A few days later. Nishizumi Residence. 08:00 AM
It's been a few days after rescuing Ogin from the hands of those notorious mobsters. Miho was relaxing in the living room as she reads her catholic bible peacefully on the sofa. With Maho and her mother sitting beside her as they watched the TV. It was just an entertainment show that Miho wasn't bother to watch. Miho was much more like sticking to read her bible than that. They awkwardly, spend their time in the living room with silence.
Ogin was pretty happy back then when she was able to be reunited with her friends again. Miho, Maho and the girls who involved in that case haev had also explained to them how did the rescue mission go. They did explain this to everyone in Ooarai, but they were very surprised to found out that the 141 got ahead of them first to save Ogin along with the hostages in the factory. Of course that was a lie, but they buy it real serious. Ooarai also had thanked Miho for taking on the case to save Ogin.
Miho was wearing her grey long-sleeve buttoned shirt and sand-colored pants. She didn't wear anything on her head for the moment. She had her wristwatch she bought long ago on her left hand. She has wore her belt where there are 4 pouches on her left waist and a drop bag was installed on her right waist. The 2 pouches contains ammo for her M9 pistol with other two contains her cigar and lighter while the bag has her hidden gun and knife. While Maho was wearing her KMM school uniform, Shiho was wearing a light blue short-sleeve buttoned shirt with black jodphurs.
Maho occasionally leans over to Miho, wondering what is she reading. Maho had asked about what is she reading in that bible. Turns out, Miho was reading the bible in the middle of The Gospel of Matius chapter. Shiho had also wondered if she could borrow that bible from her, and Miho replied with a nod. But after if she decides to call a day for reading her bible.
After a moment of silence, Shiho begins the conversation. "So, Miho, why Catholic?"
"Pardon me?" Miho asked as she didn't hear her question.
"Why did you choose Catholic?" Shiho asked again. "I mean, you used to be a Shintoist. Why did you change to catholic?"
"Well… I just… I just felt Shinto religion did not fit well with me," Miho replied as she closed her bible. "Especially after I got turned up in London."
"Could you explain what you mean by that?" Maho asked as she wondered of it.
"Well, little," Miho replied with a shrug. "The religion I'm believing right now, is giving me a faith. Something that the Shintoist don't have, and something that is very important for me. And being Catholic, means that you'll have a relationship with The God Himself. Not to seek and experience any mystical event from The Kami."
Maho and Shiho paused for a moment to process what she said. "I see, Shinto religion is pretty much different with Catholic," Maho added with a nod
"But at least they both are still religions," Miho added as she looked at her. "And though, that's why I changed religion."
"I think you made a good choice, my young girl," Shiho replied with a smile. "I guess it fits you well."
"Thanks, mother," Miho replied with a smile, before turning to a cold smile.
"Say… what's up with you?" Shiho asked, concerned of Miho's expression.
Miho sighed in admittance before answering. "It's about Anzu, Murakami and Ogin, mother."
They paused in silence before Shiho. "About letting them to be a part of 141?"
"Yeah," Miho replied with a shrug. "I'm just afraid if they could leaked the information about the 141."
"But they swore for secrecy, Imouto-san," Maho assured her with her hand holding her sister's right shoulder. "They couldn't do something like that."
"I know, but I also worried on what I'm putting them into," Miho replied, she then looked down forward and shrugged. "Anzu and Murakami risked their lives to save Ogin and Ogin also survived a shot."
"Miho, you worried too much," Maho assured her as she hugged her. "They'll be alright, Miho. I'm sure of it."
"I know, sister," Miho replied with a nod as Maho is still hugging. "I guess I worried to much."
Maho lets her go but not after a pat on her shoulder, before they watched back to the TV. Turns out, it was already a news channel. There's a news about the 141 again, but it was the news about the 141 involvement in destroying Rogue Foxes hideout. There was a man in the TV with behind him is the landscape of the remains of that hideout, what's left of it.
"Those soldiers made a hell back in there when I was held hostage along with other 14 people in there," the man former hostage explained. "The 141 soldiers went in that place in force just for getting us out. I saw they even brought about 2 tanks into the hideout and killed off everyone in that hideout. I didn't even know if they wanted to rescue us, and also burned that cursed place to the ground. I will say thank you 141, because you made us know that those mobsters have made the police corrupt by bribery."
Shiho was really surprised if Miho along with her sister had to burn the compound to the ground. "Wait, why did you burn the whole place to the ground?"
"Ami's friend, Major Akashi had asked us to do a favor to burn the whole place down," Miho replied lazily. "I found it impressed that the Rogue Foxes were able to harass the JGSDF long ago before I stepped in."
"Oh, why didn't Ami told me about that?" Shiho wondered as she rolled her eyes to Miho.
"I guess it was something personal for the JGSDF," Maho replied to her question. "I really understand that."
"Huh, makes me wonder why didn't they come with you instead of doing the dirty work for them," Shiho replied, somehow sounded disagreed on that.
"Ami and Akashi couldn't come with us because they were busy with the Exhibition preparations," Miho replied. "They gave us a good reward for doing a favor for them."
"Interesting," Shiho replied with a smirk. "Something that benefits your Task Force?"
"Yeah," Miho replied with a nod. "Give us funds and materials to make our own vehicles and weapons."
"So… you got your own designs on weapons and vehicles?" Shiho asked curiously.
"Yeah, but it's all the designs we got from my time in the alternate-future," Miho replied with a nod. "We probably make our own design one day."
"Yeah, maybe," Maho in a consent tone.
Miho then looked over to her watch and then looked back at them both again. "Say, you lads have any plans for today?"
"Well… I'll be working in Sensha-Do department for some time and then hanging out with Mrs. Shimada," Shiho replied as she looked to her upper right. "What about you?"
"I'll be walking out with Erika in the afternoon," Maho replied, then she and her mother looked at Miho. "How about you?"
"Well, I don't have any plans for today," Miho replied with a shrug. "So, I thought if I could spend a time with both of you."
Shiho and Maho just gazed her in silence as they awkwardly surprised in their hearts. "Did I miss anything?" Miho asked as she looks back at them.
"Miho, don't you know what day is today?" Maho asked as they slowly changed their faces into a cringed one.
"Umm… no?" Miho replied with a hint of doubt and awkwardness.
"You… don't know what day is today?" Shiho asked with a raised brow, while Maho cringed.
"No…? What is it?" Miho replied in doubt as she was starting to feel suspicious of her question.
They all just paused in silence as Shiho and Maho weren't sure on what to say to Miho, until Miho breaks it up again. "Well? Just tell me."
They all still in silent, before Shiho able to answer, awkwardly. "Do you know this is Valentine's Day?"
…
…
…
Valentine's Day.
…
…
The only day which is always the day of romance and romantic love. And the date of today was 14 February. She hasn't got the time to check on the calendar after she was dealing with her job and the case. For someone to remind her of the Valentine's Day, which is happening right today, this kinda took Miho very off-guard.
Miho just stared them both with eyes widen. "Bloody hell."
"Yeah… I thought you knew," Maho said slowly as she winced her eyes,
"I lost my track of time, mate," Miho replied with a raised hand.
"Now you know," Shiho replied as she leans against the sofa. "Do you have someone you know to spend your Valentine with?"
Miho had a thought for a moment, before replying with a shook. "No… I don't have anyone for that."
"What about your friends from Ooarai?" Maho asked.
"Nah, I don't think it's wise for me to go with them," Miho replied with a shook. "I just don't like it."
Maho and Shiho looked away from her for a moment, before looking back at her. "What about Anchovy?"
That took Miho off-guard as hell. She had visited Anchovy a few times a few days ago after the hideout raid. And Miho could tell that Anchovy was interested with Miho. But what the hell? To think Anchovy would want to walk with Miho to spend the Valentine's Day was… weird and awkward for her.
"I… don't know," Miho replied slowly in doubt. "And why would you say that?"
"Well... in all honesty, she seems pretty interested with you when you go off to meet her," Shiho replied as she rolled her eyes away from her. "And frankly we both even saw you were smiling a little when you got back."
Everyone fell silent the moment Shiho said that. Though, something struck Miho's mind.
"Mother," Miho called, she and mother looked at each other. "You don't think what I'm thinking now, right?"
Shiho and Maho were both felt stupefied of the question, but Shiho replied immediately. "We're thinking about that actually."
"Jesus Christ," Miho scoffed with annoyance. "I'm not even sure if I wanted to date with her."
"You actually happy to spend your time with her," Maho added. "And didn't you said you really liked her?"
"Yes, I did," Miho replied. "But I don't even know if she wanted a date with me."
"Come on, Miho," Maho added as she bumped her with her left elbow. "It's Valentine's Day, you can't be alone."
"Maho, I-"
(Remove Kebab Loop)
What was saying was cut off by her phone buzzing. Everyone was practically surprised to know someone called her in this morning. Miho just pulled out her phone off her pocket and looked at the phone. She was very surprised on who's calling her.
It was Anchovy.
Miho answers her phone straight like that without even asking her sister or her mother for it. "Hello?"
"Hi, Miho. It's Anchovy," Anchovy replied in the phone. "I hope I didn't bother you by calling you this early."
"No, no, it's alright," Miho replied softly with a smile. "It's fine, I was about to start my day here. But I'm not sure how I will start my day."
"Oh, good then," Anchovy replied with a tone of relieve. "By the way, I'm happy to talk with you again, Miho-san."
"Me too, my lady," Miho replied with a tone of pleasure, Maho and Shiho grinned to hear that. "Why did you call me?"
"Well, you know this is Valentine's Day, right?" Anchovy asked shyly.
"Yeah, I just found out now after I asked my sister," Miho replied softly. "Why?"
"Well… I wanted to spend the day with you," Anchovy replied awkwardly. "Um.. actually I want to have a… umm… well…"
"A date?" Miho asked straight, Maho and Shiho jumped to hear that while Anchovy gasped in the phone.
"Y-yeah, a date," Anchovy awkwardly replied as she was shy to answer back. "Well… do you think you could come with me?"
"Where to?" Miho asked flatly with a raised brow.
"You know the Sakura Park in Kameoka City?" Anchovy asked.
"That one?" Miho asked. "You want me to meet you there?"
"Yeah," Anchovy replied. "About… 5 O'clock in the evening. So…?"
"Sakura Park it is," Miho replied with a smile. "I'll be there for you, my dear. It's a date then."
"Y-yeah, a date!" Anchovy awkwardly replied. "Okay, thank you, Miho-san. I'll see you there."
"I'll see you, my lady," Miho replied, before Anchovy closed the phone call.
Miho then puts back her phone into her pocket before looking over to her mother and sister, who were smirking at her. Miho just changed her smile into an irritated one to see that. Miho was really mean it on the date. But that doesn't mean that she won't be annoyed if anyone mentioned about this.
"Really, lads?" Miho asked in annoyance.
"Oh well, yeah," Maho replied as she snickered a little. "My little sister is going out in a date soon."
"I know," Miho replied coldly. "Just remember who's the one that keeping tabs on giving the money for you work."
"Okay, Shisutā," Maho replied with a raised open palm. "I'll remember."
"I'm not against you about dating someone," Shiho added. "Even though it was a girl you're dating with instead of a boy, I'm still fine about it. But make sure you're ready for the date."
"Hmm…" Miho paused in thoughts for herself, before replying. "Don't worry about it, I'm sure I'm ready for a date."
"Sounds good, Miho," Maho replied with a nod. "I hope there's nothing concerns you."
"I just hoped nothing bad happened while we're on date," Miho replied with a concern tone. "That's all."
"Don't worry, Miho. I'm sure everything will be as smooth as we expected," Shiho assured her as she stood up and leans her waist to the sofa.
"So, where you'll be meeting her?" Maho asked curiously. "She did say where she wants to meet you right?"
"Yes, she did," Miho replied with a nod. "Sakura Park in Kameoka City."
"That Sakura Park?" Shiho asked with a smile. "Honestly, that's a good spot for Valentine."
"Good to know then," Miho replied with a small smile and a shrug. "Things got much better than expected."
"Sure it is," Maho replied in consent. "I'm sure you'll have a good date."
"Just try to be discreet with Anchovy alright?" Shiho asked with her eyes closed.
"And probably you get a kiss from her," Maho added with a smile.
Only to earn Miho's glare. "5 Seconds?"
"Oh… sorry," Maho apologized quickly, she doesn't want to get that unlucky event again.
Task Force 141 Headquarters, 09:00 AM
Ghost was in his office. He was enjoying his time working on his bloody paperwork, with a side of a cup of tea on his side. Despite that however, he's still wearing his mask on. A lot of soldiers kinda confused on how Ghost could even drink a tea like that. To which everyone in the 141 had implied that Ghost used to drink his tea through his mask. Which found the JGSDF weird to know that.
He was also glad to not see Miho working on this paperwork. Ghost really didn't like it to see how frustrated she was on doing her paperwork, saw her accidentally burned a report she had to write once. Thought, Miho was right about one thing, about Macmillan. Yeah, Macmillan actually enjoyed writing paperwork on his desk and he was a fast writer, but that doesn't mean he lost his combat skills.
Now to think about that, he was hoping that Miho could join him to have a drink of tea.
He has finished his paperwork for now. He stacked up the paperwork into one pile and put it in a shelf in his cabinet. Making sure everything is settled, he finished up his tea and headed out his office. He walked down the hallway and decided to check up on the calendar that matches the time in this year 1960. Ghost looked over to the calendar and check what date is today. But soon he regretted a little on what date it was.
14 February, of course it was Valentine's Day.
He just grunted at that thought, and moved on down the hallway before walking downstairs. He then took a turn to the left and headed straight to the exit of the building. He then walked over to the hangars to see how's the men are doing for now. And noting the fact that Ami and Yuko were both also in here in this base. The reason they are here was that they helped Ghost on organizing this base.
When he reached the hangars, he could everyone is still doing their daily jobs there. A couple of 141 technicians were checking on an F15 jet fighter. Some of the 141s who are Russians were checking on the missiles and parts in the back of the hangars. An Australian soldier and a Somalian soldier were both testing another jet for a basic control test. And some of them in groups were chatting, 4 Japanese 141 soldiers who are women were with them.
He was about to go to someplace else, when he heard someone called him. "Ghost?"
Ghost turned around again to see who called him, turns out there it was Ami along with Yuko following up behind her. "It's a good timing to see you here."
"Well, it's good to see you too, Ami," Ghost replied with a smile under his mask. "How's your morning?"
"Pretty great actually," Ami replied with a smile with her hands clasping each other behind her, in which she actually holds something behind her.
"And nothing could be better than that," Yuko added as she looked at Ami.
"By the way, thanks for helping me organizing this base further, mate," Ghost said to them with a nod and waved his hand around to the surrounding of the hangar.
"No problem, Ghost," Ami replied with a nod. "Now you don't have to worry about where you stash the materials you people need."
"And happy to see there are some renovations in our base," Ghost added as he puts his hands on his hip.
"But, I guess this isn't enough for you, isn't it?" Ami asked with a raised brow.
"Well, seeing we got more potential recruits especially those outside this country," Ghost added with his arms waved wide to his sides. "I guess we could use a new base."
"We'll sort that one out later," Ami replied lazily. "Need a drink?"
"No thanks," Ghost replied with a shook and an open palm. "I already had drink my black tea When I was doing my paperwork."
"Do you even ever drink coffee at all?" Yuko asked curiously with her crossed arms. "I mean, I know British people like to drink that but do you ever drink coffee before?"
"Ever drink coffee before," Ghost replied. "But I'm not a coffee-drinker kind of gentleman. The worst coffee I ever had was the one back in my days in SAS."
"How bad was it?" Ami asked, comparing the coffee he meant with the coffee she got in JGSDF.
"Bad as if the coffee was taken from an animal's bottom."
Whelp, that was disgusting.
"Right… that was pretty uncomfortable to hear," Ami commented awkwardly and in disgust as she winced her eyes. "At least our coffee didn't taste that bad."
"Really, mate?" Ghost asked with a raised brow. "So, when you're leaving?"
"Don't know," Yuko replied. "But do you need any help for today?"
Ghost looked around him again to see the men and everything in the hangars, before looking back at her. "Maybe, and I need to eat something in all honesty."
"Wait, I thought you eat something back in your office," Ami stated as she leans her head back and raised a brow.
"I did drink the tea," Ghost replied as he waved his hand behind him. "But I didn't eat anything."
"Why don't you go to the cafeteria now?" Yuko asked in concern.
"I'm still not hungry a little actually," Ghost replied. "So I decided to check up on my men."
"Well, everyone in here are doing their job fine here," Ami replied as she looked around them, her hands are still behind her whilst tiptoeing once. "Umm… not sure about Bazarov though."
Ghost only glanced at her, raising his right eyebrow underneath his sunglasses. "Let me guess. He did that again."
Ami and Yuko sighed in defeat. "Eeeeeyup, he blew his dorm again."
"What did he tried to make now?" Ghost asked as he crossed his arms in dissatisfaction.
"He said he was trying to make his own rocket," Ami replied in discomfort. "About mixing corrosive and nitrogen into one rocket."
Ghost just sighed to hear that as he looked down. "Sometimes I wonder when he would stop inventing stuffs like that."
"He must be a troublesome when it comes to funds," Yuko guess as she tilted her head.
"He sure is, mate," Ghost replied with a nod. "He ever made us had a budget loss for around 10 million dollars for what he did."
"Wow, that's something surprising to hear," Ami commented as she and Yuko widen their eyes in little surprise. "Did he even get punishment for that?"
"It was rather a 'special service' than a punishment," Ghost replied in irritation. "We had to make a deal with him if he cleared up the 10 million dollars loss from his own hands in return he will get his own laboratory."
"I see," Yuko replied with a nod. "You soldiers have a lab, right?"
"Yes, we have one," Ghost replied with a nod and a shrug. "It was build specifically for him. But it seems he got no time to get himself to the lab for his own experiment. Which is ironic."
"Huh, I could say he was in a hurry," Ami added curiously.
"Nah, he wasn't in a hurry," Ghost replied with a shook. "He's a complete insane chemist of Russia so he does stuffs like that. But we all were also wondering how the hell he survived all that."
"Ever think about asking him yourself?" Ami asked curiously.
"Nah, maybe later," Ghost replied with an open palm. "I'm not going to go ask him when he's around any chemical compounds."
"Heh, agreed," Ami added with a smile.
"Hey, LT!" a voice shouted from Ghost's left.
They turned to that direction and saw Mouse walking up to them. "How are you doing, mate?"
"I'm doing fine, Mouse," Ghost replied as Mouse reached them. "What do you want?"
"Just giving you the report you asked on our armory and funds," Mouse replied before looking over to the JGSDF ladies. "Morning, ladies."
"Konnichiwa," Ami replied to him as she and Yuko bowed to him.
"Alright, it's all nice to see here," Ghost commented, before looking back to Mouse. "So, what's on the menu in the cafeteria?"
"I heard there will be Fish and Chips, Burgers, Grilled Bacons, a Somalian dish called Surbiyaan Hilib Adhi, Spaghetti," Mouse then paused for a moment. "Umm… Czech salad called Sopsky and Kebab."
"Now that makes me starving," Ghost replied. "Thanks for telling me."
"Your welcome, sir," Mouse replied with a smile. "I should go now. Ladies…"
Mouse then turned around and headed elsewhere from the hangars. Just to hear what Mouse said about what the cafeteria served today, it was enough to make nearly everyone in the base hungry. Ghost actually felt a little hungry, along with Ami and Yuko. Though, Ami and Yuko had wondered on some foods that aren't familiar with her.
"Those are some interesting foods you people have here," Ami commented as she tilted her head.
"It's a good thing actually to be a multinational Task Force," Ghost replied with a smile. "You can taste every food from every soldier's country."
They three smiled to each other, but then Ghost noticed Ami. "Ami, why are your hands are still behind you?"
Yuko then looked over to Ami as she did the same, which Ghost noticed Ami was a little embarrassed on telling him. "Well, Ghost… Do you know what day is today?"
Ghost sighed to that, he knows where is this going. "This is Valentine's Day, isn't it?"
"Aww, we were wishing you didn't know," Ami replied as she and Yuko showed their disappointment.
"Well, I already know after I checked the calendar," Ghost replied with a snicker. "So what are you holding behind your back?"
Ami only glanced at him to the question. Yuko actually felt unnerved to see them both like this. In all honesty, Ami hasn't had a boyfriend for once. But to know Ami was interested to this one odd particular soldier was somehow… inconvenient. They all still silent as Ami and Ghost are staring each other as if they are doing a staring contest.
"Well?" Ghost asked as he was confused by her stare. "What you got behind you?"
Ami quickly breaks her stare and jerked her head back. "Uhh, I wanted to give this to you."
Ami then slowly moved her hands along with the item to her front. At first, Ghost thought it was a box of chocolate gifted for him. But then, Ghost was surprised that Ami was actually carrying a wisp of Blue Cornflower. In which that kind of flower was Ghost's favorite back in London.
Ami and Yuko were both surprised to notice that Ghost had widen his eyes through his sunglasses. Ami and Yuko were both don't know why would a soldier like him would be surprised to see Ami will give him the flowers like that. A ghost like him supposed to not react that way. Ami and Yuko wondered why would he surprised of Ami's gift.
"Ghost?" Ami called in concern. "Are you alright?"
"I'm… I'm fine," Ghost stuttered. "Where did you get those flowers?"
"Umm, somewhere," Ami replied as she slowly rolled her eyes to behind her before looking back at him. "Why?"
"Those… Cornflowers are my favorite," Ghost replied as he pointed to the flowers Ami's holding. "It's been a long time since I have any flowers especially my favorite one."
Ami and Yuko left their mouths open to hear that, before Ghost continued. "This is rather a great gift for me, Captain Ami."
Ghost then slowly takes the flowers off Ami's hands as Ami commented. "That's… that's great to hear from you."
"I know," Ghost replied with a nod as he sniffed the flowers through his mask. "Thank you, Ami. This brings back my old memories of London."
Ami and Yuko only smiled to hear that. "Your welcome, Ghost."
Yuko then put her hand on Ami's shoulder who looked at her. "Also, happy Valentine's Day."
Ghost smiled back as he held the flowers in front of his chest. "Happy Valentine's Day, Ami."
Ami then nodded to Yuko, and they both proceeded to turn around and left. Ghost only watched them left as he looked over to his gift. He always wanted flowers like this for a long time after he joined the military. These flowers that Ami gave him, was the only thing that could give him peace. Peace to his mind and to his self-control of his body.
He turned around and was about to go back to his office. But then he was met up with a few men in front of him. Chemo, Royce, Dioxide and Chrome were there and had watch the whole scene. And they just only give their best flat faces they have. Ghost wasn't surprise, but he was cringed to see them there.
"What are you doing here, mates?" Ghost asked as the flowers he holds never went off his chest.
"Oh nothing," Chemo replied with a shrug. "We just watch Captain Ami just gave you those flowers for Valentine's Day."
"And Ахмад Ami has a good taste on picking flowers," Dioxide added with his eyebrows raised.
"She sure has that," Ghost replied in agreement, smiling underneath his balaclava. "She picked my favorites."
"It's good to see you're smiling, Ghost," Royce replied as he smiled. "I've been wondering when you will smiling like that."
"Now, you're seeing it now, Royce," Ghost replied.
Then Chrome asks. "So, when you're going to date with her?"
Everyone then glared at him in silence, giving the 'really' look. "Sorry, shouldn't have ask that."
Everyone then looks away from him as Ghost asks. "You boys heading for the cafeteria?"
"Yeah, bro," Chemo replied, giving a two finger salute lazily. "Just hearing the menu the cafeteria had for today makes me hungry as hell."
"Alright, you boys go ahead," Ghost replied with a nod. "I'll catch up later."
Ghost then walks pass them as Royce asked. "Where are you going?"
Without bothering to look back and kept walking, he replied aloud. "Putting the flowers in my vase."
Ghost then headed back for the building in front of him and entered with the flowers in his left hand. He was heading back for his office to put down his flowers. After he went back upstairs, he walks forward for a moment until he reached his door on his right and entered. Ghost looked around in his cabinets and found a small empty vase inside.
He then puts down the vase on his desk, before putting in the Cornflowers. He then filled the vase with water from a bottle. He glances at it for moments with a smile. Before he took off and exit his office. He then went to the cafeteria to eat.
Great Day for a Ghost.
Sakura Park, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture.
.
"This is the Sakura Park she meant? This is clearly a beautiful spot she picked."
Miho was right now waiting in front of the entrance of the Sakura Park. A lot of people were either passed the park, waiting at the entrance elsewhere like her, or heading in the park. It was in the evening, 5 o'clock on time. The atmosphere from the evening sun gives the most comfortable and fresh moment for Valentine's Day.
Aside from the evening sun, the weather was very wonderful. The clouds were scarce in the sky and the sun shone it's light to the earth from the west. Birds, and I mean a lot of birds are all flying and chirping in the air as if today was their mating season. Miho could noticed the birds that are flying in the sky was the Japanese Accentor kind of bird, along with some Larks.
The entrance of the park was composed of opened black fenced-like gates. Its' gates along with its' black fences around the park were decorated with hearts and roses. She could see the Sakura trees beyond that gate. Aside from that, when looking around aside the park entrance, She could noticed how scarce the cars on the road in front of the park. It seems Valentine's Day was a very big day for them.
With people crowding a little at the entrance, Miho makes sure that she looked around her as careful as she can. She also kept an eye on her wristwatch when she waits for Anchovy. She also has a wisp of Daisies in her hand, she wanted to give these flowers to Anchovy. The reason? It was Anchovy's favorite.
For what Miho wore for the Valentine's Day. Miho was wearing her dark blue long-sleeve buttoned long-sleeve shirt along with her black pants. She wears a pair of black cloth gloves. She also wears her usual belt with 4 pouches on her left side, it still contains ammo and some small tools. Drop bag was on her usual right thigh, hiding her M9 Berretta and her knife. She didn't wear anything on her head for now.
She kept waiting and waiting and waiting. Until she caught something in the corner of her eye to her left. There she was, Anchovy was here, but she was not alone. There was Éclair, Naomi and Pekoe with her in their casual outfits. Miho was pretty surprised to see them here.
"Miho-san~!" Anchovy shouted cheerily, with a spice of tease in her tone.
"Hello there, Ms. Anchovy," Miho greeted as they reached her and Miho hid the flowers behind her back. "Ms. Éclair, Ms. Naomi and Ms. Pekoe. I didn't know you'll be coming here."
"I know, Ms. Nishizumi," Pekoe replied with a nod. "We also wanted to come here as well."
"Umm, sorry, Miho," Anchovy apologized awkwardly whilst scratching her head. "I forgot to tell you about them."
"It's alright, milady," Miho replied with a smile. "You ladies want to celebrate Valentine's Day here as well?"
"Yes, Miho-san," Éclair replied with a nod. "And also it's good to see you without your hat."
"And why would you said that?" Miho asked with a raised brow.
"You always look so intimidating with that hat around," Naomi replied. "Like that time back in the tea party."
Miho just snickered, then asks. "How do I look now?"
"I don't know how to…" Anchovy then looked over to Pekoe. "Pekoe?"
"You looked like a gentleman," Pekoe replied as she clasped her hands underneath her stomach. "Or, more like a gentlelady."
"It's nice to hear that," Miho replied with a nod. "By the way, I got something for you, Anchovy."
Miho then gives Anchovy the flowers, to which she was surprised as she took them. "Daisies?! They're my favorite! How did you know?"
Everyone else was rather surprised as well as Miho replied. "Asked some friends."
"I see," Anchovy replied with a nod, she then sniff the flowers. "Ah, how fragrant its smell."
"Nice touch you made there, Miho," Naomi commented with a smirk, impressed.
"Thanks for the compliment," Miho replied with a nod.
"Where did you get these?" Anchovy asked curiously.
"I picked on my way here," Miho replied, it was true though, she had to go all the way here and pick some flowers in a few stops.
"That must be tiring," Pekoe commented in concern of her physique.
"Nah, mate," Miho replied with a shook. "It's a walk in the park."
"Oh come on, Miho," Anchovy joked as she leans her head back with everyone smiling. "I know it's that hard. Why bother doing that than buying me one?"
"I just… don't really like it," Miho replied with a slow shook. "I also don't want to waste money."
"I see," Éclair replied, but then frowned on something. "And Miho?"
"Yes, Éclair?" Miho asked with a raised brow.
"Don't you feel bothered…" Éclair paused, uncomfortable on how to say it. "You know, about having that scar around?"
Everyone then changed their expressions into a frown one. Miho slowly reached out her hand to touch her own scar on her right eye. When Éclair mentioned her scar, her memories came back again. Ferrchristsake, she hates it to remember that again. But at least, she didn't show emotions about it and gave an emotionless face. Miho then lowered her hand back to her side to look back at them.
"Are you alright?" Naomi asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," Miho replied stoically. "I'm fine, Naomi."
"Forgive me if I mentioned that," Éclair quickly apologized with her fist on her chest. "I didn't mean to-"
"I understand, it's alright," Miho replied with a nod and closed eyes. "Besides, I'm doing alright with this scar around."
"Glad to hear that, Ms. Nishizumi," Pekoe replied with a smile as everyone sighed in joy.
"So… are we going in the park?" Miho asked as she waved her hand to the entrance.
"Sure, why not?" Anchovy replied back excitedly. "Come on, girls!"
Everyone went quickly not as expected since Anchovy was one quick girl. She just quickly ran in, excited to see the insides of the park. Thankfully, Miho managed to stop her from running and told her to calm her jigs down softly. Though, everyone chuckles at Anchovy's excitement and found her cute for it. Her face quickly went to irritated one when Naomi commented her cute, which found Miho laughable.
As they ventured on, they could noticed there are a lot of couples in the park. Though, they noticed that most of them are couples between a man and a woman, including teenagers. There were also families present in the park along with their own children. Frankly to say, there are a lot of people here to celebrate the Valentine's Day. Where Miho found that calming and peaceful, helping her to get her mind off her fights and reliving her memories of London.
They could feel the romance soared through the air along with the nice fragrants producing from the Sakura trees. How could you describe this? The falling gracious pink leaves falling onto them were as beautiful as snowflakes in winter. The atmosphere of romance could be seen from the couples who are doing their romantic episodes. But if you asked how does it feel to feel the atmosphere of romance now, I'll say it's like when you were awed to see the Aurora Borealis and imagining someone who could be married soon.
The people that attends the park could be seeing exchanging gifts with each other. Whether it be a box heart of chocolate, flowers, items, etc. The people there is also taking pictures there of themselves or their own family. It was fairly nice sight to see for Miho.
As they ventured the path where Sakura Trees stood in between and leaves acting like snowflakes in the air. Miho looked at Anchovy, who was standing next to her with Naomi, Éclair and Pekoe behind them. Anchovy was happy was an understatement, she was smiling joyfully as she looked around the park with astonishment. Miho found that rather cute as Anchovy was sniffing back to her flowers.
Miho then looked over to her eyes and found it beautiful. Her gleaming eyes was very pretty as a shiny diamond. It was really cute to see, but Miho didn't and never get herself a nosebleed to see that. Not sure why Miho couldn't bleed event though she's actually a Japanese. Though, Éclair, Naomi and Pekoe could have bleed from seeing Anchovy like that. Miho only smiled to that and looked back forward again.
They only kept marching forward following down the path, until someone holds Miho shoulder to signal them to stop. "Yeah?"
"Miho, just want to let you know that we three wanted to go somewhere," Pekoe said to her with her thumb pointing to behind her.
"Wait, where are you going?" Anchovy asked with a raised brow.
"Well… somewhere…" Naomi replied with a shrug and her both hands raised.
"That's quiet unconvincing," Miho replied with very little suspicion.
"We wanted to check if there's someplace interesting in the park," Éclair replied. "You both okay about this?"
Anchovy sparked a smile before replying. "Yeah, sure! Don't wait up for us!"
Everyone then turned to look at her blankly, except Miho who confused of her reaction. "Erm, what?" Pekoe asked with her eyebrows raised.
"Well, you heard me," Anchovy replied as she leans her head to them sideways.
"Umm, okay," Éclair replied awkwardly. "Alright, we'll be heading off."
"We'll see you later then," Pekoe added as the three girls began to go on their own way.
"And I hope you two lovebirds have a good time," Naomi said aloud as they left, making Anchovy and Miho stare at the walking away girls blankly.
After they were out of view, Miho and Anchovy then looked back at each other. "What did she said?" Anchovy asked.
"I think Naomi just called both of us lovebirds," Miho replied who didn't blush at the thought.
But for Anchovy, she was embarrassed and her face turned red like an apple. "W-what?"
"Yeah," Miho replied with a nod flatly. "But… really?"
"I don't really think so," Anchovy replied shyly whilst shook her head furiously. "Can we just… move on?"
"Alright, alright, milady," Miho replied to calm her down. "Let's just go."
"Ok, Miho-san," Anchovy replied with a nod, before they both then turned back forward and follow down the road.
As they walk, Miho had held Anchovy with an arm by her shoulders. Anchovy had found it pretty comfortable to let Miho hugged her like that on the walk. Anchovy smiled as she sniffs her flowers again. She would bring these flowers home and put them in the vase. Miho also smiled too when Anchovy looked at her. Miho then booped her nose, which made Anchovy recoiled shyly and tell her to not do that again softly.
As they kept walking and looking around, Anchovy had thought of something about Miho. She was today very polite and respectable and not a charming teaser like Naomi back there. Anchovy also wondered on why did she decided to not wear her usual boonie hat. More than that, she was pretty warm to Anchovy like the days before when she met her a couple of times. But she also pretty embarrassed when Miho kept saying that she's cute.
While Anchovy herself was cute, Miho was different. She was rather stoic, prepared, sharp, and the only person who acted like a true gentleman (or gentlelady in this case). Even her scarred eye was something of discomfort for her, Anchovy feels so… protected with her. She understands she's a hard girl, but there was something more about her. Something that made her interested in Miho.
Perhaps she really loved her?
Then, they found a bench ahead of them and agreed to sit there. It seems that the bench they sat on was facing to a lake in the park. They could see there are small boats rowing around the lake. Each of those boats were filled with the couples who wanted to spend their romantic time here. Miho and Anchovy both sat close as they watched the view. But then without realization, Miho's hand slowly gripped Anchovy's hand that was on the bench aside her.
Anchovy felt that and looked to her left, then blushed a bit. "Umm… Miho?"
"Hmm?" Miho looked back at her and took notice at what's she looking at.
But then she was surprised to see she was holding her hand and then quickly retracts her hand. "Oh, forgive me. I didn't mean to."
"No, no! I mean-" Anchovy quickly replied shyly with a blush, but then paused before continuing again. "You-you can hold my hand, for long as you like."
Miho then raised her eyebrows to that. "Are you alright, Anchovy?"
"I'm… fine, Miho," Anchovy replied with a doubtful nod. "It's just… it's just…"
"Your date for the first time, right?" Miho asked straight, to which Anchovy glanced at her for a moment.
"Err, yeah, it's my first time," Anchovy replied with a nod. "I'm sorry if I'm being awkward… and all that."
"Nah, don't worry about it, dear girl," Miho replied with a smile. "It's my first time as well."
Anchovy then just stared at her, surprised. "But how come you're so… calm about this? Not even looking nervous?"
"Self-control," she simply replied.
"Self-control?" Anchovy asked. "You mean like how Darjeeling does that to not be angry?"
"Yeah," Miho replied with a nod. "But my reason for self-control was not that I have anger issues."
Anchovy thought for a moment about it, before replying. "To keep yourself from becoming enrage?"
"Correct," Miho replied emotionlessly, but then lowly in guilty. "Like that time I did to… Momo…"
Anchovy stared her for a moment as Miho looked down, then Anchovy hugged her by her shoulder. "It's not your fault, Miho."
"I know you would say that," Miho replied with a smile. "I'll be fine."
"I know you would, Miho-san," Anchovy continued to hug her, then lands her head down on her right shoulder. "I'm happy to be with you"
"I'm happy to be with you too, Ms. Anzai," Miho replies back with her head tilted closer to hers with a smile. "Wish I could bring you to London to spend our time near the Buckingham Palace."
"Awww~, you~," Anchovy replied shyly with peach face, as she booped her nose. "You don't have to do that for me."
"Oh, I will," Miho replied with a nod. "One day, Anchovy. One day."
"You're so hopeful," Anchovy replied with a smirk.
"You're very interesting to me," Miho shot back with a high tone. "I liked you so much, 'Chovy."
"Me too, Miho," Anchovy replied, before looking back to the lake in front of them.
They looked over to the boats in front of them. The boats they have noticed were those the ones small boats a lot of people used. The wooden rowing boats. May it looked old, but it's also brings back the memories of the classic times here. Though, there are boats that resembles a big duck there.
"Huh, I thought there was a big duck there," Anchovy commented after she took a clear look on the duck.
"Well, that's actually intriguing," Miho responded. "You want to get one, Ms. Anzai?"
"Umm, no," Anchovy replied with a shook. "I don't like to get my feet wet for today."
"Fair point," Miho added in agreement. "Getting a spare clothes after that is the hard part."
"And will be pretty embarrassing," Anchovy added in agreement as well.
Miho then looked over to her left again, she was expecting to see someone. She was waiting for the girls that went parted from them to come back. But they're not coming back now, which was bothering her so much. She had wondered where they had gone, remembering they wanted to go somewhere in the park. She felt a poke on her right shoulder and looked back at Anchovy who was giving a concern look.
"Is everything alright, Miho?" Anchovy asked as she stopped hugging her by her shoulders.
"I'm just wondering where are those three ladies have gone," Miho replied, before looking back to other direction to look for them.
"I'm sure they'll be back, Miho," Anchovy assured her as she held her shoulder.
"Despite that," Miho replied as she looked at her. "It's still unnerved me about it."
"I see," Anchovy replied with a nod. "Let's go find them then."
"Alright then," Miho responded, they both then stood up and headed to their right.
They followed the path they're on, which leads them to nearly at one of the corner of the park in distant. From there, they could saw a small café there. Tables and chairs are in the outdoors and lined up the front porch of the café and across the front café. Small fences were made around that café as Valentines decoration were all on the wooden fence and the wooden café. There was a grand piano at a corner of the outdoor café area, which was on a wooden platform.
When they reached there, the café was already filled with the couples there. Families were also in present as they talked with themselves about their experiences they have for the day. They strolled around for a moment as they looked for them. In a minute later, they found the three girls seating at a table with a lamplight on the middle of the table. They both then headed there and greeted them.
Surprised was an understatement for these girls. They were rather not expecting to see them here. Miho had also took note that they didn't do anything weird when they parted with them both. And honestly, this place was actually a very good place, and also beautiful for her. Really fits her type of cafeteria along with Anchovy's type of café.
"Anchovy, Miho?" Pekoe asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, we're looking for you," Miho responded as she waved her hand to the girls. "What are you doing here?"
"We're actually having together for ourselves here," Naomi replied. "Besides, it's better if left you both alone. Seeing how you two were happy with each other."
"Pardon me?" Anchovy asked with a raised brow, then put her hands on her hips. "So you're implying…?"
"We left you both so you both could have a good date together," Éclair replied.
Miho and anchovy were both didn't expect to hear that. How did they know they were dating? Miho was eventually surprised but it was inside her heart, she physically didn't show her expression to the answer. Anchovy on the other hand, blushed red that would put the red colors of Valentine into shame. The girls just chuckled to see Anchovy reacted that way. And Anchovy had pouted for them to answer that.
"How did you know that?!" Anchovy exclaimed shyly. "I didn't even told you about it!"
"Well, Éclair told us how you and Miho both liked each other," Pekoe replied as she pointed to Éclair. "So when you told us that Miho will be waiting back there, we three already know that you were planning a date with her."
"You are one sly ladies," Miho commented with a smirk. "I'll give ya' that."
They then confused to see Miho's stoic reaction. "That's odd. We're expecting to see you blush like Anchovy there. But you didn't," Pekoe stated as they raised eyebrows to her including Anchovy.
"I've seen a lot of things, lass," Miho replied with a slow shook. "I've seen a lot that I don't even give a bloody thing about it."
"Wait, for real?" Naomi asked in disbelieve with a tilted head.
"Yeah, for real," Miho replied with a nod. "And to be honest, it give me headaches sometimes."
"I think I can see what you mean in that way," Anchovy added with her arms crossed.
"And to think about it in the wrong way, I don't know what to say," Éclair added in agreement.
Miho then looked away from the girls again only to look over to the only piano present in the area. That grand piano was really looked like that old class look ones from America and UK. Maybe she able to play instruments based on strings-type of instruments. She actually could play a piano before and people and soldiers commented that she was awesome playing it. More than that, she knew sets of songs for the piano.
"Something interests you?" Anchovy asked as Miho quickly snapped and looked at her.
"Yeah, I guess so," Miho replied, before looking back to the piano.
The three girls then stood off their table and stood next to them both. "You're good at playing piano?" Pekoe asked curiously.
"You could say that," Miho replied with her eyes darted at her, before looking back to the piano again.
Naomi who was right aside Miho asks. "Do you mind if you play a song?"
Miho only looked over her in doubt. "I'm… not sure if I want that."
"Come on, Miho," Anchovy requested as she elbowed her softly. "Do it for me. Please…"
Miho only sighed for 5 seconds, before looking back at her with a smirk. "Alright, my dear. I'll try."
Miho then walked forward towards the piano as her friends and possible lover watched her moving there. Miho stepped onto the wooden platform and walked over to the piano. She observed the piano first in detail, the sight, the texture, and the feelings of classics. Before she then gently sat down on the provided black wooden long chair. She then observed the keyboard on the piano.
She then sighed with her eyes closed. Then, she began to play it.
(All of Me - John Legend) ((Cover By Jasmine Thompson)(Lyrics)) (Better girls' version is suggested)
It was… relaxing, beautiful and romantic. Everyone in the café then began to look at Miho playing. Anchovy and her friends deadpanned to watch her play. Then Miho began to sing.
.
What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out?
You've got my head spinning, no kidding
I can't pin you down
.
What's going on in that beautiful mind?
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me
But I'll be alright
.
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy, and I'm out of my mind
.
'Cause all of me loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh
.
How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too?
The world is beating you down
I'm around through every mood
.
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing in my head for you
.
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy, and I'm out of my mind
.
'Cause all of me loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you~
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh
.
Give me all of you
Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it's hard
.
'Cause all of me~ loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
.
I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh…
.
After Miho ended her song, everyone then applauses her aloud with cheers and compliments. Anchovy could only stood there in awe and astonishment. Pekoe and Éclair felt her singing was so beautiful that they both had give their compliments by putting their hands on their chest. Naomi clapped her hands to applause Miho, she has made a perfect impression for today.
Miho thanks to everyone who applauded her and walked over to her lover and her friends. Miho just gives an open palm to them for a greet. Everyone smiled to her with high hearts and high level of happiness. Anchovy just quickly ran forward and hugged her.
"Woah, easy there, my lady," Miho said to which then Anchovy stops hugging her. "So, how well I did it?"
"It's awesome!" Anchovy cheered out. "This is the best day ever!"
Anchovy kissed her cheek, to which Miho only blushed a little. "Uhh, I didn't expect that. But thanks."
"No, thanks for doing that for me," Anchovy responded happily. "Come on, there's still more for us to do."
"Okay," Miho replied with a chuckle. "Whatever you say, young lady."
They spend the rest of their day in the park. Miho and Anchovy could be said that they both were having a best date on their first time. Naomi, Éclair and Pekoe were felt so adorable to see them both like that. But still, there bothers Miho on one thing. Which is their knowledge of not knowing Miho was a 141 soldier.
Maybe they didn't know, but sooner or later they will know. Miho had a bothered feeling for Anchovy herself. She may be pure innocent, a best friend, a lover in her heart. Miho just worried if anything bad happens to her just because of Miho's secret.
But she thought she just overprotective, and she will always hoped Anchovy will be alright.