Title : Summer Romances
Synopsis : A story of chaotic loves, with lots of romances, friendships, funs, betrayals, and lessons in lives. As Fujima watches the people around him finding the 'right one' for them after going through rains and storms, he thinks of and longs for his lost love. Will he ever reunite with the girl whom he shared a magical summer with? Or will he put her behind, go on with life, and learn to love another girl in his life?
Genre : Sci-fi/Comedy/Romance
Cast : Students of Shoyo High
Pairings : LOTS. That is why it is called CHAOTIC loves.
This chapter's pairing--> Mainly Hanagata Toru x Meioh Nerurie, hints of
Fujima Kenji x Yuna Rie.
The Previous Summer: Meeting You (Hanagata)
Hanagata could not help but chuckle to himself as recalled Fujima's expression when he knew how badly he did in the preliminary exam. In fact, Fujima had been acting somewhat distant since the moment they returned from Hiroshima. Their classmates believed it was the fact that he had indirectly caused the defeat of Shoyo's basketball team, but Hanagata knew better. The brick had finally fallen in love. Though girls had been lining up for his attention, none could succeed no matter how hard they tried. Yet, it took Yuna Rie only one moment to capture his heart. Not that Hanagata could blame him for falling for her. He could never admit it, even if he was threatened with a knife across his neck, but truly he, too, failed to escape Yuna's charms. Her virtues surpassed that of the city girls he knew – caring, loving, gentle, emotional, carefree… He had heard of endless adjectives, positive adjectives, describing her, from Fujima, and from within his heart.
"And the five successful candidates qualified to enter the final round are… "
Hanagata immediately stiffened, snapping out from his wandering thoughts. His blood felt as if a sudden rush of chill had it all frozen hard. The audience formed a complete silence as the clock ticked.
"Bryan Taylor from America, Liu Mei Fong from Taiwan (sorry for using your name, jie jie, but you are one of the smartest girl I know in my brother's university), Meioh Nerurie from Japan, Matthew James Anderson from New Zealand, and… "
Silence.
Hanagata closed his eyes, crossed his fingers and waited…
He was starting to lose hope and faith in himself when….
"Hanagata Toru from Japan," the announcer's voice boomed the hall.
"Me?" he asked no one in particular, unbelievingly. Then…
"Yes!"
Nearly a quarter of the audience turned their attention to the two-meter tall boy who had just broke the world's high jump record.
"Ops…" the tall boy with specs blushed
sheepishly, and walked towards the stage, spring flowers blossoming beautifully
within him.
Meioh Nerurie laughed as she saw
the fifth successful candidate's reaction. She noted that the other three
overcoming candidates were wearing supreme expressions as well. Somehow,
she could not reach out to such happiness even if she tried. Her mission
was not complete as long as she had not won the winning title – to prove
her ability to the world. She could feel no satisfactory before that.
Hanagata Toru's eyes were instantly
fixed on the other Japanese candidate, who succeeds as well. One way or
another, she reminded him of Yuna Rie. Perhaps it was her petite body figure,
or perhaps it was only because Yuna had been filling spaces in his mind
lately. The girl standing before him, Meioh, had features contrast of Yuna's.
Ultramarine sapphire eyes, shoulder-length ceruleanish shiny black hair
and sweet glittering lips. While Yuna's beauty clearly glowed in maturity,
Meioh looked no older than 15 in her rimless glasses and adoring low ponytail
twins. As the girl caught him staring at her, she gave him a smile, sweet
and tender. Hanagata immediately turned away, blushing.
The five candidates were given a day's break before the final competition. Being brought around the city of Hokkaido, Hanagata had been yawning the whole morning due to communication problem. He was feeling awfully useless as Meioh was communicating with them with no difficulties, regardless of English or Chinese. Without realizing it, he had been focusing his attention on her the whole morning. What attracted his attention the most was the fact that she was wearing a long-sleeve denim overcoat, a pair of khaki pants and feminine faded azure hat despite the hot summer's blazing heaven's eye. In fact, he realized that he had never seen her without her denim overcoat or long bottom coverings, be it pants or skirts.
By lunchtime, Hanagata was tired of muting himself. Taking out his Japanese – English dictionary, he began jotting down sentences which might be relevant. Meioh, seeing him scribbling on a piece of tatty paper desperately, couldn't help but felt amused. She decided to offer him some help, and promptly seated herself besides him.
"You don't think you can communicate with them with only those sentences, do you?" she teased. Hanagata quickly hid the piece of paper, embarrassed that she spotted his doings.
"It's none of your business," he muttered, his face burning in bright red shade.
"Okay, fine! Does that mean you do
not need my help?" she asked innocently, her smile as innocent looking
as her tone. Though his pride would not allow him to accept the younger
girl's offer, he had experiences too much boredom in a few hours to decline.
Therefore, for the rest of the day, Hanagata was having fun socializing
with the foreign candidates while Meioh ended up translating for everyone.
By the end of the tour, she was known as "Miss Translator' while Hanagata
owed her several cans of drink and a complete meal for supper.
"Oh, no! I'm late!" Hanagata gasped
to himself as he rushed towards Meioh's room, carrying a tray with two
sets of supper. Never knew they would take THIS long to prepare such
simple dishes… he complained mentally. (A.N. [Nellie]: Don't you think
that you are the one who should be blamed, since you overslept for half
an hour? Shame on you!) Meioh-chan will be mad, really mad… unless she's
not… a 'she'… (A.N. [Nellie]: Girls, don't you think he is being insultive
towards us girls? You know what to do, don't you?) I am already 30 minutes
late! (A.N. [Nellie]: On second thought…)
Hanagata-san is already half an hour late, Meioh told herself as she took off her overcoat. To think that they say girls are always late and all those. Here I am, with my stomach grumbling aggressively due to delayed intake of food. Releasing a sigh, she approached the door and opened it, intending to buy some supper for herself. You can never trust guys! Just as she remembered that she left her overcoat in the room, a gasp was heard before she could re-enter her room.
"Me… Meioh-chan…" Hanagata stammered, surprised at the view before his eyes. Meioh froze; realizing someone had seen her without her overcoat, while Hanagata continued staring at her unbelievingly. Without her overcoat, her bare arms were visible. However, her arms were thoroughly designed with scars, cuts, burnt marks, et cetera, et cetera.
Meioh quickly rushed back into her
room, closing the door with all her might, her mind blank and empty. Everything
seemed to rotate in a slow-motion mode. Before the door was closed, she
could feel a strong force pulling it to the opposite direction, followed
by a series of loud crashes. Simultaneously, she released her grip on the
doorknob, dumbfounded. She saw the door being opened slowly and being horrified,
she followed her first instant – to shut the door with all her might. Somehow,
it did not feel right. The feeling was different than when she normally
closed a door. She felt as if she had closed the door – on something, as
if it could not be closed, completely. Before her mind could interpret
the feeling, a loud cry was heard.
"I'm sorry, Hanagata-san," Meioh whispered quietly as she bandaged his injured fingers, her eyes nearly swallowed by tears. Hanagata shrugged awkwardly, his mind running through the few minutes that had just passed. When Meioh rushed into her room, he had reacted by holding on to the doorknob, forgetting about the tray of food he was carrying altogether. When Meioh heard the crash, perhaps the sound wave had her mind interrupted, and caused her to loosen her grip. He thought it was his chance, and took his sweet time opening the door. Big mistake. With a single pull, Meioh had the door closed – on his fingers.
After cleaning up the mess, Meioh was mending his 'wound' for him, though he could see that she did have the first idea about bandaging. Totally speechless as she bandaged over his index and middle fingers for the seventh layer, Hanagata could only stare deeply into her intense, guilty-looking eyes, There, sitting on a girl's bed in her room, together with that very girl, he felt warmth and comfort. As if she was holding his hand, leading him away from all the earthly worries that have been tying him to the ground.
"So much alike, yet so different," Hanagata whispered to himself, enjoying the moments alone with her. A girl who was not much different than other girls in his life. A girl without any special virtue. Somehow, though she was the same as other girls, she had the ability to bring out his innermost forgotten feelings. Being a top student as well as a top class athlete in an elite school, Hanagata had long forgotten the importance of his own inner beauty. Everyone had been looking up on him, admiring and envying his talents and even his looks. His own parents would only talk to him concerning his school achievements. She was the second girl who could make him feel wanted, just for being himself. A girl who did not fussed over his achievements.
"Different form what?" Meioh asked, confused. Hanagata stared at his index and middle fingers, which were three times in size and Meioh was still bandaging them. A large sweatdrop was formed on his forehead. Noticing Hanagata's 'expression', she quickly tied an end to the bandages, smiling sheepishly.
"From my first crush," Hanagata blurted out without further thinking.
"Wow! Yare! Hanagata-san has a crush!" Meioh exclaimed, his mischievous eyes narrowed wickedly. "Who? Who? Who?" Chibi-Meioh sing-songed, circling Hanagata tauntingly. Hanagata sighed. Almost forgotten… that she is another one of those noisy, immature girls…
"Yuna Rie," Hanagata confessed, feeling at ease instantly. He had finally revealed the dark secret within him. For falling in love with his best friend's girl. He had been admiring her secretly since the fated meeting between them two months before Fujima met her. However, God seemed to like Fujima more. Hanagata had never been able to capture anything that captured Fujima's interest. Or perhaps, their friendship was being tested. Many a time, Hanagata had wanted to give Fujima a punch when he was continuously mourning over Yuna. Yet, their friendship proved to be stronger.
"Who is she? Pretty?" Meioh asked eagerly, shaking Hanagata violently. Hanagata was starting to see stars surrounding his head when she stopped shaking him.
"A junior internee, young but trained nurse. A girl I met in Osaka, one who gave up formal school life to save others' lives, to help the sufferings of the world, and to introduce the true value of peace and life to the world," Hanagata told her, smiling as he recalled the times he was with her. If only he told Fujima of his crush on her, then perhaps nothing would happen between the two of them. However, he immediately condemned himself for having such selfish thoughts.
"She sounds too good to be true," Meioh mumbled to herself.
"She… looks a lots like you," he told her slowly, softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Their eyes met. Meioh tried to smile, but started feeling awkward as she realized her position. Both her hands were still on Hanagata's shoulders, though she had stopped shaking him. Suddenly, she felt Hanagata's touch gliding over her waist. Her own hands were moving towards his neck as the distant between their bodies closed up.
"So much alike…" Hanagata mumbled, pulling her even closer.
Meioh closed her yes, her heart beating furiously.
Hanagata, too, closed his eyes, and…
CRASH!
"Oh, no! The first aid kit!" Meioh
gasped, rushing to the scattered first aid materials. (A.N. [Nellie]: Things
tend to go out of order during first kiss, don't they?)
Hanagata returned to his room after about an hour, feeling a whole lot lighter. (A.N. [Nellie]: They did not do anything!) He told Meioh of his secret crush on Yuna, and how he was helpless against the growing passion between his best friend and his crush. She had listened silently and attentively, then later confided him of her own dark secrets. She was born a forbidden child, one that born of a rich man's mistress. Her mother soon left her for another man, leaving her alone in the Meioh family. Although 'accepted', her position was lower than that of a slave's in the family. Even the servants were free to abuse or even molest her. Four months ago, her family met an unfortunate accident and she was left all alone, physically and mentally. She was living with her paternal uncle at the moment, and torturing was no less in the family.
She is only thirteen… I think…
With such a family background, no wonder she acts so much older. Never
seen such an independent girl. Poor Meioh-chan. To excel academically even
in such situations, she has to be a total genius!
Hanagata was right. Meioh Nerurie
was a genius. As the youngest contestant ever, she aced the buzz quiz and
defeated the others thoroughly. Leading at more than a hundred and fifty
points more than the second prize winner, she created a new record in the
chemistry era. Her talents had been proved to the world. Hanagata, who
won the third prize, felt no pride. In fact, his dignity was scarred and
was beginning to wish he never partook in the competition. When the show
was put on air, his schoolmates would be seeing his poor performances.
"So, Meioh-chan… you're going to return to Nagasaki?" Hanagata asked with concern the next day, as they were preparing to leave Hokkaido.
Meioh nodded cheerfully, ignoring Hanagata's worried expression. "Sure. Where else could I go?" Her smile faded.
Silence.
"Take care, Meioh-chan," Hanagata whispered.
"Sure thing, Hanagata-kun. I will. You too," She nodded, a smile once again plastered on her sweet, innocent face.
Hanagata grinned. "Guess what… I guess I've finally gotten over Yuna-san," he announced. "Thanks to you."
"Me?" she laughed ridiculously.
"Ah… I've decided that I like you more," he teased, "though you have absolutely no talent in bandaging." He showed her the badly bandaged fingers. "I've learnt that there are still many girls out there who I might like even more than Yuna-san. Isn't my friendship with Fujima-san much more important?" he smiled sincerely, meaning every word.
Meioh made a face, pouting. "You are insulting me again. Why would you like a little girl like me? And, you have criticized my bandaging skill for the hundredth time!"
"You're not little," he assured her.
Smiling mischievously, she stood on her toes, then pulled Hanagata's shirt, lowering his face towards hers, then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Not anymore," she laughed, releasing the grip on his shirts. "My first kiss."
Surprised, Hanagata caressed his
cheek, then a wicked grin curled upon his face. Without warning, he pulled
her towards him, his hands on her waist and supporting her hips as he pushed
her up, lifting her off the ground… till their lips meet in a full kiss.
Meioh placed her hands over his shoulders, toying with his soft hair as
she clung to the 40-centimeter taller boy.
Love comes and goes
Carrying fate along with it
Yet when fate goes to you
There's nothing you can do
When love's blossoming
All you can do is
Just to close your eyes
And enjoy the sensation
For the power of love
Is infinite
"This," Hanagata gasped, breathing for air after the kiss ended, "is MY first kiss."
"Next time, try without your glasses,"
Meioh complained, then laughed nervously. Hanagata smirked; placing a finger
on her lips to stop her laughing, then took off his glasses, and held her
back into his protective embrace with one single arm, the other holding
his glasses. She was light as feather, and was no burden to his strong,
muscular arm. Soon, both of them were tied in another lips-lock, ignorant
of the crowd that was growing bigger and larger around them with each passing
second.
As love finds its way to you
There's no escaping…
A year later, Meioh Nerurie was adopted
by Fujima's uncle whose wife was barren. For once, she found a place called
home. Finally having a proper and happy family – a loving father and mother.
She studied in Shoyo High, to be together with her favourite 'pen-pal'
as well as best friend, not to mention to be able to meet Hanagata everyday.
It was not a problem for her to enter the elite school as a transfer student,
for she was truly a genius. She skipped a few years and was only two grades
behind Hanagata despite the age differences. Naturally, having proper family
background, she was able to lead a proper schoolgirl's life. She gained
more friends, and her personalities differed. What happened between them,
Hanagata and Meioh, whether their relationship grew, whether Hanagata could
change her back into the girl he loved, and whether their bond was strong
than the differences between them… that is a story for another time. After…
the story of Hasegawa Katzushi, that's it.
Okay... I know most of you would be familiar with the name Yuna... from
Final Fantasy X. I just like that name. Hehehe
For those who read my other fics... I'll be updating Forbidden Love
next... then urgh...whichever fic with most support. :P
Finally… it's time for replying to reviews! :)
Hosh-Hosh : Ah… sorry I didn't e-mail you, just don't find the time to do so. Maybe some time soon? Glad you like it :)
Wicked angel : Of course I care to review your fic. It's only out of politeness that I review a fic that I read, and like!
SyiveSe : He gets to lose his girl… so that he'll treasure and love her more when they're reunited! Just joking. Couldn't get you to help edit this chapter… you seems too busy… :(
Magenta : I listened to your advice and wrote Hanagata'a story first… :) Sorry for not contacting you for such a long time!
Yuuki : Yeah… poor Rie. Thanks for support! Do continue to support this fic!
Lady Ice Dragon : Haha… you're beginning to laugh like Sakuragi-kun.
Super-rookie : Can't ruin the suspense by telling you who she really is, eh? You'll know by the end of the story. Therefore, remember to continue reading! Ahh… I love Fujima for his ego. :)
Alexia : Since no one is helping me to edit this chapter… any mistakes spotted? Please do tell me!
Rurouni : Sorry for continuing only after so long… I was busy… please forgive me!
Ai Zutto : Thank you so much for your support :) Sorry
I couldn't continue earlier. I'll edit the Forbidden Love soon. Will you
be kind enough to leave your e-mail address so I could contact you of the
chapters' updates? Thank you. :)