"That was fun." Keiichiro sincerely stated once they got everything inside—and the food in the kitchen.
"Yeah, it surprisingly was. We don't have to go shopping like that again, do we?" Ryou agreed and then asked, looking at Keiichiro. He was begging him with his eyes not to go like that again.
"It wasn't that bad." Ichigo stated, walking in with the other girls.
"At least Kohana and Haru found what they needed or wanted. Na no da." Pudding happily added.
"Kohana and Haru weren't the problem. And to be honest, neither were the two of you. It was all the giggly girls trying to get my attention—in any way possible." Ryou explained and complained.
'Giggly girls?' Kohana signed to Haru, confused.
'Slutty girls trying to steal your man.' Haru told Kohana with a smirk, causing her to blush and panic.
'But Ryou isn't my man. I don't even know what that means!' Kohana frantically signed.
'But you like him, don't you?' Haru asked Kohana.
'I—well, I don't not like him.' Kohana signed, blushing.
'You should tell him. The worst thing he can say is he's not interested. And you'll always have me and your brother. I'm sure some of those girls will be your friend. Ichigo, Zakuro, Monkey-Girl, and the girl with green hair all seem nice. I could give two shits about the other two girls, but I'm sure the others would be friends.' Haru signed with a gentle smile.
'No, that's not the worst thing that could happen. The worst thing that could happen is if I tell him and he rejects me, any chance of friendship would be awkward or ruined—for not only me, but Keiichiro as well. I know I have you—and I know most of the girls are nice—and may want to be friends. But—I want to be friends with Ryou—special friends.' Kohana slowly signed, blushing, trying not to cry.
'It'll be ok. One way or another, it'll all be ok. And hey, don't worry; if you need help, I'll tell Ryou for you.' Haru told Kohana with a smile, starting to walk forward only to stop when a dark look ran across Kohana's face.
'If you say anything to Ryou, I'll tell Keiichiro you like him.' Kohana dangerously signed.
'Oh, really now? Someone's being bold now, aren't we? Ok, then. You leave me no choice then.' Haru questioned and then informed, looking at Kohana, confusing her.
Neither of them realized that Ichigo was watching their hands; she started hatching a plan in her head. However, that plan quickly changed—in minute details.
"Is everything ok out here?" Keiichiro and Ryou asked, walking to where the others were.
"Yeah, everything's ok. Kohana and I were just having a little discussion. Why do you ask?" Haru asked, looking at the guys.
"We just wanted to let you know the food's ready, and that you can get whatever you want. Eat and then we'll start getting things moved around and get things set up." Keiichiro replied, suspiciously watching the girls.
"Ok. So—I was thinking… Once everything was done… Moving the rooms around, getting everything set up, drinking the concoction thing your friend makes for us, and we get through all those side effects, that is. Maybe, in-between our "Quick Fixes" if you'd like to go out and do something together. Umm… Just you and me." Haru told Keiichiro, trying and failing not to blush—or stumble on her words; she just stared at Keiichiro—who stared back at her.
"Sure. That sounds like a great idea." Keiichiro replied with a polite smile.
"Ok…" Haru kind of mumbled and went to turn around. However, she only turned an inch before turning back to face Keiichiro.
"Wait, what?" Haru asked, shocked, watching Keiichiro.
"That sounds like a great idea." Keiichiro repeated with a smile; he liked Haru. He thought she was cute, had a good attitude, and knew she could handle herself.
Not knowing him, one would ask Keiichiro if he was just saying "yes" because Haru's the reason Kohana's alive. She's the reason Kohana's not pregnant and is still a virgin. She's also why Kohana knows who she is and never forgot who her family was or is.
And yes, in all honesty, Keiichiro truly wants to know about all that. He wants to say thanks and repay Haru for that. However, he does like and feels some kind of connection toward her.
"Just like that?" Haru inquired, narrowing her eyes.
"Just like that. I'd like to get to know you more. And no; it has nothing to do with Kohana. Honestly, there's no way I could ever completely thank you for keeping her alive, safe, and helping her to never forget who she was or is—or me and our family. But I do want to try to thank and repay you for all that. But I do want to get to know you and who you are. However, I think Kohana should have a say in all this as well." Keiichiro answered, looking from Haru to Kohana.
'I don't understand. Why do I have a say?' Kohana signed, clearly confused.
"Because Haru's your best friend and Keiichiro is your older brother. Most people find that weird or disturbing." Ichigo explained, watching everyone.
'Why?' Kohana signed, still confused.
"I don't have any biological siblings, so I couldn't tell you from personal experience. But I know this girl from school who has a brother who was dating her best friend—and she was not happy with that because as much as she loves her brother; she can't stand him. She still complains about it to this day—and her brother and now just friend have been dating for a year and a half. I don't know if that's how it is with all relationships that are like that, but I know it happens. I think with Keiichiro and Haru—they just don't want it to be awkward for you." Ichigo explained, looking at Kohana.
'But if they like each other and want to be together; they should be.' Kohana sighed—still not completely getting it.
"Exactly. And if someone likes someone, they should just tell that someone." Haru stated, changing the direction of the subject.
"Pudding—I need your help with something before we eat. Please come with me?" Ichigo told Pudding before "asking" her.
"Aye! Aye! Na no da!" Pudding happily agreed, following Ichigo to the changing room.
"Excuse me; I need some air. Don't worry about me. Is there a back door to this place?" Haru spoke before asking Keiichiro, giving him a look.
"Oh, yes; let me show you. Go ahead and eat; there's plenty. Tell Ichigo and Pudding when they get back from whatever it is, they're doing. We'll be back in shortly." Keiichiro quickly offered and then told Ryou and Kohana before leaving the two alone.
With Keiichiro & Haru:
"So, what was that all about?" Keiichiro questioned, watching Haru walk to a bench.
"What do you mean?" Haru asked, watching Keiichiro.
"You just needed some air?" Keiichiro asked, narrowing his eyes a little.
"What do you think that was all about?" Haru diverted Keiichiro's question, watching him.
"Maybe it's because I don't really know her anymore because we lost twelve years—and maybe it's none of my business. But you know Kohana well: does she like Ryou?" Keiichiro asked, watching Haru.
"Does he like her?" Haru asked, deflecting the question.
"It appears that we are at an impasse. You wish to know something you think I have an answer to, and I wish to know something I believe I know you know something." Keiichiro calmly spoke, watching Haru blush.
"What are we to do about that?" Haru questioned, trying to remain calm.
"Well, we already both know the question we want answered. Why don't we count to three and give our answers at the same time. Simple yes or no." Keiichiro suggested.
"Nope. I'm not playing that game anymore; we did that a lot in the bunker. So, I'll just save you some time. Yes, Kohana likes Ryou. However, she's so damn shy and afraid of being turned down that she doesn't know what to say to him. She's afraid of—not so much rejection, but rather that if he does reject her, everything would be awkward later. She says she would rather just be friends with him than not—and later be awkward between you and him. Not that she's ever had the chance, but Kohana has never loved or had a crush on anyone like that." Haru told Keiichiro, rubbing her arms simultaneously at the mention of answering yes or no.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't aware…" "Don't. Sorry. I know you didn't know; I can't be mad at you for asking a question. It's fine. Just as Kohana has to get used to things outside of that hellhole, so do I. And I suppose so do you. So, don't apologize. But moving on: now, it's your turn. Ryou?" Haru interrupted Keiichiro's apology before asking about Ryou again.
"Yes, I can tell he likes her as well. He has had crushes before—and he has looked at one or two girls before in a way that I can tell. However, he hasn't looked at either of those girls like he does Kohana. We already talked about all that. Being my younger sister, he was worried I wouldn't approve. I told him if Kohana was interested, he could ask her out or whatever. Honestly, I'd rather have him with her than some strange guy who may take advantage of her. I've known Ryou since I was fourteen; he's like a brother to me, and I would trust him with Kohana with my life. Just like I'd trust you, Chihiro, and the other girls with my life. I want to say I'd trust Mint and Berry with her, but after earlier—I don't know." Keiichiro answered and explained, ending in a frustrated sigh.
"Prima ballerina and the blonde bitch? Sorry. I know you're friends with them." Haru asked before quickly apologizing.
"Yes. Mint is a ballerina; she's been training her whole life. And Berry is the blonde; she's desperately in love with Tasuku. No need to apologize. I have never seen either of them like that before; they were always such good girls. Though, I suppose I had seen the changes starting to happen with Mint—and Masaya. Berry, not so much, other than she always looked up to Mint recently. She, I think will come back around and apologize—eventually. Mint, I'm not so sure about. I suppose all I can do is pray she does." Keiichiro replied with a smile.
"Is that a family trait." Haru questioned, watching Keiichiro.
"Is what a family trait?" Keiichiro asked, confused.
"Smiling even though you're not happy. Kohana does that crap all the damn time, and you're doing it right now. I'm really good at reading people, so don't bother even trying to lie to me." Haru clarified what she wanted to know.
"Uhh… I suppose it is. From what I remember, our mother did it all the time. Our father never smiled much outside of family nights." Keiichiro answered.
"What is it? Why are you staring at me like that?" Haru asked, noticing Keiichiro watching her.
"Sorry; I didn't mean to stare. Do you believe in love at first sight?" Keiichiro apologized before asking, causing Haru to blush.
"It seems to be that way with Kohana and Ryou. Now, all the two have to do is say something. Yes, that is true; there's definitely something there with them. But I was asking about you. Haru, I know I don't know you that well—and that we just met, but I believe I've fallen in love with you. I believe I knew the moment you walked into the café with Kohana over your shoulder." Keiichiro calmly spoke to Haru, making her blush even more.
"Uhh… You may want to think about that for a moment. While in the hospital I read a lot, and I read something about people thinking they're in love with someone who rescued them. I know you didn't rescue me—and I rescued Kohana and brought her to you. But I think maybe that's how you're feeling now. I was just doing what I thought was right against something I knew was wrong. You know? You can't just come out and say something like that." Haru started babbling and babbling, giving herself away.
"Haru. I swear to you, that's not it. I real—" "OK! I LIKE YOU TOO! I FELT SOMETHING THE MOMENT I WALKED OVER TO YOU TO GIVE YOU YOUR SISTER BACK! I-I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL IT WAS OTHER THAN MAYBE YOU REMINDED ME OF KOHANA—EXCEPT IN A HOT TYPE OF WAY, NOT AN INNOCENT TYPE OF WAY! DAMNIT! AND I SWORE NEVER TO FALL IN LOVE! I HAD IT ALL PLANNED! I WAS GOING TO BE A LONELY OLD SPINSTER WITH HALF A DOZEN DOGS! I…" Keiichiro started speaking calmly, only to be interrupted by an incredibly frantic Haru. She just started screaming what she wanted to say, babbling while she continued to have a meltdown.
She probably would've continued if Keiichiro hadn't stopped her by lightly kissing her. He knew it was a risk that she would snap or hit him with all she's been through for the last God only knows how many years. But it was a risk he was willing to take.
"Wh-what was that?" Haru asked, stunned after Keiichiro pulled away.
"I apologize, but it was the only way I could think of to get you to stop screaming—without getting hit or going deaf." Keiichiro replied with a smile.
"Well… I'm sorry for going ballistic." Haru apologized, embarrassed.
"It's perfectly ok. I did just kind of spring that question on you." Keiichiro replied, almost waiting for her to hit him.
"What are you waiting for?" Haru asked, sensing that he was waiting for something.
"For you to hit me for just kissing you like that." Keiichiro answered.
"Oh. I wanna say something smart, but my mind is a little blank. All I can think of is "get used to disappointment." I'm not going to hit you. If I'm being completely honest here: that was probably the best kiss I've ever had. It is most certainly different than what I'm used to—that's for sure. Ok—I'm just going to shut up now." Haru replied, becoming flustered.
"Hahaha. You may not think this about yourself, but you are cute." Keiichiro responded with a smile.
"Cute? Me? N-no, I don't think so. Kohana is cute. Well, actually, she's adorable." Haru started babbling again.
"Maybe so. But I think you're cute. No. Honestly, I think you're beautiful. And you know—if you and I date—and maybe get married way in the future; you would be Kohana's sister—more than you are now." Keiichiro sincerely told Haru, teasing her a little.
That was it: Haru's face was redder than a fire hydrant.
"W-w-well, i-i-if Ryou and Kohana get together, he'd really be your brother." Haru meant to sound like she was firing back, but her embarrassment had her stuttering.
"Yes, that's true. But I wouldn't mind that. What about you? He'd be your brother in a way as well." Keiichiro questioned, watching Haru.
"No, I don't think I'd mind that either. I like Ryou; I think he'd be good for Kohana." Haru replied, trying to calm herself.
"Yes, I agree. And I think she'd be good for him. But I suppose we'd better get inside before they start to wonder where we are." Keiichiro replied, walking back to the café.
"Wait. Please." Haru stopped Keiichiro by grabbing the sleeve of his shirt.
"What is it?" Keiichiro asked, concerned, watching Haru look down with a red face.
"Before we go in… Can you kiss me like that again?" Haru nervously asked.
"Haha. Sure." Keiichiro replied, standing in front of her.
"Are you sure?" Keiichiro questioned, sensing Haru's nervousness once he was just inches from her lips.
"Yes." Haru breathed, waiting.
"Just squeeze my hand when you want me to stop." And with that, Keiichiro took Haru's hand in his and gently kissed her.
With Ryou & Kohana:
"So, what do you think they're talking about—or doing?" Ryou gently asked Kohana, watching the spot Keiichiro once stood.
'Haru likes Keiichiro.' Kohana signed, watching Ryou.
"Yeah, I figured as much with how she stares at him—no matter how hard she tries to hide the fact." Ryou replied, making his way over to Kohana.
'Why is he walking over to me like that? I can smell him; he smells very good.. No. Stop. He smells like vanilla cookies. He has pretty blue eyes—like the ocean—I think. What would I know? I've never seen the ocean before. I'd like to. But if his eyes are blue like the ocean, I can kind of see an ocean. His eyes are so pretty.' Thoughts ran rampant in Kohana's head as she watched Ryou walk to her, her face growing redder by the second.
"Kohana, are you ok? Do you need me to find Keiichiro for you?" Ryou asked, concerned, noticing her red face.
"Uh-uh-uh-I l-l-like y-y-you." Kohana absentmindedly told Ryou, stuttering horribly.
Her admission shocked him. He'd wonder if she was sure if it weren't for the fact that Ryou could see in her pale blue eyes that Kohana truly meant what she said.
"Kohana?" Ryou asked, watching her, concerned.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, she came back to reality and immediately realized what she had said.
"Uh-uh-uh-I'm so-so-sor—" "Stop. Don't push or hurt yourself. Kohana, it's ok. You have no reason to apologize—not for how you feel. And while I don't know what's going on in that head of yours, you're not going to scare me away; not much scares me. And if you're afraid of things being awkward—don't. Would it help if I told you that I liked you as well? I know I shouldn't because you're Keiichiro's little sister—my best friend's sister. I have considered your brother my brother for the past eleven years. And I always told myself that whenever we found you, you'd be like a little sister to me as well. However, the moment I first saw you—after Haru set you on your feet—I felt this strong connection with you. Now, Keiichiro and I already talked: I told him I'd leave you be because I didn't want to betray his trust. But do you know what he told me?" Kohana started panicking, backing away from him, horribly stuttering again. However, Ryou stopped her, gently holding her shoulders. She shook her head and looked up after he asked her if she knew what Keiichiro had told him.
"He told me he just wanted you to be happy, and that if you were interested, I could ask you out. So, maybe while you're adjusting to everything here for a few—however long you need; we can slowly get to know each other better. And then when you're comfortable—and want to, I'd like to take you out somewhere. I mean, I'm sure you'll need to get over that first quick fix at least, but I'd still like to take you out." Ryou told Kohana, tilting her chin up to look her in the eyes. He needed to see her eyes because he could read them.
"Y-y-yes." Kohana softly stuttered, looking into Ryou's eyes.
"Great. And maybe, if it helps; we can get your brother and Haru to go out with us as well. We can go out in a group." Ryou suggested.
"Y-y-yes." Kohana agreed with a small smile.
"Now—just where are Keiichiro and Haru?" Ryou asked, letting go of Kohana's chin.
"They're making out in the back. Na no da!" Pudding happily answered, walking in with Ichigo.
"They're not making out; they're just lightly kissing—a lot." Ichigo happily informed.
'I wanna see.' Kohana eagerly signed, trying to hide her excitement.
'Well, it's nice to see that she's still that typical little sister.' Ryou thought to himself as Pudding dragged her to the back.
"Your pay's being docked." Ryou told Ichigo, walking past her.
"What?! Why?!" Ichigo demanded, her face puffing up.
"For setting this up." Ryou replied with a cheeky smile.
"I'm not the only one! Haru is just as guilty as me!" Ichigo argued.
"Relax. I'm not going to dock your pay. God, you give me such a headache." Ryou grumbled before meeting Kohana and Pudding at a back window.
"Well, that didn't take long." Ryou broke up Keiichiro and Haru's kissing session; they immediately pulled away from each other.
"What the hell?! Are you spying on us?!" Haru screeched, red in the face.
"Nope. Ichigo and Pudding are the ones who came and told Kohana and me. I'm guessing they went looking for you for whatever reason. And yes, Kohana has seen you. Now, let's go eat, so we can get the rooms kind of set up." Ryou answered and then explained before heading back to the main area.
"Knock. Knock. Hello?! Is anyone here?!" The group heard voices coming from the main area.
"Oh, no… What are they doing here?" Ichigo groaned, annoyed.
"Who's here?" Haru asked, watching Ichigo.
"Mom and Dad." Ichigo groaned, walking out to the main area.
"There you are." Shintaro spoke when Ichigo walked out.
"What are you doing here?" Ichigo asked, watching her parents.
"We didn't know if you were going to come home at all, so we brought you some clothes, pajamas, toiletries, a sleeping bag, some pillows, and some other things for the weekend. Well, that's why I'm here. Your father just wanted to make sure there weren't any boys here—manly Masaya." Sakura answered with a smile as Ryou, Keiichiro, Pudding, Haru, and Kohana walked out.
"Oh, trust me: Masaya's not here—nor is he going to be here around me. We broke up. He cheated on me with a supposed friend. But that's all you're getting." Ichigo replied, annoyed.
"Oh, my poor baby!" Sakura cried, hugging Ichigo.
"Mom…" Ichigo whined, embarrassed.
"I'll kill him!" Shintaro snapped.
"Dad!" Ichigo exclaimed.
"Who are these boys?" Shintaro demanded, changing the subject.
"This is Ryou Shirogane and Keiichiro Akasaka; they own the café, making them my bosses." Ichigo answered, annoyed.
"Oh. Well, it's nice to meet you. Let's see… I know Pudding, but you two are new. Are these the girls you were telling me about? The ones moving in?" Sakura greeted Ryou and Keiichiro before asking Ichigo after noticing the girls.
"Yeah. This is Haruna Yamamura; she prefers to be called "Haru." And this is Kohana Akasaka; she's Keiichiro's younger sister. Ryou, Keiichiro, Haru, Kohana: these are my parents, Shintaro and Sakura Momomiya." Ichigo introduced everyone.
"It's nice to meet you." Sakura greeted with a friendly smile.
"Haruna Yamamura and Kohana Akasaka: you're two of the girls who were abducted several years ago, and just recently rescued." Shintaro spoke, recognizing the names.
"Oh, yes. We heard about that on the news. I remember hearing about Kohana's kidnapping twelve years ago. And then… Never mind, you probably don't want to hear about that." Sakura sadly spoke up.
"Ichigo, you never told us you knew a victim's family member. We could've helped look." Shintaro scolded Ichigo.
"Don't be mad at her; I never said anything to her—or the other girls. The only one who knew anything was Ryou; he tried to help to find her since he found out. I didn't say anything because I hadn't heard anything in until earlier today. It becomes very disheartening not knowing after so long." Keiichiro spoke up, stepping in.
"Oh, you poor things!" Sakura sadly exclaimed, immediately hugging Keiichiro and Kohana—followed by Haru and even Ryou.
"Yeah… Mom's a hugger." Ichigo informed everyone.
"Pudding wants a hug too. Na no da." Pudding whined, feeling left out.
"Oh, of course." Sakura responded as she hugged Pudding.
"Hey, sorry I'm late." Lettuce apologized, walking in with her sleeping bag, pillows, and suitcase.
"No, it's fine. Come in." Ichigo, Ryou, and Keiichiro replied.
"Thank you. Zakuro's coming as well; she picked me up." Lettuce replied.
"Really? That's kind of a shock." Ryou replied, stunned.
"Good to see you too." Zakuro spoke, walking in.
"It's not that we're not excited to see you. I just thought you were booked this weekend." Ryou quickly replied, seeing a sleeping bag, pillows, and two suitcases.
"I was able to get off. I also found this one walking along the road." Zakuro replied before moving aside to reveal an upset-looking Berry.
"We'll be heading out. Ichigo, we'll see you Sunday evening." Sakura calmly told her daughter before heading out with her husband. Actually, she ended up dragging him out.
"What brings you by?" Keiichiro calmly asked.
"Did Tasuku chew you out? Na no da." Pudding asked, watching Berry.
"What happened?" Ichigo asked, concerned, seeing a look on Berry's face.
"Yes and no. After we left, Mint and I talked; she was saying a lot of mean thing—meaner than before. I never seen her like that before. I told her that maybe we should apologize for certain things. She called me an ungrateful traitorous friend and kicked me out. Ichigo: I want to apologize to you first. I won't apologize for saying that Mint deserved to be happy just as much as you. But I will apologize for not saying anything to you. Haru, Kohana, and Keiichiro: I'm sorry for the horrid things I said to you earlier. None of that was right. I understand that me apologizing doesn't mean anything, but I am truly sorry." Berry explained and apologized.
"Well, thank you." Keiichiro and Ichigo replied. Haru just stood there, sighing, while Kohana stood next to Keiichiro.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but I have something I need to say." Tasuku interrupted everyone, walking in.
"What is it?" Ryou asked, hearing the urgency in Tasuku's tone.
"I don't think Mint or Berry meant anything they've done or said in recent months. I was talking with Berry when I noticed something: this was on the back of her neck. Once I removed it, she started acting like the Berry I knew and loved again." Tasuku explained, handing Ryou a jar with something in it.
"What is it?" Ichigo, Lettuce, and Zakuro asked, looking in the jar.
"I don't know." Ryou replied.
"Kohana? Kohana, what's wrong? Kohana!" Haru asked before freaking out when she noticed Kohana's eyes went blank, and she was just staring at the jar.
"Kohana?" Keiichiro asked, concerned, walking over to his sister.
The thing in the jar started jumping around. It hit a spot in the jar closest to Keiichiro and Kohana.
"Hey! Kohana!" Everyone yelled when Kohana collapsed and passed out…