Disclaimer – Love Hina and respective characters are properties of Ken Akamatsu. This is simply a Fan Fiction, written for non-profit purposes only. Please do not distribute without the author's permission.
Many thanks to my editors: Chris (dementedchris) and The Archimage.
Episode 7 – Memorable Festival
The gorgeous night, illuminated with festive joy and fun was a sign of an evening that would not be forgotten. It was sundown an hour earlier but the annual beach festival was well under way. Kenichi, wearing a traditional male 'yukata', stood at the outskirts of the celebration as he took in the sight. His hair had gotten a little longer and pointer since his arrival to Hinata-sou. He had a huge grin on his face as he stared at all the attractions that the festival had in store for him. Compared to his friend Urashima Keitaro, he looked excited and more energetic.
"What's with the smile, Kenichi?"
"It has been such a long time since I went to one of this things, Keitaro. In fact… now that I think about it, I've never been to a real Japanese night festival before."
"Haha… then you better make this a night to remember! We'll meet with the girls and take a tour around the place. I'll show you the 'obon' dancers, the festival games, the restaurants, the beautiful tree displays, and once we've done all of that we will go see the fireworks!"
"Ahhhh!" Kenichi's eyes glimmered his passion for fun. "Restaurants… games… fireworks… DANCERS! This is going to be great!"
"Yep! We better get going though. I promised the girls that we would meet them at the entrance to the festival grounds."
"Let's get going then!" Kenichi grinned. "What are we waiting for?!"
Along the way to the entrance Kenichi looked at all the other people who were already enjoying the festival; families, couples, friends of all kinds were laughing and smiling as they made their ways to the main attractions. Kenichi quickly stopped as a child, pretending to be an airplane, ran in front of him with a friend following in pursuit.
"Brings the life out of people, eh?" Kenichi asked.
"Kids love to have fun you know," Keitaro replied with a smile. "Look, the girls are up ahead."
They were all wearing 'yukatas', the traditional clothes usually reserved for festive occasions. All the girls bought new ones this year. The group of them looked well together; their colours balanced one another and were a sight for any pair of eyes.
"Oh wow…" Keitaro exclaimed out loud. "So beautiful…"
The girls blushed at the compliment. Motoko blushed as well but had an annoyed look on her face. "What are you thinking, Arai?"
"Haha… the same as Keitaro is thinking. But you… truly do look like the 'Yamato Nadesico'." [Japanese Beauty]
"Umm…. t-thank you-"
"HEY KEN-KEI!" Kaolla swung from a nearby tree branch and delivered a crushing kick to Kenichi and Keitaro. The force of the kick sent the two guys into the girls. Keitaro landed between Naru's legs and Kenichi landed snuggly on Mitsune's chest.
*BAM* "The festival had just begun and you are already up to your old habits!" Naru scolded Keitaro as she sent him flying with a punch.
*SMASH* "You leech! Go away and stay away!" Motoko yelled as she sent Kenichi following Keitaro with a kick.
"Ara ara"
"Arai-senpai… Urashima-senpai…"
"Don't worry about them," Naru said. "They'll enjoy the evening themselves."
"Isn't that a little cold, Naru?" Mitsune asked.
"Boys will be boys," Naru commented.
***************************************
"Oww… my head," Kenichi whined. The two of landed in the middle of the festival. Around them was a bustling celebration filled with people of various ages. With the sun down the soft lights from the lanterns complimented the beautiful moon up high above them. Tourists and local residents proved themselves to be a lively bunch as they quickly moved from one game to the next to be able to take in the whole festival.
"We may as well enjoy ourselves, Keitaro."
"I guess you're right. No point in trying to calm down the girls now." Keitaro sighed. 'It wasn't even our fault!'
"Hello? Keitaro? What's with the huge sigh? Lighten up. We got the whole night to take advantage of. If we let that bother us then the festivities would be wasted on us!"
Kenichi grinned as he looked around. "We got lots we can do! Let's… have a challenge!"
"Oh? Which one?"
"Good question… How about the ball tossing game?"
Keitaro laughed. "All right, but I've been practicing!"
He paid the game attendant the fee and tossed all three balls at the glass bottles. The balls went wide and didn't even nick the glass bottles. As the realization of his miss settled in, Keitaro's jaw dropped with shock.
"You sure that you've been practicing the right sport?" Kenichi genuinely asked.
"AHH! It's not my fault! This game is fixed!"
"Hahaha… sure it is… or perhaps it's your lack of strength?" Kenichi joked as he poked Keitaro around his stomach.
"Hey! S-stop t-that," Keitaro said as he suppressed his ticklish laughter.
"Oi! If you two are going to be like that then one of you should try to look cuter."
The two of them turned toward the person who passed the comment. It was a very old man with gray hair all over his head.
"AHH! It's not like that!" Keitaro and Kenichi shouted at the same time.
"Is that so?" The old man asked. "When I was your age I was chasing girls all day and all night."
"We've… been having some troubles with the girls lately…" Keitaro told the old man.
"Is that so? When I was your age I had lots of troubles with the girls too. *Sigh* What I would give to be young and energetic again… You guys are lucky to live in a time where all the girls are lively and pretty."
"Uhh… sure thing, sir," Kenichi humoured him.
"At the very least, you two should try to have a good time anyways," The old man stated. He pointed his finger at them and stated, "Girls are fun, but only a guy knows how to make the most of his time!"
"Uhh…" Keitaro had a nervous look on his face. "Well… I suppose we should follow your advice."
"Weren't we doing that before?" Kenichi whispered to Keitaro.
"Be quiet and he will leave us alone," Keitaro whispered back. He smiled at the old man and spoke loudly. "You are right! We haven't had time to ourselves since… America!"
Kenichi laughed. "That's right… now we can have…"
***************************************
"A RAMEN EATING CONTEST!"
The two guys were in heavy competition as they tried to best one another. It was an odd sight and people who passed by couldn't help but look at them for a bit.
"You *gulp* can't *chomp* beat me, Keitaro. You're *chew* not used to eating *gulp* this much."
"I've been *slurp* practicing!"
Two waitresses were looking at them from a distance.
"Ara… look at them go," one said to the other.
"They are such idiots. I know at least one of them will throw up later. Idiots."
"Perhaps, but they are awfully cute when they compete like this!"
The waitress looked at her coworker who just said the comment. She looked at the two guys who were inhaling their food. It was a very messy sight. She covered her mouth in disgust.
"WHAT?! You think they look cute?!"
***************************************
After emptying an impressive amount of ramen bowls the two guys hobbled their way out of the restaurant. People who passed by them laughed at the silly sight.
"Hey Keitaro. I think my yukata doesn't fits right anymore…"
"Haha… I wonder why?" Keitaro looked at Kenichi who looked very unhealthy. "You know… you didn't have to eat two more bowls after I gave up."
"Yeah… but there were two waitresses watching."
"Eh?" Keitaro spoke in a mellow tone. "You crazy foreigner."
Kenichi smiled. "No really! They were!"
"And I still don't understand you."
"Well there isn't much to und- *umph*" A ball made contact with Kenichi's stomach.
"Ahh! So sorry mister! My friend missed the catch. Are you all right?"
"Are you okay, Kenichi?" Keitaro asked.
Kenichi leaned over the nearest garbage can and threw up the meal he just had.
"Ewww mister."
"What the? I knew you shouldn't have eaten so much. Napkin Kenichi?"
"Oi… thanks."
"Will you be okay? Do we need to-"
"I feel great!" Kenichi yelled exuberantly. "It's as though a heavy weight is no longer with me!"
"That's because you left it in the garbage."
"How about another game?" Kenichi asked ignoring Keitaro's comment. "Let's go do… the shooting game next!"
"I'll go first again," Keitaro said with a smile. "I got to win this time."
Keitaro picked up a little pellet gun. He took aim at some of the numerous fluffy animals. The goal was to knock down one or two with the pellets, and so he readied himself.
*Pow* *Pow* *Pow* "Eh? I missed them all?!"
"Geez friend," Kenichi said with concern in his tone. "This isn't your day today is it?"
Kenichi eyed his targets and carefully determined his actions. "All right sir. Hand me the weapon! *Pow* *Pow* *Pow* Hey! I got them all!"
"What?! How?!"
"Haha… next time try using 'both' your eyes, Keitaro." Kenichi joked. He took his prized from the game attendant.
*Sigh* "Maybe you're right. Maybe today isn't my day."
"Perhaps." Kenichi answered while waving at some children.
"I think I should go find Naru now and apologize."
"I guess I should go with you and apologize too." Kenichi gave his prizes to the wide-eyed, smiling children. "You guys go have fun now, and don't cause trouble!"
"Who are you talking to, Kenichi?" Keitaro turned around to look at him.
"Huh? Oh, no one. We should be getting on our way."
"Hey you guys!"
"Who?" Keitaro and Kenichi turned around.
"Oh, hey you two!" Kenichi greeted. "Umm… Hachiro and Shinzo, right?"
"IT'S HAITANI!"
"AND SHIRAI!"
"Really? Could've fooled me," Keitaro stated.
"Keitaro, thank goodness we found you!" Haitani shouted.
"We need to borrow some money!" Shirai added.
"Wait a second!" Keitaro shouted with an angry tone. "Whenever I needed money you guys would trick me or not even let me borrow any at all!"
"Please? Just this time?" Haitani got on his knees.
"Umm… maybe I could help you guys out," Kenichi offered. "You guys did help me out a couple of days ago."
"Oh really?! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Haitani and Shirai ran up to Kenichi and hugged him from both sides.
"I-I-I'm h-happy to h-h-help… I g-guess…"
***************************************
"I understand that you guys wanted to get your hands on the new manga by Akamatsu, but what's with the dirty doujinshi?!" Keitaro yelled at Haitani and Shirai.
"Haha… leave them be," Kenichi said. He leaned over to Keitaro and whispered, "It's not like you don't have a couple of those in your room."
"My life is now full of joy!" Haitani exclaimed. "My tears are flowing like waterfalls."
"What a glorious day!" Shirai added.
"All of this excitement over smut?" Kenichi grinned.
Up ahead of the four guys were the girls. The majority of them were enjoying their time, but two of them were uncomfortable.
"Naru-senpai, I hate to say this but I am starting to worry where Urashima and Arai could've gone. They may be causing havoc all over this festival."
"Don't you mean we have to apologize to them, Motoko?"
"Ah… yes… I suppose so."
"Oh no! Shirai look up there!" Haitani told his friend.
"What is it?"
"A class 'C' emergency! We can't be caught with these things! Let's get out of here!"
Haitani and Shirai handed off all of the manga and doujinshi to Keitaro and Kenichi.
"Hey! What are you two doing?" Kenichi asked. Before he could get a response the two of them ran off leaving Keitaro and Kenichi alone with the dirty books.
"So this is what you two have been doing!" Motoko and Naru said. Their arms were crossed and a raging fire was around them. Their eyes gave the impression that they were out for blood. "Haven't had enough ecchi for one day, have you, Arai?"
*Gulp* "Aoyama, I-it's n-n-not l-like w-wh-w-what… RUN KEITARO!"
Keitaro and Kenichi took off as fast as they could with the girls in quick pursuit.
"I don't think we will be able to keep up this speed with this books in our hands, Keitaro!"
"You're right. Since you paid for them… you take care of them!" Keitaro tossed all the books on to Kenichi's hands.
"WAAH! Why me?!"
"Think of something! But for now, let's split up!"
Keitaro took a left turn and left Kenichi with the dirty books.
"What am I going to-… JUNYA!"
"Oh hi big brother!" Junya greeted while running alongside Kenichi. "What are you doing? Is this a game?"
"Not really. Listen carefully because I don't have much time. Take these books and see that old man over there by the ball tossing game? Give all of these books to the old man, okay? BUT whatever you do, DON'T LOOK AT THEM!"
"Okay big brother! I will surely do just that!"
"Thanks Junya!" Kenichi said while patting his head. "You are a good kid. Now, I got to go so see you later!"
"Bye bye big brother!"
***************************************
The building that Kenichi entered was a dark one. It didn't matter to him though. It allowed him his time to catch his breath and think things over. He knew that Junya was a good kid and so he didn't worry about him. He thought where Keitaro was and hoped that the girls didn't catch him. After regaining most of his strength back Kenichi analyzed the place that he was in. The dark and desolate the atmosphere gave him the creeps.
'Obviously this must be the scary house,' Kenichi thought. 'Haha… what am I getting so worked up about? I've been to places like these before. They are filled with nothing but-'
"AHHHHHHH!!"
"AHHHHHHH!!"
"Ah geez, Keitaro! You could've given me a heart attack!"
"Well I lost five days out of my life because of that!" Keitaro said.
After realizing what just took place the two guys pointed at each other and laughed.
"Boo!"
"AHHHHHHH!!" The two guys screamed simultaneously.
"Hahaha… you guys are too easy to scare." Sara McDougal revealed herself with a flashlight. "Aren't you guys acting a little too 'intimate' for friends?"
"Eh?" Keitaro and Kenichi separated from each other and tried to act normally.
"Ahem," Kenichi falsely coughed. "I can't help it if Keitaro needs to hug someone when he get's scared."
"At least I didn't have a tight grip," Keitaro shot back.
"Hahaha… you guys are too much!" Sara said as she ran away.
"Umm… hey Keitaro. How about we put this incident behind us?"
Keitaro accepted the handshake and nodded in agreement.
They left the scary house just in case Sara got any more of her infamous ideas. Kenichi looked at the nearby clock. There was still time to take part in the activities before the fireworks.
"Hey Keitaro! How about another challenge?"
"I don't kn- *umph* WAAH!" A stranger ran into Keitaro and fell down on top of him. He quickly got up and ran away from the two of them.
"What the?" Kenichi watched the stranger run off. He turned his attention toward his friend who was still lying on the ground. "Keitaro, are you alright?"
Keitaro's head was waving around erratically and his eyes were unfocused. "Ahh… for once Kenichi… the world is revolving around me…"
Kenichi helped Keitaro get up. He quickly inspected his friend to make sure there were no permanent damages.
"STOP! Someone, please stop that thief!" an old lady shouted.
"Thief?" Kenichi asked.
"That man who just knocked down your friend! He stole my store's cash box!"
Kenichi and Keitaro looked at each other and nodded in agreement of a plan.
The two dashed after the thief. People watched on as the two young men in yukatas chased the hooded culprit.
"Kind of takes us back to the days when we were Artifact Hunters with Seta, ne?" Kenichi said.
"Something like that. Only this time we are chasing a thief instead of stationary relics."
As two minutes passed, Keitaro realized that they weren't making any real progress.
"Get ready Kenichi!"
"Whenever you are."
Keitaro stopped and picked up a tree branch. Opening both of his eyes he took aim. With a swift thrust forward Keitaro send the branch spinning toward the thief's legs. The branch got caught between the legs and sent the thief falling down. Shaking off the pain the thief got up on to his feet again and continued his getaway – only this time Kenichi was in place for an attack.
"Metsu-… no, I won't use that. Time for some good old fashion fighting skills."
With the momentum that he carried while running Kenichi bounced off a tree and did a double flip and then a spin kick. His attack made contact with the thief's head and knocked him out cold. Kenichi grinned at his work and looked at Keitaro who caught up with them.
"Nice toss," Kenichi complimented with a thumbs up.
"Nice kick," Keitaro replied with a thumbs up.
***************************************
The store that the old lady owned was a souvenir store. Filled with stuffed toys and little trinkets it was certain that anyone who visited the festival would've dropped by. The weight of the cash box also supported that fact. Keitaro stood in awe, as he looked at the two photo sticker machines side by side.
"No, I'm not going to take a picture with you," Kenichi stated.
"Come on! Why not?" Keitaro asked.
"I'm no good with pictures, that's why. I always end up making some kind of stupid face."
"Just grin like you always do and you should be fine."
"Let's do what we came here to do!"
"Ahh… you're no fun." Keitaro's head sunk in disappointment. He looked around for the old lady and couldn't find her. He called out, "Old lady!"
Kenichi also couldn't find her. "Miss?"
"Young man, I'm too old to be called that." The old lady showed up from behind Kenichi, which surprised him.
"Ahh… haha… I'm only trying to be polite."
"Oh really?" The old lady laughed. "Haha… you sure crack me up. I like you and because you also brought back my money I will give you a reward."
"What? Oh no, it's perfectly all right. Keitaro and I only-"
"You will take the reward," the old lady interrupted.
"Yes ma'am," Kenichi responded quietly.
"You will take the reward because the money you recovered for me… it will go to feed a starving family."
*Sniff* *sniff* "That's the sweetest thing I ever heard," Kenichi said.
"Is that story true?" Keitaro asked cynically. He points to her memo on her desk that says 'out drinking'.
"Haha… no the story isn't true. I just need the money because my husband and I are going drinking later."
"You tricked me!"
"Haha… cute and lively! Whoever gets her hands on you is going to be a lucky girl!"
"Ahh…" Kenichi blushed an immense shade of red.
"Here." The old lady took something out from a secret closet and handed it to Kenichi.
"What is this?!" Kenichi yelled.
"I-I-it's so… cute?!" Keitaro commented.
"Yes! That it is." The old lady nodded in agreement. "This is no ordinary stuffed animal. It contains great powers! Who and how you give this stuffed animal away will affect the happiness of all your closest friends!"
"Hey! I don't want this power!"
"It's too late! It's yours now!" The old lady pushed Keitaro and Kenichi with the stuffed animal in his hands outside her store. She abruptly closes and locks the door behind them.
Keitaro and Kenichi stared blankly at each other. After a moment Kenichi looked down at the stuffed animal in his hands. It was so cute that it sent shivers down his spine when he looked at it. An overwhelming desire to hug it took the better of Kenichi and he embraced the stuffed animal.
"What do you think you are doing?" Keitaro asked while still in shock.
"Ahh… sorry. I couldn't help myself."
"Maybe we should get rid of it?"
"No!" Kenichi shouted. "What if… what if, by doing that I make everyone unhappy?"
"That is a possibility," Keitaro pondered. "I suppose all you can do now is to don't worry too much about it for now."
"Why is this 'my' problem all of a sudden? You helped me catch the thief! This little furball is as much mine as it is yours."
"No, he isn't. The old lady gave it to you because…" Keitaro smiled. "She thought you were cuter."
"Laugh all night long," Kenichi said coldly. "Laugh all night long."
He looked down at the stuffed animal. "WAHH! What am I going to do?!"
"Why are you screaming this time, Kenichi-kun?" Seta walked up to them with Haruka closely beside them. The two of them were wearing yukatas to join in the festive fun.
"Sara said you guys were causing mischief."
"If only, Seta-san," Kenichi mumbled.
"Why so down, Kenichi-kun? Shouldn't you guys be having fun with the girls?"
"We kind of got them angry again," Keitaro said.
"Is that the problem?" Seta asked.
"No. The problem is that we recovered some money for an old lady and she gave me a bewitched stuffed animal that is unbearably cute!" Kenichi shouted as he showed off the stuffed animal.
The cigarette fell from Haruka's lips and she stood there in shock.
"Wow! Is that thing really cursed?" Seta asked. "I would like to stud-… Haruka-chan, are you all right?"
"T-that thing… it… it… I have this weird urge to hug it!"
"Waah! I got to get this thing away from everyone!" Kenichi pulled the stuffed animal away from anyone's reach and sprinted away from the group.
"AHHH!"
***************************************
He had been running for some time. Kenichi looked around and realized that he was in a different area – one that he hasn't gotten around to yet. There were fewer games and attractions but more shops and restaurants. Unique flashy signs served to attract customers to the shops, but now only serve to annoy Kenichi. He was tired and weary from the running. Most of all he was frustrated about the stuff animal in his arms. He wanted so much just to toss it into the water stream nearby and be done with it, but he was scared of the consequences.
"Maybe if life was as simple as an RPG… or even a dating-sim…" Kenichi nodded at his resolution. "Yeah… that would be nice…"
"Kenichi plays with dating-sims?"
"Eh? Kaolla… Shinobu-chan… and even Mutsumi-san!" What are you guys doing here?"
"We stopped by for some food, Arai-senpai," Shinobu answered.
"Yep! They got good food here!" Kaolla shouted.
"What are you doing here, Arai-kun?" Mutsumi asked.
"Umm… well I was trying to get rid of-"
"WOAHH! What is that Kenichi! It's SO CUTE!" Kaolla jumped at Kenichi.
"AIIIYEE! Can I see that Arai-senpai?"
"Ara ara… kawaii!"
The three girls quickly moved toward the stuffed animal in Kenichi's hands. Kaolla kicked him in the head. Shinobu pulled on his arm and Mutsumi fell on him.
"Ack! I got to *umph* get out of here… oww!"
Kenichi squeezed himself out of the pile on and blindly dashed away. He fell into someone and felt something soft and warm in his hand.
"Eh?"
"Well look at that cute little thing you got down there, Kenichi."
"Kitsune?!"
"If you ask nicely then I'll hold that thingie of yours for a while."
"WHAT?!"
Mitsune looked away and closed her eyes. "We should try to get to know each other a little bit better first, Kenichi…. Kenichi?"
She turned around and found him running away in full sprint.
"I'll take my chances with the others!" He yelled.
***************************************
Keitaro stood looking at the one person who he cared for most in the world. Usually she would be angry at something that he did but at that moment and place she was laughing. Laughing at the story that he was telling her.
"And so after the old lady locked the store Kenichi was panicking. You should have seen his face!"
"Aww… isn't that cute. He is worrying over a cute toy!" Naru smiled as she imagined what it might have looked like. "I would like to see it."
"I don't know, Narusegawa. It made Haruka want to hug it! I tell you that thing is cursed!"
"Hahaha… don't believe old wives' tales, Keitaro."
"Well I-" Keitaro ended in mid sentence as he watched a lady look around frantically. Her face was covered with tears showing that she had, or still was, crying.
Naru approached the lady. "Miss, what is the matter?"
"My Mizuki!" she sobbed. "She's missing!"
***************************************
After another period of time Kenichi found himself at the beach shore. His breathing was more erratic then normal and he felt sweat form on his forehead.
"Why… after… all of… this… running… I am… still… out of… shape?"
"Perhaps you are just not meant for it, Arai."
"Aoyama! Why are you here?" Kenichi asked in a friendly manner.
Motoko got off the rock that she was sitting on and gracefully walked toward Kenichi.
"We all promised to meet here for the fireworks. They should be starting soon, but nonetheless, I'm the first one here. So, what brings you hear, Arai? You don't plan to do anything perverted again are you?"
"Ahh…" Motoko stare made Kenichi feel very uncomfortable. "No… hopefully not I mean… I mean definitely not!"
"Hey… what are you hiding behind your back?"
"What this?" Kenichi presented the stuffed animal. A memory quickly surfaced to his head.
"This is no ordinary stuffed animal. It contains great powers! Who and how you give this stuffed animal away will affect the happiness of all your closest friends!"
"Ahhh! You can't have it!"
"It is impossibly cute!" Motoko said. "I… have to hug it!"
"I'm sorry, Aoyama, but I refuse to let you have it!" Kenichi dashed away from Motoko with the stuffed animal tightly held under his arm.
"I'll pry that stuffed animal from your cold hands if I have to! Cry of the Phoenix, 'DEMONIC FIST'!" Kenichi dodged the fist technique in a sluggish manner. He lost his balance and landed face first into a tree stump.
"Oww…"
"Why are you being so selfish? I just wish to hug it! If only you shared. Things would be easier that way."
"I'm sorry, but I don't want to make anyone unhappy!"
"Your selfishness will be your downfall! Cry of the Phoenix 'FINAL MOVE'!"
"WAAH!" Kenichi managed to dodge most of the attack but some of the 'Ki' skimmed his rear end. 'I got to get away from her as soon as possible. Staying here will only make her angrier.'
Kenichi ran several paces forward, only to have Motoko quickly following behind him.
*sniff* *sniff*
"Eh? What was that?" Kenichi asked out loud.
"So you have decided to-"
"Stop Aoyama!" Kenichi's strong yell quieted Motoko's comment. He carefully listened to the area around him. Motoko stood staring in wonder at what Kenichi was doing. A sound – a gentle sound was heard. It was the whimper of a child. Motoko silently follows Kenichi as he went about to find the source of the cry. After some careful listening Kenichi found her, a little girl under a tree. Her eyes were red from crying and her hair was all tussled about. Her cheeks were rosy from rubbing. Kenichi slowly approached her. He spoke softly to her.
"Hi there little one. My name is Kenichi. Why are you crying?"
"M-my… m-mama… I w-want my m-mama."
"Don't worry. I'll bring you back to your mama. I promise." Kenichi took the stuffed animal from his arm. "Do you like stuffed animals? This one is a little dirty now, but if you want it then it's yours."
"Woah!" The little girl's eyes lit up as she saw the stuffed animal. Her smile grew wider and wider as she slowly took the stuffed animal from Kenichi's hands.
*Pheewww KABOOM* *Phewwww KABOOM*
"The fireworks are starting!" Kenichi shouted excitement. "Do you want to get on my shoulders? You'll see better that way."
"Yes! Yes please big brother!"
"Haha… you don't have to call me big brother."
Motoko took in the sight. The fireworks were larger and more beautiful this year, but they did not capture her attention. Her focus was on Kenichi and the little girl on his shoulders. Just a moment ago she was crying and now she was merrily playing with the stuffed animal on top of Kenichi's head. As a firework would ignite the two of them would shout with glee. Motoko smiled. She moved slowly beside Kenichi.
"W-What are you doing, Aoyama?"
"It's getting cold. That's all." Motoko stated. "What are you getting so nervous about?"
"Haha… nothing really," Kenichi nervously laughed. 'A moment ago you were trying to kill me. Other then that, nothing really.'
Kenichi, with the corner of his eye, looked at Motoko. 'You do look beautiful in that yukata.'
"MIZUKI!" A lady yelled.
"Mama!" the little girl acknowledged as she heard her name being called.
"Oh my Mizuki! Thank goodness I found you!"
Kenichi smiled at Motoko and she smiled back. Then they just realized that everyone else had shown up.
"How did you know the girl would be with Kenichi?" Naru asked Keitaro.
Keitaro smiled and looked at Kenichi. "I just know that an individual here will always play hero whenever a child is in need."
"Mama, mama! Look here! Big brother gave me Ken-kun!"
"Ken-kun?" her mother asked.
"Yep! I name it after big brother!"
Kenichi grinned when he heard her speak. Her happy and energetic voice was delight to his ears. He looked around and realized that everyone else was looking at him.
"Umm… Kaolla… Shinobu-chan… Mutsumi-san… I can explain…" Kenichi placed Mizuki down. "She needed the stuffed animal more then you guys so I-"
"WAAH! Arai-senpai is so sweet!" Shinobu, Kaolla and Mutsumi ran up and hugged Kenichi.
"I… can't… breath…"
After the three of them let go of Kenichi, Mitsune walked up to him and placed her arms around him. She leaned on him – her front to his back. "Don't you know better then to act like that? Such actions and emotions can take over a girl's feelings."
"W-w-what?"
Everyone laughed at Kenichi's insecurity. Motoko was the only one who didn't laugh. She carefully looked at Kenichi. When he returned her gaze Motoko felt her face warm up.
"Umm… good job, Arai."
"… Thank you, Aoyama. Thank you, everyone! This has been… an interesting night to say the least."
Together they all watched on as the fireworks continued their beautiful eruption of colours.
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I don't understand these feelings inside me. They aren't like the ones I felt for Urashima. These ones are more confusing and more awkward. I doubt that it has anything to do with 'that'. It's not the same – it can't be the same. But when I look at him…what is the sensation that I get? And yet… there is no way around it. Even my sword and all my training cannot help me now. I wish I can understand… why when I look at him… when I'm near him… I feel so warm… so at ease…
End Episode 7
Author's Comments
Thank you – all of you, for such kind words. I never expected to get so many reviews like this. *Sigh* You guys are too good for me ^_~ This is the beginning of Part 2 and I wanted to start off with more humour then actual story progress (well… ^.^) Haha… anyway, I will keep on writing – that is my promise. But lately I find it difficult to actually have the time to write! Ahh… my mind is thinking well right now, more comments next episode. Ja ne! (Yeah, I changed my pen name. Did you notice? ^_^)
Next Episode: My little Sister