Lazura: My peace offering for disappearing for practically eight whole months due to college-related reasons. Also please do be aware, there are hints of what might be happening at the end of the Inter-High combined with events of the Sweets Finalist Arc. ;) Each scenario is under the perspective of Chiaki choosing only one of them.
Disclaimer: I don't own Yowamushi Pedal at all except my ocs.
Valentine's Special ~Chiaki Version~
"Tomorrow, we'll be making chocolate desserts!" A cooking club member spoke in enthusiasm.
"Yeah, Takara-senpai's instructions are very precise! This year our homemade Valentine's Chocolates won't fail this year!" Another member proclaimed as I passed by them.
Valentine's Day...the day girls give chocolates to the guys they like.
I thought as I made my way out of the classroom.
Normally my chocolates go to my family and friends, but...
My face burned in embarrassment, reminding me of what occurred during the Inter-High.
I can't even believe Koizumi-senpai's prediction became true.
What do guys see in me?
The more I think about it, the more puzzled I become. Shaking my head, I returned my gaze over to the excited female students discussing of plans on making their own chocolates this year or probably buying chocolates for their crush. Someone you like. These words sounded throughout my mind.
...But, maybe I ...want to make homemade chocolates for-
Naruko-kun
To be honest. I never thought the first friend I made in high school would end up being someone I saw completely different from the rest. Then again he always wanted be the one gaining everyone's attention. Believe it or not, Naruko probably is the only one to be able to scare the living light out of me. I can remember it as clear as day, for once I never thought he'd call my eyes the same as the sky.
Do my eyes really resemble the sky?
I wondered to myself as I piped the chocolates into the foil cups.
I know I have blue-eyes, but at that time...I began to ponder whether Naruko-kun saw me crying at that time.
His eyes were practically glazed over. Covered in sweat all over from the intense heat and pressure swarming the red-headed teen. I remembered cradling his head on my lap. Crying my eyes out for him. I couldn't believe that advice Tadokoro had given him at first, since Naruko truly loved and honored the fact of being a sprinter. Straightforward, honest, and nonetheless keeps surprising everyone he meets. Just like he did on the last day of the Inter-High, he...
"Wow, that's a lot of chocolates Chiaki." Snapping out of my thoughts, I glanced back at the counter to find probably thirty pieces of already finished without any candy decorations or nuts.
"Koizumi-senpai."I blushed under her all-knowing gaze. She somewhat knew the reason for me creating this many chocolates, "To think that red bean is gonna receive this many milk chocolates. He sure is blessed to have a girlfriend like you!"
"S-Senpai!" I stuttered out, almost dropping the pipe bag, "I-I'm not even dating him-"
"Yet." Koizumi finished giving me a cheeky grin. I gave her a pout to show how teasing she is to me. "Koizumi." I gulped upon hearing that voice, it was none other than the ruthless cooking club president Takara Shiki. "Onoda-san, is still finishing her creations, also I believe you should be checking that chocolate cake in the oven soon."
"EH?! MY CAKE!" Koizumi's eyes widened in horror as she dashed over to the second year's cooking station to make sure nothing happened to it. Once Koizumi left the upperclassmen and I alone, I felt somewhat nervous yet at the same time grateful for what she did.
"Thank you, Takara-senpai."
"It's nothing. Once you get used to Koizumi's shenanigans, you'll find out ways in avoiding her childish attitude." I sent a small smile toward the third year. It would be only a month until the rest of the third years leave. Though Makishima-senpai already left to England...he left two people with heavy feelings. Saka-nii and Io-senpai.
I never seen Saka-nii so depressed in my life. It was foreign to me. All that I can do is support him in the sidelines, if it wasn't for Teshima's words...Saka-nii probably wouldn't have gotten over Makishima's leaving. Though I can't say the same thing to Io, or rather from what I heard from Koizumi...it sounds like the two are in a long distance relationship and converse through emails due to the time differences. Apparently there were rumors going around that Io ditched school for one day to say goodbye to Makishima, but I don't know much to say anything else.
Anyway back over to the Valentine's Day chocolates...I'm not making Naruko chocolates if that's what people are thinking. I actually made him chocolate chip cookies instead. Weird, huh? I should be giving the team cookies and not chocolates...so why the other way around?
It's still a homemade dessert with chocolate. I remember telling one of Saka-nii's childhood friends, Yuna, that if I'm planning to give Valentine's Day chocolates to the one I liked...it wouldn't be chocolates.
...
"Naruko-kun!" I called out to the red-head, who was about to leave the classroom. When he turned around, Naruko seemed like he was kind of sulking? I wonder if its due to the fact that he received more presents from guys rather than girls. The items weren't even chocolates, in fact most were Takoyaki or candies.
"Yeah, Chiaki?" I started to sweat the minute some of our classmates noticed me calling out to the red head. A few were muttering the words pertaining to love and confession.
"C-Can I talk to you for a minute before we go to the club?" He didn't refuse, or rather a twinkle shined in his eye while we walked out of the class. Making me wonder what's he thinking about.
Once we were at the back of the school, I started the conversation, "So you know how it's Valentine's Day, right Naruko-kun?"
"Y-Yeah?" He sounded a little bit anxious as I take out the cookies from my book bag.
"Well, you see..." I bit my lip. I'm not even sure on how to word it. I'm normally not this nervous around Naruko since he always made me feel calm at school, but only today. Just this day, I began to fidget, "I wanted to say thank you through these. You've helped Saka-nii and I so much this year, and you're the first friend I made in high school."
Naruko's hands were about to take hold of the bag, but I added on. Causing the sprinter to stop, and continue listening to me.
"T-That's not only thing I want to say."
C'mon Chiaki...you know you can say it. After what happened during the Inter-High and the Sweets Finals Tournament, you've began to consciously think about your relationship with him more. If you clench this bag anymore, you'll end up crushing the cookies.
"I-I've been thinking about what you said for the past few months." My eyes found it hard to focus on Naruko's face, I couldn't stare directly at his face, "Sometimes, I wondered if you were joking around like that time you took me to the amusement park, but then I remembered about what you said to me at the Inter-High and during the preliminary rounds of the sweets tournament. You were serious."
"Of course." Naruko muttered sounding a little different than usual, "Us sprinters don't joke around all the time, Chiaki."
At first, I thought Naruko was going to take the bag I held. However his arms found a way to wrap around me. I soon found myself embraced in Naruko's hug, "I won't lie to you."
"What I said at the Inter-High, I mean it." Naruko spoke, making sure I listened to what he said, "I care for you more than just a friend."
"I know this is strange, since the two of us have been friends most of the time."
"I told you, I am your one and only hero!"
"...funny. Whenever I see that blue sky, it felt as if I can see you.
"...Naruko-kun..." My arms twitched before moving to return the hug, almost dropping the bag of cookies from my grasp. It felt warm. This feeling...really warms me despite the cold weather, "I feel the same way about you."
"...What."
I rolled my eyes before backing away for a bit, "This is what I'm saying-"
The next thing I knew, I found Naruko instantly pressing his lips against mine. My face nearly burned to the same hue as Naruko's hair, but nonetheless...I did return it. Once he pulled away, Naruko embraced me again after taking the bag of Valentine's Day cookies. The hug tightened making me wonder if Naruko was in disbelief or not. I wasn't sure of Naruko's expression since he had his head placed at the curve of my neck, but what Naruko said next surprised me, "Chiaki."
"Yes?"
"Can we stay like this for a little longer?"
"W-Why? We still need to head over to the club..."
"I know, and once we get over there I'm going to tell them that you're Naruko Shoukichi's girlfriend. There's no way I'm going to let anyone else, especially the hotshot take you away from me!" Unknown to me, Naruko's expression was practically glowing as he continued to hug me, "Also...I still can't believe you've became my girlfriend right now."
Imaizumi-kun
In the beginning, Imaizumi-kun reminded me of Akira a few times due to their sharp focus and pure pride over cycling. Though, ever since he challenged Saka-nii to a race...started the ever-changing events happening around Saka-nii and I. We ended up getting pulled into the world of bicycle racing thanks to him. During this time, I was still a bit mad at Imaizumi-kun for pulling me back into the world I left for good after a year and a half. Although, it's thanks to him that Saka-nii was able to make friends among the bicycle racing club members. Something in which I never expected Saka-nii to end up doing within the blink of an eye.
I wanted to thank Imaizumi-kun for that. To think one of the goals I had in mind ended up being completed by someone else.
Though, I don't think I'm a match for any of those fan girls of Imaizumi-kun. Staring at the small box hidden in my book bag, I returned my gaze back over to the amount of girls heading into Imaizumi's class. My confidence level shot down the minute I saw how many girls were bringing him chocolates, it's no wonder. He already replaced captain Kinjou in popularity. The minute Imaizumi stepped out of the classroom, they practically shoved their chocolates to him.
Maybe I should just give it to him after school...
I thought to myself after getting a good look at the crowd while heading back to my classroom. Unbeknownst my awareness, Imaizumi noticed me walking away. Tried to call out to me, but I couldn't hear him at all. As I was already heading into my classroom, a little upset on the fact that I couldn't give it to him immediately.
Once lunch break happened, Miki and Aya arrived to my classroom for a talk while we're eating.
"So did you give Imaizumi-kun your chocolates, Chiaki-chan?" Miki bluntly asked, causing me to freeze after I swallowed some rice. I shook my head in disappointment, "No...there were already too many girls at the door of his classroom this morning."
"Oh, that's rough." Aya winced while sipping some juice, "With Imaizumi being the most popular guy in the school, I'm not surprised of such. It's hard enough trying to get him to out of the classroom since girls flock around there to see him."
I simply sighed. A little bit discourage of the fact.
Miki patting my back, she muttered quietly to me, "You know, Chiaki-chan. Imaizumi-kun actually wanted me to tell you to meet him at the rooftop after school."
"Rooftop?" Sending the other manager of the bicycle racing club a look of wonderment, she nodded in affirmation clarifying that she's not lying. In fact Miki verified it by showing me the text message Imaizumi had sent in between breaks. Then again Miki is Imaizumi's closest friend, so she kind of knows Imaizumi more than I do. Kind of makes me jealous of them since I have absolutely no clue as to what Imaizumi is thinking mostly, but at the same time...I know that Miki and I are similar in a way. Her relationship with Imaizumi, is quite a parallel to Saka-nii's and mine.
...
As I pushed the door of the rooftop open, I found Imaizumi standing at the far end. Close to the fenced edge. Taking a few strides forward, Imaizumi turned over to me once the rooftop door shut.
In my hands was none other than a small box. A rather simple white box. It didn't match the theme of Valentine's, but the item inside the box did.
"Imaizumi-kun."
"Chiaki."
The two of us acknowledged the other's presence. How long has it been since I've talked to Imaizumi-kun alone? It's probably been awhile.
I mean most of the time we exchange a few words through the club and a few times when Saka-nii went out with Imaizumi for anime. Though those were the only times I've talked to him. Making this silence a little unnerving.
"You seem to be getting popular each day haven't you, Imaizumi-kun?" Idiot! I'm an idiot! Out of all the words I had to say, I say this?! Imaizumi wasn't the type of person to pay attention to them in the first place!
I internally cried at my stupidity.
"...Chiaki." Returning my gaze over to the all-rounder cyclist, he stared straight at me, "Lately, you've been avoiding me for the past few days. Is there a reason for that?"
"S-So?" Mostly because of those fan girls, "I have no reason for avoiding you." The grip on the box tightened. I shouldn't be crushing the chocolate cake I made for him, that's practically wasting all the effort I did to make it.
"Didn't I say that you can rely on me?" I blinked a few times, before finding Imaizumi closer to me. Of course I remembered, I mean you were the one who...who...understood the pain I went through to confronting Akira the first day of Inter-High. Not only that, you were the only one to see me break down under the pressure of the competition against Nozomu.
"Please allow me to help you, you're not as strong as everyone thinks you are."
I felt my eyes sting for a moment, until droplets of tears dripped from my face. Imaizumi sighed, taking a handkerchief from his pocket he closed the distance between the two of us. As he wiped my tears, I silently murmured to Imaizumi, "I know...I know that I can rely on you, Imaizumi-kun...after all-"
"That's one of the reasons as to why I love you." Imaizumi froze at midpoint almost dropping his handkerchief. His eyes trailed over to my reddened eyes.
"Right now..." Imaizumi's mouth practically gaped, "What did you say?"
I sniffled, and laughed a bit taking notice of his expression, "I'm saying that I love you, Imaizumi-kun."
It took me so long to realize it. You're able to see the true person in me, not as Chi-Hime...not as a duplicate of Saka-nii...but as a regular person trying to be strong against their own secrets. Imaizumi, you didn't just helped Saka-nii...you also lent your shoulder to me. Carried me when I got injured from headbutting into you on accident. Supported me when I'm practically at breaking point.
Slowly, I leaned closer to Imaizumi placing my lips against his. Proving to Imaizumi that this is real. This confession is indeed from the true Onoda Chiaki he found sitting...crying alone in a pile of red ginkgo leaves. The Blood Princess had finally found her Prince.
Once I stopped, Imaizumi out of nowhere pulled me back into another kiss. We didn't need to say anything else, after all...the quietness of the rooftop matched Imaizumi's tranquility. The mere sound of the cold winter wind was all we heard.
Relinquishing the kiss, my hand and his were soon intertwined. Signifying the fact that I accepted Imaizumi's confession from the Inter-High. Placing my forehead against his. I closed my eyes reminiscing the times he helped me when I needed someone's help the most.
Manami-kun
The first time I met Manami was when Saka-nii had thrown up during the bus ride to Kanagawa. Truthfully, my impression of him at the start was somewhat of a slacker who preferred cycling more than anyone else. However as I watched him cycling with Toudou, I never told Manami this but whenever those wings appeared on his back. It looked as he was trying to prove something to the world, but at the same time it scared me. I knew his influence toward Saka-nii was none other than friendly rivalry, though during those races I've seen from him...the more sly of person Manami-kun's image came to be. That is until I saw his hands during one of the nights of the Inter-High. Manami's hands were enough proof to show me how true his passion for cycling was, but there's always a price to pay no matter how strong your pride is.
Manami-kun.
His name sounded in my head. The memory of seeing Manami breaking down due to losing the Inter-High, he must have been under a lot of pressure since Manami was the only first year on Hakogaku's side. To add on, he practically broke Hakogaku's standings as the kings. ...I never thought he'd be someone to cry in such a manner. I could only give him a silent hug for comfort. Then I exchanged numbers with him before leaving to see the members of team Hakogaku on his own.
Unconsciously, I wiped the chocolate powder that dusted close to my mouth. Although upon touch, the events of the last day of the Inter-High returned, causing me to redden in embarrassment.
That was my first kiss...
I never really thought of that climber to be so bold with his feelings. Then again he does have Toudou as his upperclassmen, so there's probably something he's learning from him. Not only that, I think he tried to take it when we were doing the pocky game!
My face is too warm.
"Chiaki!" I flinched hearing that all too familiar tone. It was none other than Saka-nii returning home with...chocolates?!
"Saka-nii..." I blinked staring at the two bags of chocolates in his arms, "Did you receive chocolates today?"
"Yes! I got one from Kanzaki-san and her friend." Saka-nii thus continued on, "I also gave Imaizumi-kun, Naruko-kun, and everyone else at the club the chocolates you made for them!"
"I see." I giggled upon hearing Saka-nii enthusiastically stating how Naruko was practically crying when he saw the chocolates Saka-nii handed to him. I had to go home right after classes to start baking for Manami's Valentine's Day gift. One of the messages Manami sent to me right during the sweets finals tournament, stated that he liked chestnuts. Which ended up being one of the key ingredient in the first round for the nature theme, and lead to creating this sweet treat.
A Chocolate Mont Blanc. In order it starts with a sponge cake as the base, then a sweetened chestnut is center in the middle to be covered in whipped cream, and finally a tweaked Valentine's Day version of the chestnut cream paired with the flavor of chocolate to surround the interior. Last but not least, a piece of chocolate to replace the chestnut topping.
"Oh...!" Saka-nii seemed to notice the desserts sitting on the counter, "Did you make these, Chiaki?"
I nodded, "Mm. Though I'm planning to give one of them to someone."
"Someone?" Saka-nii pondered for a bit on who it might be, until a click sounded in his mind, "Is it...Manami-kun?"
My heart practically leaped hearing my cousin say his name, "W-What makes you think that?"
"Well, Manami-kun has been messaging me about how he's looking forward in seeing you tomorrow."
I sent my cousin a look, "Tomorrow? I didn't make any plans with Manami-kun tomorrow..."
"No, he just told me today in class about biking over here to see you."
...what?
...
As I exited from the warm comforts of home, I headed toward the area Manami said he was waiting at. More so, it was by the shrine Saka-nii and Imaizumi first raced against each other. Tugging my white scarf closer to my face and fixing the brown coat I wore to keep me warm as I roller bladed over. I made sure the dessert is secured in the bag I held.
Upon making it to the shrine, I saw a familiar white bicycle alongside it's owner. I waved my left arm to show Manami that I was here, "Manami-kun!"
Hearing my call, a smile formed against his face, "Chiaki!"
Slowing my speed down a bit, I finally stopped to find myself face to face with my cousin's rival. Is it just me...or did Manami-kun grew taller?
"To tell you the truth Manami-kun, I never expected you to bike your way over here from Chiba." Rather wasn't it snowing over in Kanagawa? How in the world did he get through all that snow? You practically needed to ride multiple trains in order to get here from Kanagawa prefecture.
"Haha." He laughed, "It's not true. I had to take a few train rides to avoid the snow, but the rest I rode on my bike."
That still means you tried to ride your bike here, like when we had the cultural festival. He practically rode from Kanagawa prefecture to Chiba prefecture just to see how our bicycle racing club practices...
I deadpanned at the thought as we decided to take seat on one of the benches by the shrine.
"Hm?" Manami hummed for a minute taking notice of the bag held within my grasps, "Is that...?"
"Oh, yeah!" I exclaimed, snapping out of my thoughts. "It's a little late, but I did my best in preserving it on the way."
As he opened the box, Manami's smile widened as he recognized this familiar aroma, "Chestnuts!"
"Chocolate Mont Blanc." I told Manami while handing him a plastic fork, "Did you know, Manami-kun? Mont Blancs were desserts based on the image of the highest peak of the Alps in Europe!"
"Really? That's an interesting fact, I didn't know there were sweets made in the image of mountains too."He nodded while taking a bite of the chestnut dessert, "Mmm! As usual, Chiaki's desserts are the best!"
I shook my head, "My desserts aren't that good. I just follow the basics, Manami-kun." Plus my cooking skills can't even match up to the third years and second years of the cooking club. If it wasn't for Takara-senpai and Io-senpai stepping down for entry, and allowing someone else to take her place...I wouldn't have entered the Sweets Finals Tournament with Koizumi-senpai as my assistant.
"...Besides compared to Saka-nii and you...the both of you are the amazing ones." I commented to Manami, "I still don't know what you guys experience on road races. I can't even catch up to Saka-nii anymore using my roller blades, but you both seem like you're have fun. It's a little unfair."
I was going to continue on, but Manami's hands were placed against both my cheeks.
Eh?
Pulling my cheeks, I mumbled, "Ow! Ow! Ow...that hurts, Manami-kun!"
"You know Chiaki, you're being unfair." Releasing his pull, Manami added while I tried to rub away the pain from my cheeks, "Whenever I talk to you about cycling, you always mention how jealous you are. That's something I don't want to hear from you."
"O-Oh...is that so?" But it's the truth. "T-Then what do you expect me to say to you?"
"Chiaki. I want to know more about you."
The small memory of Manami holding my hand the day before the last round of preliminaries returned to me. I thought I burned the memory away, but then I realize that this is what Manami wanted. He wants to know the person I am right now.
"You...really wanted to know more about me didn't you Manami-kun?" I finally pointed out the mistake I've been avoiding from the beginning, "Why would you even bother wanting to know. It's not like you're in love-"
"So what if I am Chiaki?" His tone became serious, "Did you already forgotten what happened during the Inter-High?"
I tried scooting away a bit, but every time I backed farther. Manami followed in tow. Seriously, I didn't think Manami could be serious...my impression of him from the start is true!
By the time I reached the edge of the bench, my left wrist was held down by Manami's grip. The next thing I knew was Manami placing a finger against my lips.
"I haven't forgotten it at all." Manami muttered, "Your face was pretty flustered back then, but on a closer look you really cute embarrassed Chiaki."
"Neh, Chiaki..." Leaning forward Manami closed the gap between us before removing his hand away from my lips ,"I've been waiting a long time, and yet I still want a reply to what I said to you that day."
"My answer..." As I mouthed the words I was going to say, I ended up not being able to say anything in the end because...the flavor of chestnuts and chocolate cream covered my lips completely before I even had the chance to say: I love you. He probably already knew. After all, Saka-nii stated this in one of his recent messages to Manami the night before.
To Manami-kun,
Chiaki only makes chocolates for friends. If it's a chocolate based dessert, then that would mean she's giving it to family or...maybe someone she truly loves.
From,
Onoda Sakamichi
By the time we stopped, Manami stated one line that had me blushing the whole day, "You taste sweeter than chestnuts or chocolates."
Lazura: And again I'm sorry for taking so long to go back to this. I've decided to do some editing to the previous chapters before I update the next chapter...there might be a chance of a White Day version too. xD
Please do leave a review on what you think of this extra.