Siopao: (02/25/2014) Okay okay, I know my update is way overdue. Spring semesters always kick me hard in the butt so please try to understand! In any case, enjoy this chapter! I flip from Rei's POV to normal POV several times, just because I really like writing in Rei's POV, hehehe.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gals! or its characters.
One Summer's Day
Chapter Twenty-One - Oceans
By: Screaming Siopao
I strolled down the streets as the sun was in the progress of retiring for the day. There were so many people around me yet I didn't register any of their faces. I was just another person in a sea of strangers and I couldn't have cared less.
How long had I been walking in circles around this area now? An hour? Maybe two? All I knew was that the sun was still strong when I first started. I hadn't even noticed it was beginning to get late. I guess I had better make my decision soon. No more beating around the bush.
I must have passed that damned jewelry store at least a dozen times already. Each time I looked into that display window, I saw that same ring taunting me - hell, I could have sworn that I even heard it calling me a coward a few times. Nevertheless, it was the ring that was perfect for Hoshino Aya. I needed it in my possession.
How did it get to this? When did I become so dependent on her, to the point that all I think about is spending the rest of my life with her? It's weird - I'm still so young. Yet, I'm already so sure. She's definitely the one.
But does she feel the same way? This stupid question has been clouding my mind for a while now. It was the reason that I wouldn't step into that stupid store. I felt so weak.
I stopped in front of the store again - only God knows how many times I ended up at the door, only to spin around on my heels and walk away. There was a couple, probably a bit older than me and Aya, gazing into the display window, admiring all of the diamonds that were in the front case. The girl was pointing at all of the rings that caught her eye while the guy was simply smiling and nodding.
Aya had never expressed a need or want for a ring. I knew she had been secretly longing for one though, from the way I would catch her admiring her blonde friend's pink-diamond ring.
I thought about being too late. I thought about another man beating me to it, whoever the bastard may be. If my own best friend was able to take her from me, even if it was just for a short amount of time, then anything is possible to happen. I thought about that couple conceivably strolling into the store and effortlessly snatching that perfect ring from beneath my nose, all because of my fear and cowardice. I thought about her leaving me because she was tired of waiting.
And that was all the push that I needed to finally get my ass into that damned store.
o0o0o0o
(Several days later, normal POV)
"Yuuya-Nii-kun! Mami-rin! Are the waters in Okinawa really much bluer than the waters in Hawaii?" Ran practically blurted the question into the couple's ear.
"Ran! Don't be so loud!" Miyuu, who was seated in between her husband and Aya, scolded from across the table. "We're in a nice restaurant for once, so don't ruin it for me and Yamato-kun." The blonde gal then snuggled up to her husband's arm.
"We wanted to go on a date here with just us two," the Shibuya police officer said with a tear in his eye, "but I suppose this is the next best thing."
The entire gang was reunited once again, this time in Piacere, since Rei convinced his uncle to give the whole group a good deal. Actually, it was more like Ran begging Rei to beg his uncle on her behalf. His uncle agreed, so long as their stay was during lunch, which was not as busy as dinnertime. This was the fourth time that the group was together as a whole in the two-weeks time that Yuuya and Mami had been back.
"It's fine," Rei said. "I put us in this secluded corner for a reason." He gestured at Ran with an evil eye.
"Why I oughta..." Ran started, clenching a fist.
"Hey, just enjoy your food. Mm, good, right?" Aya nervously laughed as she reached across the table and shoved a piece of freshly made garlic bread into Ran's mouth. The copper-haired gal immediately shut up and peacefully chewed on her food.
"Anyway," Mami began, "to answer your question, the water is just about the same. Okinawa is just less crowded with tourists."
"But it's definitely beautiful. You all should visit us down there, next time, " Yuuya suggested.
"That sounds wonderful," Miyuu chimed. "Yamato-kun, maybe we could for our next vacation..."
"Count me in!" Ran boomed, raising her salad fork.
"Me too!" Aya laughed, clapping her hands together at the thought.
"I don't know how much of a vacation it'll be if everyone tags along..." Yamato grimly stated.
"Aghh, all this talk of vacations and water makes me want to hit up the beach!" Ran shouted in frustration. "It's already the end of June and we've had zero beach trips this summer!"
"Why don't we go tomorrow?" Yuuya suggested spontaneously.
"Are you sure?" Aya asked. "Our beaches here are probably nothing compared to what you two got used to down south."
"It'll be fine," Mami assured. "I really missed Tokyo and want to visit every part of it before I leave again. After all, tomorrow is my last full day. Going to the beach sounds like a good way to wrap up my stay before I fly over to Hong Kong."
"Yoshi! Then it's settled! We'll head for Onjuku Beach in the morning!" the number one gal exclaimed, raising her glass. As she did so, an audible grumble came from within her stomach. She doubled over, placing both of her hands on her abdomen. "Damn! I want to order, already! Where the hell is that dumb monkey boyfriend of mine?"
"Relax, I'm sure he just got delayed on the train," Miyuu pointed out. "Just be patient."
"I don't care! I'm going to order! I'm starving!"
"Wait, I'm here! Don't order yet! Sorry I'm late!" a voice said as a familiar figure approached the group in a hurry.
"Eh? Tatsukichi?" Ran chirped as her head snapped at his direction. The said boy approached the large table, panting as he rested his hands on his knees.
"Kuroi," Rei blurted. "Don't tell me you ran up all twenty-eight flights of stairs."
"I... did..." he panted. "I just couldn't wait... for that elevator. It was just... too slow..."
"Why are you in such a rush, Monkey Boy?" Mami asked. "It's not like we were leaving anytime soon."
"And why are you so late, Tatsukichi-kun? Ran here almost ordered without you," Aya stated.
"Because of this!" he announced, as he bolted up and held out a piece of paper.
"Eh... A letter?" his confused girlfriend asked. "You kept me waiting because of a stupid letter?"
"Ah, ah," he said, waving an index finger from side to side. "Not just a simple letter, my dear. But an acceptance letter."
"Don't tell me..." Ran said, finally catching on.
"Yupp!" the monkey boy proclaimed. "Starting the next upcoming term, I, Kuroi Tatsuki, will be the Machida Black cop in training!"
"No way!" Yamato uttered with surprise. "Congrats, man!"
"Congratulations, Tatsukichi!" everyone around the table hooted.
"Machida Black cop in training?" Ran laughed hysterically. "What's up with that? You're so dumb!"
"You think? I was thinking about that title my whole way over here," he joked, scratching the back of his head.
"I think it's a bit of a miracle that those two were able to pull through, right?" Aya whispered to Miyuu, a sweat-drop apparent on her head.
"Miyuu still thinks Ran getting into the police academy in the first place is too good to be true," the blonde replied, equally amazed at the bakappuru.
"I guess that's the power of their stupid love," Mami added, shaking her head. The three gals sighed at the simplicity of the couple before them.
Amongst the celebration, Yamato looked over to his lovely wife beside him and squeezed her hand softly.
"I think this is a good time to tell everyone," he suggested. Her eyes initially went wide with shock, but then she smiled and nodded understandingly.
"Are you sure, anata?" she asked with a tiny hint of doubt. "We were going to wait until tonight, weren't we?"
"Why not share the good news now? Plus, the lively mood feels right, doesn't it?"
"You're right," she agreed. "Miyuu will announce it, then."
"I'll be right beside you," he encouraged. She smiled happily at him, though her heart going a million miles a minute and her palms became slightly sweaty. She pulled her courage together and stood from her seat with determination.
"Guys," Miyuu announced after clearing her throat to calm down all of the festive commotion.
"Eh? What is it Miyuu?" Aya asked with curiosity as she looked away from some sort of celebratory dance that Tatsuki and Ran were in the middle of doing.
"Miyuu and Yamato-kun... have something to say," the blonde gal started coyly. She hesitated for a second and looked back at her husband, who smiled and nodded his head for her to go on. She then placed a hand delicately on her stomach and patted it softly. "We're expecting. As in, er, M- Miyuu is pregnant!"
Around the table, all jaws dropped. Even Rei, who was normally very good at concealing his emotions, could not contain his state of surprise.
"No way... I'm going to be an aunt!?" Ran yelped as she jumped in the air.
"How exciting, Miyuu! You two will be great parents," Aya congratulated the couple.
"All of this good news hitting us at one time is really getting out of hand," Mami joked as she also expressed her best wishes to both Yamato and Miyuu.
"Are you worried about your studies?" Aya asked, concerned. "I would hate it if you overworked yourself."
"At first, when the doctor first told us last week, Miyuu was. It came as a surprise, really, and we didn't expect it at all. I'll be pregnant during the next term but Yamato says Miyuu can take a break if the workload is too much. It's definitely doable though, because I want to work hard for my family," the blonde gal said, delicately patting her belly.
"You can definitely do it, girl!" Ran encouraged. "You've got the best self-discipline out there!"
"And we'll be here one-hundred percent!" Aya cheered.
"Let's have a toast for all the gang's success!" Yuuya suggested, raising his glass. "To Tatsukichi, who really came through and can now pursue his dreams alongside Ran-chan!"
"To all of the happy couples here, especially to Miyuu and Yamato-san for their new lives at parenthood!" Aya cheered.
"To our reunion, at last!" Miyuu exclaimed.
"To the greatest summer we'll ever have!" Ran boomed.
All eight then raised their glasses towards the center, clinking cups with one another at this truly blessed day that they had the opportunity to live through. The mood was merry and everyone cheered of the exciting news.
Yuuya, from across the table, caught Rei's gaze and the corn-haired lad raised an eyebrow in question, to which Rei tried to ignore. It was as if Yuuya was silently saying, Well? Come on man, I thought you were going to now it now. Rei responded with an equally silent, No, I can't do this. Not now.
In his seat, Otohata Rei tightly gripped onto a small velvety, black box and shoved it deeper into his pocket.
o0o0o0o
After hours of being exposed to the sun, I stood underneath a straw hut alone as I shaded myself from the brutal rays. The beach was as crowded as ever - I really hated overheated places. How did I get dragged into doing this? I was hoping Oji-san would have scheduled me to work today but he was more than eager to let me have a break, much to my demise.
However, the true reason that I really didn't want to be here was because I knew how much of I coward I was. I couldn't do it. That's right - I, Otohata Rei, am admitting defeat. But there's no one to blame other than myself.
I was supposed to propose to her yesterday. Actually, it was supposed to be during the group's lunch at Piacere. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. The timing just didn't feel right. Or am I just saying that to cover up for my lack of initiative? Either way, the end result was the same - I couldn't do it.
"Oi, Rei." It's Yuuya. Damn. Did he come to rub it in my face?
"What?" I bleakly responded as he approached me, body board tucked underneath his arm. I probably shouldn't be so cold towards him. After all, he's the only one I can turn to now.
"What happened yesterday? I thought you said you were going to do it at the restaurant?" he asked. He was the only one I told about the plan.
"I couldn't do it," I briskly admitted, hoping he would spare me from being ridiculed. "Kuroi got accepted into police academy, Miyuu announcing she was pregnant. How was I supposed to know all of that was going to happen during lunch?"
"Well, wouldn't it have just added to the celebration?"
"No." I paused. "It just didn't feel right. I want it to be special. It's for her, after all."
"So do it today. Did you bring it?"
"Yeah," I said, pulling the black velvet box from my board shorts. Of course, I looked around beforehand to make sure Aya, or worse - Kotobuki, wasn't around. "But I wasn't really planning on doing it today."
"Why not?" he asked, much to my annoyance. Before I had the chance to lash out at him, he pointed his finger out towards the water and averted my eyes to her. She was splashing in the water with her three friends and laughing so heartily that I had to hold back a smile. "It would be special. Aya loves the beach, doesn't she?"
"Y... Yeah. She does." I recalled all our memories by the beach. Our first kiss. Her first confession to me, even.
"Her friends are all here with her, too. And most especially, you'll be the one proposing. She probably wouldn't mind even if you asked during just an ordinary day. As long as it's Otohata Rei, Aya will be pleased."
I looked down at the tiny box in my hand. Something so tiny meant so much and I just couldn't fathom that. Nevertheless, I would be willing to learn to understand it if it was with her.
"For an idiot, you really know just what to say, Yuuya," I joked. It was my way of showing affection towards him and he knew that. Instantly, a boyish smile graced his lips.
"Glad I could help," he responded. Then, his eyes shot up to a figure who was rapidly approaching us. I looked over and saw that it was Aya, running over with a bright smile on her face. I instantly shoved the velvet box into my board short's pocket at the sight of her approaching. "Looks like my queue to leave. Ganbatte, Rei."
"W- Wait, don't just -"
"Rei." He firmly placed a hand on my bare shoulder. "I can't help you with anything else. It's all up to you now. You'll be just fine." I sighed heavily, releasing all my tension.
"Okay," I replied, running a hand through my hair. I couldn't believe how heavily I depended on this guy, who momentarily stole Aya away from me. It was a little odd, but I knew Yuuya would know exactly what to say to make me feel better. Hell, if he hadn't come back up from Okinawa, I probably wouldn't be able to go on with this. If anyone cared about Aya as much as I do, it was him, and I knew that.
"Rei-kun! Yuuya-kun!" Aya exclaimed as she walked onto the wooden platform of the hut. "You two are missing all the fun in the water."
"Ah, right, I was just about to head back," Yuuya said, scratching the back of his head. "See you guys later!" He waved at us as he ran onto the hot white sand. I caught him throwing me a wink and a thumbs up. Hopefully, Aya didn't catch that.
"Oh? Okay, bye," she bade as she waved back sheepishly. Then, she turned to me with those big hazelnut orbs of hers. "Shall we go too, Rei-kun? You must be lonely all the way over here. Unless you would rather stay shaded from the sun. You were body boarding all day so you must be tired. I know you don't like the heat too much," she pointed out thoughtfully. God, she was so sweet.
"I like it here. Stay with me for a bit?" I asked, leaning my weight on a wooden railing.
"Sure!" she beamed sweetly. "I'd love to keep Rei-kun company."
She stepped towards me and I had to look away. I hope she didn't see the stupid blush on my face. She was wearing practically nothing - just a pink bikini that matched the perpetual blush on her cheeks. Her hair was down with subtle curls on the ends, just the way I liked it. She was perfect.
We looked onward at the ocean in silence - our only soundtrack was the sound of the crashing waves and scattered laughter in the distance. The ocean always symbolized something meaningful to the both of us. It seemed as if something eventful in our relationship would always occur by the ocean, whether it be her first confession to me, or our first kiss. Yeah, this scenery definitely brought back all those memories and the feelings I felt while they happened. It was peaceful to just look on at it with her by my side.
"Aya, do you remember when you first tried confessing to me?" I asked. I noticed her eyes slightly widen at the untimely question.
"H- Hai. We were by the ocean as well. In Odaiba," she looked down and fiddled with her fingers, smiling softly at the memory. "You rejected me."
"I did. You forgave me, right?"
"O- Of course, Rei-kun. That was years ago, so I've already forgotten."
"Back then, I was so distant. But you've really brought my defenses down." I reached out and held her hand in mind. "Thank you."
"Eh? What's this, all of a sudden?" she asked nervously, the blush on her face deepening to the next shade. I took a second to admire it.
"Back then," I spoke, "that first time that you confessed to me, I was a different person. I was indifferent and put up walls so thick that no one could get through. I pushed you away thinking that if I did, you would leave me alone for good. Much to my annoyance, you didn't give up."
"W- What are you saying, Rei-kun?" she asked, confused at where I was going with my rant. I continued on anyway. If I didn't get through this, it was never going to happen.
"I'm saying that you were pesky, invasive, and persistent. You wouldn't leave me alone, even if I begged you. I thought you were much too serious about love for a girl your age. You were relentless and you never backed down, no matter how cold I tried to be. You were - "
"Okay," she said, exasperated. She freed her hand from mine and used it to wipe her freshly dampened face. I noticed that a few tears were threatening to fall from the rims of her beautiful eyes. "I get it, Rei-kun. If you want to ridicule me, at least tell me why. I don't want to be reminded of how weak I used to be."
"Ridicule you?" I asked, dumbfounded. Is that what it sounded like I was doing? I really have a bad way with words - worse than I thought. I should probably cut to the chase soon. "No, you're misunderstanding this."
"Then why are you saying those things?" she asked with a muffled sniffle. I stepped towards her and held her face in my hands, wiping the last of the tears that managed to escape her eyes with my thumbs. Don't waste those tears on me - no, not anymore.
"I'm saying that if you had never been that way, you and I wouldn't be here like this," I stated firmly, looking straight into her glossy eyes. "You never gave up on a cold bastard like me."
"T- That's because through all of the walls and defenses, I could see... that Rei-kun was a kind person. The kindest person I know," she whispered. She then bit her lip cutely, as if embarrassed with what she was about to say. "And it's because you're my first love and I also want you to be my last. I know it - I'm an extremely selfish person. I'm sorry, but I just want Rei-kun all to myself."
"Don't apologize," I said, pinching her nose, eliciting a tiny squeak to escape from her lips. "It's because of that selfishness and stubbornness of yours that we're here now. And, if it isn't too much to ask, I'd like you to be by my side for the rest of my life."
"N- Nani?" she asked, astonished and confused. I took hold of her left hand and caressed it tenderly.
"I don't always know what to say and even when I do, it never comes out right. I know I'm not deserving of an angel like you but, just like you, I'm also pretty selfish and want you all to myself."
I breathed in heavily, nervous as anything. My heart was racing at a million miles a minute and I swore it was going to dash from my chest at any given second. I took in a deep breath to calm my anxious insides and focused on strengthening my resolve. I had to do it - there was absolutely no backing down now. From the corner of my eye, I saw the entire group staring at us from a safe distance. That damn Yuuya must have told them what was about to happen. I caught Yuuya's gaze and he nodded his head in support at me, encouraging me to go on. I smirked and suddenly knew that I could do this. I removed the black velvet box from my pocket and opened it to take the ring from its casing. I gulped as I slowly bent down to kneel on one knee. This was always the way I'd seen it in the movies. I felt awkward and a bit out of place, but I wanted to do this right. Anything for her.
"Rei-kun? W- What are you doing?" she asked nervously.
"Hoshino Aya." Now or never. I choose now. I slipped the platinum band onto her slim ring finger and it glimmered brightly as I did so. "Will you marry me?"
She stared at me, wide-eyed and in shock at the proposal. She was silent and that worried me. Was I going to be rejected?
"Am I... dreaming?" she finally asked after being silent for half a minute. It felt like an eternity.
"No, Aya, this is real," I said, still kneeling on one knee. "I want you to marry me after college. I know it's a while from now but I'm willing to wait. I hope that you can, too."
"Rei-kun. I..." she whispered as she covered her mouth with her hand. "I can't believe this. This is perfect. You're perfect," she sniffled as some tears fell from her eyes. That much was expected. "I can wait, too. Of course I'll marry you!"
Those were the sweetest words I had ever heard come out of her mouth.
I instantly beamed and sprung up from my kneeling position to kiss her passionately - the most passionate it had ever been. She threw her arms around my neck and I lifted her up as my arms snaked around her waist. It felt different, this time. As if it was the first time I had ever tasted her soft lips.
The gang approached us with wild hoots and cheering, causing a huge commotion on the beach. It was a bit embarrassing but I guess I could tolerate the attention this one time.
Beside me, Aya smiled happily as she lovingly stared at the ring on her slim finger, admiring the different ways it shone when she angled her hand a certain way.
"It's beautiful," she said to me, her face flushing with joy.
"You absolutely are," I said, kissing her again and taking her by surprise.
One summer's day, I fell in love all over again. And for the first time in my life, I was completely confident this was how it was supposed to be.
One Summer's Day
Chapter Twenty-One - Oceans: End.
Siopao: This... is the last chapter! I'm finished! If this is unsatisfying to you, I humbly apologize, but I really tried incorporating the entire gang in this finale! A sequel could be possible in the future with enough requests, but I'm fairly content with how this ended. Thank you to all of my wonderful reviewers for reading this fic of mine. You guys are the best, seriously!