I don't own Love Hina. Love Hina belongs to Ken Akamatsu. The story though is a pigment of my weird imagination. I apologize in advance for all spelling and grammar mistakes.
The U Project: Identity
03
'Have you ever felt that eerie feeling that somebody is looking over your shoulders, that creepy sensation that someone is watching you? Who's breathing on your neck now?'
'To heal, you have to forget. As the old saying goes, some memories are best not remembered,'
---
Hinata Apartments is alive, Shinobu thought with a smile, her body dancing with eagerness, while preparing the table for breakfast.
Shinobu as always was the first to wake up. It has been her role since the day she became a tenant to take care of the meals for everybody. She doesn't mind. She enjoys working in the kitchen. Cooking has always been her prized skill. She enjoys knowing what food each of the tenants likes. She enjoys being depended upon. The kitchen, her own personal kingdom.
For her, everything seemed to have returned to how it used to be in the Hinata Apartments. The morning sun was brighter, warmer. The air was lighter, cooler. Old plates and glasses that have been stored in the cupboard for a long time, gathering dirt have been taken out, cleaned and prepared. The table that for years have catered one now holds six. The thought of it all. Shinobu felt absolute bliss. Her family has returned.
And it's all because you're here, sempai, Shinobu warmed to the thought. You may not feel well, you may have lost your past, but I'll make sure that you stay here… because here is where you belong, right here with us. I'll do everything, anything! This family won't break ever again.
Looking down, she observed the swell of her breasts. The curve of her body. The silkiness of her skin. I have grown, will you ever see me differently now, sempai? Blushing furiously, Shinobu proceeded to the rooms to call the others. She was thinking of asking Keitaro to join them, hoping that he would, when she bumped into Mutsumi.
"Ara, ara! Good morning Shinobu," Mutsumi said, a sweet smile on her face.
"Good morning Mutsumi-sempai, I was on my way to Naru-sempai's room to let her know that breakfast is ready,"
"Let's go together then… I've been meaning to ask her something,"
Halfway through, Shinobu's curiosity got the better of her, "I'm so sorry, Mutsumi-sempai, I don't mean to pry or anything, but what are you going to ask Naru-sempai?"
"Well…"
"Good morning Mutsumi, Good morning Shinobu. Did you get a good night's sleep?" Motoko walking with Kitsune on the opposite side.
"Good morning Mutsumi, Shinobu. Is breakfast ready?" Kitsune asked, her mini shorts a tad smaller than it should be.
"Good morning Motoko, Kitsune, yes, breakfast is ready, I was actually going to let Naru-sempai know that…"
Naru's door suddenly slid open. And for a moment the girls were speechless. Staring with mixed astonishment, amusement and wonder.
Keitaro was leaning on the door. His eyes red and baggy, hair ruffled, lips parched. His shirt messy, pants dishevelled. A tired, exhausted look etched his face, confused and hungry. Behind him though, Naru stands with a broad smile, looking refreshed and invigorated, stretching her arms high in the air.
Stunned silence.
"Yahoo! Well! Well! Well! I never thought you had it in you Naru!" Kitsune broke with a grin, her eyes gleaming with delight.
"Ara! Ara! I thought so! I was gonna ask if Kei-kun slept in your room last night, I never thought you'd actually JUMP into the opportunity!" Mutsumi was jumping with glee.
Motoko's eyes were closed, right brow twitching, "Naru… I never thought you'd actually take advantage of Keitaro's condition…. How could you?"
"Auuuuuu! Naru-sempai! How could you?" Shinobu said, her hands on her eyes, hiding her disappointment.
Naru stared back, taken by surprise. A questioning look on her face.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"No need to deny it Naru, your pretence won't hold that long! You just can't resist can't you? If I knew you'd do something like this, I would have taken my chance last night too!" Kitsune chided.
"Naru! You shall pay for such indecent behaviour!" Motoko said, slowly unsheathing the Hina blade.
"Hey! Hold on a second! I didn't do anything! We didn't do anything! I swear!" Naru pleaded, her hands waving in front of her.
"Poor Kei-kun, she must have let you at it for hours and hours on end! Look at you now, you're totally drained!" Mutsumi said, gently holding Keitaro's arm, away from the door.
"Quick Keitaro, you have to come with me, there's still time, we have to rid of you of Naru's coodies," Kitsune grabbed Keitaro's other arm.
Motoko advanced threateningly towards Naru, "Naru, you shall pay for… huh?" turned, a confused look, "What are coodies?"
"Naru-sempai has coodies?"
"Kitsune, what are you talking about? And I don't have coodies!" Naru backed inside her room.
"Come on Keitaro. There are some 'styles' I've been dying to try on you, I swear, you don't even have to move!"
"Kitsune! Stop that! And what are coodies?"
"How can you have coodies Naru-sempai?"
Mutsumi gently stepped forward, "Ara, Ara, I'm so sorry everybody, but Kei-kun has an appointment today, a taxi is waiting for us downstairs right now, so if you excuse us…"
Shinobu helped Mutsumi guide Keitaro towards the front door leaving the others bickering. The driver was already waiting at the front door, then carefully took over Shinobu's side.
Shinobu watched the trio disappear down the stone stairs. Looking back up, she thought she saw Naru running, followed closely by Motoko waving her sword screaming, "YOU SHALL PAY NARU!", andKitsune close by, "AW COME ON NARU! YOU'RE NO FUN! JUST SHARE SOME DETAILS!"
Yes, just like how it used to be, Shinobu thought with a smile, morning sun warming her.
She was about to close the door when a stranger suddenly came into view. Shinobu jumped, stifled a shriek just in time.
"So sorry, miss, 'didn't mean to scare ya or something," the man said bowing apologetically.
Shinobu composed herself, her heart racing, "Its okay, please, how can I help you?"
"Actually, the name's Mervs, I have a package for…" looking down on his clipboard, "er... for one Keitaro Urashima, is he around?"
"Huh? Well, you just missed him, he went to the clinic,"
"Oh! Okay, geez, that's a bummer..." With a weary look, he moved closer, "Well, can you sign this for him instead? Pretty please,"
"Uhm. Okay,"
After signing a paper, a receipt was given, a small box haphazardly placed by the door, then the man was gone.
"A package for sempai?"
---
"Keitaro, do you think America is much better than Japan?"
An odd question. Keitaro looked up and found Su staring down at him with a peculiar smile plastered on her face, dangling from the ceiling, hands and feet wrapped on a strong timber.
"Er. Isn't that a bit dangerous Su, you might break your neck," Keitaro said with a frown, concern carved on his face.
Su did a perfect back flip. Landing on her feet. With calm and confident composure.
"Keitaro, do you think America has better food than Japan?"
"I'm not sure Su, but I guess I should be able to live with it," Keitaro said busy packing his bag.
"Keitaro, do you think America has better weather than Japan?"
"Um. Well, the place I'm going to stay in they say has the same weather as Japan,"
"Keitaro, do you think America has prettier girls than Japan?"
"Huh? Well, I don't know anything about that Su…" Keitaro said with a silly smile, his hand at the back of his head, but when he looked up, a slight pain bore through his heart. Deep sadness and regret.
Su was smiling down at him, her usual cheerfulness, but her eyes were red, tears streaming down her perpetually blushing cheeks.
"Su will be sad if Keitaro leave us," she said. She didn't move, didn't wipe her eyes.
"Su… I…"
"Su will grow to a beautiful woman. I promise. You don't have to leave you know,"
"Su… its not…"
"Su won't do experiments on Keitaro anymore. I promise,"
"Su…"
Su turned. She was about to run but Keitaro managed to get hold of her hand. Then she found his arms around her. She was crying. Her shoulders shaking, unable to contain her own pain. It's happening again. That shadow of isolation creeping through her whole being. Just like before, a long time ago. And she doesn't want to go through that all over again.
"You… you told me once… that you will always be here so Su won't be lonely…" Su said through her heavy tears.
Silence.
"Please don't go Keitaro," Su begged, her head down, teardrops on the floor.
Keitaro held her for a while.
"I'm so sorry Su. I… this is something I wanted to do for myself… for all of us, please… Su, understand…" Keitaro never got the chance to finish.
Su deftly slipped out of Keitaro's hold, turned one last time, her face a mixture of sadness and hate glared at him, then disappeared in the hallway.
---
A gentle nudge.
Kaolla Su, princess of the kingdom of Molmol and Molmol industry chief engineer, was having a quiet solitary nap when the stewardess came to serve breakfast. The royal plane doing its annual round trip to the Hinata Apartments shook for a few seconds. Su stiffened then gave a loud yawn.
"That's very unbecoming for a princess you know," commented an older woman sitting opposite her. Amalla Su.
Su gave her a reproachful look then focused on the window, eyes bleary. She saw endless stretch of blue sea. "Last time I checked, the kingdom of Molmol is confined on its own land, and I don't think we're anywhere near Molmol territory,"
"That's also unnecessary," Amalla bit down another comment.
It has always been like this. After Keitaro's disappearance, Su flew back to her homeland. Unable to control her own unhappiness. Her demeanor changed. She became bitter, irritable and short-tempered. She confined herself from everybody. Withdrawn and reclusive. Her usual energy disappeared.
Ramba and Amalla, Molmol king and queen, did their best to cheer her up but to no avail. She refused to see any men; all suitors rejected. Breaking traditions and kingdom rules. For a long time she drifted on her own misery. Ramba then kept her busy. He gave her full control of Molmol industries, land development research and other technological projects. For a while, it did help Su, dedicated herself to work, pushed to the limits. Nevertheless, nobody could deny her ascetic mood. A woman with a wounded heart that could never be healed.
"How much further?" Su asked off-handedly. Bored and annoyed.
"My lady, the pilot says it will be another six hours, hopefully we'll land Japan before nightfall," the stewardess answered with a slight bow and a controlled smile.
"That so?" Su rolled her eyes and turned towards the window again. Right hand under her chin. Closed her mind to everything else.
Where are you Keitaro? It's been a long time. I'm so lost without you.
---
Mutsumi was smiling beside herself.
The sun was shining brightly. There were a handful of people walking around doing late afternoon shopping. Lovers riddled the park. Children around the playpen. A perfect day to walk. And her day couldn't get any better. She felt warmth, happiness she had not felt for a long time. Something she had dearly missed. Beside her was Keitaro.
The appointment with the doctor did not take long. He was glad that most of the job of cleaning Keitaro's wounds has already been done and so he just recommended some more helpful medicines. He diagnosed Keitaro's head wound with intensive attention; it has already healed, skull structure closed, skin tissue growing healthily.
"You did a good job Mutsumi,"
"That's nothing doctor, I'm just happy to help. I'm mostly worried about his head wound,"
"Well, he's healing quite nicely. And about the amnesia that you told me, we can't do anything about it but to just let him ease his way through, it will all come back to him in time,"
"I hope so; he's been away for six years,"
"So I heard! Well, the x-rays should show something, I'll give you a call in three days,"
"Thank you very much doctor,"
And with that, the two left the clinic. On the way, Keitaro sincerely asked Mutsumi not to take a taxi. He wanted to walk.
Every now and then Keitaro would stop and stare at a place he once knew, a place that has changed with the times. The beef restaurant that he used to dine became an electronics shop. The cinema that he and Naru once went became a museum. So many things have changed. It broke Keitaro's heart to have missed them all.
He looks much better without his glasses, Mutsumi thought, staring at Keitaro, he has grown taller, his build is slim and yet well toned, not too beefed up, and not too thin. Where has he been all these years, I wonder? What has he been doing?
Mutsumi never lost hope. During Keitaro's absence and as the Hinata Apartments fall to the edge of despair and abandonment. Mutsumi believed that he will return. And so she prepared herself. Dedicated her time to finishing her chosen career. Psychology. And due to the need for people to care for hot springs turtles being bred on her hometown Okinawa, she took Marine Biology after graduating. She was right all along.
He has grown to a man I always dreamt he would be. I wonder… would he remember? Mutsumi suddenly grabbed Keitaro, then kissed him, her soft lips locking his. And after a few minutes she let go, catching her breath, shaken, thrilled.
"What… what's that for Mutsumi?" Keitaro said, his cheeks red, eyes wide open.
Mutsumi smiled at him. "Don't you remember?"
---
"So you've finally decided huh?" Mutsumi said over a glass of sake. Her eyes downcast, her voice bitter.
"Yes, I guess, I may have upset everybody at the Hinata Apartments about my decision, but I can't help it,"
"Is that what you really wanted to do?"
Keitaro stared out the wide open window of the restaurant, the night sky clear, full moon shining over them.
"I always thought that passing the Tokyo University exams will be my one and only goal, but its not. Staying at the Hinata Apartments I learned so many things about myself. Meeting new friends, being part of a family that I've always dreamed of. All of you taught me that I can accomplish anything if I put my head into it…" Keitaro smiled at Mutsumi, her eyes focused, staring at him, "And that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to do something that all of you could be proud of. I want to deserve the trust that you've given me, that confidence and belief that you've shown me… that's the truth… although it hurts to leave, I believe that in every pain, there's always a reward in the end,"
Mutsumi smiled, "But we are proud of you, Keitaro,"
"I know, that's why I'm leaving… I want to deserve that,"
The night went on and Keitaro found himself standing at the front of Mutsumi's apartment door, carrying Mutsumi at his back.
"Uhm. Mutsumi, we're here… do you have keys or something?"
"Just let me down for a second, I'll go and get it,"
After Mutsumi managed to find her keys, Keitaro supported her get inside and was about to leave when she held him close, arms around his waist, head on his shoulder.
"I will miss you Keitaro," Mutsumi whispered, her body warming.
"Uhm, Mutsumi, I'm not sure this is the right time… I mean you're drunk… and all, I better leave now,"
But Mutsumi locked on to him. Hugging him closer, Mutsumi reached forward and kissed him passionately. After a few minutes she let go. Her breathing hard, her face red, her heart racing. Keitaro was dumbfounded, his world whirling around him, dazed with surprise and heat.
"You said in every pain, there is a reward," with a slight smile, Mutsumi grasped Keitaro's hand, lifted it and placed it tenderly on her chest, Keitaro froze, "Come back to me… and this will be your reward,"
So soft, Keitaro fought hard not to pass out. It took him a moment to realise that she's not holding his hand anymore and that he's kneading her on his own, feeling her, slowly, smoothly. There was pure longingness on Mutsumi's eyes, a hunger she could not hide.
I'm so sorry, with every bit of discipline, Keitaro managed to leave Mutsumi. Closing the door behind him, he left without another word. If he had stayed longer, he would have heard Mutsumi crying.
---
Don't you dare leave me again.
You're here Keitaro, that's all that matters.
Come back to me and this will be your reward.
I promise sempai, I promise with all my heart.
You told me once… that you will always be here so Su won't be lonely.
SHUT UP!
Keitaro's mind was in a whirlpool. Arriving from the clinic, he went straight to his room and closed everybody off once again. His confusion was too much to bear and it's eating through his whole being. Things that he remembers and images that he can see, voices he can hear. They're all pooling around him. Drowning him. Choking him. His sanity on the brink of collapse. His body shaking, his shirt wet with cold sweat. Nobody could understand him. Nobody could help him.
What the hell is gong on with me? Keitaro screamed in his mind. His hands clutching his head trying to block off images, voices and memories.
Looking around his room, Keitaro found a small package. A familiar package. Something that held his attention. Without another thought, he ran towards it and opened it savagely. Tearing paper and all with his bare hands. Inside, he found a familiar looking bag, a travelling bag, and on top was a white envelop. A letter.
It took Keitaro several minutes to finish the letter. He read it twice.
After a while, Keitaro breathed deeply. Eyes and ears closed, burying himself within, listening, waiting. Somehow he felt at ease. Part of it all made sense, amidst confusion, he found something he could hold on to. Voices faded, images vanished, memories focused. He's healing. The letter healed him in some way.
Trust your instincts.
Then suddenly his door slid open, the glare of the setting sun spilling through.
"Keitaro?" A familiar voice.
Keitaro rose and was pushed back when a petite girl ran towards him and hugged him. It was Su. She has grown, her blond hair glowing in the coming darkness, shoulder length, her skin smoother, lighter, her composure tender, womanly, and her touch gentle yet vigorous. Then there was a slight pinch on the side and when Keitaro turned he saw – Sara.
"Welcome back, Keitaro," with a smile she joined Su, hugging Keitaro by the side. She has grown taller. Her built slimmer. Her hair longer.
Looking up Keitaro saw other familiar faces walking towards him. Kind, happy faces.
"It's been a long time part timer," Seta said with a smile, reached and pat his shoulder.
"You idiot, you finally made it back," Haruka by Seta's side, her eyes gleaming with tears.
"It's nice to see you again," Amalla Su greeted with a slight bow.
Then the girls surrounded Keitaro. Naru, Motoko, Shinobu, Kitsune and Mutsumi, smiling, crying with happiness all the while. Hinata Apartments was finally whole again. They have returned. They have all returned home.
I've lost a part of me, but somehow, I gained so much more...
It's time to let go... you're here, that's what matters... you're free.
I'm free.
"I'm back…" Keitaro whispered over laughters and tears, "I'm finally back,"
---
Keitaro:
If you are reading this and you have no idea where this letter came from then you have forgotten about me. Good for you. I'm happy and relieved to know that. You're finally free. Now you can live the life you always wanted to. If you are reading this inside your room alone and away from everybody then all I can say is – DON'T BE AN IDIOT. Don't waste your time pitying yourself. What matters is that you're here and you're free.
This is my way of apologizing to all the mistakes that I made. And I hope that one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me.
Along with this letter, you should find your travelling bag, your usual clothes and papers regarding your course completion. You are who you think you are. You are a fully qualified archaeologist with high remarks and full recommendations given by the United StatesUniversity professors and Archaeological Societies. You have done well and don't you ever doubt that. The papers proves it all.
For your own good, please forget about the past, about me. There is no sense to it and it will be utterly useless. Trust your instincts. Trust what your mind says or how your body reacts. I've trained you well enough to survive.
On this letter, you should find a cheque. Do not be surprised with the amount, its for you to get by. In few days time you should receive set of instructions on activating a Swiss bank account under your name. Again, trust your instincts, any numbers or identification details, you should be able to provide them automatically, even when your eyes are closed.
Again, do not let the amount of money stagger you. It's yours and use it wisely.
By the way: if you got a chance can you please buy Shinobu a dress as shown on the picture attached to this letter. She's been dreaming of buying it for a year now and because of certain circumstances, she couldn't. She worked so hard. She deserves so much more. I suggest you treat everybody to a nice dinner. I recommend seafood near the Taco shop by the mall. The lobster meals there are superb!
Good luck. Live and let live.
:U
Whew! What do ya think about this one? This is my poor attempt for a lighter mood of the story and so I apologize if it's a bit mushy and all. It's getting harder and harder to get into the 'writing' mood. I've been busy for a while. So sorry. Anyway, thanks again for all those who wrote a review… I'm so glad that you're enjoying the story! Hope you never tire reading! See ya later!
Cheers
nivremous