.
.
.
When I return home, I saw my sister at the living room sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed, reading her fashion magazine.
What should I tell her? Still — I had to make it clear for her, that I dating her friend.
"Hey, Naruko…"
"What?"
"I…"
"Hm?"
Dammit… it was hard to say.
"I have started going out with Kuroneko."
Right after I said that, Naruko body froze. But she immediately recover and resumed reading her magazine.
"… I see."
She wasn't surprised at all… that meant… I asked another question.
"… Yesterday, when you told me… 'If there is a girl who is dear to me'… did you mean Kuroneko?"
Naruko… already knew about it… right? However, Naruko didn't answer me. She only said, "Good for you two…" and quickly left the living room.
The next day. Before heading to school, I hear the doorbell rang.
"Hold on…" I went out from my room and rush to the front door
"Welcome to Namika…" Then my body froze.
"Please to meet you, Naruto-kun. I'm so happy to see you give me such an enthusiastic welcome!"
"Why are you here, Haku?"
"Didn't I tell you before, that I would come back sometime?"
"Get lost."
"Eh? What, wait don't close the door! I came here to meet you, Naruto-kun."
"Why? I don't recall us being friends."
"What happened Naruto-kun? Did something happen between us?"
"Tch. Like I care, anyway what do you want? I was about to go out."
"Go where?"
"School."
"It is still summer break."
"I have club's activities. Game Research Club."
"Game Research Club?" Haku's eyes sparked. He pointed at himself, "Can I…can I come?"
"Why?"
Haku said, embarrassed, "… I-I just want to see Naruto-kun friends at school."
"Ah… I see, go die." I expressionlessly shut the door.
"W-Wait Naruto ~ I beg you ~ I was so lonely ~ Please ~ I want some friends~."
"Alrigh-alright! Don't cry! Disgusting!"
After Haku's desperate attempt, I couldn't help but call Miura Senpai and asked 'can I bring someone from others school'. And strangely enough, he said 'of course you can'. … still, on the other hand, it wasn't too bad.
While I was walking together with Haku, I noticed many gazes from all directions. It was a bit similar to when I was on the fake date with Naruko. I guess the reason was the same too, since there was someone so eye catching walking next to me. Above me, there were no clouds, and the sun was hot. From the ground came the odor of asphalt. Finally, we saw my school.
"Ah, so that's Naruto-kun school?"
"Yes."
"It is a nice place."
"Really? I think it is pretty normal though."
"That's why it's a nice a place."
Now that I think about it, how could I introduce him to everyone? While I was deep in thought, we arrived at the club door.
"Forget it, I will just bite the bullet."
I opened the door and tried my best to give a casual greeting. Satsuki was the first one to notice me.
"Ah, good morning Naruto Senpai."
"Ah, Good morning Satsuki — actually, today, there is someone I want to introduce to you all."
"Someone wanted to join our club?" Satsuki didn't seem like she was aware of Haku's visit.
"Not really… well, hey, come in."
"Yes."
After Haku came in…
"KYAAA~ is that Namikaze-senpai's gilrfriend!? She's so pretty!" Satsuki screamed.
"What are you imagining in the middle of the day? This person is a guy."
"W-What?! But h-he's… so pretty, there's no way he is a guy! Ruri! Ruri! Look, look! There was a really pretty boy here!"
"Please to meet you, ahaha." Haku gave a wry smile.
"… I see. That's nice." Kuroneko coldly replied, as if she wanted to say 'He isn't worth my time'
"Ahhhhhhhhh — I am fully charged now!" Satsuki mimicked a super saiyan's charging pose. Then she pointed her finger at Haku, "Beepbeepbeepbeepbeep… the cuteness power level is going up… 7000… 8000… It can't be! It's still rising! It's over 9000!"
"… Can someone please stop her?"
Both the president and Shimura-kun were inside, but they just focused on doing their own work, and Kureneko just glanced at me. After spending time with Satsuki for so long, we had actually accepted her as our fujoshi princess. I didn't know if that is good or bad though.
No choice then, I should stop Satsuki.
"Hey fujoshi, wake up. Don't measure the power level before fighting."
"Beepbeepbeepbeepbeep. Tch, his handsome index is just 5… useless. But his moe-power is very high…"
Without saying anything, I smack her head.
"It hurt! What are you doing Naruto Senpai! No violence!"
"You are so noisy. Shut up or I will hit you again, you idiot!"
"Don't call me idiot! You sound like a protagonist from a BL game! This is sexual harassment!"
"Your existence is sexual harassment taking form — shut up for now."
Why are you looking so happy? Where did your self-esteem go? I turned around and signaled Haku to come in. He stepped forward. Everyone greeted him.
"So you have come." In the deepest corner, a skinny glasses man raised his hand.
"Haku, he's Gennosuke Miura , the president of our club." I then begin Introduce the member of our club to Haku.
"We have been waiting." That was coming from Shimura-kun.
"And he's Sai Shimura, the peacekeeper of this club. And these two girls is Satsuki Uchiha and Ruri Gokou."
Haku smiled and greeted them back, "Please to meet you everyone. My name is Haku Momochi. Thank you for allowing me to visit you today."
… He is good. To be able to remain calm after meeting Satsuki, he was very good.
"Haku-san, you are so cute! How about joining our group!? I always felt that this group doesn't have enough good looking members!"
Right after Satsuki said that, then Shimura-kun interrupted, "No, no, Uchiha. We couldn't take members from outside school."
Maybe it was just my imagination, but Shimura-kun's face showed an angry expression.
Ah… I realized it already, but Satsuki was the first to respond, "Haha, Sai Senpai. Looks like you are jealous."
"What! Of course not!"
"Oh really? Aren't you worried because now you have a rival?"
"… Tch!"
"Don't worry. The love between the president and Sai Senpai is not going to be broken that easily!"
"I wish that thing would break already!"
Even I couldn't do anything anymore.
"It was such a lively place" Haku smiled. His ability to adapt was good.
Scratching the back of her head, Satsuki said, "Sorry Haku-san. This group only has abnormal members."
"Please don't group me with them. I'm completely normal!" I immediately denied.
"Look everyone! The one who asked a girl to make an eroge is saying something!" Satsuki replied.
"Forget about it immediately!" I was manipulated! It wasn't my fault!
Satsuki then ran towards Haku.
"Naruto Senpai Please behave yourselves. Haku-san, sorry about that. Don't misunderstand, I'm the only normal one here, okay?"
"Your the most abnormal here!" All of us male members said in unison.
"Ahahahaha!" Haku broke into laughter. "I was right to come here with Naruto-kun, you guys are so funny!"
… Although all of us were also idiots. So, with that I succeeded in introducing Haku to the Game Research Society club.
"Ah, Haku-san, can you tell me you Twitter ID?" Satsuki asked
"Ah, right. Here, please take my business card."
"Business card?"
Receiving the card from Haku, Satsuki's eyes widened.
"Designer… Haku-san…this…"
"Yup, that's right."
After hearing Haku explain he is a famous designer, the other members were shocked. Just like in a manga, even if he didn't mean to boast, the others still felt uncomfortable.
Satsuki said in excitement, "Amazing! Haku-san! You are so amazing!" Next to her, Shimura-kun had an expression of disbelief.
"And so, since I was busy traveling between Japan and abroad, I didn't have many friends. So, please take care of me." Haku bowed.
"Don't be too modest — let's be friends." The president pats his shoulder.
Satsuki agreed, "Yes, Haku-san! Let's be friends! There is no need to be formal."
"… Thank you, Satsuki-chan. But I'm used to this."
"Wow! What are you going to do, Shimura-kun? If this continues you might lose to Haku-san."
"Ahahaha. Should I get angry then?" Sorry Shimura-kun. I understood your feelings.
"Forget it then." Shimura-kun coughed before continuing, "Haku-san, let's get along. Although you can't participate in club activities, please feel free to visit us."
"Thank you, Shimura-kun. Please to meet you." Haku gratefully took Shimura's hand.
Seeing that, the president nodded in approval while the rotten Satsuki let out a perverted laugh 'ehehehe'.
… Isn't it good, Haku? Bringing you here was the right choice after all. I looked at Kuroneko. Maybe it was my imagination, but I thought I heard a faint gentle laugh.
"… Did you say something?"
"… Nothing."
Was that really my imagination?
"Good, Haku! To celebrate, let me take you on a tour!" The president said.
"Really?"
"Of course! Right! I will show you the secret headquarters of the gaming research club!"
And that's how Haku became unofficial member of our club.
(◕ω◕✿)
The next day, I came to Kuroneko's house early in the morning. My girlfriend invited me to her house. What a sweet line I feel so happy. Because today – today I was going to 'my girlfriend's house'.
"I'm so looking forward to this!" I couldn't help it and said it out loud. Though some bystanders were looking at me like I was an idiot, I didn't care. Today was a hot day, even though I had shorts on I still felt exhausted.
Good, good. I was almost there — Kuroneko's house. Actually, her house was quite close to mine. I got the feeling that her house was close, but not that close. So I ended up arriving early. It felt so unreal. Kuroneko had never invited us over to her house, so I bet even Naruko didn't know where it was. I felt a little bit superior to my sister. The first friend to enter Kuroneko's home was not Naruko! It was me!
"Okay…" While I was about to ring the door bell, the door cracked open. Half of Kuroneko's face was staring at me.
"… Senpai, you have come."
Today, Kuroneko was wearing a black shirt with puffy sleeves, and a short white skirt
"It's not like I was waiting for you. I only wanted to check the mail box."
I knew that much. There was still 15 minutes before our meeting time.
"Forget it. Come in."
"Right, right." I entered 'my girlfriend's house'. There was a small hallway, the living room was on the right side after passing through the front door. I saw a lot of doors too.
"I must say this beforehand, this is a rented house."
I was about to say 'So many rooms' when I heard that. Kuroneko seemed like she could predict what I was about to say.
I said, "How… could you read my mind?"
Hearing that, Kuroneko blushed. "… Hm, this is the SOUL LINK between lovers."
"Did you just say the most chuunibyo-ish thing since we started dating?"
Still walking in front of me, Kuroneko shot me a glare.
"Hmph… what a pity, you can't see the world in the same way as me…"
"What…?"
She wanted me to see the world in the same way as her? Would that turn us into a chuunibyou couple? That's not good. If we're really in danger of becoming something like that, we should have a talk.
"Hey, Kuroneko…"
"Yes? Come, take a look at this room."
"Really? I can come in your room?"
"Are you an idiot? Don't say something so shameless… it's just a tea room."
"I see…"
Wait, I shouldn't have said that. I should make it clear that I don't want to become a chuunibyou couple.
"Say… Kuroneko."
"What is it this time?"
"Since I started cosplaying, I've come to like Blazblue, but I don't want to remember the memory of 'The dark flame master' — it's too embarrassing."
"Ah… so your memories from your previous life have returned… that's good."
Er? Our conversation fits each others?
"What are you standing there for? Come on." Kuroneko opened the door and asked me to follow.
"Right, right." I entered. It was a very lively room. I could see a kotatsu table, as well as a small TV. I could also see the kitchen inside.
"Sit down — I will make some tea." Kuroneko turned on the fan and started walking into the kitchen.
"Thank you." I found a cushion and sat down. Although the house was old, it had a calm atmosphere. I think that a house's atmosphere will gradually change the people who live inside it. Just like Namikaze's house, Uzumaki's house, and Aihara's house.
So… Kuroneko's family… they must be good people.
I looked at the wall. There was a Madoka picture drawn in crayon. This must be a picture that Kuroneko's little sister drew. Next to the TV, there was a Madoka DVD box. That was the one Naruko forced into Kuroneko's hands long ago.
"Wow, it is still here."
"Your sister had no intention of taking it back."
I unconsciously spoke out, but to my surprise I got a response. I looked up and see Kuroneko brought snacks and drinks back.
"Your little sister likes Madoka too, huh?"
"Yes — but she started crying after seeing the third episode."
"Well, that's understandable."
Long story short, in the third episode was when Tomoe Mami died. She was fighting a witch Charlotte and she was killed by it, catching her off-guard and decapitating her with a huge bite. As Mami's headless body falls to the floor, the witch continues to chomp on her remains, as the horrified Madoka and Sayaka can only watch. That scene makes me feel sick to my stomach.
"It made my little sister cry… what a bullshit anime. I wanted to file a complaint to the BPO." Kuroneko placed the snacks and drinks down and said in anger. Looks like she is a siscon too.
"Where is your little sister?" I coolly asked Kuroneko.
"Both of them went to play outside."
"Ah, what a pity. I was hoping to meet them."
"N… No! Do you know that it is abnormal to take interest in your girlfriend's family?"
Don't look at me like you want to ask 'Is he normal?' Of course, I only wanted to show concern about my girlfriend's family. There was only one person who could be more interested in Kuroneko's little sisters than me, but she always caused me to have a headache.
"What about your parents?"
"They are out."
Huh? Wait… does that mean… "So we are alone right now?"
"Yes, that's right." Kuroneko glanced at me before turning away. My eyes looked at her pure white neck.
"So what? How is it any different?"
"Yeah, right." We had spent time alone together many times before. So this was nothing new… how could it be nothing new! How, how? This kind of event…
"…"
"…"
The room was silent. As if we were moved into another dimension. The only sound was coming from the clock. My head felt dizzy. My face felt hot. I don't think I could hold out for long.
"… Hey, Kuroneko."
I touched her shoulder, in a 'please say something' manner, but her reaction was unexpected. Like a rusty robot, Kuroneko stiffly turned around — she was looking down, biting her lower lip.
"Do… do you need something… Senpai?"
She was so cute when she was nervous, but I felt like I was bullying her.
I couldn't stand it. I breathed in and out to calm myself. I put my hand on her shoulder and said as calmly as possible, "You are too nervous — I won't do anything."
"Wah?" Kuroneko looked at me in surprise.
"I see." But I felt like she just let out a sigh filled with relief and regret.
I felt like someone was saying 'What a useless guy' from another world. But I couldn't help it! She looked so nervous that she was about to cry! There was nothing else I could do! Really, I swear!
"Ah… haha." Confirming that. "I will not do anything", Kuroneko broke into laughter. "You really have no motivation, Senpai."
You're trying to sound like a bad girl, but remember how you acted when I just barely touched you? What exactly did you expect me to do?
"Hm, don't laugh at me." I could only respond like that.
"Ah… I can't help it, having a big child as my boyfriend is so difficult. It was such a rare chance for us to be alone… in that case… how about we watch some anime, Ruto?"
And so, we watched Blazbue Anime together.
Suddenly, Kuroneko paused the video and stood up.
"Senpai, can you wait me for a bit?"
"Sure." Did she need to go to the toilet? At first, that's what I thought, but Kuroneko was gone for while without any sign of coming back.
"Isn't it a taking a bit long?" Feeling bored, I opened the door and poked my head out.
And… what the… why was the sound of water coming from another side of the hall? The sight of Naruko's bath in the love hotel flashed in my mind. For real? Kuroneko… was bathing? I immediately moved toward the sound of water without making any noise. Yes, the sound of water was coming from the bathroom. Through the blurry glass, I could barely see Kuroneko's shadow.
This… this… I must calm down first. Calm down. Calm down. Should I quietly go back into the tea room and wait? It should be the right choice, shouldn't it?
"But but but! Hey! Aaagh!" I returned to the tea room and waited.
"We're home~" A greeting came from outside. A girl's voice, to be extract.
"Onee-chan, whose shoes are these?"
"Wow — Ruri Onee-chan, brought a friend home."
The sound of footsteps was coming from the hallway.
"It couldn't be… Kuroneko's little sisters?
When the door opened, two similar looking girls entered the room.
"Ah."
"Hi."
We both greeted each other at the same time. Okay, what next?
"Sorry for intruding." Let's start our conversation in a safe way.
"Right~ you intruded our home~."
The girl who answered me was a cute girl with a hime cut. Based on what Kuroneko said before about her little sister, she took part in a morning exercise so she must be in elementary school. She was wearing a Madoka T-shirt, which suited her very much. She was perfectly in line with Naruko's interests, so I must prevent them from meeting. And then…
"Wow…"
The next girl looked older, but she was still in elementary school too. Her twin braids also suited her. She looked very similar to Kuroneko, but her character seemed different. She still looked at me with a surprised expression.
"Boy… boy… boy."
What are you saying, big imouto? Why are you so surprised?
"?"
"Ruri Onee-chan's boyfriend-!"
"Wah!?"
"Amazing! She really has one!" The older imouto was very excited and happy.
"Ah! I knew that Ruri Onee-chan was acting suspicious lately… 'I am going to have a very important call. In one hour, if you come close to my room or quarrel… the demon king will curse you into darkness'. And today she said 'Hm… unfortunately… you don't have the skills to participate in this battle… be a good girl and go out until dark'. Sneaky sneaky sneaky!"
It seems like Kuroneko also acted like that at home… really… the way they communicated… the older imouto said 'hmm' and concluded.
"I see… so that is it… hahaha ~~~"
"Hahaha ~~~?"
What is she thinking?
"Wait a second. You two are mistaken."
"Oh! Like that?"
"Well, that's not wrong, but…"
"Forget it! Really, there is no need to be shy! Really!"
"Mmmm… I'm Naruto Namikaze. I'm your Onee-chan's friend at school. Please to meet you."
I wanted to change the subject, but the older imouto made an unexpected response.
"Ah! I know your name!"
"Really?"
"You are the brother of the bitch who always quarrels with Ruri Nee!"
"Ah, yes, that's me."
Naruko… Kuroneko's imouto remembers you in a not particularly nice way.
"Then… can I call you the bitch's Onii-chan?"
"Of course not! Use something else."
"Wah? Then…"
While the older imouto put a finger to her mouth to think, the younger imouto asked me with her best smile, "Onii-chan?"
"Wow!"
"Onii-chan."
"Ah…"
"Ehehehe."
Are you kidding me? Such a cute girl exists in this world? Somehow, I felt sad. Such a cute little sister, compared to mine… I wanna cry already. Still, recently I found out that my sister had a cute side too! Anyway, the younger imouto had decided to call me "Onii-chan". She was the first one to call me that since Fuuka. On the other hand, the older imouto still hadn't decided how should she call me.
"Anyway, just call me Naruto."
"Alright~~~."
"I'm Hinata. Hinata Gokou. This is my youngest sister, Tamaki." The older imouto — Hinata gently held the younger imouto — Tamaki and both of them bowed.
"Please to meet you, Onii-chan."
"It's my line. Can I call you two Tamaki-imouto and Hinata-imouto?"
"Sure!"
We managed to introduce ourselves without waiting for Kuroneko.
Hinata-imouto looked around and asked the oblivious question, "Naruto, where is Ruri Nee?"
"Ah! About that… I looked away for a second and she was gone."
Not good.
"Hmmm…?" Hinata looked at me suspiciously.
"What's wrong?" I gave her an innocent smile, trying to buy time, but my efforts were fruitless. I didn't know when, but seemed like Tamaki had disappeared for a while and now she just came back.
"Onee-chan is taking a bath."
… I'm done for.
Hearing the innocent words of the youngest imouto, first Hinata titled her head before showing me a wicked smile.
"So… Ruri Nee is bathing."
What a brat! Don't be so keen! Of course, I couldn't say that out loud.
"Ah… haha… taking a bath… her guest is still waiting, and she is taking a bath… ahahaha…" Give me a break already, Kuroneko-chan. I was just visiting my girlfriend's home, I had no other motives! Placing my hand behind my head, I tried to laugh it off.
Hinata suddenly said, "What a weak excuse."
So what!?
"Ah, forget it." Hinata started crawling toward me. Because she was wearing a slightly bigger skirt, the shoulder harness slid down.
"Hey, Naruto."
"Uhm? What?"
"Naruto, are you going to marry Ruri Nee?"
"Ugh!" I choked. "H-How — how did it come to this!?"
"But Ruri Nee always talks about Naruto."
"Really? What did she say?"
"'Hm… don't be stupid. Even I have a male contractor. His name in this world is Naruto. Long ago, when I was the wiolder of the devilish truth stare, he was the dark flame master…'."
What did she tell her little sister?
"At first, I thought that it was an imaginary boyfriend or 2D boyfriend."
" You are not as nice as you look, right?"
"I couldn't believe that it was true! Wah, that means… that means — 'the contract' meant …'that' right? Ahahahaha."
If this were an anime, then there would be an heart-shaped thought bubble above Hinata's head.
"I don't know what are you thinking! But you are mistaken!"
"So, what is the 'contract' about?"
"… I-I don't know. Maybe it's just something from an anime."
I was going to keep acting stupid, but Tamaki interrupted, "It's a kiss, right?"
"Wah!" This… this girl
Tap tap tap tap
The sound of footsteps was coming from the hallway once more.
"So noisy… what are you…"
"Ah, Ruri Nee."
Hinata turned to her older sister and greeted her. Yup, interrupting us was Kuroneko. She clearly just took a bath, steam was still coming off of her body. I could still smell her soap.
"What… what is going on here?"
"Well… you see…"
"Ah…" Kuroneko gritted her teeth and stared at Hinata. "You two… I told you two to play outside until dark. Why are you here now?"
Both Hinata and Tamaki smiled, "Because it was so hot outside. Right?"
"Yup." Tamaki agreed.
Kuroneko was standing there, her rage built… and then…
"So… are those your last words?"
"Wah! Bad bad! Ruri Nee is super angry… help us, Naruto!"
"Help us, Onii-chan!"
Faced with Kuroneko's killing intent, the imouto duo hid behind my back.
"Don't use me as your shield!"
"Ara ara… you guys seem to have gotten along rather well."
Don't direct your wrath onto me too!
"Say something to her, She is your older sister!"
"Fine. Watch me!" Hinata volunteered. She poked her head out from behind me and said, "I have something to ask Ruri Nee."
"What?"
"Ruri Nee took a bath because you want to make a contract with Naruto, right?"
"W-What…"
"Ahahaha, so you are angry because we were in your way!"
I couldn't believe it. She just poured oil onto the fire!
"No. I didn't."
"Then why did you take a bath and leave your boyfriend waiting?"
"Because I was nervous and sweaty… and we have plans this afternoon…"
"Is that right, Naruto?"
"That's the first time I have heard of it."
"See, you are lying." Hinata pointed a finger at her older sister.
Kuroneko stared at me. "You idiot. I told you that I have plans for later."
"Ah, so that's what you meant."
How could I know without you telling me? Hm… well, it's understandable that she needs to take a bath. This room didn't have air conditioning, so it was quite hot. But even if I accepted that reasoning, Hinata didn't.
"Are you sure you aren't trying to make an excuse? Why are you so nervous in the first place?"
"… Because."
"Because of what? What? Speak louder. I can't hear you."
"… Grr"
Oh damn.
"Hm… hmm… ahaha… ahahahahaha."
"Kuro… Kuroneko?"
The light in Kuroneko's eyes faded and she quietly walked behind me. Then she caught Hinata.
"Sorry, Senpai. I have to go for a while. I need to discipline my little sister."
"… Please take your time." I was so afraid that my body was frozen in place.
"Nyan Nyan ~~~"
Hinata was taken away by Kuroneko Onee-sama.
(◕ω◕✿)
It was a bit surprising, but after I decided to going out with Kuroneko, Ayase called me to come to her house.
"Are you free today?"
"Yes, I'm free. Why?"
"… I have something very important to tell Naruto-kun. Can you please come to my home right now?"
"To your home? Me?"
How… is this a dream? Ayase asked me to go to her home. No no wait wait. Calm down. This…must be a trap. Ayase must have prepared a trap for me. I need to be very careful here. But Ayase's words poured directly into my heart!
"Yes… Could you? Is there a problem?"
"Er… of course not! Definitely not!"
"Really? Thank you Naruto-kun!"
What a cunning girl!
So, by Ayase's directions, I went to the Aragaki home.
From Namikaze's home, Ayase's home is on the opposite side of the bus station. I heard that Ayase often went home together with Naruko, but after I knew her address, I got the feeling that she purposely chooses the longer route. Aragaki's house was a beautiful building. Although it wasn't as good as Weiss's, it was definitely good.
"Ohh…" I swallowed hard, starting to feel afraid. This was a normal house, but when I think about the fact that this was Ayase's house, I felt like… as if a demon was hiding inside… with trembling fingers, I rang the doorbell.
When she came to the door to greet me, Ayase said in surprise, "Naruto-kun… aren't you a little too fast?"
"Because I want to see you as soon as possible."
"Really… still flirting… please come in."
Today she was wearing a mature dress. Just like my sister, everything she wears fit her perfectly.
"Do you want to come into my room?"
"Ah, please excuse me"
She even welcomed me? What is going on? Did my effort in helping Ayase's finally get a result? Wow? Really? 'Something very important' — did she mean that? Wow. Even in that state, I immediately noticed a high heel that couldn't belong to Ayase in the doorstep.
"… Ayase… Is your family home?"
"Yes. My mom is at home"
"I see… your mom…" I heard that Ayase's mom was the head of the PTA. Hey, did that mean your family is equally scary? In that case, what about Ayase? Probably at Demon King class.
"Should I say hello to her?"
"She is working in her room… do you want to?"
"Ah! No! There is no need to interrupt her work!"
"I see. This way please"
Like a cat burglar, I tried my best to move as quietly as possible. After I went up the stairs, Ayase stopped in front of a door.
"This is my room. Please come in."
"Okay." I followed Ayase into her room.
Wow…this is Ayase's room. Unlike someone's room which was full of cosmetics, this room smelled so nice. This room was kept very clean. Everything was in its proper place. The main color was a refreshing blue. There were some bear dolls on her bed. There were some pictures nearby too. One was probably Ayase's family or friend. (Ayase's mom was also a very beautiful woman.) One of them showed Ayase and Naruko, both of them smiling.
"… Please don't look around… I'm embarrassed."
"Ah, sorry!" I swallowed again. Today Ayase was strange. Very strange.
"So… er… what do you need me for?"
"Yes" Ayase nodded and said in a small voice, "Naruto-kun… can you please raise both of your hands forward?"
"Huh? Like this?"
Crank
"Wah!" I was handcuffed.
"What the hell!?" I shouted. My eyes darted between the metal handcuffs and Ayase.
"What is that?"
"A pair of handcuffs."
"No! I already knew that!"
Seeing my panicked expression, Ayase seemed… embarrassed. She was blushing.
"Because I was alone with Naruto-kun in a room — isn't it gross?"
"The words you say and your face don't match!"
"Anyway, I simply couldn't bear to be in the same room with you."
What the hell just happened? What the hell was that? She said 'something very important', so I thought… dammmmmit. It was a trap!
"Ayase you! How dare you… to play with my maiden heart!"
"W-What…" Ayase's eyes widen, her face reddened.
"No way… y-you… what did you just say?"
"I was so excited because I thought you were about to confessed your love at me after I helping you, and this is how you treat me?"
"Of course not! I will never do that!"
"You called me in such a sweet tone! Everyone would think the same!"
"I just wanted to have a normal conversation!"
You're getting angry after you've handcuffed someone else? What was going on? With very unpleasant eyes, I looked at Ayase.
"What is with your rebellious eyes? Do you want me to call my Mom?"
"This should be a huge danger to me, but how would you plan to deal with that situation?" I raised my handcuffed hands.
Ayase looked at my waist, and said, "I will say that a big pervert broke into my room and said 'please handcuff me'."
"What kind of pervert do you think I am!?" If I truly was the pervert as she imagined… no no no, mustn't think into it. I tiredly shook my head.
… She didn't want to… right?
"By the way, I heard that you got a lover, Naruto-kun."
"You told me to come here and handcuffed me just to say that…"
I felt a chill. Ayase seemed to have some killing intent. I hoped that it was just my imagination.
"… Congratulations, Naruto-kun," Ayase said.
"Uh, uh… how could you know about it?"
"I know your every movement, Naruto-kun."
"I-I see…" The question of 'Why' was too dangerous for me to ask. "— So, about."
"What?"
I coughed and told her with a serious expression.
"I can't accept your feeling on me… sorry."
Pock. Ayase took out a lighter from somewhere.
"Hot!?" She was using it to set my handcuffs on fire!
"Naruto-kun, I'm serious."
"… I'm sorry."
Something was strange, but because I was so afraid, I tried to sit normally. We were sitting in front of each other, our eyes fixed on one another. I had already broken out in a cold sweat.
"Girlfriend. So what? About Naruko, what are you going to do?"
Huh? Naruko had absolutely nothing to do with it — although I wanted to say that, there is no way I could. You guys remember her impression of me? Ayase misunderstood me as 'An older brother who loves his little sister'. And I had no way to clear her misunderstanding.
"What… am I going to do? What do you mean by that?"
"Didn't you two have a similar relationship?"
"No, we didn't!"
"Don't make excuses!"
"Sorry." Please don't pull the lighter out so easily.
"So what are you going to do about Naruko?"
"This is none of your concern."
"How could that be!?"
"Why?"
"Because… because… right, because Naruto-kun has no more value to me."
"Value…"
"I mean… Naruto-kun is no longer 'someone to talk to about Naruko'."
"In other words, if friction happens between me and Naruko, you will be inconvenienced?"
"That's right! If you have a girlfriend, Naruko will… she will… because she is concerned about your feelings, there might be friction. In that case, what should I do? Even if I had something to say about Naruko, in your current state Naruto-kun is no good…"
"What you just said is a mess."
"It is not!"
Strange… because "… For you, me getting a girlfriend should be good news."
"What are you saying?"
Why are you flushed?
"Because that means you can separate the perverted me from Naruko."
"Ah…"
"Wasn't that your goal in the first place? Why are you saying that I shouldn't do that now?"
"…"
Ayase looked depressed.
"…?"
To be honest, I want to solve this misunderstanding more than anyone else. So why does Ayase look that way? I don't get it.
"… Tch!" Unwillingly, Ayase forced herself to close her eyes. Clenching her teeth, she said," That's enough. Please leave."
"Huh?"
"I told you to leave!"
"Hey, hey before that release my hands, please."
"… Fine, now leave!" Ayase pushed my back, forced me to get out of her room, and then.
"Get out! You liar!"
Bang
The door was closed. I could just let it go, but…
"Liar? What do you mean by that?"
"Shut up! Shut up, liar!"
Bang
The sound came from the other side. She probably did it because she was angry — what is going on here? We started a debate in front of Ayase's door.
"Stop it, I don't understand anything! When did I lie to you!?"
Bang — again.
"All of this was a lie. Everything you said was a lie! The last time you say to me… you said you wanted to marry me!"
"What is going on Ayase?" A voice came from another direction.
"Oh shit! Ayase's mother!?"
Ayase's mother (sorry for my impolite imagination) was a like a demon trying to pull me in the depths of hell. In a panic — I cut off my conversation and ran away. Because of that, I tripped.
Thud Thud Thud Thud. I fell down the stairs.
"Argh… goddammit!"
I ignored the pain and rush out of Ayase's house
After I got back home, I was relieved to see that no one had followed me. My shoulders ached…
"It hurts…"
Now that I'd stopped, I realized that my entire body was in a lot of pain. Looks like I got some injuries while falling. Still, it didn't have any effect on my body, and I was so afraid of Ayase's mother that I was able to pull myself together and run away.
(◕ω◕✿)
"You are always so clumsy Senpai."
"Aw! It hurts!" I cried in pain when the disinfectant made contact with my wound.
"Aren't you a boy? Pull yourself together."
"It still hurts!"
We're in my room right now, Kureneko is treating my wound while I was crying in pain. I was sitting on the bed, while Kureneko knelt next to me.
"… What happened? You get in a fight or something?"
"No. Don't worry about it." I couldn't say that I fell down the stairs at Ayase's house.
Hearing my half-hearted answer, Kureneko let out a sigh. "By the way senpai, there something I want to show you."
Kuroneko took a notebook out from her bag and pushed it to me. "Please take a look at this."
"What is that?" Is that the deathnote? It looks quite thick
"… It is 'Destiny Record'"
"Please speak Japanese."
"To describe it using this world's language… hm, this book predicts your future… you understand that right? Also, it shows me the ceremony I have to use to reach my Arcadia."
What a troublesome girl
"… So what is written inside?" I picked my words carefully.
Kuroneko looked even cuter when she was embarrassed, she said, "… Yesterday, I couldn't sleep because I was so excited. So I made this book."
"I see."
"I was worried for the whole night… and then I wrote everything that could happen down…"
Kuroneko opened her notebook. Every page was full of words as if she wrote a novel
"In the morning, I realized that I had filled the entire notebook, I even drew some illustrations."
"Scary!" This much love made my eroge fantasies about Kuroneko look cute. To be honest… I was scared!
"… Hm? So what do you think? Want me to force it into your head?" Kuroneko raised one of her legs in triumph.
"Well, not bad."
Becoming lovers with Kuroneko — how will our relationship change? I finally realized something. Although my girlfriend was admirable for her efforts, she was also so cute and clumsy at the same time. However, there were a lot of potential problems. Although I didn't regret my choice… I broke into a cold sweat. Kuroneko acted like nothing happen, which she never demonstrated before we started going out. She said.
"… What do you think? Are… are you happy?"
"Scared is more like it."
In this field, I'm the straight forward type. That depends on your opinions, but if the girl I love made something bad, I will say 'It's bad' without holding back. It's better for everyone this way.
"… I see."
Still, I felt kind of guilty to see her look so depressed like this.
"Well, I was happy, that's true. Although it's kind of scary." Yup, that was my honest feeling.
"Really?" Kuroneko looked better immediately.
"That's right. By the way, that notebook contains what you want to do with me right?"
"Ah… ah… yes, you might say it like that." Kuroneko suddenly closed the notebook in front of me.
"Then let me see."
"… Wah?"
"Let me see that notebook." I raised my hand.
"You re… re… re… re… really want to see it?" For some reason, Kuroneko stuttered.
"Weren't you about to show it to me a second ago?"
"No, no, it was just my imagination… I didn't intend to…" Kuroneko nervously hid the notebook behind her.
Hm — women are the hardest creatures to understand in this world. Why can't you just tell me what you are thinking? For such a cute girlfriend, I would willingly do anything.
"I got it. Since you won't let me see it, please at least tell me what you want to do. This is my first time, so I have no idea what to do."
"Really?"
"Yes. Although it's embarrassing, but the truth is I don't know how to make you happy. Sorry, please tell me."
This time Kuroneko didn't say anything. Although her eyes were blinking nonstop. After a few minutes… finally, Kuroneko opened the middle part of the notebook and showed it to me.
"Um? Yes?"
"… This one." Kuroneko's voice was barely a whisper, she pointed at a corner. What was written there was…
-Go on a date with Senpai.
I see.
"… I got it, let's go on a date."
"…Mmm." My girlfriend nodded.
That was how our first date began. By the way, on the same page, I saw a lot of places which were erased. But what exactly was under those black marks? Of course I had no way to know. And so — I discussed our date together with Kuroneko.
"… Tomorrow… we meet In front of station… how about it?"
"I understand… thank you, Senpai." Kuroneko looked down in embarrassment.
Actually, I realized that seeing Kuroneko flushed was quite funny. Because she always looked so cute that it made me want to tease her.
"Say, Kuroneko."
"… What's that?"
"Just now, 'go on a date' was in the middle of the notebook, right?"
"So?"
"What follows them?" I accidental (purposely) asked. Kuroneko said this notebook contained what she wanted to do with me. In other words, in this notebook, there should be a lot of things she wants to do, like where to go for a date, where to go play.
Like she was stuck by lighting, Kuroneko froze. I somehow can feel her feelings, which made me uneasy too…
"… About that, if you don't want to then there is no need to…"
"You really want to know?" Kuroneko whispered without looking at me.
She didn't tell me what followed those pages, but my eyes subconsciously locked at her lips. When I recovered, my palm was full of sweat. The room felt so unnaturally hot.
"I want to know."
"Good." Kuroneko nodded.
"I also want you to know." Kuroneko flipped to a page of the Destiny Record and showed it to me.
"These are my wishes."
"Whaaaaaaaaaa!"
Like I'm about to die, I screamed before turning away. There was a creepy illustration over the entire page. It was drawn in painting brush strokes, like a bleeding tear… is that Kuroneko's self-portrait? The only colors were black and red, just like a devil color. I could feel regret and despair from that illustration, like it was cursed into madness, it was like 'The Scream'.
I asked in fear, "… That… that… is that your wishes?"
"… Huh?" Seeing my reaction, Kuroneko seemed puzzled. She checked the illustration and said, "Wrong illustration."
"Hey!" Don't scare me like that! Letting me see that, I don't know what my girlfriend wanted from me.
"Just now didn't happen. Again." Then Kuroneko opened the last page of Destiny Record.
On the top, it said the illustration was named 'The ideal world'. It was drawn in manga style — Kuroneko's normal style. Unlike her normal illustration, this one didn't use purple and black, and had a warm and gentle feeling. Compared to the 'The Scream' just now, it was completely different. Surrounding the dining table was me and…
"Naruko…?"
Why did Naruko appear in a notebook full of 'What Kuroneko wants to do together with me'? In that illustration, I could see that my sister and I were smiling happily. It looked so cheerful and happy. It didn't look like an illustration, but instead I felt like the one in the illustration was calling to me 'Hurry up and come here'… yes, that was the warm gentle feeling.
"… That's my wishes. I will risk everything for my Arcadia."
"What does that mean?"
"You don't understand?"
"Absolutely not."
"I see. Seems like my journey will be long." Kuroneko closed her eyes and showed me a mocking smile.
She always spoke by beating around the bush, so it was hard to fully understand her feelings. But I could clearly feel the gentle atmosphere from this illustration.
"I don't know what you want to do, but in this illustration where I and Naruko look happy. No matter what 'ceremony' is needed to do it, I will do it."
'Ceremony'… what a powerful word… although it surely belonged to 'what Kuroneko want to do with me together', but I felt like she had another goal in mind. Whatever. As long as it's something my cute girlfriend wishes, I will do it.
"Because I'm your boyfriend."
(◕ω◕✿)
It was Sunday at 10 AM. On the day of our date, we were set to meet in front of station.
I noticed a very strange person standing there. The most eye-catching thing was her clothes. She was wearing a full sleeveless gothic lolita dress. The front of her skirt was opened, revealing her pure white legs. There was a small pair of angel wings on her back, and she also wore an eyepatch.
Also, there was steam coming from the hot ground, so I briefly wondered if I was hallucinating. But, the truth is always ruthless. The very awkward girl, without any doubt, is my girlfriend.
She noticed me. She said in a sharp tone: "… You have come."
"Kuroneko?" I was a little depressed.
"No, you are wrong." First, she remove the eyepatch. There were a pair of contact lenses in the her's eyes, so her eyes were gold and red. Then she raised one of her hands, lifted one of her legs — all in slow manner.
"… I am the wielder of the devilish truth stare, the eye of the wicked lord, Kamineko the strongest!"
To be met with two serious troubles in the morning.
"… you are… Kuroneko, right?"
"I… I told you that I'm not." Kuroneko stood right up, her eyes blinked. I almost made her unhappy. Looks like I need to play along.
"Uhm… so, Kamineko-sama? Can I ask something?"
"Kuku. Ask mortal!"
"What's with that outfit?"
"Tyrant's Princess's outfit."
Kuroneko did a 360 spin. Today, Kamineko-sama seemed very confident with her outfit. It had been a long time since I saw her so happy.
"I see… so that's the outfit of the Tyrant's Princess."
"Yes, I made it a while ago. Do you like it?" She blushed madly.
"Yes, it suits you very much."
"Really?"
"Yup." It was true. Compared to her usual outfit, this one revealed more skin.
"You look more charming in this one."
"Really?"
I didn't expect for her to be so weak to praise. Looks like the 'charm' part got the job done. In that case, I should continue praising her!
"So, Senpai where will we go today?"
"Well, I'll keep that a secret until we get there. Um, we'll be going on my bike. Is that all right with you?"
As I told her the plan for today, I pointed at my bike. It was an ordinary ladies' bike. Ah, but I did remodel it a bit for today. I added a cushion on the back. Now you can tell that it was meant for two. Of course, Kuroneko had to exaggeratedly point at it.
"I-Is… that your dragon vehicle, Senpai?! What's its name?"
"I haven't named it yet. I'm still thinking of one."
"Then I'll name it…" Before she could finish that sentence, I interrupted her.
"Hold on a moment. I want to wait a little bit." I didn't plan to say it like that, but it just came out.
Kuroneko looked at me with doubt. "Why?"
"I'll tell you later. What were we talking about? Oh yeah, let's get going!"
"You did mention that. Understood."
As soon as I said we were going, she sat like a little doll on the back of my bike. With just one glance, I could tell she was trying to rush me.
I straddled my bike, put my bag in the basket in front, and prepared to leave.
"If there are no problems, let's get out of here!"
"Demon King Transportation Method unleashed. Passenger Stations Docked. All green, Senpai. GO!"
"…"
I was so nervous I couldn't even retort to that, though I could think of plenty of comebacks. It felt like my future had a caution light blinking in front of it.
As if she saw the lights too, Kuroneko put her arms around me and held tight.
"Alright, time to head out!" I pushed down the pedal, stood up and started to ride. I was able to keep a rapid pace for a little while, but I was starting to tire when I heard a song behind me.
"Go! Go! To Heaven!"
She's making a fool of herself. I tried to change this melody into one with some energy.
"That's cool, but I don't think we're heading there today."
"Oh? Go! Go! In the Inferno!"
"Why'd you choose the opposite location!?"
I should've seen that one coming. Honestly, I don't want to visit Hell today either.
Well, at least Kuroneko seemed to be in a good mood with how she was humming. It made me happy to see her happy.
"Oh… I hope that seat isn't uncomfortable for you."
"No problem. The seat is favorable, though the view is unsatisfactory."
"Please try to put up with the view. As long as I'm careful pedaling, we'll be alright."
"I'm fine. If Naruto dies, then I too will die."
… What was that? It was just like something she would say. Due to the stress I was under today, I couldn't retort back. But what do you say to that? I'm happy to hear her say that, but not in that fashion!
After a bit of hesitation, I replied, "No, no matter what happens, I'll be sure to protect you Ruri! If we happen to see a Demon King, I'll be sure to defeat him!"
I decided to play the cool card. Best not to try and make her laugh, but at least that should get a smile.
I expected to hear something like, "Naturally, you are my partner after all," but I didn't hear anything from Kuroneko. Usually she'd respond to something like that, but what's going on…? I couldn't see her reaction, so not hearing something was a little heartbreaking.
"Um, Kuroneko-san?"
"… Yeah, protect me." After barely mumbling that, Kuronko pressed her forehead into my back.
Uh huh, looks like the tables are turned. She's the embarrassed one this time…
Though I was happy to hear her embarrassed reply, we continued on our journey in silence. Noticing the heavy atmosphere, I began to pedal faster. But it didn't matter how fast I went because there was a red light in front of me.
When it rains, it pours. The one to break the ice was Kuroneko. "But senpai is the Demon King, so your opponent would be something like a magical girl. You versus a heroic magical girl."
By the time I could say something, the light had turned green. I kicked the ground and began to pedal the bike as I replied, "That bit at the end is messed up but… facing a hero would be something new. Well, as long as we're not in a game. If we're in a game, the heroes always win."
"That isn't the case. I'll be by your side. Our powers are the strongest, so there is no chance of losing."
"Hahaha, definitely. You really hate to lose, so we'd definitely win."
Kuroneko said decisively, "Naturally. Of course, I'm also quite strong by myself."
I couldn't see her face, but I'm sure she was ecstatic behind me.
"That reminds me. Why are you wearing such eye-catching outfit? Is there a reason behind that?"
"Well, this outfit is very special and it's a upgrade of my normal outfit. It give me new power and ability. Right now it is allowing me to read into Senpai's heart."
"That's the first time I've heard of such a power! I don't think I would care for that!"
"I see your heart saying 'Whoaaaaaa, I'm crossing over the speed of sound! This is 'Naruto-style Lightning Fast Sonic Speed!''"
"Saying it like that is really frustrating. Not naming it something like 'Naruto-style Final Heaven' is super frustrating, but I wouldn't even say something like that. I wouldn't even think it!"
"'How, how did it know?! Has the Tyrant's Princess costume surpassed my expectations?!'"
"Seriously, you're not reading my heart."
When it comes to being cheeky, you are the strongest. But she doesn't miss a beat.
"Hmph. Calm yourself. This ability is restricted, thus I do not use it often. From hence forth, I'll only use it when I tell you."
"You mean you couldn't just ask…"
"'Oh no! It really is the strongest power!'"
"Well, I can't deny that…"
"By the way, we've been traveling for a while. Where are we going today?"
And just like that, Kuroneko changed the subject on me. I regret stopping our interesting conversation, but perhaps she's getting uneasy not knowing our plans for today. We'll be there soon, so I guess I can surprise her.
"So Kuroneko, do you like dolphins?"
"I love Kairu-kun!"
"Kairu-kun? Ah, so you're one of those folks who don't click on the 'hide mascot' button in Office? I'm not talking about him; I mean a real dolphin! Wouldn't it be nice to sit on the edge and see one up close? You could even see sharks too."
"Mmm, I love how those taste."
"… Well, to each their own… so we're heading to the aquarium now."
"Oh, the aquarium! I've never been to one before."
That was a surprising response. I thought everyone went to one in elementary school as a field trip, but I guess not. On the bright side, at least today should be even more fun.
"Then is this all right with you? We've only got today this week to go, so I thought it'd be a good idea."
"To the Aquarium ~!" Behind me, I hear Kuroneko begin to sing again in joy.
My worries instantly disappeared. I began to pedal my bike — or my dragon vehicle in Kuroneko terms — as fast as I could go.
I began reviewing our date plans in my head as I continued to pedal. After our hour-long trip, we had finally arrived at the aquarium.
The aquarium was located near the coast, so there was a small breeze to take care of the heat today. It felt really nice. Since it was Sunday, there were a lot of parents with their children and couples there.
We began to search for a place to park my bike. Of course, my attention was solely focused on finding somewhere proper to lock it. I couldn't illegally park it.
After that, we began to walk towards the coast. We had arrived a little later than I planned, but it was lunch time. Thankfully, this too was planned ahead of time.
I took Kuroneko to a nearby park. Under the warming sun, we sat down on a bench.
"Here, I made box lunch for you."
"Really? My girlfriend's boxed lunch! Wow! Awesome!"
"There… there is no need to be so excited." Kuroneko blushed and turned away. "It… isn't as good as Uzumaki Senpai's."
"What are you saying — I will not compare them. Thank you very much, I'm very happy."
"I see." Kuroneko nodded and smiled.
"By the way, I also made a box lunch for you."
"Really?"
"Yes! I spent a lot of time on today's masterpiece! Take a look at this apple pie!" I reached behind me to show said apple pie, but there was no bag there.
… Dammit! Maybe I put my bag in my basket on the bike… I was bit nervous, so maybe it slipped my mind that I put it in there.
"Sorry, I left my bag in the bike. Do you mind waiting here?"
"Understood. I shall wait here."
"I'll be back in a flash!"
I ran at full speed towards the bike storage area. My wallet was also in that bag, so if it's lost… I don't want to think about that. Our first date would end disastrously and it'd be my fault. I'd probably feel like dying on the spot.
I quickly reached the storage area and found my bike. Thankfully, my bag was in the basket. For the time being, this date won't end as a horror story.
As I picked up my bag and headed back towards Kuroneko, I heard my cell phone shake. When I took it out, I saw someone had sent me a text. Must be Kuroneko. Or so I thought. Surprisingly, the sender was Karin.
"The first date… is a test from God. But you'll be fine. Use your eternal connections with Kuroneko-chan to guide you Naruto. Don't worry and you'll do well!"
This was quite the interesting message. Or did Karin just want to send something saying "eternal connection?"
I couldn't help laughing at Karin's saying. Thanks to her, I was able to calm down. I sent a brief reply to thank Karin and quickly headed back to Kuroneko.
I dashed all the way back, where she was waiting. At that time, my nervous was gone. Karin's actions had borne fruit.
Calmly I took in the scene in front of me.
"That's…" In front of me was Kuroneko and… a guy I've never seen before. I can attest that he was older than I was. This tall, slender guy was sitting beside Kuroneko of all people.
I got the sense he was pretty gaudy. He looked just like one of those guys you'd see in the movies. This guy has to be… a pickup artist. Once again, I dashed over as fast as I could.
"Heh, do you have some free time Ruri-chan? Want to go on the ferris wheel?"
How dare he say something like that to her! I can't believe it! "Hey!" I forced my way into their conversation.
"What? Are you trying to interrupt us?" Gaudy replied flippantly, sneering. He was looking up at me, but I wasn't going to let him win one over on me. I scowled back at him.
"Well, I'm her boyfriend so…"
"Haha, the boyfriend's arrived, huh? Or are you really her boyfriend? I just wanted to go on a date with Ruri-chan here. Move aside, will ya?"
He sounded even more flippant this time, but I wasn't going to give in. I responded with a pointed glare.
"Listen, you motherfucker! We are in a relationship! I'm on a date with her now! So get lost before I fucking beat you down here!"
My harsh words had an immediate effect on Gaudy.
"S-Sorry man, I'm just joking." While he was saying that, he slipped away hurriedly.
After the gaudy gone I sat down beside Kuroneko again.
"Sorry… are you alright?"
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. I was just startled. He suddenly started talking to me."
With what happened, I can believe she was startled. Thank goodness…
"Did anything bad happen?"
"I'm alright. Nothing happened."
"I see. That's good. Guess that happens when you're the cutest girl in the world…"
Of course, I had to blush when I said that. Dammit, don't get started now… after saying that, Kuroneko also started to blush as she replied.
"… Th-Thank you, I don't know you can cursed like that Senpai. But you looked really cool! You were able to invoke a new ability!"
"Ah, um… thanks, I guess… but didn't that guy call you Ruri-chan? Did you tell him your real name?"
"… I'm very sorry. He asked about my name and then about where I went to school. I answered him."
Kuroneko sounded down. She looked like she was thinking about what she did. Well, if we look at the cause of the matter, it was me forgetting my bag. Kuroneko isn't to blame for this happening.
"I see, I see. Well, everything's fine. We'll never see that guy again as long as you didn't tell him something like your phone number or where you live. Enough about him, I forgot about lunch. Are you ready to eat?"
"Yes, I'm hungry."
I set down my bag and then pulled out a plastic container for her to see. Since it was our first date, I was psyched last night, so I woke up early and baked this apple pie. I put all my fighting spirit into making this pie and left half behind for my sister at home.
Kuroneko spoke with wonder as she saw it.
"OH! I didn't know you can cook, Senpai. Did you really make this by yourself?"
"Well, I did my best. I followed a recipe, so I can't really say I made it all by myself. Granted, it does make a delicious pie."
"I knew you could do it! Is it alright to eat?"
She didn't even wait to finish that question before grabbing a slice of the pie. After saying thanks, she stuck it in her tiny mouth. I could see her expression indicating how delicious it was as she chewed. She had no hint of being affected by that flirt anymore. I began to calm down.
"Ah, I didn't bring a handkerchief. It'll be fine though. So, how is it? Delicious?"
"Yes! It's del… ugh ugh," Kuroneko was eating so fast that she choked on the wrapping underneath the cake.
Oh well. I shrugged and got my canteen from my bag. Naturally, today's tea was fit for summer. It was barley tea. I poured some into a glass and handed it over to Kuroneko, who gulped it down quickly.
"I thought I was going to die… it was delicious."
"Huh…" I'm happy to hear that, but not after that first part.
"The pie was sweet, which made it delicious. The tea also was very tasty."
"Oh, I see. Don't eat so fast from now on!"
Since the mood was back to normal, I also eat the box lunch Kuroneko made for me. It was delicious. Before I knew it, the food was all gone. I had eaten it in a matter of minutes.
"Thanks for the food. Senpai. Make another one sometime."
"Alright, sometime later. Since we done eating why don't we head inside?"
"Yeah!" Kuroneko was eager to go inside. Coupled with a bright smile, it filled my heart with joy.
We stood up and began to walk towards the aquarium entrance. From the outside, it looked like one of the largest aquariums in the world. With just how tall the entrance was, it certainly looked world-class.
We went in without delay. The tickets weren't cheap, but I suppose going to see a movie would cost about the same. Since I invited her, I said I would pay, but Kuroneko gently declined and paid.
"It's alright. I wanted to meet Kairu-kun No. 2, so you don't have to pay."
The difference between inside and outside was astounding. There was hardly anyone inside. The cool air from the air conditioning helped relieve us from the heat outside. Without saying anything, we moved on. Kuroneko was going everywhere, trying to see everything around her.
Since we were in a different place and together, my nervousness started to return. Kuroneko also had a nervous expression as she was looking around. Of course she and I wouldn't want to talk about it.
"Look at all the fish! It's like you're in the middle of the ocean."
"Do you like fish, Senpai?"
"I wouldn't say I like fish, but rather I really like the sea. I've wanted to explore the sea since I was a child. I probably saw some movie or TV show about it and got hooked."
"I understand what you're saying. I too immensely like the sea. Ah, let's go to the sea today!"
"Huh? Are you serious?" Suddenly the possibility of seeing her in a swimsuit dramatically increased. Inside, I was sporting a triumphant pose, but outside, we just went into a tunnel surrounded by tanks.
"… Amazing. Is this a gate to the demon world?"
That was certainly a Kuroneko-ish thought. I couldn't help laughing as I replied.
"Well, you might think that. Perhaps the fish look like ghosts. I can't check, but maybe some of the fish have magical powers."
Maybe they do, but that wouldn't be weird. Lately, probably thanks to Kuroneko, those types of thoughts have been coming into my head more frequently.
I don't mind those thoughts. It's been more fun lately, thanks to her being around. That's why I don't think having chuunibyou is necessarily a bad thing. People with it just see things in a different light. It's not just objects; they also have the talent to perceive other things differently too. Not sure if you could really call it a talent, though.
"That tunnel was pretty amazing, wasn't it?"
"Not as cool as Kairu-kun No. 2! Let's go Senpai!"
As Kuroneko was rushing me, our fingertips unexpectedly touched. Our hands and souls touched each other. Well, this might be out of the ordinary, but we are on a date…
And so, I took Kuroneko's hand into my right. It was the normal style, as if I was taking her somewhere.
"Um… your hand, is it alright?" I was so nervous that my ability to speak was slipping. We couldn't look at each other either.
Kuroneko could only reply in a barely-audible voice, "Yeah." She let go of my hand, and then reclasped hers to mine. This time, it looked like we were a couple.
"It is the primary responsibility of the boyfriend to hold hands with the girlfriend. Strangely enough, we have not held hands once."
"Is that so? Well, I did want to hold your hand for a while."
"Yes. I also wanted to connect us. We'll hold hands more often from now. I promise not to transmit any powers to you via my hands. There will be no demonstrations of my demonic body capabilities."
"You're not going to steal my life energy… are you?" Is it just me, or am I feeling tired all of a sudden? Nah, it's probably my nervousness from holding her hand.
It took guts to start holding hands with Kuroneko, and it took guts for her to return the favor. She'd say that as her boyfriend, it's up to me to give her strength. Of course, she'd claim that with her usual smile, but she doesn't need to say anything. We're already tied together! There's nothing to be nervous about!
"Well, let's head to the part of the aquarium you called the 'demon area'!"
"Yeah! To the Demon Area!"
As we were riding the long escalator up, I was thankful there was no one around to hear our conversation. They might think we're some strange chuunibyou couple.
After that, we spent about three hours talking like fools. If our friends could see us, I'm sure they'd pretend not to know who we were, but it was certainly a lot of fun at the aquarium.
Somehow the fish just seemed to be attracted to Kuroneko. While I looked at the fish swimming around, suddenly a lot of children gathered around her. Since all the children were excited to be in the aquarium, Kuroneko was able to play with them.
Kuroneko was so excited when she saw a real Kairu for the first time. She asked me, "Is there a way for this Kairu to disappear?" At the penguin exhibit, she always knew when one would jump out of its tank and take a picture. Upon asking, she just smiled mysteriously and commented, "Perhaps it's ESP awakening in me?"
I was surprised to see an water dragon there. The mola mola were good for nothing, but she was amazed at the shark exhibit. The amount of jellyfish there was astounding too.
I was a little worried about taking her here, but I was glad that that we had fun like I thought we would. I'm really glad she came with me today.
Before long we were at the exit. It was a lot of fun, but the time had come for us to leave.
Suddenly, Kuroneko asked something, "Why did you pick the aquarium, Senpai?"
"Hmm, it just came to me, but now that I think about it, I think I might've been influenced by something. It's a bit embarrassing, so I don't want to say what it was… Basically, something gave me this idea to go on a date at the aquarium, and I wanted to fulfill it."
That something was probably some manga. Maybe it was just so fun that I had fond memories of it and wanted us to do something like that?
"Oh." Kuroneko gave a short reply, but nodded like she was satisfied with the answer. "It was really fun. I want to come again. But tomorrow…"
"Tomorrow!?"
"Well, as long as I'm with you, any time would be alright."
At the same time those words reached my ear, we had just moved from darkness into light. Of the building, that is.
"Then how about we come here once a month? We'll be able to see if Kairu-kun No. 2 is doing well. We won't know how he's doing unless we come."
"Yeah!"
And with that, our date at the aquarium ended. Needless to say, it was a date I'll remember.
(◕ω◕✿)
"Well, we're not done yet!"
Right after we had left the aquarium, I was walking beside Kuroneko. It's true.
After part one of our date plans was completed, there remained part two. In case Kuroneko didn't have fun at the aquarium, I wanted to have insurance if we had some time left.
"What shall we do? Go on that Ferris Wheel?" She was talking about the big Ferris Wheel that was across from the aquarium.
"Alas, we shall not be embarking on that Ferris Wheel. Sorry."
"What?"
It doesn't matter how disappointed you look, we're not getting on it.
"Well, maybe another time."
I didn't want to deceive her, but we had to leave. In order to get her to leave, I tugged on her hand and the downhearted Kuroneko followed behind me. I wanted to take my time so I wouldn't rush her, but we didn't have a lot of spare time.
We quickly head to the bike storage area and I pulled my bike out and prepared it for travel.
"Well, we've got to get out of here. Would you kindly sit behind me?"
"There is no other option currently, but next time we will go on that Ferris Wheel."
"… Understood."
We left for our next destination… which was a big park located quite close to the aquarium.
"Alright, this spot should be good enough."
I stopped my bike by the edge after inspecting the grounds. It was 16:00, so there weren't a lot of people in the park.
"What are we doing next?"
"We will learn new powers now."
Kuroneko looked a bit puzzled.
"You told me before that you can't ride a bike, right? And your little sisters makes fun of you for that. I thought I could teach you to ride a bike on our dates."
"Ah… I'm so happy you didn't forget about it, Senpai. Yes! I too will tame that dragon! Afterwards, we will conquer the Earth together!"
… What kind of journey would I have to embark on so we could conquer Earth by bicycle? Well, perhaps there is one out there. I didn't search for a place like this after all.
"Let's start by getting on the vehicle!"
"Ah, wait a second." Kuroneko moved the saddle to the lowest point it could go. After checking its stability, she got on the saddle. With such a short skirt, I'm worried where my eyes might wander to…
"Devilish Truth Stare! Dragon Dance!"
"Well, you have to move the stand or else it won't be able to move…"
"How can I do that, Senpai…?"
"Don't look so frightened as you get on it… I can't really say, you just move it once you get on. You can't move with it up. Stands are quite good at supporting the vehicle."
"Understood." She gently moved the stand propping the bike up. From here, we should practice keeping her balance on the bike.
"Now keep your feet on the petals and rotate them while keeping your balance. Don't worry, I'll support you so you won't fall."
"Understood. I trust you." She began to pedal. It was a bit wobbly to begin with, but soon she was able to pedal well.
"Oh, you're doing great! Good job!"
"It's like my demonic power has begun to tame this dragon! Ku ku, before long, your dragon will soon become mine."
"Well, you say that now. Are you ready to ride alone? Is it alright for me to stop now?"
"I! Trust! You!" You trust me so much you don't want to separate, huh? But if she wants to ride a bike, I'll have to betray her at some point.
"Alright, I trust you. I won't let go. Be sure to turn the handlebar when we reach that curve!"
"I have to fly this dragon!?"
"It's nothing to be that shocked over! You can fly it." It probably looked like we were in a play. Of course, we weren't actually acting.
I'm a trustworthy guy. I feel awful every time I have to break a promise but, in order to get Kuroneko to learn to ride a bike quickly, I had to lie. It was a white lie, but I hope she wouldn't press me on it.
Soon, Kuroneko was taming the dragon all by herself.
"Huh?"
"Well, I had to let go."
"What, what? Whawha?" As soon as she realized she was riding by herself, Kuroneko became flustered (and a little cute) when raising her voice. She began to get wobbly again.
Cute wasn't the only thing I was paying attention to. Yeah, looks like I was a bit too early in letting her go. From the looks of things, I had to restrain the uneasy Kuroneko.
"Kuroneko! Calm down! You can do it! Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaake!" I tried to calm her down.
After listening to what I was saying, I heard the squealing of Kuroneko Transit applying the brakes. There she stood still.
"Whoa, that was scary!"
"Sorry, sorry, I had to lie. Well, don't you feel like you can ride now?"
"Really?"
"Really! Don't you think you can do it?"
Upon hearing my praise, Kuroneko got a triumphant look on her face. Kuroenko is the type of girl who enjoys being praised.
"Let's train some more!"
"Okay. I'll be beside you so you won't feel in danger. That should ease your mind, right?"
After an hour of training, Kuroneko grew to become a full dragon tamer. In normal terms, she can ride a bicycle now.
"Yep, I think you've got the hang of it now."
"This is all thanks to you Senpai. Thank you."
"Well, you're the one who was able to ride it."
"No, if you weren't here, I don't think I would be able to make that dragon my underling. That's why it's all thanks to you. Again, thank you."
"Is that so? Well, if you put it like that, you're quite welcome. Well, since you're the one who was able to tame him, why don't you name him to celebrate?"
"Ah, so that's why you said that earlier!"
"Yeah."
I had a hunch that Kuroneko would become attached once she rode it. Not much of a present, but I think she likes it. Kuroneko got on the bike and began thinking.
"Hmm, wait a moment."
"That's strange. Usually, you have a name already picked out."
"But this is the first dragon I could name." It's just like her to value that. She then added, "This boy is named Anteros."
"It's really great. It's so cool, I love it!"
"Is that so? Good." Kuroneko's smile had no worries at all in it. It was enchanting.
"Alright, now that he's named, we have to head home. Let's go, Anteros!"
After that, we had more foolish conversations on the way back. I'm not sure if Anteros leveled up or what, but even though I was worn out, we came back at about the same speed we had when going to the aquarium. Soon we arrived at Kuroneko's house.
"We have arrived." As soon as I heard her say that from behind me, I put on the brakes and stopped precisely in front of her house.
"Thank you for today." After getting off of Anteros, Kuroneko lowered her head and graciously thanked me. I too lowered my head back. We were together the whole day, and because of that we had fun.
"The same to you." It was a bit awkward, but I didn't want to leave.
After we stop this give and take, it marks the end of our happy day. It felt like the world would end.
I could be with Kuroneko and it'd be alright. Wow, that sounded chuunibyou-ish. The awkwardness grew. It's not a bad thing to be awkward, but it wouldn't go away today.
"Today was so much fun! It feels weird to thank you, but I feel like I should."
"I too had a lot of fun! I'm really happy." Really really happy.
That phrase fills my entire soul with joy. I also felt insanely happy when I was with Kuroneko today. I wanted to tell her. I wanted to say it from the bottom of my heart.
"…"
"…"
Apparently, Kuroneko was finding it as difficult as I was to say goodbye. Our eyes continued to gaze into each other's. Silence swooped down around us. The half-full moon illuminated us from the night sky.
Kuroneko broke our silence in a small voice, "Senpai, this could be a sign of goblins." She grabbed my hand and took me to a back alley. There she took a deep breath, and sighed slowly. She looked towards me and shut her eyes.
"Senpai, show proof of our bond."
"Huh?" I didn't understand what she meant. It didn't feel right to ask her again.
After a little while, Kuroneko opened her eyes a bit, contemptuously.
"On that day, we proved we made a bond together. It would be nice to prove it again tonight, Senpai." She started to pout. It was so adorable, yet shy at the same time.
Finally, it hit me what she meant. I'm an idiot. Go ahead and say it: I have no common sense when it comes to love. I'm really an idiot…
"Sorry, I was being idiotic."
"Yes, you're certainly an idiot."
"Yes, yes, sorry. But isn't the one who says that an idiot too. That makes you one."
"… Idiot."
"Ruri." I said her real name.
"Huh?"
"I love you." Our lips met.
The first kiss of my life lasted about ten seconds, but it felt like an hour had passed when we parted. The only sensation I felt was Ruri's presence on my lips. It felt like we were alone in the world. I wished we could stay like that forever.
It was pure happiness. Neither of us moved. It was the best feeling in the world.
After our lips separated, Kuroneko opened her eyes.
"I love you too." Again, she had such a charming smile.
And like that, our first date ended. It was the best day ever.
.
.
.