Hello, everyone.  Here's the first part of the arc for your reading enjoyment!

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Chapter 30: The Mishimas - Part I

"Good morning, Kamina-kun!" Mishima says as she enters the train.

"Good morning, Mishima."

She hugs me quickly and says, "It's so good to see you again, I never thought I wouldn't like Sundays."

I smile and say, "I know exactly what you mean."

She looks up at me suddenly and says, "I have an idea, Kamina-kun!"

"What is it, Mishima?"

"You know how next week we have that big math exam?"

"Hmm, I forgot about that, thanks for reminding me."

"Why don't you come to my house next Sunday and we can study together, and you could stay for dinner, too!"

That's right, I've never been to Mishima's house, or met her parents, this is making me nervous.

"Kamina-kun, is something wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing, Mishima, I'm just worried your parents might not like me."

She enlaces her arms around my left arm and grins as she answers, "There's no reason for them to think that way, you're a great person!"

I blush as I say, "I'm glad you think so, Mishima."

"So will you come, Kamina-kun?"

"Of course, Mishima."

I smile as she hugs me in joy.

When we arrive at the station, Mishima grabs onto my hand and starts to run, laughing as we go. We soon get to the garden and start our usual tasks.

As she waters, Mishima says, "Hmm, you'll be staying for dinner, so maybe you should come to my house about 3, or maybe 3:30, hmmm…."

I look up at her and respond, "Whatever you think is best, Mishima."

"Ok, Kamina-kun, how about 3:30 then?"

"Sure, sounds good."

She smiles and returns to watering.

"Look, look, Kamina-kun!"

I look up and see that the water from the can and the sunlight are making a rainbow as she waters.

"Isn't it lovely, Kamina-kun?" Mishima says as she admires the rainbow.

Although I should be looking at the rainbow, I instead look at Mishima and think how beautiful she looks, smiling in the sunlight.

"Definitely," I respond.

I look at my watch for the millionth time, and realize that I'll need to be going soon if I don't want to be late.  To avoid questions from my parents, I had decided to leave a note stuck to my door saying that I was doing work in the library and wouldn't be home for dinner. After I put up the note, I sneak out of the house.

Nervously, I wait in front of the door at Mishima's house.  The door opens, and, fortunately, it's Mishima there.  I notice that today she's wearing a pink t-shirt and jeans, and that she has barrettes in her hair that match her shirt.

"Kamina-kun!"

"Good afternoon, Mishima."

She takes hold of my hand and leads me in.  I take off my shoes and step inside. I hear sounds from the kitchen, and look at Mishima.

"Ah, that's my mother preparing dinner.  Why don't I introduce you?"

"Ok, Mishima."

She walks ahead and I follow.  We reach the kitchen and see her mother at the sink with her back to us.

Mishima taps her mother on the shoulder and says, "Mom, Kamina Ayato-kun is here!"

Mishima's mother turns off the tap and wipes her hands on a dishtowel next to her.

She turns around and says, "Ayato-kun, how nice to meet you at last, Haruka-chan has said so much about you."

I move closer to her and bow.  When I straighten, I respond, "It's a pleasure to meet you, thank you for letting me stay at your home."

"Of course, of course, Ayato-kun!"

I smile, she seems like a nice person.

Mishima grabs my hand as she says, "Shall we be going, Kamina-kun?"

"Ok, Mishima."

I bow as I say, "Then we'll be going."

"Good luck with your studying.  Oh, Haruka, I'll bring drinks and snacks later."

"Thanks, Mom!"

With that, still holding my hand, she starts walking to her room and I follow.

She opens the door, and I peer in curiously.  As I'd thought was likely, much of the interior of her room is yellow, the paint on the walls, the carpet, her furniture, and her bedspread, which has a sunflower design. 

Mishima outstretches her hand and says, "Ta da!  What do you think of my room, Kamina-kun?"

"I think it fits you perfectly, Mishima," I respond as I smile at her. 

We sit down on the floor and I look around more as Mishima takes out her textbook.

"Kamina-kun?"

Startled, I respond, "Yes, Mishima?"

"Would you like to get started now?"

"Oh, sure."

"I think what we did last time worked out well, don't you, Kamina-kun?"

I shake my head yes as I respond, "Yes, I think so, too, Mishima."

Mishima moves next to me so that our shoulders are touching and smiles at me, which I return.

"Let's get started!"

"Sure."

I start the practice problems, glancing over at Mishima once in a while, noticing her attention focused intently on her work.  I smile as I think how lucky I am to be here studying with Mishima.

Next Chapter

The Mishimas – Part II