Chapter 15 - Natsumi II
Natsumi sighed and finally got out of bed to start her new day. She didn't remember exactly when but she had assumed the role as the main meal provider for a long time now. Her mother was sometimes too busy with work, and last time Fuyuki did anything he almost broke the rice cooker.
And of course, having the four aliens share their abode.
She made her way down the stairs and considered the options - Kururu was extremely picky although most of the time he was always in the basement. Giroro wasn't picky at all and always ate whatever she made - but only when there was enough. Keroro tried to be slick and always request special meals. Rarely she gave him that.
"Sheesh, we need milk again?" Natsumi closed the fridge door and got to work. Eventually the table was crowded, which was a rarity. She turned to the Corporal walking inside. "Hey, Giroro, you hungry?"
"Uhh…..s-sure, Natsumi."
At least he was grateful. Keroro was probably discussing something about their invasion plans.
"Mois, you look like you want to say something?" asked Fuyuki. "You're usually doing the Sar-…..er, I mean your chores right about now."
"Ohhh…..I guess I can't keep it a secret…." Mois passed a letter to Natsumi. "Someone is going to visit me. Another Angolian, my cousin…..named Angol Fear."
"WHAT?!" the Hinatas shouted.
"No….she got wind of you living here?" Natsumi gripped the page and skimmed the lines. "Y-You can tell her to leave this world alone, right?"
"That's the problem! You see….maybe I am a little behind on my planet destroying quota. But if I don't do something, Fear will destroy this world instead!" Mois turned bright. "But it's okay, 'cuz Corporal Giroro will train me to victory!" she said cheerfully.
Heads cautiously spun around to stare at the new coach.
"Um….that's right. She's the only counter we've got. I can handle this mission. Okay…Natsumi?"
"Oh, you're such a lifesaver Giroro! But Mois, it doesn't HAVE to result in a battle that risks the planet itself, right? Can't you talk it out?"
Mois shook her head. "My cousin's more terrifying than I am. Even I'm scared of her!"
"That's it!" Keroro banged the table. "Time for a platoon meeting, STAT!"
Soon all the aliens of the house were gone…..and Natsumi snarled as she shoved all of their dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
"Sweetie, you look tense. Let me do the dishes," Aki said.
"No Mom! ….it's better if you hurry to work, right? Fuyuki get yourself ready, I'll make your lunch." Natsumi slammed the fridge door open. "Stupid aliens and their mooching….."
XXXXX
Before she could head off to school, she went to her room and turned on the radio. This was it. The chance to see if she won the contest! She practically swooned once she heard Saburo's voice.
"Alright listeners, guess we should reveal the winning code. This lucky girl - or guy - will get to spend this afternoon with yours truly."
"Oh yes, PLEASE!"
"The code is…..5210."
"YES! YES, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT MY CODE IS…wait…." Natsumi looked at her own paper.
It was 6938. No number matched.
"Thanks to everyone who participated! Who knows, maybe your time is next time?"
Her day didn't get much better. First she lost the contest, then she was treated to the incredulous sight of her friends getting off a helicopter with Momoka. What the hell did she even miss? Soon they parted ways, and met up with Natsumi at her shoe locker.
"That was….an entrance."
"Oh Natsumi it was AWESOME! Momoka's dad is like, super rich and stuff! Best sleepover ever!"
"Greaaaaaaaaat." Natsumi slammed the door closed. Then Yayoi rubbed her head.
"So, er….Natsumi, they announced the winning code today…."
"Don't remind me!" she yelled. "Some LUCKY girl won and I lost. Again. Why is this so difficult?! I actually have met him before! If there's anyone that stands a chance, it's me!"
"Maaaaybe next time?"
Natsumi doubted it, even though it would've been nice. The thought of having some fun to herself, with the boy of her dreams! Hopefully Koyuki would give her some good news, that the girl she saw wasn't his significant other or anything.
"There she goes again…."
Natsumi turned around. "What? Can't I gush about him every once in a while?"
"In a while?" Satsuki smiled. "Natsumi, you're crazy about him. You should just seek him out and confess."
"I can't do that!" Natsumi blurted, turning red. "You…you don't just tell a guy that, you know!"
"Why not?" Yayoi asked. "Are you scared?"
"No!"
She totally was, but she wouldn't admit it. To Natsumi, Saburo was cool and confident. Even a simple smile on his end was enough to make her knees weak. But the longer she pulled it off, the greater the risk he'd be snatched away by someone - according to her - prettier, smarter, and more successful.
"Aw don't put yourself down, Natsumi. You're the most popular girl in the school!"
"C'mon, it's not like I'm the only good catch in this school…."
THUMP
Right in the path towards class was one of the older boys - Kaito Kamizawa, the Captain of the Boys' Basketball team. Handsome with short brown hair. Natsumi quickly backed up.
"S-Sorry."
"Hey, no worries, Hinata. You off to class right now? Maybe you'd be a little more free come lunch period…" He was flanked by other jocks. But Natsumi only scoffed.
"No thanks. You're not my type."
"Type? Whoa whoa…" he grabbed her wrist before she could walk away. "….tell me what's your type then. A hot girl like you must have a type in mind, yeah?" Natsumi was fuming. At least Haruyama attempted SOME subtly to all of this. She yanked her hand away from his grip.
"Don't you have a girlfriend, Kamizawa? Mizuki Ito, in the other class?"
"We're….on a break."
"Great, so I'm on a break from this conversation." Natsumi shoved her way through the jocks, and Yayoi + Satsuki quickly followed. Unfortunately, Kaito wasn't done.
"Why do you always play so hard to get, Hinata?! Good girls don't flaunt it!"
"Excuse me?" Now Natsumi had enough. "Oh, well apologies for not getting on my knees and revering you as some kind of god among men! I forget, I had so little self-respect that I'd go out with a two-timing loser like you!"
Quickly her friends pushed her into class. Before more kids came.
"He's just a jerk Natsumi….."
"Hmph." Her anger made it hard to focus on the lesson. "Some guys are so stupid! It's been like this since middle school. No one can take a damn hint!"
"Maybe you do need a boyfriend, Natsumi," Yayoi whispered. "Someone special you can vent to, be more open with, y'know?"
"Exactly. Saburo."
The two girls looked at each other.
"Natsumi, do you…..have a plan B if it turns out he has a girlfriend already? Or if the contest winner gets lucky…."
"Yes. Wait X amount of time for them to break up, give him about a month or so to get over her, THEN I make my move!"
"K, but what if another girl swoops in?"
"…..I'll just get to him faster!"
"What if he needs more time to get over it?"
"…..then I'll wait!"
Yayoi and Satsuki shared a look. They supported Natsumi's crush, but it seemed she would always have this back-and-forth with her determination. She was so confident in anything else, yet not this. Perhaps she needed a little push?
"Maybe Natsumi…..you need some practice!"
"Huh?"
"Yeah yeah, you've never had a serious boyfriend before. You can't be such an amateur with Saburo! Pick one of the boys in our school, date them, and that way you'll get experience!"
Natsumi looked put off by Satsuki's suggestion. "Are you NUTS? Then everyone will just think I'm a stuck-up bitch that passes through boys like they're candy! Besides, what if Saburo is put off?"
"Well, what if he gets jealous and gets more interested in you? Boys like competition!" Yayoi provided.
"I don't know…."
XXXXX
Later she was in the bathroom when she overheard some things from two other girls.
"That Hinata actually turned down Kaito! What's her problem? She gets all the boys to fawn over her, yet she rejects them all?"
"I don't know, maybe she's just a total bitch."
The nerve of-! Natsumi took a deep breath. Gossip just wasn't worth her time, but it still hurt to be thought of so negatively. Maybe she should take a chance, so she wouldn't be so unapproachable to everyone? But she hated that idea too.
Luckily the girls were gone when she washed her hands.
"Um, excuse me."
"WHO'S THERE?!" She spun around, ready to smash any perverts into the tiled floor. Although the figure was smaller and less human than she was expecting. "Dororo?"
The ninja nodded and looked around. "Coast seems to be clear. S-Should I wait until you're finished?"
"Just tell me what you found," she sighed.
"Very well. Keroro's big plan is a dating service. His logic seems to be that the planet will be neutralized through the young love we help spread. A very harmonious plan, don't you think?"
"Are you serious? Oh my god…." Natsumi wanted to beat her head with a drumstick. Every time the platoon got involved in love affairs, it was always a complete disaster. Then it hit her….maybe she could test the waters with some subtlety. A boy like Saburo needed some experience, right? "Well, thanks for the tip, Dororo. You're the best!"
"No problem. Er….right now, the platoon is spreading fliers promoting the service."
"Ugh. What's the name of this?"
When Dororo told her the name, she nearly fainted.
She returned home later that day. Lunch with Momoka revealed she had plans with Fuyuki, and while she certainly supported her desire to date her brother, she had to admit she was jealous that someone was having some love luck.
She headed in her empty kitchen and decided to get some juice….until she heard pattering.
"Hey, I'm….just gonna get some snacks for the platoon," Giroro said.
"Matchmaking service?" Natsumi turned around. "That stupid frog really thinks he can manipulate love like that? Only idiots use online dating, anyway."
"Guess you know about the plan….." Giroro opened up the cabinet. "I think it's dumb too. If you liked someone…..you'd just tell them. Uhh, that's how it works on Keron anyways."
He couldn't meet Natsumi's gaze. She'd see his blush.
"Yeah? Well maybe there's SOME merit to it, I mean…..what do you say when you feel like you can't tell the person directly?"
Giroro's hand shook as he picked up the potato chip bag.
"I don't know. You seem a little less upset today."
"Me?" Natsumi sat down and sighed. "I'm still pretty annoyed. I'm trying to get in contact with Koyuki." Did she even want to mention the contest?
"I meant yesterday. What had you so bothered?" Giroro finally shut the cabinet door. Now the goal was to get to the other room without seeing her face.
"It's….nothing."
"Are you sure? You can tell me, I won't tell the others."
"It's not something I like talking about." The frog twitched. "But, uh….Giroro? You guys can only do these dumb plans for so long, right? What happens once your planet starts demanding some results?"
From the look on Giroro's face, she wasn't going to like the answer.
"I don't know. Maybe they'll send us more soldiers, maybe take over the entire invasion."
"….."
"Not that it matters. I'd make sure you and your family were safe."
Natsumi chuckled, but it wasn't humorous. "You'd be a traitor then? What happens to those?" Giroro's lack of an immediate response was telling.
Ugh, I can't do this stupid homework.
Natsumi leaned back in her desk chair. She couldn't even focus on the calculus problems in the book. Too much going on. There was the platoon's (stupid) plan, Fuyuki being alone with Momoka….and then it hit her.
Crap, the contest winner! Maria Majima, right?!
Frantically she searched the girl's name. One of the first results took her to the 623 Fanclub; it astonished Natsumi because how hadn't she heard of such a thing? Maybe I'm just not the type to fangirl with others….look at that hair! Ugh!
But Natsumi tried to snap herself out of her jealousy. Maria had won, not her, and that was that. Even still, the desire to learn more about her was driving her mad. Could she go to an address to investigate? No, only a PO box for mail was listed. But there WAS a hotline…..
"Let's see….." she dialed the number and waited. Each ring took agonizingly long to get through, and it made Natsumi more and more anxious. Finally, there was something.
"Hellllo! This is the 623 Hotline! How can we assist you today?"
"Um…is it true Maria Majima has won that radio contest?" Why Natsumi was waiting time on a question she knew the answer to, she didn't know.
"Yes, of course. President is sure to write about the experience in tomorrow's blog update!"
"Um…..what does one have to do to join the fanclub?" Natsumi wondered. There was a pause. Definitely other girls in the background whispering to the caller.
"That's easy. Write an essay on what our 623 means to you, and send it AND a picture of yourself to our email address! If accepted, we'll let you know. Oh, and you have to include a piece of trivia about him!"
Natsumi blinked. "T-Thanks!" She hung up. Was she really doing this? It could just be a regular contest win, but she needed to sort out her competition. So she went to her computer and started to type:
My name is Natsumi Hinata, age 16. Just a regular high school girl, well….maybe not regular, I couldn't begin to tell you the crazy things I have to put up with. But I just try to get by, and Saburo is a big big part of that! His smile, his voice, the very air which he breathes…..
"…."
Natsumi slammed her head on the keyboard.
the very air which he breathes…ASGASHAJSHASA
"Soooooooo lame. How do I express myself without sounding like a dork, or worse, some girl from one of those cliché romance novels?" She sighed and picked herself up. "Let's try again."
I'm Natsumi, and the truth is, I wish Saburo wasn't such a mystery. Even those rare moments when I DO see him, he can never stay for long. Is it me? Or is it this insane world that is designed to annoy me and amuse him? Is this really just a giant game that I can't quit?
"What AM I doing?! It's a stupid letter to a fanclub, not a philosophy course!" But Natsumi sighed all the same. "Still, maybe they wish he was more present, too. I guess if he did have a girlfriend, she'd either feel left out, or she's just good at being aloof. Wonder what Mom would say…."
Then she looked at her father's picture on her nightstand.
"….wonder what you would say….." That was something Natsumi longed for. The last day she saw him, he took her out. A trip to the mall, some lunch, and buying her her favorite toy at the time. "Do you remember what I said, when you tucked me in?"
DINGDONG
"Huh? Who's that?"
"S….Saburo?!" Of all people to be at her door. Was she dreaming? Curiously, Momoka was behind him.
"Hey. Uh long story short, your brother was in a bit of a bind, but he'll be fine. Let him sleep it off, alright?" He gestured for Momoka to help him lay Fuyuku on the couch. Her brother looked fine, so Natsumi could focus on the fact that Saburo was her in her house!
"T-Thank you! I mean, i-if you want something like a soda or a homecooked meal, or maybe-"
"Nah I gotta run. I'll see you around."
"O. M. G!" Natsumi looked so giddy. "I can't believe he was here! He saved Fuyuki from….whatever happened! Did you see, Momoka?"
"Natsumi….?"
"Yeah, what?"
"There's someone that has feelings for you…..and well…..he doesn't know how to tell you. What should he do?"
Awww, she doesn't mean Saburo, does she? More annoying jocks… "Whoever this boy is, Momoka, tell them not to bother with dumb notes or big gestures. A little honesty goes a long way."
"What if…..he's scared of rejection?" Momoka murmured.
"Can he dance around trying forever? If he can, good for him." She went to get her brother another pillow. When she came back, Momoka was gone. "Hey…."
XXXXX
It took some work but Natsumi had moved her brother back to his bed. She tucked him in carefully, and looked at him to make sure he was alright. At last, he stirred.
"Natsumi…..?"
"Hey Fuyuki. You had a pretty crazy afternoon, didn't you?"
"I….I guess? I don't really remember….." Fuyuki yawned. "Thanks for tucking me in."
"I've been doing it for all those nights Mom had to work." Natsumi winked at him. "It's the job of an older sister!"
"Hmmm….but I'm not a kid anymore, Natsumi…" But despite that, he was drifting back into a comfortable sleep. Natsumi patted his head and wished him sweet dreams.
Next thing she knew, she was digging out old movies and watching them downstairs.
"Hear I come, Daddy! Whee!"
She was fixated on the time she was at the park, sliding into his arms. Both of them looked so happy…..it was over a decade ago but Natsumi still remembered the experience. Of course, hearing her father's voice made her get watery.
"Na….Natsumi….?"
Crap it's him. "Giroro." She shut the TV off. "Next time tell us where you're going with Mois. I know you two are aliens that can handle yourselves, but it's nice to know…where you are."
Giroro didn't answer at first. "Sorry, Natsumi. I'll be outside so you can sleep."
"….wait."
"Hm?"
Now she turned on the lights, knowing full well Giroro would see her and her collection of used tissues.
"You….look like you got a lot of your mind, Natsumi."
"Maybe I do. You're making sure Mois can bat any alien out of the solar system, right? Only you can do this, Giroro. I don't trust the stupid frog as far I can throw him. Nice to know only you're taking this seriously."
"Natsumi…..it'll do neither of us any good to constantly worry about what we can't prevent. But rest assured, soldier's honor….I'll make sure this planet is safe."
"….."
"Just trust me. Okay? I promise, I won't let you down."
"Giroro…." Natsumi wiped her eyes. "Ugh, I must look like a wreck. I hate this time of year. The day comes and passes, and we're supposed to ignore it?"
"What were you watching?" Giroro asked.
"Just a home video. It's…not easy getting through this stuff, Giroro. Having aliens run around is only problem number ONE on the laundry list of crap I have to get through." She stood up, still in her pajamas. "But what choice do I have? I'm the one that won't let this house fall."
"…"
"So what good does it do if Mom or Fuyuki sees me like this?"
"Natsumi, they're your family. Sometimes we can't starve off the pressure forever. Take me, for example." Giroro looked to his tent. "If my family saw me like this, they'd disown me in a heartbeat."
"Whaaaat? Didn't you fight your brother in the past?"
"Yes, my brother of higher rank. He can't have mercy on me anymore. And let's pray my father never comes here."
Natsumi shivered. "Your….father? A gun-toting maniac or something?"
"I come from a military family, Natsumi. Keroro's father is feared amongst the Keron Army, but my father is just as terrifying. He's conquered planet after planet. Do you know what his reaction would be if I told him I can't take this single one?"
"N-No…." This can't be good.
"I don't either, a bullet would be in my skull before I would see it."
Wow. Kinda puts stuff into perspective. But hey, if he can talk about his dad…. "I…don't think my….uh…. would hate you, Giroro. Like Fuyuki, he was obsessed with other-worldly stuff. What's yours doing now?"
"He's currently retired from the army." Giroro began to sweat. "I imagine Pokopenian fathers….they do the same. Retire….um, I mean."
Natsumi cocked her head. "Are you asking if my dad is retired?"
"No! I mean….it's just…..you've never talked about him before."
"You never talked about YOUR dad before."
Giroro looked nervous. "Well it's getting late. We both have things to do tomorrow." Natsumi decided to leave it at that. She bemoaned the loss of the contest, much to the frog's confusion.
The next day began rather predictably. Wake up Fuyuki, make breakfast for the family….of course, she DID a mental checklist of what she needed to sort out. She complied it while finishing up the rice.
A) the dumb frog's matchmaking service. Y'know, how stupid the plan really is.
B) the fanclub. I finished that email last night but they need to get back to me.
And C)….. She looked over at her mother, right as Giroro excused himself to talk with Fuyuki. Perhaps this wasn't the time to talk about it, but she was tired of dancing around the issue. So when she gave her mother her plate…
"He's not coming back, is he?"
Aki looked up. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean! The day came and passed, Mom! Are we supposed to just ignore it?! I'm sorry, but I can't!"
"Natsumi….."
"He's been gone all this time…..what am I supposed to think?" She was shaking. But her mother pulled her closer and spoke calmly.
"I know it bothers you a lot, Natsumi. Your brother doesn't want to talk about it ether, so why should I when I know how much it upsets you kids?"
"He's….he's…." Natsumi's eyes were watering. She hated it.
"I don't know," Aki said softly. "But I still have the two of you. I'd rather focus on what I still have. But please don't think for a second I forgot your father."
"Waaaah…..Mom…"
"Natsumi, we can talk about this later. I think your brother is coming back. Let's put on a good front for him, okay?"
Natsumi sniffled and nodded.
XXXX
"Bye Mom! We're off to school!"
Fuyuki ran out of the house, but Natsumi remembered one last thing before she left. If the platoon's plan was legit (in the most Keroro-y sense of the word): She decided to check it out on her phone. She hated being an accessory to whatever Keroro's mind could think of but at the same time….maybe she could draw out Saburo like this? Against her better judgement, she made a profile.
"There we go! Modest picture…waaaaait, maybe I should make it flirty?" But she couldn't change the photo. "What the hell?" Natsumi threw her phone at her couch. "Your app doesn't work, you fr…..huh?!" Why is it chan-STUPID FROG!
It took her five seconds to get downstairs, punch Keroro into the wall, and take the phone HE was using to control her profile.
Another school day began thus far….
"Morning Natsumi!"
"Hey, girls…." She greeted Yayoi and Satsuki like usual. "So I did some digging around, and well….let's just say the contest winner comes from this Saburo fanclub!"
"Really?!"
"How are you not on their roster? Is it at our school?"
"No, it's…." Natsumi blinked. "…..they didn't give an address yet. I had to email my application, so to speak."
"Wow, that's kinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd of a red flag, Natsumi," Satsuki said. "Did they ever get back to you?"
"Let's see….."
"Why do you have two phones?" Yayoi asked.
"Not important. Oh, here we go!"
Dear Natsumi Hinata,
You're in! All you need to do is pay the club fee of 2,000 yen per month and meet us at the disclosed address for the initation meeting….!
"I'M IN!" Natsumi hugged her phone. "2,000 yen isn't so much, too!" But her two friends looked a LOT less convinced.
"Natsumi, it's a little…..what's the word? weird to have a fanclub about someone and have it be some hush-hush, 2000 yen/month operation. Usually it's lovestuck freshmen girls that make this stuff."
"What's that supposed to mean? He's a famous radio star! The club is probably packed to the gills with members! I'll head over to there today!"
She giddily ran to class, missing the concerned looks on Yayoi and Satsuki's faces.
XXXX
FINALLY! THE DAY IS DONE!
Natsumi closed her textbook as her class filed out of the room. The only real thing of interest to happen was the sudden appearance of Alisa Southernclass, but she hardly paid that any mind. No, she took off from school.
"Natsumi! Where are you going?!" Koyuki followed her through the treebranches.
"I'm doing something important, Koyuki, geez! It's special!"
"You're looking for Maria Majima, aren't you?"
She froze. Koyuki jumped down.
"It's too dangerous! Sorry I've been a little sporadic with my appearances, but I was doing intel! This Majima girl hardly has anything on her. She's the head of this weird Saburo fanclub!"
"Yeah, I applied for a meeting. I'm going there right now."
"Huh?!" Koyuki's eyes widened. "But you can't!"
"Why not?! I can handle myself!"
"But it's nothing you've seen before! Can't I just follow to make sure you're not in any trouble, Natsumi?" Koyuki took her hand. "Please, I won't get in your way, I promise!"
"You PROMISE?"
"Ninja's honor!"
"Fine." But the second she turned around to keep going, her heart practically burst. It was…..Saburo.
"Hey. Let's get a coffee, Natsumi."
This is soooooo a date. I can't believe it! I'm sitting here, drinking an espresso with Saburo sitting across from me! I mean, Koyuki's next to me, and she's sniffing things, so…..this isn't a date!
"Thanks," Saburo said once his cup came. "Listen, you two are looking for Majima, right?"
"Sure am! How much do you REALLY know her?" Koyuki asked. Natsumi smacked her from under the table.
"That girl…she won a contest my producers wanted me to have. Not too many people know I'm the guy behind the voice." Saburo looked around the empty café. The guy wiping down the counter gave him an "ok" hand gesture. "It was more fun following Momoka instead."
"Wait, how do you….?" Natsumi thought back to the previous day.
"Not important. Girls…..I need a big favor. Since you've been accepted, Natsumi, you're the perfect mole to do some espionage for me!"
"…excuse me?"
"What do you mean, Saburo?" Koyuki asked.
"C'mon. Isn't it obvious? The fanclub is just a front. It's a bunch of aliens in disguise, trying to learn my secrets. Had Kururu do some recon for me. It's kind of a pain, so…..lend me a hand?"
"I don't know if we-"
"DEAL!" Natsumi declared. She pointed at Saburo. "But in exchange, you um…..take me to the movies. It's not fair, um….some alien girl won your contest!" She sounded so confident in her head, but it was obvious that her face was beet red.
"Oh, uh….alright." Saburo smiled. "But you help me first, okay Natsumi?"
He said my name! Again!
She had no idea what she would get into…..
To be continued...
Apologies for being absent for so long. Personal life took its toll, and eventually I knew I wanted to continue this saga. It's not as popular as some of my other works, but I know it has its fans.
Next time we'll focus on Fuyuki, THEN finally Keroro!