants…really? Also, why do I need to follow the canon plot especially when I'm not even having Keitaro run the Hinata Inn? You say that I should read Love Hina again. You know, I could do that but I know that my feelings of how things went on in Love Hina would not change for the third time. You say that I'm ruining this fic; you go ahead and think that way if you want but I'm not going change the direction of this just because you don't like what's going on. Now if you were to explain in detail on the things you said, I might think about it although I don't really bother with those that say that I'm ruining this fic. So, in other words, if you don't like it, then stop reading it.
Priors
Hinata Inn
Haruka was sitting on a couch reading a newspaper. Normally, this would be the time for her to be in her teashop. Unfortunately for her, that would no longer be the case. It had been a month since the lawsuit was filed against her and she fought it but she lost the case in court. It was bad for Haruka, not only was she forced to pay Sakura the amount that Haruka docked from her paycheck for what was ruled as unjust reasons, but she was ordered to pay the damages which and then by the end of it, Haruka couldn't keep up with the pay of her teashop and was forced to let go all of her employees and closed down the teashop. It also didn't help that the attorney she hired also demanded that she paid for his services. Haruka didn't want to pay the lawyer because she felt that he did a horrible job but the lawyer reminded Haruka that he did everything he could for her and did all that she asked and that the attorney that represented Sakura and the people that were customers just had a better case and had Haruka refused to pay her lawyer, it would have been another problem for Haruka, another that she didn't need. So now Haruka was stuck and didn't know what to do. She was forced to close down her teashop and not even her grandmother/adoptive mother, Hina was able do anything to help and word spread about the lawsuit that was filed against her and it left her having an unpleasant reputation. Haruka had thoughts about what happened after it was all set and done.
Flashback: One month ago
Hina and Haruka were sitting in the common room with the Hinata residents. The Hinata Girls felt bad for Haruka for losing the case and her business.
"Haruka, are you okay?" Hina asked with concern.
Haruka shook her head and felt bitter, "No Mom, I'm not. I've lost my business."
"Is there any way you can get it reopened again?" Naru asked.
"I don't know if it even possible."
"Poor Haruka," Shinobu said with pity, "it's terrible. I know how much passion you had for your teashop."
Haruka nodded sadly, "Yeah Shinobu, it really is a shame."
"I blame that male lawyer you hired," Motoko said, "he clearly didn't do a good job. I bet he didn't really try to help you win."
Haruka sighed as she shook her head, "Even if that was the case Motoko, I can't accuse him of such…besides blaming my so-called lawyer wouldn't get me anywhere."
"Still though, what are you going to do now that you no longer have your teashop?" Kitsune asked.
"I really don't know."
Su went to Haruka with a banana to cheer her up," Here Haruka, have a banana."
Haruka sighed, "No thanks Su, I don't think a banana's going to help me."
"Really?" Su then looked at the banana, unpeeled it and ate it.
"I tried talking to Sakura to drop the lawsuit, but she wouldn't even listen to what I wanted to say to her," Hina said.
"I just can't believe it," Motoko said with a frown, "how she could do this to Haruka, that ungrateful woman."
"Haruka…girls, I have an announcement to make."
Haruka and the girls looked at Granny and wondered.
"What is it Granny?" Kitsune asked.
"Tomorrow, I'll be leaving again to continue my trip around the world."
This surprised Haruka and the Hinata Girls.
"Granny, you're leaving us already?" Naru asked.
Hina nodded, "That's right."
"But Granny, are you really going to leave us?" Shinobu said sadly.
"Yes Shinobu, I am, I haven't finished my world tour and I want to experience all that there is."
"Granny, what are you going to do about management of the inn?" Motoko asked, "You're not going to try to convince that grandson of yours Keitaro again, are you?"
The other girls looked at Hina, hoping that it wasn't going to be the case.
Hina shook her head, "No, not anymore," Hina felt sad, "Keitaro is a lost cause. If he won't do me this favor then there is no longer any point to ask him."
The Hinata Girls were relieved that Hina gave up on the idea.
"It's okay Granny," Naru assured her, "he's not needed anyway."
"That's true, besides, I can see that we wouldn't be able to get along with him anyway," Kitsune added.
"He's nothing more than a nuisance, he and that girlfriend of his," Motoko added.
"Granny…do you really have to leave?" Su asked whining, "Why don't you stay with us?"
"Granny, if you leave and if you no longer have plans to make Keitaro the manager, then what's going to happen here?" Shinobu asked.
"I'll just make someone else the manager of the Hinata Inn," Hina answered.
"Okay, but who?" Naru asked.
Hina looked at Haruka, "Haruka."
This surprised Haruka and the residents.
"M-Me? Mom, are you sure?" Haruka asked completely surprised.
Hina simply nodded, "That's right, Haruka, I've thought about this since you had to close down the teashop and I've decided to make you manager of the inn."
"Mom, are you really sure?"
Hina nodded again, "Yes, I'm sure. You have been taken charge here before but now I want to make it official."
"Wow, that's great, so Haruka will be in charge," Naru said.
"Will it be all right for you Haruka?" Shinobu asked.
"I agree and respect your decision Granny," Motoko said with a smile, "a strong independent woman like Haruka is only fitting."
"Yay! Haruka! Haruka! Haruka!" Su chanted happily.
"Yes, besides, this is to help Haruka since she lost her business," Hina looked at Haruka, "what do say Haruka, do you accept?"
Haruka looked at Hina, and then the girls and then nodded, "Yes Mom, I accept. Thank you."
Hina smiled, "You're welcome."
The girls were excited about this.
"It just how it's supposed to be," Motoko commented with a smile.
"That's true," Naru added happily.
"Now I can go back to my world trip with no worries," Hina said happily.
"Mom, what time you will be leaving tomorrow?" Haruka asked.
"In the morning, but before I do that, I need to be somewhere today."
"Where?" Kitsune asked.
Hina looked at Motoko, "Motoko?"
Hmm, yes Granny?" Motoko replied.
"I need you to come with me."
"Where are we going?"
"To see your Uncle Shinsuke."
Motoko's eyes widened, "W-Why?"
"My grandson Keitaro plans to be living in your uncle's building and working there as well. With the way he acted when he was here, I feel it would be best that we warned your uncle and it would also help if you came along. As his niece, you can tell him how you felt when my grandson was here, acting arrogant and self-centered."
"I see, that would best," Motoko said but looked away with an unsure look, "but…"
Hina and the others got concerned with Motoko's expression.
"Motoko, is something wrong?" Naru asked.
Motoko shook his head, "N-No, it's nothing, I'm sure with Granny there, it will work."
Hina nodded and looked at Haruka with a smile, "Haruka, I'm counting on you."
Flashback End
Haruka put down the newspaper and got up from the couch and then she heard a knock on the door.
"Hmm, I hope it's who I think it is," Haruka said as she went to the door.
Haruka opened the door and saw that it was Marumi.
"Hello Haruka," Marumi greeted.
"Marumi…" Haruka spoke.
Marumi raised her eyebrow, "What did you call me?"
Haruka raised her own eyebrow, "Marumi."
"I thought so," Marumi replied as she pinched and pulled Haruka's cheek.
"Oww! Oww! Oww! What are you doing?!" Haruka complained.
"I've told you many times that it's Aunt Marumi, just because Granny lets you refer to her as Mom and because your uncle, Kyoshiro lets you call him by first only doesn't mean it's okay for you to do the same thing with me. I've said that to you many times, when are you going to get it? I've never allowed you to call me by my first name only."
"Okay, okay, okay, I'm sorry…Aunt Marumi," Haruka said feeling the pain of a pinch cheek.
"That's better," Marumi said as she let go of Haruka's cheek.
Haruka was rubbing her cheek, "Anyway, please come in."
Marumi let her inside as Haruka closed the door and she and Marumi went to the common room to sit.
"Hey Haruka, I want to ask you-" Kitsune spoke as she came to see Haruka and stopped herself when she saw Marumi, "huh? Haruka, who's she?"
"Oh Kitsune, this is my Aunt Marumi," Haruka answered.
Marumi looked at Kitsune, "I see you're one of the residents here."
"Oh yeah," Kitsune said and smiled, "I'm Mitsune Konno, you can call me Kitsune."
"Right…" Marumi then turned to Haruka, "Well Haruka, I came here just like you asked, so what did you want to see about?"
"Aunt Marumi, it's about the lawsuit I lost," Haruka answered.
"Oh yes. It's too bad for you, but it happens but why do you want to talk to me about it?"
Haruka narrowed her eyes at her aunt, "You had something to with it, didn't you?"
Marumi sighed with annoyance, "Haruka, did you actually called me here just for that?"
"This is a serious matter Aunt Marumi; you were a part of it, weren't you?"
Marumi sighed again, "I simply told Sakura of her options, that's all. She did ask me how I felt about her suing you. I told her that I didn't mind."
Haruka was surprised, "You didn't mind?"
"Why should I? It was between you and her, well between you and her as well as your former customers who sued you as well."
Haruka shook her head, "Aunt Marumi, this is your way at getting back at me for supporting Granny of her decisions, that's the real truth, isn't it?"
Marumi narrowed her eyes, "So, this is the real reason you called me here. Haruka, you're being silly and you got a lot of nerve wasting my time with such nonsense."
"But it's the truth, isn't it?"
Marumi sighed and shook her head, "She fed you that kind of nonsense, didn't she? I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one who suggested to you to talk to me about this since she left to go back on her world tour. Haruka, I don't know what you actually think, but I really don't care that you support her with her decisions. You think that just because I told Sakura what her options were that I would do it just for revenge, please. I did it simply because she asked, nothing more. Honestly, I can't believe I came all the way over here for this and I thought you wanted to talk to me about something of importance."
"This is important," Haruka countered.
"No, it's not," Marumi started to get up, "I'm leaving, I don't have the time nor the patience to hear you whine like spoiled brat due to your own faults."
Haruka got irritated by what Marumi said and Kitsune, who had been listening couldn't stand it anymore.
"Hey, there's no need for you to insult Haruka and besides, Haruka is working very hard as the new manager as the Hinata Inn," Kitsune said defending Haruka, "have some sympathy, don't you feel bad that your own niece lost her teashop, her own business?"
"No, I don't," Marumi replied with an expression that showed she didn't care, "besides; she brought this on herself to be honest."
Haruka just narrowed her eyes with her thoughts, "I shouldn't have bothered. I knew it would be a waste of time, why did I let Mom convince me?"
Campus for the Cram School
Naru was walking with a purpose with the intent to teach Keitaro a lesson as she readied her fist. Meanwhile, Keitaro and Mutsumi were still talking and then looked at the building.
"Well, here you are," Keitaro said.
"Yes," Mutsumi said smiling, "thank you for walking with me. Have a good day at your school and tell Miyabi I said hi."
Keitaro chuckled a bit, "Yeah, I will. It's really good to see you again Mutsumi."
"Thanks, you too Keitaro."
"You shameless cheating bastard," Naru said as she got close surprising Keitaro and Mutsumi.
Keitaro and Mutsumi didn't know what was going on but the next thing that happened was that Naru struck Keitaro with a punch that caused Keitaro to spin and hit on the gate of the campus. This surprised Mutsumi as she watched in horror of Keitaro hitting the gate.
"Keitaro!" Mutsumi spoke in shock and worry.
"Hmph, that's what you get you disgusting pig!" Naru said she pointed her finger at Keitaro.
Mutsumi turned to Naru, "Hey, what do you think you're doing? Why did you attack Keitaro?"
"Aahh, what the hell?" Keitaro spoke angry looking at the thick glasses wearing girl that punched him.
Naru turned to Mutsumi while pointing at Keitaro, "This man is a creep. He has a girlfriend and he's making a fool out you and his girlfriend."
Mutsumi was confused, "I don't understand. How is Keitaro making a fool out of Miyabi and me?"
Naru was surprised, "You know about Keitaro's girlfriend and you're okay with this?" Naru glared at Mutsumi, "How could you not understand? What's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with her? What the hell is wrong with you?" Keitaro went to face Naru, "Listen, who the hell are you to-" Keitaro cut himself off when he looked at the girl that punched him and raised his eyebrow, "you look familiar…wait…" Keitaro glared at her, "are you…Naru?"
Naru simply crossed her arms and Keitaro twitched with annoyance.
Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada
Hina was with a group of tourists that was traveling the around in Vancouver. Hina was looking at the sights and was enjoying herself. Later on, the group stopped at their hotel and each person went to their respective rooms with the plan to reconvene in two and half hours. Hina went to her room and relaxed. As she relaxed she couldn't help but to think how things went. Her whole plan went down the drain and she was still unable to understand. Hina was disappointed, she counted on Keitaro to take the management position of the Hinata Inn and get real friendly with the girls there and even have a relationship with his promise girl but things that were unexpected turned up she was not pleased. Hina couldn't get Kanako to come along with her and that also ruined her plan as well because she knew that Kanako and Keitaro were close and she just wanted to separate them for the time being but that didn't work as well as Kanako as well as her son and daughter-in-law wouldn't go for it. Hina wanted to at least teach Keitaro a lesson for the things he said to her and the girls which was why she went to see Motoko's uncle, Shinsuke Aoyama and to convince him that having Keitaro live there wouldn't do Shinsuke any good, unfortunately for Hina, that didn't work out as well and she still was unable to believe how that went.
Flashback: One month back in Shichimura Apartment Complex, Aoyama's Apartment
Shinsuke was sitting on his couch and facing his friend's mother, Hina and his own niece, Motoko.
"This is the first time we've met," Shinsuke said looking at Hina, "so you're Kyoshiro's mother."
Hina nodded, "Yes, I'm Hinata Urashima and it's a pleasure to meet you Shinsuke."
Shinsuke nodded and then looked at Motoko, "Motoko…"
"Uncle…" Motoko replied.
"Well, anyway, what brings you both here?"
Hina nodded, "We're here regarding my grandson, Keitaro."
Shinsuke raised his eyebrow, "Keitaro, what about him?"
"I heard from Kyoshiro that you are going to allow Keitaro to live here in your building and even work here."
Shinsuke nodded, "That's right."
Hina paused for a moment and then spoke, "Shinsuke, it would be best if you cancel that idea."
"…What…?"
"It would best if you did not allow Keitaro to live and work in your building."
Shinsuke crossed his arms, "Oh really and why is that?"
Hina frowned, "It saddens me to say this but my grandson is really a selfish and arrogant person. He's disrespectful and has no qualms of hurting others."
Shinsuke raised his eyebrow, "Is he really that kind of person?"
"Yes, he was not like this before but unfortunately ever since he allowed himself to be influenced by certain people, he's changed. I came by to warn you and to spare you the irritation and the grief."
"Is that actually true?"
Hina nodded and then turned to Motoko, "Motoko, tell your uncle how you felt when you met my grandson?"
Motoko looked at her uncle, "Uncle Shinsuke, Keitaro Urashima is nothing more than an honor less individual. He showed up at the Hinata Inn and had attempted to peek at one of my dorm mates; he was very rude and insulting to Haruka even when Haruka tried to be reasonable with him. He insulted my honor as a warrior and heir to the God Cry School, practically calling me a fraud and disrespected and put down Granny Hina's hard work. He's a coward that runs away from his responsibilities and duties."
"So that it, huh?" Shinsuke said.
"Yes Uncle, we felt the need to tell you."
"Hmm, this is quite unfortunate."
"I know it's hard for you to believe this but it would be best if you learned about this now instead of later on," Hina said, "and think of it this way, my grandson insulted your niece here and insulted her hard work to be something that part of your family traditions."
Shinsuke sighed, "This is all real sad."
"Yes, it is but at least you know now. I know you were doing this as a favor for my son, but even he needs to realize that-"
"You misunderstood," Shinsuke interrupted, "I mean that this is all sad you and my niece would do this just as Kyoshiro predicted."
This shocked Hina and Motoko.
"Wh-What are you talking about?"
"Kyoshiro called me earlier today. He figured you would pull something like this and gave me the heads up Hina and you Motoko, it's sad that you're actually going along with this."
Motoko was shaking with anger, "Are you okay with it then?"
"I'm not going to have Keitaro thrown out of here just to help your vindictive vendetta."
"Vindictive vendetta?" Hina asked shocked, "That's what you call this?"
"That's all it is and Motoko, are you not embarrassed you would do something like this? This isn't the first time too."
"What are you talking about?" Hina asked upset at where this was going.
"Motoko said the same kind of thing about her sister's husband, her brother-in-law and my own student, Hayato."
Motoko twitched at the mention at the name of the man she believed that took her sister away from her.
"Yes, I know all about that," Hina said looking at Shinsuke with a serious look, "listen, Motoko just had a real hard time and besides, I'm sure that this wouldn't have happened if her sister actually considered Motoko's feelings."
"What do you mean by that?" Shinsuke said upset that his friend's mother would say such a thing.
"Motoko had to take the role of being the heir of the God Cry School and she was not really ready for it. She came here in Tokyo and to live here in the Hinata Inn in order for her of not having to deal with the pressure and she has made friends. Honestly, was it really too much to ask of Tsuruko to consider Motoko's feelings?"
Motoko nodded silently again grateful for Hina while Shinsuke sighed.
"Are you saying that my niece Tsuruko should spend her life just making Motoko happy? Are saying that excuses Motoko of insulting people simply because they disagree with her views of things? Are saying that it's okay for her to attack people with her Shisui without really looking at the situation?"
"I'm simply saying that Tsuruko should have considered how Motoko felt. Motoko just needed her sister, that all. I'm sure if they had talked that things would have worked out."
Shinsuke sighed, "It's a good thing Tsuruko is not here to hear this, I would hate to see the look on her face when she actually learns that her sister couldn't be happy for her because she was the one being selfish."
Motoko got defensive, "That's…that's not true, you don't know what you're saying. I had to be the one to lead the God Cry School, something that should gone to my sister but instead she had chose to be submissive to that man," Motoko looked at her uncle with a serious expression, "I thought that at the very least you would understand but instead, you, Aunt Isana, Kazuya, and Nagisa were okay of Tsuruko giving up something that was real important and I was the one they picked next…even though I wasn't really ready to…"
"You didn't have to really take the position as heir to the God Cry School, you could have just told them the truth," Shinsuke said.
"And ignore my obligation? I'm not like her and I'm certainly not like you who ran from Kyoto and now reduced to a mere apartment building owner."
"Motoko, I think you're going a bit too far," Hina said.
Motoko looked at Hina, "Granny…I…"
"Forget it," Shinsuke said, "I think it would be best that the two you leave right now."
"Wait Shinsuke, it didn't come out right and what I'm telling you about Keitaro is true. I'm just trying to help and prevent him from-"
"Spare me," Shinsuke interrupted, "this is just for own revenge because Keitaro refused to be manager of your inn and I can certainly understand why he would refuse. You, Hina, who can't be happy with what her own grandson is doing and attempt to pull your own granddaughter out of school for whatever ulterior motive has no real credibility and you Motoko, you're same as always and I find it pathetic that you can't be happy for your own sister and you're really at the Hinata Inn to really run away from your own problems."
"That's not true Uncle!" Motoko countered.
"Yes it is and you know it, you just don't want to admit it. I want the two of you to leave and never come around here again."
"That's it? You just going to allow my grandson to be here and you're willing to turn your back on your own niece just like that?"
"Leave right now," Shinsuke said with a glare.
"Shinsuke-"
"Granny," Motoko interrupted.
Hina looked at Motoko with concern and saw that Motoko shook her head.
"It's pointless Granny, I suggest that we leave. He's not going to listen. It's typical of him."
Hina sighed and agreed, "Very well," Hina then looked at Shinsuke, "how disappointing. I thought you would be more reasonable and understanding but it seems like I was wrong. What a shame."
Hina and Motoko started to leave.
Flashback End
Hina sighed and had a frown, "Truly unfortunate. Motoko tries so hard and her own uncle decides to care more of my grandson Keitaro than his own niece. How despicable…"
Shinobu and Su's Middle School
Shinobu and Su were walking together and they were on their way to their classes. Both were not feeling well emotionally at the moment. For Shinobu, it was because she had a lot to think about ever since that meeting with Hina's grandson Keitaro and the fact how things were for her and it made her question about how Hina did things and her own dorm mates for that matter. As days went by for Shinobu and as she talked with the other girls in the Hinata Inn that she considered her friends, she wonder if they really were her friends and she wondered if the things Keitaro said last month were actually true. Su, on the other hand, wasn't feeling cheery at all; she hadn't been in good mood ever since a certain someone paid a visit in the Hinata Inn.
Flashback: One month ago in the Hinata Inn, after Hina left
Su was hanging from the ceiling and was giggling, enjoying herself. She saw Shinobu who was walking by but seemed sad. Su thought that she just needed to have some fun time.
"Hey Shinobu, you want to play?" Su asked.
Shinobu just looked at Su with a sad expression, "No, I don't feel like playing."
Su got concerned and jumped down from the ceiling and went to Shinobu, "Shinobu, are you okay?"
"I'm fine Su; could you please just leave me alone for now? I need to be by myself and I have laundry to do."
There was a knock on the door and Shinobu and Su were curious.
"I'll get it," Shinobu said as she went to the door and when she opened the door was shocked and felt pale as she saw it was Kanako, "Y-You're…Kanako."
Haruka came by and saw Kanako, "Kanako, what brings you here?"
Moments later, Kanako was in the common room with Haruka while the Hinata Girls were standing next to Haruka.
"So are you going to tell me what brings you here?" Haruka asked.
"I actually came to see Granny, where is she?" Kanako replied.
"Hmph, you're too late, Granny left this morning to go back for her world tour. I'm in charge of the Hinata Inn now."
Kanako was surprised, "Wow, so Granny made you the manager…how interesting."
"Why are you here Kanako?"
"It's about when you and the girls visited us at the bakery."
Haruka sighed and rubbed the back of her head, "Kanako, you have to believe me, I never intended for things to be bad as they were. I'm really sorry about this and I assure you, the girls didn't really anything bad by it," Haruka looked at the girls with her glare, "right girls?"
They all just looked away from Haruka's glare.
Kanako shook her head, "Unfortunately for you, I have no reason to believe you. Why I'm here is regarding that gaijin that ate the brownies my parents made."
Haruka sighed again, "You mean Su."
"Yes, her…" Kanako looked at Su.
The Hinata Girls didn't know what to say and Su was very nervous. Haruka looked at them and then back to her cousin/niece Kanako.
"So what is it about?" Haruka asked.
Kanako still looked at Su, "Su, do have any idea what you've done when you ate those brownies?"
Su put her finger on her chin and pondered, "Well, they were very good. Oh, you should have them make more of them so that everyone could have a taste."
Kanako was irritated and Haruka sighed at what Su said and the rest of the residents were not getting a good feeling.
"I did a little background check on you Su," Kanako said, "You're actually Kaolla Su, princess of the island country of Molmol."
This surprised Haruka and the others in the inn.
"Hey Su, is that true?" Kitsune asked.
"Huh? Yeah, it's true," Su replied with a smile.
"Um Su, how come you didn't tell us?" Naru asked.
Su simply shrugged, "No one asked."
"You came here in Japan via exchange program," Kanako said.
"Yep, it's really fun, I like being here in Japan and I like being here in the Hinata Inn, everyone here is fun."
"Hmph, I bet it would be sad for you if that was all to stop."
This surprised Su, "Huh?"
"What are you saying?" Motoko asked.
"Kanako, what are you getting at?" Haruka asked, not liking what Kanako was implying.
"I'm sure it would be a problem for Molmol if it became known that their second princess was a thief."
"You're calling Su a thief?" Naru asked, "Because she ate those brownies. Look, it was all mistake, can't you and your parents just...well…let it go."
Kitsune put her hands together, "We promise that it won't happen again so please, don't make it into a huge case and I'm sure Su is sorry for what she did."
"No, we can't, my parents lost some business because what she did and my mother did say that you were going to pay for those brownies."
Haruka sighed, "Look Kanako, just…just tell me how much."
"Haruka…" Motoko spoke.
"Just tell me how much and I'll do whatever I can to pay it back."
"That's not going to be good enough," Kanako said.
"What…what do you mean?" Shinobu asked as she and the others were shocked.
"It wouldn't do any good if someone else paid for what Kaolla Su did and if we do it that way, it's our guess that she wouldn't really learn anything and down the road, she would just do something like this again so we believed that it would be best that Su and only Su paid for what she did."
The Hinata Girls wondered what Kanako meant and Su was confused.
"What do you mean?" Su asked.
Flashback End
Su was feeling sad about what went on and the proposal that Kanako spoke of that was brought on by her parents.
"I hate it," Su complained.
Shinobu looked at Su, "You're thinking what happened and what you have to do now."
"It's not fair, why are they making me?"
"Su, it would have been a lot worse for you if you refused and they weren't going to let Haruka cover for you and I'm sure that even if Granny was still here, they wouldn't let her cover for you. Besides, it's really your own fault, you shouldn't have eaten the brownies Mr. and Mrs. Urashima made, they were meant for a customer and you ate them without much of a thought."
Su looked at Shinobu upset, "That's mean Shinobu."
Shinobu had a downcast look, "I'm sorry but it's the truth."
Su still stared at Shinobu and decided to ask, "Shinobu?"
"Yes?"
"Are you really okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"You've been acting strange lately."
"I don't know what you mean."
"It's just that it seems that you been very distant of us…in fact, you been this way ever since that Keitaro guy."
Shinobu looked at away. Su was thinking she was close in your guess.
"We should hurry, it would be bad if we were late for our first day of the new school year," Shinobu said as she hurried leaving Su behind.
"Hey Shinobu, wait for me!" Su called as she hurried after Shinobu.
Shinobu couldn't help but think about what happened when Keitaro and his girlfriend Miyabi were at the Hinata Inn.
Flashback: One month ago in the common room of the Hinata Inn
Keitaro sighed, "You just seem like you're just following along. It seems like you get why I'm against it and you said that you agree that it's not right of what is going on but you seem to still follow along with what my grandmother wants. Why is that?"
"Uh…well…" Shinobu spoke.
"Leave Shinobu alone," Naru said and turned to Shinobu, "Shinobu, you don't need to say anything. Just ignore this idiot."
"That's right Shinobu, you don't say anything," Motoko added.
"But he asked me-" Shinobu tried to say nervously.
"You need not to say anything," Naru insisted and turned to Keitaro, "Shinobu has nothing to say anything to you Keitaro."
Keitaro and Miyabi shook their heads.
Flashback End
"I know…I know what Keitaro was saying…" Shinobu said in her head.
Motoko's All-Girl High School
Motoko arrived at the campus of her high school. Motoko was spotted by three girls and it was the three that worshipped Motoko as a role model, Sachiyo Matsumoto, Emi Ichikawa, and Kikuko Onoue. They went to Motoko to greet her.
"Motoko-senpai," Emi said as she, Sachiyo, and Kikuko waved at Motoko, "good morning."
Motoko saw them and nodded, "Mm, good morning."
Motoko's three fans walked with her.
"How are you Motoko-senpai?" Sachiyo asked.
"Are you well?" Kikuko asked.
"I'm fine," Motoko replied although her tone was not well to them.
"Senpai, is something wrong? You seem upset," Emi said with concern.
Sachiyo reached a conclusion, "Is it a guy that's making you angry?"
Motoko frowned and nodded, "Yes, actually there is."
The three Motoko fans didn't like what they just heard.
"What, who is it, who's the stupid male that's making you angry?" Kikuko asked.
Motoko had a dark expression, "Keitaro Urashima," Motoko had her thoughts, "Urashima…he's just like that man…"
Tokyo University of the Arts
Keitaro arrived at the campus. He was still rubbing his jaw from the punch he got from Naru.
"That damn Naru," Keitaro said angry, "I can't believe she jumped to a stupid conclusion like that. Is it really hard for her to get the concept that a man and woman can walk and talk to each other and not in a romantic matter? There is definitely something wrong with her. I guess someone can be academically smart and still not have common sense."
"Hey Keitaro," a voice called.
Keitaro looked and saw his two best friends, Shirai and Haitani going to Keitaro and Keitaro smiled to see his friends.
"Hey guys," Keitaro greeted.
"How's it going Keitaro," Haitani said.
Haitani and Shirai noticed the bruise on the lower side of Keitaro's face.
"Whoa Keitaro, are you okay?" Shirai asked with concern.
"What the hell happened to you?" Haitani asked with concern.
"Well, you see-" Keitaro started.
"Keitaro!" Miyabi's voice interrupted.
Keitaro saw Miyabi hurrying to him with worry.
"Hi Miyabi," Keitaro greeted his girlfriend with a smile.
"Keitaro, are you okay? Who did this to you?" Miyabi asked with concern.
Keitaro sighed as he hated to make friends and his girlfriend worry.
"Someone must have suckered punch you," Shirai said.
"Yeah…" Keitaro said and felt embarrassed about it.
"Keitaro, who punched you?" Miyabi asked.
"Well…it shames me to say it but I got hit by Naru."
"Naru, who the hell is that?" Haitani asked.
Miyabi raised her eyebrow, "Naru? The same Naru that lives in your grandmother's inn? The same Naru that makes baseless assumptions?"
"Yeah, her," Keitaro said and then saw Miyabi who was shaking with anger, "Miyabi?"
Miyabi calmed herself down and looked at her boyfriend, "Keitaro, please tell us what happened."
Keitaro sighed looking at Miyabi, Shirai, and Haitani, "Well, the thing is that…"
Faculty Office of Cram School
Naru was sitting across from a faculty member who was middle aged with balding hair, wore glasses, and wore a light brown suit.
"Naru Narusegawa, explain your actions," the faculty member said, "why did you assault someone here and on the first day no less."
Naru looked down, "I just thought…" Naru was thinking if she could give an answer that could justify her actions, "I thought that guy was causing problems for the girl with the long brown hair."
"That's not how that same long brown hair student, Otohime was saying, talking about how you just jumped in some conclusion and not really looking at the situation."
Naru flinched, "I…I just…"
The faculty member sighed, "Let me tell you something Narusegawa, I hate violence, I really, really hate violence. I hate conflicts as well. This is the first day and it would be a real shame if you had to be kicked out on the first day because you did something real foolish."
Naru was afraid that her dreams to get in Tokyo University were going to be over already.
The faculty member continued, "However, just for today, I won't do that."
Naru looked at the dean surprised, "Really?"
"Yes, I'm feeling generous and we've never had to kick a student out of cram school on the first day and I'm not willing to be the one who start that, however, I will have to give you a warning. If you do something like this again, I will have no choice. Please don't make me do it Narusegawa."
Naru nodded and was relieved and grateful, "Yes, of course, I promise it won't happen again," Naru got up and bowed to the faculty member, "thank you so much."
"As long as you understand so go to your class, you don't want to be late."
"Yes," Naru said as left for her class.
Cram School Classroom
Naru arrived on time and sat in her desk in class. When she sat down, she saw Mutsumi giving Naru a death glare and that made Naru nervous.
"Um…" Naru spoke, "listen, I was only trying to look out for you, that's all. I'm sorry I made you upset."
"You should be apologizing to Keitaro, you punched him for no reason," Mutsumi countered.
"I…I was sure he was being despicable and I didn't know you were just friends with him and his girlfriend."
Mutsumi didn't like the excuse Naru gave, "You're despicable, maybe you were just looking for an excuse to hit Keitaro and you won't even admit that you wronged Keitaro."
"Uh look, it looked different from where I was, anyone would have thought the same thing," Naru replied.
Mutsumi narrowed her eyes at Naru, "I highly doubt that."
Naru got defensive, "Will you listen…"
"No, I don't want hear anything from you. I hate people who purposely hurt my friends," Mutsumi gave Naru a serious glare, "so let me make it clear to you, I hate you."
Naru flinched with surprise, "Y-You don't even know me."
"You attacked my friend Keitaro for really no reason and try to pass it off as it was his fault. For me, that's enough."
Mutsumi said her piece and turned to attention to class as the teacher walked in.
Naru was upset and looked down on her desk balling her fists, "What's her problem? Who does she think she is? Couldn't she see that I was trying to apologize?" Naru then went to turn her attention to the teacher.
Mutsumi glanced at Naru one more time and had her thoughts as well, "I can't believe that this is Naru…" Mutsumi looked down on her desk, "why did I…"
Flashback: Summer somewhere in Okinawa, four years ago
Keitaro gathered the courage to finally say what he wanted to say to Mutsumi, "Mutsumi, there is something I want to say to you."
Mutsumi didn't know what was going on but smiled, "What is it Keitaro?"
"Mutsumi, the truth is…I'm in love with you. I have always been in love with for a long time."
Mutsumi was shocked at Keitaro's confession put her hand over her heart, "Oh Keitaro…"
"Will you go out with me Mutsumi?" Keitaro asked being hopeful.
Mutsumi looked at Keitaro and had a sad look, "I'm sorry Keitaro but I can't."
Keitaro didn't like the answer he heard and felt sad, "You…can't?"
Mutsumi shook her head sadly, "I'm sorry Keitaro. You're a sweet person and you're very kind and I'm so happy that you feel that way about me but you and I are not meant to be."
"We're not…?"
"No but please don't be sad, I'll know that there is a girl fated to be with you," Mutsumi smiled, "just wait and see. I promise that you will find your girl."
Keitaro didn't know what Mutsumi meant but decided just to smile, "Mutsumi…I don't understand what you mean but…"
"We…we can still be friends, right?" Mutsumi asked.
"…Yeah," Keitaro smiled not letting what just happened get him down, "yeah, even though it didn't go as I wanted, I still care about you Mutsumi."
Mutsumi put her hand on Keitaro's shoulder, "I'm so glad, I care about you too Keitaro, a lot and when you find the girl that you really are fated too, I will be so happy for you."
Keitaro couldn't help but smile, "Mutsumi…"
Flashback End
Mutsumi sighed and had her thoughts, "I'm happy for Keitaro and I'm very fond of Miyabi, certainly didn't expect Keitaro being with Miyabi…and to think he wanted to be with me and he would have if I hadn't rejected him," Mutsumi then looked at Naru, who was writing notes, "I'm glad that at least, Keitaro isn't going to fall for her. I should have never switched the promise."
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Miyabi confronts Naru and has a chance counter with Shinobu and Keitaro is confronted by Motoko's three-girl fan club.