Episode 17: Heartbreaker
For Naota, the past few days had been pure bliss. He couldn't remember in the last three years when he'd been happier. He'd almost forgotten about all the things that had happened before. He'd forgotten about rampaging robots, his gate and the Pirate King. And little by little, his brother's departure seemed more and more like a vague memory. At times, he it was like his brother didn't even exist. Did he truly have no need for Tasuke's memory?
Naota climbed out of the shower, rubbing his face with a towel. When he pulled it from his eyes, a figure suddenly appeared before him. With no time to react, Naota met in a head-on collision and fell flat on his back. Flustered he looked up.
Naota: What the...?! HARUKO?!
Haruko stood, unmoved. She grinned down playfully at the stark-naked preteen. Naota finally caught himself and threw the towel over his nether regions.
Naota: WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE! WHA... HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?!
Haruko: (lazily) Oh relax... Its nothing I haven't seen before...
Naota: (fuming) THAT'S NOT THE POINT!!!
Haruko: (grinning) Heh heh heh...
Naota blushed and tightened his grip on the towel. Was she going to leave or what? Haruko was what Naota called "predictably unpredictable," kind of like a funnel cloud. You know that its going to land and its going to make a mess, but exactly where it will land (and where it will go from there) is anyone's guess. Naota loved, hated and feared it.
Haruko just stood over Naota, grinning from ear to ear. Then, suddenly, her smile began to fade. Naota watched as the fiery light slowly dimmed to glowing coals. Her smile was now just a gentle upward curve, but at the same time, it seemed sort of strained.
Naota: (thinking) Huh...? What's up with...?
Before he could finished the thought, her maniacal grin returned. In the blink of an eye, the old Haruko was back.
Haruko: (turning to leave the bathroom) When you're all dressed, lunch is on the table...
Naota sat in the floor, his mind a big jumble of passing thoughts. Finally, he managed to throw together a sentence after she left.
Naota: (screaming from the bathroom) NEXT TIME KNOCK BEFORE YOU COME IN!
Naota got dressed and came downstairs. The house was dead silent. Naota remembered his dad saying something about going out for the afternoon. Naota shrugged and walked into the kitchen.
Haruko sat quietly at the kitchen table, leafing through the newspaper. She didn't even look up as Naota passed her to get to the fridge. Naota opened the refrigerator door and scanned the shelves. There was never anything to eat in this house. Suddenly, a pair of slender arms snaked their way over his shoulders and crossed over his chest. Naota froze, then relaxed, a look of mild annoyance passing over his face.
Naota: (quietly) What did I tell you about doing that...?
Haruko: (grinning) You're warm...
Naota: ...
Haruko tightened her arms around him a little more, pressing her chest against his back. Slowly, she began to rock back and forth, lazily.
Naota: (shifting) ...
Haruko leaned forward and put her mouth so close to his left ear, her lips brushed against his lobe.
Haruko: (whispering) No one's home... We're all alone...
Naota: What are you getting at...?
Haruko: You...
Naota: Don't be stupid...
Haruko: (teasingly) Aww... Takkun, you're such a tease... I thought you loved me...?
Naota: ...
Haruko: Not in the mood, this morning...?
Naota: ...
Haruko: (pulling away a little) That's okay... We can make out anytime, right...?
Naota: (blushing) Yeah, like I'd make out with YOU...
Haruko released him and sat bak down in her chair, cross-legged. Naota closed the fridge and went to the pantry. He found some old bagels (they were for breakfast, but he wasn't in the picky mood) and popped two halves into the toaster.
He closed up the bag and leaned back against the counter. He could feel Haruko watching him, but he refused to say anything, or even look at her. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about her was off today. It had been evident from the time he woke up.
Haruko: You know, you didn't have to do that...
Naota: Huh...?
Haruko: (nodding to the stove) I left some soup for you.
Naota: Oh... (catching himself) Thanks...
Haruko: (quietly) Takkun...?
Naota glanced up to see her gazing out of the window. Her golden eyes glistened in the afternoon sunlight that poured through.
Haruko: (still looking out of the window) How long has it been...?
Naota: ...?
Haruko: It wasn't too long ago that I ran you down on my vespa... But it seems like its been years...
Naota: (thinking) What's she on about...?
Haruko: Sometimes it doesn't even seem like it really happened...
Naota: Are you okay...?
Haruko: I've been thinking, Takkun... I don't think I'm going stick around too much longer...
Naota: (thinking) What...?!
In Naota's mind he was shocked and even hurt. Though he'd never admit it, he'd liked having Haruko back. Even with all of the craziness that had been going, after all of the things that had happened, he still like having her around. For a while, he'd had conflicting emotions about having to face her again, caught between growing fear and relief. But now, he felt they had finally settled back in and everything was good. Now, she wanted to take it all apart again. A twinge of anger yanked at his heart strings.
Naota: (looking away coldly) Well, go then... I don't care...
Haruko: (smiling at him) I think its time that I moved on...
Naota: ...
Haruko: (continuing after a pause) ...And I want you to come with me...
Naota's eyes went wide with surprise. His head jerked up to meet her gaze. She grinned warmly at him. A few strands of pink hair fell in her face, but she didn't move them.
Haruko: Think about it... You and me, together in space... We could go anywhere... Do anything... Anything at all. For us, there IS no limit...
Naota: ...
Haruko: But, there's no rush... You can think it over...
Naota: (softly) I can't...
Haruko: (surprised) Huh...?
Naota: I can't go with you...
Haruko: ...
Naota: Back then, when I said that I loved you... I did, but... Things are different now...
Haruko: (lowering her head) ...
Naota: You can't just go off for space and come back and expect things to be the same as when you left, Haruko...! (going tense) Its not fair! Its not fair to me, or anyone else...!
Haruko: (softly) I knew it...
Naota: (looking suspiciously at her) What...
Haruko sat slumped forward in her chair, her hair completely shielding her face. A devilish grin spread over her features, unknown to Naota. Suddenly, she sprung out of the chair, ready to tackle the shocked preteen.
Haruko: I KNEW IT!
She landed on him and they both hit the floor with a have thud. She sat straddled over his stomach with him squirming underneath.
Haruko: (grinning widely) I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!
Naota: (struggling) KNEW WHAT?!
Haruko: I knew you had a think for that little commando!
Naota: WHAT?! YOU'RE CRAZY!
Haruko: Takkun has a crush on Soldier Girl!
Naota: (blushing) SHUT UP! I DO NOT!
Haruko: (teasingly pinching his cheeks) Look at him! He's blushing! He's so cute!
Naota: STOP THAT! GET OFF!
Haruko snickered quietly and rolled off of him. Naota slowly sat up and rubbed the back of his head.
Naota: Haven't you ever heard of self control!? You don't just go around knocking people over! One day, someone's going to knock you over, too! Do you know what karma is?
Haruko: (sneering) Love's turned you into a regular ol' philosopher, eh Takkun...?
Naota: Shut up! It's not "love!"
Suddenly, Haruko fell silent. She glanced back at the window then down at the floor beneath her. Naota sat, watching her. What was she thinking?
Haruko: (softly) Be careful, Takkun...
Naota: Huh...?
Haruko: Love is as painful as it is pleasurable... Take if from a three-time loser...
Naota: What are you talking about?
Haruko: (suddenly) Is something burning...?
Naota: CRAP!
Naota managed to salvage the toaster though the bagels inside were charred black. Of course, he blamed it on Haruko. He was actually upset. He just needed a reason to yell.
After he finished the soup she had left out for him, he went for a walk. He wasn't sure where he was going, and really didn't care. He just wanted to get out. It wasn't a bad day.
After a few minutes of walking, Naota found himself downtown. He found a vacant bench and sat down. Something was nagging at him, but he wasn't sure what it was.
Eri: Funny seeing you here...
Naota looked up to Ninamori sneering down at him. Her violet hair was pulled back in a ponytail that fell just above the small of her back.
Naota: (flatly) Oh, its just YOU...
Eri: Anything sprout from your head, lately?
Naota: Don't be such a brat... Besides, last time I checked, You were the one with a robot spider crawling out of your head...
Eri: ...
Naota: So, what do you want...?
Eri: What do you mean, "what do I want...?"
Naota: I know you didn't just happen to be walking by and see me here...
Eri: What's so impossible about that?
Naota: (frowning) ...
Eri: Okay, so maybe I was looking for you...
Naota: ...
Eri: (walking away) Come on...
Naota: What...?
Ninamori said nothing, but continued to walk. Naota waited for a moment, then bolted up and ran after her.
Naota: Wait up!
They ended up at the arcade. I was one of those old places with a bunch of outdated games. Naota cashed in for some coins and they split them evenly.
Eri: (jerking her control stick to the left) So...
Naota: (tapping a button rapidly) So, what...?
Eri: So, what's up with you and that woman...?
Naota: Kitsurubami? We're just friends...
Eri: That so...?
Naota: What's it to you anyway...? Why do you care?
Eri: I don't.
Naota: ...
Eri: Do you like her?
Naota, startled by the question, lost his hold on the game's rhythm and took three hits from Ninamori's fighter, depleting his energy. His character went down and the screen popped up, "GAME OVER."
Naota: Look what you did! (feeling his pockets) I'm all out of money...
Eri: (holding up coin) Looking for this...?
Naota reaches for the coin, but Ninamori snatches it away. Naota's face burns red and he plops down on a nearby skee-ball machine. Ninamori sits down beside him, still grinning.
Eri: Well, do you?
Naota: (grumbling) She's okay, I guess...
Eri: I'll take that as a yes...
Naota: That's not what I said!
Eri: You're so easy to read...
Naota: Brat...
Eri: (smiling contentedly) Delinquent.
Naota: Did you drag me all the way here for a third degree?
Eri: (suddenly) I saw your last midterm report...
Naota: And...?
Eri: "And" if you don't buckle down and get to work, you'll get left back...
Naota: (mockingly) Yes, mother...
Eri: I'm not joking. You're getting too distracted!
Naota: Whatever.
Eri: And I think that she is the main reason.
Naota: Who...?
Eri: (narrowing her eyes) Don't play dumb with me, Naota.
Naota: You're crazy...
Eri: You can't possibly think that this relationship is going anywhere.
Naota: ...
Eri: Why don't you just give it up? I can take some time off after school and tutor you...
Naota: Oh, shut up... You sound like a broken record player; saying the same thing over and over again...
Eri: (getting angry) Only cause you're too dense to get it the first time around, you jerk!
Naota: (standing up) Would you get off my back already?
Naota headed for the door, but Ninamori jumped to her feet and grabbed him by the coat sleeve. He stopped dead, but didn't look back.
Eri: (eyes covered by hair) She doesn't care about you...!
Naota: ...!
Eri: Don't you get it? She's using you?
Naota: (shaking his head) I don't know what you're talking about...
Eri: Its been an act from the start.
Naota: You lie.
Eri: I'm not lying. I heard it all...
Naota: From who?
Eri: It doesn't matter...!
Naota: (starting to walk off again) I don't need this... Not from you...!
Eri: (pulling him back) No!
Naota: ...!
Eri: Didn't it seem odd to you how she always seemed to have time for you...?
Naota: ...
Eri: Its because it was her JOB to be with you!
Naota: ...
Eri: She's been luring you in the whole time!
Naota: ...
Eri: Don't you see?!
Naota: Stop.
Eri: She was just trying to get to you, and you fell for it!
Naota: Stop.
Eri: Please, believe me!
Naota: Shut up...!
Eri: (talking over him) I only want the best for you! I care about you, Naota! Listen to me...!
Naota: (cutting her off) No, you listen!
Eri: ...!
Naota: After Haruko left, I had nothing... My life meant nothing... So little that I didn't really see the point in living... Then finally, someone pays attention to me, someone cares about me, (spinning around to face her) has time for me...! And you want to take it away!
Eri: (desperately) No!
Naota: (yelling) You only want me to be as miserable as you! Because no one cares about you!
The entire arcade went dead silent. There were few people there, but all eyes were on the pair. Ninamori's grip on Naota's sleeve weakened and she pulled away. Tears welled up in her emerald eyes. She bit down on her bottom lip to stop it from trembling.
There she stood, white-knuckled, trembling in ... Anger...? Despair...? Naota couldn't tell. It was then that Naota realized the grave mistake he'd just made.
Naota: (fumbling) Ninamori... I...
His words were cut off by her small hand making swift impact on his cheek. He stood there, unable to speak, or move. His glowing red face stung. Ninamori strode forward, pushing him out of her way. Her seemingly proud steps slowly turned into desperate skips, then a full-fledged run. She dashed out of the arcade, screaming back at him as she disappeared.
Eri: I hate you, you jerk!
Naota sighed.
Naota: (softly) Eri...
An hour later, Naota was down at the beach, standing at the water's edge. He was completely drained. Thirty seconds after Eri had run off, Naota went after her. he'd looked everywhere, but to no avail. She obviously didn't want to be found. He hoped she was okay.
How did this day get so messed up? What did he care how she felt? She was just being selfish, as always. But, she really didn't deserve what he had done to her. A voice from behind woke him from his musing.
Kitsurubami: (cheerfully) Out for an evening stroll on the beach?
Naota ground his teeth. Why did always seem that when he was in a bad mood, everyone else seemed to be in the highest spirits? He decided not to look up.
Kitsurubami: (concerned) What's wrong...
Naota: Its nothing...
Kitsurubami: Liar...
Naota: I just have a lot on my mind... That's all...
Kitsurubami: (quietly) Okay...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: I'm sorry...
Kitsurubami: For what?
Naota: I've had a rough day...
Kitsurubami: I understand...
Naota: I'm glad SOMEONE does...
A long moment of silence passed.
Kitsurubami: (thinking) I feel so bad for him. I wish there was something I could do to making him feel better...
Naota: (calmly) Kitsurubami...
Kitsurubami: Yeah...?
Naota: Can I ask you a question ... and get an honest answer...?
Kitsurubami: (A little uncomfortable) Uh... yeah, I guess so...
Naota: Kitsurubami... Were you ORDERED to spend time with me...?
Kitsurubami's whole body went numb. It was like her whole body was asleep, full of needles and pins. She tensioned. Where had this come from? What would she say? What could she say? She couldn't lie to him, could she? Her breathing became shallow, but she managed to hold back the sound. Slowly, she lowered her head in defeat, murmuring softly.
Kitsurubami: (almost inaudibly) Yes...
Naota's flinched and his entire posture changed. It was as if someone had hit him with a baseball bat. They both stood silently. She wanted to leave. She wanted to leave so badly. I was hard enough looking him in the eye before, but now that he knew, now that he knew that she had been lying, she couldn't bare to face him. Quickly, she tried to explain.
Kitsurubami: Naota I...
Naota: (quietly) How long...?
Kitsurubami: What?
Naota: I guess it doesn't really matter now, but I still want to know...
Kitsurubami: (trying not to be heard) A few days after we met...
Naota: The whole time, huh...?
Kitsurubami wasn't sure what to think of his reaction. It was almost as if he expected it ... or maybe he just didn't care. Nether prospect made her rest any easier.
Kitsurubami: Naota, I didn't mean to hurt you...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (growing desperation evident) Please believe me...!
Naota: Sorry, but I find it hard to believe liars...
His words cut through her like a hot spear head. She was at a loss for words, which was rare.
Kitsurubami: Naota, the last thing I wanted to do was hurt you...
Naota: (finishing for her) ...But you were just doing your job right...? Being a good soldier must be pretty important to you...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: (starting to walk away) I should go...
Kitsurubami: Wait!
Naota: (pausing) ...
Kitsurubami: If I could take it all back, I would! I'd refuse the job! I didn't want to hurt you! I'd give anything to be able to take it all back...!
Naota: But you can't. (turning to her) I trusted you. I thought you were different from other people. I thought that you cared...
Kitsurubami: I DO care!
Naota: But, in the end, you're just like all the rest of them...
Kitsurubami: I'm so sorry...!
Naota: No arguments here...
Kitsurubami: (shocked) ...
Naota: Ninamori warned me about you, and I should have listened to her ... she was right, but I didn't want to see that. I didn't want to believe it. I thought you were better than that...
Kitsurubami: Naota...
Naota: You're no better than the Haruko... You too would be good friends...
Kitsurubami: Naota, please...!
Naota: (suddenly livid) OH, SPARE ME! I JUST DROVE ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS AWAY FOR GOOD ON A PACK OF LIES! I CAN'T BELIEVE I TRUSTED YOU! I... I CAN'T STAND YOU!
Kitsurubami: (tears trickling down her face, weakly) Naota!
Naota: I'm going home...
Kitsurubami: (shaking) I'm so sorry...
Naota walked off along the beach and disappeared in the distance, leaving Kitsurubami where she stood, her tears dropping into the sand beneath her feet.
---------------------
RIDE ON SHOOTING STAR
ORANGE no SLIDE utsusu sora
SPONGE no PRIDE burasakete
SPIDER
kike totta sono yokan wa
kakusanakuta tte ii n da
iro no tsuita yume mitai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
GRUNGE no HAMSTER otona bite
REVENGE no LOBSTER hiki tsurete
SNIPER
fuchi totta sono sekai ni
nani ga mieru tte iu n da
nerau mae ni sawaritai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kimi o sagashite kindanshôjô ch
uso o tsuita
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
---------------------
Haruko: (wiping her eyes) Wow... (clearing her throat) Oh, anyway... Umm... On the next episode of Fooly Cooly: Episode 18: Ride On Shooting Star Part I! Hey, can I get another Kleenex over here?
For Naota, the past few days had been pure bliss. He couldn't remember in the last three years when he'd been happier. He'd almost forgotten about all the things that had happened before. He'd forgotten about rampaging robots, his gate and the Pirate King. And little by little, his brother's departure seemed more and more like a vague memory. At times, he it was like his brother didn't even exist. Did he truly have no need for Tasuke's memory?
Naota climbed out of the shower, rubbing his face with a towel. When he pulled it from his eyes, a figure suddenly appeared before him. With no time to react, Naota met in a head-on collision and fell flat on his back. Flustered he looked up.
Naota: What the...?! HARUKO?!
Haruko stood, unmoved. She grinned down playfully at the stark-naked preteen. Naota finally caught himself and threw the towel over his nether regions.
Naota: WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE! WHA... HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?!
Haruko: (lazily) Oh relax... Its nothing I haven't seen before...
Naota: (fuming) THAT'S NOT THE POINT!!!
Haruko: (grinning) Heh heh heh...
Naota blushed and tightened his grip on the towel. Was she going to leave or what? Haruko was what Naota called "predictably unpredictable," kind of like a funnel cloud. You know that its going to land and its going to make a mess, but exactly where it will land (and where it will go from there) is anyone's guess. Naota loved, hated and feared it.
Haruko just stood over Naota, grinning from ear to ear. Then, suddenly, her smile began to fade. Naota watched as the fiery light slowly dimmed to glowing coals. Her smile was now just a gentle upward curve, but at the same time, it seemed sort of strained.
Naota: (thinking) Huh...? What's up with...?
Before he could finished the thought, her maniacal grin returned. In the blink of an eye, the old Haruko was back.
Haruko: (turning to leave the bathroom) When you're all dressed, lunch is on the table...
Naota sat in the floor, his mind a big jumble of passing thoughts. Finally, he managed to throw together a sentence after she left.
Naota: (screaming from the bathroom) NEXT TIME KNOCK BEFORE YOU COME IN!
Naota got dressed and came downstairs. The house was dead silent. Naota remembered his dad saying something about going out for the afternoon. Naota shrugged and walked into the kitchen.
Haruko sat quietly at the kitchen table, leafing through the newspaper. She didn't even look up as Naota passed her to get to the fridge. Naota opened the refrigerator door and scanned the shelves. There was never anything to eat in this house. Suddenly, a pair of slender arms snaked their way over his shoulders and crossed over his chest. Naota froze, then relaxed, a look of mild annoyance passing over his face.
Naota: (quietly) What did I tell you about doing that...?
Haruko: (grinning) You're warm...
Naota: ...
Haruko tightened her arms around him a little more, pressing her chest against his back. Slowly, she began to rock back and forth, lazily.
Naota: (shifting) ...
Haruko leaned forward and put her mouth so close to his left ear, her lips brushed against his lobe.
Haruko: (whispering) No one's home... We're all alone...
Naota: What are you getting at...?
Haruko: You...
Naota: Don't be stupid...
Haruko: (teasingly) Aww... Takkun, you're such a tease... I thought you loved me...?
Naota: ...
Haruko: Not in the mood, this morning...?
Naota: ...
Haruko: (pulling away a little) That's okay... We can make out anytime, right...?
Naota: (blushing) Yeah, like I'd make out with YOU...
Haruko released him and sat bak down in her chair, cross-legged. Naota closed the fridge and went to the pantry. He found some old bagels (they were for breakfast, but he wasn't in the picky mood) and popped two halves into the toaster.
He closed up the bag and leaned back against the counter. He could feel Haruko watching him, but he refused to say anything, or even look at her. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about her was off today. It had been evident from the time he woke up.
Haruko: You know, you didn't have to do that...
Naota: Huh...?
Haruko: (nodding to the stove) I left some soup for you.
Naota: Oh... (catching himself) Thanks...
Haruko: (quietly) Takkun...?
Naota glanced up to see her gazing out of the window. Her golden eyes glistened in the afternoon sunlight that poured through.
Haruko: (still looking out of the window) How long has it been...?
Naota: ...?
Haruko: It wasn't too long ago that I ran you down on my vespa... But it seems like its been years...
Naota: (thinking) What's she on about...?
Haruko: Sometimes it doesn't even seem like it really happened...
Naota: Are you okay...?
Haruko: I've been thinking, Takkun... I don't think I'm going stick around too much longer...
Naota: (thinking) What...?!
In Naota's mind he was shocked and even hurt. Though he'd never admit it, he'd liked having Haruko back. Even with all of the craziness that had been going, after all of the things that had happened, he still like having her around. For a while, he'd had conflicting emotions about having to face her again, caught between growing fear and relief. But now, he felt they had finally settled back in and everything was good. Now, she wanted to take it all apart again. A twinge of anger yanked at his heart strings.
Naota: (looking away coldly) Well, go then... I don't care...
Haruko: (smiling at him) I think its time that I moved on...
Naota: ...
Haruko: (continuing after a pause) ...And I want you to come with me...
Naota's eyes went wide with surprise. His head jerked up to meet her gaze. She grinned warmly at him. A few strands of pink hair fell in her face, but she didn't move them.
Haruko: Think about it... You and me, together in space... We could go anywhere... Do anything... Anything at all. For us, there IS no limit...
Naota: ...
Haruko: But, there's no rush... You can think it over...
Naota: (softly) I can't...
Haruko: (surprised) Huh...?
Naota: I can't go with you...
Haruko: ...
Naota: Back then, when I said that I loved you... I did, but... Things are different now...
Haruko: (lowering her head) ...
Naota: You can't just go off for space and come back and expect things to be the same as when you left, Haruko...! (going tense) Its not fair! Its not fair to me, or anyone else...!
Haruko: (softly) I knew it...
Naota: (looking suspiciously at her) What...
Haruko sat slumped forward in her chair, her hair completely shielding her face. A devilish grin spread over her features, unknown to Naota. Suddenly, she sprung out of the chair, ready to tackle the shocked preteen.
Haruko: I KNEW IT!
She landed on him and they both hit the floor with a have thud. She sat straddled over his stomach with him squirming underneath.
Haruko: (grinning widely) I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!
Naota: (struggling) KNEW WHAT?!
Haruko: I knew you had a think for that little commando!
Naota: WHAT?! YOU'RE CRAZY!
Haruko: Takkun has a crush on Soldier Girl!
Naota: (blushing) SHUT UP! I DO NOT!
Haruko: (teasingly pinching his cheeks) Look at him! He's blushing! He's so cute!
Naota: STOP THAT! GET OFF!
Haruko snickered quietly and rolled off of him. Naota slowly sat up and rubbed the back of his head.
Naota: Haven't you ever heard of self control!? You don't just go around knocking people over! One day, someone's going to knock you over, too! Do you know what karma is?
Haruko: (sneering) Love's turned you into a regular ol' philosopher, eh Takkun...?
Naota: Shut up! It's not "love!"
Suddenly, Haruko fell silent. She glanced back at the window then down at the floor beneath her. Naota sat, watching her. What was she thinking?
Haruko: (softly) Be careful, Takkun...
Naota: Huh...?
Haruko: Love is as painful as it is pleasurable... Take if from a three-time loser...
Naota: What are you talking about?
Haruko: (suddenly) Is something burning...?
Naota: CRAP!
Naota managed to salvage the toaster though the bagels inside were charred black. Of course, he blamed it on Haruko. He was actually upset. He just needed a reason to yell.
After he finished the soup she had left out for him, he went for a walk. He wasn't sure where he was going, and really didn't care. He just wanted to get out. It wasn't a bad day.
After a few minutes of walking, Naota found himself downtown. He found a vacant bench and sat down. Something was nagging at him, but he wasn't sure what it was.
Eri: Funny seeing you here...
Naota looked up to Ninamori sneering down at him. Her violet hair was pulled back in a ponytail that fell just above the small of her back.
Naota: (flatly) Oh, its just YOU...
Eri: Anything sprout from your head, lately?
Naota: Don't be such a brat... Besides, last time I checked, You were the one with a robot spider crawling out of your head...
Eri: ...
Naota: So, what do you want...?
Eri: What do you mean, "what do I want...?"
Naota: I know you didn't just happen to be walking by and see me here...
Eri: What's so impossible about that?
Naota: (frowning) ...
Eri: Okay, so maybe I was looking for you...
Naota: ...
Eri: (walking away) Come on...
Naota: What...?
Ninamori said nothing, but continued to walk. Naota waited for a moment, then bolted up and ran after her.
Naota: Wait up!
They ended up at the arcade. I was one of those old places with a bunch of outdated games. Naota cashed in for some coins and they split them evenly.
Eri: (jerking her control stick to the left) So...
Naota: (tapping a button rapidly) So, what...?
Eri: So, what's up with you and that woman...?
Naota: Kitsurubami? We're just friends...
Eri: That so...?
Naota: What's it to you anyway...? Why do you care?
Eri: I don't.
Naota: ...
Eri: Do you like her?
Naota, startled by the question, lost his hold on the game's rhythm and took three hits from Ninamori's fighter, depleting his energy. His character went down and the screen popped up, "GAME OVER."
Naota: Look what you did! (feeling his pockets) I'm all out of money...
Eri: (holding up coin) Looking for this...?
Naota reaches for the coin, but Ninamori snatches it away. Naota's face burns red and he plops down on a nearby skee-ball machine. Ninamori sits down beside him, still grinning.
Eri: Well, do you?
Naota: (grumbling) She's okay, I guess...
Eri: I'll take that as a yes...
Naota: That's not what I said!
Eri: You're so easy to read...
Naota: Brat...
Eri: (smiling contentedly) Delinquent.
Naota: Did you drag me all the way here for a third degree?
Eri: (suddenly) I saw your last midterm report...
Naota: And...?
Eri: "And" if you don't buckle down and get to work, you'll get left back...
Naota: (mockingly) Yes, mother...
Eri: I'm not joking. You're getting too distracted!
Naota: Whatever.
Eri: And I think that she is the main reason.
Naota: Who...?
Eri: (narrowing her eyes) Don't play dumb with me, Naota.
Naota: You're crazy...
Eri: You can't possibly think that this relationship is going anywhere.
Naota: ...
Eri: Why don't you just give it up? I can take some time off after school and tutor you...
Naota: Oh, shut up... You sound like a broken record player; saying the same thing over and over again...
Eri: (getting angry) Only cause you're too dense to get it the first time around, you jerk!
Naota: (standing up) Would you get off my back already?
Naota headed for the door, but Ninamori jumped to her feet and grabbed him by the coat sleeve. He stopped dead, but didn't look back.
Eri: (eyes covered by hair) She doesn't care about you...!
Naota: ...!
Eri: Don't you get it? She's using you?
Naota: (shaking his head) I don't know what you're talking about...
Eri: Its been an act from the start.
Naota: You lie.
Eri: I'm not lying. I heard it all...
Naota: From who?
Eri: It doesn't matter...!
Naota: (starting to walk off again) I don't need this... Not from you...!
Eri: (pulling him back) No!
Naota: ...!
Eri: Didn't it seem odd to you how she always seemed to have time for you...?
Naota: ...
Eri: Its because it was her JOB to be with you!
Naota: ...
Eri: She's been luring you in the whole time!
Naota: ...
Eri: Don't you see?!
Naota: Stop.
Eri: She was just trying to get to you, and you fell for it!
Naota: Stop.
Eri: Please, believe me!
Naota: Shut up...!
Eri: (talking over him) I only want the best for you! I care about you, Naota! Listen to me...!
Naota: (cutting her off) No, you listen!
Eri: ...!
Naota: After Haruko left, I had nothing... My life meant nothing... So little that I didn't really see the point in living... Then finally, someone pays attention to me, someone cares about me, (spinning around to face her) has time for me...! And you want to take it away!
Eri: (desperately) No!
Naota: (yelling) You only want me to be as miserable as you! Because no one cares about you!
The entire arcade went dead silent. There were few people there, but all eyes were on the pair. Ninamori's grip on Naota's sleeve weakened and she pulled away. Tears welled up in her emerald eyes. She bit down on her bottom lip to stop it from trembling.
There she stood, white-knuckled, trembling in ... Anger...? Despair...? Naota couldn't tell. It was then that Naota realized the grave mistake he'd just made.
Naota: (fumbling) Ninamori... I...
His words were cut off by her small hand making swift impact on his cheek. He stood there, unable to speak, or move. His glowing red face stung. Ninamori strode forward, pushing him out of her way. Her seemingly proud steps slowly turned into desperate skips, then a full-fledged run. She dashed out of the arcade, screaming back at him as she disappeared.
Eri: I hate you, you jerk!
Naota sighed.
Naota: (softly) Eri...
An hour later, Naota was down at the beach, standing at the water's edge. He was completely drained. Thirty seconds after Eri had run off, Naota went after her. he'd looked everywhere, but to no avail. She obviously didn't want to be found. He hoped she was okay.
How did this day get so messed up? What did he care how she felt? She was just being selfish, as always. But, she really didn't deserve what he had done to her. A voice from behind woke him from his musing.
Kitsurubami: (cheerfully) Out for an evening stroll on the beach?
Naota ground his teeth. Why did always seem that when he was in a bad mood, everyone else seemed to be in the highest spirits? He decided not to look up.
Kitsurubami: (concerned) What's wrong...
Naota: Its nothing...
Kitsurubami: Liar...
Naota: I just have a lot on my mind... That's all...
Kitsurubami: (quietly) Okay...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: I'm sorry...
Kitsurubami: For what?
Naota: I've had a rough day...
Kitsurubami: I understand...
Naota: I'm glad SOMEONE does...
A long moment of silence passed.
Kitsurubami: (thinking) I feel so bad for him. I wish there was something I could do to making him feel better...
Naota: (calmly) Kitsurubami...
Kitsurubami: Yeah...?
Naota: Can I ask you a question ... and get an honest answer...?
Kitsurubami: (A little uncomfortable) Uh... yeah, I guess so...
Naota: Kitsurubami... Were you ORDERED to spend time with me...?
Kitsurubami's whole body went numb. It was like her whole body was asleep, full of needles and pins. She tensioned. Where had this come from? What would she say? What could she say? She couldn't lie to him, could she? Her breathing became shallow, but she managed to hold back the sound. Slowly, she lowered her head in defeat, murmuring softly.
Kitsurubami: (almost inaudibly) Yes...
Naota's flinched and his entire posture changed. It was as if someone had hit him with a baseball bat. They both stood silently. She wanted to leave. She wanted to leave so badly. I was hard enough looking him in the eye before, but now that he knew, now that he knew that she had been lying, she couldn't bare to face him. Quickly, she tried to explain.
Kitsurubami: Naota I...
Naota: (quietly) How long...?
Kitsurubami: What?
Naota: I guess it doesn't really matter now, but I still want to know...
Kitsurubami: (trying not to be heard) A few days after we met...
Naota: The whole time, huh...?
Kitsurubami wasn't sure what to think of his reaction. It was almost as if he expected it ... or maybe he just didn't care. Nether prospect made her rest any easier.
Kitsurubami: Naota, I didn't mean to hurt you...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (growing desperation evident) Please believe me...!
Naota: Sorry, but I find it hard to believe liars...
His words cut through her like a hot spear head. She was at a loss for words, which was rare.
Kitsurubami: Naota, the last thing I wanted to do was hurt you...
Naota: (finishing for her) ...But you were just doing your job right...? Being a good soldier must be pretty important to you...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: (starting to walk away) I should go...
Kitsurubami: Wait!
Naota: (pausing) ...
Kitsurubami: If I could take it all back, I would! I'd refuse the job! I didn't want to hurt you! I'd give anything to be able to take it all back...!
Naota: But you can't. (turning to her) I trusted you. I thought you were different from other people. I thought that you cared...
Kitsurubami: I DO care!
Naota: But, in the end, you're just like all the rest of them...
Kitsurubami: I'm so sorry...!
Naota: No arguments here...
Kitsurubami: (shocked) ...
Naota: Ninamori warned me about you, and I should have listened to her ... she was right, but I didn't want to see that. I didn't want to believe it. I thought you were better than that...
Kitsurubami: Naota...
Naota: You're no better than the Haruko... You too would be good friends...
Kitsurubami: Naota, please...!
Naota: (suddenly livid) OH, SPARE ME! I JUST DROVE ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS AWAY FOR GOOD ON A PACK OF LIES! I CAN'T BELIEVE I TRUSTED YOU! I... I CAN'T STAND YOU!
Kitsurubami: (tears trickling down her face, weakly) Naota!
Naota: I'm going home...
Kitsurubami: (shaking) I'm so sorry...
Naota walked off along the beach and disappeared in the distance, leaving Kitsurubami where she stood, her tears dropping into the sand beneath her feet.
---------------------
RIDE ON SHOOTING STAR
ORANGE no SLIDE utsusu sora
SPONGE no PRIDE burasakete
SPIDER
kike totta sono yokan wa
kakusanakuta tte ii n da
iro no tsuita yume mitai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
GRUNGE no HAMSTER otona bite
REVENGE no LOBSTER hiki tsurete
SNIPER
fuchi totta sono sekai ni
nani ga mieru tte iu n da
nerau mae ni sawaritai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kimi o sagashite kindanshôjô ch
uso o tsuita
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
---------------------
Haruko: (wiping her eyes) Wow... (clearing her throat) Oh, anyway... Umm... On the next episode of Fooly Cooly: Episode 18: Ride On Shooting Star Part I! Hey, can I get another Kleenex over here?