Chapter 36
AN:Well... Here is one of the chapters I've been dying to write. In terms of word count, longer than I expected, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that I'm making progress.
(Inaba. August 20th. Evening)
The rest of the Junes work days didn't have anything worth mentioning as far as Yosuke and Yu were concerned. Viljam on the other hand seemed a little off ever since the day before yesterday. However, no one felt like asking.
Now, however, the guys had arrived at the festival site at Tatsuhime shrine. Of course they were in their casual clothes. And Viljam seemed a little awkward for some reason.
"..Doesn't this place seem less crowded than it should," Yosuke wondered after looking around.
"True. I thought there would be more people," Yu agreed. Inaba was a small town, but there should be more crowd than this.
"Is it because of the murders," Kanji wondered, "People were a little spooked by those."
"But Mitsuo is now in jail, shouldn't that put people at ease," Viljam asked. "Although, I'm not complaining about there being few people," the Finnish boy added. He would've felt a lot more nervous if there was a huge crowd.
"He's not in jail yet," Yosuke muttered in annoyance.
"What?" Came from Viljam and Teddie(the blond boy was out of his costume again).
Yu decided to explain, "Even though Mitsuo was caught, the police are probably still building a case against him. It could take weeks before he's actually behind bars. And that's ignoring the supernatural aspect of this case." The last part was added in Yu's head.
"Yeah, but the guy confessed to his crimes, so I wouldn't worry too much," Kanji said, easing Viljam's worries. "'Sides, the guy's not on the loose, so nothing to worry about anymore," the punk added.
"Unless there's a TV that he could-" "Don't say that!" Yosuke interrupted, startling Viljam. The Junes boy let out a sigh, "Look, let's just enjoy ourselves and forget the guy.".
"Yosuke's right," Yu said with a smile, " Let's not let the case ruin this night for us."
Viljam shook his head with a sigh. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry," the Finnish boy apologized.
"Where are the girls," Teddie decided to ask, while scanning the area.
"Yeah, they should've been here already," Yosuke said, as he too made a quick scan.
"Maybe they're still changing clothes," Yu supplied helpfully.
Viljam also looked thoughtful. "I also don't understand why they couldn't do it at Rise's house. I mean, it's closer than the Inn," The Finnish boy said.
"Oh, right. You live at Yuki-chan's place Villy," Teddie said having a certain thought. "Did you check them changing," the blonde boy said innocently. Something that didn't fit the question.
"...Why would I do that," Viljam asked, with a blank stare.
"Dude, why would a guy be attracted to a girl," Yosuke said sarcastically, earning a disapproving look from Kanji and a disappointed one from Yu.
"Anyway...," Viljam said..., "...can you guys show me around a little while we wait?".
Yosuke had a blanched look at Viljam not hearing him... Or maybe he was just ignoring the Junes boy.
"Sure, I could actually go for some ikayaki right now," Kanji agreed quickly.
"What's ikayaki," Viljam and Teddie asked in unison, earning a slight laugh from Yu and Kanji, while Teddie and Viljam looked at each other.
(30 minutes later)
"Okay, where are they," Yosuke asked as he took a quick bite out of the skewer he had.
"I'm starting to wonder myself," Yu added, although he had a different reason.
"How hard is it to put a kimono," Viljam wondered aloud.
"Yukata, not kimono," Kanji corrected.
"What's the difference," Viljam asked, genuinely curious.
"Same difference as casual clothes and a tuxedo," Yu replied for Kanji. Not exactly accurate comparison, but hopefully it'll get the point across.
"Oh." Judging by the look of realization, it did.
"Hey, isn't that them," Teddie exclaimed in excitement.
The guys turned to see the direction Teddie was looking at and there were the girls, plus Nanako. The girls had offered to help Nanako to put on a yukata with the promise of bringing her with them.
"Sorry we took so long," Chie said for everyone. She was wearing a white Yukata with floral patterns. Complete with an orange sash to keep it all together.
"It took us a while to get dressed," Yukiko said in slight embarrassment. Yukiko's yukata is dark blue with white patterns, and her sash is pink.
"We had to wrap towels inside, so that they're not as breezy as people claim," Rise said. Her yukata is red with pink butterfly patterns on it, and an orange sash.
"It's kinda hard to walk," Nanako complained a little. Her yukata consists of a square patterns with two different shades of pink and white, and a red sash.
"It's alright Nanako," Yu said reassuringly, "You look cute in it.".
"I'm head over heels for you Nana-chan," Teddie added in.
"Thanks," the little girl said with a giggle.
"So how do we look, Yu-senpai," Rise asked their silver haired leader.
"You look great," Yu said, though his eyes were on Rise, something that the teen idol noticed.
"Oh yeah, this is great," Yosuke said, eyeing Yukiko and Rise, "Even Satonaka knows how to be pretty.".
"Hey!" Chie didn't like the way Yosuke put it.
"I think you're... p-pretty, Chie-san," Viljam stuttered to Chie, but he averted his eyes from her at the end of the sentence.
"Thanks," Chie said, but she didn't sound like she was complimented.
"Kanji, why're you looking away," Viljam asked the punk, who indeed was looking away from the girls. Anything to divert attention from the Finnish boy himself.
Yosuke snorted a little. "Don't tell me you're ashamed to look. What're you a monk," the Junes boy snickered.
"That ain't it," Kanji protested.
"Dad!" Nanako suddenly exclaimed, gaining everyone's attention. Sure enough, they saw the hard boiled detective of Inaba walking towards them.
"Thanks for taking care of Nanako," Dojima thanked the teens.
"It was nothing, Dojima-san," Chie said cheerfully.
"They bought me cotton candy," Nanako said happily, showing a plastic bag containing the said delicacy.
"Did they now," Dojima said, smiling at his daughter. "Alright, then. You wanna go to the target prac-I mean game," Dojima hastily corrected himself on the last phrase.
"Yeah," Nanako said happily, grabbing her dad's hand.
"I will take care of Nanako from here. You kids have fun," Dojima wished the gang before moving away with Nanako. The little girl gave them a little wave with the hand that was holding the cotton candy bag, and the gang waved back.
"Summer festival huh," Teddie said thoughtfully. Something about the way Teddie said it rang warning bells in most of the gangs' heads. " A couple walking hand in hand... We gotta go two-by-two," Teddie cheered happily.
"What does that mean," Yu dared to ask, somewhat less guarded now.
"It's Summer festival and the girls are wearing yukata. It would be wrong for guys and girls to be in a large group like this," Teddie explained.
"What are you getting at," Viljam asked, not sure if he should be eager or highly suspicious of what Teddie is planning.
"I'm saying, that in order to make great memories, we should go with one girl one guy each," Teddie finished, earning sweat drops from most of the guys and girls.
"I'm with Teddie on this," Rise said, surprising everyone.
Rise-chan," Chie said, not understanding what the girl was thinking.
"Why wear a yukata in the first place, Chie-senpai? To make memories we can look fondly at, right," Rise said cheerfully.
"...She's not wrong," Yukiko said thoughtfully.
"...I don't get it," Viljam said, with a confused look.
"We should pair off right away," Rise added, a little too eagerly for the other two's comfort.
Chie already figured out what the auburn haired girl was after, but she decided to just go with it. "Fine, I guess you're right," Chie said, unable to decide if she was nervous or exasperated.
"I'm fine too," Yukiko added in, with slight embarrassment.
With that decided. "Alright... You guys decide how we should p-pair up," Chie said, feeling a little nervous.
"You're letting us decide," Yu asked, not sure if he heard right.
"Seriously?" Yosuke added his own disbelief.
"Yes," Rise said happily.
"Alright guys come here," Yosuke said eagerly, and the guys moved away to huddle up. "So then, four guys and three girls... Yeah, that might be a problem," Yosuke muttered the last one with slight dismay.
"Aren't you forgetting someone," Teddie asked innocently.
"Yu, me, Viljam and Kanji make four," Yosuke said, like it was obvious.
"WHUH!? No fair," Teddie complained.
"Should I really do this," Kanji muttered to himself.
" Oh right, you could barely look at girls," Yosuke said teasingly.
"NO! I can look at 'em just fine," Kanji retorted angrily.
"Actually, Kanji," Viljam said a little timidly. "Can you sit this one out," The Finnish boy finished, with a nervous tone.
"Whuh?" Yosuke and Kanji sounded in unison.
"And why is that," Yu asked in curiosity.
"Because Yosuke won't do that and you are better than the rest of us," Viljam said, almost like it was a fact.
"But what about me," Teddie asked, sounding offended at not being included.
"No offense, Teddie. But I don't trust you with any of them," Viljam said apologetically.
"He's not wrong," Yosuke agreed, remembering how Teddie was slacking on the job so he could flirt with a passing woman occasionally.
"You're not much better, but you have more common sense," Viljam told Yosuke, earning an offended glare from the Junes boy.
"But guys, I've already made my decision," Teddie complained, earning their attention, "I wanna pair up with Chie-chan, Yuki-chan and Rise-chan.".
"Ted, that's not a pair," Yu said lecturingly, "And if you did that, who would we pair with."
"Damn right!" Yosuke added in, getting annoyed with the blonde. "Besides, you're the one who said, 'one guy one girl each'," the Junes boy added.
"So stay out of this," Kanji added in. "This is a serious-" "That's right, Kanji. This is a serious matter and you're a real man," Teddie interrupted Kanji.
"What're you babbling about," Kanji asked, not understanding what Teddie was getting at.
"A real man, wouldn't prance around with girls in a place like this," Teddie said, earning sweat drops from the other guys.
"Kanji can't be stupid enough to fall for that, " Was the collective thought of the other guys, except Viljam had a Finnish variant.
"Okay...?" They stand corrected.
"Kanji, that's..," Yu was about to say, but Viljam moved closer to elbow the silver haired boy. Yu was about to protest, but stopped himself after Viljam mouthed, "please".
"Okay, you said it Ted," Kanji said, causing the other two to realize that they missed something Teddie said. "Okay, count me out," the punk said with determination.
"Oh well, at least we won't have to fight," Yosuke shrugged. Yu didn't exactly agree with tricking Kanji like this, but that solved one problem.
"We've decided," Teddie exclaimed to the girls, earning shocked looks from the guys. "I'm going with all of you," Teddie said happily, before escorting the girls, who were too befuddled to protest, away.
"Why that no good little...!" Yosuke growled, not even sure if he knew a word that could effectively describe Teddie.
"...I can't believe he duped us," Yu said, feeling almost ashamed of being tricked by Teddie of all people.
"Kuristan tuon karhun," Viljam growled, before moving to follow them, only to be stopped by Yu.
"What're you planning to do," Yu asked with worry, noticing that Viljam looked very angry.
"I'm going to kill that little monster," Viljam said icily, which gave the others chills.
"As much as we all hate Teddie right now, that doesn't solve anything," Yu said, hoping to pacify the angry Finnish.
"Why does he..., never mind," Viljam said, standing down, but everyone could tell that he was far from forgiving Teddie.
"HEY! TEDDIE!" the guys heard Rise yelling. "Why're you buying another idol's photo!? Mine's there too!" It sounded like Rise was not happy with Teddie.
"HEY! HANDS OFF MY CORN!" Neither was Chie.
"On sillä otsaa," Viljam growled, wishing to strangle the bear again. "Guys, do you know of a place where I could dump the body without anyone finding it," Viljam asked the guys, sounding very grim.
"No," Yu answered quickly, knowing full well what body he had in mind.
"I wish I could say yes, but I can't," Yosuke added in with more regret than genuine concern.
"Teddie! You got ketchup on my yukata!" And that was Yukiko.
"He steals the girls and doesn't even know how to treat them," Yosuke commented, still angry at the bear, "The nerve!"
With that their ruined evening continued.
(Amagi Inn. August 21st. Daytime)
Vijam was depressed. Yesterday, his hopes went up when that accursed Teddie suggested about the pairing off. He wanted to go with Chie, but then the bear decided to ruin his life. Okay maybe that was too strong phrase, but this was the only time Viljam could've had time with Chie like that. Why did that bear have to be so selfish now!?
Sad thing is, through out yesterday, Viljam didn't stop planning how to murder that wretched bear. Unfortunately, all plans had one crucial flaw, he couldn't figure out a foolproof way of disposing the body.
Now, Viljam was sitting in his room, watching TV. Or that's what he was planning to do if there came anything interesting. Sadly, no dice. Oh well, thankfully for Teddie, the Finnish boy at least gave up on murder plans.
Then, Viljam heard his phone ring, and reached for the small table to pick it up. "Chie?" Viljam sounded almost happy, before answering. "Hello."
"Hey, Nousku-kun," Chie replied from her end of the line. "You know..., that festival is going to be on today too... Would you l-like to come," Chie asked, stammering at the end.
.
.
.
"Hey. You in there?"
Viljam rapidly shook his head out of the stupor. "Yeah, yeah! Sorry! I just... Did you ask me to come to the festival just now," Viljam asked, wanting to be sure he heard right.
"Uhh... Yeah," Chie said, sounding a little weirded out. "Look, if you don't want to come then-" "NO!" Viljam shouted, before realizing his mistake, "I mean, yes! I want to come... If you want," Viljam said nervously, mentally kicking himself for his outburst and his poor attempt at correcting himself.
"...Okay, meet me at the festival, at 18:30," Chie said, causing Viljam to release a sigh of relief discreetly.
"I'll be there," Viljam said, and with that, the two exchanged farewells for now. "JES!" Viljam couldn't help cheering. "SIITÄS SAIT TED!" Was the last thing Viljam cheered loudly, before deciding to calm down. Or at least try to, after all, this was his only chance. He had to make it count.
(Dojima household. Roughly the same time)
"So at 19:00 right," Yu said to the phone, "Shall I pick you from your house, or do you want to meet at the festival?"
"You don't have to pick me Senpai," Rise said from her end of the line, "My house is practically next to the shrine, so I'll be waiting for you at the festival."
"Alright, see you then," Yu said to the phone.
"See you," was Rise's happy response, before they hung up.
"Maybe I should've expected this," Yu said with a smile. Still, it was nice that Rise invited him to the festival again. Teddie's stunt, combined with Viljam's attitude since the said stunt, kind of ruined the experience for him. Yu almost told Viljam to do better bext time, but was able to stop himself, when he realized that there won't be a next time for Viljam. Still doesn't excuse his attitude, but Yu wasn't going to hold that over him too much.
Anyway, Yu had few hours to kill before going to the festival.
(Inaba. August 21st. Evening)
It was few minutes until 18:30, and Viljam was a nervous wreck. But you wouldn't be able to tell just by looking at him. He looked very calm, but on the inside, his mind was already going through everything that could possibly go wrong. One thought included a lightning bolt striking him out of nowhere. Yes, that's how nervous he was.
"Hey." Viljam almost jumped at hearing Chie greet him, but he resisted.
"Hi," Viljam said simply, but then he took a good look at Chie. She was once again, wearing her yukata. "I didn't expect you to wear that again," Viljam said in surprise.
That earned a frown. "I know this might not suit me, but I just felt like it," Chie said with mild annoyance.
"No, no. I just got the impression that putting that on was difficult," Viljam corrected himself.
Chie nodded, but didn't look like she fully bought it. "So how do I look then, and please be honest this time," Chie said firmly. Yesterday, something about Viljam's phrase didn't sound convincing, but Chie couldn't put her finger on what it was.
Viljam blushed a little, before taking a few calming breaths. "...I wasn't... comfortable saying this with the others around, bbut you look... beautiful," Viljam said, unable to hold back the blush at the last word.
Chie couldn't help smiling at the compliment, because this time she felt that Viljam was telling the truth. "Thanks," Chie said, unable to keep the happiness from her words. "Come on, let's get in there," Chie then said cheerfully before moving up the steps, with Viljam catching up.
(30 minutes later)
Yu had just arrived at the shrine steps. As agreed, Rise was waiting there. To Yu's surprise, she was wearing her yukata.
"You didn't have to dress up," Yu said honestly, not that he minded.
"No, but I wanted to," Rise said happily. "And don't think I didn't notice you eyeing me, when you complimented us yesterday," the auburn haired girl added slyly.
"You got me," Yu said, not bothering to hide it. "So, shall we go," Yu asked looking forward to this. Rise didn't need to be asked twice either.
(With Viljam and Chie)
"So, what did you wish for," Chie asked, as they were moving from the shrine. It took a little convincing to make him participate though, because the Finnish boy felt like he was intruding on a religion he wasn't raised by. Chie laughed at Viljam's worries, before assuring him it was fine.
"Umm... I wished the best for my family back home, and for Yukiko," Viljam replied, in slight embarrassment. A half-truth, because he made one more on a whim that he's too embarrassed to tell anyone.
"I wished the same," Chie said with a smile, "For my parents, Yukiko and all our friends.". Then Chie blushed a little, "And you of course.".
"Thanks," Viljam said, not sure if he felt grateful for being singled out or down right giddy.
"Anyway, next we're drawing fortune slips," Chie said, as she led Viljam to a stone stand left of the shrine. That stand had a box with multiple slips of paper. "We each draw one slip, and that represent our luck this year," Chie explained, while putting her hand above the box, ready to take one slip.
"Okay," Viljam said, nodding in understanding, before preparing to draw his own slip.
The two drew their fortune slips, but Viljam briefly glanced at Chie, before drawing his own.
"Normal blessing," Chie said, sounding mildly disappointed. "What did you get," the yukata clad girl asked Viljam, whose eyes were wide.
"...Great blessing," Viljam said in disbelief.
"Wow, you got lucky," Chie said, happy for him. "Were you thinking about something when you picked that," Chie asked out of curiosity.
Viljam visibly flinched at the question. "Wh-why do you ask," the Finnish boy stuttered.
"Because some people do that," Chie said, slightly suspicious of Viljam's reaction.
"Well... I didn't think of anything," Viljam said, blushing in embarrassment and looking away.
Chie didn't buy it, but decided not to press the issue. No point in making Viljam feel anymore uncomfortable than he already was. Besides, Chie had to make sure that he at least enjoys himself. "Okay, let's move on," Chie said, while lightly patting Viljam's back for emphasis. With that, the two moved on.
"Hey, young lady," a man that was manning a candy apple stall called, earning Chie's attention. "Can I interest you in some candy apples," the man said, gesturing to the said apples that were dipped in some suryp," You could even share one with your boyfriend.".
That phrase made the two freeze and blush furiously. "W-we're not a couple. We're just... We're just friends," Chie said in embarrassment.
The shopkeeper looked a little disappointed, "Oh, sorry. My mistake. Anyway, would you be interested."
"Sure," Viljam said with a shrug, "You want some Chie-san?".
"I can pay myself," Chie said, not wanting to take advantage of Viljam.
"It's fine. It's only one extra," The Finnish boy said dismissively. Chie didn't need anymore convincing.
After Viljam bought a candy apple for each of them, the two decided to move towards a bench that was slightly away from the crowd. Unbeknownst to them though, if they had stayed a few seconds longer, they would've been seen by Yu and Rise, who took their time at the stalls before moving to the shrine itself.
(With Yu and Rise)
"I'm so glad we could be here, just the two of us," Rise said, feeling happier than she let on. Which wasn't by much, mind you.
"Thanks, and I'm sorry we couldn't stop Teddie," Yu apologized. Rise had already questioned why Teddie was the one the girls had to settle for. So Yu gave her the short explanation about the bear screwing them over.
"It's fine. At least we get to come here second time," Rise said, giggling at the story about Teddie's evil plan. Then the girl donned a more serious expression, "Is Nousku-senpai, seriously planning to kill Teddie?".
Yu sighed at the question. Maybe he should've left that part out. "I doubt it. But I fear he will hold a grudge on the bear for a while," Yu said with certainty. One thing was for sure, the bear should probably stay away from the Finnish boy, for his own sake.
"Well. If you had your way, which one would you have picked," Rise asked with a smile.
If the other girls had been around, Yu would be in trouble. However, now it was just Rise, so. "...I would've picked you most likely," Yu said, though he didn't sound very sure.
"Really," Rise said, with a suspicious look. At this point the silver haired boy cursed his poker face failing. "Well, I guess it doesn't matter," Rise said, surprising Yu. "We're here now and that's all that matters right now," Rise said with a smile.
Yu couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Are you teasing me right now," Yu had to ask.
"Maaaybe," Rise said with an innocent look, which made Yu roll his eyes in amusement. "Anyway, what are you going to wish for," Rise asked, just as they arrived at the shrine.
"...I honestly didn't plan to," Yu answered sincerely.
Rise was surprised, but she didn't show it, "Why not?"
"Because... I never had much faith in wishing at a shrine," Yu said with a sigh. "Except...," Yu trailed off, thinking if he should tell Rise that one wish he made when he was younger. One that never came true, until he came to Inaba. "Never mind." Yu decided not to.
"...It's alright Senpai," Rise said, feeling a little bad for making the boy think of something that didn't seem pleasant. "I'm sorry that I asked. But..., you could try making one right now. it doesn't even have to be anything big," the auburn haired girl said in an effort to cheer her crush up.
Yu chuckled a little, "I guess I could.". With that, the two made their wishes. Yu almost laughed at his own wish, due to how stupid it sounded. He wished to be able to understand Rise a little better.
After making their wishes, the two decided to move on. Though Rise was hiding a mischievous smile that was caused by her wish.
(With Viljam and Chie)
Chie and Viljam had finished their candy apples, and were just talking about things, such as Viljam's experience in Inaba. It was funny that the strangest thing for the Finnish boy was the fact that the sun had already set, even though it wasn't even 10:00 PM. Due to Finland's position on the globe, during summers it wouldn't be this dark until about midnight. During winters on the other hand, it got dark as early as 4 PM. That was something that surprised Chie a little. But not as much as the fact that if you go north enough in Finland, you might end up past the point where it never gets dark. During summer that is.
Now the two were mostly quiet, but Viljam seemed to be thinking about something, and Chie couldn't figure out what.
"Why did you choose me," Viljam suddenly asked.
"Huh?" Chie didn't understand the question.
"Why did you invite me to come here with you," Viljam rephrased his question.
The white yukata clad girl was not prepared for that kind of question. "Uhhh... No reason," Chie said, trying to sound normal. "I mean..., I thought you should have as good experience as possible, right," Chie corrected herself when she realized how lame the first one sounded, "After all, there's no next time for you, right?" And now Chie felt a pang after that sentence.
Viljam gave Chie a grateful smile, "Thanks. You're so nice." And that made Chie feel a little better. Viljam took a deep breath, "Hey, back in April... why did you approach me?"
"Huh? Why are you asking that," Chie asked, wondering where this was going.
"...I just... I want to know why you would approach someone like me," Viljam said with some difficulty.
Now Chie shook her head again. "You and Narukami-kun were new. I thought I should welcome you two somehow," Chie said, remembering that day. "Besides, I thought you were awesome for talking back to King Moron," the yukata clad girl said with a laugh.
Viljam blushed in embarrassment,"...I still question what made me think it was a good idea.".
"Come on, he was insulting your home. You had every right to get angry," Chie said while patting Viljam's shoulder lightly.
"Maybe, but that almost cost me my life, if you hadn't saved me," Viljam spoke, while chuckling nervously.
"What do you mean, 'kill' you," Chie asked, remembering what the Finnish boy said back then.
"...B-because I had heard that the teachers in Japan are allowed to do horrible things," Viljam said, clearly embarrassed.
"AHHHAAHAHAHAH!" And now Viljam's shoulders slumped. "Sorry *ahahaha*," Chie apologized through her laughing. What kind of image does Finland have of Japanese schools? Also, King Moron might've been an A-hole but even he wouldn't have done something like that.
"Are you done yet," Viljam asked, slowly getting annoyed at Chie's laughter. Sure, it was stupid of him to believe that kind of hear say for even an instant, but it wasn't that funny.
"Yeah," Chie said, but she still let out a couple snickers. "You look so cute right now," Chie commented on Viljam's pouting look. Which was replaced by surprise.
"..Täh?! I- wh-" Viljam stammered, unable to come up with words to speak, "...Where did that come from!?"
Now Chie laughed again. "Oh! So you can dish out phrases like that, but can't take them," Chie laughed, probably enjoying this more than she should. Now she got payback for all the times Viljam embarrassed her.
"I'm not used to hearing compliments like that, okay," Viljam retorted, blushing furiously and wishing to be swallowed by the ground. "Family doesn't count, because that's in their job description," Viljam said, before Chie could say anything that probably included his sisters.
Chie frowned a little at not getting another word in. Oh well, at least she forgot to be embarrassed about calling Viljam cute this time. "Well, now you know how I felt," Chie said with a smug smile.
Now Viljam sighed again. "You're so full of yourself," Viljam said, like it was a fact. Chie was about to retort, but Viljam beat her to it," But I guess... that's one of the reasons I like you." And now Viljam found the ground very interesting.
"What?" Chie wasn't sure if she heard him right.
"You heard me, Chie-san," Viljam said, unable to repeat himself or meet the girl's gaze, due to embarrassment.
"Are you serious?" Chie wasn't sure if she felt extatic or nervous. Maybe both.
Viljam had to calm his breathing, before he was able to give his shaky answer, "...y-yes."
"...Since when," Chie asked, part of her wondering why he would like her.
"...I don't know," Viljam admitted in shame. "I just... I can't put my finger on when I started to like you," the increasingly flustered Finnish boy said.
Chie had to stop to think. "He likes me? Dammit! Yukiko was right all along," Chie thought quickly, and that's not even counting Yosuke teasing her about it. "Was it... because I saved you," Chie asked with some dread. It's not that Chie had anything against it, but she didn't want Viljam to like her because he felt like he owed her.
"...No, that's when I realized that... *sigh* Sorry I don't know how to say it," Viljam said with a sigh, still not looking at Chie.
"Nousku-kun," Chie said, before lightly forcing him to face her, "The thing is... I... might like you too." Despite having a blush that rivaled Yukiko's cardigan in color, Chie was able to keep eye contact.
If Viljam's heart wasn't hammering before, it was definitely doing that now. "...Would you... l-like to...be my g-girlfriend," Viljam was able to say, even though he still felt like this was too good to be real.
"...A-are you sure...," Chie said, still nervous, "T-this is me we're talking about." Chie already heard that Viljam likes her, but that was something she had to say.
"Umm...Yeah? That's... why I'm asking you," Viljam said, putting emphasis on "you".
"Yes!" Chie exclaimed happily. Then Viljam wrapped Chie into an embrace. "Whuh!? Hey!" Chie protested, but didn't struggle.
"I'm sorry, but I have to do this. I was afraid you would say no," Viljam said, not releasing the tight, yet somehow still light hug.
"...Dummy," Chie retorted halfheartedly, before returning the hug awkwardly.
If anyone were to see them now, they would see a loving couple in a loving embrace. Thankfully, though the bench was far enough that unless someone was interested in anything besides the stalls, they wouldn't be noticed. Chie was enjoying the feeling of Viljam's arms around her, and the warmth coming off of him through the black shirt he had bought in Okina. Or maybe the warmth she was feeling came from herself. Chie wasn't sure, and she didn't care right now. Viljam was also enjoying Chie's arms around his own midsection, and her cheek lightly resting against his Finnish boy moved his own cheek to lightly rest on the top of Chie's head, and her hair.
Then the Finnish boy felt a vibration in his jeans that nearly snapped him out of the moment. Still, he was able to discern that the vibration came from his pant pocket. That would mean, his phone had a new message, but that isn't important right now. What was important, was this moment that he did not want to end. Unfortunately, some evil creature decided to break it, by calling on his phone.
"Can you please just ignore it," Chie mumbled, apparently not wanting this to end anytime soon either.
"Sorry, but I have to at least check," Viljam said, though he wasn't anymore happy about this. With great reluctance, Viljam and Chie let go of each other, so that Viljam could see who the caller was. But as soon as Viljam saw the screen of his phone, the call ended. "Huh? It ended now?" Viljam felt anger and confusion. Anger at the caller bailing out now after ending their moment, and confusion at the call ending a little too quickly.
"Was that a prank call," Chie said, sounding very annoyed. Actually, that was borderline anger.
"Looks that-Huh? A message?" Viljam said after seeing the notice of a missed call and a message. That must've been what caused the vibration in his pocket.
"What is it," Chie said, but she didn't really care.
Soon enough, Viljam opened the message, and his eyes widened in shock.
"What is it," Chie asked, now worried about what caused that reaction.
"Voi ei," Viljam said, and looked up from his phone. Then he looked like something horrible just happened.
"What is it," Chie asked more urgently, before following his gaze. And then the girl's face took the same horrified expression.
There, not too far from them, were Rise and Yu. Yu was currently hiding his face with one hand, while Rise was waving at them happily with her left hand, while her right one was holding her phone.
"Y-y-you! HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE!?" Chie screeched from embarrasment and anger. Viljam put his phone in front of Chie's face, allowing the flustered girl to see a picture of them embracing one another. It didn't take long for the Kung Fu loving girl to put two and two together. Rise had taken the picture with her phone and sent it to Viljam.
The white yukata clad girl stood up angrily and stomped to Rise and Yu, causing Rise's smiling face to morph into a fearful one. "Why did I do this again?" was the thought that went through the auburn haired girl's head that she probably should've asked before doing this. "Look, Chie-senpai! I can explain," Rise quickly tried to say, while waving her hands frantically.
"I don't want to hear it!"
Yu shook his head, looking just as fearful as Rise, "I told you this wouldn't end well."
"And I didn't listen," Rise replied in fear.
"Chie-san, wait," Viljam said, hoping that he could stop the girl from doing something stupid.
Bad move. "Why the heck should I!? They spied on us twice already!" Chie shouted angrily, but she instantly snapped out of it when Viljam closed his eyes in fear. "Nousku-kun..., I'm sorry... I," Chie tried to apologize, but wasn't sure what she could say to justify her outburst.
Viljam opened his eyes carefully, and saw the look of panic on Chie's face. "...It's fine," the Finnish boy said, slightly relieved that his new girlfriend's anger subsided, " It's just..., brutal beat-down isn't going to help here.".
Chie was inclined to disagree, but didn't want to argue with him right now. "So what should we do," Chie asked, giving a look to still scared Rise and worried Yu.
"You two don't talk about us, and we won't talk about you," Viljam said to the couple in front of them.
"And... what would be so wrong with that," Rise said, carefully. She was still afraid of Chie.
"How about the fact that if some of your fans heard about it, they might murder Yu-san," Viljam said with an evil smile.
"What," Yu said, getting a little worried himself.
"B-but I'm not an idol anymore," Rise said, but was clearly affected by Viljam's words.
Viljam looked surprised for a moment, before focusing on the task at hand. "Maybe, but how many of your fans know this? I happen to have heard that in that line of work, you're not allowed to have a boyfriend," Viljam added in, earning surprised looks from all three of them.
"But..." Rise had to stop to think, before the idea hit her, "I'm not an idol anymore, I can have a boyfriend if I want." At the last part, Rise had a faint blush.
Viljam shook his head with a pitying look. "Again, do your fans know that? I didn't know that, so I doubt they would. So unless you want to risk Yu-san's life at the hands of your fans, you will not speak of this event. Ever," Viljam threatened with an evil look.
"I... I promise, just please don't tell anyone," Rise said in fear. The former idol knew that she shouldn't believe Viljam, but unfortunately her experience with just stalkers doesn't allow her to just dismiss his words.
"I promise too," Yu added in. He wasn't as worried as Rise, but better safe than sorry. Although he had to wonder, where this malicious side of Viljam came from.
"Good," Viljam said happily as if he hadn't just threatened their lives indirectly, "You two enjoy the festival. I know I will.".
"Let's go," Yu told Rise, who didn't need to be told twice and practically dragged Yu away by his arm.
Few seconds, after Viljam lost sight of Yu and Rise, he released a breath that he was secretly holding. "*phew*...I can't believe that actually worked," the Finnish boy said while chuckling a little.
Chie looked confused for a moment, before realizing what Viljam meant. "You were... making it up," she asked in disbelief.
"Yes," Viljam said, sounding proud of himself. "I could've added gory details, but that might've been too much," The Finnish boy said with a snicker.
Chie was about to scold him for scaring Rise like that, but considering what she almost did herself, decided against it. Though that raised one question, "How do you know about idol industry?".
"Yosuke told me," Viljam said, having half a mind to thank Yosuke the next time he meets the Junes boy.
Chie nodded in acceptance. It wouldn't be strange for the Junes boy to "educate the ignorant one", as he put it. "You still didn't have to threaten Narukami-kun," Chie scolded a little. Sure Yu also saw them, but the silver haired leader didn't look like he was in this of his own will.
Viljam looked a little guilty. "Yeah, but I'm not sure if Rise would've preferred hearing what the craziest of her fans would do to herself instead," Viljam said, looking mildly uncomfortable, "Please don't ask what, because I don't feel comfortable saying it. Much less thinking." The Finnish boy shuddered while shaking his head to rid himself of an image that he didn't like.
"...Okay," Chie said, mildly concerned for Viljam's thought process. "So..., wanna try one of the games again," Chie asked, hoping to get the Finnish boy out of said thought process.
"Sure," Viljam responded happily, "Which one?"
"Just follow me," Chie said, as she linked her hand with Viljam's and led him away. Having a faint blush at holding his hand like this. Though if she had looked, Chie would've noticed Viljam having a similar coloring.
(With Rise and Yu)
"Did we lose him," Rise asked, finally daring to look back. The auburn haired girl had almost dragged Yu all the way out of the festival area.
"Lose him? Rise-chan, I think you're overreacting," Yu said, feeling concern. Even though Viljam might be right to an extent, the silver haired boy was pretty sure the Finnish boy was making it all up.
"Overreacting? How is worrying about your life overreacting," Rise nearly shouted in distress.
Yu put his hands on Rise's shoulders and forced her to face him fully. "Rise-chan. Calm down," Yu said, trying to sound stern, but comforting.
That seemed to work, because Rise stopped shaking. "...I'm sorry Senpai, but... I wish I could just dismiss what Nousku-senpai said, but things like that have happened," Rise said, not exactly okay, but better.
Yu was a little surprised at hearing that. Sure, some fans might be crazy, but those are few and far between... At least they should be. "Maybe, but I doubt Viljam truly meant what he said. He probably just wanted us to keep quiet about his and Satonaka-san's relationship, whatever it is," Yu said, adding a slightly humorous tone at the end.
"Maybe you're right," Rise sighed in relief. For some reason, Yu managed to be very reassuring when he spoke. "But what do you mean, by 'whatever it is'? They looked pretty lovey-dovey to me," Rise then giggled, already getting to her usual self
"I'd rather not jump into conclusions," Yu replied, before admitting, "But it did look that way.".
"Well, it's a shame that we can't talk to anyone else about it," Rise sighed, "I mean, I believe you about him not being serious, but I'm not going to take chances.".
"Smart choice," Yu thought. "Let's just forget that, and enjoy the rest of the festival," The silver haired boy said, wanting Rise to enjoy the time they had now.
"Okay, Senpai," Rise said, happily.
With that, they returned to the festival, although Rise hoped she didn't see Viljam again.
(Dojima household. August 21st. Evening)
Yu had fun at the festival. Even though him and Rise ran into Chie and Viljam a few times. Though it looked like they were just focusing on their own date. Yu couldn't resist the chuckle at the thought. Though that left him wondering, could his time with Rise be considered a date?
"...Do I want to think of it that way," Yu wondered, mostly out of curiosity. Those thoughts were interrupted by a ringing phone. Yu checked the caller ID, that belonged to Viljam. "What does he want now?"
"Hello." Yu answered casually.
"...Hey," was the subdued reply, which caused Yu to raise an eyebrow. "Sorry about saying what I did, back at the festival," Viljam said, awkwardly, "I just... I didn't want Rise to yell this to everyone.".
"I figured it was something like that. It's fine," Yu said dismissively. "But I think Rise-chan was more scared than I was." Yu added with fake accusation.
"...Maybe I shouldn't have done that," Viljam lamented.
"What's done is done. You didn't have to call me just to say sorry," Yu said, even though he had a feeling that there was more to it.
"Well... That's not not the only reason I called," Viljam said, sounding awkward.
"I knew it," Yu thought. "Really? Was there something else," the silver haired boy asked.
"...Ööö... What do people do on dates," Viljam asked nervously.
Yu's eyes widened at the question. On one hand, Chie and Viljam hugging each other gave the impression of an intimate moment. On the other hand, Yu didn't expect them to become a couple this soon. "So you and Sat-" "Yes! Chie and I are dating now. Moving on," Viljam interrupted so quickly that Yu almost didn't catch it. "Alright," Yu said, feeling that Viljam didn't want to discuss this in too much detail. "Some people go to movies, some go to dinner dates. Or do whatever both like," Yu supplied helpfully. Although this information was based on standard assumption and personal opinion, Yu felt confident in his answer.
"Okay, I might have to check on a few movies in Okina. But the dinner thing might be a problem," Viljam said.
"What's wrong with Aiya's," Yu asked, knowing full well that Chie loved that place.
"Too easy. I want to surprise her," Viljam replied, "Pleasantly of course." was added hastily.
Yu nodded in acceptance. "Like when you cooked for her," Yu said, unable to resist light teasing.
"...Yeah, I don't feel like doing that again anytime soon," Viljam said awkwardly.
"Why not? It was a success from what I heard," Yu asked.
"Well... That's not important. What's important, is that I need to think of something else soon," Viljam said, clearly not wanting to talk about it.
Yu sighed a little, but decided to stick to the topic anyway, "Listen, you're not in a hurry. If you rush this, something is bound to go wrong," Yu explained, while sitting on the couch in his room, "Besides, there's always a chance that she might call you later."
"...You may be right, but I still want to do the best I can," Viljam said, sounding calmer somehow, "She deserves it."
Yu couldn't help smiling at that line. Sure, it was a little cheesy, but that line held Viljam's resolve. "If you say so," Yu shrugged.
"Yeah. By the way, are you and Rise a couple now?" Of course he had to ask that.
"We're done here," Yu said, before cutting the call and shutting down his phone for good measure. Sure that was immature, but Yu felt like he had the right to do that just this one time. After all, the Finnish boy had done it twice. "No we're not," Yu said with a chuckle. "Though... That depends on, how things go from here," the silver haired boy added as an after thought.
(Satonaka Household. August 21st. Roughly the same time)
"None of your business!" Chie practically shouted into her phone. The Kung Fu loving girl had already changed from the yukata to her nightwear, which consisted of a simple tank top and short shorts.
"Come on, Chie-senpai. I said I'm sorry," Rise whined from her end of the line, "You have to give me details.". Yeah, Rise had called Chie to interrogate about her date with Viljam. Why Chie didn't shut off the phone was beyond her at the moment.
"I don't have to give you anything after spying on us," Chie said angrily, "And if you dare ask again, I will go through with Nousku-kun's threat.". That last sentence came out of anger. Anger that Chie will probably feel bad about later, but right now she felt like she had every right to strangle Rise if she were here.
"You wouldn't!" Rise was already afraid of Viljam, but having Chie do that too. That was terrifying. Also in her current mind-set, Chie might even make up some... steamy details.
"Try me," Chie dared.
After a moment of silence, Rise spoke. "Look. I'm sorry I ruined your moment, but at least you have a picture to remember it," Rise said in an attempt to pacify the currently enraged Satonaka.
"How would you feel if I ruined your moment with Narukami-kun," Chie snarked.
"...I get your point," Rise sighed in defeat, "Look, I'm sorry I intruded on your moment, but you two just looked so cute that I couldn't resist.".
Chie couldn't help but feel her heartbeat increase ever so slightly, but that doesn't mean she wasn't angry. "I wanted to stay that way just a little longer," Chie said, now feeling more annoyed than angry.
"Again, I'm sorry. Look, if I send that picture to you too, would you forgive me then," Rise asked carefully.
"Yeah, right," Chie snarked, before having a thought. "Actually, delete it now, or else...," Chie let the threat hang.
"Fine!" And the call was cut.
Chie blinked. She could've sworn Rise actually cried with that last shout. "Did I really make her feel that bad," Chie couldn't help but wonder. And now she herself felt bad. "Why did I have to snap like that," Chie griped. The truth is she already knew, she was afraid of Rise teasing her about her "relationship". Air quotes on relationship, because it still felt weird even thinking that. Did she regret saying yes to Viljam? No. But now she realized a few problems that come with this. One, if Yosuke finds out, he'll never let her hear the end of it. Two, what would Yukiko think? She seemed okay with it, but Chie couldn't help but worry that her best friend might not approve for whatever reason.
"Don't think too much," Chie repeated Kasai's words which have become a mantra by this point. Though what she should think about was, where this would go.
AN: And there it is! I finally officially started this ship. Yeah, yeah OC pairing is soooooooooooo original, I know.
Anyway, in case people are wondering, when it comes to shipping Yu, I'm torn between Yukiko and Rise. I mean, I've already decided where this is going, but if I had to choose which one is an OTP, that would be impossible. I know some people think Rise is a bad character, but personally I find her amusing. Yukiko is the "easy" one, and by that, I mean easy to ship to Yu. Not that it's a bad thing, I can see it happening. However, my point stands, Rise or Yukiko are the most likely to be shipped to Yu, in my opinion anyway. But my personal favorite and... Dare I say it... waifu, is Chie. You can start mocking me in the reviews or PM.
To more serious matters, this is my first attempt at romance scene. I hope I didn't make it too sappy. Though I still doubt I'm writing kissing scenes anytime soon.