COLLECT & CONTRAST
-Kawaii Hana-
Disclaimer: I don't own Flame of Recca, its characters nor the original plot. There… enough said!
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CHAPTER TWELVE: Dancing Against a Wall of Fire…
I am Shibata Hinako, a self-professed ToFuu fangirl. But right now, I am trying to get Tokiya-niichan and Fuuko-chan to just talk… But getting them to do so have involved some really serious elaborate planning, a Madougu, a 400 year old Hokage ninja item, a certain Flame Master's flame to be used and the one thing that will make this work… We called it, "The Perfect Lie"…
And it was up to me to say it… Yup, no pressure!
Yesterday, I had explained to the gang the plan that I thought up… Their reaction? They liked it… Actually, they raved about it! But, you know as they say. It is easier said than done. So, a very heated discussion went on to make my plan a reality… In the end, for some reason, Kagero-san had gotten into the mix, too! It also involved Tatesako-sensei and his… ummm… very big backyard… Needless to say, Sensei didn't like the idea at first since he had the house newly renovated following the attack and all but he had to concede… This is for the sake of his students after all…
It was very symbolic that today was Sunday. Exactly 7 days ago, I had also hard-heartedly refused to speak to Yuuto-kun because of heartbreak. Fuuko-chan was there for me when I cried. And Tokiya-niichan had made all the effort for me to understand and reconcile with Yuuto-kun… Without them, I would probably be still so depressed over a big misunderstanding and poor Yuuto-kun would feel guilty for something he did not do… So I'm not only doing this because I want them to get together but I'm also returning the favor…
I just hope this plan of mine would actually work…
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To make it more convincing, I actually had to run hard! I ran starting from Nashikiri High School past the four blocks and then back to our street, straight at Tokiya-niichan's front door. I hurriedly knocked as loud as I can…
"Tokiya-niichan! Nii-chan! Please open up! Open up!" I tried to sound panicked as much as I can. I'm already out of breath! It was hard!
The door opened. And there was Nii-chan, famished and fatigued, alright…
"Hinako… If you want me to talk to Fuuko, I'm sorry but I-"
"NO! Niichan! You don't understand! Fuuko-chan's in danger!" The door opened even further. Now, he's listening…
"Y-Yuuto-kun and I took Fuuko-chan out… To you know, cheer her up or something! W-We were in Tatesako-sensei's house! Then suddenly, Kato appeared again! He hired more dangerous people! They… They c-called themselves… The…U-Uruha!? Fuuko-chan's taking them o-on by herself!"
Panic quickly replaced Tokiya-niichan's tired face. He immediately went past me and rushed out of his house! He already had the white dagger in his hand. He looked at me with an urgent look on his face "Hinako! Call Hanabishi and the others, OK!? This is serious! These Uruha are dangerous people!"
"O-Okay, but please be ca-"
And he ran off like the wind! His fleeting figure was getting smaller and smaller by the second. When he was out of sight, I was finally able to catch my breath. I smiled my biggest ever…
"Please be careful, Onii-chan!" I finished my sentence. A bit cheery this time…
Awww, Onii-chan! For someone who said you want to be a person void of emotions, you've instantly felt panic the second I said Fuuko-chan's in danger! You didn't even let me finish! I was just about to explain how I was able run away! Oh… And you didn't even bother to lock up your house! Hahahaha! Oh well, I think the keys are near the door. I might as well lock the house just as a good and honest neighbor would do…
"You sure make a good panicked act, Hina-neechan… Buuuut… I don't think you were panicking enough…"
I turned behind to find Ganko-chan already there and giving me scrutinizing looks. I raised an eyebrow and frowned. "Well, I'm sorry I'm not like you! You've been acting…well, practically your entire life, girl!"
The girl pouted at me. "Mou… I was about to give advice, you know… Besides, Fuuko-neechan is really good in telling if I'm acting or not. You're big in trouble!"
I sighed as we walked toward their home. Yeah, Fuuko-chan's much keener in human emotions than Tokiya-niichan. I have to be really convincing. "Okaay. I am sorry, Ganko-chan… So how do I make a more panicked face?"
"Are? Didn't you run up to Nee-chan in panic before? The one time you were being chased?"
"Errr… Yeah…"
"Remember how you felt that time… Remember your thoughts back then and how you felt when you saw Nee-chan…"
I do remember… I felt the sheer terror when I saw Kato and his goons chasing after me and how I felt utmost relief when I saw Fuuko-chan. Okay… Remember the terror. Remember the terror… I exhaled… "OK, I think I got it. How's your sister?"
"She's a bit better. Like the one we planned, I convinced her to take me shopping or something like that! I made her wear that 'one'…" She said, followed by a wink. I had my mouth agape and patted her on the back. "Oooh, good one, girl!"
So the young girl went off quietly back to her house and slowly locked the door again. I went up in front of their house. I sneaked a glance behind my house across the street. Gosh, it is a good thing none of my family is at home right now… I did some jumping jacks about 20 times. As soon as I got to the last count, I knocked the door in rapid fashion again!
"F-Fuuko-chan! P-Please! Open the door! Open!" I cried out yet again.
The door opened immediately. It was Ganko-chan who opened it. "W-what's happened, Hina-neechan?" But I stepped past her and I found her older sister just getting down from the stairs…
"Hina-chan? W-What's wrong?"
I shakily held her hands tightly like I did that day. "F-Fuuko-chan! Help! They're back! That Kato is back! He hired more people! I got away coz Yuuto-kun shielded me! And I-I-" A flood of tears started falling down my face. I think I just imagined how Yuuto-kun would shield me in that kind of situation in my head… Damn, I may have gotten too much in the act!
"Ssh! Ssh! Okay, calm down! Calm down, Hina-chan…" Fuuko-chan wiped away the tears on my face. "Okay! Just calm down and tell me what happened slowly! Ganko-chan! Get a glass of water!"
Awwww, Fuuko-chan… You are such a great friend! Too bad, nothing bad is really happening… And too bad, we don't really have much time for me to slow it down. Okay, Hinako, be frantic!
"B-But, Fuuko-chan! The people K-Kato hired seemed to know you! They c-called themselves… the- the U-Uruha?"
Crash! An earsplitting crash went about! Ganko-chan just made the suspense even better by dropping the glass of water she was supposed to be giving me.
"T-They'yre back…" She muttered with utter terror in her face. And I just had to give the bombshell…
"A-And Tokiya-niichan's there, too!"
"What!? What is he doing- Where!? Where are they!?" She demanded this time.
"In Tatesako-sensei's house! Yuuto-kun and I helped him find a job! Nii-chan was hired as a helper there and then we-"
Fuuko-chan also did not bother to let me finish. She rushed upstairs, presumably to get her Fuujin and went down just as fast! "Hina-chan! If any of us don't come back or call, contact the police, okay?"
"What!? Fuuko-chan, what are you planning to do!? Are you planning to fight alone!?" I had to stand up in protest from what she said. Were the Uruha really that dangerous? I thought you guys defeated them during the UBS!?
"Onee-chan!" Ganko-chan cried, carrying Kondo-chan in her arms. "I wanna help, too!"
"No, no, no! Ganko-chan, listen to me… You take care of your Hinako-neechan, okay? If anything happens to me, just know that I love you, okay…" Ganko-chan was having more tears than me… Well, who wouldn't after being told with that? What Fuuko-chan just said and how she said it is just too depressing…
"Hina-chan! Try to call Recca and others! And don't follow me! This Uruha people are mercenaries! Don't worry; I'll try to get Yuuto for you!"
I couldn't stop my tears, either… This is something I really don't want to happen in real-life situations. "F-Fuuko-chan? You come back, okay? You try to come back, too…"
The purple head gave me a weak smile and rushed off the door… We waited for a one whole minute, making sure that we couldn't hear her frantic footsteps anymore. There was a beat of silence and then…
"Bravo! Bravo!" Ganko-chan clapped her hands as if she had finished watching a play. "You were much better here, Nee-chan!"
"Why thank you!" I made a curtsy. "But damn that Fuuko-chan… Why did she have to act like…this is the last time we'll see her!? Those were real tears, you know!"
"I know, right? And she even said I love you!" The younger girl said as she handed me the tissue box. "We are sooo in trouble when she finds out this was all an act…"
"I thought she can see right through your acting?"
"Yeah…" Ganko-chan gave me a smirk. "Except when I cry… Ehihihi… It seems that's her fatal weakness. You really have great intuition, Nee-chan. You cried first!"
"Err… well," I sweat-dropped. "I kinda made this image in my head on what my boyfriend would look like if he actually shielded me from harm…"
"That's good! Sometimes, you really have to think as the character you're portraying!"
"Alright, girls… Enough with the acting advice!" We jumped at the sudden entrance of the voice and then felt relieved. It was just Kagero-san as she revealed herself among the shadows of the living room.
"Waah! Kagero-san! Please stop doing that…" I complained lightly. Kagero-san is a really nice motherly woman. But her ability of shadow-shifting and appearing out of nowhere is giving me the creeps and shivers. Yes, she is pretty much involved in the plan, too. Imagine Yuuto-kun and my scared faces when she suddenly appeared in the Hanabishi family room and said she wanted to join in on the plan! The others were laughing at us. That was totally not funny…
"But I have to admit. I am very impressed! You two made quite an awfully good and convincing act." She then smiled. Alright! Ganko-chan and I high-fived!
Kagero-san's smile is really beautiful. I cannot believe that this woman before us is actually over 400 years old! I hope we can find a way to stop her immortality, though. Not that I want her to die on the spot! It's just I think she deserves to rest for living such a long life… And she's not even brought any harm or misfortune to anyone during those 400 years… Living forever isn't as good as it sounds… She still feels pain and hardships a normal life would be…
"Alright, the first part of the plan is done! Let's go now…" She said as two stems from her shadows were approaching us. I closed my eyes and prepared for what's to come…
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I opened my eyes after a split second…
We were now at Tatesako-sensei's house. We spent the whole of last night getting ready and preparing for our plan in here… I just told a lie to my parents that I was sleeping over at Yanagi-chan's house. It was only Ganko-chan who went home so as not to raise suspicions. I never really changed clothes throughout the entire ordeal. I figured I'll look more worn out by the time I go back to our street and do the act.
There was the rest of the gang, in the dining room waiting for us. Tatesako-sensei was there, too. And his wife was also there, serving some snacks…
"Whoaa! What's with you two!?" exclaimed Domon-kun. "You guys looked like you've been crying."
"Onee-chan's was acting like she was going to die!" Ganko-chan told them and everyone else had to sweat drop. Fuuko-chan would do anything for a family or a friend! Just how much more is she willing to give up if Tokiya-niichan, the guy she's in love with is involved!?
"Well," I said. "Apparently, an act that involves lots of tears is Fuuko-chan's weakness!" Both Ganko-chan and I smiled and winked at each other.
"So, it worked then," said Yuuto-kun as he handed me a drink. "The Perfect Lie worked. They bought it, right? Or did you have to add some stuff a bit?"
I sighed in exasperation. "No, actually… I didn't get to tell the whole story! There was no use for that Perfect Lie we had to think of at all! As soon as he or she hears that the other is in danger and that the enemy's Uruha, they just rushed off out of their houses!" I snapped my fingers. "Just like that!"
Then I began to make a dreamy sigh "Haaaa…They really do care for each other…"
Everyone rolled their eyes and shook their heads. But they still carried on with what they're doing. Uh-huh! I'm now really comfortable to be showing my, uh… ToFuu fangirl side! It's just like how Yuuto-kun's comfortable with showing his otaku-ness.
"It's fine, Hina…" Recca-kun said. "The reason we all liked your plan was because we are pretending that the Uruha is involved. That alone should be enough to get them out of the house…"
"Were the Uruha really that dangerous?" I had to ask.
Yanagi-chan placed a hand on my shoulder. "Hina-chan, you have nooo idea. You're soooo lucky you don't get to see what those guys can do…"
I winced. I sure do hope that the actual Uruha won't hear any of this…
Domon-kun stood up from his seat. "Alright, it's now my try at acting then!"
Kaoru-kun stepped up, too. "Heh, whatever, I'm sure you'll suck…"
"Shut up, you!"
Kagero-san merely rolled her eyes at the bickering teens as she stemmed out another couple of shadows and the three of them instantly vanished.
This was the second phase of the plan.
Well, it's more like Domon-kun and Kaoru-kun's moment to shine! While our two "victims" were dashing up to Tatesako-sensei's house, the two would appear before them and act like they have gotten my message for help. The purpose of this phase was to show that there is an imminent danger to where they heading. But a certain twist would make things… ermm… more complicated.
Kagero came back another split second later. "Hina-chan? Yuuto-kun? Don't you two want to see my Madougu next?"
So to manipulate shadows at will is something of a natural talent. Both of us went near her immediately. She let out a small glass ball with some kind of a claw encasing it. "This is the Ekai Ball. This was how I was able to see what have you've all been going through while I'm far away."
The ball lit up and was showing that Tokiya-niichan running fast as he possibly could. Just then, Domon-kun appeared from behind and called out to him.
"Mikagami! Mikagami!"
Nii-chan stopped and looked behind. "Ishijima! You've heard!?"
"Hina-chan ran all the way to the flower shop! She was crying! She said Fuuko-chan's s fighting the Uruha! At Tatesako-sensei's house! I want to help! Even with just the Dosei no Wa, I'll- Aaargh!" Then, Domon-kun made a pained expression and clutched his supposedly not-yet-healed left arm. He was still wearing his sling…
"Ishijima… You're still injured because of me… Maybe you shouldn't be fighting this time…" Nii-chan said with real concern in his voice. "You'll get even more seriously injured…or worse!"
"NO!" Domon- kun protested, "Fuuko-chan's in danger! I won't let anything happ-"
"Ishijima!" He cut him off and was looking at the giant seriously. "I promise I'll save her! I swear! I will not let anything happen to her! Even if it costs my life!"
Are? Nii-chan? What are you saying? Not you too!
"And… If I don't make it, Ishijima…will you promise to take care of Fuuko for me… from now on…?"
Domon-kun looked taken aback, as we were us watching from the Ekai Ball. Why is the ToFuu couple acting like martyrs?
"Okay… I promise. Mikagami, I'm sorry about attacking you! I-It's just I got so jealous and so angry that I-"
"It's okay…" Nii-chan assured him. "I understand. I should have been more honest with you… With her… with myself…"
"Y-You… better stay alive, Mikagami! You hear!? You don't dare die on me!" Domon-kun looked like he was about to cry, too. I totally understand.
"I will try, Ishijima…" And then, Tokiya-niichan went off again. Just try?
"Alright," said Kagero-san. "I'll be getting back Domon-kun… Hina-chan, you can hold the Ekai Ball. It will show how Kaoru will fare this time…"
She disappeared again. I held the precious ball tightly as Yuuto-kun and I continued to watch. Soon, the images from the ball have switched to Fuuko-chan running this time. Kaoru-kun was soon seen, chasing after her.
"Fuuko-neesan! Where are you going in such a hurry?"
"Kaoru! The Uruha are back! Mi-chan's-" Fuuko-chan swallowed a lump in her throat. "Mi-chan's fighting them alone!" It seems she has been trying so hard not to break down… Oh man, I felt really guilty at that moment…
"What!? The Uruha!?" Kaoru exclaimed, making a perfectly shocked face. "I'll join, too!"
"W-Where is your Kougan Anki?" The purple head asked.
"I don't have it... It's still in my room back at Recca-niichan's place!" He replied, making a guilty face this time…
"Kaoru! Get your Madougu!" She urgently said. "I'll go on ahead, okay! You know that place! That place where you attacked us before!"
"What!? Nee-san! This is the Uruha we're talking about! It's dangerous for you go off on your own!"
"Well, it is more dangerous if you don't have your Kougan Anki!"
Kaoru made a convincing expression on his face that showed both hesitation and worry. Hmm… It seems Ganko-chan's not the only who's good at acting.
"Nee-san? I'll be getting my Kougan Anki as fast as I can! I'll get Recca-niichan, too! You and Tokiya-niichan better be alive when I get there!"
But Fuuko-chan just gave her weak smile again. "Oh, I'll save that baka, alright. I'll try to come back…"
And she went off again, leaving Kaoru-kun taken aback with what she said, too…
A few seconds later, Kagero-san and Domon-kun appeared before the young boy and were promptly engulfed with the shadows again...
"Gaaah! Why the hell are they acting like they're gonna die!?" complained Domon-kun as soon as they returned.
"Domon-kun, are you sure you were acting then?" I asked him. "You even made your long-due apology to Tokiya-niichan in that situation!"
Kaoru-kun was snickering but thankfully, the giant didn't notice. "I can't help it! That's the reason why I requested I'd go to Mikagami in this part of the plan! And, and, and, he made me promise I'd take care of Fuuko-can when he doesn't- Gaah! That's it! I lose! Those two are perfect for each other!"
I smiled at Domon-kun. At least now, we have a new ToFuu supporter in the house!
"Nee, Domon-niichan! You felt that too right?" Ganko-chan called out to the giant. "They're so sad and so… heroic… that you just get sucked in on your own act!"
"I know!"
As Domon-kun and Ganko-chan were talking on about how much they love ToFuu now, I focused on my attention on the other people in the house. There was Recca-kun preparing some strings while Yanagi-chan was helping him out. Kaoru-kun was now helping himself a drink and a snack for a job well done. Yuuto-kun was still, uh… admiring the Ekai Ball as Kagero-san was watching him in amusement.
Tatesako-sensei had been nervously pacing back and forth ever since the plan had commenced. Sensei's wife, on the other hand, seemed so calm and very happy that she was even in this situation. It seems she knows the Madougu secret. Well, Recca-kun and the gang saved her husband. I guess welcoming us in their home is one way for her to return the favor.
"Shibata-san?" Tatesako-sensei called out to me. "Remind me again why you need my newly renovated house for this dangerous plan?"
I had to sigh… Sensei has been asking me that for the thousandth time. It's kind of annoying but at the same time, very amusing. Hey, it's not every day that you have your Homeroom teacher under your mercy, right!? Heeheehee…
"Sensei! As I have told you for the umpteenth time already, your house is the perfect location for this plan because: First, it's located in the very isolated part of the neighborhood. Nobody will ever notice that there's going to be uh… a nice pyrokinetic display later, courtesy of Recca-kun…"
"That's what I'm actually worried about…" Sensei grumbled as he was giving Recca-kun the death glare!
"And secondly," I still continued on. "You are the only one in our uh… 'secret fellowship' whose house has a very big, big backyard. It's perfect! Especially since we're worried maybe Tokiya-niichan and Fuuko-chan might be actually using their Madougu on each other. Ehehe!"
Sensei put on a hand on his chest. Yeaaah, I think I have… metaphorically stabbed him in the heart multiple times now. Well, he's the one asking me all the time.
"And lastly but certainly not the least, this house has been attacked before, right? Courtesy of that little fang boy over there eating on your very own newly bought dining table!"
Kaoru-kun waved his hands proudly. Sensei was now giving him the death glare next… The others were snickering, chuckling and giggling now.
"Sensei! It makes perfect sense. Technically, you are an 'outsider' that the Uruha knows that you have knowledge of the Madougu. Of course, they would want to get you again! I just added that Yamashita High School's Kato in to the mix because that's where Yuuto-kun and I come in to the picture!"
The others were nodding and agreeing with me, even sensei's wife! Hehe… She's such a nice person.
"Now all of you listen here!" Tatesako-sensei was now calling out to us in a very Watanabe-sensei-like way. "If I see so much as a dent in any of my priceless collection, you are all going to be paying dearly for that!"
"Hai…" We all sounded off. He's been warning us the exact same thing a thousand times, too…
"Mou, Darling…" His wife pouted at him. "Just let the teenagers have fun!"
"Oh, Sweetheart, I do not think this is how normal teenagers have fun!"
And we all have to laugh out loud at that 'punch line'. Well Sensei, we're not exactly normal teenagers… Just look at the couple we're trying to bring together, we had to come up with all this effort just to get them to talk…
As we all calmed down, I found myself looking by the window… In about 30 minutes, Tokiya-niichan will soon be running towards us and then soon will be followed by Fuuko-chan.
I sighed again… I really hope this plan actually works…
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The thirty-minute reprieve has passed. Tokiya-niichan and Fuuko-chan will be here now any second… We were all in our assigned points around the backyard. We were now lying in wait for them now… This was now the crucial third phase of the plan…
"Recca!" His mother called out to him from afar. "Tokiya is now turning round the corner! Fire away!"
And orange flames burst out, lighting up the strings that were set up around the backyard! We have prepared the whole area to be like it had gone through a dangerous UBS-level battle. That way, ToFuu would see that their uh… 'Beloved' is really in danger. Of course, we made sure that Sensei's precious collection is kept safe and sound on a secure location.
Soon, in a blink of an eye, Tokiya-niichan was now in front of the house! My heart was beating fast. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Nii-chan saw the location on fire. He had more panic in his face now. He entered the fire-laden area…
"Guys! Can anyone hear me!? Fuuko… Where are you!?" He immediately began to call out, as he held the Ensui… Now with ice for a long blade.
Just then, another voice came into scene. "What the hell!? What happened here!? Oh no… I might be too late!" There was Fuuko-chan now, just seconds after Nii-chan disappeared into the fire. I clasped my hands together… The lead stars of the show are finally making their entrance!
And so the two were calling out to each other and dancing into the maze of fire… But they couldn't hear each other. The fire was too strong. I'm not sure if this is safe. But I trust Recca-kun that he'll put it out as soon as something unexpected happens…
"Hey! Can anyone hear me!?" Niichan was getting desperate now.
"Guys! Yuuto! Mi-chan! Where are-"
She was cut short. The two of them hit each others'backs. They found each other at last. I held my breath. I think the others were doing it, too. This was it! The moment of truth!
"W-Where's the Uruha?" Tokiya asked her, but not looking at her directly… Huh? What?
"I-I don't know… I… I just got here…" She too, wasn't looking at him! Oh come on, you're both surrounded by a circle of fire! And you guys are still not talking properly!? The fire was getting stronger! This is bad! Recca-kun had no choice but to simmer the burning strings down… The fire went down… It revealed the patterns of the strings… Oh no…
"Wait!" Tokiya-niichan noticed it immediately. "That was orange flame! Hanabishi lit those strings! I don't see any sign of another fighter anywhere!"
I winced… I guess Nii-chan is too smart for this kind of trickery. Fuuko-chan seems to understand what's going on. And she placed a hand on her forehead and exhaled in frustration.
"Damn it! We've been tricked! They're trying to get us to talk together! Well, I'm sorry guys! But a maze of fire is not going to convince me to talk! Good bye!"
And Fuuko-chan was now walking away towards the exit! Suddenly, a stronger wall of fire ruptured out and blocked her way! Sorry, Sensei… I think the fenced gate didn't make it through that kind of fire… It's a good thing the house was isolated… The fire could have engulfed the next house by now!
"Hanabishi! Stop this nonsense!" Nii-chan called out, also in annoyance. "You are destroying the Sensei's property!"
"Yeah! Recca! Cut it out! Cut it or I'll- Ah…"
Fuuko-chan immediately shut up. It was Kagero-san! She had materialized before the two from the shadows of burning flames… Her entrance was definitely scary! But her face did not show anger… It showed sadness a mother would have to her child. She understands their pain…
"Fuuko… Tokiya…"
"K-Kagero-san… You're involved in here, too?" said a surprised Fuuko-chan. The Ensui wielder was just as surprised as she was.
"It's about high time you talk now… I know you are both hurt and angry and confused. But nothing is going to happen if you two are always ignoring each other… You've both faced the horrors of the UBS, have you not? This is nothing compared to that time… Or maybe… It's the other way around…"
Neither Tokiya-niichan and Fuuko-chan spoke a word… Their heads hung low. But I am sure they know what Kagero-san is trying to say…
"You've faced your fears countless times… It's time to face it again… I know you both can overcome this… Just talk it out…" Kagero-san said and she slowly disappeared amongst the shadows again. The wall of fire was still burning and both were left alone again. I clasped my hands together like I was praying and silently whispered. "Come on, you two… It'll be okay… It'll be okay because you two love each other… It's okay…"
But they still continued to be silent… My clasped hands got tighter.
"I guess we have no choice either way…" Nii-chan finally said. My heart lightened up a bit.
"Haaa!?" Fuuko-chan, still had her heart hard as a rock. "What makes you think that I'll just suddenly talk to you just because we're trapped in a wall of fire!? And what has gotten into you!? I can't believe that you, of all people, would actually fall for Hina-chan's act! "
"I should be saying the same to you! Weren't you one who saw through your little sister's act that day in that mansion!?"
"Because Hina-chan was crying! Ganko-chan was crying! They were both crying! At least I cared for their feelings! Unlike SOMEONE I KNOW!"
My heart dropped. I was making a pained expression, too… This was not the regular ToFuu comical bickering I always look forward to when I walk home with them… This was too serious… They are really getting at each others' throats. I really do hope they won't resort to using their Madougu… But from the looks of it, it could happen…
"The Uruha was supposed to be back! Of course, who wouldn't be alarmed at something like that!?" Tokiya-niichan shot back!
"Oh wow! Now you're actually starting care now, Mikagami! How about that? Oi! Minna! The Ice King actually has a heart!" Fuuko-chan sarcastically cried out as she was waving her arms around… It was hard to see her like this. She was shouting and crying her soul out… As if she was out of tears to shed…
"Fuuko…"
"Well, what do you know? We are actually talking…" The purple head said in a low voice. And she was catching her breath… And then, it seems she had more tears left. Her eyes were watery again. Was she ready to talk it out now…? Come on, Fuuko-chan… You can do this…
"W-Why!?" Her voice was breaking down. "W-Why did I have to fall in love with a guy like you!?" But she managed to shout that out.
I gasped! I'm sure the others did one as well. She just basically confessed to him! Well, in a way… I immediately looked at Tokiya-niichan to see what his reaction is… He just held a pained expression in his face…
"Yeah… Why…? Of all the million guys in this world, why did it have to me…?" He asked. "Fuuko… There is Ishijima! He would give you the world in a silver platter! If you just ask! There's this other guy, Raiha… who I'm sure would go and quit the Uruha for you!"
"Who's this Raiha?" I asked in a whisper to Ganko-chan, who was beside me in our hiding spot.
"No need to worry, Nee-chan," The young girl smiled as she whispered back. "He's just some pervert chasing around Fuuko-neechan during the UBS. If he was really serious about her, you'd think he would have shown himself up by now…"
I looked back at them. It matters not who this Raiha person is, anyway… Fuuko-chan just confessed her love to Tokiya-niichan… And he loves her back! That's all that mattered… Now, the only problem is how Nii-chan is going to respond…
"So why me?" He was still asking, this time to looking directly at her now. "You know me… I'm a messed up guy... Some guy with a big sister complex and anti-social personality! Some guy who wanted to kill to extract revenge… Some guy who… doesn't really know… what love… is anymore…"
Fuuko-chan sarcastically gave a laugh. "Some genius you are! And you're supposed to be my tutor! Love isn't something governed by logic… Love doesn't need reason to be! It just happens… And sometimes when you finally realize, you've already fallen too hard!"
Okay… Fuuko-chan, that's good… Keep it up…
"I don't know how or why or when, Mi-chan… But I fell in love with you! I feel so happy when you get to walk home with me. I get in a really bad mood when you couldn't. I just… I just couldn't stop thinking or… or worrying about you… You have these part-time jobs and you still manage to ace all your school exams! I kept thinking about what if you don't eat enough… or sleep enough… I mean… God, just look at you right now! You look so… so… tired and starved! You are sooo going to get sick today!"
Her tears were overflowing… I know it was filled with so much passion… She really cannot let it out all at once. Nii-chan just stood there with a face filled with only regret, taking in her every word…
"So why!? Tell me, Mi-chan! Why did you have to buy me this expensive blouse!? Why!? Why did you have to kiss me!? Why did you have to ask for permission to call me by my first name!? Why!? Why did you have to make me hope… and then… You'll just deny it all… All… All those sweet memories… They don't exist to you…"
"Fuuko, I didn't m-"
"It hurts, Mi-chan!" She was trying hard not to break. "It hurts so much! I keep crying every night for the past 6 days! Wow, it's only been 6 days!? It feels like forever! I keep telling myself over and over again! Fuuko, snap out of it! He's not worth it. Don't love him anymore! Don't cry for him anymore! Don't… think about him… a-anymore… But I can't! I can't stop loving you, Mi-chan! The pain is still there… It's unbearable… It's so unbearable that I'd rather to burn to death now!"
Fuuko- chan was suddenly dashing up towards the wall of fire! Oh no! Panic swept over me. I just had to shout, "RECCA-KUN! ABUNAI!"
"OH SHI-" But Recca-kun didn't have the time to react properly and simmer down the flame. In fact, he probably got so surprised from me that the fire seemed to have gotten bigger!
"FUUKO! WAIT! I LOVE YOU, TOO!"
The purple head stopped in her tracks and turned behind. "If this is just another trick, I swear I'll run straight up there and- Wha? Hey! Let go! Hey let go of me!"
Tokiya-niichan had pulled her towards him and embraced her tight without warning! My heart just leaped out my chest! And did I just see…? I have actually seen Tokiya-niichan have tears on his face for the first time!
"I'm sorry!" He cried out, still not letting her go. "I'm sorry! I did not mean what I said! I know it's like a lame excuse right now but I just lost myself when I fought with Ishijima! But I didn't mean it! What I said was something this Demon inside me wanted to say!"
The girl in his arms calmed down and didn't resist any further…
"I'm so sorry…" He still continued to speak. "I should have been more honest with you… I should have been more honest with myself. Well, I never did that in a looong time… Every night, I always tell myself… To man up! That I should go up to your front door and beg for your forgiveness! But I could not… I was just wandering the streets… I'm not even trying hard to find a new job! I couldn't stop thinking of what a huge mistake I did… I just didn't have the courage… to go up to your door and apologize…"
He slowly let go of her but still held her shoulders… "Fuuko, I love you, too! I know it's hard to understand… Even for me! But there came a point where I don't think of getting revenge for my sister anymore or… or of Yanagi-san anymore… You were always there in my head. You keep worrying about me!? Well, I kept on worrying about you, too! Are you studying well? Was I getting too advanced in tutoring you? Why are you forcing me to go these shopping sprees when you have a little sister, and your family, and your life, and yourself to think about? Why are you doing all this for me? I'm just… I'm just a neighbor who locks himself in his house… in his own world…"
Fuuko-chan had stopped crying in anguish… Her face had lightened up… Actually, it's this close to having a smile! Was that tears of joy I see, then?
"At first, I really found you so loud and so annoying! You were barging into my house! Into my work places! You were pushing and grabbing me out of nowhere! My boring life suddenly turned into this… this roller coaster I can't get out of! Fuuko! You have literally rocked my world!"
I just had to break down in giggles from that last sentence. The mood has gotten really better and lighter than a few moments ago…
"That's why… I bought you this expensive blouse that you're wearing right now… That's why I kissed you! Well, actually I didn't know what came over me that day… That's why I asked permission if I can call you …Fuuko… It's a nice name, really… I like… saying it… A LOT…"
The girl who bore the said name was smiling now… He was now holding her hands… She wasn't letting go, either… It was beautiful. They were swaying, kind of. They were kind of like slow dancing… Two figures dancing against a wall of fire… Somehow, the fire did not seem dangerous anymore… Did Recca-kun simmer it down…?
"Fuuko, I'm sorry I said those things… It's just I-"
"It's okay… Mi-chan… You've said everything you wanted to say… I forgive you…"
Fuuko-chan finally said it! I had to close my mouth tight with my hands again! I wanted to cheer them on but I cannot possibly ruin the good moment now! Are these two aware that we were still in our hiding places and we can hear their every word? I bet they're not… They are totally in their own little world now…
"I did notice… Mi-chan… Are you wearing the shirt that I forced you to buy in that store Hina-chan recommended?"
I focused on Nii-chan more. It sure is that polo shirt from that store when I was simply tagging along behind them… Awwww, they are both wearing the clothes they bought for each other! And there wasn't even a plan for that! She was wearing a blue blouse with an air-themed pattern. And he was wearing a white polo shirt with tiny water droplets prints… It's a perfect combination!
"Err, well, this is the only clean piece of clothing that I can find this morning." He replied and a bit embarrassed. "I haven't been doing any chores this week. Just been, well moping around..."
Fuuko smiled at him and rolled his eyes. "Well, I'll clean the house up for you! I usually do that anyway…"
"No really," warned the silver-haired bishounen. "The house is in… a different kind of um, mess…"
"What? Do you have like secret pictures of me hidden your bedroom!?" She said out in an overly-weirded out look. Waaah… The playful Fuuko-chan's back! Damn! I can just sit in here and watch them dance by the wall of fire… like forever…
He placed his hands on her hips. She rested her arms on his shoulders… Gaaah! They really are like slow dancing now… There was no music but they were in perfect… just perfect rhythm.
"Sorry I have no pictures of you, sadly…"
"Oh I'll give you lots… if you like…"
"Naa… I'd rather just stare at your face like this…"
Their faces were just millimeters away from each other… Kyaaa! This is it! The big finale! The big damn ki-
"OH FOR GOD'S SAKE! JUST KISS ALREADY!"
Ganko-chan and I did another anime fall! I'm sure the others have done it, too! Uuugh, leave it to Domon-kun to ruin a perfectly good moment with his big booming voice.
"DOMON! SHUT UP!" I can hear Recca-kun somewhere.
The two lovebirds broke away from their stance, having been startled at the sudden interruption. Grrr! Domon-kun, I could just strangle you right now! Still holding hands, they both looked around and with her biggest smile ever, Fuuko-chan called out to us, "Alright guys! The show's over! We already talked… more than enough, by the way! Come out; come out, wherever you are!"
"Are we going to, Nee-chan?" Ganko-chan asked me.
I sighed… Oh well… Might as well come out now and congratulate the happy couple… But I just couldn't believe it! Ever since I woke up this morning, I had nagging doubts…
And yet here we are…
My plan… MY PLAN… It actually worked!
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Awww… And so we have yet another version of how Tokiya and Fuuko getting together! What do you guys think? Oh please do tell me what you guys think! I am soooo dying to know! But I do believe this is probably THE MOST DRASTIC WAY to get those two together! Ehehe…
Oh, remember when I said this is only 12 chapters? Well, I lied! Mwahahahaha! Ahem… Well the thing is, Chapter 10 was so overly long that I had to cut it and make the Hanabishi House Visit part a Chapter 11. And, and, and… Our internet and phone connection has not been working! God! Almost a week without surfing the net is like torture! But it did mean I have no means of entertaining myself except writing so… Instead of the 12 chapters, I made it 15! Yey! There's three more uploads next…Two more chaps and one omake! *Sigh* I really need to get a life now, nee?
Thanks for reading…
SAYONARA!
xD
