September 1st
"Hanako-chan, is everything all right?"
"What do you mean, Coach?" Hanako curled up the ribbon and held it still, having just finished her routine.
"You appear distracted. I can tell from your movements. We can't afford to slow down, you know. The Portugal World Cup is in a few days. "
"Distracted? I feel fine," Hanako smiled, but gave her a confused look.
"Something is bothering you," Murakami walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder, "I've known you since you were four, Hanako-chan. I'm not your mother, but I'm close to it. What's up?"
"Can Futaba-chan come with us to Portugal? I know it's a last-minute request, but she's my best friend!" Hanako looked at her with pleading eyes.
"I see… Best friend, huh?" Murakami leaned back up and took a deep breath, "No."
"B-But…"
"You're not fooling me, Hanako-chan. I know what you mean by 'best friend.'"
"Y-You do?" Hanako blushed.
"You don't need to say anything. It's written all over your face," she sighed and patted Hanako's head, "Hanako-chan. I need you to focus on your routine for now. This upcoming World Championship is your biggest chance! You do want to go to the Olympics, right?"
"I do!" she excitedly nodded, "Absolutely!"
"Do you want to go next year, or in 2024?"
"Next year!"
"There's your answer for now. Can you focus on your love for gymnastics right now?"
"I can!"
"That's the Hanako-chan I know. Thank you," Murakami stepped back, nodding, "That's all for today."
"Thank you, Coach! I'm going to focus on gymnastics, and then I'll think about Futaba-chan more!"
"You're a cute pair," Murakami snickered, "Just don't lose focus."
"Th-Thank you, Coach!" Hanako blushed and nodded.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Murakami made her way out, and Hanako went to change before returning to the apartment complex. When she returned, she found herself standing in front of Futaba's door.
"Do I want to talk to her…?" Hanako felt her heartbeat accelerate.
A minute passed.
Two minutes.
A knock.
"What's the passcode?"
"Namaste."
"Come on in," Futaba creaked open the door.
"Hello, Futaba-chan."
"Hey, Hanako-chan! What's up?"
Hanako looked Futaba up and down, realizing that something was different. It wasn't just the fact that she had tied her hair up in a bun, but everything about her just felt different. Futaba was cute, pretty and beautiful all at once, and now Hanako felt her heart unable to slow down. Each time she looked at Futaba's bright, brown eyes, which seemed to have a faint purple tone behind her glasses, she felt her heart skip a beat.
"Can we talk?" her voice had a hint of excitement mixed with uncertainty.
"Yeah of course, take a seat," Futaba fully opened the door and motioned her in.
As Hanako stepped in, she took in the familiar setting, with Futaba's multi-monitor setup in one corner, her various books, neatly organized on a shelf, a bunch of notes scattered on her desk, her premium chair, her bed, her posters, and her figures. She sat on Futaba's bed while Futaba sat in her chair.
"So what's up, Hanako-chan? You got the World Cup in Portugal comin' up soon, and the World Championships too! Are you nervous?"
"Not at all," Hanako smiled and shook her head, "I actually wanted to talk about you."
"About me? There's not much for us to talk about then! I'm no faceless NPC, but I'm definitely not a protagonist like you," Futaba rubbed her nose with a finger.
"You're very important to me, Futaba-chan! You're my best friend, after all," Hanako took a deep breath, "That's why I wanted to ask you about what's been hurting you. I learned that talking about your problems can help you feel a lot better! I was thinking about when we first met…" she spun the flower pin in her hair, "And about how you mentioned that you were rejected twice… "
"Oh…" Futaba's voice trailed off, "Are you sure you wanna know? It's been nearly a year since then, so I think I'm over it!"
"No, I don't think you are, Futaba-chan," Hanako adamantly shook her head.
A long pause, and then a sigh from Futaba.
"Errr… Fine… I'm over it, so I should be able to tell you easy! Um… So… I was best friends with this girl, her name was Kana-chan. I knew her back in elementary, and then we… she transferred schools. Eventually, we reconnected in highschool and continued being friends! As I spent more time with her… I um… I realized that I wanted to be more than friends with her… I didn't even think about her feelings, so I uh, I asked her out, kinda like that girl did in the show. She said she didn't think of me that way, and I just… stopped talking to her. I'm a pretty crappy friend, aren't I?" she held her legs up in a fetal position, slowly rotating the chair.
"Not at all, Futaba-chan!" Hanako gently reassured her, "You're a great friend!"
"Doesn't feel like it…" Futaba pushed her head against her legs, barely looking up.
"Futaba-chan, look at me," Hanako stood up and walked up to her.
"W-Why?" Futaba looked up.
"Friendship punch!" Hanako softly punched Futaba's cheek, "Let me see you grit those teeth!"
"Wh-What are you doing…?" Futaba gave her a sad, confused look.
"You know… When the protagonist is feeling like they're going to lose, their rival punches them until they realize they realize they can win!"
"H-Huh… I'm not the protagonist, though… And you're not my rival…" Futaba spun in her chair, avoiding eye contact.
"Doesn't matter!" Hanako pushed Futaba's head up and gave her a heart-melting smile, closing her eyes and slightly tilting her head.
'Hanako-chan…" Futaba felt her heart skip a beat as her jaw dropped.
"Futaba-chan, if you were to ask me that same question, I'd say yes!" Hanako clapped and giggled.
"Uhhhhh… What…?" Futaba's eyes widened.
"Like I said, Futaba-chan," Hanako leaned forward and tapped her nose, "You're my best friend!"
"Uhhhhhhhhhh…" Futaba froze momentarily.
"Do you feel any better?" Hanako giggled and held her fist up.
"A.. little bit?" Futaba tilted her head.
"You answered with a question!"
"You're confusing the heck out of me, Hanako-chan… Hold on..."
Futaba spun around in her chair so Hanako couldn't see her and quickly analyzed the situation internally.
"Did she just say that if I asked her out like I did Kana-chan, she'd say yes? I've got to be hearing that wrong! I don't think Hanako understands what she's saying! I mean, she's pretty dense about this kinda stuff… No… Calm down Futaba, she's just trying to make you feel better…"
She spun back around.
"Thank you, Hanako-chan!" Futaba adjusted her glasses, "I do feel a little better!"
"Good!" Hanako held up her fist.
"Are you gonna punch me again?"
"No! I want you to fist bump me!"
"Oh! Okay!" Futaba held up her fist, and they bumped.
"If you have any other problems you want to talk about, just tell me!"
"You're helping me because you want to, right?"
"Of course and you're my best friend!"
"Thank you, Hanako-chan you're my best friend too," Futaba finally smiled.
"You're welcome! Now go to bed early tonight!" Hanako pointed a finger at her.
"Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh… No promises," she grinned in reply.
"Futaba-chan…" Hanako puffed her cheeks, answering in a disappointed tone.
"I'll think about it."
"Great! Okay, I'll be going, now! See you soon, Futaba-chan!" Hanako made her way to the door, waving.
"Goodbye, Hanako-chan!" Futaba waved as she made her way out.
The cool summer night air blew past Hanako as she closed her eyes and stood on the walkway of the apartment complex.
"So Futaba-chan romantically liked Kana-chan, and doesn't want to be rejected again. She is still hurt, but at the same time, she romantically likes me, just like I like her. I can't tell her yet… I have to remember what Coach Murakami told me. I need to focus on gymnastics. I want to go to the Olympics! Futaba-chan will wait for me. I love her, and I love gymnastics… I'm so excited!"
Hanako opened her eyes and smiled before making her way into her apartment and going to bed.
Meanwhile, at the Amamiya-Yoshizawa apartment
"Hello, Doc," Ren answered his phone while lying on Sumire's lap as she stroked his hair and put it on speaker. After arriving home, he promised her a massage if he could lay on her lap while they watched TV.
"Hello, Amamiya-kun. I apologize for calling out of the blue. Rumi told me that she wants to have what would essentially be a baby shower, as it's called in the west. It hasn't even been a month, but she really wants to show off, I think. We already had a celebration with Shibusawa and my parents, but even that wasn't enough for her. So, she told me to invite you and Yoshizawa-san, and also mentioned that you can invite anyone you want."
"I'd love to come, Dr. Maruki!" Sumire giggled.
"Oh, hello Yoshizawa-san. I didn't realize the call was on speaker.
"Anyone… Mind if I invite everyone?" Ren smirked.
"If you want, that's fine by me. It'd give me a chance to apologize to everyone again…"
"Don't give me that, Doc. I'm inviting them to celebrate your progress, not your past. It's still summer break, so everyone should be available."
"Ren is right!" Sumire added.
"Sorry," Maruki nervously laughed, "I haven't been getting much sleep."
"After today, you better, or I'll send Morgana after you."
"Morgana-san?"
"Yup."
"Trust me, Doc, you don't want him to send me!" Morgana laughed.
"I see… Well, I'm on leave, as you could tell by my absence today, so I'll be sure to keep that in mind!"
"When would this be?"
"This Saturday, September 7th, at our apartment."
"I hope you have a decently sized apartment…" Ren laughed.
"It's roughly the same size as yours. Our earlier celebration went well, given the high attendance and limited space, so it'd be fine if you invited everyone. As for how I afford it, therapy isn't that popular in Japan, but it does pay well. Hopefully you can change the social perceptions of receiving therapy, Amamiya-kun."
"I'd like to do that, one day."
"If anyone can, it's you. Now, I will get some sleep. Rumi hasn't wanted me to leave her side since I told her I was on leave…"
"Are you cuddling with her and Etsuko?" Sumire excitedly asked, "That's so cute!"
"It's… It makes me very happy, to hold them in my arms. Ah, I'm tearing up… I should really sleep."
"Yes, you should. Text me your address when you can, Doc. I'll see you Saturday."
"Right. I'll see you all later."
"Goodbye, Dr. Maruki!"
"See ya, Doc!"
Maruki hung up, and Ren put his phone in his pocket.
"Ren… Why didn't you sit up while you spoke to him?" Sumire frowned.
"Why would I? I'm resting on the most comfortable pillow ever!"
"It's rude…"
"He doesn't know what I'm doing!"
"It's still embarrassing!" Sumire's face flushed red.
"Too bad!" Ren smirked, "Besides, if you go by that logic, wouldn't it be rude to speak to someone while, say, holding a baby…?"
"Wh-What's that have to do with anything!"
"I can already tell that you want to hold Etsuko."
"N-No!"
"So you don't want a massage?"
"I didn't say that!" Sumire puffed her cheeks, "Fine! I do want to hold her!"
"That wasn't so hard!" Ren chuckled and poked her cheek.
"So… Where did the baby come from?" Morgana gave them a confused look.
"What do you mean, Morgana?" Ren raised an eyebrow.
"They have a baby, right? How?"
"Do you want to tell him how babies are made, Sumire?" he looked up at her and grinned devilishly.
"Wh-Wh-" her entire body turned a deep red.
"No? Alright then, I will!" as Ren opened his mouth, Sumire panicked and pulled her shirt over his face.
"I'm not sure what this is supposed to accomplish… It is dark now… So anyway… You make a baby by…"
In a last move, she leaned forward, smothering him and blushing furiously.
"Mmhhmmmmmmmmmmhmhmhm!"
"A-Are you done?" she asked with a hint of frustration.
He gave her a thumbs-up, and she leaned back, pulling her shirt away from over him.
"Can you do that again? That was amazing!"
"N-No!" Sumire felt her face burning as he snickered at her.
"No massage…"
"F-F-Fine!" she leaned forward again, rolling his face between her stomach and legs.
"This is nice…" he stated in a muffled voice.
"You're so mean…" she pouted.
"This is something I'll only ever do with you, Sumire," he reached his hand up and ran it through her hair as she leaned back again.
"G-Good!"
"By the way, why aren't you wearing-"
She pushed down on him again, harder than before, and Ren stopped. He later gave her an excellent massage to make up for all the teasing, although he only teased her more. Their night came to a close soon after, with Sumire exhausted from all of Ren's shenanigans. He found himself locked in a tight hug as they fell asleep. Morgana never got an answer.
September 2nd
Ren rested his head on Sumire's as she poured them both coffee in the morning. He pulled out his phone and texted the group.
Ren: Is everyone free this Saturday, the 7th? There's something important I want you all to see in-person.
Haru: Mako-chan and I are available! We actually have next week off, starting Saturday! It's a mini-vacation in summer vacation.
Makoto: Indeed. Haru left her responsibilities with Takakura-san, and I managed to finish my work ahead of time. Even during summer, we're still busy.
Ryuji: Work, am I right? I can be free Saturday, but only Saturday. Gotta keep up on my training and shit.
Futaba: I'm always free.
Yusuke: I am available as well. What is the occasion, though? What do you want us to see?
Ren: Maruki and Rumi had a baby.
Ryuji: For real?
Ren: For real.
Ann: Awwwwwwww! I am so coming! Too bad I can't bring Shiho, but this is personal!
Haru: That's wonderful news, Ren-san! I'm going to prepare a feast!
Makoto: While that is amazing news, I don't think we need to go that far.
Ren: Just some basic gifts will do.
Sumire: That's everyone, then!
Ryuji: Oh… This is a group chat without Sakiya.
Ren: I would invite her, but she doesn't know the Doc at all. Besides, she probably wants to train.
Futaba: Hanako-chan will be in Portugal at a World Cup then, so those two are out.
Sumire: Now that's everyone!
Ren: Except Morgana. Hold on.
Ren: KAhajUIjdasuyamsadeuau
Ren: He says yes.
"I don't have thumbs!" Morgana whined.
Haru: I can't wait to see Mona-chan again!
Ren: I'll see you all Saturday, then. When I get the address, I'll text it.
Everyone replied with a series of "Okay's" and "Yes!" before Ren and Sumrie put their phones away.
"I wonder if I should invite Sojiro… Knowing him, he'd probably say he hates babies, and then he'd google it while no-one is looking."
"Boss-san hides his soft side, hm? Sounds like someone I know," Sumire nudged Ren with her arm.
"I've been getting better!"
"I can't say I don't do it, either…"
"We're both disasters!"
"But we have each other!"
Ren and Sumire giggled together before preparing themselves for the week ahead.
September 7th
Time passed uneventfully for the group, with Ren managing his clients well without Maruki shadowing him, and Sumire practicing with Sakiya and Hanako every day. On the 5th, Hanako left for Portugal, and a few days later, the former Phantom Thieves found themselves standing outside a large apartment complex in Shibuya.
"The Doc's doing pretty well for himself, huh? How much does he get paid? Isn't he a taxi driver?" Ryuji idly kicked his foot in the air.
"A very popular one!" Ren blurted in a panicked response, completely forgetting he had not, and wouldn't tell anyone what Maruki was actually doing. Only him, Morgana and Sumire knew.
"Let's not keep them waiting!" Haru giggled, holding two large bags.
"Haru!" Morgana popped out of Ren's bag, excited.
"Mona-chan!" Haru cheerfully smiled at him.
"These bags… carry weight… max…" Futaba groaned.
"I'll carry one, Futaba!" Sumire outstretched a hand, the other holding a large bag of food and gifts that she brought.
"Sumire… my trusted companion..."
"I'm plenty strong, allow me!"
"I hope I got something nice," Ryuji lifted up a smaller bag.
"Even some money works," Futaba held up an envelope.
"Where have you been earning money, Futaba? I imagine you spend all your time inside, separate from man and nature…" Yusuke chuckled to himself.
"Shut up Inari!" Futaba stomped her foot, "I make cold, hard cash, unlike you!"
"I've actually got a relatively steady income, thanks to my housing and scholarships. Thanks to Sumire, Sakiya and Hanako, I have a near-infinite well of inspiration, painting gymnastics!"
"Wha-?" Futaba leaped back in shock.
"Oh snap!" Ryuji snickered, "Futaba just got owned!"
"Did not!"
"That's what it looked like to me!" Ryuji grinned ear-to-ear, feeling smug.
No one asked what Yusuke brought, given that he was holding a large, wrapped canvas.
"Ah, hello, everyone."
The group turned and saw Maruki standing at the front door of his apartment, which was on the first floor.
"Hello, Dr. Maruki!" replied Haru, Makoto, Sumire, Ann and Yusuke.
"Hey, Doc," replied Ryuji, Morgana, Futaba and Ren.
"Please, come inside. Rumi is eager to meet you all."
Maruki led them into the apartment, which had a similar setup to Ren and Sumire's. As they entered, they found themselves in a main hallway that had a door in front of them at the end of the hallway, and one directly to their right. Almost on instinct, Ren stepped forward.
"Our main room is in this right door, actually. We already had one baby shower here, so let's see how another goes..." Maruki opened the door, and everyone shuffled in.
The interior of the apartment was very basic, with a couch against the wall to the immediate left, a bed next to it, a table in the center of the room, a desk on the back wall, and a TV on the right wall. There was no balcony or glass doorway. Sitting upright on the bed was Rumi, holding Etsuko, who was wrapped up in a blanket.
"Wow… You brought a whole crew! Even the cat!" she looked up with a smile, "Hello! My name is Rumi, I'm Takuto's wife! This little cutie is Etsuko!" she held Etsuko up, and everyone saw her beady, brown eyes gazing around the room. She was very small, chubby and bouncing, smiling as Rumi held her up. Her head was showing signs of light blonde hair growing, though she was essentially bald.
"She's pretty quiet, so don't expect much from her until she gets hungry," Rumi kissed her on the cheek, "By the way, just call me Rumi!"
"It's nice to see you again, Rumi," Ren entered first alongside Maruki, with Sumire behind him.
"Hello, Rumi-san!" Sumire immediately glided across the room up to her, "What a cute baby!"
"Yeah she is!" Rumi laughed, "She's got Takuto's smile."
"Rumi…" Maruki rubbed the back of his head.
"Huh… A baby… Pregnant… Hmmm…" Morgana thought out loud.
Everyone else shuffled in, with Haru joining Sumire at the foot of the bed.
"Hello, Rumi-san, Etsuko-chan!" Haru held up her hand and giggled, "She's so tiny!"
"Tiny, sure, but she's also super hungry and loud! Just wait!"
"What a perfectly shaped infant…" Yusuke held up his hands in a frame.
"Why do you always gotta say things in the weirdest way…?" Ryuji sighed.
"Sumire's mama mode has activated!" Futaba pulled out her phone, and Sumire lightly blushed at Futaba's comment.
"Um… Rumi-san, can I touch her?"
"Sure! Just don't pick her up. If Takuto or me aren't holding her, she gets angry!" Rumi laughed, "But maybe she'll take a liking to you!"
"Please be careful…" Maruki sighed.
"She's so super cute!" Ann shook her fists gleefully.
"I'm worried Haru might snatch her…" Makoto nervously laughed.
Everyone settled in around the room, leaving enough space between each other. Sumire, Haru and Maruki stayed with Rumi, while the rest sat where they could.
"Thank you all for coming today," Maruki began, "I'm grateful that you would give me the opportunity to show you what I've been doing with my life. Ever since Rumi found me, I've been doing my best to face reality. We struggled, but we did so together. We cried, had relapses, and even argued, but we worked through everything. Now, we have Etsuko… I truly cannot express how happy I am. Amamiya-kun and Yoshizawa-san told me numerous times that true happiness is earned, not given. They were right. Etsuko is the greatest thing that could have happened to me, and she wouldn't be here if it weren't for you all."
"You're so sappy, Takuto!" Rumi laughed, "Etsuko didn't understand a word of that!'
"Wh- I wasn't talking to Etsuko!"
"Ah it's fun teasing you."
Maruki sighed.
"That being said, how are you all doing? I've only kept up with Yoshizawa-san and Amamiya-kun, and I'm curious as to what you've all been up to."
"I'll start," Haru replied with a bubbly tone, "I've been slowly learning to manage Big Bang Burger with the help of Takakura-san, my executive director, taking classes for my business degree at Kyoto University, and planning a wedding with Mako-chan!"
"Congratulations, Okumura-san, Niijima-san," Maruki nodded joyfully, "I do have one question. When are you getting married?"
"Golden Week, next year!" Haru cheerfully replied.
"I see… Why are you getting married while attending university?" Maruki placed a hand on his chin, "Just curious."
"Because we want to!"
"That's the simple way of putting it," Makoto nodded, "Truth be told, given the fact that our marriage won't be legally recognized in Japan, it doesn't matter when we have the wedding. In other words, we want to celebrate sooner rather than later."
"Yes!" Haru clapped, "I also want to see everyone in bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits!"
"Do I get a suit, too, Haru?" Morgana curiously asked.
"Of course, Mona-chan!"
"Are you talking to the cat?" Rumi laughed, "That's cute!"
"Yes! We're so close that I can basically understand him!"
"I totally get it!"
"I'm happy to hear you two taking the initiative," Maruki spoke up, "Even when broader societal norms try to stop you; you stand up to it. Your generation will be the one that dismantles many of the old ways of thinking in Japanese culture, and I believe you all will be key figures in the movements. You've all suffered, but more than that, you've fought through that suffering and came out to be stronger people."
"Damn, Doc… Thanks," Ryuji scratched his head, a shocked expression on his face.
"Now that I think about it, Haru, Makoto and me are all gay!" Ann slammed her fist on her palm.
"I hope LGBTQ culture in Japan becomes better accepted as time passes," Makoto added, "Sexuality isn't a factor when it comes to being a functional member of society. People should be judged for their talent, aptitude and merit, not their sexuality or gender."
"Well said, Niijima-san," Maruki gave her a nod, "Now, may I ask what you've been doing?"
"I'm also attending Kyoto University, and I'm majoring in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. I plan to become an officer, like my father once was, and ultimately, a Police Commissioner. I've been working with the Kyoto Police Department as of late on an internship. I'm not going to become a desk worker, though," she gripped her fist as she finished speaking.
"You tell 'em, Makoto!" Ann cheered her on, "As for me, I've continued my modeling career! I hooked up with Shiho a while back, and we reunited after finishing high school! She's gotten back into volleyball, and we often end up traveling around the world for gigs and competitions. It's great fun!"
"I'm glad to hear that," Maruki sat down on the bed next to Rumi.
"I would like to share my experiences next," Yusuke stepped up, "I have been pursuing the fine arts, as I always have, and I am going to university as well. I've submitted many pieces for art competitions and exhibits, making a name for myself, free from the legacy of Madarame."
I see," Maruki turned to Futaba, "How about you, Sakura-san?"
"M-Me? I've been doing independent research into Cognitive Psience, picking up where mom left off. I know that the Metaverse is gone, but if I can at least prove that it existed, or at least the theory of it is viable…" Futaba nervously stopped speaking.
"It's alright, Futaba," Ren put a hand on her shoulder.
"I just want to make sure that it's known about, at least…" she sighed.
"I felt the same way long ago, Sakura-san. That's a tough goal, but I believe you can do it."
"Thanks, Doc," Futaba rubbed her nose, "I've also made a new best friend…"
"It's always good to have friends."
"Mhm."
"So Ann, Haru, Makoto… Oh, that leaves me!" Ryuji perked his head up, "I'm going to become a physical therapist after I'm done at uni! I really feel like having someone that's been where the patient has will help in the process! I haven't really delved into it much, but that's the plan. Luckily, I got my girlfriend to keep my head on straight!" he laughed, "I'm also gonna try and go to the 2020 Olympics for running."
"That's quite the goal, Sakamoto-kun. I'm happy to hear that you've recovered fully. Did your girlfriend also encourage you to go for the Olympics?"
"How'd you know?" Ryuji replied with a surprised look.
"Given the way that you spoke about her, it was easy to deduce."
"Huh… Well it's the truth! She inspires me a lot too to keep going harder!" he pumped his fist.
"I still can't believe the blonde monkey is aiming so high…" Morgana gave Ryuji a concerned look.
"Hey! Why are you like this, cat? I'm trying to move forward!" Ryuji shook his fist.
"Oh… Uh… Sorry…"
"Gah, I'm sorry for gettin' worked up…"
"Do you all understand that cat?" Rumi looked over the group curiously, "Is this some elaborate joke I just don't understand?"
"It's a long story," Maruki put his hand on top of hers, "I'll tell you another time."
"That just leaves Sumire and me," Ren smirked, "Of course, we all know what she's been up to! Every day, she's been hard at work practicing and perfecting her gymnastics routine, and I've been supporting her the whole way. We both have our eyes set on the 2024 Olympics!"
He omitted the truth about his side job.
"Ren, you don't have to brag about me…" she lightly blushed.
"I'm just speaking the truth!"
"Of course," Maruki looked between the two, "I look forward to it."
A few seconds passed, and Etsuko started crying.
"Oh! It looks like somebody is hungry! Would you all mind going into the hallway for a minute?" Rumi laughed.
"My apologies," Maruki stood up and motioned for everyone to step out, which caused them all to crowd in the hallway and out the front door. He closed the door behind him, stepping out last.
"Man, taking care of a baby sounds tough…" Ryuji sighed, "I feel like I just lost some of my hearing…"
"It is, believe me," Maruki sighed.
"I dunno," Futaba snickered and looked at Sumire, "As soon as little Etsuko-chan started crying Sumire turned and looked right at her! Someone's mama senses were tingling!"
"T-That's...! Sumire blushed, "Of course I was concerned! When a baby cries, they're expressing their need for something!"
"Well Rumi-san was right there, so why were you so concerned?" Futaba tilted her head, grinning.
"I…"
"It's okay, Sumi-chan!" Haru giggled, "I feel the same way!"
"See, that makes sense!" Futaba held her arms out toward Haru, "Haru is naturally like a mom! So that only means your mama senses were tingling, Sumire!"
Sumire buried her blushing head against Ren's back.
"Futaba…" Makoto sighed.
"I do not control the mama senses!"
"So Sumire wants to be a mother…" Yusuke nodded, "I can see the image within my mind… Yes… Ren and Sumire, holding a beautiful child…"
"Yusuke-senpai!"
"Yes, Sumire?"
"My heart can't take this…" she covered her face and shook her head.
"I say keep going, Yusuke!" Ren chuckled and reached his hand behind him, patting Sumire's head.
"I'm afraid words cannot convey the inspiration welling up within me, Ren. I need to paint!"
"Calm down man," Ryuji shook his head, "Anyway, let's hand out gifts when we go back in, yeah?"
"That should be fine, Sakamoto-kun," Maruki nodded and held his ear to the door.
Another minute passed, and Maruki opened the door after hearing Rumi yell to him. Everyone shuffled back inside, placing themselves where they were previously. Before presenting their gifts, they ate some of the snacks that Maruki had laid out across the main dinner table. There were apples and a variety of candies.
Haru, Makoto and Ann presented their gifts first, which consisted of a large variety of baby clothes. The outfits had prints and patterns of dogs on them. Additionally, Haru made a variety of foods. Ryuji presented them with 10,000 yen, as did Futaba. Ren, Morgana and Sumire pulled out a large amount of food, 15,000 yen, and baby clothes with cat patterns respectively. The patterns were specifically tailored, patented, and approved by Morgana. Lastly, Yusuke unveiled a large painting, which echoed the Sayuri in many ways. Painted with warm, vibrant colors were Maruki and Rumi holding a baby together, dressed in a suit and a dress, respectively.
"How did you know what Rumi looked like?" Maruki asked, wide-eyed.
"That's your response, Takuto?" Rumi playfully punched his arm, "This is beautiful! It really makes me feel like a mother!"
"Ah, sorry. it is incredible… Thank you, Kitagawa-San," Maruki rubbed his arm, a smile growing on his face.
"It's not that hard to find photos online," Futaba shrugged, "You know, Friendbook, even video tapes."
"I see, of course… Thank you again, everyone," Maruki stood up and bowed.
"So formal!" Rumi laughed, But seriously, this means a lot to us. Takuto here doesn't realize how much he's valued by those that care about him till you punch him in the face!"
"I guess you could put it that way…" he sighed.
"You did a lot for us, Dr. Maruki," Sumire stepped up to him, "Especially me. I'm really happy that you've finally found happiness!"
"Thank you, Yoshizawa-san."
"Hmmmm… Want to hold Etsuko?" Rumi smiled at Sumire, who sat at the foot of the bed.
"I couldn't!" Sumire respectfully declined, "She's still a newborn… and…"
"It's fine! I'm right here! I can tell that she likes you!" Rumi held Etsuko up, and Sumire nervously looked around. Ren was nodding, Futaba, Ryuji and Haru were laughing, Yusuke was holding his sketchbook, Makoto smiled, Morgana was looking at her curiously, and Ann was giving her a thumbs-up.
"Um… Okay…" Sumire gently picked up Etsuko, and instantly felt the warmth emanating from her. The blanket was incredibly soft, and Etsuko incredibly cute. Her curious eyes met Sumire's, and a small smile crossed the baby's face. Sumire couldn't help but smile, until she heard the snap of a phone camera. She looked over and saw Futaba snickering.
"This is totes going on Friendbook! The post title: Mama Sumi!"
"Wha-" Sumire turned bright red, "F-Futaba!"
"You're going to make a great mother, Sumi-Chan!" Haru smiled at her.
"I-It's not like that!"
"My heart…" Ren gripped his chest and winced.
"Ah! Ren!" Sumire panicked.
"You all haven't changed a bit…" Makoto sighed before shaking her head and smiling, "I guess that's a lie, though. We've all grown a lot."
"You look so cute, Sumire! I can't wait until you and Ren have a kid!" Ann took her own picture and sent it to Shiho.
"Ann-senpai! Wait, Yusuke-senpai, what are you doing?!" she looked at Yusuke and saw him sketching furiously.
"I can see it now so clearly! What a beautiful sight!"
"I'm sorry, Rumi-san!" Sumire handed Etsuko back while the group started talking amongst themselves, "I'm causing so much trouble!"
"No you're not! This is the most entertained I've been in weeks!" Rumi laughed.
"R-Really?"
"Yeah! Takuto can be a bit boring, but I don't love him any less. I've been stuck inside, taking care of little Etsuko. I'm really happy, but I have to say it gets boring some days."
"Um…" Sumire hesitated for a second, "Are you happy that you had Etsuko?"
"I'm happier than I've ever been," Rumi looked down at Etsuko, "I've never felt more like myself… The joy I felt when I first held her in my arms, that's something that can't be beat. For a long time, I was a shell, unable nor wanting to think properly. It took years of therapy, but I finally worked up the courage to talk to Takuto again. Losing people you love is hard, but I realized that I could respect their legacy through Etsuko."
"I…" Sumire's expression hardened, "I lost my sister a few years ago, and I've been working to respect her legacy since. We both promised to make it to the Olympics, although we were supposed to go together."
"I understand, Yoshizawa-san. We're both moving forward, though, and that's what counts, right?" Rumi gave her a reassuring nod.
"Yes!"
Over a minute passed as the two came to a silent understanding of one another, taking in the invisible scars they both had. Rumi gave Sumire an affirmative nod before speaking again.
"Now, I'm not quite the sappy type like Takuto!" Rumi laughed, "So back to what I was saying… can I make a request, Yoshizawa-san?"
"Of course!"
"Can you tell me how having a child makes you feel when you get there!"
"W-W-W-When I get there…?" a light blush immediately covered Sumire's face.
"Yeah! Don't tell me you're not going to have a kid with Amamiya-san!"
"I…!" Sumire felt her face start burning as it turned a deeper red, "N-Not right now!"
"But you are going to, right?"
"UMMMMMMMM…"
"What's going on over here?" Ren put his hand on Sumire's shoulder.
"Ah! Ren! W-We we were just…"
"Are you and Yoshizawa-san going to have a kid?" Rumi grinned.
"Oh," Ren lightly blushed, "Uh…."
"Ha! Even you can't handle the question! And here I thought you were unbreakable!"
"Well, that's just… That's something down the line. We have to win the Olympics first…" Ren found himself as nervous as Sumire, which Sumire saw and found cute.
"A-And that's a long way from now!" Sumire laughed nervously.
"Huh… Well take your time!" Rumi laughed, "It's a lot of work, isn't that right Etsuko? Oh, she fell asleep."
"It's not like she would answer you, Rumi," Maruki sighed.
"You don't get it, Takuto! I can feel what her response is!"
"I… See…?"
"At least Sumire will understand one day!" Rumi winked at her.
"Huh?" a new wave of red overlapped on her cheeks.
"You're so cute when you blush! No wonder Amamiya-kun is always teasing you!"
"She really is…" Ren nodded approvingly.
"That baby is so strange…" Morgana looked over Ren's shoulder.
A few more seconds passed, and Rumi yawned.
"Oh… I guess socializing took a lot out of me. Mind if we call it here? Takuto and I might be able to get some sleep while little Etsuko is out. Maybe."
"That's fine," Ren stood up and took Sumire's hand, "Party's over, guys!" he looked over at his friends, who were chatting amongst themselves.
"Oh, alright!" Ryuji perked his head up.
"These two parents need their beauty sleep, so let's leave them be."
"Very well," Yusuke stood up, and the rest followed. They all said their farewells to Maruki and Rumi before exiting the apartment and positioning themselves around outside.
"I'm really happy for the Doc… It's hard to believe he's come so far, y'know?" Ryuji stretched his legs.
"It's been well over two years now…" Makoto cupped her hand under her chin, "We've all changed a lot since our final battle."
"We're going to keep moving forward, too," Sumire replied in a determined tone, "Ren and I have made so much progress together, but I always feel like I'm just beginning. I'm practicing every day now, and I want to do even more!" she gripped her fist, "I'm so grateful for the help you all gave me back then. You accepted me into your group without a second thought, even though I was just a sad, lost girl who had lost all hope…"
"Don't sweat it, Sumire!" Ann threw her shoulder around her, "We've all hit rock bottom before! It's because we had each other that we were able to stand back up and face reality. You're doing something greater than any of us could dream of!"
"Lady Ann, you're so kind!" Morgana leaped onto Sumire's free shoulder.
"Ann-senpai…" Sumire's eyes widened.
"Ann's right!" Futaba held her thumbs up, "No matter how hard you hit the ground, we're gonna help you get back up!"
"H-Hey… I'm aimin' for the Olympics too!" Ryuji pouted.
"Oh yeah…" Ann giggled, "I don't think running is as difficult as gymnastics, though."
"Runnin' is plenty hard!"
"I think what Ryuji-senpai is doing is just as great as what I'm doing!" Sumire gave him an affirmative nod.
"Sumire…! Hell yeah!"
"I wish the both of you the best of luck!" Haru giggled, "We all love you, Sumi-chan!"
"Haru's right," Makoto smiled, "We know how much you mean to Ren, and we all fought for our reality together. It's been tough going, but it feels much more rewarding to know that we're earning our happiness."
"Well said, Makoto," Yusuke nodded, "Rhythmic gymnastics is an incredibly beautiful sport, and I'm forever grateful that you, Sakiya and Hanako introduced me to it."
"Thank you, everyone!" a huge smile grew on Sumire's face, which made Ren smile in turn.
"Yeah, thanks guys."
"No problem, my dude!" Ryuji fist-bumped Ren.
Makoto looked up and saw the yellow, overcast sky and the sun setting in the east.
"It appears to be getting late. Haru and I will take our leave here."
"And adulthood strikes again…" Ryuji sighed and hung his head low.
"That's the way it is, pardner," Futaba tipped an invisible hat, "I want to check in with Hanako-chan, so I'm gonna make like a hedgehog and roll out! Let's go back to the apartment, Ryuji!"
"I shall take my leave as well," Yusuke looked to the sky, "I'd like to begin painting before sleep overtakes me."
"Don't make me send Morgana, Yusuke!" Ren chuckled.
"It wouldn't be fun, Yusuke," Morgana laughed, "For you."
"I'm not particularly sure what you mean, but I shall take your word for it. Farewell."
"Goodbye, everyone!" Haru and Makoto waved as they made their way off in one direction, while the others walked together to the nearest train station.
"I drove here with Sumire, so this is where we part ways. Thanks for coming along," Ren smirked.
"'Course dude!" Ryuji pumped a fist.
"That was so fun!" Ann giggled, "And seeing Sumire with Etsuko was so cute! I'm so happy for Rumi and Dr. MarukI!"
"Wh-" Sumire blushed.
"It was quite the sight indeed," Yusuke nodded.
"Mama Sumi! Mama Sumi!" Futaba chanted as they got on the train. Embarrassed and tired, Sumire asked Ren for a thorough massage that night. Once he finished, they fell asleep together; both of them anticipating the results from the World Cup in Portugal, excited to see how Hanako did in her last big performance before the World Championship.
