Chapter 20: Disaster and Confession

Okay first of all yesterday was special because it's anniversary of this story! I was about to post this yesterday but I got busy with some stuff hehe anyways I'm just happy that you didn't let go and still hanging until this story will finish (but let's not talk about it yet since a lot of things will surprise you in the near future) and for that I want to say my gratitude to those who followed and favorited my story from the deepest part of my happy heart. Thank you so much! You really made my day especially to those who share their thoughts about each chapters I posted. It boosted my confidence and helped my brain to improve my writing... So yeah, I'm glad. Okay, I'll stop talking and I don't want to take any longer so here is your treat bunnies!


After the little vacation at the Naeba Ski Resort and sharing my past about my time in Itada High to Ema everything became normal again, I got back to work and Ema spent her days with her siblings. I have to admit spending my days without dramas with the Asahinas are really refreshing and nice in a way. They seemed to know I needed space for the moment which really I was thankful at their good perceptions. Anyways, enough with them, since days went on and faster than I thought, tonight is New Year's Eve and not just only about that because Ema's gonna have her first date ever!

As plan I contacted Kenjie to wait at the shrine at around eight in the evening. The hindrance though and the biggest one is her brothers presence, yeah Kenjie is stupid sometimes but I don't want him to die because I set him up on this blind date. So I decided to distract her brothers! Yep that's a lot but I can endure it just to make Ema's first date a success!

Good thing Shioka will be coming with me since she was free tonight, might as well add another member in this plan. Shioka and I reach the shrine at around eight, we saw Kenjie waiting at the entrance wearing a casual clothing, his red jacket with hood and navy blue printed shirt matching a black jeans suits the moron, he even looks cool with his cap and eyeglasses. Way to go to impress a girl huh Kenjie.

He didn't notice us at first not until we stopped right behind him and felt our presences. He turned around instantly and smiled before his eyes gone wide.

"Woah... You both look...human."

-pow-

-thwack-

I punched his stomach while Shioka hit his head at the same time making him groaned in pain.

"...itai..."

"That's not how you compliment a girl stupid and anyway, you look like sh*t in that outfit."

Shioka uttered with her poker face as always. I smirked in amusement watching his face contorted in annoyance.

"I was just kidding Shio-nee! Don't take it so personally."

-thwack-

"Ow..."

"I told you to stop calling me that kid." Irritation clearly in her tone. I chuckled inwardly before patting his shoulder.

"What Shio means is you look good tonight." I wink and beam at him. "Anyways, since you are my friend I would like to give you a warning first." I encircled my arm around his shoulder and leaned his face down in my level.

"W-What? Warning? Why I need a warning?"

His back turned stiff hearing that word but I smirked instead and whispered into his ear. "Because you'll gonna face the demons itself."

"Demons...?"

I saw how his back shivered in nervousness and watched him turned pale. "You're an evil woman." I heard Shioka's comment beside me but a mischievous smile was only my reply.

"C'mon Ken! Cheer up!" I slapped his back making him stumbled on his feet. "You're lucky I'm your friend since I won't let you die tonight!" I hold his hood immediately since he was planning to run away and pulled him towards me locking him in my arms. "Don't you dare run away moron!"

"I don't wanna die yet! I've got a lot of dreams I need to fulfill~"

Shioka who was watching the two in pure amusement shook her head. "Idiots..."

"Rin-chan!"

Kenjie and I froze from our positions and saw Ema coming towards us, she's wearing already a beautiful blue kimono with design of ornamental red beautiful flowers and matching fiery red obi that uncle Rintarou bought and delivered for her. I smiled seeing her finally all dressed, she looked pretty and classy at her outfit matching a nice hairdo and light make up which I'm sure done by Louis. I let Kenjie go at once and approached my friend giving her a firm hug.

"You look so pretty..." I muttered, genuine plainly in my tone. She let me go and smiled fondly at me.

"Thanks, you also. It seems father has a taste."

Yep, uncle Rintarou gave a present to me also after we went home from our little vacation. And yes, I agree that he has a taste choosing this beautiful kimonos for us. While Ema's blue, he chose the purple color for me, maybe because this color matches my eyes. The only difference is the style, mine was full of buttterflies and sakura petals pairing with dark blue obi that Shioka complimented after she saw me.

"Aww... Thanks!"

She chuckled before noticing my companions' presences. "Oh hi Shioka-san, Kenjie-kun... Sorry I didn't see you right away."

"Hello kid and please drop the honorific." She said, the corner of her lips curled upward.

"H-Hi Ema..."

I cocked my eyebrow at Kenjie's stuttering voice and grinned impishly when I noticed his blushing face! Ha! He found Ema pretty! That's a good start right?

"Where are the others Ema-chi?" My wary question looking around first.

"They'll be here soon but only Kaname-san, Subaru-san, Lori-kun, and Louis-san... The others won't be able to join us because of mom's request to be with them tonight."

Eh? Really?

"Even though she wants me to join them I told her about my promised to you so I made a deal that tomorrow I'll have the rest of my time with her and father."

Is fate helping me now?

"Why those four remained with you?"

"Father requested Louis-san and Kaname-san to stay with me, Subaru-san has a semi-final game this morning that's why he didn't come with them, Lori-kun has a final examination in his one subject that he missed so he also stayed."

Damn right fate is with me tonight!

"Stop smiling kid it's getting really creepy."

Shioka's comment snapped me from my inner celebration and scratched the nape of my neck. "Sorry...I'm just hap-I mean I remember something hehe..."

"Speaking of them... They should be here soon... They say they'll catch up."

"Don't worry! They'll be here soon but before that I want you to meet your date tonight! Well apparently you met him already but still!" I clapped my both hands and grinned. "Ema-chi... Ken, tonight this is your night to get to know each other so I hope you get along well after this date!"

"Eh?"

Both of them looked at me with wide eyes, Kenjie somehow blushing furiously at the idea.

" ...so my date tonight was...this is.. "

I rolled my eyes at his idiotic look and swiftly grabbed his shoulder. "Stupid! Get a grip, don't tell me this is your first time to go on a date?" I whispered impatiently.

"No! I... I was just caught off guard that's all!" He hissed still embarrass. A gasp escaped in my lips and smiled evilly at him. "Why are you smiling like an evil villain?"

I smack him. "Just make sure to make her happy tonight you understand? I'll treat you something if you do that got it?"

"Hai...hai... " he grumbled massaging his sore head. I bobbed my head in approval and came back to Ema's side.

Ema chuckled inwardly at both of us before she stared back and scanned the coming group of people. I followed her gaze and did the same thing but stopped when Shioka tugged my kimono's sleeve and pointed something on the other direction. I recognized Kaname's blond hair from here and when I get a better look he's with Subaru, Lori and Louis with Juli on his shoulder.

"Ema-chi they're over there..." I called, a beautiful smile casted her lips when she saw her siblings.

"Kaname-san! Over here..." She swiftly waved her hand, Kaname hearing Ema's calling jerked his stare towards us and waved back at her with a warm smile.

My lips quirk in amusement when I noticed that their group caught most of the peoples' attention especially girls and surprisingly even boys.

"Wow... They are your brothers... They look so cool Ema-san."

"..that's only four of them, you haven't seen the rest." I said nochalantly and crossing my arms at the same time.

I heard Ema's light laugh beside me before I heard her saying thanks to Kenjie.

"Well I never imagine you'll be more beautiful in kimono Rina." Kaname said with his ever charming smile and stopped in front of us.

"Thank you Kaname-san... You really know how to sweet talk a girl." I winked at him with an impish smile gracing my lips before my gaze landed at the three behind him and swiftly greeted them with a sincere smile this time.

"It's been a while but it's good to see you again Rina."

Lori softly started.

"Yeah, likewise Lori-san let's just say I kinda missed you." I chuckled before patting his shoulder. His feature turned soft.

Juli's scoff heard after that. "Why does it sound like you are flirting to him Mi-chi?"

I snapped my head towards his direction and grinned knowingly. "..aw I miss you also Juli! c'mon I'll give you a bear hug." Swiftly grabbing him from Louis shoulder and smoldering him. Hard. "So squishy!"

"Poor squirrel."

Shioka said, her tone showing no concern. Kenjie shook his head giving the animal a pity look.

Louis suddenly went to my side and touched my braided hair. "You'll be more pretty if you loosen your hair Mi-chan." He suggested but still gently smiling at me.

"I see, well maybe one day but not now though." I winked at him and he gave me a closed eyes smile.

"Of course..."

I placed Juli back on his shoulder who was breathing so hard, I smiled sweetly at him. "There...be good Juli." The warning behind my tone didn't miss, making him squeaked in nervousness and hide from my sight instantly.

As always Subaru just nodded his head in acknowledgement but I didn't miss his warm cheeks while complimenting me about my outfit, my smile widened before thanking him. Our little chit chat was stopped when I remembered Shioka and Kenjie behind me but I got surprise when Kaname went in front of Shioka and took her hand unexpectedly.

"Please to see you again Manabe-san." He cooly said before placing a quick kiss on her hand. Shioka jumped at the action and took he hand back, glaring at him after that.

"Yeah whatever..."

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms with blank look. I quirked my lips in amusement and decided to properly introduce my two companions to them.

"Anyways, everyone, I want you to meet Manabe Shioka and Nasagino Kenjie both of them are my co-workers at the tea cafe I'm working."

They exchanged greetings to each other and formally introduced themselves to one another... But what caught my attention most is how Kaname and Shioka interact towards each other. Shioka tried her best to avoid him at all cost while Kaname didn't seem to dither at her cold attitude. Maybe this night would be more interesting than I thought.


ᴥ ᴥ ᴥ


Our plan is to go to shrine first before enjoying the rest of the time at many activities in this area. I was thinking a proper plan how to separate Ema and Kenjie alone. But it seems impossible since the boys are following us behind. Damn, I need to do something fast before the fireworks display starts.

"I know what you're thinking Rina." Shioka muttered beside me before staring fully at my face and giving me her usual blank expression. "Kid that's impossible since her brothers are right behind us."

"Thank you for the moral support Shio." My dull countenance also, sarcasm clearly in my voice. She shrugged off her shoulder as reply and ignored me again.

I was still thinking hard of how to put my plan into action when I heard Ema's faint cry and making me looked at her direction instantly, she almost stumbled on her feet when Kenjie hold her waist immediately to stop her from falling. Ema glanced at him and smiled genuinely.

"Thank you Kenjie-kun."

"..y-you're welcome."

I almost wanted to slap the idiot at his obvious flusttered look, he was like an open book that anyone could tell what he was thinking.

"Hands off you bastard!" That shout snapped my attention and saw the fuming look of Juli who was literally gonna explode any moment! He jumped from Louis shoulder but I swiftly caught him in my hands before he can attack Kenjie. "Let me go Mi-chi! This bastard lay his filthy hand to Chi that's unforgivab-hmp!" I put a big nut into his mouth to silence him. Thank goodness Ema let me held her pouch which has Juli's favorite snack.

"Woah... Is he angry?"

I rolled my eyes at Kenjie's question. "No, just hungry."

"I doubt it..."

Shioka gave an apprehensive look at Juli.

Kaname's light laugh heard behind us. "It seems not only us Juli doesn't like but also you Kenjie-san."

Sigh. He hates every man who has potential of liking Ema, sometimes his protectiveness is really annoying.

"Just ignore Juli everyone." I muttered. His screeching voice and curse words heard in the background.

After that little incident we moved on and headed straight, sometimes we passed on some food stalls and then play on some games that caught most of our attentions. The longer I observed the more people I saw coming at this place and the crowd was getting bigger in my eyes. Even me is getting anxious and frustrated at the situation of setting the two alone. I was too engrossed at my thought when I felt a hard nudge on my back and making me stumbled and fell on my knees, hitting the ground harder than I thought.

Damn, this night is becoming a disaster for me!

"Ow..."

"Rina."

Subaru's concern tone snapped me and looked at him. He kneeled in front of me and immediately helped me on my feet. "The crowd of people is getting bigger. It seems that we got separated from them."

What?

"Separated...?"

"Y-Yes... I thought they are following us behind..." Subaru scratched the nape of his neck somewhat nervous and concern at the situation we are in.

Are you f*cking kidding me?! Ema's first date, My plan... It's ruined. How could this happened? I should just set them in a nice place where they can have alone time. So stupid of me!

"Rina... Are you okay?" I jerked my head to him and weakly nodded my head.

I can't even contacted my friend because I left my phone and the reason I left it was because I was thinking about executing this plan which was obviously failed because of my stupidity. I groaned silently and bit my lower lip, why did I even think that they should have their blind date tonight? Well since it's New Year's Eve I thought this would be the best time to ugh! Stupid! Stupid!

"Let's get out of here." Subaru's serious tone made me look at him again and jumped in surprise when I felt his hand on my waist to guide me while walking. "Sorry... Y-You have to stick with me, the crowd's getting bigger I don't want us to get separate also." He muttered and flusttered at the same time.

I didn't comment since he was right and bob my head again agreeing at his words. His warmth and scent was so nice, my face softened hearing his heart beating and so fast in my opinion which will jump out of his chest any moment... Maybe because he was holding me and knowing his shyness when it comes to girls I probably made him nervous, poor Subaru.

We found a nice spot because only few people I can see passing by, Subaru gently let me go and composed himself, I let him breathe for some couple of seconds before smiling at him. "Did you bring your phone?" I asks immediately. He nods his head in answer. "Can I borrow it? I forgot to bring mine. We need to inform the others of where we are now..."

"Okay..." He took out his phone and gave it to me.

"Do you have Ema's number?"

"Yes." His brief reply.

Of course. Why did I even ask anyway?

I dipped my head and dialed her phone number. It didn't take long before she answered it and heard her soft voice. "Hello Ema-chi? Where are you guys?" My worried question.

"We really don't know actually there's too many people here and I don't even know where is Kaname-san, Lori-kun, Louis-san and Shioka-san..."

Hold up, I think I need to talk to her alone about this. I stared at Subaru and smiled sweetly asking him to buy some beverages because I got thirsty, he blinked his eyes as his cheeks showed pink hues immediately and successfully left me without wondering. I grinned in victory before talking back to my friend.

"Ema-chi? What do you mean you don't know...who's with you right now?"

"Kenjie-kun... I didn't realize we got separated from you."

My eyes gone wide and almost popping out in its socket. Don't tell me fate is helping me. Hell yeah!

The smile on my face got bigger at this news. "I see. Well we can't find you in this sea of people... I'll contact Kaname-san and the rest. All you have to do is proceed to the plan."

"Eh? Plan? You mean..."

I can imagined the flushing of her face and chuckled at how cute her expression was. "Can I talk to Kenjie?"

"Hm."

I heard rustling sound first and Ema's voice saying my name after that.

"Hello? Rina?"

"Hey moron, proceed to the plan. I don't know what you did to separate her from us but I don't care just make her happy got it?"

"W-What... Re-Really? But..."

"Just do it! I'll take care of her brothers, no need to worry okay? Besides you promised me."

"Ok-kay... Damn this is embarrassing." He whispered the last part which made me laugh because I can imagined how his whole face turned red.

"We'll meet at the river where the fireworks display can be best seen got it? Make sure to go there before it starts." I saw Subaru coming back with two cans of beverages in his hands and the timing really made me smile widely. After hearing his okay I sighed and ended the call. "Ema got also separated from Kaname-san's group but don't worry Ken's with her."

I saw how his face contorted in worry. "Then we should hurry and find her. Kana-nii maybe also looking for us."

"Don't worry I told them to wait at the river where the good view of fireworks display at. I think it'll give us more hassle to find them with that crowd. We should wait there before the fireworks display starts... Besides, she agreed about my siggestion."

I hope he didn't get suspicious with my excuse.

"I see... If that's the best then I don't see any problem."

I smiled. "Like I said don't worry Subaru-san, I trusts Ken to take care of Ema. For now we need to tell Kaname-san about the situation so that we won't have any problem finding them and reuniting our group again easily before the main event of this night."

"If... if that's the best option that will do." He muttered. I softly smiled at him this time before I promptly dialed Kaname's number and called him at once.

"Hello, Kaname-san? Where are you right now?"

"Rina, finally heard from you. I'm guessing Suba-chan's with you considering you're using his phone."

"Yeah, I forgot to bring mine. How can we meet up? Subaru-san and I are in an area were few people pass by I think we are in a forest? I don't exactly know how to describe it but since so many trees sorrounded us here yeah I think it is a forest."

"Hmm... That's a nice spot for a date."

I smacked my forehead. "C'mon Kaname-san I'm being serious here... Where are you?"

His chuckled heard on the other line. "We are at the shrine right now. Did you contact imouto-chan? Since you just mentioned Suba-chan she isn't with you right? I was about to call her since I didn't know you got separated from our group."

"Ah yes, don't worry Ema-chi is with Kenjie right now, I trusts him to take care of her and besides she and I preferred to wait at the river side where the good view of fireworks display at. It was a good option considering this mob of people... You know, it's less hassle to reunite our group again don't you think?"

"Hmm... you're right, but is it alright for you to wait that long? I don't mind finding you now."

"No!" Subaru raised his brows at my outburst. "I mean I don't want to trouble you anymore Kaname-san besides Ema-chi and I already made up our minds so yeah hehe..."

I inwardly smacked myself at my sudden outburst.

His laugh heard again but this one has something behind it. "If you insist, just make sure that you're both fine, well then how about we meet there at exactly 10:00 since the fireworks display starts in 10:15."

Yes!

"Okay, see you later!" I gave the phone back to Subaru. "It seems you are alone with me for..." I looked at my wrist watch and saw that we still have one hour to spend. "...an hour Subaru-san, why don't we spend it together!" I beamed in pure happiness before taking his hand, making him jumped in surprise.

"..okay."


ᴥ ᴥ ᴥ


The whole time he was with me, he was really quiet yet willing to enjoy it in a way he was not being watch. But I managed to deter that kind of attitude and indulged him more with many things like playing this game that has a cute bunny as a price if you hit all the targets. I tried to play but ended up losing it which gives me a disappointment look on my face. Subaru somehow decided to play and was amazed at how he hit all the targets without blinking. In the end the bunny stuff toy was in my arms and thanking him for the wonderful gift. After some few moments of enjoying many activities we ended up in a secluded place where from down here was the river and many people are starting to show up just waiting for the fireworks display. I noticed some families and group of friends waiting at the event, I glanced at my companion who was so quiet the whole time he's with me.

"It's nice isn't it?"

I started, he glanced at me before nodding his head in agreement. I smiled before staring back at the growing crowd, we still have ten minutes before reuniting our group, surprisingly I saw Kaname's group not far from our position and it seems they just got here. I can't still detect Ema and Ken's forms so maybe the two are still on their way.

"..my final game..."

"huh?" I looked back at Subaru when I heard him muttered something. "Are you saying something Subaru-san?"

He turned silent again and noticed a tinge color on his cheeks. He was opening his mouth at first and then closing it again.

"My final game... It will be nextweek."

"Really, that's exciting then!"

"..hm, if you want you can come and watch with Ema. I want you to see me win." His quiet yet determined words. Well, that would be a new experience for us since Ema and I never watch this kind of game.

"Okay. We'll be there."

He snapped his head at my direction and smiled a little. "Thank you..."

We were covered in silence again, I looked at my wrist watch and saw that it's almost time. "Let's go Subaru-san, I think I saw Kaname-san's group over there." I pointed their direction and hoping he would follow me but he didn't move or utter a word and remained from his spot, his action puzzled me and I tilted my head trying to see his whole expression. "Subaru-san?"

"I want to give something to you first before we go..."

He stood up from his sitting position and stopped in front of me, I suddenly saw Ema's figure coming towards Kaname's direction. The way she was smiling right now made me think that Kenjie did a great job at their short date. My thoughts suddenly interrupted when Subaru showed a small box in front of my face. I batted my eyes in confusion and when I looked at him he was blushing and avoided my gaze immediately. "What's this Subaru-san?"

"..it's my late Christmas present for you."

The expression on my face softened, actually all of his brothers gave something to me a day before we went to Naeba Ski Resort, their all gifts except for Subaru were brought by Hikaru when both he and Natsume picked me that day. I didn't expect all of them to give something but I would be lying if I say I'm not dissapointed not to see Subaru's gift.

"Thank you Subaru-san..." I grinned before taking the small box and swiftly opened the said thing, my eyes gone wide at the beautiful blue purple hairpin flashed in my view. The design was sightly, it has twin ornamental flowers with silver and blue-purple glitters stone and at the center of each flowers has swirl design that compliment the whole thing. I can't truly described it but it was extemely gorgeous.

"...Wow."

Subaru was pleased at her reaction, the sparkling of her deep pretty eyes and her lips casting her usual bright smile made his heart skip a beat at the beautiful sight. "Can I put it on for you?" He softly asked.

I swiftly shook my head in agreement before I saw him took it out and gently clipped my bangs and put it on the side, showing fully my face from his view. He gaped at me like he was familiarizing every detail of my whole features and honestly I got anxious at his gaze. "It suits you..." He finally said.

I beamed in happiness. "Really? Gee thanks, I thought it doesn't look good on me since you didn't say anything... Anyways, this is a wonderful gift Subaru-san. I like it."

"I'm glad. When I saw that hairpin it reminded me of your eyes, of you so I bought it right away."

"That's nice of you... Thank you so much."

I softly whispered. I saw how he nods his head and a faint smile casts his lips. He gently touched the hairpin again before it settled above my head and patted it. "..I wanted to tell you something also." He removed his hand on my head while his face expression changed, the look he was giving to me made me stop from grinning stupidly and got startled at how he was so determine about this, heck his serious facade is practically making me nervous, what's up to him anyway?

"..I hope after this you won't avoid me"

I tilted my head in confusion.

"The moment I saw you in that street I thought you were just an ordinary lost girl but you came to ask for my help and smiled at me after that... Your smile without hesitation triggered something in my heart. That something when you just suddenly keep popping in my mind everyday and just watching you was enough from afar. I realized one day... This feeling is getting stronger each moment I see and think of you and honestly I got scared because I never felt such strong emotion before. It scares me... yet elates me in happiness. It was really confusing, the weird combination of two different emotions. It's overwhelming sometimes especially when you're close to me like this. I wanted to see you everyday, hold you in my arms and kiss you with all my heart because Inagami Rina I've been in love with you all along."

What?

The confession he made really caught me off guard, he...he was in love with me? That is not making any sense at all, Subaru of all people confessed he was in love with me. This is... I can't...why...damn I can't even think properly.

I jumped in surprise when I felt his light touch on my cheek and the way he was staring at me with compassion and sincerity froze my thoughts for a moment. "I'll give you time to think and I'm not expecting for you to return my affection that easily but I hope you give it a chance." He said before placing a soft kiss on my forehead, the action literally made me jumped and slightly pushed him away from me.

"..wait, this is not making any sense... I mean how are you certain about this because it didn't cross my mind that you'll gonna like...I mean love me I just thought we were friends and-" I stopped babbling when Subaru gave me a warm embrace, tightening his hold every seconds. I hitched feeling his breathe on my neck as my throat went dry at this intimate action.

"S-Subaru-san...?"

"Please... Just for tonight let me hold you a little longer."

The words of fondness and a little desperation in his tone form a tight painful feeling in my gut as my eyes saddened. He was not that easy to like but the only thing I can offer towards his affection is just friendship nothing more than that. If I have only one thing to wish this New Year's Eve is to vanish their romantic feelings towards me. Honestly at first I found them weird and selfish because of their feelings for my friend but... They aren't so bad. I still consider them friends because so far they are so kind to me except for their advances of course and besides everyone has kindness within, you just have to push the right button to see that.

"...after your final game then, I can give you the answer."

I muttered under my breathe, his hold on me remained. The soothing warmth of his body somehow made me upset and I know he heard me. He didn't utter a word, his fast beating heart and the tightening of his embrace were the things I felt towards him until he let out a heavy breathe.

"..okay."

The sky suddenly lightened by the beautiful fireworks, I heard some shouts of amazement and appreciation of the display and some kids crying in happiness. Both of us remained unmoving as I looked up the sky silently, appreciating the view.

Love.

I fuckingly hate the word sometimes.


Aww... Am I cruel to him? I kinda like him though hehe... Anyways, I wanted to thanks those who reacted at my last chap, Guest97, Dark Rose Charm, Guest, Guest (though I would really appreciate if you put an account name instead of guest word to formally greet you guys!) and Chi-chan. You guys rock! If you want to see the hairpin Subaru gave I have a picture here just copy this link: imanager/image_ ?imageid=4881349&width=750&hash=8baf52868a0b37e1dbd09e58b7966654

Read and Review! Love lots!

-Aza

Edited: 05-21-18